Heart of War: Thread 7- The Odyssey

(Reposting beginning of act VI)
>>27849158
>…
>Conscious once more, you gasp for breath, only to start coughing violently.
>It’s dark, and you’re lying face down on a bed.
>An actual bed, not a hard naval cot.
>As your coughing dies down, and your breathing starts stabilizing, you roll over.
“AHHH damnit!”
>When pressure was placed onto your back, a tremendous pain shot through your torso, prompting you to sit up.
>You can hear the sounds of the ocean outside, but the room you’re currently in is lit only by a couple of oil lanterns.
>To your immediate right is a wooden wall, in the center of it lie many small glass windows.
>There’s no light coming through, so it must be in the nighttime.
>To your left is a small bedside table, past that a pair of closets.
>On the table is a canteen, which you promptly grab.
>Removing the lid, you sniff the contents.
>Odorless.
>Testing it, you find that it’s water, so you start drinking.
>After chugging over half of it, you take it away from your mouth.
>Every single muscle in your body aches.
>Looking back to the room, on the far wall you see a desk with various papers on them.
>It’s too dark to make out what is what.
>The desk is flanked by a cabinet on each side, both closed.
>The left wall of the room is solid wood, save for the double doors in the center.
>A couple weapons are decorating the wall next to the doors, mainly swords.
>They appear to be rather gilded, based off of the reflections from the scarce lights.
>And in the center of the room is a circular table.
>A lantern atop it illuminates a map of the known world and other various naval charts and tools.
>Looking down to inspect yourself, you find that you’re now in dry clothes.
>Shirtless, but almost the entirety of your torso is covered in bandages.
>A breeze enters the room as one of the doors opens.

>>27881837
>The room is also better lit, as the pony entering it is carrying a bright lantern.
“Tiara…”
>So this is the Captain’s cabin aboard the Avalon.
>”You’re awake; I thought I heard noise coming from in here.”
“What happened?”
>”The ship’s powder magazine went up, we saw you jump off before the explosion, and a pair of pegasi fished you out of the water. That was over thirty hours ago.”
“How bad was I?”
>”The ship’s doctor said you suffered second and some third degree burns to much of your back, more than a few shards of wood were lodged in there as well. And the blast left you with a minor concussion, and you were under the water for about two minutes. The doctor didn’t expect you to survive more than an hour.”
“I’ve had worse.”
>She places the lantern on the center table, then starts approaching the bed.
>You shift your body so that your legs can touch the floor.
>And you attempt to stand up.
>Attempt being the appropriate word, as your right leg falters.
>Your knees were already starting to constantly ache, and the shockwave did nothing but weaken them further, hopefully only temporarily.
>Before you impact the ground, she quickens her pace and catches you under your right arm.
>For the slightest moment you both don’t move, staring each other down from a more level position.

>>27881837
>Reposting

>>27881840
>Then you use her back as a brace to help you stand.
“Thanks.”
>She doesn’t miss a beat in going back to explaining what happened.
>”Once the doctor did everything he could for you, I had you moved into here. Given your injuries, we thought it best for you to have a proper bed to recover in.”
“You said I was out for over thirty hours, does that mean?”
>”You missed a full day, and we’re nearing sunrise.”
>As you begin to walk towards the doors, she continues to speak.
>”And you should know, we’ve officially entered dangerous waters. This is about as ships can go without running the risk of ‘mysteriously’ disappearing.”
“That means we’re not even a fifth of the way there….”
>Each step you take, each breath, and every movement (no matter how small) is extremely painful for you.
>It’s entirely possible that the only thing keeping you alive is sheer force of will.
>Reaching down to open the door, her voice stops you.
>”Hey!”
>You turn back, and instinctively catch what she threw at you.
>”There’s your shirt.”
>You grin slightly.
“Thanks.”

>>27881844
>As you step out onto the deck, you are drawn into your thoughts.
>It’s a good thing that they got to you as soon as they did.
>You’d guess that you didn’t actually lose that much blood.
>That’s what puts you out of commission the most, seeing as nothing in this world can donate blood for you to use.
>You should have thought out your attack more.
>Saddle Arabian ships, pirate or otherwise, are often filled with as much gunpowder as possible.
>It’s based off of their naval doctrine.
>They prefer to keep their ships with more offensive capabilities, even if that means tighter crew conditions and less storage for other necessities like food.
>Even their lightest ships have considerable hulls to offset the increased powder supply, but hull size doesn’t do much when the hold is lit from internal issues.
>Their modus operadi is to have a secure frontline with ships to slowly advance into further waters.
>Then with their front secured, it leaves the waters behind them free for supply convoys to move at will.
>Overall they treat naval warfare as if it were on land.
>That’s how you bested their navy in previous wars.
>You made that connection, and suggested to the admirals to use schwerpunkt style spearheads on their ‘flanks’ to encircle the front line ships, and cut them off from convoys.
>The bottom line in the present is that you sacrificed strategy for tactics.
>By rapidly changing the ship’s course, it served your short term needs of keeping the crew off of you.
>But assuming that the explosion wasn’t intentional…
>It’s your fault and your fault alone, that you let yourself get injured when you need to be in your best condition.

New stuff starts here
>>27881848
>God you feel so weak.
>You’re an old man, beaten and broken.
>Walking forward, you head to the foremost mast.
>The cool air of dawn was blowing against you, and the hard wood was rough against your bare feet.
>Around you, the crew is shuffling about, preparing for another day at full mast.
>As you reach the mast, you sit down on a crate lying next to it, then lean over to place your right shoulder on the mast itself.
>You then rest your head against the wooden pillar as well and close your eyes.
>Why are you here?
>And you don’t mean ‘why are you on this ship’.
>What’s the point of this?
>Is this Hell?
>Purgatory maybe.
>Because it sure isn’t Heaven.
>You started an act 26 years ago, and never stopped.
>At the end of the day, you’re a liar- a fraud.
>Your eyes crack open, and you see the sun peaking over the horizon.
>What have you even made of this so-called ‘life’?
>What point does all of the fighting serve?
>Every justification for every death you’ve caused, and look at you now.
>How many people were on that boat the other day?
>A hundred, two hundred?
>Those that didn’t die instantly from the explosion were just doomed to drown or feed the sharks in the open ocean.
>And you’ve been doing similar ever since you arrived here.
>What gives you the right to play God?
>No, that’s not even correct.
>God creates, you take.
“Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
>You say to yourself quietly.
>Be it by your hand or your orders, how many have you killed?
>More sentient beings have died in the conflicts you’ve taken part in, than in the rest of this world’s collective history combined.
>Now you’re going to face some horror that you barely know anything about.
>Some great corrupter.
>An indescribable foe that Discord himself failed to deal with at his peak.
>But if you kill the most powerful entity in the world, what does that say about you?
>You shouldn’t return from this voyage.

>>27881851
>The sounds of the ship were soon overshadowed by something else.
>You just had to teach the crew shanties.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fVQwzv5Qfc
>But you should leave.
>Leave all of this, when it’s time.
>It’s taken decades, but now you realize something.
>You’re not a soldier; you’re not even a man.
>You’re just another monster that plagues the world.
>The other day you batted away a fifteen foot shark like it was nothing.
>You’ve wrestled bears and won handily.
>Dragons tremble at the mere mention of your name.
>And armies turn tail and run rather than risk facing you.
>Celestia might not be in her right mind, but she was correct to exile you to the far corner of Equestria.
>Contemporary society may vindicate you, but as the years pass you’ll eventually be known as the single deadliest organism to ever have existed.
>A man who tossed millions into the meat grinder.
>What would this world look like today, if all of those who died from your actions had lived?
>How much potential was lost?
>What medical, scientific, or magical advancements will never exist because of you?
>How many people don’t exist because their potential parents died in your crusades?
>But you can take solace in one fact.
>That from this point on, there are only two more lives you have to take.
>And after you take that last one, then assuming this isn’t Purgatory or Hell, you can be on your way.
>If you remember Dante correctly, you should end up nicely in the eight circle.
>No, the ninth circle, 4th round.
>Closest to the center.
>This world took you in, and look what you made of it.
>At least the crew has stopped singing.
>Standing from your position, the pain returns throughout your body as you leave your moment of clarity.

>>27881855
>…
>”No backtalk in my dojo!”
“Sir, isn’t this unsafe?”
>”Don’t make me repeat myself!”
“Yes Sir!”
>You say shakily.
>”Now tie. The. Rope!”
>Offense brought you to the top of the palace.
>He flew up with you, and is now having you balance on the tip of a tower’s cap.
>He’s standing on the nearest one.
>His wings are tucked tightly against his beige body, and his dark brown mane and tail are flowing in the wind.
>He instructed you to stand on a single back leg, just as he is.
>Then he tossed a rope to you, and told you to tie it around your wings.
>”Get on with it!”
>You toss the rope around your torso, and tie it.
>”Tighter.”
>You do as he says.
“What exactly is the point of this?”
>”You’re skilled Thunder, but undisciplined. This is to make you find your center.”
“How long will we be up here?”
>”Till sundown, maybe through the night.”
>The sun just rose…
>”Every time you fall, just means you have to try again the next day. And with every failure, it will become harder. This wind right now? It’s the easiest you’ll get. If you fail today I’ll have my men make it rain. Fail then, and it will storm the next. And you get the picture from there. But, today I’ll let you come back up. You’ll still need to complete it tomorrow though…”
“He’s mad.”
>You say under your breath.
>”Yes I am, but I have good hearing. Now quit talking in my dojo, worm!”
>…
>”GET BACK UP HERE!”
>…
>”OFF. THE. GROUND. SOLDIER!”
>…
>”Gravity is for the weak.”
>For every time you fell (and there were many), the Brigadier stood there unfaltering.
>At least there was a pair of pegasi standing by to catch you.
>However Offense said they wouldn’t be present tomorrow…

thank you for the postings

>>27881857
>Eventually he let you go for the day.
>After getting an icepack, you were walking through the palace hallways, when you heard Offense’s voice from a parlor.
>”And he actually tied his wings! The look on his face was priceless.”
>You then hear Brairheart speak.
>”You really just wanted to see how far he’d go.”
>”Yeah, but I still haven’t thought of a way to top your goat though.”
>”What part of ‘never speak of it again’ don’t you understand?”
>Wave’s voice can then be heard.
>”You know he’s standing right outside in the hall.”
>What?
>How does he know that?
>Offense then addresses you:
>”Come on in then kid.”
>Entering the doorway, you see the three officers sitting around the room in various chairs.
>Offense is nursing a glass of whiskey, Brairheart is reading some book, and Wave is sharpening a knife.
>”Before you say anything, yes about half of the ‘tests’ are just excuses to mess with you.”
“Just… why?”
>”Why not? Also, there’s no need to head back out there tomorrow.”
>Wave then takes over.
>”I don’t understand it either.”
>And back to Offense:
>”Oh, but Thunder, I’ll need you to bring ten- no, eleven oranges to the meeting room tomorrow.”
“No!”
>”You’re right, lemons would work better! And make it a dozen.”
>This is your life now.
>You could have refused; you could have stayed in the Crystal Empire with your wife, but no…

It's currently 6 am, and I haven't slept yet. More coming tonight.
>>27881861
>…
>Between your outlook, the pain of your injuries, and alcohol, the days have started to bleed together.
>It’s been five?
>NO, four days since you woke up after the battle.
>You still can’t sleep on your back, or even lean back in chairs.
>And your bandages need replacing every day.
>But when you awoke on this particular day, the crew seemed… off.
>On deck, they didn’t sing a single shanty; instead they went about their duties in almost complete silence.
>And when off duty they didn’t drink or gamble.
>At all.
>The way some of them looked out towards the waters…
>You suppose that it’s just the situation they’re in.
>As sailors, they probably know the legends surrounding these waters much more than you do.
>But the trend continued when you had dinner with the officers.
>Aside from when you spoke and received short answers, not a single word was spoken.
>And they insisted on having as many doors and windows open while inside of the dining room.
>It doesn’t take a genius to know that something is wrong.
>The real question is ‘what?’
>And (of course) it’s up to you to find out.

>>27881864
>More coming tonight
fuuuuuuck you

please keep it coming
i am a weak welp

Up from page 8 with a request.

Flurry needs a good Rutting.

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>>27883020

>>27883020

>>27881864
rip

>>27886020

>>27887680

>>27882347
Nothing if not determined

>>27890436

page 9

How about we try and talk a little about the story and what we think of it so far?

What part did you like the most?

Is there anything in the story that has you puzzled?

I find it strange how one single human managed to pretty much corrupt the entire world and spread war and death without even trying.
Can someone remind me if it was mentioned in the story that this is what the human wanted to do - become a soldier and go to war and defend Equestria - when he ended up in Equestria, or if he was practically forced to partake in everything that has happened?

>>27883020
>>27891619
>>27892749

>>27893523

>>27894160

>>27895548

>>27896331

>>27897362

I've got all of tomorrow set aside for writing. sorry, yesterday I was drunk, and I got caught up in a (still ongoing) debate with one of my friends tonight

>>27891854
i like the part where we invade the east

i'm too drunk to remember confusing things right now

in thousands of years, there have only ever been a small handful of bad guys, and they just exited a thousand solid years of peace

anon was just a normal anon, he used his internet knowledge to become a warmonger in a world that pretty much only knew peace

>>27891854
I liked the part where anon rode Frederik's magnificent ass into battle and I also enjoyed the dream sequence.
Going to the east has me worried for anon's faith! (He'd better not die)
And I forgot what the other conversation topics were because small ass screen on mobile filled by the reply box so...Good conversation!

>>27897739

>>27899364

10

>>27901811

>>27902387

>>27903204

>>27900978

>>27904591
again

>>27904994

Content coming within a few hours

>>27905840

>>27905840

another bump

Bump
>we must save this thread from the glimmerfag shitpost invasion.

You will not die this day

>>27906591
First we survive a scruffying, now this.

Posting as I write tonight, more soon
>>27881864
>As you began planning on discreetly interrogating the crew, you noticed something.
>The almost empty bottle in your hand.
>Okay, how much of these seemingly out of character actions was really you just being constantly drunk for the past four, or was it five, days?
>Is this the real life?
>Alright, new plan: let it get out of your system, observe crew tomorrow.
>Walking through the inner workings of the ship, you made your way to your cot.
>Setting the bottle of rum aside, you sat onto the small bed.
>Then let yourself collapse backwards onto it.
“GAh, Damnit!”
>You spring back up immediately as a jolt of pain goes through your back.
>At least the rest of your body isn’t in constant pain.
>Aside from your knees, which are back to normal, maybe just slightly worse than before the explosion.
>But that might just be the alcohol.
>It’s probably the alcohol.
>Tomorrow morning should be fun.
>Reaching down, you unlace your boots before kicking them off.
>Then you lay face down onto your cot, with your right arm hanging off of the side.
>You close your eyes, and start listening to the ocean outside.
>But just as you drift to sleep, you could swear that you hear something… else.
>…
>You’re standing in the middle of a dense forest; by the looks of it you’d assume it’s the Everfree.
>Looking down, you see that you’re wearing a set of camouflaged fatigues, and you have your sword ready in your right hand.
>You immediately sheathe it, because you can tell that you’re dreaming.
>Might as well enjoy the ride while it lasts.

>>27907080
>>27906840
Your grace I've held your thread, all I ask is a title and land.

>>27907130
For your long service to these threads, I name you Viscount of Bumping, a modest estate in the south known for its vineyards. In this realm, there is no greater honor than being gifted a personal and unlimited supply of alcohol. Use it wisely. And don't dare try to rise up, or join a faction to lower crown authority, I've got a humble spymaster just waiting for an excuse to toss more souls into the oubliette
>>27907080
>You can just make out a small path in the brush, so you start following it.
>Around you, you can hear the sounds of forest life as birds, insects, and small mammals go about their daily routine.
>The sun is high in the sky, but as far as you can tell, isn’t moving.
>Makes sense, seeing as this is a dream.
>The best part about it, is that you feel as physically fit as you were in your mid-late twenties.
>No burns over your back, and your knees are free of any pain.
>Soon you hear a sound that is more than just a small woodland creature.
>You hear large paws stalking you from the brush… and panting?
>Whistling towards the forest, a large and familiar manticore comes charging out from behind a large bush.
>He immediately tackles you, and starts licking your face.
“No, no-“
>You’re cut off by the tongue.
“Frederick, nein!”
>He stops his assault.
“Good boy.”
>You start getting back onto your feet, and as you stand, Frederick runs further down the path.
>As you work your way through the forest, you soon come to a clearing.
“Well shit.”
>You find yourself looking at a lodge identical to the one that Discord put you in while you were fighting the parasite for control of your subconscious.
>You inhale sharply, seeing as that can always force you to wake up from any dream you’re in.
>But you remain in the clearing.

>>27907223
Thank you my lord and only lord, my bump is forever yours

>>27907223
>No, not again.
“Discord! Show yourself, I know you’re behind this.”
>Aside from a slight breeze picking up, noting occurs.
>What did you name the person that the parasite took the form of?
>Right!
“Steve, buddy, you here for round two?”
>Again nothing happens.
“That’d be quite a feat seeing as you’re dead and all… or at least expelled from my mind.”
>Towards the lodge, you can see Frederick clawing at the front door.
>He’s a manticore.
>In the dream/coma he was a dog.
>And the lodge wasn’t in the Everfree.
>Maybe this is just a normal dream.
>You begin walking towards the lodge.
>Nothing out of the ordinary happens, although you’re not quite sure what you’re expecting.
>Reaching down, you open the door.
>And Frederick runs into the building, sitting patiently for you to enter as well.
>Well, if this is a normal dream, you might as well enjoy it.
>You enter the lodge, and start walking towards the kitchen.
>Reaching the refrigerator, you hear Frederick whine.
>So you reach into the freezer, and pull out a steak, then toss it to him.
>He catches it out of the air and begins devouring it.
>Meanwhile, you open the other door to the fridge and grab a can of beer.
>Cracking it open, you take a long gulp.
>”Anon!”
>A familiar figure runs into the building after you.
“Discord, there you are. Wake me up, now!”
>”But there’s the question: am I the real Discord, or just a creation of your subconscious?”
>He looks and sounds incredibly distraught.
>”I mean think about it, I know that I’m self-aware, but is that only because I’m a faithful recreation of the ‘me’ from the real world.”
“Discord, slow down and listen carefully.”
>”Okay.”
“I don’t care about your existential crisis.”
>”Have you no heart?”
“Is Steve still swimming around in my brain or not?”
>”What? No, of course not. But you need to come with me.”
>You take another sip of your beer.
>”Now!”

>>27907398
stopping here tonight, but my friends cancelled our plans to hang out tomorrow, so I'll be writing in the day after a bit of yard work.
>>27907262
And always keep your levies at the ready, should we need to take up arms against foreign shitposting heathens.

>>27907404
Your thread is in safe hands

>>27907404
>QUICK, THERE'S NO TIME TO EXPLAIN
such a tease
we really won't find out until tomorrow?

maaaan, I'm gonna be without internet until monday, can't you do one more?

>>27907434
sorry m8, running on 4 hours of sleep, that was almost 20 hours ago. If it's any consolation, given how often there are cliff hangers, you're actually just skipping two or three of them.
>>27907433
check'd

>>27907492
well fine

i better see some updates when i get back

>>27907404
For Flurrys virgin flank, I stand by you!

To The Top!

>Before workout bump
Page 6, but spooked by the constant glinglam shilling lately edition

>>27910313
>15 minutes after the previous bump
For what purpose?

>>27910583
Idk I'm fucking bored

There's nothing like uprooting a stump without power tools. I'll be writing after a cold shower

>>27911472
Its fun isnt it? I fucked my back doing that once.

>>27911472
Our lord has returned!!!
BUMP

>>27911472
There's also nothing like cleaning out a shed and inhaling enough dust that there's an audible wheeze when you breathe and you cough every time you laugh.

>>27911832
The higher possibility of straining or injuring things is worth the satisfaction. The simple things, you know?
>>27912202
During the semesters I work in my college's theater, no matter how much cleaning there is, the shop is always almost completely coated in dust and sawdust. I know the feeling, but it's soured even more because apparently not a single student that uses the area (actor or otherwise) is capable of putting tools back in their proper place or sweeping the ground when they're done.
>mfw half of my job is cleaning the department's mess

>>27907398
“Alright, alright. I’m coming.”
>Discord rushes further into the building, and you take your time following him.
>If you remember the other dream correctly, he rushed into the living room.
>Entering the room, you see Discord sitting in a foldout chair.
>Around him are…
“Oh come on, just wake me up.”
>”Anon, this is an intervention.”
“Discord…”
>Foldout chairs are around the room in a circle.
>In them you see Lancer, Offense, Brairheart, Wave, Thunder, and Flurry.
>”Anon, this is serious. You have a problem.”
“You’re about to have a problem if you don’t quit this right now.”
>”Uncle Anon, just listen to him.”
“You’re not the real Flurry, the real one is currently locked somewhere where Discord’s magic can’t reach.”
>Discord then speaks again:
>”Okay, fine.”
>The other people in the room all disappear, leaving you and Discord alone.
“Alright, you got your joke out of the way, now what do you want?”
>”Oh, I’m quite serious. You have a problem.”
>You take another sip of your beer, before setting it down on a nearby table.
>Then you walk over to one of the foldout chairs.
>”What are you doing?”
>Picking it up and collapsing it, you then approach Discord.
>”Anon, wait!”

More in a couple hours
>>27912532
>You bring the chair over your shoulder, and strike it into his head.
>It knocked him out of his own seat.
>”Stop and listen to me for a moment you idiot!”
“You’ve got one minute.”
>”From this point on in your voyage, you’ve got to be on guard at all times. The further east you go, the more dangerous things get-“
“Do you actually have any information that I don’t already know?”
>”I…”
“You brought me here to entertain yourself. I’m not putting up with your BS anymore Discord! Let me out now, or I swear that you’re in my sights as soon as I’m done.”
>”Fine, have it your way.”
>He then teleports to a standing position, while he continues to grumble to himself.
>”Try to help, and look what I get.”
>As he speaks, the world begins fading into darkness.
>…
>You’re not sure how much time passed after the dream started to fade, but your eyes opened onto the real world.
>The sound of the sea and the feel of the ship lurching on the waves were ever constant as you began to sit upright.
>First you ripped off yesterday’s bandages.
>You then reached over to a roll of fresh ones, and started wrapping your torso.
>With them snugly secured, you then bent down to put on your boots.
>You have quite a hangover, but not as bad as you would have assumed.
>With your boots tied tightly, you stood up, feeling the ache in your aging knees, and started making your way through the ship.

Aww, Why anon gotta be so hard on Discord. It's just a prank bro

>>27912532
>cliffhanger into fucking nothing

>>27914370
knock of the edgy subhuman bullshit

you're not a mudslime

>>27912536
>Eventually, you step into a proper room.
“Morning Doc.”
>A light grey unicorn is sitting at a desk reading a book.
>You never got his name, and at this point it would be an insult to ask, so he’s just ‘Doc’ for now.
>”Go on and sit down.”
>Doing as he says, you sit on a low table that serves as an examination table.
>You then wait for him to see you.
>You can make out three pages being turned before you hear him set down the book.
>Then you hear his hoofsteps start approaching you.
>”Alright, I’m going to start moving some of these bandages, you might feel some pain as they set back into position.”
>He uses his magic to move aside the bandages so he can get a proper look at your injured back.
>When he puts them back against your skin, there is a tingling as they come into contact with your burnt skin.
>You then hear the doctor walk away from you, filter through a cabinet, then return.
>The bandages on your back leave contact with your skin, as he raise them to put a layer of a cream that is supposed to help burn wounds heal easier.
>The feeling is hard to describe, it’s like the burning is completely gone and twice as bad at the same time.
>He lets the cream air for a minute before using his magic to tighten them once again.
>”You’re healing remarkably well given the severity of your burns. With luck, there might only be scars in the areas that you received third degree burns.”
>You then hear him walk back to his desk and sit.
>Getting off of the table, you see that he has resumed reading.
“Reading anything good?”
>”Not your concern.”

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>>27908070
Was wondering when you were gonna show up. Here, have a Flurry.

>>27915610

Real talk
How soft are pony bellies?

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>>27916833
Soft, extremely soft brah

>Tfw you will never fall asleep cuddling your waifu while gently stroking her belly
Why even live?

>>27917515

>>27915037
>”Not your concern.”
Ooh, but it is. Everything is our concern.

>>27918852

>>27915064
Always lurking friend.

Page 10 begone!

>>27919879

>>27921922

Not sure if it was just me, but the site was down last night when I had this ready. I'll be writing for a couple hours now.
>>27915037
>The ship’s doctor isn’t usually the most talkative of ponies, but he’s being uncharacteristically blunt.
>And he’s spoken in almost a complete monotone.
>He usually does that, but it sounds even more emotionless than in previous days.
>”Are you just going to stand there all day?”
“Oh, sorry. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
>He doesn’t respond, so you take your leave.
>There might actually be something going on after all.
>You start to walk through the level you’re on.
>It’s pretty quiet for the most part.
>One of the crew was working his way down the cannons, making sure they were clean and cleared in case they needed to be fired.
>The ponies who stand on watch at night were sleeping.
>And another was just sitting next to the hull.
>His eyes are closed, and it looks like he’s got his ear to the wood next to him.
>But the entire ship feels unsettlingly quiet.
>Only the lurching and the sound of waves, peppered with the occasional hoofstep.
>It certainly makes it easy to sleep, but it’s just wrong in the day.
>You head for the stairs, going up to the main deck.
>Stepping into the sunlight, your eyes wince at the brightness.
>Saying that the sun isn’t helping your hangover would be a bit of an understatement.
>Unfortunately, yesterday’s worries are reaffirmed.
>The crew is completely silent as they go about their work.
>Many of the sailors are giving thousand yard stares out into the sea.
>Something is definitely wrong.
>You should begin by speaking to Port.
>He should also be noticing that the crew is acting strangely, assuming he’s not part of whatever is happening.

>>27922973
>As you walk across the main deck, the crewmen go about their jobs, barely taking notice of you.
>Not that they usually do that much, but they don’t even make eye contact with you.
>Their focus was anywhere, as long as it wasn’t on the ship itself.
>In the corner of your eye, you can see Port looking off of the starboard side of the ship.
>You begin the short walk over to him.
“Commander.”
>”Field Marshal.”
>The horizon is empty, only the endless waves in the distance.
“Looking at anything in particular?”
>”Not your concern.”
>Déjà vu.
“Just once can we skip the passive aggression?”
>”I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Alright, look: neither of us care for side stepping the issue, so I’ll cut to the chase. What’s going on with the crew?”
>”What do you mean?”
“For a day or two they’ve been acting like mindless drones.
>It may have just been your imagination, but you could have sworn that you saw his left eye twitch slightly.
>”Tensions are high, these are dangerous waters. The crew is simply being attentive to their duty.”
”Yeah yeah yeah, you’re sober men and true, cut the crap. I’ve seen men stuck in trenches under cannon fire for weeks and still be livelier then how you all are acting.”
>”Listen.”
>Aside from the wind and waves, there’s nothing.
“It’s silent.”
>”Something’s out there, and none of us want to be caught off guard.”
>Somehow you’re not sold by the ‘it’s too quiet’ shtick.
“Maybe you’re right. It is too quiet.”
>”Be wary.”
“I’m always wary… We’ll speak later.”
>”Field Marshal.”
>Taking your leave, you start heading for the aft end of the ship.

>>27922977
>Reaching the Captain’s cabin, you knock on the door.
>”Enter.”
>You open the door, finding Lady Tiara sitting at her desk observing a map.
>She’s facing the starboard side window, as you walk into the room she speaks.
>”Anonymous.”
“Was it only the two footsteps that gave it away?”
>”Any of my crew would have spoken.”
>She looks up from the map, and starts looking out the window.
>A few of them are open, giving a slight breeze into the room.
>At least it’s relatively bright.
>You close the door behind you, then lean your shoulder against it.
>She then lets out a small moan as she puts a hoof to her forehead.
“Tired this early in the morning?”
>”Not your concern.”
>Twice is a coincidence, but that’s the third time you’ve gotten that response today.
“You know, this is a pretty contrived way to backstab me.”
>”What are you talking about?”
“I’d prefer that you just stab me in the front and get it over with.”
>”Look, I’ve got a migraine right now, but I’ll indulge you.”
>She turns in her chair to face you.
>”Why would I need to stab you when you’re already poisoning yourself with alcohol?”
“I’ll have you know that I’m completely sober.”
>”What’s the occasion?”
“I needed to get my wit back for this conversation.”
>”Just get to the point.”
“The crew’s been acting odd; don’t tell me you haven’t noticed.”
>”If you’ve heard even a fraction of the legends about these waters, you’d know that the crew is right to be on edge.”
“Yet somehow, every gut feeling I’ve got is telling me there’s something else going on.”
>”You should see a doctor about that.”
“Does the navy specifically promote ponies based on bad dry humor?”
>”Look, as much as I don’t enjoy these little discussions of ours-“
>She’s cut off as you feel and hear knocking at the door you're leaning on.

>>27923110
>You hear the Commander’s distinctive baritone then speak:
>”Ma’am, land on the horizon, port side!”
>Tiara immediately springs up from her seat, and grabs her officer’s coat.
>You turn to open the door, and hear her hoofsteps close behind you as you follow Port.
>As you reach the side of the ship, you see a lush island not that far from the ship.
>Commander Port addresses Tiara:
>”It just appeared there.”
>”How does an island that large just appear?”
>It is quite sizable; you’d guess that it was thirty-five to forty square miles.
>What’s more interesting to you, is that it looks out of place.
>Comparing it to Earth, it’s covered in foliage that would be at home in the Mediterranean.
>But you’re a couple hundred miles north of waters like that.
>And in the middle of a rough Ocean, not a gentle sea.
>But there’s something in the air.
>A sound of some kind, it’s very low pitched and you can’t quite make it out.
>To your left, you see Tiara looking at the island with a spyglass.
>On your right, Port speaks:
>”Orders Ma’am?”
>”You know what to do.”
>Well that’s just ominous.
>What does-
>Something blunt strikes you in the spine, right below the neck.
>The next thing you know is that you’re falling.
>No, that you were pushed.
>When you’re fully cohesive, you’re under the water and short of breath.
>Swimming upwards you breach the surface and gasp for breath.
>There are about twenty feet between you and the stern of the ship.
>You start swimming towards it, but the distance is steadily increasing because they have the wind.
>Stopping for a moment, you start treading water.
“I’LL KILL YOU!”
>But right now, there’s only one option if you don’t want to drown.
>From the distance and the rough waters, it’ll be quit the swim.
>Right now you’re really wishing that you just asked the Saddle Arabians for help.
“Son of a bitch.”
>With only one course of action to take, you start swimming for the island.

>>27923295
Stopping here tonight solely for the cliffhanger, more tomorrow.

>page 10

>>27924177

>>27923295
shiiit he's still dreaming ain't he

this is still the intervention

>>27925204
It'd better be!

>>27925285
fuckin discord

>>27923310
by the way, what state do you live in?

>>27925968

>>27926637

>>27927308

>>27928069

>>27928933

>>27929903

>>27925332
I talked about what I do at college, so for anonymity's sake I'm in the Midwest.
>>27923295
>…
>You eventually crawled your way onto the shore, and dragged yourself away from the wet sand.
>Unsure of how long your rested while face down in the warm sand, you eventually picked yourself up.
>You were swimming for well over an hour, but now it looks like midday.
>In the distance you can see the ship.
>It’s just staying put.
>Why?
>More importantly, what are you going to do?
>You’re trapped on a large island with nothing but what you’ve got on you.
>You don’t even have a shirt.
>And you didn’t attach your sword to your belt this morning.
>Bending over, you pull out the knife you have strapped on the side of your boot.
>You have a knife, and that’s it.
>On the bright side, the island isn’t large enough to support a viable population of large predators.
>Although Equestria doesn’t exactly have conventional predators, so that is out the window.
>The big issue is water, seeing as you’ll need some within a couple days.
>Only problem is that there aren’t even any palm trees on the beach.
>No coconut water, so you need to find a substitute.
>You’ll also need food and shelter.
>As you look towards the island proper, you see that while it’s decently wooded, it gets much denser towards the west.
>The western side is also on a higher elevation, getting almost mountainous.
>Taking a look back to the ocean, you see that the Avalon is still stationary.
>What are they waiting for?
>Why haven’t they started back already?
>Wait…
“Alright Discord, very clever. You can wake me up for real now.”
>…
“Discord?”
>It’s nearly sundown, and you’ve been sitting on the beach out of protest.
“This is real isn’t it?”
>Nothing interesting happens.
“I’ve been talking to myself for hours, haven’t I?”
>Again, nothing happens.
“And I still am.”
>Shit.

>>27930911
>And you’ve wasted the afternoon hoping to wake up from this.
>With what little light you had remaining, you stated gathering wood.
>…
>Sitting next to the fire you’ve got going, you were sharpening a relatively straight stick that you picked up while getting firewood.
>Your boots were off as they were still damp from your swim.
>Food shouldn’t be an issue for you in the morning.
>There seems to be plenty of small game on the island, and you can hear plenty of birds chirping.
>Even if you couldn’t hunt, there are still alternatives.
>You didn’t see any fruit bearing plants, but in the more open areas there were plenty of clovers and dandelions.
>They’re edible, and you’ve survived of them before.
>Thankfully it might not come to that.
>A certain herb is incredibly wide spread from what you’ve seen.
>You hate arugula, but the handfuls of it that you gathered are the only new thing in your stomach.
>Right now, you can’t trust any plant that you can’t identify.
>That limits your options considerably.
>Also, there seems to be plenty of seaweed washed up onto the beach.
>Only problem with that is the salt.
>You need water, and salt will just dehydrate you quicker.
>Food is a non-issue.
>Your real problem is finding (relatively) clean water, and protecting yourself from whatever predators might inhabit the island.
>With impeccable timing, you hear a wolf howl into the night.
>You carve off a final piece of the stick you’ve been honing and test the tip.
>Sharp, but just dull enough to not snap after first use.
>You have a basic spear, but it’s very obviously a rushed job.
>Setting it next to you, you take another bite of the bitter herb you found.
>You really don’t like arugula, but it’s better than eating common weeds.

>>27931626
>In the distance, you can see lanterns on the ship.
>Why are they still here?
>Tossing another few branches into the fire, you continue wondering.
>Or at least you would like to wonder, but you haven’t the slightest idea why the ship is still present.
>What’s more troubling, is what you’ve been hearing.
>For the past hour or so, you’ve been hearing… something.
>It’s very low pitched, barely registering in your ears.
>But it’s constant, almost like the static you’d get when you were wearing a set of headphones that were plugged in, but with no sound actually coming through.
>Something about this island feels wrong.
>But if there’s one bright side to all of this, it’s that both your anger at the crew and your will to survive has helped you ignore the pain from your injuries.
>However in retrospect, things look pretty dire.
>You currently have no way back to Equestria, or to the Eastern mainland.
>Even if you somehow were able to get back to the Avalon, what then?
>A single man can’t operate a ship of that size, and you doubt that even a single member of the crew would side with you.
>It pains you to say it, but…
“Discord, you there?”
>The fire crackles.
“Look, I know we’ve never got along. But right now, we’re on the same side.”
>You hear the tide come in and then recede before coming in once more.
“Right now I could really use a hand; I really don’t know how I’m going to get out of this one.”
>You hear an owl hoot in the distance.
“… Come on, give me a sign here. Anything.”
>Your surroundings remain unchanged.
“Nothing? Not even a bloody volleyball?”
>You wait another moment, but your prayers are unanswered.
“Yeah, I figured.”

Stopping here, more tomorrow
>>27931746
>Tossing the remainder of wood onto your fire, you begin to lie on your back.
>The pain is ever present, but you deal with it.
>If something comes up to you in the night, you need to be ready to respond.
>Good thing that you’re a light sleeper.
>With your knife held backwards in your left hand, and your right resting on the spear, you let yourself drift to sleep.
>…
>You managed to rest without incident.
>As you sit up in the sand, you feel the pain in your back become much more relieved.
>To your right is the ash pile from your fire.
>Beyond that, you can still see the Avalon sitting at sea.
>You awoke right as the sun rose; it’ll soon be a complete day without water.
>You’ve gone without water for over eighty hours before, and that was in the Saddle Arabian desert.
>Granted, you were younger then, but you should be okay for another day if worst comes to worst.
>Hopefully that won’t happen though.
>Yesterday you saw plenty of squirrels and rabbits, and you even heard a wolf howl.
>There has to be a source of water on this island.
>You just have to find it.
>So, you tucked your dagger back into its sheath on the outside of your right boot, put on your now dry boots, and grabbed the spear you made.
>And then started to make your way into the island’s interior.

>>27931767
I know it's for revelation's sake, but i just find it funny how anon hasn't thought of giant fucking island turtle yet. It's like he never watched avatar.

>>27933138

>>27933838

>>27934902

>>27937068

>>27935965

File: 1468382158460.gif (883KB, 500x269px) Image search: [Google]

883KB, 500x269px

>>27931746
>bloody volleyball

>>27938504

Thread is now of bumps.

>>27931767
>…
>Walking through the woods, you notice something peculiar.
>Aside from honey bees, there are no bugs on the island.
>Not that you’re complaining though.
>Of the flora and fauna you’ve seen, the island doesn’t look that bad actually.
>Current water issue and whatever as-of-yet unseen monsters notwithstanding, you could see some describing it as a paradise.
>Ducking under a low branch, you continue through the forest.
>Looking through the trees, you manage to spot something.
>Is that?
>Looks like a wild pig.
>Stopping in your tracks, you observe further.
>You can just make out a handful of smaller ones following it.
>This is good.
>Beyond the obvious hunting reasons, if a family of wild hogs is in the area, you’d guess that a water source must be nearby.
>The younger hogs look large enough to be off of the teat, so you decide that it would be prudent to follow the family.
>You’re currently downwind of them, so if you keep your distance they should be completely oblivious to you.
>Nothing to do now, but wait.
>…
>The sun is now high in the sky.
>You’ve been following pigs through the forest for hours, hoping they lead you to water.
>At no point in your life did you ever even so much as think that this would happen.
>A while ago you passed a berry bush of some kind.
>You have no idea what the small bright pink berries were, so again you find yourself chewing on a piece of the ever present arugula.
>Nothing about the islands ecosystem makes sense.

>>27940696
>Wolves and wild pigs, abundant numbers of small game and birds, herbs that grow like weeds, no bugs but bees.
>You never particularly knew much about ecology, but it doesn’t take a genius to know that the island’s ecosystem is absurd.
>But given the nature of the world you now live in and the region you’ve entered, you’re not sure exactly what you should expect.
>Right now, you can only pray that you are the apex predator if this food chain.
>Oh thank God.
>You see a clearing up ahead.
>With a sizable lake, with maybe a fifty foot radius.
>Rushing forward, the pigs squeal and run off into the brush as you fall to your knees.
>You immediately start scooping water into your mouth.
>You’re thirsty, but drinking straight from the source is suicidal.
>The liquid is cool, and more importantly, freshwater.
>Either the island gets a considerable amount of rain, or it’s linked to a spring.
>You don’t particularly care which one it is though.
>…
>You ended up staying near the lake for quite a bit.
>To get some strength, you ate as much of the edible fauna as you could stomach.
>Because tomorrow you’ll be hunting.
>With maybe two hours until sundown, you decided to leave the lake.
>You decided to go due east, so that you should easily be able to find the lake again.
>It’s important not to sleep here, because you have no idea what predators might come by in the night for water.
>So you drank up, and started walking.
>As it got closer to night, you found a clearing that should work well enough as a camp site.
>With the sun soon to go down, you were still working on getting a fire started.
>That’s when you heard the movement.
>Followed by an obviously aggressive grunt.

>>27941381

>>27942100

>>27943882

>>27944499

>>27945476

Neun

Just finished reading it all, took all day and it's good, I'm interested in more now.

page 9

Just finished binging. This is great.

>>27949479

This story is pretty awesome

Do you think it would be cool if I post a short green about Flash Sentry being in a Yakistani POW camp while we wait for the real writefag?

Mostly just so we don't keep saying bump.

>>27951339
I say go for it

>>27951339
Hell yeah you should!

I enjoyed your flurry-anon ship green btw, little rushed but was pretty gud all around

>>27952062
Thanks for reading.Yeah the rush was real,
I didn't put as much love into it as my Trixie story.
>>27951612
Okay here we go.

>"Everyone out of the train! Move! Hurry up!"
>You are huddled around other ponies trying to stay warm in the freezing mountains of YakYakistan.
>"Old nags to the left new Gee Gees to the right! No lollygagging! The faster you move the faster you can get warm!"
>"Hurry up everyone line up, get to your positions!"
>You hear an assortment of yelling native Yakistani language and the moans of confusion and cold from the stallions around you.
>Finally the Yaks were able to direct all the new stallions into the main courtyard while the old POW's were sent into the mines.
>"You are all to repeat! Failure to do so will result with no heat for you new curds!"
>Every stallion around you quiets down and listens with anticipation.
>"We are not prisoners of war but criminals who started a war."
>Everypony grimaces but repeats the words.
>"We shall repay our debts to Yakyakistan with dedicated work and reform."
>Another grimace but they all still comply.
>One of the Yaks looking down on us steps forward.
>"As proof you will carry out the oath your commanding officer of you Equestrian nags, Flash Sentry, must now step on your national flag."
>You are Flash Sentry.
>What will you do?

>>27952582
>You step up right before the flag laid on the ground before you.
>The Yaks in front of you have a stern look on their faces.
>Looking back to all your subordinates, all your friends, all your brothers in arms.
>With a grim thought on what will happen you act.
"We are not criminals or laborers, but proud Equestrian Knights. You have no right to force us to reform."
>With your body freezing you pick up the flag and raise it high in the air from your mouth.
>It blows in the cold wind
>The fine stitching holds the tattered piece of cloth together.
>The wind continues to blow and it unravels from its fold to show all around you the image of the Princesses with the sun and moon.
>Throwing it over your shoulder and letting it rest on your back you turn to your troops.
"The Princesses and Equestria will not abandon you! Keep your dignity till the day you return home and fight on with honor!"
>You see a brief second of hope and glitter in many of the troops eyes.
>A brief second
>Then a barrage of batons and clubs hit you from all sides almost simultaneously.
>You pass out.
>Awake tied down to a post outside.
>All around you are dead frozen ponies with an incinerator to the left.
>You watch as ponies are forced to pick up the dead and burn them to ash.
>Scraping the skeletal remains into a wall chute.
>You pass out again.
>You wake up on a cold wooden floor with your closet friends huddled around you trying to keep you warm.
>Wool blankets and leather cover your entire body.
"T-tha-"
>"Save your energy Sir."
>No
"T-tha-nk y-you. Captain."
>You pass out again.
>When finally awake you take in what just happened to get you and your men here.

>>27952588
>Looking back, you remember about the platoon you relieved.
>About how he failed at holding the farmlands and railway at Galloping Gorge.
>Those fields were essential, if lost they could've starved out Vanhoover.
>The mission was to retake the railway system to open up connections back to the city.
>Where did it go so wrong?
>You remember marching.
>Valiantly leading the stallions.
>Then an ambush.
>From both flanks legions of Yaks come out of nowhere.
>It was an almost immediate route.
>How could we have been so easily defeated?
>How could they have know?
>Suddenly walking through the doors from outside walks in a stallion wearing the Yaks colors.
>No not a stallion.
>A donkey.
>"Commander Prince Sentry, by the Princesses name it really is you."
>"Traitor! You backstabbing ASS!!! You and your damn stripes friends were the ones who sold our company out! "
>The donkey looked frightened by the Sergeants yelling and dropped to his front hooves bowing.
>"Please forgive me Sir!"
>The Sergeant looked down upon the former subordinate
>"I should rip-"
>"Bet you think I'd say something like that?"
>The donkey raised up and smacked the Sergeant with a club hidden under his cloak.
>"You damn horse! Dare call me an ass? You still think I am a soldier under you?"
>Every time he spoke he would give another hit.
>"Me and the rest of the donkeys were never sons of the 'Glorious Princesses', and we are no longer your subordinates! All of us were unjustly dragged and forced to become soldiers.
Like how our dear commander here said the Yaks can't demand reform, you can no longer demand us to follow you, damn nag!"
>Everypony stood in horror while the donkey continued to beat the stallion.
>"THIS ISN'T CANTERLOT OR THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE! We are in the great nation of YakYakistan! Here I am your Sergeant! Here I am your Prince! Got that? YOU DAMN HORSES GOT THAT!?"
>He then kneels down to the half dead stallion.
>"If you want to stay alive, keep out of my sight."

>>27952599
>"I am Dalton! The Yaks gave us the position to be your overseers! Anyone who doesn't listen to me or my companions will meet the same fate as Sergeant Wildwind!"
>Dalton motioned to a group standing at the entrance. All of them were either a donkey or a zebra.
>You don't recall being too harsh on any draftee.
>I guess through the ranks below you discrimination was happening.
>Recalling all the times a report has been filed about that you would blow it off.
>Regret and shame wash over you because it's all your fault.
>You were supposed to represent the nation of Love, you were married to the Princess of friendship!
>Now here you are locked away because you thought it was too busy to look into those reports.

>The next day was filled with hard work.
>While some got sent to the mines, your group got sent to working outside.
>Chopping down trees to help reinforce the walls and building new bunkhouses in anticipation for new prisoners.
>New prisoners.
>You cringe at the thought of Yaks marching through a conquered Equestria.
>"No slacking. Hurry up!"
>You hustle to the drop off point and deliver your logs.
>You hustle back to where the other stallions are cutting down the trees.
>Picking up two more you repeat the process for hours on end.
>It's freezing.
>You feel the cold blister your skin.
>By the end of the day your body aches while you crouch next to the tiny wood fireplace along with twenty others.
>Days turn to weeks.
>Your curiosity about the war is one of the only things that keep you going.
>Is Twilight safe?
>Are we holding them back?
>Damn desert horses attacking when our defenses were down in the South.
>You watch as many of your old friends either succumb to the freezing cold outside...
>"Frostbite inspection!"
>Or get taken away to the incinerator when the Yaks see you can no longer work with frostbitten hooves.
>"NO please I can still work! Stop! Tell them Commander I am fine, I ca-"
>The door slams.
>Nopony will ever see him again.

>>27951339
>>27952062
Got a pastebin for that?

>>27952737
Flurry Anon, and Trixie and friends.

>>27952790

http://pastebin.com/NazpMQwc

http://pastebin.com/aZCfeyAM

>>27952807
Ah, those.

>>27952625
>Be Dalton.
>Sitting near the incinerator staying warm.
>Probably the warmest spot in all the camp.
>Thinking back to when you were still a foal living with your Dad.
>Growing up in Ponyville you were practically shielded from the discrimination.
>Everypony was so friendly.
>Maybe being the only Donkey family there had something to do with it.
>You never got to meet your mother.
>Died after you were born.
>Your Dad everyone called 'Crankey' raised you the best he could.
>Don't remember having too many friends.
>Only one you could recall was a zebra foal living alone with his mom in the Everfree Forest.
>Wonder what happened to him.
>Probably got drafted just like you.
>Draftee life.
>You shudder
>That's when you learned how the world really worked.
>Every protest made was met with a hit or a smack.
>Along with the occasional 'Stupid ass'.
>After a transfer to a new platoon, you had high hopes since the Commander was Husband of the Princess of Friendship.
>Back home she would always show time and kindess for everypony, surely her husband would be the same.
>Nothing changed.
>He wouldn't even give you the time of day.
>He'd just turn to the Sgt. And say, "Deal with it for me."
>And boy did he deal with me.
>Now they are all 'dealing with it'.
> A train whistle sounds.
>New prisoners, same routine.
>Eyeing the poor souls one catches your eye.
>A zebra.
>He looks oddly famili-
>"Dalton? Is that you I spy. You definitely are a sight for sore eyes."

Thingfaaag. Come back to us, please.

>>27953012

>>27940698
Shouldn't that be flora and not fauna, if he's going hunting tomorrow and not today.

>30 minutes since last post and already on page 8
This fucking glimglam shit needs to stop.

>>27955221
Where do you think we are?

>>27955221
Looks like we're on overtime

Bump

>>27952941
Moar please

>>27953012
I'm back and mostly sober.
Mostly
>>27954950
yeah, fixed for the pastebin.
>>27950199
>>27948541
Thanks Anons
>>27951339
thanks for the praise and content. Nice to see something other than bumps.

>>27940698
>Springing to your feet, you grab the spear you’ve made.
>Twenty feet away is a boar.
>Not some wild pig, a proper boar.
>And it’s a big one, maybe three hundred fifty pounds and with a decent set of tusks.
>It’s currently staring you down.
>Wild boar can be territorial, and this one has never been taught to fear your species.
>And effectively you have a wooden stick.
>If you had gotten your fire started, you might have been able to scare it away.
>But at this distance, if you make any sudden move, it’s liable to charge.
“Come on pig, no need to die tonight.”
>The boar squeals loudly.
“RAAH!”
>You wave your spear through the air, hoping to intimidate the beast away.
>It seems to be to of no avail, as the creature drags one of its front feet in the ground signifying that it’s about to charge.
>As it starts to charge, you hold steady.
>It’s gaining speed as it closes the distance.
>Hold.
>Hold.
>Just a bit longer.
>Before it can reach you, you sidestep right and thrust your spear into its side.
>It continues moving forward and the tip of the wooden spear brakes off, still imbedded into the pig’s side.
>Throwing the useless haft of your spear to the side, you reach down and draw your knife.
>As your attention is back on the boar, it is back in range and slams into you.
>You’re thrown to the ground and your head impacts sharply, dazing you.
>You feel a cut from the boars tusk, but before it can continue to properly gore you, you spin the knife around in your hand.
>And slab it into the side of its neck, twisting the blade once it reached its maximum depth.
>But you’re left crushed by the limp body that is almost twice your weight.
>The first thing you do once free from its mass is to inspect your chest for injury.
>Just under where Cadence impaled you is a shallow cut going upwards.
>You unravel the bandages that are still on your body, and retie them to cover the wound.

>>27956520
>With little daylight remaining, you focus on starting your fire, so you can properly cook your fresh kill.
>…
>You were had just finished eating your fill as you went back to the slightly carved up boar.
>When you stood, you felt slightly off balance.
>It’s a shame to leave so much good meat behind, but if you sleep next to the kill it’ll only summon predators.
>In your hand was a rudimentary torch to help you find a safe place to rest.
>But it illuminates something near the carcass.
>A few feet from its head, is a rock.
>That has blood on it.
>You reach your free hand to the back of your head, and when you pull it back, you can see where the blood came from.
>It explains why you’re light headed and off balance.
>You let it unattended for what, an hour or two?
>That’s... that’s bad.
>Right?
>What’s happen-
>You feel yourself completely losing your footing.
>Did you just black out?
>You’d assume so because no you’re face down in the grass.
>Son of a-
>No, not like this.
>…
>Your eyes open.
>Another day in Canterlot.
>Getting out of your bed, you begin your morning routine.
>Ah, you must have slept on your right wing.
>You flex it a few times to help the blood circulate better.
>…
>As you leave your quarters, you hold the slightest hope that another ‘test’ isn’t slated for today.
>There haven’t been any for a week or so, but that could just mean they’re trying to surprise you.
>Or maybe they realized that each so called ‘test’ got more absurd than the last.
>You really hope it’s that one.
>But right now is another meeting to discuss the daily affairs of the nation.

>>27956530
>…
>”And so I think it’s safe to roughly a quarter of the steel industry back into the public economy.”
>Lancer responds:
>”Make it fifteen percent, and that no individual can control more than three percent of the overall industry, we don’t want anypony specifically having too much sway while the economy is still recovering.”
>Brairheart writes down a couple of notes before continuing.
>”Alright, and what about textiles?”
>”We still have what, thirty percent of those? Keep ten percent of it nationalized.”
>”Stone quarries?”
>”Let them all go to market.”
>”And what about agriculture?”
>”Continue subsidies until the end of next year. The year after that we’ll halve them, and see how it’s doing in the year after that.”
>”Great, that leaves…”
>Brairheart flips through a few papers.
>”Actually that’s in on my end.”
>”Good. Offense, Wave, how is reconstruction faring?”
>Wave addresses Lancer first.
>”The southeast is faring well, sans Baltimare. The Minotaurs destroyed a fair amount of infrastructure when they marched through in the northeast, but it is low priority and should be fully repaired within a year or so.”
>”Good, what about your end Offense?”
>”Cloudsdale was the only place the griffons damaged severely. But, given the residents’ abilities and skill, we’ve pretty much got everything in working order. Some things aren’t pretty, but I think that we can let that entirely to the civilians at this point.”
>”Fair enough, leave a tenth of your pegasi there to assist the civilians, redirect the others to Baltimare.”

>>27956801
>Wave interjects:
>”With all due respect, at this point from a logistics standpoint, we can’t support many more ponies working in Baltimare. I would wait until next year’s harvest so that more of our men can be supported locally before putting more to work there.”
>”Good point.”
>Lancer turns in his seat to face Offense.
>”Instead, sent the remainder of your men to border forts and outposts bordering the griffons and minotaurs. They faced the least casualties in the recent war, so it doesn’t hurt to have more men ready to respond should the need arise.”
>”Understood. You know, there isn’t a name for the ‘recent war’ yet.”
>A new voice answers Offense.
>”You can name it later.”
>You turn to face the direction of the voice.
>And you see who just teleported into an empty seat.
>”Discord.”
>”Lancer.”
>”Is there a reason why I shouldn’t call the guards?”
>”Oh, don’t be so melodramatic Rainbow Marigold.”
>Wait, is that really what R. M. Lancer stands for?
>Given the intense stare that Lancer is giving Discord, you’d assume so.
>”Look, your glorious leader is in trouble and I need to get a message to him.”
>”Firstly, why should I believe you? Secondly, why would you need our help?”
>”Why shouldn’t you believe me? And if you’d prefer a long explanation on the minutiae of magical metaphysics, I’d be more than happy to comply.”
>Lancer sighs while putting a hoof to his forehead.
>”No, that will be quite enough of an explanation. What do you need?”
>”Your intern.”

More tomorrow
>>27956808
“Me?”
>Lancer speaks:
>”Why do you need Thunder?”
>”Don’t worry, I won’t break him. Slight sanity slippage might be a problem, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take.”
“What? no, no that isn’t a risk I’m willing to take.”
>Lancer address you:
>”Do whatever he says.”
“What?”
>”Within reason of course.”
>”Excellent, also I need five pound of ground dragon bone, two and a half griffon beaks, one of those magic enhancing crystals you put in cannons, an apple strudel, and a henway.”
>”What’s a henway?”
>”About three pounds, now get on it stat, I’ll be back to collect at four seventy three.”
>In the blink of an eye, Discord was gone.
>”I hate that guy.”
>Offense then speaks up:
>”Oh he’s not that bad.”
>”That’s because you never saw first hoof what he used to do to Anon… alright, Offense you get the crushed dragon bone, Wave you get the griffon beaks, Brairheart get the crystal, and Thunder can make a trip to a bakery.”
“What about you, Sir?”
>”I’ll be working on a contingency plan. We have until five thirteen, just less than six hours, so work quickly ponies.”

>>27952941
>"Everypony get in rows now! Move your hooves! Faster!"
>The reunion will have to wait.
>Time for the oath and directions.
>Awaiting them to be finished you watch as your friend bits his lip at the end of each statement.
>Always trying to end with a rhyme.
>At least he learned to control it a little.
>The new commander wisely decides to abandon his loyalty and step on the flag.
>Darn, hoped to see another beating.
>After getting settled in you approach your long lost friend.
"Still have your mother's tongue I see."
>The zebra turns around with a big smile.
>"And you still have that ugly mug, here give your old friend a hug."
>Cheeki bastard.
>You have no idea how he doesn't go crazy talking like that.
>You give him the hug anyways, it's been years since you have seen a friendly face.
"How in Equestria did you end up here?"
>"Well my friend, it is a long tale full of twists and bends."
"Please talk normally for the sake of my ears...I don't think I can get drunk enough...here..."
>"Not too bad, with more practice it will be less sad."
"Tell the story ya weirdo."
>You both laugh then he continues.
>He tells you about how he and his platoon tried to take back the city of Vanhoover.
>Apparently after supplies got caught off the city surrendered and was annexed into Yakistani territory.
>Due to mismanagement and a terrible communication through the chain of command the lines broke to route and he was one of the many captured.
"Don't worry my friend, see these colors I am wearing? I am an overseer for all you greenhooves, you will be as safe as we were back home."
>A stallion walks up
>"Striped shit, we need to head inside."
>A frown comes across the Zebras face, before he could get up, you jump to life.
"You don't talk to him like that you damn NAG!"
>Hitting the stallion in the head, he drops to the frozen ground.
"Nopony messes with donkeys or zebras here."
>You can't see it, but a worried look goes across your friends face.
"Nopony."

>>27956830
>Be Flash
>Everypony you came here with either hates your guts or is dead.
>They all have lost hope.
>All except one other pony.
>Captain White Thunder
>With him still at your side hope is alive.
>Hope that the Princesses will be here any day now freeing you from this freezing wasteland.
>Hope that Equestria isn't completely overrun by the Yak Hoard.
>Hope that your wife is safe.
>A stout yak walks in the barracks.
>"Commander Sentry, your presence is requested!"
"What if I refuse?"
>The Yak hits you over the head and then tries to forcibly drag you out.
"I can walk fine!"
>Following him he leads you to the Commissioner's office.
>There you are sat down while the commissioner looks into the burning fireplace.
>"Why do you continue to resist? Everypony else has committed to the oath yet you refuse. Why?"
"Because I know the Princesses are coming to rescue all of us!"
>He laughs.
>"We received a letter today, take a look."
>He sets it on the table only for you to push it away.
>"Your Princesses have abandoned you."
"How dare you speak of our Princesses!"
>"The letter stated that POW reparations have been denied. We showed mercy but they refused. They're battling the Saddle Arabians across the Celestial Sea coastline and have no interest in 'rescuing' any of you."
"You expect me to believe that? Imperial soldiers are sons of the Princesses! A mother does not abandon her sons!"
>"That's what you choose to believe? You poor naive abandoned son."
>He turns to look at you eye to eye.
>"You will die here just like all your brothers, and your body will burn just like them in the incinerator. Take him back!"
>Walking through the thin wooden doors, Captain Thunder greets you with a warm smile.
"What are you fiddling with Captain?"
>"Before I joined the army I worked at a rock farm, one of the ponies there taught me how to craft a little."
>Looking at his bedshelf.
>It's filled with an assortment of figurines.
"They look amazing."

>>27957106
>"Well she didn't teach me everything, the grumpy grey mother told her to stop so I kind of taught myself."
>"When we get back to Equestria I'm going back to that farm and asking that beautiful mare to marry me. I'll open a little shop and sell these tiny things."
"That's a very noble ambition."
>"Do you want to know why I still stick to your side while everypony else had left Sir?"
>You look dead straight into the fire in front of you waiting for his explanation.
>"Because I saw the dedication and loyalty in your eyes for our country."
"Loyalty."
>The two of you sit there silently staying warm by the fire.
"Promise me you will make it back home with or without me Captain."
>"Sir I can never aban-"
"Promise me!"
>"Yes Sir."
>You both stop to take in the warmth of the fire again.
"Come on, let's get some sleep, we have a never ending line of work to do tomorrow."
>"Yes. Sir."

>page 8

Spooked the glimglam shills will wake from their mtn dew, dorrito, induced slumber soon edition

>>27957844
They need to just merge into one thread to stop this madness.

>>27957110
>Be Sacul, Zecora's son.
>Weeks go by in the camp.
>Dalton has been so brutal to the ponies.
>It worries your mind.
>Yes many treated you both like second class citizens but not all ponies have.
>What Dalton is doing is barbaric.
>Even the Yaks back off a little when he goes off.
>Try to ignore it.
>Once this is all over we can just return home.
>If home is still a thing.
>You worry about Ponyville.
>Worry about your mother.
>Would she be safe in the forest?
>Worry
>Worry
>Worry
>Beating
>Blood
>Brutality
>You worry about Dalton
>Will he ever be normal after this?
>"Hurry up and pull those logs! If we don't get these new bunk houses built you will all be sleeping outside!"
>Dalton is off yelling orders while you and a stallion tirelessly pull a log sled.
>*Snap*
>The ropes holding the logs in place snap off.
>You watch as the logs roll off the cart down the hill.
>Directly at your friend.
"Dalton!"
>Hearing his name he turns to see the large logs rolling down at him.
>Quickly he darts to the side while the timber continues rolling down the hill.
>*Crash*
>The wood came to a complete stop hitting a couple of tree stumps.
>He's furious.
>"What in the name of Tartarus are you trying to do? Kill me?"
>Your companion looks at him nervously.
>"It was an accident, the rope snap-"
>*Whack*
>Dalton hits the stallion over the head.
>"Just snapped huh? I'll show you a snap you damn horse!"
>With another hit from the club he sends the stallion tumbling down the hill.
>He rolls faster and faster until he hits the bottom where the logs are.
>He doesn't move.
>By the time you both get down there you see why.
>The poor pony smashed into a branch, impaling his head.
>Looking down at his body, little figurines litter the area.
>They look amazing.
>Hoofcrafted.
>Suddenly a stallion with an orange coat of fur rushes over.
>"No no no no! I gave you an order Captain! You were supposed to make it back! To live your life, not die like this!"

>>27959255
>A snort comes out in front of you.
>"What, never seen a stallion die before? Get back to work!"
>A small crowd gathers around to see what happened.
>"I said get back to work you lazy nags!"
>Right when he turned to face the crowd the orange coated stallion tackled him.
>He kicks and stomps Dalton's face until a wack from his club pushes him off.
>In a mad furry he tackles the pony and both go tumbling down the hill.
>At the bottom other stallions rush to get out of their way dropping equipment and wood.
>Dalton is on top beating the orange stallions face with his club.
>Enough is enough.
"STOP IT!"
>You reach out and bite his collar to pull him off but in the frenzy he turns and hits you.
>You pull him off again and give one good stomp to his stomach.
>"Ahhh! Damn stripe! I protect you and this is how you repay me?!"
"An eye for eye and tooth for tooth, you have turned into a monster you fucking brute! Yes we were less but in a way we were more, there's no reason to keep lashing out this horror!"
>"Again with those stupid rhymes! Zecora must have wonderful throat work if she taught you how to stay so hardwired on that crap."
>That was the last straw.
>Now you were on top stomping his entire face.
>By now the other overseers came to break up the fight.
>Watching you tackle Dalton must've ignited a spark in all the stallions.
>Right when the others came they all attacked them.
>You can barely see anything through all the hooves flying and snow falling down.
>The last thing you remember seeing is Dalton on his back, blood spewing from his nose while desperately blowing on a whistle.
>Then just fur from dozens of Yaks charging into the fray.

>>27959261
>"There is no mercy for those who partook in this riot. Begin the executions."
>You watch as stallions get hung by fives
>Slowly but surely you get closer to the front of the line.
>Finally you make it up there.
>The orange stallion is next to you.
>He turns to give you a little smile and nod.
>You nod back.
>Turning to look next to the commissioner sits Dalton.
>He sees you and looks away.
>This is it then.
>To get hanged by the neck as a POW til death in the freezing mountains of YakYakistan.
>You close your eyes to await the inevitable.
>Then you open them.
>What is that sound?

>Be Pvt. Huduud
>Waiting in the watchtower.
>You feel the full front of the wind.
>Why did you volunteer for this?
>It's freezing even with your extra fur.
"You will be relieved when the executions are done."
>You mimic the commanding officer's words.
>This is going to take forever. There's so many lined up.
>At least it's not a bad view.
>From here you can see for miles.
>Or 'could have' if it weren't for all the snow pouring down.
>Why do we even need a lookout now?
>No trains were scheduled to arrive.
>This blizzard blurs my eyesight so bad the treeline is barely visible.
>While sorting out your thoughts you see a sparkle in the distance.
"What is that?"
>You look through the swivel stationary telescope.
"T-that's..."
>Immediately you drop the telescope and ring the alarm bells

>Be Flash Sentry
>Noose still around your neck.
>Alarms are blazing all over the camp.
>Looking back to the zebra next to you he looks just as confused.
>Suddenly the doors to the camp bust open and four large carts pour in with dozens of soldiers.
>A yak gets off one of the carts and walks over to where the commissioner is.
>Whispering something to him he then addresses all of you.
>"The Griffonstone Kingdom has invaded YakYakistan. Our great Yhan has graciously given each and every one of you a pardon for their crimes if you take up the fight against these invaders!"

>>27959788
>The commissioner walks down and speaks to that overseer who killed White Thunder.
>The donkey then proceeds to untie you and the zebra next to you.
>"Put these on!"
>He shoves a tattered uniform with the Yaks national colors on it into your chest.
>"Come on! Hurry before they-"
>An arrow whizzes into the crowd of stallions hitting one in the head.
>Through the yells and confusion the Commissioner yells again.
>"Make your choice before we make it for you!"
>They are just killing anypony who's not going to conform.
>The yak then walks over to you and pulls out a small curved blade.
>"The only reason you aren't dead by now due to your indecisiveness is because I still respect your rank. Make your choice Commander Flash."
>The zebra looks at you and nods.
>Dalton still holding the uniform looks to the ground.
>Solemnly you pull off your old leather covers.
>They drop to the floor and you don the clothes given.
>It smells terrible.
>Ten times warmer though.
>Are these blood stains?
>A hole is felt right where the heart is.
>Uniforms stripped from the dead.
>A teardrop falls from your cheek.
>In a blur of motion you get shoved in one of the carts and pulled off into the unknown.

>>27959920
Here is the pastebin.
http://pastebin.com/BWhVwcgx

Wolololo

Where everybody go?

>>27962509

>>27963696

When Trump gets elected he is going to walk out onto stage and the Apprentice theme is going to play.
He will say,
>Money Money Momey Moonaaay
And the crowd will go
Moooneeeey!

>>27956814
>…
>You gasp for breath as you spring into a sitting position.
>Grasping at your chest, you notice that the wound you received from the boar is completely gone.
>Reaching to the back of your head, it feels like that wound has healed as well.
>And…
>Your back?
>You feel no pain from the burn wounds.
>What happened to your bandages?
>And your pants.
>Where are you even?
>You’re in… a room.
>There’s a soft bed that you’re sitting on, and a plain white sheet covering you.
>It’s dark; there are no light sources in the room.
>You can make out a few wardrobes and bedside table.
>The door way has no door, but you can see light in the hallway outside.
>Getting out of the bed, you notice that you’re completely naked.
>So you fold the sheet a few times before wrapping it around your waist.
>The floor is stone, but a thin rug covers much of it.
>With a hand supporting the sheet, you make your way into the hallway.
>The light is coming from your right, as you see an open doorway leading outside.
>At first glance, the light strains your eyes, but you soon start walking towards it.
>Reaching the doorway, you step out onto grass.
>Before you is the horizon of the ocean that you can see after what looks to be a cliff a couple hundred feet from the building.
>Turning to inspect the building, you see that it’s a single floor.
>It looks like a villa made in Roman or Greek style.
>The doorway you exited from has a small overhang supported by a pair of stone pillars.
>You place your hand onto one of them and feel the intended grooves.
>Looking to the top of the column, you observe the styling of it as it connects to the roof.
>If you remember correctly, it’s Greek.
>Doric style to be precise.
>Alright, you’ve got two possibilities.
>Either you’re on the western side of the island, or this is the top of elevated portion of it.
>Or-
>You are brought out of your thoughts as you hear a splash.

>>27964724
>Not from the ocean, it sounded like it was on the opposite side of the villa.
>Heading around what should be the north side of the building, you see some enclosures in the distance.
>Pigs and some goats.
>Continuing around the building, you see a circular building made of stone, supported by a dozen or so pillars.
>A shrine maybe.
>Beyond that, you get a better view of the surrounding area.
>The villa is built in a valley, on the slopes leading upward you can see rows of various plants.
>Olives, grapes, a few apple trees.
>Right next to the doorway on this side, you see a water pump.
>But something draws the attention of your ear.
>A voice?
>It’s coming from the southern side of the villa.
>It sounds almost like somebody is humming.
>As you continue round the corner, you see a pool.
>A swimming pool.
>Maybe fifteen by thirty feet, with a smaller circular area for sitting in protruding from the far end of it.
>And there’s a head sticking out of the water on the side closest to you.
>It’s a woman.
>As in a human being.
>She’s got her arms on the side, and is resting her chin atop her hands.
>”Hello.”
>Moving the position of her arms, she pulls herself out of the water, sitting on the side with her legs still inside the pool.
>Down her back, you can see her long burgundy hair cling to her body.
>Her skin is bronzed from the sun, and based on her face you’d guess that she’s a few years younger than you are.
>However her face and body look like they’ve held up amazingly.
>She’s wearing a silk two piece swimsuit that matches the dark red of her hair.
>And she’s just sitting there, turned slightly towards you with a small grin on her face.
“Am I dead?”

>>27964733
>She giggles slightly.
>”No, of course not. I saw the light from your fire last night, and brought you here when I found you injured. Don’t worry, everything will be fine now.”
>Something about her words strikes deep.
>Maybe everything will be fine.
“You carried me here? By yourself?”
>”I’m stronger than I look.”
“Wait, you said last night. How did my wounds heal so quickly?”
>”A few herbs in the proper proportion.”
>Right…
“Who are you?”
>”You can call me Melody, and you are?”
“Anonymous. Are you the only person here?”
>”Oh my daughters left a long time ago, and their father died long before that.”
“So it is just you? On your own?”
>”It was, yes.”
“Look, it’s not that I’m ungrateful, but where are my clothes? I have to do… something.”
>Your mind feels a bit cloudy on your next course of action.
>She nods towards the south, where you can see a clothes wire where your things are drying.
“Excuse me.”
>”Take all the time you need, I’m sure you’ve been through a lot.”
>You nod before walking over to your clothes.
>Grabbing your underwear off of a clothes pin, you smell a hint of lavender.
>You pull them on under the sheet, and then unwrap the sheet from your waist.
>Tossing it over the wire, you then grab your pants.
>With them back on, you then grab your socks.
>Your boots are sitting next to one of the posts, so you sit on the ground to put on your socks before lacing your boots.
>Thankfully, your knife is still in its sheathe.
>Growing around the posts are some arugula plants.
>You reach down and pluck a bit off, then put it in your mouth.
>The bitter taste leaves a lot to be desired, but after a couple days the taste helps you relax.

>>27964965
>Looking over to the villa, you see Melody’s head breech the water once again.
>It looks like she’s walking up the steps to leave the pool.
>After two and a half decades, you’ve finally found another human.
>You watch as she wraps a towel around herself.
>With your clothes all on, you stand from the ground and start walking towards her.
“So how are you even here?”
>You call out as you approach.
>”I don’t know, one day I just woke up here with no memories of my old life.”
“How long ago was that?”
>You’re currently standing with the pool in between you.
>”I was just a child, alone and afraid. But this place just seems to exist. The water is always fresh, the crops grow on their own, and any items that are broken will mend themselves overnight.”
“That sounds too good to be true.”
>And if it sound too good to be true.
>She speaks as she starts circling around the pool.
>”The only thing I lacked for was company. But when I became a young woman, someone washed ashore. He gave me three daughters, but soon fell in a hunt. Then my girls grew up and wouldn’t be content with life here, leaving me alone once again.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
>”It was a long time ago… and besides, it doesn’t look like I’m alone anymore.”
“Oh, no, no, I’m sorry. There’s still a ship and I need to go.”
>She reaches out and grabs your right hand.
>”You can’t even stay for a night or two?”
>Her eyes match the burgundy of her hair, and they stare deep into yours.
>You suck a bit on the bitter herb that is in your cheek.
>It’s not like you have a way to actually get to the ship.
>Even if it’s still there.
“I suppose I could stay for a couple days at least.”

>>27964970
>…
>Five thirteen.
>As soon as the minute hand ticks over, Discord pops into the meeting room.
>He looks at the assortment of items on the table.
>”Hmm.”
>He lifts the bag of dragon bone, and Offense speaks.
>”We had to raid the trophy room for that.”
>Moving to the griffon beaks, Discord asks a question:
>”Is that blood fresh?”
>Wave replies.
>”You don’t want to know.”
>”Ohh, that’s a big crystal.”
>His attention is drawn to the focusing crystal, prompting Brairheart to speak.
>”For you.”
>”And you even got my strudel!”
>Discord levitates the pastry up to his mouth and devours it in a single bite.
>You don’t think he even chewed.
“Wait, that’s all you wanted it for!”
>”Well I can’t work on an empty stomach, now can I?”
>He pauses for a second.
>”Wait, where’s Lancer?”
>The door is kicked open by Lancer.
>On either side of him, you see a magical cannon pointed at Discord.
>”Sorry, got to go. I’ll have the intern back in one piece.
>What?
>A loud noise pierces your ears as you are teleported away from the Palace.
>You put a hoof to your gut before you throw up.
>”Sorry about that… well in truth I’m not. Ponies get that sometimes when they’re teleporting with Air Discord the first time.”
“What is wrong with you!”
>”No time for the psych analysis.”
“Where are we even?”
>You look out to see a mountain range.
>It looks like you’re standing atop a mountain with Discord.
>”Turn around.”
>Looking behind you, you see the city of Canterlot.
“Why do you even need me?”
>”Because I’m not a point of view character.”
“What?”
>”Hold still.”
“WHAT?”

>>27965159
>You feel a sharp pain as a feather on your left wing is plucked out.
>”Oh, sorry. It’s the pegasi’s right, not my right.”
>Another pain goes through your right wing as he plucks another feather.
“What was that for?”
>”Quiet, we’re doing magic.”
>You watch Discord levitate the focusing crystal in front of him.
>Then he opens the bag of ground dragon bone, and you see the griffon beaks and your feather hover above the opening.
>With a snap of his fingers, you watch as the beaks liquefy, and your feather ignites.
>The liquid and ash falls into the bag, that he then closes and shakes.
>He then places the bag atop the focusing crystal.
>”Oh, wait one moment. Hold this.”
>The crystal floats over to you, and you grab it.
“What are you doing?”
>”I need my magical aura to be ionized with another individual’s magic.”
“I’m not a unicorn, what does that mean?”
>”I need to get shot by a particularly strong magic user.”
>And in the blink of an eye, he was gone.
>A moment later, you see a flash of light come from the city.
>It takes the form of a cyan beam, which is coming your way.
>And you see Discord’s silhouette at the front of it.

More tomorrow
>>27965163
>The beam impacts just below you; leaning over the side you see Discord stuck into the mountainside.
>”She didn’t even hesitate…”
“Are you alright?”
>”I was just shot into the side of a mountain.”
“Stupid question.”
>Discord pulls himself out of the rock, leaving behind an impression of his body.
>He snaps his fingers, and the crystal levitates out of your hooves.
“What is this all even for?”
>”I need to get a message to our dear Field Marshal, but he’s currently in an area that is coated with a magical field that blocks me out.”
“Then what do all of these things do?”
>He snaps his fingers, and the bad disappears.
>”The powder in there was teleported in a patter across the entire world, by using the crystal I can send a message that will reverberate through all of the particles. It might take a while, but Anonymous will eventually hear my message.”
“And what message is that?”
>He grabs the crystal and holds it up to his mouth.
>Then says his message.
>As the words come out of his mouth, you can see the visible waves in the air start coming out of it.
>As he finishes, the crystal shatters.
“Wait, so the Marshal is-“
>”Indeed.”
“I thought that was just an old story that is told to fillies and foals.”
>”You heard about it as a mini-Thunder?”
“Yeah, why?.”
>”Because the truth is much worse.”

>>27965168
YOU LEAVE MY BALLS PERPETUALLY BLUE

ALL THESE MEANINGLESS CLIFFHANGERS

THEN NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING

>page 9

>>27966125

>>27966125

>>27967885

>>27968521

>>27970815

>>27972286

tak

Been out all day, exhausted. have this, more tomorrow.
>>27965168
“And what exactly is the truth?”
>Discord sighs.
>”Alright, look…”
>…
“So you really don’t remember anything from before you woke up here?”
>”Well I remember things like how to speak, but all of the details of my life are gone.”
“So for your entire life, you’ve just known this island?”
>Melody nods.
>You can barely imagine what her life must have been like.
“And you never wanted to see what was beyond it?”
>”I… don’t know. When I was young, maybe. But, well, look at me. I’m too old for that now.”
>You’re currently sitting at a dinner table opposite of Melody.
>Although the plants take care of themselves and the inanimate objects fix themselves, someone is still required to harvest and clean dishes.
>You didn’t believe it at first, so Melody dropped a drinking glass.
>She then led you out of the room she broke it in.
>A few hours later you returned, and saw it on the floor, completely mended.
>You are extremely unsettled by how the villa works, but you can’t deny its convenience.
“You do know that at first glance, you look a decade younger than you actually are.”
>”Thank you Anonymous.”
>You push away your plate; she had made a salad for each of you.
>She almost made arugula taste good.
>Almost.
“Anon works.”
>”Okay, thank you Anon.”
>You reach forward and grab a bright red apple from a fruit bowl in the center of the table.
“So what exactly do you do here? I mean for recreation.”
>”Swim, watch the ocean, spend time in my garden. However I think I’ve led on a bit more than I should have. There is still a lot that needs to be done: the animals need to be fed, food needs to be prepared or stored, clothes and linen need to be washed. The island takes care of a lot, but not everything.”
“What exactly do you call the island?”
>”I’ve always just called it Home.”

>>27973243
this is getting interesting

>>27973243
I feel as though this is some special kind of siren like creature which is doing this to lure Anon to do something.

>>27974977
Emergy bump

>>27976099

>>27977204

>>27959920
>Dalton stood proud on the cart.
>With a sparkle in his eyes he tries to give an inspirational speech but nopony wants to hear it.
>Even the other former overseers grew tired of his banter.
>"Let's give this a good shot! Better than freezing to death, right Sacul?"
>The zebra didn't even move.
>Eyes forward with a dead stare.
>"Cmon we need to show the Yaks that we won't let them down!"
>The only response he got was a yell from the Yak pulling telling him to be quiet.
>Another stallion in the cart turns to you.
>"The Yakistani uniform suits our 'Commander' so well, doesn't it guys?"
>You grimace in hate and shame.
>By Celesta you vow to get back home.
>Just have to figure out how.
>A sudden halt from the cart makes everyone jump.
>"Get off! All of you out!"
>You take a look around and all you see is a desolate village.
>A broken sign with the smudged words of "Our Town" can be seen next to the cart.
>Our Town?
>Isn't that where Twilight liberated ponies under control of Starlight?
>No time for thinking of the past.
>Getting shoved past the ransacked village you are quickly pushed toward the front lines.
>Yaks standing on a cart throw out old clubs and swords for a mob of stallions all trying to grab one.
>Better to just wait and grab one off the ground.
>The Yaks line all the stallions in the front just before the giant mountains, where the Griffons were dug in.
>"Chaaaaaaarrrrrrge!"
>With fear of death from the Yaks all the stallions charge up the mountain.
>Charging with broken spears and dull swords.
>Some charged forward with nothing but the cloth 'armor' they were given.
>The Yaks knew what would happen, this wouldn't be a battle, this will be a slaughter.
>Almost half way up the trail the Griffons attacked.
>Iron claws met rusted shield.
>A sword with a hoof still holding on to it landed next to you.
>Trying to pick it up the stallion who mocked you on the cart grabbed it too.

>>27974977

Bumpo

>>27973243
>Home.
>…
>You sat at the end of a small dock, fishing rod in hand.
>Nothing has been biting.
>You were facing the sun, because it’s close to sundown and the dock lies at the bottom of a sheer cliff to the west of the villa.
>A staircase was carved into the stone, and winds down to the bottom.
>The shore on this end of the island is quite rocky, and the stairs don’t have any form of guard rail.
>Reeling in your line, you find that your hook still has bait on.
>As you cast out once more, you sigh.
>You’ve been on the island a few days.
>Your stomach grumbles, you haven’t eaten since breakfast and you’ve been down here fishing all day.
>The emotions you’re going through are quite mixed.
>Yesterday and the day before, you were rather content.
>As in: with everything.
>All of your life’s pain and baggage was at ease.
>And not in the ‘pushing down the feelings to cope’ way.
>But now you’re not sure.
>You have… a job to do, and it was important to you.
>Even though it’s relevance to you has been pushed away.
>It’s almost like everything that used to matter to you doesn’t anymore.
>You don’t really want anything in particular, just to live.
>This place is an ‘out’ from every single stress and problem you’ve ever faced.
>Part of you wants to take it.
>The other part is unsure if that idea is terrifying.
>Back in the now, you look to the sun.
>If you leave now, you could make it back up the stairs before its dark.
>And you’d rather not make the climb at night.
>So you reeled in your line for the last time, and put the fishing rod back in the small shack at the start of the dock.
>As you made your way to the stone staircase, your eye catches something in the low light.
>About thirty feet away from the foot of the stairs, you see what looks to be the entrance to a cave.
>And it almost looks like there is a red glow emanating from it.

>>27981472
Lost trip, sorry

>>27981472
>You take a step towards it, but stop as you hear Melody call down from the top of the cliff.
>”Anon, it’s getting dark. Are you coming home?”
>Her voice echoes off of the jagged rock.
>You look upwards, but can’t see her.
“I’m on my way!”
>You glance back at the glow, and feel a slight ache in your right temple.
>But then started ascending the stairs.
>…
>Reaching the top, you find Melody waiting for you.
>The moon had just risen, and the light was shining off of her dark red hair.
>”No luck?”
“Not my fault there isn’t any fish in the ocean.”
>”I’m sure you’ll catch something eventually.”
“The point isn’t the fish, it’s the fishing.”
>”Whatever you say, now come on, dinner is waiting.”
>She reaches forward and grabs your hand, leading you back to the villa.
>…
>After eating, the two of you remained at the table.
>A glass of wine was in your hand, and you took another sip.
“So that’s how I got to this world. All one big act that I perpetuated.”
>”In your defense, you weren’t exactly sober.”
“I was at a party. College can be like that.”
>Not that she’d know.
“Really though, what are the odds?”
>”Maybe it was fate?”
“I don’t believe in fate.”
>”So then you think that this Discord actively chose you?”
“Honestly, I don’t know at this point. It was a long time ago. When I was younger I would have a huge existential crisis every other week. Part of me still expects to wake up at any moment. With all of the possibilities that surround my life, the only thing I can do is to accept what it is, and just go with it.”
>”Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m sorry if I didn’t make much sense, I don’t have my thoughts about it settled. And I haven’t really talked about it to anyone for over a decade.”
>”If you’d refer to switch topics, I understand.”
“Actually it’s getting late, I think I might turn in.”
>“You know…”
>She cuts herself off.

More tomorrow
>>27981620
“What it is?”
>She sets down her own glass of wine.
>”Well, I just mean…”
>She stands up and starts walking over to your seat.
>You set your glass onto the table after taking a final sip.
>”You don’t have to sleep in that room if you don’t want to.”
“We’ve only known each other a few days.”
>”But seeing as you’re stuck here, we’ve got all the time in the world.”
>She places a hand on your shoulder.
>”And I’ve been alone for so long.”
“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about it.”
>”This is Home, it’s just you and me. And I’m not too old…”
>She is beautiful.
>A firm bumper, and decent tracts of land.
>On earth she might have been a model.
>But more importantly, she’s a human being.
>And like it or not, you are trapped here, possibly indefinitely.
>Maybe you are dead, and this is heaven?
>You stand up from your chair and face her.
>She’s maybe six inches shorter than you.
>With your left hand, you reach forward and mover her hair behind her ear, feeling the smooth strands slide against your skin.
>You each remain silent as you place your arms around her shoulders and bring her in for a kiss.
>It feels like an eternity before you eventually break it off.
>As your pull your lips back, you open your eyes.
>Your foreheads are touching, and you stare into each other’s eyes.
>You lower your arms, and she jumps.
>Chest to chest, you quickly get your arms under her legs.
>Her head is now higher than yours, and she comes in for another kiss.
>When she breaks it off, you begin the walk to her bedroom with her in your arms.
>Maybe after all of the hell you’ve been through, this is your reward.
>Maybe this is Home.

>>27981635
No dont do it, i know theres something odd about this whole situation. Maybe the east is getting in his brain, manipulating him, making him forget about taking on the east.

What about the boat? The crew were just robots to maybe the east is getting to them as well, just in a different way.

Lets just hope Anon gets Discords message and figures out what the fucks going on. I know for a fact that if a beautiful woman wants to be with you, especially in the east, then somethings afoot. Surely Anon would click on to that, but maybe its fucking with his head so much is instincts have been fucked up.

Unless the east or something made the crew chuck Anon off the ship so he would find the island and Melody.
It would explain the crews weird behavior and all this island crap.

Also, bump

>>27982046
Oh shit ive just realised. What if the east is some kind of sentient being, where the magic fixes shit on the island, and thats it plan. To keep anon on the island because its unnerved by Anons reputation and skills. Thats the plan, and if he geta off the island, they'll have a back up plan just in case.

>>27982062
And another point. If Discord wasnt lying about not getting in the east, then that would support the idea that the east is some king of being, which is why Discord cant get there. Then that would mean the truth he told to Thunder would have been something about anon getting sidetracked, hence why he talked to Melody about his life etc. Since he hadnt talked about it in years, he's always been focused on the next fight, so now that he's stuck, the east is playing on his whole having a break from fighting stuff

>>27982104
Hang on, discord says the truth is much worse, so what if anons the monster thats brought everyone to fight more, and the east is trying to stop that. What if anon is the one who will fuck up the world? After so long fighting he doesnt realise he will fuck evwrythimg up even more and he's doing more harm than good?

>>27982121
Anon already fucked up the world.

>>27982251
Exactly, thats why he's on this paradise island. The east needs him outof the way, and its easier to put him there instead of trying to kill him, so that the east can try and get the world back to order, hence why discord cant get to him

>>27983344

>>27982046
We're not even fully in the east yet and my mind is already racing all over the place! Anon is walking into a trap! The woman must be a succubus or a siren or...or something! Nothing makes sense in the east!

>>27982341
I really don't think that there would be such a stupid plot twist of "Anon was the bad guy all along and the east killed Twilight and Shining for some reason either way but is still thinking about the good of the whole world."

10

>>27978476
>"Let it go you bastard!"
>The two of you wrestle over the rusty dull blade.
>With a thud he pins you to the ground.
>"What Pegasus? You want to live? I do too. I'm not going to die in these mountains!"
>The sword leaves your hooves and into his grasp.
>"YOU DIE!"
>He plunges the blade downward only for it to find your clipped wing shielding yourself.
>It feels ice cold, though it's not like you would be flying anytime soon.
>Before he could follow up the attack a griffon flies by slashing his throat with one of its talons.
>Coughing up blood he blinds you slightly while you take back the 'weapon'.
>Before recuperating from your wound a yak pushes you forward.
>Another Griffon flies in for another sweep.
>The Yak uses a spear to catch the griffon mid-dive and bring him to the ground.
>There he then stomps the life out of the bird.
>"Don't stop, keep charging the mountain! MOVE!"
>Did the yaks believe this would actually work?
>Blindly charging up a secure position to just try and overwhelm the griffons?
>Or most likely they were here to make sure no pony was trying to flee or desert.
>No time to think.
>Two more griffons dived down.
>The one who went for the Yak pushed him off the steep cliff, only to find in horror that the yak held on tightly to his tail bringing it down with him.
>The other one dove for you.
>In sheer reaction you jumped to fly and meet him in battle in the sky.
>Only for you to fall back down taking a hard hit from the ground and the griffon.
>The metal talons barely miss your throat but the steel armored tail hits the back of your head.
>Things begin to go dark.
>Then really cold.

>>27986228
>Be Sacul.
>"Charge! Charge you cowardice nags!"
>Be Sacul following an insane donkey up a mountain to almost certain death.
>Arrows and spears whizzing past him he still presses forward.
>Following him are dozens of stallions.
>All fearing his wrath more than death.
>You are with him too, running as fast as you can to get up the mountain.
>Griffons dive down tearing faces and throats.
>"Press on, leave them until the battle is won!"
>A wave of arrows fly into your crowd.
>A miracle, unscathed.
>"AHHHHHH YOU DAMN CATS WITH WINGS!!!!"
>Two arrows were sticking through Dalton's front right leg.
>Exhausted you sprint as hard as you could and tackle him behind a fallen boulder.
"Dalton this is insane, you must stop the attack, for both our sake we need to head back!"
>"NO! Keep up the pressure! Attack! Charge!"
"You need to rest, or else all of this death will be pointless!"
>"Use one of your magic spells or whatever!"
"I am no unicorn from Canterlot! In order to get any spell from me I must mix them in a pot."
"Not only that but I am no healer, the most I could ever do is brew tea for a fever."
>His commands were pointless, seeing him incapacitated all the stallions following him turned to run down the mountain.
>Easy targets for the flying griffon warriors.
>"COWARDS ALL OF YOU!"
>In a huff he somehow makes it back up on his hooves and charges up the mountain again.
>No arrows this time.
>Three griffons descended on the crazed donkey.
>With the strength and anger of a bugbear Dalton fended off their blows.
>He even managed to bring one down.
>Biting the griffons talons he shoved them into its owners own throat.
>With that done he pressed upward again.
>This time though only more arrows greeted him.
>You watch as your friend drops behind a small stone wall.
>Four arrows sticking out of his chest.
>With the last of your stamina you charge up the hill.

>>27986902
>"Wh...at...what is with my damn life?"
>Behind the wall you cradle him in your hooves.
>"I w-wanted to l-live it up, see the world.
>With every exhale a cough of saliva and blood came with it.
>"I'm so sorry Sacul."
>He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small folded picture.
>It was from when the two of you were fillies back home. With your mom and Cranky Donkey standing behind both of you.
>"I want to see my Dad. I miss him. I miss Zecora."
>Tears mixed with blood came dripping out his eyes.
>"I miss the times we were together back when we were fillies. I miss it so damn much."
>A griffon came diving down, he almost throws the two of you off the ledge.
"We need to leave before they come back, I don't think we will withstand another attack."
>"No, don't go out there."
>He grabs your leg and pushes himself on top of you.
>"Stay here, if they see you are alive during the battle they will cut you open."
>In his last breath Dalton hides you with his body.
>You hug the corpse of your friend and slowly pass out from exhaustion.

>"Another one over here!"
>"It looks like he was cuddling this ass."
>Two griffons pull off the corpse of your friend that was shielding you.
>"Say good-bye to 'big spoon'."
>With a laugh they toss his body over the cliff side.
>"Now get ready to meet him."
>Seeing him raise the spear you accept your fate.
>"STOP!"
>The two turn to face a stern looking griffon.
>"He could be useful, bring him with the other one."
>Looking towards a cart you see a chained up orange stallion.

>page 8

>>27987727

>>27981635
>…
>Light shines in on you from an open window.
>Last night was…
>You reach up and clear your eyes.
>Sitting up on the bed, you reach to the floor to grab your discarded clothes.
>As you finish tying your boots, you hear the distant sound of a harp being played.
>Followed by Melody’s voice.
>She’s singing.
>Not any actual lyrics, but ‘oohs’ ‘ahhs’ and hums.
>Her singing voice is, well, beautiful.
>Rising from the bed, you start making your way towards the sounds.
>First door on the left if you turn right out of her bedroom.
>As you reach the room, you lean in the doorway against your right shoulder.
>She strokes a few more cords before stopping.
>”Good morning.”
“Don’t stop on my account.”
>She begins playing once more, but continues to look at you.
>”So, do you have any plans for today?”
“I’ve wasted most of my life making plans, not anymore.”
>She grins to one side.
>”There is something I should show you, but it can wait.”
>Your stomach grumbles rather loudly.
>”You would be hungry after last night.”
>She pushes her chair away from the harp and stands.
>”Come on, let’s get breakfast.”
“Trying to fatten me up?”
>She laughs at the statement.
>”I’m sure we can find a way to work it off later.”
“Oh can we?”
>She walks towards you.
>Well, to the door at least.
>As she reaches the doorway, she presses against your body, even though she would still be able to fit through the doorway.
>Stretching up to your ear, she whispers into it.
>”I’m sure we can.”

>>27989974
>She then heads into the hallway and continues walking.
>After a few paces she calls out to you.
>”If you want meat, you can go choose a pig. I saw that boar carcass, so I’m assuming you know what’s involved.”
“Yeah, and there was salt and a dry larder in the cellar, right?”
>The livestock (presumably) doesn’t magically grow like the plants, so you should preserve everything you can.
>”You remembered that from the tour?”
“I have a good memory.”
>She turns around the corner, so you start making your way out to the enclosure.
>Maybe the best part of this situation is the consistent access to meat.
>Since you got to this world, there were generally only two times you could eat meat.
>The first is when you and your men were out of supply, but even then you hunted as little as possible to keep up moral with your all herbivore troops.
>The second was your various trips to the Everfree, where you were just a man with your will to survive.
>A shame there are no cows here.
>It’s been almost twenty-six years and you would kill for a good steak.
>Not literally of course, as that’s what would be required for you to do to have one back in Equestria.
>Something you never fully understood was why the ponies keep pigs.
>Sure they can eat organic waste that the ponies don’t eat, and they have competitions for the biggest hog, but what’s the point if you don’t eat bacon?
>Well anyway, it’s time to pick out breakfast.

Exposition dump coming tomorrow. (everything will tie together nicely in the end, but I think I may have added another act or two from how I planned a while ago)
148k words and it just keeps getting longer
>>27989979
>…
>You told the others exactly what Discord told you.
>And every day afterwards, they double checked to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
>Brairheart was about to start the question line again, but was stopped as Lancer walked in with a solemn look on his face and a letter in his hoof.
>”We have a problem.”
>Wave then quips:
>”When don’t we?”
>And Offense replies:
>”Well that would just be too easy.”
>”Quiet you two!”
>They immediately fall silent.
>”As you all know, Saddle Arabia has descended into full scale civil war. Their army was effectively nonexistent after the recent war and their navy tied up patrolling Equestrian waters. Most of the cities ended up vying for control without a centralized military to keep cohesion.”
>Wave then adds in:
>”Same old story, they haven’t had a stable government since the First Coast War.”
>Brairheat then speaks up:
>”Wait, he doesn’t know the truth, should we tell him?”
>The leaders share a few glances before Lancer speaks.
>”No objections? Good.”
>He then faces you.
>”Thunder, what we’re about to tell you is classified beyond top secret. Nopony knows about this aside from us, Anon, and the Princesses.”
“That sounds discouraging.”
>”It goes without saying that we expect you to guard this information with your life.”
“I understand.”
>”Good, then it’s time you learn the truth behind the Coast Wars. Because the sins of our past are coming back to haunt us.”

>page 9

Chapter 7, page 12

>The solemn silence of the war room disturbs you.
>Not a single sound eas heard as you walked in.
"Flurry Heart."
>"Anonymous."
"So, whats the deal?"
>Flurry slams her hooves on table, taking you by surprise.
>"The deal? You nearly killed hundreds of innocent ponies!"
"But I didn't."
>"Thats not the point! If you had actually listened to me NONE of this would have happened! Not to mention getting Discord involved with all this."
"Oh calm down. Discords fine, its not like he'll fuck about with my plans when theres ponies lives on the line. He's not stupid."
>Flurrys eyes scrunch at you.
>"You dont know Discord."
"He's a malicious prankster who loves toying with ponies. He wouldn't actually harm them, let alone kill them.You're all just too uptight with him."
>"Cant you see why though? We have Saddle Arabians refusing to trade with us, Griffons trying to take over Equestria, and Tireks loose again. Who knows when he's going to strike again."
"He wont."
>Flurry huffs and folds her hooves.
>"And how exactly do you know that? What are you, psychic?"
"No need to get snarky with me, and I'll show you."
>Turning around, you walk out the door and grab your package.
>Flurrys going to love this.
>Walking back into the room, you set the bag down and stare at Flurry.
>In a quick motion, you open the bag, revealing Tireks disfigured and beaten face.
>Flurry barfs and looks away, looking like she's about to throw up her insides.
>"I...Is that?"

>>27990824
"Yep. I knew he would be near the castle, which is why I blew up the area he was in. Yes I nearly killed some ponies, but the plan worked. Tireks dead, and now we just have the griffons to deal with. We can sort out the Arabians later."
>"S-so you were just going to kill innocent ponies, just for one enemy? How could you do that?"
"You think I wanted to? Why do think I disappeared for a week? I needed time to plan. I knew it was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking. If I didnt, Tirek would still be loose and even more powerful than he was when I got to him. All of Equestria would have been fucked if i hadnt stepped in."
>Flurry sits silently, unable to speak, let alone try to respond to what you said.
"Are we done then?"
>...
>Taking her silence as an answer, you zip up the bag and drag it out with you, leaving Flurry to mull over your words.

>>27989979
>just a man with his will to survive
Anon confirmed for having the eye of the Tiger

>>27990825
Is this a new story?

10

Holy fucking shit dude, mad props for the dream Anon has in Act 2, I'm finally able to continue reading this, I don't think I want continue mine til I'm done.
Keep up the awesome work m8.

>>27991947

>>27993816

>>27993253
Act 3
Wow a skinwalker story, haven't been on /x/ in a while. I miss reading those old greens. That campfire story gave me some pretty good flashbacks reading those at night.

>page 9

File: 1385240634173.jpg (24KB, 500x502px) Image search: [Google]

24KB, 500x502px

pls no die

>>27996111
Trips demand no dying

>>27995458