>Oh look, another text-based CYOA, what's with this one?
Glad you asked.
Welcome to Super Pony, a CYOA taking place in Maretropolis, a city where the forces of good and evil are at a constant struggle.
You play as Easy Ride, also known as Road Rage, and this is your quest to get back at Boomerang for sending you to prison and subsequently ruining your life.
Catch up on this and other CYOAs here:
http://anonpone.com/capeshit
Inventory:
http://pastebin.com/DF5XiQqi
Last Time:
>Continued your infiltration of the research facility.
>Freed a couple other ponies.
>Found the head researcher and began interrogating.
Thanks to Hipsanon for the art!
>>27684730
>>27684951
>>27685397
>>27684893
>Your ear flicks involuntarily.
>The sticky, odd feeling of Sludge’s goop hits you again.
>In all the excitement, you had gotten used to the sensation.
“Sludge, get out of my ear.”
>”Was hoping you’d forget.”
“I didn’t. Out.”
>”Fine, fine.”
>The goop flows out of your ear and plops on the ground, soon rejoining with Sludge.
>”But what are we going to do with this guy? My vote’s on kill.”
“We need more information first.”
>You pull out the watch and your wrench.
>”What are you-“
>First, you knock him in the face with the wrench, cutting him off.
>His eyes widen at the hit, and he recoils in pain.
>Then you dangle the watch in front of his face, letting it swing back and forth.
“Now let’s try this again. Who’s funding you?”
>He’s fighting you, struggling against the lure of the watch.
>Every now and again, he’ll lean in towards it before shaking himself out.
“Who’s funding you?” You reiterate as he falls into another one of his half-trances.
>He slurs, “Most of our donations come from Market Waaa-“
>He trails off, shaking himself free again.
>”Get out of my head!” He shouts, slamming his eyes closed.
>>27713512
Sludge, a little help. Also killing isn't a punishment, it's just empty revenge and it'd only cause more problems in the long run.
>>27713512
Sludge, hold his eyes open, and his head still, and prevent him from hitting himself or bitting his tongue
>>27713581
>>27713584
“Sludge, killing isn’t a punishment, it’s just empty revenge that’ll cause more problems in the long run.”
>”Fine. But do something to this fucker. Celestia knows he deserves it.”
“In time, but now, little help please?”
>”You got it.”
>Sludge deforms, covering the scientist’s body save for his face.
“Don’t let him bite his tongue. Just keep his eyes open and his head still.”
>Slowly but surely, the pony’s eyes open.
>Try as he might to look away, his eyes are forced onto the watch.
>But he doesn’t just let go.
>He fights it every step of the way, sweat pouring down his face as he tries not to give in.
“Just relax, it’ll be so much easier if you just relax.”
>”G-get out.”
>But eventually, he breaks, beginning to melt underneath the watch.
“There we go, just relax. You ready to talk now?”
>”Y-yes,” he says.
“One more time. Who’s funding you?”
>”H-his name is Market Watch. He’s the CEO of some company in town.”
>>27713684
'Any others?'
Mmmmh...
I remember somthing when we search for criminals who had a bounty on their head
There was sludge, a bat pony, and supposedly another one who was supposedly at the head of a company but I can't remember the details
>>27713684
Did you do any work on an antidote?
>>27713700
Different pony
>>27713692
>>27713700
>>27713713
“Did you do any work on a cure?”
>”No we didn’t. A-as far as we know, there is no cure.”
“Any other ponies funding you?”
>”Some, but they were small, one time donations. I can’t remember their names. He’s the largest and most consistent funder by a massive margin.”
>You recall back to the folders Two-bit gave you.
>There was definitely a Market Watch on that folder.
>As you recall, he was suspected of being a supervillain called Rebound with mob connections.
>Probably not a coincidence.
>>27713771
Oh, I was wrong. What happened to all of your past test subjects?
>>27713771
Add a mental trigger so he can't withold info for the power ponies or the cops.
I'd recomend anything you'd generally hear in interrogations.
And tell him his head funder was a villain.
>>27713771
Seriously, check the other ponies in the room that are strapped down. But don't let them go unless we know they're safe.
Dinner calls, I'll be back in a little.
>>27713807
>>27713811
>>27713818
“What happened to your previous test subjects?”
>”We released them. We didn’t bother ourselves with what happened next.”
“You don’t know anything about what happens to them?”
>”I don’t.”
>You shake your head.
“Alright. From now on, you will not withhold information from the Power Ponies or the cops. Whenever you hear the words ‘You have the right to…,’ you will be fully cooperative and answer all questions you are asked. Do you understand me?”
>”Yes.”
“Good, now you can wake up.”
>His eyes slowly get back into focus, but he finds he can’t close them.
>”W-what did you do?”
”Sludge, give him some space.”
>Sludge removes himself from the scientist, but leaves several pieces of slime around his legs, keeping him pinned to the ground.
>The researcher shakes his head, closing his eyes.
>Before you put the watch away, you look at the gem.
>It has faded back to its natural dim color, only a small glimmer of purple left in the crystal’s core.
(cont.)
>>27714134
>You walk to the back of the room, melting the hinges off of the door with your breath.
>Entering the room, you light a flame, illuminating the room.
>Inside the room are three ponies, all restrained on cots via heavy leather straps.
>One looks to be a stallion crossed with a moth.
>He has brown fur and is absolutely covered in fluff, with two antennae sticking out of his head.
>The pony’s pupils are hexagonal, and dilate upon seeing your fire.
>A little bit of drool comes out of his mouth as he loses himself in your flame.
>Another is an older stallion with no fur.
>His body is made of wood, with legs ending in claws.
>His eyes are solid green, and he has an elongated muzzle with sharpened teeth.
>The stallion reminds you of the timberwolves that ponies sometimes see in the forests north of the city.
>The final pony has an iv drip in her leg, the bag containing a bright blue liquid.
>She looks mostly normal, and is a green pony with flowing pink hair.
>However, her legs are mostly covered in a black chitin not unlike the coat of a changeling.
>Small holes are present in her legs.
>Near her shoulders, the chitin makes a hard transition with her coat.
>All of them look hopefully to you as you enter.
>>27714142
Get one of the researchers in here right now to deal with the third pony.
>>27714142
There wouldn't happen to be any shiny things in these rooms would there? T-totally not because we might have an attraction to them or anything.
>>27714142
>moth pony is lost in our flame
let free the first two but roll the third one out of the room, look like we found part of the drug they are using to turn them into mythical ponies.
>>27714211
Lets hold off on the timberpony until we're sure he's more pony than timberwolf and find a light switch before we free the mothpony.
>>27714262
They are looking at us with hope in their eyes, so the timber pony is not acting like a timber wolf but more of a pony.
>>27714177
>>27714195
>>27714211
>>27714262
>>27714308
>You look around for anything shiny that might catch your eye.
>N-not because the concept of shiny, golden, gleaming, valuable things is intoxicating to you or anything.
>Unfortunately, the shiniest things around right now are the metal tools and the mare’s chitin.
>Feeling a little disappointed, you get back to work.
>You find a lightswitch and turn it on, killing your fire.
>Instantly, the mothpony shuts his eyes, hiding from the sudden light.
>He opens his eyes, narrowing them at the bright lights.
>Then, you walk over to the timberwolf.
“Can you understand me?”
>He slowly nods.
>”Yes, I can.”
“Can you control yourself? Are you more pony than timberwolf?”
>“I-I think so.”
“Good.”
>You free the two of them, and as they go, you stop them.
“Contact the power ponies, tell them what happened. They can help.”
>As they leave, you turn your attention to the third pony.
>”C-can’t you help?”
“I’ll try, hold on.”
>You return to the previous room and point to one of the researchers, a silver unicorn mare with darker grey mane.
“You, come over here and deal with this pony.”
>She sits there, looking to her left and right.
“Yes, you. Get over here.”
>She slowly gets up and walks over, following you into the back room.
>As the two of you stop by the bed, she speaks.
>”I don’t know what you want me to do. She’s in the middle of her transformation. In a day or two, it’ll be complete. All we can do at this stage is watch her closely and make sure nothing goes wrong.”
>”C-can’t you make it stop?”
>”Sorry honey, I can’t.”
>>27714342
>no way to stop or reverse any of this
And this is why you're all terrible ponies.
>>27714342
Give her a long, pointed glare, and ask if painkillers could help.
Also:
'Do you have any idea what she's turning into? It looks like she's becoming a Changeling, but...'
>>27714342
What would happen if we remove the iv?
>>27714394
Would like to add a question as to what would happen if we removed the iv drip.
>>27714342
>Unfortunately, the shiniest things around right now are the metal tools and the mare’s chitin.
I-it'll only be one. A-and they won't miss it now that they're shut down.
>>27714498
I really don't think we need medical supplies.
Those aren't worth much and we sure as hell don't know what we're doing with them.
Unless it's surgical tongs. Then we need it.
To, you know, Tong things.
Like a professional.
>>27714384
>>27714394
>>27714485
>>27714486
>>27714498
>You glare at her, hatred in your eyes.
>She shivers underneath your gaze, backing away.
“Would painkillers help her?”
>”S-she shouldn’t be in any pain. Are you hurting?”
>”A little.”
>”Rate it on a scale of one to ten, where one is barely noticeable and ten is the worst pain you’ve felt in your life.”
>”Maybe about a three?”
>”I’ll get you some medicine.”
>She returns to a cabinet in the previous room and pulls out a bottle of pills.
>You turn to the table of shiny, sterile tools.
>They may not be bits or gems, but they are pretty shiny, you can’t deny that.
>You nick a pair of forceps, stuffing them in your bag.
>Having the shiny object in your possession feels really good.
>I-it’s just the one, and they’re being shut down anyway, what will it matter?
>Feeling happier, you follow the mare into the previous room.
>Sludge is talking to the head researcher, their heads barely inches from each other.
>The mare speaks without any prompting from you.
>”She’s more scared than anything. Most of them are at this point, and I don’t blame them.”
“You know, you do this without any way to stop or reverse it. That’s why you’re all terrible ponies.”
>She sighs, closing the cabinet.
>”I know. I, well, guess I don’t know what to say. I don’t have an excuse. I got called to work on a research team, I signed up, and, well, here I am.”
“What is she turning into?”
>”We spliced her DNA with that of a changeling’s. When she’s done, she should be half pony, half changeling.”
“What would happen if we were to remove the drip?”
>”The drip is helping the transformation spread throughout her body. If we were to remove it, there’s a high chance the transformation would go out of control and she would die.”
>>27714548
'How far is this going to go? If she looks like a changeling, those bits you promised wouldn't and won't do ashit to keep people from running her out of her life.'
>>27714562
We should also see if Sludge needs to cool down, last thing we need is him loosing his temper, as much as that thing in a lab coat deserves it.
test
>>27714578
We see you.
>>27714578
Congrats, you're not banned.
>>27714548
Is there anything she needs from here? Can she be safely moved?
>>27714562
>>27714592
>>27714576
“Hold that thought.”
>You turn to Sludge.
“Sludge, you okay?”
>He looks up to you, a snarl on his face.
>”I’m fine, just giving this monster a piece of my mind,” he spits.
“Just cool down Sludge. The last thing we need is to do something rash right now, as much as that thing in a lab coat deserves it.”
>Sludge growls, then returns to his conversation with the scientist.
>In turn, you return to your conversation.
“How far is this going to go? If she looks like a changeling, those bits you promised won’t do shit to keep people from running her out of her life.”
>”I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
>”I mean we’ve never attempted changelings before. I mean, it’s likely that her outward appearance will become almost fully changeling, but I don’t know how many changeling abilities she’ll inherit, or how many earth pony traits she'll retain.”
“Is there anything she needs from here? Can she be moved?”
>She shakes her head, grabbing a cup in her magic and filling it at the sink.
>”Right now is the most delicate part. Problems can come up quickly, and we don’t want ponies to die. Really, I’m nervous not having her connected to an EKG right now. After the transformation, we keep them under close medical supervision for a week, in case complications arise. They’re uncommon, but occasionally, they do happen. Full anatomical changes can be quite delicate, as it turns out."
“After that?”
>”Then we run tests. We were planning on running through her abilities, studying the subject closely to see the full effects of the transformation. The whole process takes about a month, and then they’re free to go.”
>>27714643
So she'll more then likely be stripped ofany real magical abilities, and be forced to look like something most ponies would try to beat to death on sight.
We need to talk to the mare, she's probably listening in and heard all of this. She needs a shoulder.
>>27714681
Would like to add with as much sarcasm as possible and volume for the rest of them to hear:
"And I' assuming animal testing never crossed anyones mind because labrats are to expensive."
>>27714643
Well you're going to have to can ability testing. Every pony that's been stuck with a needle is getting out of here.
>>27714643
Can we at least transport her to better facilities?
>>27714681
>>27714689
>>27714716
>>27714718
“We’ll have to can ability testing. I’m getting everypony who’s been stuck with a needle out of here.”
>You raise your voice.
“And I’m assuming animal testing never crossed anyone’s mind because lab rats are too expensive, huh?”
>The head researcher shouts back.
>”Of course we tested on animals first, we did not jab ponies with some magical mystery juice until we got it right!”
>Another of the researchers – a stallion – rebuts.
>”You know that equine testing was accelerated before the serum was fully ready.”
>”I didn’t hear any objections.”
>”I-I did,” the unicorn next to you stammers.
>”Oh did you?”
>The stallion who spoke before says, “Yes, several of us did, but you went ahead anyway.”
”And you all followed, nonetheless. Must not have objected very strongly.”
>At this, the researchers look down at their hooves.
>”L-let’s go,” the unicorn says.
>As you walk back to the room, you look to her.
“Can we at least transport her to a better facility?”
>”If we have to, but I’d really be more comfortable if at least one of us could be on hoof. I don’t think any of the doctors have experience with this sort of thing.”
>As you reach the mare, you undo her straps, but as she goes to get up, the unicorn reminds her.
>”Please stay on the bed, removing the IV could be very dangerous.
>”O-oh.”
>The unicorn gives her two plastic cups, one with the pills, and another full of water.
>She downs the pills and water, and you sit on the bed next to her.
“Hey, if you need a shoulder, I’m here.”
>She nods and sits up, wrapping her hooves around you.
>Her black hooves are smooth and cold, but unexpectedly squishy for chitin.
>The pony hugs you tightly, but no tears come from her face.
>You return the embrace, and after a moment, she speaks.
>”I’m scared.”
“I know.”
>”I just… I just don’t know what’s going to happen. If I’m a changeling, what will other ponies think? What will my family think of me?”
>>27714832
I don't know. But the power ponies are getting on this so they can chip in a good word alright?
You got a name?
>>27714832
They'll still be there for you.
>>27714832
Considering this has been happening for a while, there are probably a bunch of ponies in a similar situation. I'm certain that, once this comes to light, the Power Ponies and the city will try to help all of the victims. If nothing else you're not alone.
>>27714924
This.
'If they don't want tou, then theres everyone else. If you need help, I know they'll lend a hoof. And other then them, I think theres a certain company about to go under, and you get a claim to everything in the rubble.'
>>27714947
*you not tou.
>>27714889
>>27714916
>>27714924
>>27714947
>>27714961
“I don’t know.”
>This doesn’t seem to make her very happy, as her ears droop and she grips you just a little more tightly.
>You look her in the face, trying to reassure her.
“But what I do know is that they’ll still be there for you no matter what.”
>This brings a small smile to her face.
“And considering this has been going on for a while, there are probably a bunch of ponies in a pretty similar situation. I’m certain that once this comes to light, the power ponies and the city will try to help all the victims, including you.”
>”Yeah, the power ponies will be able to help, I’m sure of it.”
“If nothing else, you’re not alone,” you say, squeezing her once more, “and I think there might be a certain company about to go under, and you may get a claim to everything in the rubble.”
>”M-money?”
“Probably, and who knows, maybe lots of it.”
>”Well, it’d certainly help…”
“Do you have a name?”
>”My friends call me Orchid. What’s yours? I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ve heard of you before.”
>>27714972
It's Easy Ride. Ponies may not think so, but I've still got morals.
>>27714972
'Call me Road Rage. And the slime ball(jovial tone, not an insult) behind us is Sludge. You have him to thank for me and my friend being here breaking everyone out. Though it is partially his need to get back at this place that made him tell us. But he did want to help, even if he doesn't want to admit it.'
>>27714997
>>27715005
Or our real name, I forgot that it doesn't really matter at this point
>>27714972
This >>27715005 with a bit of >>27714997
>>27714997
>>27715005
>>27715012
>>27715017
“It’s Easy Ride.”
>Her eyes widen in recognition.
>”Oh, then I do know you.”
>Her voice isn’t hostile or wary, but you still feel a little defensive.
“Yeah, believe it or not, I do actually have morals,” you say.
>”I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. You look different than your picture on TV. You’re a little more, like a, uh-“
“Dragon? Yeah, that’s a new thing, you like it?” You say, lifting your tail.
>”It is pretty neat. So you’re working with the power ponies now, huh?”
“Well, not really, it’s just that they can handle all this better than I can.”
>”Then who’s your friend over there?”
“That slime ball? You have him to thank for my friend and I being here and breaking you all out. He was a victim of this place too, and it was mostly his need for revenge that brought us here.”
>You smile, turning to Sludge.
“He did want to help, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.”
>”Your friend?”
“She got hurt and had to go to the hospital.”
>”Oh no, is she going to be okay?”
“I sure hope so.”
>The conversation trails off into silence, Orchid releasing you and lying back down.
>”So, can we leave now? What’s going to happen to me?”
Pausing for the night.
Thank you all so much for playing, and I'll see you tomorrow.
>>27715123
'Well, we can't risk moving you just yet, but this mare's going to go with you to an actual hospital, just in case. Other then that, we just have to wait for the Power Ponies to come and collect.'
>>27715130
Night
>>27715123
We should take her, the helpful mare, and the equipment out of that room so we can lock the other researchers in there. Then we can have the good researcher call the Power Ponies to let them know that we're ready for them. While we wait, we can look for some valuable stuff to steal. We still need to make money somehow. Also, you never included >>27684951, might at least try to convince the Head researcher to feel some guilt.
>>27715191
All of this.
have a good night bump
>>27715123
Let's raid the supply closer closet for the ninja weapons. Then we need to lock up the researchers and have sludge leave aside from a small part of him. We know how Fili feels about villains doing good, but we may need to make a quick escape without worrying about sludge if the rest of them don't feel the same.
bumpo
>>27715137
>>27715191
>>27715438
>>27718658
“Well, we can’t risk moving you just yet, but this mare’s going to go with you to the hospital, just in case. Other than that, we’re waiting for the power ponies to get here.”
>”Okay,” she nods.
>You turn to the researcher.
“Let’s get her out into the main room, then you can call the power ponies, get them over here.”
>She nods in understanding and the two of you get to work, pushing her bed outside of the room.
>That complete, you walk over to the researchers.
”All of you, inside.”
>”But we-“
“Now,” you say pointedly.
>Reluctantly, all of them walk into the room single file.
>The mare goes upstairs, leaving the room.
>That complete, you walk over to the head researcher.
“You know, this all could have worked if you slowed down and let the subjects know exactly what was going on or came up with a way to get them back to normal. Just a little ethical behavior is all it would have taken, but you blindly charged towards results. Progress may require sacrifice, but it should be made by those who know what they’re sacrificing.”
>He says nothing, keeping a straight face.
>Sludge lets him stand, and he walks to the room without prodding.
>As you shut the bars behind him, he speaks.
>”I will not apologize for what we’ve achieved. I am only sorry you can’t see the good this has brought.”
“You know, your chief funder? He was a supervillain.”
>At this, he raises an eyebrow.
>”This I was not aware of. But if he agrees with me, then perhaps this supervillain is not so black and white.”
“Trust me, this is.”
>”Then we will simply have to disagree.”
>You turn from this monster and make to go upstairs, but Sludge slides across the room and stands in front of you.
>”You mentioned the power ponies, are they coming?”
“Yes they are.”
>”Then I should go, now. How much more do I owe you? I’ll drop the money off at your place as soon as I can.”
Fucking dammit, I have to go. I'll be back in a couple hours.
I'm really sorry, something came up.
>>27721249
>MUH SCIENCE MUH PROGRESS I'VE DONE SO MUCH GOOD
>>27721279
Aight.
>>27721249
People are going to hate this, but:
'Nothing. I wouldn't feel right being paid for this.'
>>27721501
We still have the chance to loot this place a bit. Also the bounty on the guy who funded this would probably go up so we'll be making money either way.
>>27721802
Thats what I figured, I don't like the idea of being paid for beating up mostly unwilling combatants, and as you said, we'll get more then enough from everything else.
>>27721297
>>27721501
>>27721802
>>27721919
>You shake your head.
“Nothing. I don’t feel right being paid for this.”
>His eyes widen.
>”Huh?”
“I don’t like the idea of being paid for beating up mostly unwilling combatants. I can always find other ways to make money.”
>Sludge is at a loss for words.
>”Are you sure?”
“Yup.”
>”Huh. Well thank you. Take care.”
“You’ll keep in touch, right?”
>”Sure, I suppose. Now I gotta get out of here before the super six show up.”
>He walks away, collapsing into a puddle and leaving through the door.
>Before you go upstairs, you catch the eye of the head researcher simply watching you through the barred door.
“Looney,” you mutter, turning away.
>You head back to the closet in the back room.
>As you do, you see the researcher from before on the phone in the front lobby.
>She plays with the phone’s cord nervously as she talks.
>You begin rifling through personal possessions, and your mind begins to wander.
>By your count, eight ponies stood against you.
>The mind raper out front, the hippogriff, the phoenix and the rock pony, the lamia, the spider pony, and the two ninjas.
>At the 300 bits each price you agreed on, that’s 2,400 bits you turned down.
>While you might make it back with Rebound’s bounty, turning down that many bits makes your stomach turn a little.
>Towards the back of the closet, you find ten sets of saddlebags hanging from clips, which you begin rifling through.
>You have no way of telling which bag belongs to whom, aside from which ones belong to mares and which belong to stallions.
>Each saddlebag contains a money purse, containing beautiful gold bits.
>You also find a few gold necklaces, and a pair of diamond earrings.
>Other than that, they contain fairly common but relatively worthless items.
>A pair of sunglasses, some lip gloss, writing utensils, a makeup kit, etc.
>But something gives you pause.
>Do you want to take the bits?
>>27722168
Bits, yes, jewely is a bit petty.
>>27722168
Ask which one is hers so we don't take from it.
>>27722168
Fight the greed, fight the greed.Accept the greed.
>>27722168
Let's not steal, that just ruins the image we are slowly building here. Actually, fuck it, let's take a bit of the money but not all
>>27722168
Ask which one belongs to the head researcher.
>>27722259
>>27722285
>>27722340
>>27722375
>>27722451
“Hey,” you shout. “Which one of these is yours?”
>After a moment, you hear a door open.
>”Sorry, what was that?” she says, holding the door open with her body, and putting a hoof over the phone.
“Which of these saddlebags is yours?”
>”Oh, the one with my cutie mark on it. It’s a pill bottle on its side. Why?”
“Here you go,” you say, throwing it over to her.
>She drags it along the ground with her hoof, hooking one of the straps.
>”Thanks, I guess.”
“And which one is the head researcher’s?”
>”I dunno, but his cutie mark is an Erlenmeyer flask with some blue stuff in it.”
“Okay, thanks.”
>She returns to her work.
>Unfortunately, none of the saddlebags have an Erlenmeyer flask on them.
>You return to your moral quandary, emptying the contents of each of the bit bags onto the floor.
>You can’t help but fantasize about taking the bits.
>All you would need to do is reach out and snatch them, and they’d be all yours.
>Shaking your head, you try to rid yourself of those thoughts.
>You know you have to fight them.
>But giving in is so much easier.
>No, you can’t steal now. It would ruin the image you’re slowly building.
>But…
>What would it hurt just taking a little? It’s not like anypony knows the actual contents of their wallet to the bit, right?
>You give in to your greed, claiming about half of each pile.
>A smile spreads across your face as you rub a bit between your hooves, feeling every bump, every groove.
>You feel complete.
>With a whine, you return the rest of the bits and jewelry to their respective bags.
>It’s a shame, they’d look so much prettier if they were yours.
>Shaking your head, you return to the front of the building and wait.
(cont.)
>>27722546
>The researcher heads downstairs, presumably to wait with Orchid.
>The sun is starting to go down, spreading an orange tone across the city.
>Soon enough, four ponies appear on the horizon, walking towards you.
>Fili-second doesn’t walk, but bounces alongside the other ponies.
>The other three are Mistress Marevelous, Radiance, and leading them, the Masked Matterhorn.
>They walk up to you, and Matterhorn addresses you.
>”Fili-second’s told us a lot about you.”
>Her voice is measured and cautious. Not hostile, but you can tell she trying to get a read on you.
>Fili-second energetically waves at you.
>”Five calls in one night, all linked to this place and you. Fili-second’s told us what she read in the contract, but I can see you took things into your own hooves.”
>She gestures towards the pony hoof-cuffed to a light pole.
>”Why don’t we start at the top? Tell us everything.”
>>27722556
Time to start vomiting exposition. Also I guess we don't need to be a dragon anymore.
>>27722566
Nothing wrong with staying dragon, it'd be better than showing off the stolen statue.
>>27722556
Wait were are the other three?
>>27722566
>>27722595
I'm going to add that we should omit the fact that Voltage got hospitalized. It's not that I don't trust them, but I'd rather that bit be withheld until we can gurantee she isn't going to get copped. And Sludges involvement, we can easily be vague and just leave, Orchid will probably tell them since we never asked her not to.
>tfw want to participate
>too busy following the brexit results and /pol/ switching from panick to cheer.
Also I wonder where is Dash and Flutters.
>>27722623
We should mention that we had a friend who got hurt though.
Like, to show we didn't do shit for nothing.
>>27722771
I'm fine with that, but the devils in the details here, not to many ponies end up in the hospital for burns like that in one night.
>>27722566
>>27722595
>>27722609
>>27722623
>>27722738
>>27722771
>>27722777
“Wait, where are the other three of you?”
>Radiance speaks up.
>”They are occupied at the moment. As I recall, we’ve taken in four ponies so far tonight, because of you I might add.”
“Is that bad?”
>”Not at all, darling.”
>”But from your calls, we figured you had a decent handle on things,” Marevelous says. “So we left Zapp, Rager, and Humdrum back home to keep them company.”
“Well okay, now where to start…”
>You tell them everything about what you’ve done in the facility, glossing over Voltage and Sludge.
“One of my friends got hurt in here.”
>”Oh no.” Fili-second says, “Was it that electricity mare who was with you earlier?”
>You nod. You had forgotten that Fili-second had seen her.
>”That’s terrible! Is she okay? Where is she now?”
“She’s being taken care of. Privately.”
>”Oh, I understand!” Fili says, making a zipping motion across her mouth.
>You also hand them the files and floppy disk, telling them that most of the information had been destroyed.
>As you do, Fili-second pops in and out, rushing through the building, picking up a pony, and showing them to you.
>You tell her which ones are victims and which ones worked for the place.
>Radiance opens the tank in the upper floor, creating a glass box with her magic.
>Reluctantly, the seapony swims into the box.
>Then Radiance climbs on top of filisecond, and the three of them vanish.
>Radiance and Fili-second return, Radiance looking a little sick.
>Finally, you make it down to the bottom of the facility, just you, the four power ponies, and the head researcher remaining.
(cont.)
“Unfortunately, he destroyed the records of his funding,” you explain, “but he admitted that his largest donor is Market Watch.”
>”Market Watch?” Matterhorn asks, “You mean the one we’ve been trying to get evidence on for months?”
“It sure sounds like him.”
>”That’s great news! If it’s true, it might just be the evidence we need. Fili-second, take him back to our base. We need to talk to him before we hoof him over to the police.”
>Fili-second salutes, grabbing the stallion and zipping off.
>”Of course, you’ll get a piece of the reward money if Rebound gets arrested. You can leave that to us from here.”
>”Say,” Fili-second says, “You don’t mind if we see each other again real soon, do you? Say, tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?”
>”She’s right,” Marevelous says, “Give us a day to get this together, and you can bet there’ll be a story on this.”
>”Mmhm,” Matterhorn hums, “For something like this, we need to make it as public as possible. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and just letting ponies know what’s going on should be really helpful in stopping this.”
>She turns to you.
>”While I don’t agree with some of what you’ve done here, you’ve certainly done good work here today, and I never got to properly thank you for dealing with Fetlock. So, where would you like to meet tomorrow? Your place, or some middle ground?”
>>27722833
Middle ground, probably somplace we can easily get to our bike and get out if need be.
I'd also like to point out to the that lawful good didn't do anything, so their oppinion on that front means little.
>>27722833
Middle ground some great.
I'd say the library but it'd be a bit too loud to talk there.
Public place would bring attention instantly.
I wonder where..
>>27722854
>I'd also like to point out to the that lawful good didn't do anything, so their oppinion on that front means little.
True.
Should we point that now, or wait tomorrow?
>>27722882
On the fence, but I'd like a blunt statement here and something more publicly acceptable for the meeting.
No need to be a dick on air, but this is private.
>>27722882
tomorrow
>>27722872
I'm leaning towards somewhere like a gas station, normal, but a fight'll be bad for everyone involved, and it's wide open for escape if needed.
>>27722833
I guess. Middle ground sounds fine.
There aren't going to be a bunch of reporters in my face are there?
>>27722854
>>27722872
>>27722882
>>27722899
>>27722905
>>27722908
>While you want to reprimand her about how you don’t care about her opinion since she did nothing, you hold your tongue for now.
“Some middle ground would be great. I’m thinking someplace public like a gas station.”
>”I don’t know about that.”
>”I agree with Matterhorn,” Radiance says, “We’re simply hounded by cameras whenever we’re in uniform. Some place like a gas station would be sure to draw a crowd.”
“How about the library? Would we be too loud?”
>”Not at all!” Matterhorn says, “The library has some private study rooms off to the side, we can talk all we want over there!”
“I guess that would work.”
>”Then it’s settled,” Matterhorn says, clapping her hooves together.
“Wait,” you say, holding a hoof up. “There aren’t going to be a bunch of reporters in my face, are there?”
>”Well,” Marevelous says, “Probably. You wouldn’t necessarily have to answer any of their questions, but you are the only one who was present. You’re certainly the most qualified to give a statement.”
“I don’t know…”
>”We can discuss it more tomorrow,” Matterhorn says, “but I really do believe you should consider giving at least a public statement. We could stand behind you, as well as the ponies you’ve rescued. I believe it would be more powerful if you were the one to speak. Just consider it, okay?”
>>27722986
"I'll think about it" I mean, they HAVE to talk about us, since it'll probably anger Boomerang, but it' might be better to have a full talk with them first and explain to them our story and all.
So, how about we just set a time, ask them to be discreet, and go check on our shockwaifu?
>>27723033
meant talk with them before we do public appearances.
>>27722986
i don't think giving a public statement is the grandest idea... boomerang will probably attack us or something if we do that.
>>27723057
No it will make her more mad at us which will speed up the process of having her fall from grace.
>>27722986
I'm not one for making speeches but I'll think about it.
>>27723079
This was my (>>27723033) thought, right now we have the public against us, if we put a good image and she hunt us it'll harm hers. We need to have some leverage.
>>27723033
>>27723038
>>27723057
>>27723079
>>27723094
>>27723122
“I don’t think it’s the best idea. What if Boomerang attacks me?”
>”I almost think you’d want her to attack you,” Marevelous says.
>”Doing such a thing would be tantamount to media suicide!” Radiance says, “Especially given the story, and with us backing it.”
>”Plus it’d be a good way to get ponies on your side,” Marevelous says.
>”It’s fairly easy to paint you as the good pony, given what you’ve done,” Matterhorn says.
>”I could even throw together a little reception afterwards!”
“I’m not one for making speeches, but I-I’ll think about it.”
>”I’m glad to hear it,” Matterhorn says.
“But I want to talk with you before I do any appearances, and you’ll have to introduce it, okay?”
>”Sounds reasonable, but again, we’ll talk about it in full tomorrow, once we know the whole story.”
“So tomorrow at the library? What time?”
>”How about two o’clock?” Marevelous asks, “Are we free then?”
>Matterhorn pulls out a schedule from her jumpsuit and flips through it with her magic.
>”Looks like it. Two o’clock sharp at the library. See you there, Easy Ride.”
“And you’ll be discreet about this?”
>”Of course.”
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
>”Alright, we’ll stay here and finish up, thanks for your work, Easy!”
>”Bye Easy!” Fili-second says, waving energetically to you.
>You turn tail and leave, soon finding yourself back on the lawn of the facility.
>If you still want to go check on Voltage, do you want to stay as a dragon or turn back to pony?
Pausing for the night. Sorry for the short session, but unfortunately, sometimes things happen.
I'm going to be in the car for a while tomorrow afternoon, so I'll see if I can't do another mobile session like last time.
>>27723156
Based.
Do you check the UK polls?
>>27723162
I've seen them, but haven't been following them too closely.
>>27723156
I've been thinking, should we retcon , from the very first, pre hijacked, lame thread, the fact that we "quit" and instead that we were fired (for attacking boomerang?)
I think it'd be a bit more coherent if she actually made us lose our job which cascaded into the rest, rather than us quitting out of pettiness.
>>27723175
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U-nwKX6LrC4
/pol/ having a field day in the comments, brexit might fucking happen.
Anyway thanks for the thread, and Pony for Shockwaifu.
>>27723176
I agree that it would be a better narrative, and I've been basically working on the assumption that Boomerang was the reason Easy lost her job.
Whether or not it's the whole truth, Easy's blamed Boomerang for everything that's happened to her, especially before Recluse, where her one of her chief motivations was revenge.
If I could go back and change Excelsior's writing, I would. I don't think I'll actually retcon it, though. That's the problem with CYOA, everything you see is basically a first draft, and you can't go back and revise like you would a real story.
>>27723267
Yeah but it seemed so messy and fast back then.
Maybe we can attribute it to blurry memory.
We'll see when its confronted I guess. Though I wonder what other players feels.
>>27723306
Honestly, Boomerang was a catalyst and things fell apart. As far as I'm concerned we would've been fired because of her 'talking' with our boss so quiting just cut a few steps out of the process, if not out right keeping her from taking action on her own.
>>27723146
We going pony for voltage
>>27723176
Didn't we "quit" because we'd be fired anyway? A "you cant fire me, I quit!" kind of thing. Its effectively fired anyway.
>>27723146
Pony. Our work is done.
>>27723384
http://cuckchan.org/mlp/thread/23612557/#q23617516Did someone warned the admin of the cuckchan move?
>"Fuck you old man I QUIT!"
>You shout at the top of your lungs as you rip off your uniform and hop on your bike.
>"YOU CAN'T QUIT" he shouts back
>"I JUST FUCKING DID"
>You reply as your bike springs to life and zooms away.
>Shit....that was probably a mistake....what the fuck will you do now?
Seems pretty much on our own. But we can always assume it was your turn of event instead, not far of a stretch.
>>27723439
I blame it on the early thread shitposting.
>>27723439
It fits perfectly into Easy's personality that if she thought she was going to get fired that she'd quit first. Reads like she just pre-empted him saying that she's fired to me.
>>27723582
I guess so. As long as its a consensus.
>>27723367
This.
>>27723175
Bump.
I hope you're not a brit, this is gonna suck.
pg 10
Bumpi
qt dragon
super bump
Anotha.
This place pissed me off.
I just want to find something to turn into slag.
>>27729347
How about the building once it's emptied of evidence?
>>27729388
Nah. Ponies won't like that and the mess.
>>27723367
>>27723432
>>27724271
>>27729347
>>27729388
>>27729439
>You grab the statue and stare into its eyes.
>Soon, you find yourself as a pony once again.
>You've been a dragon for quite some time, and your tail feels remarkably light.
>Then, you get back on the road, heading towards the hospital.
>Finding yourself remarkedly pissed, you think of what things you might be able to turn to slag as a form of stress relief.
>Unfortunately, nothing comes to mind.
>Screwing up your face, you continue your drive.
>You soon find yourself at the hospital.
>You go inside the visitor's entrance, and the mare at the counter looks up, giving you a smile.
>She flips open her book, her hoof at the ready to turn through the pages.
>"Hello! Here to see someone?" She asks in a cheery voice.
>>27729521
Well fuck I forgot the design of Voltage.
Is there a pic of her like the others?
>>27729521
Yes. Yellow earth mare with an electric ower for a cutie mark?
>>27729596
Someone asked for a description for reference, but never drew her.
>>27729602
"Yes, yellow earth mare with an electrical tower for a cutie mark, she came in earlier today."
>"I think I know who you're talking about, hold on a moment please."
>She rifles through her book, stopping about three quarters of the way through.
>"Ah, here we go. Static Shock, is that who you're visiting?"
"Yep."
>"Alright, she's in room 131."
>She points off to the hallway behind her.
>"Just head down that way, turn left at the hallway, and the riom will be on your right."
"Thanks," you say.
>"Any time!"
>She waves as you leave, following her directions.
>You come to Voltage's room and knock.
>"Come in," a voice says from the other side.
>You enter, and find Voltage lying on a bed, bandages covering most of her upper body, save for her face.
>You note that there's no iv or heart monitor attached to her, ehich you take as a good sign.
>A radio sits on the side table, playing a rock ballad from thirty years ago.
>Voltage's face lights up as you enter.
>"Oh hey Easy, it's great to see you."
>There's happiness in her voice, but also a hint of lethargy, maybe even tiredness.
>"What's going on?"
>>27729780
Just wanted to come check up on you and see how you were doing. You aren't going to be permanently half bald on me are you?
>>27729780
Just kiss her ya fool.
>>27729780
>>27729866
Give her a cheek smooch
>>27729780
Make a lame joke about how the nearby radio can provide voltage with some voltage.
>>27729840
>>27729866
>>27729976
>>27729971
"Just wanted to check up with you and see how you were doing."
>You give her a smooch on the cheek, and she smiles.
>"Doctor says I'll be okay in a week, and they'll let me out of here tomorrow."
"You're not gonna go permanently half bald on me are you?"
>She laughs.
>"Nah, they pumped me full of so much magic I might as well grow a horn and be a unicorn. Point is, they told me my hair will grow back."
"Oh good, I'm glad I don't have to see bald Voltage."
>"Oh me too. Plus they got me hopped up on painkillers, so all's good with me."
>You point towards the radio.
"Least that radio might provide you with some voltage, Voltage."
>She rolls her eyes, and leans her head upwards, pursing her lips.
>You reach down for another kiss, and she returns it, pressing into your face.
>You wrestle with her tongue, but she's not fighting as hard anymore, probably due to the painkillers.
>Soon, the two of you part, a small strand of saliva momentarily connecting your mouths.
>She wipes her chin, smiling from the kiss.
>"So how did the rest of the job go? Did you get Sludge's guy?"
>>27730047
Well time to tell her everything.
Including the power ponies encounter and what we plan for tomorrow.
>>27730047
Yeah I got them. They managed to trash a lot of their info, but the Power Ponies are ready to bring this thing to light.
>>27730047
I got him and the Power Ponies want me to do a public statement about the whole ordeal.
>>27730062
>>27730140
>>27730215
"Yeah, I did. Sludge came back and the two of us went through the rest of the place."
>"He did? How did you manage that?"
"He tried to run, but Ice managed to stop him. Storm dropped him off as she picked you up."
>"Yeah?"
"Yep. So we found five more ponies after you left, a spiderpony, a lamia, a mothpony, a timberwolf, and a pony in the process of turning into a changeling named Orchid. I think she might be in this hospital."
>"Then?"
"Unfortunately, they trashed most of the info, but there was enough. Then the power ponies came, and I basically handed it off to them. They're gonna brimg this to light, but the kicker is that they want me to speak in public tomorrow."
>"And Celestia knows how much you hate cameras."
"For good reason, I might add."
>"What did you tell them?"
"I told them I'd think about it."
>"I think you should do it," she says. "We both read that contract, we both know what they were doing, I think you should be the one to tell ponies about it."
"Like I said, I'm thinking about it."
>You two fall into silence for a moment, before Voltage speaks.
>"Say, when I get out of here, maybe you'd like to come over to my apartment tomorrow night? Maybe have some dinner after your thing with the power ponies?"
>>27730250
That sounds nice. It'll be nice to be in a different apartment than the shithole I lived in.
>>27730357
How is where we live a shithole?
>>27730380
I think what anon is trying to say that our old apartment was a shithole because of the landlord being an ass
>>27730380
>lived
>>27730357
"That does sound nice. It'll be nice to be in a different apartment than the shithole I used to live in."
>"Alright, it's a date."
"Sweet, we'll make it happen."
>She smiles, and the two of you fall into silence for a few moments, the radio the only sound in the room.
>Is there anything you want to ask or say to her?
>>27730477
No. Can we go back to that abandoned warehouse when those three supers followed us? Maybe there's something there we can melt.
>>27730477
I believe it's a good time to head back to base and catch some sleep
>>27730477
Could we go see Orchid since she's in the hospital too? As long as we're here.
>>27730477
Ask if she needs anything that we can get her.
>>27730530
>>27730559
>>27730572
>>27730715
"Anything I can get you?"
>"No, but thanks. They already fed me, and I was just about to get to bed anyway."
"Well, if you don't need anything else, I'm gonna head out."
>"Thanks a lot for stopping by, Easy. I really do appreciate it."
"Its no problem."
>"Seriously, it means a lot. Thank you, Easy."
"You're welcome. See you tomorrow."
>"Oh wait, before you go, there is one thing you could get me."
"What's that?"
>"A kiss."
>The two of you kiss, and you return to the lobby, where you get the attention of the mare at the desk.
"Is a mare named Orchid here?"
>"Hold on, let me check."
>She hums softly as she flips through the pages.
>"Oh. I'm sorry ma'am, but the doctor says she can't have visitors right now. If you come back tomorrow, you might be able to see her."
"That's okay. I'll check back."
>You leave the hospital and hop on your bike.
>As you ride through the streets, you find your anger at that place rising once again.
>You ride to that abandoned warehouse, park your bike, and storm inside.
>Once inside, you let your fire flare up, and hold nothing back.
>You bathe an engine in green flame, melting away at it as your mind flashes back to the ponies in that facility.
>You turn your wrath on a collapsed beam, turning it to nothing but ash as you remember that smug researcher.
>Not even the smallest bit of regret, not a tinge of guilt for his actions.
>It makes you flaming mad.
>And so you truly let go, burning and melting everything in sight.
>You finish, breathing hard, but happy that you've gotten some release.
>The warehouse around you is scorched black, melted metal lying on the ground.
>But you feel good.
>As you turn to leave, you catch the eye of a pony atop the flea-ridden mattress.
>She has a faded purple coat and light blue, very messy mane.
>She's a pegasus, but one of her wings is tied to her side.
>She clutches a pillow tightly, and looks at you with large teal eyes.
>>27730784
Hey. Just letting off some steam, didn't know you were here. My bad.
>>27730784
Sorry for burning your "home", we thought it was abandoned.
>>27730784
Sorry, I'm just angry about something. What are doing living in this place?
>>27730820
We fucking saw the mattress and the possessions before. We knew there was someone living here.
>>27730806
>>27730820
>>27730824
>Shit.
"Hey."
>"H-hello."
"I'm just angry about something and needed to blow off some steam, I didn't know you were there. Sorry about wrecking your home. My bad."
>"I-it's okay."
"What are you doing living in this place?"
>"You don't need to worry about me, honest. I-I just don't have anywhere else to go right now."
>She sets the pillow back on her mattress, taking a few moments to calm herself down a little.
>>27730784
Apologize to her, offer to help her replace it.
Also make a mental note to come back as see Orchid tomorrow, now that we're not a dragon and she might be less... buggy.
>>27730957
This still works for >>27730943 too.
>>27730943
Would you like a place to stay the night, at least?
>>27730987
Do we even have a place for her to stay?
>>27730993
We have a couch, and even then an indoor area is a hell of a lot better then here.
>>27730943
Hey, I don't like seeing the downtrodden like this. Can you at least tell me your name?
>>27731007
I seriously hope you aren't suggesting we bring her to our place.
>>27730993
Would like to add she is either crippled or has a broken wing, and I would rather help then ignore it.
>>27731012
I was, but I'm thinking hotel if not, a single room for one night isn't going to kill our budget and will be better then an old warehouse.
Plus, homeless people see a lot, start a web with a single thread.
>>27731012
He is suggesting that.
>>27731017
I know but I don't want to bring her to our base. maybe a motel or something?
we can't bring people to our base all the time.
>>27730957
"Well I'm really sorry."
>"It's really okay," she sighs, "it was just junk anyway."
"I could help you replace it if you want me to."
>She shakes her head.
>"No, no point in replacing scrap metal and broken two by fours."
"If you're sure."
>You contemplate helping her for a moment.
>You can't take her home for sure, but a hotel wouldn't be so bad.
>Homeless ponies see a lot, start a web eith a single thread.
"Could you at least tell me your name?"
>"It's, uh, Skylight."
"And if you don't mind me asking, what happened to your wing?
>"O-oh," she says, turning to look at her side. "I do kind of mind. It's a little personal. It was an accident, that's all I really want to say about it."
>She's looking sad, so you change the subject.
"Would you like a place to stay the night at least? Some place better than here."
>Her eyes widen again.
>"I really couldn't ask you to do that for me."
>>27731165
You aren't. I'm offering, and honestly, I wouldn't feel right leaving here without doing it, especially with the day I had.
>>27731165
Well it's a good thing you didn't.
>>27731181
>>27731182
"Well it's a good thing you didn't. I'm offering."
>She nervously stands, walking over to you.
>"Okay."
"Honestly, I wouldn't feel good leaving here without doing it, especially after the day I've had."
>"Th-thank you."
>She follows you to your bike and hops on behind you, gripping you tightly.
>Soon, you come to a relatively cheap, one-bed motel and head to the front desk.
>The stallion looks up from his newspaper.
"One room for the night, please."
>"40 bits," he grunts.
>You fork over the money , and he gives you a key.
>Taking the key, you walk Skylight to her room and open the door.
"Well, here you go," you say, presenting the key.
>As you do, her eyes begin to water.
>Before you can say anything, she throws herself at you, wrapping her hooves around you in a crushing hug.
>As tears run down her face, she blubbers.
>"Th-thank you. Thank you so much."
>She wipes her eyes with a foreleg and she sniffles.
>"I'm sorry. You don't know how much this means to me."
>>27731336
Hey.
Don't worry about it.
It's fine. Really.
>>27731336
Don't worry about it just have a good nights sleep.
>>27731336
'I might not, but, I've seen enough people screwed over by this city. And I think a little good can go a long way when it's done for the right reasons.'
As for what we'll do, see if we can't get her a better set up in that warehouse, camping equipment and a shower bag/rain collector can't be that expensive.
As for the wing, that'll probably take a bit of work to get fixed/her to tell us what happened.
>>27731336
There there. I just don't like seeing ponies in bad spots.
>>27731396
>>27731390
>>27731354
>>27731352
"There there, it's okay," you say, patting her on the back. "I've seen enough people screwed over by this city, and I think a little good can go a long way when it's done for the right reasons."
>"No one's done anything this nice to me in years. Thank you so much."
"Don't worry about it. Just get a good night's sleep."
>She gives you another squeeze, then walks into the room, giving you a final genuine smile as she closes the door.
>You know that it's gonna take a little more prodding to get her to tell you about what happened to the wing.
>But you have a good idea of a few more little things you can do to help her out.
>Some camping equipment, a shower bag, it can't set you back that much.
>And it'd probably mean the world to her.
>You hear the sound of water running behind the door.
>>27731525
I'm gonna pause here for the night. Thank you all for playing.
I'm not at home right now, so my running schedule may be a little more iffy this next week, so I thank you in advance for your patience.
If you have questions, my phone is almost dead, but I'll try to answer a few of them.
>>27731525
The answer is yes. Surprise her with it.
>>27731541
Yeah, I have a question. What color are Orchid's eyes?
>>27731525
I think that camping supplies we looked at before were surprisingly cheap so why not.
She'll probably still be in the hotel by the next time we see her.
>>27731565
I kinda like that color that you've got going there, Dox. Let's keep that, actually.
Thanks a lot!
>>27731525
Time to head back to base and have our own shower before going to sleep.
>>27731565
bugbutt a qt
good night bump
>>27731565
Wew.
Can you do Volt next please?
>>27732597
Sure.
>tomorrow
>>27732778
Whelp
page 10 bump.
Not even sure if session tonight but heh.
pg 10
Bampu.
I'm not going to announce the session in the general, since I'm not sure how much I'll be able to commit to it. Other than that, let's get started anyway.
>>27731551
>>27731580
>>27731582
>You figure it’s time you head home too.
>Hopping on your bike, you head back towards the garage, your mind filled with ideas of what you’ll do for Skylight.
>You soon arrive back at the garage, grab a quick bite to eat, and take a shower.
>The hot water runs over you, steam building throughout the room as you wash away the sweat of your day’s work.
>You’d be lying if you didn’t feel good about what you’ve done, but you’ll have to see exactly what tomorrow will bring.
>Shutting off the water, you head to bed, pulling the covers up over you.
>It’s been a long, frustrating day, and the soft embrace of sleep soon takes you.
------------------
>You find yourself in the familiar void, the scale laid out in front of you.
>But unlike before, where the balance was heavily weighted to one side, the scale sits perfectly level.
>Seven new weights have found themselves on the other side, representing the research subjects.
>As you look between the two of them, and the conglomeration of good deeds on one side, you realize something.
>You’ve done a lot of bad, but you’ve done even more good.
>For the first time in months, you feel like a weight has been lifted from your back.
>You won’t forget what you’ve done, but you’ve done all you can to do good, make up for it.
>With a smile, you turn away from the scale, and light surrounds you.
----------------
>You wake up, stretching skyward and feeling in a great mood.
>Throwing off the covers, the morning sun shines on your face through the high garage window.
>It’s a new day.
>>27737540
We should do some exercises, eat and say good morning to everyone.
How much time do we have until our meeting?
>>27737540
"Life in Maretropolis shimmer..."
But yeah, what he says, let's try to speed up the stuff we can do before the meeting.
>>27737540
Let's make sure we're in pristine condition, to make an impression and all.
Plus, pic related.
>>27737645
>>27737686
>>27737756
>You walk into the main room, humming to yourself.
“Oh, morning Two-bit, Storm, Ice,” you say happily as you walk past the sofa.
>”Morning Easy, you seem in a good mood,” Two-bit says.
“I am, it’s a good day.”
>”I’m glad.”
>You continue onto your pile next to Tinker’s area.
“Morning Tink, everything going okay?”
>”Yeah, actually. Setting up some new stuff, you gave me an idea yesterday, and I’m gonna follow through with this, trust me.”
“Glad to hear it.”
>You do some floor work, situps, pushups, and stretches, and even a little practice with your recently purchased targets.
>While you could drive out to the desert, it would eat up a lot of time, and you have plans today.
>Once you’re done, you grab a quick bite to eat, just a few slices of toast, and hit the bathroom.
>You were never one for a lot of personal grooming, but you’re making an appearance later.
>Plus, you’re getting laid tonight.
>You take another shower, washing the sweat off from your workout, and brush yourself head to hoof, smoothing your coat out.
>Then you brush your mane and tail, sweeping it back and getting all the hairs in line.
>You inspect yourself in the mirror, and a very clean, presentable mare stares back.
>Putting your jacket back on, you head out to the main room and look at the clock.
>It’s about half past ten.
>You agreed to meet the power ponies at the library at 2.
>You've got plenty of time until then.
>>27737845
Lets give Tink the ninja dart things.
>>27737845
Don't see what much else we can do, desu.
>>27737845
I want to see what Tink is up to.
>>27737959
>>27738006
>>27738057
>>27738113
>You're a bit unsure of what to do, so you strike up a conversation with Tinker.
“So Tink, what are you up to?”
>”I’m just working on that thing you talked to me about yesterday, you know, the whole eyes and ears thing?”
“Yeah?”
>”Well that’s what I’m working on. See this?” He says, holding up a small object with a black ball at one end and a few dangling cables at the other.
>”It’s a camera I salvaged. It should connect into your helmet and give me a full view of all the information you get.”
“Well that’s neat.”
>”Yep. Soon as I get a computer set up over here, I’ll be able to see everything you see. Infrared when you aren’t using it, your vitals, heck, we’ll even be able to talk! And if I figure it out, I might even be able to get access to a building's surveillance remotely, and relay all that information to you. Isn’t that great?”
>It’s certainly been a while since you’ve seen him this enthusiastic.
>>27738186
That's pretty nifty. I think you've made a lot of progress since we first met. I like that.
Like I said, I didn't know if I was going to be able to do a full session tonight, and unfortunately that's not going to happen.
I'll come back and run tomorrow, but until then, thank you for playing.
>>27738186
Show him one of the electro wrist dart things. See if he can set up a way for voltage to super charge them without breaking them. We may be able to solve her distance problem.
>>27738370
good plan
>>27738186
Don't forget to hit the camping store
>>27738295
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N76bNvDifao
Bub
>>27738186
Sounds cool. How far away from here will it work?
>>27737845
>You've got plenty of time until then.
Great, we need to get the camping supplies for the pony who got her home burned down, and visit the pony who got mutated into a half bug. Do we have time for both of those before our meeting?
pg10
>>27732597
>>27733050
Your requested fanarts, sir.
>>27743185
>>27743191
>>27743198
Thanks man.
Hey guys, just a heads up, I probably won't be able to start at 5:30 CST like normal. I'll be a little late. I'm sorry, but it's largely unavoidable since I'm spending the week with family.
>>27742803
I'd really like to thank you for taking the time to write a review, and I have to say that I have a lot of the same feelings, especially about the 'out of sight, out of existence' syndrome, which is something I struggle with as a writer.
As for the current arc sticking for too long, I'll admit it's because I'm planning on wrapping up the CYOA fairly soon. While SoL superheroes could easily fill two hundred thousand more words, I think that Easy's arc is about complete.
Course, that's nothing to worry about yet. We still have a good chunk of story before the end.
>>27744189
Not the first guy, but I don't think it's all your fault
Its obvious her story revolve around Boomerang, and going to the desert ruined it for a long while. I really love the Capeshit setting, and I liked doing some undercover work and that talk with the kids to try to uncover her, until you know what.
But honestly except maybe for the mention part I wasn't bothered at all with the Boomerang/sludge/museum part. And now that you've involved the power ponies I'm really waiting for the upcoming tension and media duel with her.And I'll miss you when its over ;_;
>>27744189
>I'll admit it's because I'm planning on wrapping up the CYOA fairly soon
Can you maybe not say that? I want to know about it being over when it's actually over.
>>27744471
Course. Sorry.
>>27744189
>>27744386
How fast arcs progress is up to both Linkeh and his players, so if there's fault to be assigned it's an even split. Especially when the arc's resolution effectively requires a personal decision of the main character. When I'm speaking of arcs I mean segments within Easy's story. Her part may be an arc in a larger story but I wouldn't know about that yet. I didn't get the feeling of Easy's story as having overstayed it's welcome, it's still progressing at a reasonable pace.
What I meant was the current atonement arc which was mainly focused on 'wait and try to help people'. 'Wait for things to happen' generally lends uncertainty and an unfocused tone to a plotline. Which is perfectly fine on it's own, it's just part of the story. But uncertainty and unfocusedness can only last so long before it starts to drag and I felt that it was starting to drag in this case.
It's not anything to really assign blame around for anyway, the arc's logical resolution and set up for the next segment of the story has already occurred so it's not like it stuck around far too long, it was /starting/ to drag as I said. It's something to watch out for as a writer if Linkeh writes similar things in the future.
Save.
>>27738215
>>27738370
>>27738629
>>27740243
“Sounds cool. How far away from here will this work?”
>”Assuming it works, a couple miles? It should be enough anywhere in the city.”
“Nice. You’ve made a lot of progress since we’ve first met, Tink. I like that.”
>”Well thanks Easy,” he says, scratching his mane. “I’ve been trying.”
“Say Tink,” you say, digging through your bag.
>”Yeah?”
>You extract the dart launcher you stole off of the ninjas.
“Think you could find a way for Voltage to supercharge these darts? I think it’d really help with her distance problem.”
>He takes the device and turns it over in his magic, inspecting it.
>”Sure, why not? I’ll give it a try.”
“Thanks Tink, I appreciate it.”
>”You’re welcome.”
>As Tinker gets to work, you hop on your bike and drive to the sporting goods store.
>Thankfully, you just manage to avoid the lunch rush, pulling into the parking lot just as traffic begins to pick up.
>You’ve been through the store before, so you make a beeline to the camping section.
>You grab a shower bag for 20 bits, a rain collector for 10, and a sleeping bag for 25.
>Anything else you want to grab for Skylight while you’re here?
>>27745779
See if theirs some magic equivalent to a solar powered radio.
And a folding cot, get her off the ground without rotten crates and boxes.
>>27745779
I perhaps we should give her a proper backpack so she can hold all this stuff in case she needs to move.
Also maybe a small tent.
>>27745779
Nothing I can think of off the top of my head.
>>27745862
I imagine it'd be saddlebags instead of a backpack. Shouldn't give her too much or she'll be accosted by other homeless, if she's staying in the factory she doesn't need a tent imo.
>>27745809
You mean a crank radio?
>>27745886
Speaking of, get her a bat?
>>27745886
>she'll be accosted by other homeless
With a radio, a shower bag and rain collector I think it'll be a little too late to worry about that.
She'll probably end up with tons of homeless begging for water and a wash now.Unless she gets robbed.
>>27745930
Yeah, she needs a bat.
>>27745930
>>27745956
let's not
>>27745926
That works to, but magic being a thing solar power or something like it shouldn't be that rare/uncommon.
>>27745956
Go one further and get that mare a good machete.
>>27745973
>>27745956
>>27745930
No weapon for the homeless pony
>>27745973
>>27745999
I'd agree that a machete is a step too far, but I don't see what's wrong with a bat.
>>27745973
>get that mare a good machete
Mares love machetes.
But I think I'd rather get that as a gift for Volt.
>>27745999
Might as well give her nothing then because she's just going to get robbed for haveing stuff and won't be able to protect herself.
I think a bat is ok.
>>27746012
I was thinking intimidation, as the blade would scare most people off before she would even have to use it.
>>27746035
If she's not comfortable with blades she's less likely to use it or bring it out until she's forced to, which opens her up to getting stopped before then. Everyone's comfortable with blunt instruments so she'd be less wary about bringing it out or leaving it out and easy to grab. The same thing applies to people that are skittsh around guns.
It largely depends on her personality, which we don't really know.
>>27745809
>>27745862
>>27745875
>>27745886
>>27745926
>>27745930
>>27745956
>>27745968
>>27745973
>>27745999
>>27746012
>>27746034
>>27746035
>>27746078
>You grab her a crank radio.
>It’s not unlike the one that you used for three months out in the desert.
>The radio is fairly cheap, and won’t ever run out of charge.
>It’s also a flashlight!
>For ten bits, you add it to the cart.
>You consider getting her a tent, but if she’s staying inside, then it probably won’t be too useful.
>You grab her a fairly nice spring cot with a small pad on top for forty bits.
>Finally, you grab her a 20 bit pair of saddlebags, which should hopefully carry all her stuff in case she needs to move.
>You find yourself getting worried.
>With all this stuff, she might get accosted or robbed.
>Maybe worse.
>You’d hate for all this to go to waste.
>You give those machetes a really good look, but you decide against it.
>It’s a bit excessive for Skylight, but maybe it’d work as a gift for Voltage.
>You add one of the 18 bit machetes to the cart.
>On the way out, however, you pass a basket full of wooden baseball bats, a 20 bit price tag on each.
>You place it in your basket.
>Your purchases complete, you head to the front of the store and check out.
>As you do, you catch a glimpse of a clock on display.
>11:30, still plenty of time to go before 2.
>The final price tag comes out to 163 bits, which you pay up.
>You leave the store with your purchases, and finagle all of it so that it’s balanced on your bike.
>Most of it fits fine, but you have to chain the cot to the back of your bike so it doesn’t fall off.
>It’ll stay, hopefully, long as you drive slowly.
>Now then, what's your plan with all this stuff?
>>27746078
True, but going back to the wed of informants, minor training might be needed, and by that I mean a few pep talks or instructions.
We won't have henchmen but I'd like anyon we work with to be somewhat capable of self defense, so if we can't immediately get to them they have a chance of buggering off on their own to a safe area.
>>27746121
Dump it all back at base, say "don't touch", then get ready for our meeting.
>>27746121
Would she have headed back by to the warehouse at this point? If not, set everything up and wait, if she did we can probably give her a hand with it and chat.
Maybe even see if she's willing to go to a doctor for that wing.
A simple checkup could set a minor goal for us to do a few more bounties as filler/burn time.
>>27746144
This of we're running late.
>>27746121
I think we should head back to the hotel we left Skylight at to give her the stuff.Oh man, I can't wait to romance Voltage with a sexy machete. We should bring the maid outfit too when we go on the date.
>>27746144
>>27746159
>11:30, still plenty of time to go before 2.
Will she still be there after everything else?
>>27746121
Lets head to the hotel.
>>27746154
>>27746170
We left her at the motel yesterday and checkout time is usually 1-2 pm in my experience, and if I were homeless I'd leave the comfy hotel room as late as I possibly could. I think the hotel is the best option so that we can deliver her stuff and not risk waiting too long to prepare for the power ponies.
>>27746144
>>27746154
>>27746159
>>27746170
>>27746177
>>27746207
>You’re not running late, so there’s no reason to rush right now.
>The hotel is closer than home anyway.
>Driving slowly and overloaded with stuff, you soon arrive at the hotel.
>You make your way up to her room and knock on the door.
>”Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
>You hear the sound of hooves on carpet from the other side of the door.
>It opens, revealing a much cleaner-looking Skylight.
>Her coat shines; she has washed all the dirt and dust out of her fur, leaving it looking smoother.
>While her mane is still matted, it certainly looks cleaner than yesterday.
>”Oh hey! What are you doing back-“
>She freezes as she notices the stuff you’re carrying.
>”That’s not, you didn’t-“
>You nod.
>”Oh my God,” she says softly.
“Can I come in?”
>She nods.
>”Y-yeah.”
>The two of you walk inside, and you direct her to sit on the bed.
>You lay the items on the ground as you list them off.
“Here’s a cot, so you won’t have to sleep on the ground or that rotted mattress anymore, a sleeping bag, a water collection bag, just put it underneath a downspout and it’ll collect rainwater, a shower bag, a bat in case you need to protect yourself, a crank radio, and a pair of saddlebags in case you need to move.”
>As you finish, you hear a sob from next to you.
>Looking over, tears are welling up in Skylight's eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
>”Why are you doing this for me?” She chokes out. “I-I don’t deserve this.”
>>27746307
Paying a kindness forward. When we were at the bottom of the barrel a pony offered us a chance to get back onto our feet. And in this town a chance can be all you need to stand right back up.
>>27746307
You certainly deserve better then what you've been dealt. And this is what I can give.
>>27746307
Because I have a heart.
>>27746307
You needed some help so why not. I happen to like helping those who need it.
Outlaws can have a heart too.
>>27746320
>>27746326
>>27746360
>>27746367
“You certainly deserve better than what you’ve been dealt, and this is what I can give.”
>She looks at her new stuff with wonder in her eyes.
>It may be a decent chunk of change to you, but it may as well be a pile of solid gold to her.
>An oasis to a pony who’s been hiking the desert for days.
>She latches onto you tightly, mumbling ‘thank you’s into your fur.
>Her good wing drapes over you, pulling you into a feathery embace.
“Even outlaws can have a heart. When I was at the bottom of the barrel, a pony offered me the chance to get back on my hooves, and sometimes that chance is all you need to stand back up. I’m paying that forward.”
>As you hug her, you get a good glimpse of her side.
>Her left wing is wrapped to her barrel by a piece of cloth.
>The feathers are in disarray; she hasn’t preened in a long time.
>You don’t see any wounds.
>She takes a shuddering breath, wiping the tears of joy from her eyes.
>”I don’t have much, but if there’s anything I can do for you, anything at all, just tell me. You don’t know how much you’ve done for me.”
>>27746433
Yeah. Keep that smile.
>>27746433
I don't need anything just stay safe.
I think we should head home to put our gift away then head to the library. I'd rather not bring a sexy date night weapon to the library.that would be lewd.
>>27746433 #
>You don’t know how much you’ve done for me.
I'm getting something out of this too, you know. That appreciation of yours means the world to me, because right now, I'm the good guy, even if it's only to you. I've done some shit, and knowing that I can still make this kind of difference to a pony feels great.
We're both getting some hope for a better future out of this.
>>27746538
>"Why... why do you have a machete?"
"Oh this is embarrassing, it's for date night but I didn't have time to take it home so... here it is!"
The looks on their faces would almost be worth it.
>>27746547
>>27746558
I need both of these to happen, one right after the other. The mood whiplash would be hilarious.
>>27746558
Oh god, the temptation...but I think we can get the same effect by telling them we picked a machete as our date night gift rather than actually showing them the weapon.
It just feels like that one thing that would be used against us if the wrong pony saw it.
Normal ponies can't get Easy's sense of romance.
>>27746631
Well obviously if someone tries to give us a hard time about it we heat it up and ask them if they want to test how well it cauterizes wounds.
>>27746483
>>27746538
>>27746547
>>27746558
>>27746564
>>27746631
>>27746654
“Yeah, keep that smile.”
>She laughs through her tears, wiping her eyes once again.
“You know, I’m getting something out of this too. That appreciation of yours means the world to me. Cause right now, I’m the good guy, even if it’s only to you. I’ve done some bad shit, and knowing that I can still make that kind of a difference to a pony feels great.”
>”Well, trust me, you have helped me so, so much. And thank you so much for the room too. I can’t remember the last time I slept on a real bed. They even had a breakfast buffet!”
“Really, I’m glad we’re both getting some hope for a better future out of this.”
>”Yeah,” she says, a smile still spread across her face as she looks over the stuff you’ve given her.
“Well,” you say, standing up, “I should get going. I have some place to be in a bit.”
>”Yeah, I’m gonna stay here until I have to leave. Bye Easy, and thanks again!”
“You’re very welcome.”
>You walk out of the room, glancing at the clock as you leave.
>Nearly 12:45.
>You remember wanting to visit Orchid at the hospital, but she’ll probably still be there after your speech.
>But if you don't head home now, then you probably won’t have time to drop off your machete before 2.
>Wouldn’t want to meet with the power ponies with a machete sticking out of your bags.
>Or maybe you would?
>Decisions, decisions.
>>27746686
I'm cool with just telling them about the date night Machete.
Sure logic would tell them that if we wanted to hurt somebody we wouldn't actually need a weapon to do it, but I don't expect anyone to start thinking when the panic starts over someone bringing a weapon to the library.
>>27746686
Let's just drop it off and grab something to eat.
>>27746686
Let's bring the machete. It's not like anyone who really wants to couldn't fuck us over easily anyway. Boomerang in the back room with a hoofull of matches.
>>27746745
I get what you're saying but I'd rather not cause a panic by bringing a weapon into a public library that's pretty strange even in a world with super ponies.
>>27746745
Make that a statement as things start.
I wan't there to be a moment where the curtain's pull up and she's frantically trying to light a match, but just keeps breaking them.
>>27746723
>>27746739
>>27746745
>>27746781
>>27746790
>Eh, it’s probably not that big of a deal.
>You can always explain it to them.
>It’s not like you’d need a weapon anyway.
>You stop and get a quick bite to eat at a drive-through restaurant, then eat in the parking lot.
>The burger is greasy, and you down it quickly.
>Then, no longer being dragged down by camping equipment, you make good time to the hospital, where you find that the same mare is working.
>You should have a good few minutes before you have to leave.
>”Hello!” she says, “Your friend checked out a little while ago, if you’re here to see her.”
“No, I’m here to see Orchid.”
>”Oh yes, just a moment.”
>She flips through her book, and her face turns down a little.
>”Yes, you’re in luck, she can have visitors now. I think she’d appreciate it, with the couple days she’s had. Room 184, straight down the hall.”
>You follow her directions and soon come to the room.
>The door is slightly ajar, so it opens as you knock.
>”Hello?” Orchid’s nervous voice comes from the bed.
>An almost full-blown changeling looks at you.
>She has a changeling’s horn and wings, and her body has a hard black chitin covering it.
>Two small fangs poke out of her closed mouth.
>Instead of massive chunks missing, however, only small holes dot her legs and ears.
>The carapace on her back is the green of her previous coat.
>She retained her light blue pony eyes, instead of the solid blue ones owned by changelings.
>Orchid still has her mane, but the previously vibrant pink has faded to a more muted tone.
>She has several wires on her chest which attach to a heart rate monitor next to her bed.
>The heart rate monitor softly beeps, keeping a steady rhythm.
>When she sees you, her face lights up a bit.
>”Oh, h-hey Easy. It’s nice to see you.”
>>27746994
Hey, how are you doing?
Any good news?
