Hijack (the CYOA) - Mission 5

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>You push up on the hatch again, the thing giving away with a snap and a crack

>Blearily scanning the deck, you spot your chaperones for this drop off
>The brash Miss Angela
>and the lovely Miss Hartley

>They certainly both look more chipper this morning
>Judging by Angela’s quiet humming
>And Hart’s subtle hip swing.

>You climb out of the comparatively dank cargo hold and get up onto the deck.
>You hang back and let Eights stroll by with a glowing crystal
>As well as put a cannon ball back onto the pile Gerrif was hauling across the deck

>You make your way over to the snapped main mast
>It really was a close one, wasn’t it?
>Maybe when you finish your drop, you can go and give whoever laid that curse on that sweet deer what he deserves
>…
>…A punch.
>To, like, the face.

>Better get back on task
>You take a look back at your lady leaders.
>Hartley hanging over the railing of the ship, gazing out at the approaching harbor city.
>And Angela scrawling some symbols on a few trinket chests

>When all this started, you were real confident
>Nothin could go wrong
>No one could stop you
>But you completely forgot about the whole ‘city’ thing
>Especially a city that you got no clue about…

>Hartley told you that you could count on her for guiding around the city
>But Angela’d probably be awful sore if you didn’t get yer work done.
>She seems like the sort to be all business when it came down to it, and only lightens up when the job’s done.

>But in all your years of workin with idiots and brigands...
>You can tell when someone's got a wild side
>And she seems to be the type to never let it out.

>…Hm
>Wonder what it would be like?
>You tap your chin idly, filling your head with thoughts of the shorty breathing fire and laughing maniacally
>Great image.

>Ah.
>Focus, Butch.
>Who should we talk to first?

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>>27164931
this is only going up so I can run easily tomorrow.
we are NOT live right now

feel free to discuss

QnA is always open though

>>27164954
What do Steel and Tara like do when they spend time together?

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>>27164931

Dat Deer

>>27164954
Steel introducing Tara to his parents mission when?

>>27164931
>>27164954

You're going to run again? Huzzah!!

Speak to shapely deer lady. Maybe she needs to sit astride our shoulders again. Perhaps even facing the other way, this time.

>>27164976
>Tara please don't flirt with my dad
>Sure!
>...or my mom
>Aww

beb

>>27167302

>>27164931
Forgot to vote. Voting for Hartley.

>>27164931

Why not both?

If I have to pick though, I choose Hart.

>>27164963

Steel likes to go around and boop the recruits, and Tara always gets a kick out of making a guard sweat.

>>27164931
I want to get inside the dragon's head.

bumb

>>27169582

>>27170417

>>27171048

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>You decide to start the day easy
>Angela looks busy anyway with her doodlin’
>There’s other times to pick her head and lighten her up.
>But now it’s time to talk to your favorite deer.

>You walk over to where Hartley is hunched over the railing
>Her head is held high, and she sighs deeply relishing the sea air

>You pull your hand up, ready to get her attention when-
>”Morning, Butch!”

>You’re taken aback by her attentiveness
>And fumble over your words
“I- Er… Mornin’?”

>She snickers quietly at your sudden shyness
>And you walk to her side and lean over the railing

>The silence hangs around for a bit

>Lost in your thoughts, you wonder to yerself w-
>Wait
>What are you, a coward?
>Just say it, boy!

“Yer kinda cute”
>”What?”

>Not that, ya damn fool!
>Damage control!

“Y-Y’want me to scoot?”
>”Oh. Uhhh…”

>She looks around the deck’s rails
>And they’re all completely empty
>”I… I guess if you wanna? Doesn’t bother me.”

>You sigh, relieved
>”Well, aside from our ‘dire’ sightseeing arrangements, do me a favor, look out at that beautiful city!”

>You turn your head, but admittedly your eyes kinda glaze over
“It’s a city alright.”

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>”Aw… Don’t be like that! Such a place is one of a kind! The combination of old and new! It’s Meridian!”
“Uh huh.”

>”…It’s famous for a lot of exotic foods~” she sings into your ear
>You can’t help but flick your tail a bit in surprise
“…Food? Like…”

>”Good food. Really good food! Chefs from all over come to Meridian to practice their trade and learn…”
“…Learn what?”

>She looks around, exaggerating a sort of sneaky subterfuge
>”The secret to the finest cuisine on the planet!”

>Suddenly the trip just got way more amazing.
>”But I dunno if that interests you at all, Mister Butch, I-“
>She pauses and starts to snicker
>Probably due to the fact you’re cradling your head in your hands
>Smiling gleefully at the prospect of making even better food

>You’re no amateur
>You’re quite good
>Could have gone professional, even

>But your life has led you to this ship
>With this little deer
>And a big city

>Maybe it won’t be so bad?

>”By the way, Butch…” Hartley asks
>Tapping your shoulder, you retreat from your happy nook and back to the realm of reality
>”You don’t look so good… How did you sleep last night?”

>>27173199
What the fuck is wrong with your eyes

>>27173199

Had the weirdest dream about something preparing to attack me in my sleep....and then it got worse.

Enough about me though Hart, what's that weird writing in your eyes?

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>>27173199
"Couldn't sleep proper. Had some kinda sense of dread. Hey, let me look at you close, you look like you might have something in your eye..."

Also, check'd.

>>27173199
What's wrong with her eyes and how is she suddenly saying all of the right things to mess with us?

>>27173199
We should ask her to to take us somewhere with good food when we have some free time.

It could be a date.

>>27173349

Good point. How does she suddenly know how to push all of our buttons? Did the skull leave some kind of residual effect on her?

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“I… Well t’be honest Miss, I slept right awful”

>You sink into your folded arms on the rail and sigh
>”Wanna talk about it?”

“I dreamt I was gonna be gutted in mah sleep. Then…”

”Oh honey…”

>You shudder
>Hart coos and places her hoof on your back
>”It’s okay. I’m sure Gerrif would never do anything to hurt you.”

>Wait a damn tick.

“-What did you say?”

>She stops her ministrations immediately
>”I- Uh…”
>She backs up slightly, laughing nervously
>”L-Lucky guess?”

>It is then you notice a strange glint in her eye
>Like a passing whisper in the wind

>You bear down on the diminutive deer
>Take her into your big meaty hands
>And stare right into her eyes

“Now just how do you know how to get into mah head? Hm?”

>Normally you wouldn’t be so forward with a lady
>But something ain’t right
>And you don’t like anyone in yer head
>Cept for Richard
>He knows what’s up

>You relent slightly, becoming more aware of your massive figure bearing down on the girl

>And then the dragon stolls on over
>”Alright, Hartley, I got the cargo ready for-“

>She stops in her tracks
>Blinks twice

>”…Uhh. Huh.”

>Hart whimpers out
>”A-Angelaaaaa…”

>In your defense you say one thing first
“She got in my head”

“I mean, she’s… She’s got little thingies in there! Magic thingies?”

>”Mmhmm. Very scientific.” She deadpans as she slides over between you and the imprisoned Hartley

>Angela carefully reaches over to the deer’s face and pries an eyelid back to get a good look
>”I’m… Not seeing anything right now. You sure you saw something?”

>”C-Can you let go of me, please?”
“Not until you’re free of the skull!”
>”You mean the one you smashed on your head!”
“The very sa- oh.”

>Angela sighs and slaps your arm
>”Let her go, Butch. Even if she was under its influence, it’ll end soon. The magic can’t sustain itself without continued use.”

“I- I…”
>But you saw something.
>Something…
>E V I L

>But…
>What should you do?

>>27173730
keep an eye on her and for things that might be able to tell you about the skull/curing her. If it fades, bueno, if it doesn't we'll be prepared.

>>27173730
Fine. But I'm certain I saw red squigglies

>>27173730
"Somethin's got ahold of either her or me, so if you can figure out which, and soon, we'd both appreciate it. I know what I saw."

>>27173730
Fine, but the next time she reads our dreams we're going to find out what's going on.

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“Fine.”

>You set the trembling deer down neatly on her hooves
>…
>And give her a couple pats on the head

“Sorry, Miss Hartley.”

>Angela taps your shoulder
>”A word, Mister Butch?”
>With a voice that grates on the nerves

>Still, you shuffle on over
>And Angela tugs on your horn, attempting to drag it to her level
>You politely oblige, lowering your head

>”Can you NOT try to alarm her? She’s not like you or me. Trinkets will mess her head up something fierce. She doesn’t need to be scared out of her wits!”

“How do you want me to act, Missy? I just had my mind broke into like a- Huh. That feels kinda bad.”
>”…What?”
“No, no, I just had a thought about how- Ah nevermind. Hun. I’m alright. She’ll be right safe with me, and I’ll be an upstandin’ gentlecow.”

>You lean over and growl
“But if she gets up in mah head again, I ain’t gonna be happy.”
>Snort.

>”Fine, fine. I get it. Tell you what, I’ll look into it when I can. Maybe she got cursed again or something.”
>She sighs
>”Just… Let’s touch down, and get her to a specialist. Okay?”

>You open your mouth to reply
>Only to be cut off by Hartley gleefully shouting
>”FINALLY!”

>You look over Angela and the railing, and see that the dock has gotten hilariously closer

>"Looks like we're touching down. By the way, what was your plan for when we finally get shore leave?"

>>27174232
Do I really look like someone who has a plan?

I pretty much just wing it

>>27174232
To eat the most exotic of exotic cuisines, uh not that it has to be something fancy or anything

>>27174232
Spend some time with Miss Hartley. For food. And other things.

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“I don’t plan. Just kinda wing it, y’know?”
>”I… what?”
“Don’t think. Just do.”

>”…How do you even live like that?”

“Well…”

>You feel a sudden weight flop onto your back
>And notice a little deer kicking her way up
>”Mister Butch! We have to get you the BEST noodles ever! WOO!”

>You smile at Angela
“It kinda works like this”

>You turn to Miss Hartley, patting her on the back
“I’d be right happy to have a plate of noodles with you, Miss Hartley.”
>She whoops in response, dangling from your neck

>”…Seriously? I mean I didn’t really plan to-“
“Miss Hartley?”
>”Yes?”
“Miss Angela can come with, right?”
>”Of course! The more the merrier!”

>The dragon scoffs and averts her eyes
>”I didn’t even ask to go! Don’t do that!”

>She turns away, huffing
“You don’t have to go. We’ll just eat all the noodles ourselves, ain;t that right, Miss Hart? “
>”HECK YEAH”

>”You- You guys can’t even read half the signs in Meridian! It’s all draconic!”
“So is that you accepting her GRACIOUS offer, Miss Angela?”

>”I… I…”

>She crosses her arms and huffs


>”…Fine.”

>That’s the spirit!

>With your party set and ready to go, you set out onto the docks
>But not without Angela insiting on leading you through the streets
>You and Hartley wave your goodbyes to the Captain as she converses with the Dock Guards, likely to try and explain why her ship is so heavily damaged and covered in black ichor.

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>It isnt easy
>Traveling in such a packed area is hard enough
>But being double the size of everyone else on average does not help.

>Pushing past the droves of various equestrian citizens of pony and more
>You find yourself slowly dipping into a somehow even denser urban area
>The streets are lined with folks
>The sky is filled with buildings and advertisments
>Most of which you can’t even read
>But stranger still
>This city seems to have some massive hoofball stadium in the back

>Angela, who had been leading you by the nose this whole way turns around, with a smile wider than you had ever seen
>”Stars above, I love being home!”

>You can tell
>Maybe her tough cookie act was all just from a bit of homesickness or the like
>Understandable

>You hold your head high to the sky
>And catch a whiff of something extraordinary
>Or rather lots of something extraordinary.
>Frying oils, nutty hints, and savory scents fill the air
>As well as the cacophony of various cries in draconic and equestrian
>All, what you assume, saying the same thing: “BUY MY STUFF”

>Hartley wiggles on your head anxiously
>”Oooh! I came here hungry but now all I wanna do is go shopping! Maybe pick up a new spyglass, or even get some magical gum!”
>She whines and wiggles upon your shoulders

>Angela on the other hand motions to the streets around you
>”Just look at this place! Isn’t it great?”
>She places her hands on her hips and beams at you
>Before dropping both, and nervously wringing her hands
>"I... I uh, mean..."

>She stands there awkwardly
>Like a brick on a riverbed
>Before adding on

>"If you want anything translated, let me know. And don't get too comfortable! We have a job to do later!"
>She feigns an angry growl

>Well...
>We got time to kill
>And bellies to fill
>What to do, what to do?

>>27174781
pausing here.

>>27174781
Food first. Empty stomachs would just ruin everything else.

>>27174232
>“- Huh. That feels kinda bad.”
>>”…What?”
>“No, no, I just had a thought about how- Ah nevermind. ”

Anyone else suspect that something got into our head again at these lines and we somehow didn't notice?

>>27174781

If cutest deer is going to be playing around in our heads, I say we take this as a chance to have some fun with her. Each time she wiggles around on our head, just think about how her bits are bare and rubbing against us. I imagine she'll look cute flustered.

As for things to do at this moment. I vote for food. Angela and Hartley obviously know of some good places.

>>27174787
night

>>27175481
I vote for this, too.

>>27174781
that picture is tits

>>27175481
Sounds about right

So when do we fuck the deer

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>>27177401
Never

>>27177427
Anon pls don't do this to me ;_;

>>27177401
When we think abotu it.

>>27176816
>>27177035

And when we do, if she reacts to it. Pretend we don't know what she's talking about and boop her. At least early on.

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>>27177471
Never ever.

>>27180238
Hijack promised to make Hartley/Butch lewds at the end of the chapter.

>>27180650
did I?

Huh.

>>27180238
Shaka Shaka

>>27182559
Bampa Bampa

Little in the middle but she got much bump.

>>27174781
OMG @ the artz! Whoa. I'm blown away!

As for the next action, I say we eat, then shop, then eat again!

>>27184934
>OMG @ the artz!
I don't know if like you or hate you.

>>27184978
I know.

>>27174781
Where have I seen this picture before...
http://thebirdiebin.tumblr.com/post/142231917927/this-took-so-fucking-long-holy-shit-if-anyone ... posted two weeks ago.
RAILROADING!!

>>27185129
>we were going to enter the city at some point.
>railroading

>>27184978
OK so I got carried away. But that is one hell of an illustration, it's almost a wall-hanger.

>>27180238
lewd

>>27184978
>OMG
>@
>z
>Post sounds like a 12 year old girl wrote it.
Definitely hate.

http://www.strawpoll.me/10046499

Side Ops will auto resolve the current Mission, progress the story, and give you control of a new character.

>Willow
Follow the griffin on the path of least resistance. Well, that was the intent.

>Steel and Tara: A Crack in Time
A trinket is causing major problems in a distant city, and a unicorn and bat are the only ones that can stop it! Well, actually, they can't. It already happened. A lot did, in fact. Hm. Fix it anyway.

>Resurrection
Play as Tara and try to get back the first friend you ever made. They say a certain town has the specialist you need to solve your friend's "problem..."

Please note, if a side op is chosen, then the current Mission will be closed and autoresolved in the players' favor.

In short, the good guys win, and you will get a synopsis of what happened.

Any sub-quests will be left open and can be addressed at a later time (Hartley's Curse)

If this doesn't sound good, please tell me and discuss what would be a fitting way to close an unwanted chapter of the story.

beb

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guys...

>>27188473
Shit, one over the IP count. Let me fix that.

>>27188473
I have not posted in this thread but I voted. u mad?

>>27188590
same

>>27188396

>>27187305
What is there left to do?

>>27190022
This. If we're almost done there really isn't any point to skip.

>>27190022
You have a few sub objectives
- Finish the trinket delivery
-cure Hart

And one main objective
-find the dreamweaver's Loom

I suppose it could be around the halfway point of the mission, if a little before

>>27190314
Would we really have to end the quest? We've almost reached a natural break point, we could just do meanwhile thing and come back later.

>>27190369
>end the quest

It wouldn't end, we'd just be skipping this mission.

The quest would continue.

>>27190383
Sorry, I meant the mission.

>>27190394
I'm considering this because I have a feeling this mission is a very strong shit/10 on the fun scale so far, mainly due to the player character being unliked by the players.

>>27190412
Pretty on point. Not really enjoying this one, and I really don't like playing as Butch.

>>27187305
If we're going to continue, can I at least vote to change character?

>>27190412
Even if Butch is disliked, it's a shame that we'll be ending the mission and abandoning the characters.

>>27190412
Butch is alright, just a bit too one note for my tastes. I really want to learn more about Hartley, Angela, and the setting of Meridian.

>>27190412
I like Butch, myself. He doesn't afraid of anything and is just what we need versus large evil monsters. Plus he looks pretty good wearing deer type accessories.

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>10 votes for butch
>3 for angela
>4 for hart
>17 total to keep going

>But 11 to scrap it

I honestly have no idea what to do here.

>>27191581
There may be 17-11 to keep going, but it's also 20-10 for not butch.
My first vote was to scrap, but if we have to, switch to Hart would be next.

>>27191608
You should've separated the scrap/continue vote and the character vote since they were 2 different subjects.

>>27191667
This

>>27191581
Frankly I'm surprised there was a vote to scrap at all. I thought we were doing quite well!

It's all down to what you feel like working on, Hijacker. I'm liking this fine as-is, but if the audience is simul-vomitting (aside from myself of course) then just suspend this and try something else. You're the content creator, we're just here to enjoy the show and make our allowed moves to the symphony you're composing.

>>27193551
That is the most fucking retarded drivel I've ever heard. That applies to CYOA so little that anyone who could think that's even close to the way that it works should leave immediately and never come back.

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>>27193605
And you can just fuck right the fuck off, too, me bucko. I wasn't even addressing you, and we're all now stupider for having listened to your BS. The QM is the writer of the story, he creates the possible events, he decides on whatever stupid things the audience suggests that can be salvaged enough to utilize in the story.

In short, the QM is the only important person here, and I'm certain could keep us entertained simply writing his own story. Letting us participate is a privilege.

If you don't believe me, try running one of these things yourself.

>>27193718
Hah! I've run FIVE, one of which was successfully completed and in all that time the one thing I've learned is that you don't QM properly by having a plan. The quest belongs to the player, and the second you forget that is the second that you have failed as QM in entirety.

Fuck off back to DB.

>>27193737
One of five completed, eh? How about you just think about that for a moment. Perhaps a bit of, I dunno, "content", would have helped. Look it up.

Hijacker: I am SO SORRY about this. I won't respond to further attack to prevent further thread-shitting.

>>27193718
>>27194005
Might want to take Hijacker's dick out of your mouth for a bit.

>>27194005
lel, muh QM hug box the post.

>>27194005
As another QM, please kill yourself.

>>27193737

>claims to be a QM without substance to back it.
> downplays QMs importance
Hi psker. How's dB doing?

>>27194161
Never go full retard anon.

>>27194176
where do you think you are, anon

>>27192677

I just caught up on the thread and I don't understand, why is this chapter unwanted and why are people voting to scrap it? I've been enjoying it so far and I think the characters are great. Especially that we just got a whole new exotic city to explore. I havent seen a people complaining. What's the problem?

>>27197669
Personally, I don't find Butch interesting at all, and the only character I remotely care about is Hartley and that's cause of them deer hips.
And the main problem is that the main driving force behind the enjoyable missions of Hijack is entertaining characters, which I personally feel that this mission lacks.

>>27197669
Butch is pretty dull, it's basically been a really slow romp so far with no promise of getting any quick. We can explore the city later with a character we actually care about.

You have shit taste, senpai.

>>27197748

no u

>>27197669

I am also where these sudden complaints are coming from. Is this from when Hijacker streams his quest or something? I don't go in there.

>>27197669
>>27198975
I'm with these two, I don't get it.

>>27199033
As always with hijacker stuff, secret club has its hands in it.

>>27198975
>>27197669
>>27198975
>hijacker doubts himself
>hijacker starts a meta conversation privately
>Everything has the possibility of getting better, so issues and theoretical fixes are presented
>hijacker takes this as confirmation that he sucks and everything he does sucks
>During the meta conversation people convince themselves that there's a problem now that they're actively searching for them

And here we are. That's usually about how it goes.

>>27199051

Well they should get their hands out of it. I don't like the idea of a story I'm enjoying getting turned on it's head because of someone that talks to the quest runner outside of the game doesn't enjoy it.

>>27199051
>>27199085
>muh secret club boogeyman

>>27199107
It's not really a boogieman if it's distinctly what happened.

>>27199070
That's why there's a problem? I'm voting the secret club fucks off and we go full steam ahead with Butch's quest.

>>27199110
I never go to secret club but I agree with all the complaints people are leveling against the quest
I guess a few people aren't enjoying this quest and just needed a trigger to come forward with their complaints

>>27199151

This

>>27199151
It has less to do with secret club and more to do with Hijacker having anxiety problems. It generally only comes up when he brings it up. And people aren't going to just not share their opinions when asked. It'd be the same if he just had a couple buddies that played.

>>27199166
Entirely possible. The point remains that this event was cultured outside this thread when it shouldn't have been. The meta conversation has too much influence over Hijacker just in general.

Yes but guys, every time Hijacker takes advice he fucks his quest up more, so if listening to secret club is making him fuck up the quest already, imagine how much he'll fuck it up when he listens to us and stops listening to them?

Not everyone in Secret Club was telling him to scrap the current quest. Secret Club had a variety of opinions, just like this thread. For example, I basically just suggested that Mike run whatever character, mission, and quest he thought he would enjoy the most. QMing is a hobby, not a job.

My actual opinion is that Butch is dull as hell, but I'll gladly play whatever Mike wants to run.

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>>27199482
>realizing that you called hij by his secret club name ten seconds after posting
I tried.

>>27199151
>I'm voting the secret club fucks off
Good luck. The club was basically founded by hijack.

>>27199594
>The club was basically founded by hijack.
>

>>27199594

>hijack
>doing anything original

Do you want to know how I know you're lying?

>>27200109
These memes aren't funny anymore.

>>27200433

>memes
>not funny
>ever

>>27200595
fuck off res

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>>27200697

>>27199812
>He doesn't know the club was started by hijacker streaming hijack on picarto

>>27199151
I'm with this anon, let's have a good time exploring the new city and not just keep switching mission after mission hoping we'll find some golden perfection. Continuity is important if we want something good to come of it.

>>27201245

I agree. I'd get more satisfaction from finishing a chapter I thought was mediocre than I would from dropping every chapter people decided wasn't great and rendering everything we'd done up until then pointless and a waste of time. And I'm pretty sure that would just lead to people becoming increasingly picky and dismissive of chapters, always finding something to dislike about each one, until Hijacker ran out of ideas and gave up in frustration. Nothing's perfect.

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“It’s a damn near crime to keep a stomach empty for any reason, includin’ shoppin. Let’s get some lunch!”

>You get ready to…
“Uh… Huh.”

>What the holy hell is an eatery ‘round these parts?
>Probably that shop with the-
>Oh, she’s doin’ laundry?
>Maybe you could-
>No… He’s havin’ a smoke or something’

>You stand still in the roving crowd
>Tilting your head in confusion
>Getting a little frustrated even

>Angela chuckles at your struggle, and grabs you by the arm
>”Alright, maybe you should let me be your guide, Like I suggested? I mean, I CAN read this stuff!”

>She drags you to the left over by a low hanging awning
>And points at a sign with cryptic letters scrawled across it
>”See? New-Dulls!”

>…
“I kin read the Eq’estrian, y’know.”
>”Sure you can.”

>Hartley bends over your head and coos
>”If it makes you feel any better Butch, Equestrian is MY second language, too!”

>You rub your temples as the two girls titter at your expense
>All the while hiding the grin on your face
>What?
>It was a tad funny, you’ll admit.
>Ain’t no harm in enjoying it

>Angela parts the curtain to the store, and struts in with utter confidence
>She roars into the dark and murmuring dining hall
>”How ah! Gypsum? Can I get the-“

>She stops dead in her tracks
>And you walk into the dining hall and allow your eye to adjust to the low light
>Instead of a bustling lunch crowd and mirthful patrons you see…

>Several wrathful and angry eyes tracking your every move

>Luckily you’ve dealt with this before
>You secure Hart by placing a hand over her crossed legs and applying a light grip.

>You raise your right arm and flex, allowing your muscles to glisten in the light

“The buck y’all lookin’ at?!”
>An angry growl rises over the patrons as they all return to their meals
>And by return
>You mean nearly collapse into their broths and rice plates.

>Angela is taken aback
>Not by your display
>But by theirs
>”I’ve… I’ve never seen them like this before! Why is everyone so… Cranky?”

>>27201430
Well, in my lengthy experience with this city i can accurately assess that this is the result of a gypsy curse placed upon this township ages past for their unjust persecution of moth mages shortly after the fall of nightmare moon.

or you could ask someone whose been here for more than an hour, ya daft lass.

>>27201463
This is perfect. I adore this Craft

>>27201430
Someone pissed in their cornflakes.

>>27201430
"I dunno, we'll have to ask the server. Let's find us a table."

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“Cranky, huh? If’n I may be so bold as to suggest a reason…”

>Angela looks to you incredulously
>And Hartley cranes her head over your coiffure

>You clear your throat and gesticulate edumacatedly
“In my lengthy experience with this fine city, ah kin accurately ascertain that th’ folks here are OBVIOUSLY under th’ effects of some gypsy curse, or the like.”

>Angela starts “Gypsy cur-“

>And you barrel on through her question

“Likely place upon the fine city in ages past fer their unjust persequestion of moth mages ‘n their kin after the fall of nightmare moon.”

>Angela’s jaw hangs open
>And Hartley taps her chin muttering, “Moth…Mages?”

>Angela, unable to contain her flabber jabber angrily states
>”Okay, did you just have a stroke or something?”

>You chuckle
>That was quite the improve you pulled
>Hart still is working through it
>Poor girl is still stuck on the Moth Mages

“But in all seriousness, hun. Let’s ask a server ‘er someone who’s been around town for some info.”
>”I… I knew that.”

>She looks around quickly, and spots a clear table at the bar
>”Over there. We’ll get quick service. I happen to know the cook, too.”
>You gently take Hart off your shoulders, and she squeaks quietly when you place her upon the barstool

>She thanks you, and you have a seat yourself and wait for the server.

>”Gypsum? Hello?”

>From below the bar, you hear a deep growl come from under it
>And up rises a larger, older dragon
>With long white whiskers
>A dirty head wrap and white apron combo
>And eyes that don’t ever seem quite open

>Angela is visibly nervous, but she asks the server:
>”H-Hi?”

>He stares at you and her
>And lifts a glass from under the table
>And starts wiping it idly.

>”Whassu want?”

"You know why everyone here looks ready to drop dead, or drop kick a fella?"

>He stares at you
>"...You pay, or here talk? Pay customer only."

>>27201975
order something and ask a question while he serves.

I wonder if they have milk.

>>27201975
We came here for some food, but we're quickly reconsidering that.

>>27201975
He's not normally like this, is he?

>>27201975
"Of course we're payin'. What's tonight's special? And while we're deciding, maybe you can fill us in on what's been going on that's got everybody so down."

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“I was gonna be a payin’ customer, but if anything, y’all are askin’ to eat a can of whoop-“
>”Butch, stop.” Angela says, while pressing her hand against your muzzle

>She bows first, and starts to speak to the bartender in a calm, collected, and snarling voice
>He nods and takes out a pad and writes down a few orders

>Just as the two of them finish, you raise your hand, and ask
“Got any mi-“

>He simply ignores you and walks away.
>As he turns the corner to go into what you assume is a kitchen, you decide to ask Angela
“So are y’all dragons jerks by nature, or does livin’ in a city like this make ya that?”

>”Hey! Not all dragons are grumpy!”
“I ain’t seen a civilized one yet, though.”
>”Well… I mean that’s…”

>She fumbles her words and growls at you
>”Okay! Maybe a lot of us are! But not THIS angry! Really! It’s weird! It’s-“

>The door the bartender disappeared past kicks open, and in his hands are a cup filled with a milky white drink, as well as a pair of bowls with noodles sloshing about

>He places the two in front of you
>And surprisingly bows

“The hay?”
>”He’s apologizing. One sec.”

>Angela does her growly thing while you and Hart dig into the noodles
>And Hart seizes the cup immediately, fawning over it
>”Ooh! I LOVE these drinks! They got the little ball thingies at the bottom! It’s great!”

“Really?”
>Ball things?
>Never had those.
>”Go ahead! Try it!”

>She hands the drink over
>The balls on the bottom sloshing around, in a right bit disgusting manner
>Whatever
>You take a sip…

>Its slightly bitter
>But also slighty sweet!
>Not too sweet though…

>But the balls….
>Not sure what you were expecting
>But they are just god awful.
>Not the taste
>The TEXTURE, good gravy

>Who was the dink that decided a squishy chewy thing should be in a drink?
>That’s just wrong.
>You hide your grimace and hand the drink back to Hart
“G-Great.”

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>”I KNOW, right?!”
>She pops the straw back into her mouth and sucks on it lovingly.
>The bartender laughs, and grabs a second cup from under the table
>”Good, Miss? Nice!”
>He starts to fill the cup with more liquid and plops a spoonful of those beads back into the new cup
>”For you. No charge. Pretty lady get drink! Haha!”

>Angela has a seat once more, after doing her bowing dance
>And folds her hands
>Seconds later, the cook arrives once more, carrying a bowl of noodles, this time with gems glittering in the broth.
>She nods and takes the bowl
>And the bartender leans back against the back wall and dips his head
>Almost as if to take a nap.

>Angela begins eating quietly
>And you’re here
>Sitting with a bowl of noodles and some kind of tofu with little green bits in it

>You take a whiff, and savor the smell of the salty broth and what seems to be hints of chicken and green onion
>As well as other stuff you’ve never tasted…
>Probably due to the fact you could almost never steal any decent ingredients.

>You raise the bowl to your lips and sip quietly
>…
>…
>…

>This is pretty good.
>Not gonna lie.

>Angela, after swallowing the longest first bite in the century, sighs in satisfaction
>She turns to you after wiping her mouth and starts to talk in a low voice

>”So he said that recently, a lot of dragons have been feeling incredibly tired and cranky. Sleep isn’t helping any more. The only reason he’s ‘fine’ is because he’s an old dragon. Already got enough sleep or something. What he doesn’t get is why nothing seems to be working. Everyone is just… tired, and he has no idea how to fix it. Heck, some dragons are even going dormant.”

>You slurp up your noodles
"These are really great."
>"I know right? Apparently the miso today is really g-"

>Angela blinks twice and shakes her head violently before hissing at you

"Hey! We need to focus! We gotta figure out what to do here! I don't want Gypsum to sleep through my few visits back home!"

>>27202339
I don't think you understand my skill set.

>>27202339
We were sent to find a trinket that's called The Dreamweaver's Loom and everybodies having sleeping problems. Not much of a mystery there.

>>27202339
Assuming the influence of the thing is strongest nearby it...

"Is there any part of town that seems to be more affected than the rest? Is there an epicenter type zone we can start looking in?"

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“Honey, did asking me what was going on earlier not give a big enough hint?”
>”Uhg, I get that but… I’m…”

>She clacks her claws a bit
“…Freakin’ out?”
>”Am not!” she whines, betraying her emotions.

>The bartender curses at a sputtering spigot
>And lifts what looks to be a large bucket to another large drum
>And begins pouring.

>You chew your noodles a bit
>And look at Angela
“You know… I was supposed to look fer a trinket around here. A dreamweaver’s loom?”
>”A trinket’s causing this?”
“Heck if I know. Though I guess I could be close to the mark? Dunno if a loom with dreams n such has anything to do with SLEEPING problems, but…”

>”If it’s a trinket in this city… That might be a problem…”
”What makes you say that?”

>”…Practically every dragon around has a trinket. We all usually find one. Dragons are collectors at heart! If we had to find a specific one…”

>She pauses in thought
>The sound of steady pouring filling the silence

>”We need to figure out where we’re gonna head next. Or even what to look for…”
“What if its only near it you get all cranky? Ask the bartender if he got anybody talkin about bein near something?”

>Angela nods and proceeds to speak with the tender, albeit with some difficulty
>He appears to be nodding off while pouring.

>”He said that the dragons aren’t the only ones getting messed up in their sleep. Basically everyone who has had that fatigue curse, as he calls it, all have seen some creature in their sleep. Apparently it was holding a knife and a flower, and skin that was scrawled with lines.”

>She leans back
>”Honestly, this is all starting to sound like a curse. And I think I know who might be the culprit, but… One wrong move, and we’ll have pissed off the wrong bat.”

>She finishes her bowl and sighs
>”It’s either that, or we finish our delivery and hope the outpost ponies have more information for us. I mean we DO have that delivery..."
>Angela growls into her bowl with frustration.

>Awfully indecisive, ain't she?

>>27202531
>”…Practically every dragon around has a trinket. We all usually find one. Dragons are collectors at heart! If we had to find a specific one…”

"Trinkets are special things only special people can use".

Celestia blown the fuck out.

>>27202531
Tell her that we've experienced that same dream, back on the ship. So the range of the trinket or curse must be fairly wide. This is a bit troublesome if we were to travel outward and establish the "border" of the effect by asking rural citizens if they've had this problem then triangulate a center point.

Well... After lunch, let's go shopping and explore, maybe we'll stumble across an easier way to locate the source of the problem.

>>27202547
Dragons are just more special than ponies.

>>27202552
Clearly. Don't know why Celestia is so worried about grabbing up collectors when there's a species of candidates a days flight away.

>>27202547
well angela established that anyone can grab and use them, its just they go a little nuts if they use them.

maybe dragons are like they are because they all use trinkets?

>>27202564
A race of nutjobs.
Lovely.

pausing here

>>27201975
>Hartley's thighs have grown to such massive proportions that they consumed our neck

beb

>>27203890

>>27203245

I see no problem with this

Noodle bump

Are noodles substantially distinct from spaghetti, or is it all in our heads?

>>27207544
Spaghetti is thicker in my experience.

>>27207633
This nigga knows his food

>>27207544
Spaghetti is a noodle but not all noodles are spaghetti.

>>27208024

Dude that's some philosophical shit right there.

when is bumping allowed?

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“If it’s a curse, its gota pretty long range.”
>”…What makes you say that?”

”Well…” you start, leaning over the table
>You think back to your dream on the ship
>…
>T-The not touchy one

“I saw some kinda scrawny lookin thing. Mane bundled up in the back and some lines comin; down its face.”
>”Are you absolutely sure?” Angela asks, her voice lowering so as to not draw attention
“Absolutely, Missy. Even had the flower and knife too. I woke up ‘fore anything happened though.”

>”And you said this was last night on the ship, right?”
>You nod slowly and finish off your bowl
>Angela taps her chin, muttering to herself
>And the sound of liquid flowing from a bucket occupies the dead air.

>”That means practically the whole city is at risk! We… We need to consult a specialist or something!”

“A specialist? Who the heck would specialize in curses?”

>Then it dawns on you
>I mean, it dawning on you is not only amazing
>But the fact Angela over here hasn’t realized it yet is just sad

>You can’t help but chuckle
“Ah… Heh. Heheh.”
>”…Butch?”

>You can’t stop yourself
“Heh. Heheheheh. AhHAHA!”

>The bartender cocks his head
>As does Angela

>Your chuckle devolves into howling laughter
>But you manage to cut it immediately
“Hoo boy.” You sigh as you wipe a single tear from your eye
“We’re silly, ain;t we?”
>”What?”

>You lean past Angela and loom over Hartley who is just finishing up her bowl of noodles.
>And in a calm voice, speak to her…

“Hart...?”
>She snorts a bit and look up at you
>”…Yes?”
“Angela and I would might appreciate it if you’d be so kind as to lead us to that one pony that cursed ya.”

>”O-Oh I can handle that myself! Really!”

>Angela, picking up on your vibes, chokes out from under you
>”No going there for you, Hart- RRK”

>She blinks, and licks the soup from her muzzle
>”O-oh geeze, are you two gonna kill somepony?”

>>27210083
The easier you make this on us, the lower the chances that we have to.

>>27210083
It's possible. He's likely either the source or knows how we can find the source of all this.

>>27210083

Just think about how unacceptable it is that someone would pick on such a cutie.

>>27210155
dubs confirm absolute insanity

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“Maybe”
>Hart whines a bit
>”SERIOUSLY?!”
>”Butch!” Angela interjects, giving you a nudge in the ribs

“Alright, alright.” You assure both of them
“No ones getting; killed. We needa go there to get some of his help. Maybe ask a few questions. Kin we do that?”

>Hartley wiggles in her seat and states
>”Well… I wanted to do it myself because.. It’s my problem. But f you two are there for something else, I guess its okay?”

>You sweep her up and tuck her under your arm, like a bit of luggage
“Miss Hart, please! While I think it’s mighty rude to curse such a pretty creature like yerself, I am first and foremost a gentlecow!”

>You strike a justicey pose
>And Angela rolls her eyes
“I would never go against my word if’n I can help it! Even if it means sullyin; the honor of such a cute thing!”

>Poetic

>”You about done, drama cow?” Angela adds
>”I thought it was an excellent performance!” Hart adds, giving you a tiny applause with her free hooves.

>Angela makes sure to pay for the food, and the three of you take off into the streets.
>With Hart’s careful guidance you-
>”Huh. I uh… C-Can we go shopping first or something?”
“I thought you wanted to fix yer curse?”
>”Yeah but I- Well I mean…”

>She wiggles in your grasp uneasily
>And starts to pant, as if feeling an immense amount of dread…

>>27210304
Weelll... Maybe stop in one or two stores to let Hart get hear marbles back, then go. She's too cute to traumatize.

>>27210304

Jam our thumb in her butt. From my experience that calms animals down.

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>Ah hell.
>The poor girl just wants to get some baubles for the ride home
>Might as well
>How long could it possibly take?”

“You betcha, Miss Hart. Let’s get you… Whatever it is y’all get?”
>”Really! Awesome! You’re the best, Mister Butch!”
>She calms down quickly at the prospect of window shopping
>Thankfully, that means you don’t need to use ‘the thumb’

>Angela grumbles to herself
>”This better not take long…”

>…
>…
>…

>”This way, Mister Butch!”
>You lumber on over, moving past the slouching crowd
>Seems like all the folks are getting more lethargic

>And Angela isn’t so dense as to not notice it.
>The whole time, shes been gently gnawing on her talons

>This is the last shop before you put your hoof down
>From what you can tell, the last thing you need is to get afflicted like these folks as well

>You approach the store front, and Hartley scrambles off your shoulders
>”Awesome! It’s still here!”
>She pronks on in, past the darkened foyer

>As you prepare to walk in, Angela grabs your arm
>”Wait!”

“Huh?”
>Angela points up at the sign
>”This is a fine crystal pottery shop. Highly fragile stuff. AND highly expensive. Should you… Really be walking in there?”

>>27210400

...clever girl

>>27210400
You know that saying is a myth right?

>>27210400
Racist.

>>27210400
I'll break your legs

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“What’s the problem?”
>”You’re a bull.”
“And?”
>”…It’s a china shop?”
“I don’t follow.”

>She winces
>And gesticulates at your entire being
>Oh no she didn’t

“Nuh uh, honey, you best not be insinuatin’ that I am the least bit clumsy!”

>You walk up to her and get right into her face, snorting and stamping
“That’s…” you growl
>Really dragging out the sentence

”Racist!”
>”N-No!”

“I’ll be leaving yer racist hide out here in the cold!” you scoff, blowing a raspberry in her direction”
>She fumbles and stutters her words, a strange mix of ‘idiot’ and ‘stop’

>It's fun to mess with her

>Upon entering the store, you close the door behind you triumphantly
>Cutting off Angela's clusmy and stilted apology as well

>Sighing, you turn around and-

>…

>-And you stay absolutely still like a good little cow.

>You scan the quite, musky shop
>Practically every inch of the store is lined to the brim with varying colors and styles of crystal and ceramic dinnerware.
>They're all fine and whatnot
>But you'd be lying if you said you weren't a bit on edge...

>Worse still, even the pathways through this glistening deathtrap of a store are horribly narrow.

>You take a single step, and the floorboards creak under your weight
>And your paranoid eye catches on that merely taking a step rattles the walls and table center stage ever so slightly.
>You wait for the noise to subside and scan the store in full...

>...
>Stars above, you can STILL hear the tinkling of the crystal wares along the entire-
“Why the heck y’all have TWO chandeliers so low?!”

>You clasp your hands over your mouth, as the force of your outburst sends a ripple along all the crystals
>Their fragile symphony reverberating through the store.

>Just as the waves stop, Hart’s chipper voice rings out
>”Butch? Is that you? Can you come over here? I need help grabbing this AMAZING glass egg!”
>You hear her grunt a few times, as if she’s attempting to lift something.

>A bead of sweat rolls down your cheek

>>27210771
pausing here

>>27210771
Close our eyes, and breath out. It's not a china shop, it's just a cramped kitchen. And hell be damned if we're going to not take good care of our kitchenware. Open our eyes and dance through like we're avoiding hanging pans, stuck out handles, and counter edges.

>>27210771
This:
>>27210790
We can be reasonably nimble when necessary. Watch the tail and other protuberances, no wild swinging!

>>27210771
Do we not display finesse and dexterity when applying just the perfect spicing to a dish? Do we not navigate crowded kitchens and galleys with nary a slip not spill? It is time to channel the peace serenity and balance we have honed through our mastery of the culinary arts and move through this store with all the force of aromatic steam wafting from a simmering pot.

Delicate bump

>>27211099
Do this but fuck up at the very last moment

>>27210771
Is that flower looking at us?

>>27213127
It's tendrils are suspicious too, I think it's about to pull some shit, trying to frame us.

beb

>>27210790

This guys got it. It's not a china shop, it's a kitchen with some of the most fancy wares you can imagine. You are in your element Butch, just treat it like it's your own setup.

>>27214197

>>27214197

>>27215034

>>27216537

>>27211089
Particularly, don't perform the Meatspin. It'd be like fore and aft propellers.

>>27217196

>>27219072

>>27219617

>>27220150

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Fuck that plant up. I smell a trap.

>>27222995

>>27222985
Dude what?

>>27224576
The plant is an issue man, you all think we're crazy now, but soon...

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>You take a deep breath.
>Calm yourself
>Sure, you’re among some of the finest dinnerware you’ve seen
>But really, that’s a good thing!

>You have no reason to be afraid!
>You are in your element!

>This store is nothing more than a fragile cookware shop, really!
>You close your eyes
>And sigh
>Reach your happy place…
>Your kitchen….
>Your habitat…

>You also turn that one potted plant over by the door, away from you
>Dang thing looks creepy
>If you weren’t here for Hart, you’d have half a mind to smash it

>…
>…
>…

>What follows is the most graceful and methodical movement you’ve ever made
>You slip and slide and swooce on by various outturned ‘pot handles’ and ‘spatulas’

>In the kitchen, the idea is to keep to the set path
>Avoid dangling bits
>Don't swivel your hips
>And most importantly, tuck the tail!

>Speaking of which, your tail tucks between your legs, right after colliding lightly with an exposed tea pot.

>Through your careful and methodical movements, the store is your paradise, in a sense.
>You walk with confidence through the narrow walkways
>Gently nudging each china bauble
>But not doing anything to truly disturb the foundations upon which they sit

>You take wide berths around corners
>And you tuck your feet so as to not hook any errant chairs.

>”Butch? Can you help?”
“I’d be right happy to, Hartley!” you sing out, continuing your careful romp through the room

>As you move on past, you turn in the outcropping handles in your happy place
>And sort the various spice cups as well
>And just in case, you happen to grab a saucer in case you need to give Hartley a serving of-

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>Wait
>You’re not in a kitchen, remember?

>You open your eyes, dropping the illusion

“Aw hell.”

>You look deeper into the walkway and see a small deer bouncing on her back hooves, trying to leap up to a shelf

>You slide on forward, this time very much more terrified of your fearsome stature
>The shelves buckle and tilt, jostling their contents.

>You try to enter your happy place once again, but the deer you must help needs your full attention, lest you try to cook whatever she's grabbing.

>You continue sliding forward, causing an audible displacement in the shelves around you.

>Unperturbed, Hartley looks to you and dons a huge grin
>”Hi Butch! Think you can grab me that egg up there?”

>You open your mouth to oblige, but something odd happens

>Your wide frame appears to be lodged deep inbetween the shelves
>And your arms are extremely limited in movement
>Capable of bending at the elbows, and nothing else
>You touch your hands to each other and flex a bit
>Testing the amount of girth you are permitted

>…

>Seems to be fine
>You open your stance a slight bit and-

*CREEEEEAAAAK*


>Okay, maybe not.

>”Butch? Are- Are you stuck?”

“Well, I uh…”

>Well, technically, you can still move your arms a bit
>Just not their shoulder position

>You crane your head around
>The shelves are bolted down, so they cant tip over completely
>But judging by the sound
>It seems they can easily tilt around and dump their contents onto the marble floor of the store.

sorry for the micro, shit got wild today.

hopefully a full session can go tomorrow

>>27225145
Can we back out and try to come in sideways? Remember to exhale.

>>27225145
>>27225172
As much as we might hate to do it, it's best just to concentrate on an exit. We best swallow our pride and have Angela get that egg for Hartley. If we can even move that is.

>>27225145
Can we make a foothold for hartley?

Our arms look like they're free enough.

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>>27225145
Concentrate, back into happy place, back out. Return to reality, turn 90 degrees to the right, and slde in sideways next to the deer, reach up with left arm behind her and carefully retrieve her egg.

>>27225145

Back up and let her climb on us again. She can just use us like a mobile ladder, and we don't risk breaking anything.

>>27225145
>"err maybe"

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>>27225145
I don't think there should be vines growing all over the place.

bub

>>27228971

>>27225145
I WOULD be for this:
>>27225941
but I worry about her curse kicking in.
Turn sideways and lift the egg down. Keep an eye on the plant tendrils, I suspect they mean us ill.

beb

tendrils bump

>>27231743

>>27233231

>>27164920

>>27233231

>>27234381
>>27234383
>>27234393
Impressive coordination. Do you practice in the off season?

>>27234522
We're the Olympic team.

>>27230489

The problem is, it looks like it already has.

Notice the vines growing across the store? Those are likely from the Undertale reference we saw when we entered.

Uncoordinated bump

believe in yourselves

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had to return a lost doggo

session will begin a bit later today

>>27237239
Hang in there pupper

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>Well
>The bad news is that you are not gonna be able to consciously help Hartley out
>Not like this

>You take a deep breath
>And try to enter your happy place once more…

>”Butch? What’s wrong? Why are you- HUH?!”

>You feel the pressure on your shoulders lighten as Hart’s voice is drowned out by the peaceful noises of the new and improved happy place

>The crust of a pie crackles gently as you remove it from the highly placed oven
>And you traverse your mind kitchen with utmost grace

>In the distance, you can hear a faint voice
>”Thanks Butch! Wait where-“

>And you keep on moving through the kitchen

>It isn’t until you feel something soft climb up on your shoulders does the illusion falter, if ever so slightly.

>Additionally, your ankles keep getting tangled in these blasted food processor cables!
>You normally keep a way cleaner kitchen than this!
>And these tongs need to stop making grabs!

>Suddenly, you spot the sous chef ahead
>he looks up at you and opens his mouth
>But in the happy place, your mind is clear and the kitchen is rife with the sounds of peaceful cooking
>You gently nudge him to the side as you continue your journey with the cake

>…
>Wait…
>Wasn’t it a pie?

>>27237780
It was a "those 'cables' are going to fucking ruin everything."

>>27237780
Obviously the jealous chef stole your pie.
Get it back.

>>27237780
Wake up.

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>Wait
>Cables?
>Sous chef?

>None of this-

>Your hoof lands on a 'cable,' and a squelching noise fills your dreamworld

>Your eyes snap open, and your hearing returns in full
>You feel a very distressed Hartley, tapping your head fruitlessly
>”-nd why did you just push the zebra pony?! Butch!? Butch! Answer me! Stop scaring me like this!”

“I- I er…”

>The quiet clop of hooves can be heard directly behind you
>And in fear of jostling anything nearby, you stand completely still
>A zebra mare walks into view, her eyes blocked by sunglasses, and a small slower adorning her hair
>”Oh, NOW you stop. You paying attention, stupid tau? Or whatever you’re called? Think you can step off the hibiscus? It hurts, you know.”

>She stands in front of you, blocking your path

>>27237923
>stupid tau
ANGRY

>>27237923
"I would like to purchase this egg."

>>27237923
Look at our surrounding.

>>27237923
"Sorry, we didn't mean to hurt your plant. May we purchase this egg?"

>>27237780
>happy
Why didn't anybody call you out on railroading? There was clearly only one vote for the happy place.

>>27237923
Apologies. I was in my happy place.

>>27238073
Why did no one call Hijacker out on using multiple non-conflicting commands during a single update? If you want to claim railroading show what the winning option should have been and how it was conflicting.

>>27238168
All I see is happy place. We have no idea what he physically did.

>>27238189
Picked up Hartly and the egg and tried to leave. >>27237923 was part of the same update. No idea why it took him so long to post it but he takes like an hour to update so it wasn't a new update.

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“Sorry Hart, was in muh happy place.”
>”Happy place?! You could have hurt someone! Why did you go to a happy place?!”

“Well… I get… nervous around a buncha breaky stuff. Gotta move freely, y’know?”
>”I-… Why did you come in here?”

>To prove miss dragon wrong
“T’ help y’out like I said.”

>Hart clasps her hooves together and lays her head on ther legs
>”Awww!~ What a gentlecow!”

“I aim to pl-“

>Your back-n-forth with your favorite deer is interrupted by the irate zebra before you.

>”Well? What’s your deal? Why are- can you PLEASE get off the vine!?”
“In mah defense, I was getting outta mah happy place.”
>”…Just move.”

>You look down and see your hoof utterly demolishing the green tendril
>As you retract your hoof, the tendril shivers and shrivels.

>The zebra, still scowling at you with those pitch black shades leads in with the next question
>”So? Are you going to leave now?”

>”No way! I came here to get this EGG!”
>”Egg?”

>You hold it up and tap it lightly
>Her ears twitch slightly in response, and she cocks her head

“Yep, this glass egg right here.”

>”…Glass Egg, huh?”

>The puts a hoof to her chin and walks away, through the aisle, her hooves clopping against the marble floor
>”Just… It’s on the house. Gratis. Take it for free.”

“Free? That’s mighty generous of ya”
>She chuckles
>”Yeah whatever. Just get out of here already.”

>Hart nearly falls off your shoulders, trying to get her attention before she disappears around the corner
>”Wait! Where’s Faberge?”
>”…Huh?”

>”Faberge? The owner?”

>The zebra pauses a moment and puts her hoof to her chin
>After a brief delay, she states plainly
>”Faberge… Is out for the week. I’m filling in.”

>Hmmm
>The owner probably is suffering from the same affliction the rest of the dragons are suffering from.
>”Aww” Hart states
>”I really wanted to talk to the old girl… She was so nice to me!”

>Your gracious host rounds the corner, but not before pointing to the now open door.
>“Now get out before we drag you out.”

>>27238215

>>27225172
Back out
>>27225360
Leave entirely
>>27225615
Be a ladder
>>27225643
Happy place
>>27225941
Back out and be a ladder
>>27226685
Watch the plants
>>27230489
Back out and watch the plants

Getting the egg was the goal, she climbed on our back in an attempt to stop us, and leaving was to get Angela to help. Instead we were shoplifting.

>>27238244

here's the play by play

happy place

back out

come back in sideways

hartley climbs up

you grab the egg

you were walking over the vines (trying to anyway)

hartley is like "ok" until you push zebra

back to reality

>>27238292
Fair enough.

>>27238216

Who's 'we'? Does she really work here? Who just gives away merchandise for free?

>>27238216
Obviously there's weird shit ahoof, and it may relate to our quest. Leave the store, then sneak around it and spy in windows. We can be Hart's butt-hoist as she peers in.

>>27238216

So am I the only one that thinks she was wearing the sunglasses for a reason? Like maybe to hide magical rune writing in her eyes?

>>27238573
Well, it's pretty obvious she's connected to the plants, so there's some sort of magic bullshit going on.

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“And who is ‘We?” you ask, almost impatiently

>The zebra does a little shrug and looks over her shoulder towards you
>”Our new security system.”

“Somehow I doubt that. Do you even work here? And even if you were, who just gives merchandise for free?”

>She stops in her tracks
>”I’m a big evil monster waiting to pounce you the moment you turn your head and eat your beating heart out of your chest.”
>You can’t help but cock your head in confusion
>She shakes her head, laughing
>”Idiot” she restates.

>Snort.

“Hartley?”
>”Yes Butch?” she coos, looking at the glass egg in her hooves
“Like whatcha got?”

>She nods

>With that, it's time to take your leave
>There’s clearly some magical nonsense floating around here
>And now is not the time to get into a fight

>You readjust Hart and the egg, letting her rest it upon your head.

>Graciously, and carefully, you nod your head
“Many thanks, Miss...?”

>”Just go already.”

>You sidle your way out of the cramped shop and back into the streets
>Instead of seeing Angela, right where you left her, you instead catch her walking back from across the street

>”Hey! Nice egg, Hart!”
>”Thanks! The nice zebra lady gave it to me for free!”

>Angela looks back at the store
>”Zebra?”
>Hartley nods, and starts wrapping the egg carefully for proper transportation.

“Yeah. Real creepy-like.” You add, motioning for Angela to come closer
>You whisper to her
“I’m pretty sure that zebra is up t’ somethin’. Weird magical vines n stuff in there, and a missin’ store owner? Non’a it smells right to me.”

>”That’s… that;s a problem… “
“Yeah, I know, I don’t wanna be getting; in there with all them breakables. Might get a nasty cut, y’know?”

>She punches you in the shoulder
>”Not that, you dingaling. I’ve been asking around about the sleeping sickness hitting all the dragons, and I got a few tips saying that there’s a batpony curse specialist around the city. Might be worth talking to.”

>The two of you sit in silence

>”Well… What do you think?”

>>27238785
We are in the market for a certain batpony curse specialist.

>>27238785
Weren't we on our way to help Hartly out before she tried to avoid it with shopping? Let's continue.

>>27238785
"Well then I guess we better not dawdle around, unless anyone wants to find out more about the weird zebra. Let's go find the curse specialist?"

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>>27238829

>Alright
>Best solution

"Hart?"
>"Huh?"
>The tiny deer trots to you and Angela, her egg securely packed in a saddlebag

"Time to go get you cured."

>Her eyes go wide, and she slams back onto her flank
>"W-w-wait! But. we- we uh... We can't!"

>Angela cocks her head to the side, and asks quite abrasively
>"What? Why the heck not?"

>"B-Because, uh..."

>She swallows hard, and beads of sweat roll down her face.

"Listen, Hart, I..."

>"Fine! I didn't tell the whole truth!"

>Huh?

>She buries her head into her hooves
>"The bat the cursed me, didn't do it out of spite! I- I-..."

"You...?"

>"I STOLE FROM HIM TOO!"

>...
>...
>...
>Is that it?

>You turn to Angela
"Do you... Actually care?"

>She shoots a toothy grin your way
>"Not even in the slightest. Thanks for telling the truth though, Hartley."

>She wipes her brow

>"I... I uh... May have also done some OTHER things too... B-But that;s for later! Really!"

"So you know this here bat pony?"

>"Yes, but he's a slippery one. You'll need his sign, and an offering. We need to meet at the Cavern Reach's more-"
>Her expression darkens, and her voice deepens
>"-Illicit tables. "

>Alright.

>There are a few questions that might be worth asking now.

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>>27238981
>”Oh! I forgot to mention! I, uh, can’t be seen in the bar. Not normally, anyway.”
“I’ve been banned from a ton of waterin’ holes m’self, I understand.”

>”But that’s why I brought THIS!”

>She places a bit of fabric over her head and secures it
>It’s a tight fitting cotton hat of sorts with a small brim, adorned with a ruby red flowery facade

“Very pretty, Miss Hartley.”
>”Thank you, Mister Butch!~” She gives a small loop, showing off her new hat.

>She sits down next to her saddlebag and fishes through it idly
>"I know you've never been to the bar before, but I even have a disguise for you two, too! Heh."

"Really?"
>"Yeah, really? Whatcha got?" Angela adds

>"Take your pick! Do you want to be fancy, intimidating, or ethnic?"

>"Ethnic? Grrr... Hart, what did I say about-"

>"C'mon! Take your pick!

http://www.strawpoll.me/10098259

>"Remember, we're gonna be getting into some seriously dark parts of the city, the kind that only the most seedy of criminals can stand! Not that I'm seedy or anything - I mean."

>Huh.
>You always thought you looked what the chillins call 'thug'
>But...
>Hart's just so adorable when she's worked up

>Would it really hurt to bite?

pausing, by the way

>>27239142
Thanks for running, Hijacker, goodnight.

bump-a-rump bump-a-rump

>>27239131
Ain't nothing wrong with a bull in a tux.

>>27239131
Hartley a cute
A CUTE

beb

>>27242594

>>27239131
We can play bodyguard.

>>27239131
I really wanted to see ethnic dragon and mino costumes.

>>27243482
If you guys want you can pick who wears what

>>27243736
Just Butch and Angela or Hartley too?

>>27243861
Hartley currently has "Fancy" equipped, so you CAN change her clothes, but she's just so fancy right now, I'm not sure why you would.

As for butch and angela, you can pick those too.

>>27243894
Can we see samples?

>>27243908
lelno

>>27243908
normally I'd say yes, but that would ruin the surprise

>>27243894
Now that I think about it a Minotaur in a tux is both fancy and intimidating.

>>27243894
I'm amused by the idea of fancy deerbutt prancing in with both Butch and Ang flanking her in tuxes.

>>27243894
Let's do fancy all around then.

beb

Am I the only one growing a little concerned about Hartley's past and what she did to piss off so many people? If she's legitimately evil or some shit it could be dangerous to go in starting trouble on her behalf.

>>27245707

I am okay with my new cute evil overlord.

>>27245707
I'm not completely free of suspicion, I am more concerned with that "egg" she is now carrying.

>>27245212

>>27246379

>>27247082