RePony CYOA

>>29971824
Carrot, throw a bit at them.

>>29971824
Look guys I am really sorry about the predicament you guys are in but I cannot go giving you money.
So just accept what people keep telling you you are good at and get a job.

“Look guys, I’m really sorry about the predicament you’re in, but I can’t just give you guys money.”
>”Yeah, he barely has any!” Carrot adds helpfully.
>You sigh. Not what you were going for.
“Why don’t you guys just listen when people tell you-”
>They immediately block their ears with their hooves.
>”WE DON’T NEED NO HANDOUT.” Sully, the pegasus leader insists.
>”WE DON’T NEED NO HANDOUT.” Matches, the earth mare says, just a second later.
>”SHUT UP. WE DON’T ACCEPT CHARITY,” TT says. “NOW GIVE US YOUR MONEY.”
>You briefly consider asking Carrot to spot you, then remember that you aren’t entirely penniless. You pull out a single bit and toss it over to the three bullies.
>The three of them cease their idle shenanigans and look down at the money and then back up at you.
>”A single bit?” Sully asks. “That’s it.”
>Matches scoffs. “We haven’t seen a pony so stingy since…” She frowns. “Boss I think we’ve met this guy.”
>”Well duh,” Sully says. “We tried to rob him yesterday.”
>”No no no,” Matches said. “A couple of days ago. Before that.”
>Sully looks up at you and studies your face, then his eyes widen. “Sweet Moon and Stars,” he says, apparently horrified.
What do you do?

>>29972114
Perfect.
Now if you do not accept my charity and listen to what you are good at I will do it again.

>>29972114
Ask if they missed you. Maybe we should spend some time together.

>>29972114
What? What is it?

>You think quickly and then smile.
“Did you miss me? Now, if you do not accept my charity and listen to what you are good at, I will do it again.”
>Matches bolts long before you completed that statement, not looking back as she simply started to run away shrieking “ZOMBIE.”
>Sully looks confused. ”Y-you can come back from the dead again? Holy cow man!”
>TT grabs the pegasus and starts to pull at him. “We don’t mess with this stuff! WE DON’T MESS WITH THIS STUFF. LET’S GO!”
>Sully hesitates for a moment, but then turns and runs, the three of them bolting off into the distance. You might be able to catch up with them, but it would take some doing.
>The bit is currently lying there in the dust.
>Carrot lets out a low, long whistle.
>”How’d ya do that?”
What do you do?

>>29972533
I assumed I did something to them. Turns out they are the ones who thought they killed me. But that cannot be all there is to it. None of them have the skill to induce magical amnesia.

I think I will mess with them a bit to try and get them to accept their talents before turning them in.

I was gonna do one more post, but after this'll probably be a scene transition. I'll be back tomorrow, thanks for playing!

>>29972533
Maybe a more direct approach is needed? We can claim to be a spirit of vengeance and they must pay!

Uh oh page 10.

>>29974130
pay by accepting "charity"? and listening to what ponies have to tell them have to tell them

We need to explore as many places in town as we can while we're still fresh in a couple of ponies mind to retrace our steps.

We're going fast today.

Do you think we can trick them into reading a letter what their cutie marks could be?

>>29978645
We can use our misunderstanding about what we did to them to our advantage. They think we can come back again and again. Make them think they have killed us then stand up again. At that point they will do anything we say

Let's get you away from ten.

“You know, I would say that they had given me some kind of amnesia, but, given that it was magical in nature and I have my doubts that those three could accomplish anything of the sort, I’m really not sure.”
>”Huhn… you know, this might be a great opportunity to mess with them bit.”
>You grin over at her and she shoots it back to you.
“You mean like, make them think they killed me AGAIN and then come back to life AGAIN?”
>The two of you start off towards the university again after you pick up your bit.
>”Well, I was thinking something more constructive,” she said. “Maybe trick ‘em into reading a letter telling them what their cutie mark talents are.”
“Oh, sure, we can do something helpful… as long as I get to pretend to be a spirit of vengeance come from the grave to haunt them for their sins.”
>This gets a guffaw out of her, but it’ll have to wait until you run into them again.
>The two of you don’t have any major distractions on the way, this time, and you arrive at Ponyville University.
>Carrot has no idea where you would got something like this dealt with, so she just leads the two of you over to the School Office.
>Behind the desk is a tan secretary pony with a quill and a book as her cutie mark. Something about her feels calming, maternal, safe.
“Welcome to Ponyville University,” she says. “Oh! Carrot. Nice to see you. And a friend! Here to enroll?”

>>29981286
Ha ha no thank you. I was wondering if anypony here works with memory magic though.

>>29981286
Maybe, what courses do you offer? Anyway ask if you can see a professor of spells.

“Well… not really. But what kind of courses do you offer?”
>She pulls out a brochure and passes it over to you. “Ponyville University’s biggest attraction is it’s College of Fashion, which was the original establishment of the school when it was formed. Since then, we’ve expanded to include just about anything.”
>You pick up the pamphlet and look it over. It has a course listing, financial aid, features… Something to check over if you end up staying here long term.
>”And don’t count the College of Fashion out just because you’re a stallion,” she says, and gives you a pair of half-lidded bedroom eyes. “You’d make a great model.”
>”Do y’all have any kind of mind magic studies around here?” Carrot said. “There’s some kind of issue with his noggin and he can’t remember anything, but it’s apparently magical.”
>”Well, you could talk to Professor Salve, she runs the medical department, or Professor Gogar in the magic department.” The secretary offers.
Which one would you like to visit?

>>29981533
Gogar. The doctor we already visited did not seem to have many ideas.

“Could you give me directions to Professor Grogar?”
>The secretary (whose name you deduce to be Sans Script based upon a plaque on the desk) pull the brochure out to show you a map, and then gives you brief directions to the office of the professor.
>You head across campus to the magic building, and with Carrot’s help, find the door to Professor Grogar’s office.
>Knocking on the door, you hear a bleat.
>A… bleat?
>You gingerly open the door, assuming you must have misheard something.
>Sitting behind the door is a goat. He looks at you and bleats again.
>You shut the door and look at Carrot.
“Is that a…”
>”Yup! Professor Grogar’s the best goatmagician in Equestria.”
“Okay. I was just briefly concerned that I had gone crazy.”
>You open the door again, and Professor Grogar looks at you again. If he’s confused by your actions, you can’t tell. Because you can’t tell much of anything about him.
>He bleats, and Carrot blushes. “Oh, um, thank you, that’s very kind.”
>He winks at her and bleats at you.
What do you do?

>>29981931
Don't think I don't know what you are doing.
Anyway professor grogar do you have anypony working on memory magic.

>>29981931
Carrot might need to translate for us. We would like our head examined because there is currently a spell on it. Knowing what it is would be nice.

>>29982028
I think they might just be messing with us.

“I swear on the Sun that you guys are just messing with me.”
>”What? No. I took Goat as my undergrad language credit.”
>You blink.
“Can you translate?”
>”Oh, huh, yeah.” She looks at him and bleats a couple of times and gets a bleat back.
>”He wants to know why you’re here.”
>You give her a look.
>”Huh? Oh, right,” she looks back at him and bleats a couple more times, and the conversation goes on for a bit.
>”Well, it looks like you have a couple of options. He can do a brain scanning spell, but you’ll have to sign a release form.”
>A bleat cuts her off.
>”A LOT of release forms. And anything figured out will belong to the university. Or you could just describe the symptoms to him and he’ll try figure out what happened based upon that.”
What’ll it be?

Done for the night, thanks everyone who played!

>>29982238
Hm I don't think the guard would apreciate the contents of my mind becoming university property. There seems to be some top secret stuff in here.

Describe our symptoms.

>>29982400
*in there.

>>29982238
Every time we remember something our thoughts seem to cloud over and the memory is gone.

Let's hope the goat can solve the mystery of what kind of spell is on our head. Maybe he might know something about the key not being able to be removed too.

>>29985748
Oh shit I forgot about the key.

Let's hope there isn't too much it could be.

We gotta remember to thank carrot, we couldn't have done this without her.

Looks like it's time for your bump away from page 10. Also you know what we haven't done? Get hugged or hug a pony.

>>29988749

>>29987509
A hug for her then for helping us settle in and for giving us a place to crash.

Let's learn to DANCE.

I'm not sure I should bump this.

>>29993022
done

>>29993022
I'll be starting back up tomorrow, but I'll just remake a new thread if this one dies, but by all means.

>You think for a moment.
“How about I just describe the symptoms for non?.. I’m starting to think I might be a member of the guard, might even know some secrets that shouldn’t get out...”
>Carrot continues to translate for you. “He says he can scan your head for magic without poking around in your memories, uh, the same number of release forms though. It sounds like this is still a little risky.”
“Hmmm… Let’s still start with the symptoms.”
>You take a few minutes to break down what you’ve been experiencing the past few day, how memories seem to come back if you jog them just right, how they don’t seem to stick around for long, the bump on your head and what the doctor said yesterday for good measure.
“Oh, and there’s this key around my neck. I know it’s magic because it won’t come off, don’t know if it does anything else though.”

>You try to take the key-necklace off. Once again, it refuses to move past about your ears.
>Grogar takes a seat, stroking his beard thoughtfully between his hoof-edges. After a moment, he starts a monolog of bleats, to which Carrot nods along, seeming to follow.
>“He says the key might be causing your memory loss. As long as it’s around your neck, it’ll keep suppressing your memories. But… that’s just the first theory he wants to test. It could be that something else is causing your memory loss and you just so happen to have a magic key stuck around your neck... Then he said something about a razor blade… uhhh-”
>Grogar bleats an interruption.
>Carrot continues. “Okay, he would be surprised if the key weren’t worked in there somehow. Also, it’s a bad idea to try and cast enchantments around unknown magical items. The key could be some kind of defensive charm and it might rebound any kind of investigative spell he casts, so if you want him to do the brain-scan, he want’s to look at the key first. If you don’t want him to do the scan, he says he can do some more speculating for you, but it would really just be educated guesses.”

>>29996643
Very well then. examine the key and we will decide what to do from there.

“Hun...”
>You take a second look at the key. It’s suspended on a slender but deceptively strong chain. Neither it nor the chain look particularly special, no less magical, but the key does have that dull, vaguely tarnished look of very old metal.
“Alright, let’s look at the key. Any forms for that?”
>Carrot translates, “Just one.”
>Skimming over the form, it seems to be pretty standard, nothing sneaky or underhoof. Just standard safety stuff. Satisfied, you quickly sign your name and hand the paper back.
>Grogar glances at it and nods. He gestures for you to take a seat and then his horns start to glow.
>You wonder if having more horns means having stronger magic while he begins his magical investigation.
>Almost the same moment he starts he scrambles back, bleating loudly.
>“Woah, slow down for me,” Carrot exclaims.
>Grogar eyes the key warily, body tensed up. When nothing happens he slowly approaches it again and starts bleating at a more even volume.
>”Uh… I didn’t catch all of that,” Carrot explains. “My goat is only pretty good, and he’s talking real technical now…”
>She pauses to listen as he continues his examination. “He’s saying it’s magical, like really magical, like… okay, I didn’t get that comparison, but it’s really powerful. And he thinks it’s really old too. But… he thinks it’s dormant. It’s not actively messing with your head or anything… He thinks the brain scan would be safe. Do you wanna ask him anything?”

>>29997112
So it's like 10 unicorns powerful? Or more? Less? I wanna know how many ponies has he examined with a magic spell on them I guess. Alright let's try that brain scan.

>>29997112
Is it dangerous in anyway? How old are talking about here?

“About how old would this be?”
>”It’s up there… about on the line with some of the oldest artifacts we’ve seen out there, but y’know, old is powerful when it comes to these kinds of doohickeys.”
“How powerful are we talking here? Ten unicorns? Fifty?”
>Grogar starts to bleat at a high speed, getting Carrot lost for a second before she tries to keep up.
>”Uh…. I’m not gettin’ all of this. He seems kinda annoyed at the idea of using something so changin’ as a baseline for power… wow he’s really just goin’ here. Could be one unicorn, but it depends on the unicorn… Maybe pre-ascension Princess Twilight Sparkle... Or Starswirl the Bearded? Whoever that is. ”
>Grogar stops his very upset bleating and starts stroking his beard again. He bleats one more time.
>”He apologizes about that. Magic is a pretty big deal to him. He didn’t say that there, I’m just readin’ between the lines.”
“Wait, is this thing dangerous? Should I just be wearing it around my neck?”
>Grogar makes a half bleat, then cuts himself off. He gives you a long look before deciding on his response.
>“Don’t hit it with a hammer,” Carrot translates, and takes a half step back.

Any last questions for the professor?

>>29997449
Ask him who starswirl the bearded is.

>>29999365

>>29997449
Nope. Nothing comes to mind.

This was pretty productive I'd say.

Let's hope we are able to recover our memories.

Burgers are tasty.

“Who was Starswirl the Bearded?”
>The professor looks terribly annoyed at this.
>”Uh… only the most important conjuror of the pre-classical era. Read a book. That was him. Not me.”
“Right… I think we’re good here. Thank him for his time?”
>”He says you’re welcome, and that if you want to try the scan at any point you should feel free to come back.”
>You nod, and you and Carrot head back out of the office, but you pause to give Carrot a huge, wrapping you wings around her.
>She snorts as you do so. “What was that for?”
“You’ve been a pretty great help in total, and I just appreciate everything that you’ve done for me. Thanks, Carrot.”
>She snorts. “Ain’t not problem. But right now, I’m feelin’ peckish. You up for some grub? Any kind in particular?”

>>30004794
I am hungry for knowledge. Find a book about starswirl the bearded.

>>30004794
Cornbread? A hay burger? Oh man, that could be an adventure, discovering our favorite foods.

>>30004794
I don't even know what food I like! Better start experimenting somewhere. Anywhere you got in mind?

>>30004837
Oh also we could go to the sugger cube corner from before to see if the waitress remembers us.

“I’m feeling hungry… for knowledge! I could go try reading about Starswirl.”
>”Uh. Library’s closed.”
“Oh. Right. Well I’m not sure what my favorite kind of food is. Maybe we could do some experimenting.”
>She smiles at you. “I know just the place!” And hurries off with you following along as best as you can.
>Eventually you find yourself at a Chineighse restaurant proudly labelled “The Trough”, and you get the immediate impression that Dirty Hooves really likes this place.
>Carrot pays for two heads as she enters into the buffet, and you get a stamp on your hoof proclaiming you to be allowed into the restaurant.
>”Might as well try everything at once, right?” Carrot says with a grin.
>It’s actually pretty clean in here, well-kept, even if the foodest doesn’t look to be of the highest quality.
>Carrot grabs a tray and starts to load it up with just about everything. Lots of fried fruits for her.
What are you gonna try?

>>30005038
A sample of everything obviously! Follow Carrot's lead.

>>30005038
Everything. If they have meat try that as well. You never know maybe it will trigger a meat eating memory.

>>30005038
Try the rice, try the bread, try the salads. Trying everything is a bad idea because it's obvious we're not going to be able to finish it all.

>>30005038
As per the proper buffet ritual, take a little of everything that looks good then after finding out what you like go get a lot of it for round 2.

>As per proper buffet ritual, you grab a tray and start loading it up, a little bit of everything. It’s a whole lot of food, but that actual point is to get at least a taste of most types of food so that you can start to piece together a rough pallet.
>Once that’s complete, you had a tray piled high and head back down to sit with Carrot, who had started in on her dish.
>You begin eating, trying things one at a time, taking a quick bite.
>Pulling up a piece of meat, you grimace, wondering if you’ve ever tried this before. You suppose it’s worth a shot…
>You take a nibble, almost gagging at the taste, but you don’t remember anything.
>You frown. That doesn’t tell you much, except that you’ve maybe never had to resort to it?
>Not that your job has always been cushy, but that it doesn’t invovle that sort of requirement.
>You start to piece through the rest of your meal, though, and a few favorites start to come through.
>One piece of food, however, stands out. It’s delicious. It’s DIVINE. It makes you reassess everything you’ve eaten up to that point, and not favorably.
What is it?

>>30005330
Rice.

>>30005330
Macaroni and cheese. Suddenly remember that we know a recipe for some bomb ass mac n cheese. It involves some sautéed minced garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and olive oil. Shit is cash.

>>30005330
A carrot... I'm not sorry.

>>30005330
Uhh. the pizza?

>>30005360
Wait shit I change my vote
>>30005367
seconding carrot

>>30005436
Oh shit I just realized the significance of carrot.
Still seconding carrot but maybe some other bland fruit would be better.
Make it a delicious apple conglomerate apple maybe.
Or something more neutral like an eggplant.

I am still going to second carrot unless somebody likes another of those other things I suggested better.

>>30005501
I was just making a joke suggestion. But I also just realized the implications it could have. A lot of wild things it could lead to.

>>30005554
Make it an apple impaled on a carrot dipped in chocolate.
That way we please carrot and piss her off at the same time.

>>30005585
Sounds good.

>You find yourself entranced by a carrot/apple combo, drizzled in chocolate. You look down at it, a bit awe-struck. Your eyes twinkle. And you remember.
>You’re in a market. Ponies rushing bye, playing games of tag or guards and robbers.
>The road is flanked on either side by stalls, a plethora of colorful goods dotting the stands.
>You’re with someone… but you don’t quite recognize them.
>”No one can’t tell it’s me,” she says. “You’re quite remarkable.” She gives you a warm smile. It’s what you live for.
“Give me some credit,” you say. “It’s my cutie mark. And my job. I’d hope I’d be pretty good at it.”
>”Well I”m buying treats,” she says, waving off your protests. “It’s the least I can do, since you’re doing this for me.”
>She heads out into the chaos, clearly not used to the severe hustle and bustle of the crowds surrounding her.
>She comes back with some sort of amalgamate treat, and passes it to you.
>You look at her skeptically.
“You didn’t pay too much for this, did you?”
>She snorts and punches you in the wither.
>”Just try it, trust me.”
>And then it slips away, and you’re left with Carrot staring at you.
>”Just had to go with a carrot AND an apple, didn’t yeah?” She said. “Well at least the apple’s gettin’ skewered. But by the looks of it, you found your favorite.”

Pausing for tonight! Thank you for all the support and replies, it's been a lot more fun recently.

>>30005665
I just had a memory. Somepony close to me gave me this in a market once. It's how I came to love this treat. Excuse me while I continue to chow down on this very lovely carrot.

>>30005665
Hm maybe we are some sort of undercover bodyguard.
Make a show of removing the apple from the carrot and say in a funny voice "hooray I am free from my carrot skewer"

>>30005665
Ask what's her favorite food.

We should try putting on some disguises later.

>>30007613
Agreed.

That's not the only "carrot" we wanna nibble on.

>>30008911
I still wanna do the girl from sugar cube corner.

>>30009761
I guess asking her out on a date might be ok. If we ever see her again.

>>30010626
I'm much more interested in Carrot to be honest.

>>30010660
Same

>You chuckle at her reaction and grab the apple, pulling it off.
“Hooray! I am free from the carrot! Now all Equestria will feel my wrath.”
>She laughs, but it’s an uncomfortable laugh, eyes looking at the apple with a touch of terror.
>You take a bite out of your carrot and look at her intently.
“Now excuse me while I chow down on this very lovely carrot.”
>She snorts at that. “Alright, alright, you might not be a funnypony, but you get be funny sometimes. Ya idjit.”
“So how about you, what’s your favorite food?”
>”Deep fried carrots. But pretty much anything deep fried is up there, and don’t go lecturing me about my health. I work hard enough as it is just to keep my excellent athletic figure.”
Any conversation?

>>30010784
Ask what kind of exercise she does and if you two can hoove wrestle.

>>30010784
I don't doubt you at all. You do have a very lovely athletic figure from what I can see. What? You said it all yourself.

>>30010784
You should put me to working harder. I don't want to get out of shape.

“I don’t doubt you at all. You do have a very lovely, athletic figure.”
>She coughs and sputter and you start to see a red glow show through her fur.
”What you said it yourself?”
>She looks back at you with an amused expression. “Well I also said that flatter will you get you anywhere, Mr. Chuckles, but you’re just an out and out tease.”
“Hey, hey, I’m just wondering what I can do to stay in that sort of shape. Maybe join you for your daily regimen?”
>”Well, it’s mostly just the work around the farm. I’d never say no to an extra set of helping hooves but you’re a guest, and I ain’t gonna demand that you pick up a shovel and get to work on the cow pies.”
“Well how about a hoof-wrestle? See who’s stronger?”
>She shrugs and puts her hoof up on the table. “I mean sure, but I’m not gonna start bragging about how I could buck you across the room.”
>You match her hoof with your own and the two of you start to strain as you try to push the other’s to the ground.
>You fight for a while, and put up a pretty good fight, surging forward to try and catch her off guards, but while your strength lies in quick bursts of power, hers is raw endurance.
>She’s grinning pretty wide by the time she slowly pushes your hoof against the table.
>”Oof. You’re almost as good as Gentra. Dirty’d kick your flank, though.”

>>30011101
That was a lot of fun! Ask how strong dirty is.

>>30011101
Curses! Looks like I'll need to start working at that farm to have any chance. I swear I will beat you the next time we hold hooves! Plus, I want to at least help you out a bit more after everything you've done for me so far.

>>30011101
Who can beat you?

“Curses, I’ll just have to help out around the farm more to get better at this, then,” you say, breathing heavy and smiling back at her.
>She snorted. “I would really appreciate it, no joke. I manage to keep up just fine, but I wouldn’t say no to a bit more free time.”
“Just watch out. Next time we hold hooves, I’m totally going to win you over.”
>She snorted, not rising to your comments. “You just keep on talking, Mr. Chuckles Flattery. I know your game.”
“Who can beat you, anyway?”
>”Only Dirty. Speedy’s bottom of the barrel, the Gentra, probably you after her, then me, then Dirty. Unless you’re talkin’ about fighting. We don’t do a whole lot of that.”
Anything else to ask?

>>30011309
Nope. Let's get out of this joint.

>>30011309
We'll win that game for sure. Anyways, we're done eating now.

>You and Carrot continue to chat and joke back and forth as you pay your bill and leave the restaurant.
>”Shoot, I should really get back to the farm. I didn’t think we’d be out so long. The girls are gonna give me an ear-full if I don’t let them out of the barn soon.”
“... You mean the cows? Can’t they let themselves out?”
>”Nah...” Carrot glances around to make sure nobody is watching. “Cows ain’t that bright. Don’t get me wrong, they’re sweet, and if you like gossip you could lose an afternoon chatting, but they don’t have the attention span to figure out stuff like reading or doorknobs. Just sorta,” she waves her hoof over her head.
“Gotcha. So, the barn and the fences, it’s more for their benefit?”
>Carrot nods. “They could get by on their own well enough, but a herd of them couldn’t put two sticks together, no less a house. No matter how much you like living rough, a roof makes rain and snow much more tolerable.”
“Then… it’s more of a partnership? You give them a place to stay, they pay rent in milk?”
>”Pretty much!” Carrot says. “It’s a little more than that though. I chip in some hay so they don’t have to graze when the weather’s bad and each night I round them all up and lead ‘em back to the barn. If I don’t they usually forget and sleep out in the pasture. You ever have a pet bird?”
You give Carrot blank stare.
>”Oh, right. Sorry. Anyway, you throw a blanket over a bird’s cage and it conks out, pretty much where it is. Cows are like that but with the sun. And good luck teaching them to read a clock… Anyway, I better get back. If you wanna keep exploring, I can point you in the direction of something. Anything else on Pamphlet Pusher’s map catch yer eye?”

Closing up shop for the night. Same time and place tomorrow. Thanks for playing!

>>30011662
Let's go to a park. Maybe the outskirts of town? Or that applecorp place.

>>30011662
There should be a decent park around here to visit and relax at. Maybe we have a memory involving being somewhere similar.

>>30011683
>that applecorp place.
This. It might trigger a memory. And if it turns out investigating them is why we are hear then all the better. Ask carrot if they do any sort of tours. If so do that otherwise we will have to plan this out.

Many discoveries are yet to be made.

Many bumps needed from page nine.

The board is picking up speed bump

>the hoofwrestle was just a ploy to hold hooves

Damn good thinking anon.

>>30011662
Tell her we enjoyed our date and head towards the dreaded applecorp place.

“Well, if you’re sure you don’t need my help…”
>”Nah, it’s mostly a dumb work sort of situation, plus the girls might be out to help me in a bit. I might need your help for a bit of the brute work later tonight if you’re up for it.”
>You gave her a nod and headed off towards the Apple Family Conglomerate. It’s actually pretty nearby, so it only takes you a second to get there.
>The entrance gate itself is...gaudy. It’s like it’s trying to nail the folksy charm of Ponyville and Carrot’s farm, but done to an absolutely moronic degree, artful wood carving with friendly ponies beaming at you and apples added in everywhere.
>It’s honestly kind of disturbing. You can just imagine them staring at you. Late at night.
>You shake your head and move on through the gate. A pastoral view awaits you, apple trees budding, ponies happily waiting among them.
>...wait a second. It’s harvest season, they shouldn’t be budding. And why would ponies be working here if the trees are just budding?
>Frowning, you step off the path, wanting to take a look at one of the trees. Instead of hitting the ground, your hoof bumps into a large wall of jello, seeing ripples roll out from where you poked at it.
>An enchantment. Gotta love it.
>You shrug and turn on down to the farm, where a friendly looking mare awaits at a simple wooden stand.
>”Howdy y’all!” She says in what is, bar none, the worst imitation of a country accent of all time. “How can I help y’all find y’all’s way? Y’all?”

>>30017842
Y'all can tell us where the tour groups are y'all. Y'all also wouldn't mind telling me who runs the place would you?

>>30017842
Tell her we are from out of town and are wondering why these trees are acting out of season.

>>30017842
"Y'all" is plural, with it's origin being "ye all." Those corporate dumbfucks.

Looking to find out about a tour or somesuch.

“Well, you do know that y’all is only for plural statements?”
>Her smile only grows wider. “Well, I don’t cotton to y’all’s big city logic, but I’ll take y’all’s word for it.”
“Also, are the trees out of season? I thought I saw them budding but it’s harvest season.”
>Her smile threatens to break her face in half. Sweat beads up on her forehead. “W-well, I don’t cotton to y’all’s big city logic but-”
“Also what are they doing out there? There’s like a ton of them out there working on trees that aren’t bearing fruit yet.”
>Her eyes start to twitch. “W-w-w-well I d-don’t cotton to y-y’all’s-”
“I get the feeling I know where this is going. Where are the tours and who’s in charge of this place.”
>She breathes out a sigh of relief and points you down one of the roads. “Down that way, big sign. Please leave me alone I’ve got thirty minutes ‘til my lunch. Empire Apple runs this place.”
>You nod and head down the direction she indicated, leaving the poor mare alone.”
>Sure enough, there’s eventually a wagon filled with hay next to a sign labelled ‘farm tours’. No one seems to be nearby.
What do you do?

>>30018100
Time to explore on our own and if we get caught claim to be an apple enthusiast.

>>30018100
the way she just broke down out of her act was amusing

Commit the appearance of the mare to memory if disguise is our special talent it could be useful in future.

>>30018138
I disagree.
Maybe we have been here with that mare before and the tour would trigger that memory. We can explore on our own after the tour.

>>30018100
Wait around for a tour.

>Noting a nearby bench, you take a seat and wait for anyone.
>There might be memories at stake, so no matter how insufferable this place is, you figure it’s in your best interest to stick it out.
>You’re there for all of five minutes before a stallion hurries up and starts to hook himself into the wagon, huffing and puffing.
>”Sorry sorry sorry!” He says. “I mean, um, yup!”
>He finishes hooking himself into the harness, totally out of breath and looking disheveled. His coat has been sloppily dyed red and he seems to have some kind of removable muscle padding.
>You look at him deadpan, but with a roll of your eyes you hop into the cart and and take a seat.
>You’re not sure what you’re sitting in, but it is WAY too comfortable to be hay. He looks at you, about to say something, but stops himself, realizing with a note of minor terror that he almost broke character.
>The tour drags on. There doesn’t seem to be anything worth noting, and you’re sure you’re on some kind of fixed track, the wagon propulsed more by magic than the actual pulling of the stallion below you.
>The scenes are nonsensical to varying degrees showing ponies happy to be hard at work picking apples. Bucking trees next to planting them, juicing apples that seem to come from nowhere… It’s like someone was given the vague objective of “APPLES” and told to go wild.
>Nothing else of note is nearby. You might be able to sneak off if you feel so inclined...

>>30018491
Nope we come back at night. Keep an eye out for a security guard so we can learn to disguise ourself as him.

>>30018496
actually better idea. come back tomorrow to sneak around.
Also when we see carrot we should tell her we had an absolutely fantastic time here.

>>30018491
We can sneak out tomorrow. We have some work we have some work tonight with Carrot. Also got to definitely tease her on how happy and wonderful our visit has been with the apples.

Calling it for the night. See you all on Monday, probably.

>>30020491

this a pretty good read, op. very comfy feeling

The wait for monday continues

Sleep tight bump.

Wonder if we get a free apple at the end of the tour.

Where the candied apples? With the caramel.

>>30020501

Boop

No 10 4u

Have a good night bump

just caught up. nice story, like what you did with the setting.

Morning bump.

We need to get carrot some kind of gift. we gotta ask her friends what kinds of things she likes.

Remember to look both ways before crossing the street.

Bomp

Time to get away from 10.

>>30038199

Time to sleep.

its technically monday bump

Bump for I hope we were not fucking the chick we bodyguarded so we can fuck the girl at sugar cube corner instead.

Let's see if tonight's the night.

High fives for everypony.

Get your apple themed merchandise today.

Last bump.

>No… as much as you hate to admit, now isn’t the right time. There’s a pause while the employee realizes that all of the tourists flooding the town abruptly disappeared. With that done, you set off.
>You’re not really doing the traditional tourist thing… and you don’t have anyone to talk to. The tour guide doesn’t seem to notice. Or to be able to say anything but “Yup” and “Nope”.
>It’s a pretty boring ride, generic pro-Apple pictures and slogans plastered along the same way as the phony scene you saw before.
>The whole thing takes fifteen minutes before you’re let off at end and given and apple, right next to a gift shop of some sort, featuring blatantly overpriced Applecorp merch. An exit to the park is nearby as well.
>What will you do?

>>30046920
Let's go to the park. It's a nice day out.

>>30046920
I would buy some merchandise just to screw with Carrot but she might kick us out. Let's leave. Go back to Carrot's, I have some questions.

>You briefly consider showing up at the farm loaded up with Apple Family regalia.
>You then consider Carrot kicking you out of her house.
>Wincing at that mental image, you head back to Carrot’s place sans merchandise. If you could have afforded any, anyways.
>First you check the barn but it’s empty, no cows or Carrot to be seen.
>Next you check inside of the house, poking your head around for Carrot. Again, no luck.
>You do find a note on the counter, however, scrawled out in Carrot’s efficient and inelegant hoofwriting.
>”Chuckles - Latch is broken on the barn, cows are Sun knows where. I’m on the property somewhere, use your fancy pegasus wings to find me if you need to.”
>You chew on your lower lip, thinking about what to do when you turn around and nearly run into the beige unicorn you met before, jumping back a little in surprise.
>She blinks at you. “Oh hey Chuckles. Are you looking for the cows too?”
“Uh… not right now, Speedy. Why are you looking for the cows in Carrot’s house?”
>”What if one of them wanted a nap?”

>>30047380
I suppose I can't argue with that reasoning. Could a cow even fit through the door? Where have you tried looking? Maybe we can give an area of the farm no ponies checked a quick fly by.

>>30047380
There an operation up to go find cows? I'll help.

“I guess I can’t argue with that… though I’m not sure how they would fit through the door.”
>Speedy shrugs. “I dunno… Just figured I’d check.”
“Uh, well, give me a second and I can help with that, give the farm a quickly flyover.”
>You briefly glance back at the note and when you look up, Speedy is gone. Only for a second, though: she pokes her head out of Carrot’s room.
>”That’s probably a good idea.” She said, and the two of you head outside.
>You lift off, not so high that you loose the details entirely, but high enough to get the lay of the land. Carrot’s house and dairy barn are pretty close together but she also has a smaller barn on the other side of the ruined house that you hadn’t noticed before.
>You get your best-yet look at Carrot’s property as you fly. Close to her house and the dairy barn is a small fenced-in field of carrot plants. Next to it you see a lean-to covering a mechanical plow of some kind. Beyond that, and the two barns, her farm is mostly green, rolling fields for the cows to graze in.
>You spy Carrot along the edge between the pasture and the nearby forest.
>You land in front of Carrot quietly, and she fills you in on what she’s done, tells you where she’s hit and where she’s looking.
>You can see Dirty and Gentra trying to corral a small group of cows back towards the barn, but it’s slow going (the cows are more interested talking than being herded). You set off to find any more of the stragglers.
>It’s strangely enough kind of fun, like a sort of hide and seek game. Carrot and Dirty have a competition to see who can get more, and Carrot wins easily.
>You quietly mention a few juicy topics of gossip in the general direction of the barn, and the cows just so happen to follow along a little bit quicker.
(1/2)

>It’s about five or six hours later by the time you’re done, and the moon is out, the five of you exhausted.
>”Well,” Gentra says, collapsed on the couch. “I guess Reverse Strip Poker will have to wait for another week.”
>Carrot nods. “Yeah…” she says wistfully. “I’m real sorry, girls, I screwed this one up something fearsome. I coulda sworn that latch was secured.”
>”Hey, don’t worry about it!” Dirty says, searching through the kitchen cupboards. “That’s what friends are for.”
Any conversation?

>>30047682
Carrot, I have a question I think you can answer for me. Who is Empire Apple?

>>30047682
Regail Carrot on horrifying tour of apples. We certainly see reasons to dislike them now.

“Hey Carrot, who’s Empire Apple?”
>She scowls as she hears that name. “Where’d you hear that name?”
“I, uh, took a tour of Apple Family Conglomerate just in case my job here did have something to do with them.”
>”Well if being a huge JERK is an actionable offense, then I’ll testify at her trial without delays.” She says, snorting in aggravation. “She’s a pint-sized brat with a load of attitude and the worst darn parents you ever met! One of these days I’m gonna strap her to my riding mower and-”
>Speedy rubs her back from nowhere, causing Carrot to jump away and swear.
>”Relax, Carrot,” she says in her usual, blissed out tone. “We don’t need another forty page epic on your desires to dismember a fifteen year old.”
>Carrot looks a little guilty at this. “Yeah… you’re right.”
>Gentra perks up. “Oh! Chuckles.”
>She rolls off the couch with great effort. “I met someone who knows you! I think they might be your friend!”

>>30047980
Pausing for tonight. See you all tomorrow!

>>30047225
Nah at worst she would make us sleep in the barn. I am curious though just how overpriced were they?

>>30047980
Is it possible the latch was sabotage from the apples?

>>30047980
Was it the cutie mark whatevers? So far everyone that knows me ends up being weird and unhelpful.

This is going to hopefully be fun.

Where did you meet them and where are they currently?

Let's also ask what they looked like. They didn't mention our name?

>>30052013

“Who? Where?” You excitedly ask.
>”He said his name was Gunthield, big, hunky griffin,” she said, her eyes suddenly sparkling. “I met him at the Calmest Tavern.”
“Did they mention my name? What did they look like?”
>“Grey and brown, eyepatch, looked like he could have bench-pressed me and the couch,” she tosses a glance back towards where she had been laying.
You close your eyes and try to picture the a very muscular, eye-patched griffin… and get nothing. It was worth a shot…
>Gentra continues. ”He didn’t mention you by name, but he said he was looking for somepony with a big key around their neck. You pretty much own the bill there; haven’t seen anybody else ever accessorize like you do.”
>“But that was before the mess with the cows, I just spotted your key and remembered. He’s probably not there anymore, but I told him about you and promised to bring you by tomorrow. You wouldn’t mind introducing me more formally, would you?” Gentra licks her beak. Totally not just an excuse to see him again.

>>30053480
Yeah sure. What time and where?

>>30053480
Sounds like a plan.

>>30053480
Sure, I'm sure you have no ulterior motive at all.

>>30053480
>inb4 he's up to no good

>>30053635
Better round up our friends as back-up. If we really are someone important, we are bound to have people targeting us.

“Sounds like a plan, I’m sure you have no ulterior motives at all.”
>You make a mental note to give her some alone time after talking with the mystery griffin… with the eye-patch… and who is large and muscular… Hmmm, you are in the guard, so that could explain it. Maybe it’s nothing…
“Where are we meeting him tomorrow, and what time?”
>”Calmest Tavern again, and lunch, if that works for you.”
“If something comes up before then or if I remember something big that I have to take care of, I’ll try to let you know, but yeah, that sounds good.”
>She gives you a big hug. “Thank you so much! I mean, um, I’m so happy that I could help you out.”
“Uh-huhn. I’m so sure.” You say, giving her a wry smile.
>She snorts and punches you in the wither. “C’mon, be cool. This is helping you out, too.”
>You smile at her, and the four of them chat idly for a few more minutes before it’s becoming apparent how late it is.
>The three people not currently living on Carrot’s farm start to filter out of the house, mumbling some form of goodbye. Well, not Speedy, who just kind of abruptly disappears when no one is looking at her.
>Eventually, it’s just you and Carrot.
>”Well I ‘spose it’s time for me to hit the hay,” she says, yawning and stretching out, looking at you. “You alright for tonight?”

>>30053782
Yep. Let's go take a shower and then go to bed.

>>30053782
Suggest the possibility the barn latch was apple sabotage and head to sleep.

>>30053782
Wait, don't I get a g-goodnight h-hoof-hold as a reward for helping you out with the cows?

>>30053782
Carrot, I just want to thank you again. I'll find a way to pay you back, I promise.

“I could probably do with a shower, I’ve been out and about all day, and I probably stink pretty damn bad.”
>She nods. “Well I wasn’t gonna mention it, but…”
>You chuckle and she leads you over to the shower, a surprisingly nice little room. You suppose if you’re going to do anything well, you’d want your bathroom to be nice.
>You pop in and turn on the nozzles, stress melting away under a jet of hot water. You take a second to pick out one and decide that smelling like mangoes is better than an a cucumber rose scent.
(1/2)

Having problems posting, I'll be back tomorrow with a full post, hoping this clears up.

>>30054181
see
>>30040538

>A few minutes later, you pop out, feeling as refreshed as you’ve ever been, and head out of the bathroom.
>As you step out of the shower you see Carrot waiting for her turn.
>”Heh,” she chuckles awkwardly to break the tension. “Not used ta having to wait.”
>She starts to slip past you but you reach out and snag her hoof to turn her around.
>”Hun?”
“It’s just… I know I must sound like a broken record by now, but I really appreciate you letting me stay here like this. It’s one thing to take care of an injured pony, but...”
>”Oh shush already,” she says, blush starting to creep onto her cheeks. “I know you don’t got nowhere else to go, how can I just throw you out… that’s all. Now let me get a shower. I smell like cowpies, and the girls couldn’t bake their way out of a wet paper bag.”
[2/2]

Thanks for the tip. Still going to call it for the night. this is about when I usually quit anyhow. See you all tomorrow.

>>30054352
Laugh at her joke, not to hard though just a sensible chuckle. then go to bed.

>Well, not Speedy, who just kind of abruptly disappears when no one is looking at her.

Speedy confirmed for Weeping Angel

Time for bed.

>>30054352
Continue to hold her hoof. Ask if we're winning since she's blushing so much.

Carrot is pretty cute.

Eat something delicious.

>>30058987
No apples around. Guess our Carrot will have to do.

>You chuckle at her joke. Sensibly.
“Hey, since we’re still holding hooves… am I winning?”
>Her eyes suddenly flash, and in a blur of motion you find yourself artfully flipped over, landing on the ground.
>Thankfully, being relatively light, it doesn’t hurt too much, but the air rushes out of your lungs in a ‘whoof’.
>You look up and Carrot has her hoof pressing yours against the ground. “Yer pretty cute, Chuckles,” she says with a self-satisfied smile. “But I’m still the best.”
>With that, she lightly trots off to the shower.
>You grumble and get up, heading over to bed.
>It’s been a long day, lots of memories and work, and you slip into bed, quickly falling asleep.
>You dream of a strange mare with purple fur, calling herself Time and Destiny, but you don’t remember much of it.
>Eventually, you wake to sounds of rustling and commotion in the kitchen. Your eyes scrape open with what feels like superpony effort, and you look over to see Carrot humming happily as she makes something in the kitchen.
What do you?

>>30059907
Sorry, forgot my trip.

>>30059907
Say good morning and ask what's for breakfast. Ask if she needs any help.

>>30059907
Plans for today, Carrot? Put me to work. Oh yea, ask her about that ruined house too.

>>30059907
I would sneak over and surprise you, but I don't want to be forced to knock you down again just like last night. Any work she needs help with today?

>You briefly consider trying to sneak up on her, but then remember last night and decide that back pain isn’t worth the petty joke.
>Instead, you more casually walk over to the kitchen.
“Good morning,” you say, giving her a smile. “What’s for breakfast?”
>”Just a simple hash today,” she says with a half-yawn. “I’m still kind of tuckered from yesterday, not really feeling like a whole bunch of work.”
“Well, I am at your disposal. Set me to work and I’ll get right to it.”
>She nods blearily. “Well when I was out poking around for the cows, I did see what looked like Timberwolf tracks… ya could probably go to the library for me and pick up a book on ‘em…”
“Sure… but it did say that the librarian was sick.”
>Carrot considers for a second and passes you her spoon, giving you directions to stir, and heads off into her room.
>Assorted sounds of rustling go on for a bit and she leaves her room pulling out a neon yellow hazmat suit and lays it across the couch.
>”I mean, if you’re concerned, you don’t have to, but this SHOULD keep you safe. I made it myself.”
>She doesn’t seem to realize that’s not a comforting thought for a hazmat suit.

>>30060105
You couldn't just buy one? Anyway it'll do. We'll just make sure to wash our hands and not stand directly in front of anypony to avoid coughing and sneezing.

>>30060105
Alrighty then. I'll go after breakfast.

>>30060133
You made entire hazmat suit yourself for cases like this? I'm impressed.

>>30060105
Hey I am a guard or something and a pretty good fighter. Maybe I could deal with the wolves myself.

>>30060105
Maybe we can make some coffee for her to help her get some energy up.

>You notice the bags under her eyes and decide to start on coffee while she finishes up breakfast.
“You made a hazmat suit yourself, I’m impressed. But, uh… did you consider just buying one?”
>She looks at you with a snort. “What, and let those corporate idjits tell me what constitutes a properly made hazmat suit? No way! This thing is one hundred percent Earth pony genius.”
>She looks up at you confidently. “It’ll work. I guarantee it.”
“Maybe I could, uh… fight the wolves instead? I am apparently pretty good at that.”
>”As much as I relish the idea of watching you beat down on some pests for six hours while they reform to no end, it won’t stop them from spookin’ the girls.”
“Right… well, alright then… I guess I don’t have any good reason not to go after breakfast.”
>Carrot carries the hash over to the table, you take the coffee and other needed settings. She’s seeming relatively more perky by the end of breakfast, and the food is simple, but good.
>After you’re done, you don the suit and head out over to the librarian’s office, a giant gnarled oak tree. The same sign as last time is warning you away from the library, but almost certainly protected against illness, you knock on the door.
>There’s a few minutes delay, and you wonder if the library is just closed for today when the doorknob rattles and opens.
>Your heart races even worse than the thought of death by infectious disease when you see PAMPHLET PUSHER lurking inside, and you start to run… before you realize that there’s no horn. It’s an Earth mare staring back at you, and she sighs heavily.
>Her nose is red and raw, there are bags under her eyes and you notice that she’s a little horse as she talks, and it’s hardly the buss seeping sores and fog of toxins you were expecting. “For Celest’s sake I’m not THAT sick.” She rolls her eyes. “...Herd animals, I swear.”

>>30060396
Apologize. Tell her why we're here. Mention the resemblance to Pusher, family maybe?

>>30060396
It's always good to be prepared. Anyway we're here for a book.

>>30060396
Sorry, when I said I didn't want to get sick, this was what they literally gave me to prevent that.

“Sorry, I, uh, didn’t know what was going, and I was told to wear this so I didn’t get sick…”
>You look down at the hazmat suit and feeling much more silly.
“I… guess it’s always good to be prepared? Um. I’m here for a book.”
>She nods and heads back inside. “Come on in. But not to close, wouldn’t want you wasting away in bed from the sniffles.”
>You follow along, taking off the hazmat suit’s facemask.
“Right… I’m looking for something on timberwolves. Say, you like kind of familiar are you-”
>”Yup. And I apologize for my sister, but I distinctly do not feel bad enough about it to do anything about it.” She says, very matter of factly. “My name is Bookworm, pleased to make your acquaintance.”
>She starts to poke through the shelves, looking for a specific book and looks back at you.
>”Are you new in town? You seem kind of… familiar…”

Goodnight folks! See you tomorrow!

>>30060619
I may be new. I have some pretty bad magical amnesia.

>>30060619
We have have met somewhere before I lost my memories. You also seem to be very blunt. Pleased to maybe meet you again.

>>30060619
What is it about me that seems familiar? My face? My coat? My mane? My voice? Should we smile? Scowl? Make a stern face?

I'm posting this to bump the thread, but also to help give some publicity to another thread on /mlp/ which can be found here >>30041720

The OP of that thread would really appreciate it if you could take a moment check it out and take the poll that they've made. You can find more information about it in the thread itself. Even if you don't want to take the poll, you can help out by using this copypasta whenever you bump a thread on /mlp/ until May 14th, after which point the poll will close. Please only use this copypasta if you were otherwise going to bump a thread without contributing content to prevent spam.

Let's see if she knows anything.

Were we with somepony?

Let us begin our escape from page 10.

>You suddenly sense an opportunity.
“What is it about me that seems familiar? My face? My coat? My mane? My voice? Should I smile? Scowl? Make a stern face?”
>You start to ask a flurry of questions, changing your expression. Maybe if it was just slightly off you can trigger it for her.
>Your response is a hoof to the face. “You’re very good at that and it’s kind of creeping me out,” she said. “I don’t remember you… I don’t think. There’s just this kind of vague… hanging deja vu about you.”
>You quirk your head to the side. “So you don’t remember a pegasus you’ve never met before coming in here? Maybe with a mare.”
>She shrugs. “Before I got sick and some ponies declared me a health threat the likes of which Equestria has never seen because I sniffed a few too many times in a minute there were loads of tourists and stuff in here. I didn’t keep track of all of them.”
>She squints at you. “It must be sickbrain. There’s really no reason I would remember you at all…”
>She passes you a big book on timberwolves, entitled “The Big Book of Timberwolves.” “There you go. That should have any information you need on the besties.”

>>30065992
Well alright, thank her and say that a hot shower really helps in clearing up sinuses. Nice meeting her.

>>30065992
Tell her it is possible we came in here disguised so that could explain her confusion.

>>30065992
Thank her for her time and ask to check out the book. Carrot asked us to pick it up for her

“Can I check it out?”
>She nods and heads over to the counter, stamping in the book and sliding a pad towards you. Not sure what to put, you fill in Chuckles for the name, as well as a time and date.
>She slips the book over to you. “Turn it back in in a week or renew it. Two bit fine for every day it’s late.”
>You pick up the book and tuck it away in the saddlebags you borrowed from Carrot.
“Have you tried a hot shower? It can really clear out the sinuses.”
>”Isn’t that a little bit forward?” She says with good humor. “Thanks for the tip, have a good one.”
>With your errand completed, you head back over to Carrot’s house and shed the hazmat suit, carefully folding it up and putting it on Carrot’s bed. You take the book and head out.
>The second barn is where you find her, poking at what appears to be some kind of huge pump.
>”Oh hey!” She says as she notices you enter. “You’re not dead! I guess the hazmat suit works.”

>>30066226
No it was something you handmade. It is not so much it worked as something not needed.

>>30066226
It's opponent was a headcold so it's no surprise it worked. Anyway we got the book! Make sure to return it in a week.

>>30066226
No worries! I made sure to put the contaminated hazmat suit on your own bed!

>>30066226
Nooo we got infected. Quickly change our facial expressions once again.

>>30066226
Whatcha working on?

“Oh, uh, yeah. Um… it mostly turned out that she only really had a head cold, so….”
>She snorts and waves a hoof. “That’s even better. If it had been like an actual nasty illness and you had really bitten it, I would have felt mighty awful.”
“Right…”
>An awkward silence ensues, which you break by grabbing the book and passing it over.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
>”Give me two shakes of a lambs tail, and I’ll send ya out to grab something, that sound like a deal?”
“Sure.”
>She takes a few minutes, speed-reading over everything.
>”Mkay,” she says, flipping through a few sections. “Looks like we’ll need a special spray to help deal with them. Mind if I send you down to the blacksmith?”

Pausing here for tonight. See you all tomorrow!

>>30066755
I do mind because I have a meeting with a griffin to get to when it's lunchtime and I would like to get there early.

>>30066765
This.

>>30066765
As long as it's quick, we can pick it up no problem.

Leaving page 10.

What's "lunch time"? 12-1?

I bet you that guy only kind of knows who we are.

It's time to get away from nine. Also brownies are really tasty.

No more page nine for you.

I'll be starting RePony a little bit late today. Expect updates to start in about half an hour.

>You’re about to say yes, when something occurs to you.
“Actually… I had that lunch meeting with Gentra and that Griffin, and I wanted to be early to that.”
>“How early?” Carrot asks. “You’ve got an hour before lunch. You could make it if you skedaddled… Eh. Ya already got me the book, I can just pick up the spray.”
“Well, I could probably at least pick it up and then drop it off after lunch,” you say after considering it for a moment.
>”If ya got time, I’d appreciate it. You’d be saving me a trip into town. The book says it’s pretty common stuff around these parts, so you should be able to find it at the black smith’s place. Just ask for Timberwolf repellant. You’ve still got that map from when Pamphlet Pusher jumped you, the general store aint too hard to find.” Carrot starts to return her attention to repairing the large pump.
>”Oh, and Gentra’s the fashionably late sort. Chances are you’ll be sitting alone if you show up real early, just FYI.”

Anything else? Picking up the Timber-wolf-be-gone before the meeting, or straight there.

>>30072412
How close is the store to the bar? If it's close we can do it.

>>30072412
>straight there.

>>30072412
Let's go pick it up quickly for Carrot. No need to be early if we're just going to sit with no company.

>As you head out, you unfold the map you escaped from Pamphlet Pusher with. The blacksmith isn’t right next to the Calmest Tavern, but it’s in the same corner of town. You’ve got time to pick up the stuff and still be early, if you hurry. Might as well.
>You trot over to the blacksmith, it’s easy to find with the map.
>The smith is a two-part building. The first part is an open-air workspace complete with anvil, forge and all manner of metal shaping tools. The second part is more like an actual shop, and it’s clear that’s where the goods are sold.
>Inside the shop, there is a tall, gangly, but strong looking stallion behind the corner. He has an orange coat and a bald head. He’s wearing a heavy black apron carefully maintained, a description that matches pretty much everything in this shop.
>He glances up as you enter and grunts slightly, then returns to polishing the store counter with a cloth.
>The shop is small, you see a lot of garden tools and other metal instruments that were most likely made in the other half of the blacksmith, and a small rack near the back has some impeccably made blades. Only about a third of the store isn’t metal-work.
>You walk up to the counter and look at him. He grunts at you questioningly.

>>30072711
Hello, we're looking for some timberwolf repellent? Do you have some?

>>30072711
Ask about what you are after.

“Uhh… Timberwolf-be-gone?”
>He grunts and points at a rack of weapons.
>You walk over and pick up a mace.
“I mean, I guess that would work…”
>He grunts, shakes his head, and points again, a bit more emphatically.
>You look a bit more to the right and see a row of cans labelled “Timberwolf-be-Gone”. A termite gives you a thumbs up one the packaging.
“Oh.”
>You pick up a can and look it over. It’s a bug spray. You spray it at the offended woodbeast and it gets chewed up by termites.
>You purchase the can, sliding three bits over for it. Pretty cheap, which makes sense since no one wants someone to be unable to purchase the cure for timberwolves.
>You check the time: it’s about 11:30. You’ll be a bit late if you run back to give Carrot the spray, but Gentra might not be there just yet.
What do you do?

>>30072923
Let's quickly give the can to Carrot. She warned us that Gentra would be late anyways.

>>30072923
I don't think there's anything wrong with sitting alone and gathering our thoughts so I say go after the lunch. We just need a quick conversation anyway and then we can leave.

>>30072923
Go to lunch.

>>30072923
Head on over to the tavern.

>Well, odds are heavily against her getting mauled by timberwolves in the hour or so it will take you to talk to the mystery griffin. You head over to the tavern to meet him.
>The atmosphere is relatively relaxed, understandably, and there are only a couple of ponies sitting in the bar.
>The obvious stand-out is the mountain of a griffin nursing a beer in the corner, an eyepatch strapped to his right eye with heavy scarring over most of his body.
>His good eyes snaps to you the second the door opens, and focuses intently around your neck, where the key still rests.
>He immediately gets up and walks over to you, boards creaking loudly with his every step. He’s your size and half again, and rippling with an impressive physique of toned muscle.
>It’s more than that though, there’s a practiced care to his every movement, and he feels primed to move with every action he takes.
>”Good afternoon,” he says with a calm, polite voice tinged with a Canterlot accent. “My name is Gunthield, and I suspect you’re the pony I’m looking for. May I offer you a drink?”

>>30073089
No thank you, a friend said you were looking for me? I seem to have lost my memory and was hoping you would know my true identity.

>>30073089
Respectfully decline. At the moment your name is chuckles. Does he know our actual name or just knows us?

>>30073089
Ask him how he knows us personally. Why did he come looking for us?

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to refuse.”
>”Of course, keep your wits about you. A respectable answer,” he says and gestures over to the booth. “Let’s have a seat.”
>The two of you sit down in the corner booth where he was sitting before.
“So… do you know me?”
>He glances from you down to the key around your neck, then back up to meet your eyes. “Hrm? Ah, yes. Well, let’s make this an ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine.’”
>He points a talon at the key. “I need that. Give me the key and I’ll tell you everything that I know. And a fair bit of monetary compensation besides.” “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to refuse.”
>”Of course, keep your wits about you. A respectable answer,” he says and gestures over to the booth. “Let’s have a seat.”
>The two of you sit down in the corner booth where he was sitting before.
“So… do you know me?”
>He glances from you down to the key around your neck, then back up to meet your eyes. “Hrm? Ah, yes. Well, let’s make this an ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine.’”
>He points a talon at the key. “I need that. Give me the key and I’ll tell you everything that I know. And a fair bit of monetary compensation besides.”

Bonus session tomorrow. May be a bit of a longer one.

>>30073239
Can't you at least tell what this key is specifically?. Besides, I can't get it off me. Nor do I know how to take it off.

>>30073239
I had a feeling that's what he would ask for. Welp. Time for us to leave. There is only one pony we will give up this key for and it's not him.

Ask if he has or is currently looking for a girlfriend.

>>30073239
Tell him you will wait until your memorys of the key come back before you allow anybody to use it.

>>30073387
You know what fuck it.
>>30073239
Flirt with him for information.

>>30073442
Why would we flirt with him when it's gentra that we're supposed to be buttering him up for?

I don't think this guy is on the up and up because typically people don't offer to pay you tons of money for random keys that hang around your neck.

Episode days are the worst days.

Dancing is a lot of fun when there's good music bump.

>>30075549
You make a valid point.
>>30073442
Nevermind forget the flirtation.

I wish for a sandwich.

Quite the adventure we're having bump.

“I’m… not sure that’s a good idea. Unless you can tell me what the key is.”
>”Information for the key, that’s the deal, friend.”
“Well… I’m going to have to say no. I don’t know what it is, what it does, and I can’t even get it off my head.”
>He looks at you with a sense of deep disappointment and sighs. He stands up and crosses the room partway. Some part of you automatically follows suit, but it’s a bit too late: he’s already standing between you and the door.
>You stare at him, and he looks back at you dispassionately.
>”I was really hoping this all wouldn’t be unpleasant, but I see it’s going to be. Let me be blunt. I am contracted to return that key to my employer in Canterlot and I will do by any means necessary. Even if I have to drag your unconscious body with me to Canterlot.”
>He sets his stance and lowers himself down, getting ready to pounce. “Understood?”
What do you do?

>>30080850
A shame. My friend seemed quite attracted to you.

open the fight by rushing past him and smashing him in the rump.

>>30080850
Start chuckling and wait. Then once he pounces grab a chair and swing it like a bat and hit him in the face.

>>30080850
You know this is really cliche, buddy. I mean seriously, a fight in a tavern? Your employer doesn't care about you doing this public?

“I hope you know that this is really cliche buddy,” you say. “A fight in a tavern? Doesn’t your employer have any problems with you being so public about this?”
>”On the contrary,” he said. “I’ve been given leave to do whatever it takes.” And with that, he pounces.
>You maneuver out of the way, but only just. He’s not just big, he’s FAST, claws slipping through your main while you duck to the side. Luckily, that also means he’s got a lot of momentum, and even as his wings come out to airbrake he’s still given you a bit of time.
>Realizing that your odds of winning this while playing nice aren’t particularly great, you grab a chair and heft it, throwing your entire body into it as you swing the chair at them.
>It slams into his face and he seems… perturbed. Annoyed, even. But not particularly slowed down, and he grabs at you again.
>He’s even closer now, but you’re just a hair faster, and manage to fall back. You’re not sure you can win an extended fight against him.

>>30081169
Fall back outside. Towards the guard station or the tourist center, whichever is closest.

>>30081169
What the fuck? How is that guy still awake? That guys skull must be hard as a rock. There is only one way to solve this now. Get reinforcements! FIND DIRTY HOOVES! And if you can't find her look get some guards.

>>30081169
Run.

>Screw this, he’s just going to whittle you down if you keep on fighting.
>You start towards the door, but narrowly avoid a side swipe as he moves to block you.
>He’s bigger and stronger, but you’re just enough faster that running could work.
>The door is right in front of you; you can hear him scrambling around to chase you.
>You burst through the door and-
>“Hey, Chuckles. Is your hot friend inside still?” You nearly run straight into Gentra. She doesn’t seem to have noticed that you’re currently running for your life.

>>30081380
Yep, go get him!

>>30081380
Not a friend, he's hunting me, bye.

>>30081380
Yeah, can you help fight him?
>inb4 she just fucking shoots him

>>30081380
Bad griffon! No friend!

>You swerve around Gentra and skid to a stop.
“Not a friend, bad guy. Attacked me.”
>Gunthield bursts through the door after you before you can say anything else.
>He glances between the two of you. “You’re going to drag a civilian into this? You don’t want to do that. Last chance, give me the key.”

>>30081520
Nope.
Run like hell to the tourist center. If pamphlet pusher cannot stop him nopony can.

>>30081520
Not dragging in, warning away. Bye. Run out of there.

>>30081520
I am a civilian!

>”Hun? Bad guy?” Gentra looks between the two of you.
“Not dragging in, warning away. Run, Gentra!”
>You dash away and you see Gentra look dazed for a second.
>Eyes flickering over to the mercenary again as she unfurls her wings and starts to fly away.
>But…
>The mercenary looks over at her and reaches over, grabbing her roughly by the neck, and you slide to a halt, a fair distance away, and the mercenary looks up at you, starting to laugh.
>Gentra digs her claws into his arm. He doesn’t respond.
>She kicks at his back right leg. He winces slightly and then slams her onto the ground on her back.
>He tightens his grip around her neck. Her eyes widen in terror and she makes a choking little gasp.
>”Protector instincts,” he says as he holds her. “I could tell it as soon as I saw you.” He holds up Gentra. “I suppose that what I’m going for is obvious.”
>Ponies from all around are staring now, most in terror, but almost all of them are backing away, either out of fear or as some of their loved ones start to pull them back.
>”Come with me and the girl doesn’t need to get hurt. If you leave… well, you’re going to hear something unpleasant.”

>>30081739
We are a smart pony. How quickly can he kill her?

>>30081754
If he breaks her neck, seconds. If he strangles her, she'll lose consciousness very quickly, die about two minutes, 15-20 if he severs an artery.

In any case, she WILL die. It's just a matter of how quick.

>>30081739
Didn't you just say you didn't want drag a civilian into this?! I know she attacked, but she has nothing to do with this ridiculous key.

Delay as much as possible. Pray that Pamphlet Pusher or someone can help us in this situation.

>>30081739
So he's one of THOSE "any means necessary" guys. Stand there thinking it over to try and buy time and distract him. Hopefully one of these ponies tries to bring a guard.
Distract him and ask the question, "is what you're being paid worth your life? Because she is friends with a very unpleasant mare."
Ultimately follow him though. An opportunity will hopefully present itself.

>>30081779
Then I suppose we have to go with him. try and delay in case somepony is able to sneak up behind him though.

>>30081831
To clarify don't delay until he has dropped her though.

>>30081912
Welp, don't say we didn't warm him. We'll follow him for now and attack at the last second.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to drag civilians into this?! She ha-”
>”Five...” Blood trickles down his arm from the gashes Gentra left.
>You go quiet. You glance around the crowd, looking for a guard or one of your friends or… she who must not be named.
>“Four...” His eyes are hard and uncompromising, his voice is steel.
“Is what you’re being paid worth murder? Worth your freedom or your life?!”
>”Three...” Gentra makes another little gasping noise as he shifts his grip around her neck. Tears are running down her cheeks and into the dirt.

Oops. Had to repost.

>>30081923
Fine I will come with you.

>>30081923
Ugh, fine. You're the most inconsistent and conspicuous mercenary I ever met.

The next post is going to be really long, sorry. After that, I'm ending it for the night. But, I promise I won't leave you on a spoiler.

>>30082130
>“Tw-” he starts to say, but you interupt him.
“Ugh! Fine! You win. You’re the most inconsistent and conspicuous mercenary I ever met, but I’ll go with you, just don’t hurt her.”
>Gunthield smirks. “I knew you were soft. Ponies are always soft… Take off the key and throw it too me. Then I’ll let her go.”
>You make an exasperated noise.
“I. Can’t. It’s stuck around my neck, magic. Look.”
>You make a show of trying to pull the necklace off, as always, it stops right at your ears.
>Gunthield watches you, expression blank. “Come here, I need to try for myself before I can believe you. But don’t try anything stupid or else...” He glances back down at Gentra and shifts his claws so that they dig into her neck instead of choking her.
>She gasps a few breaths at the relief of pressure, then blood starts to slowly seep through the feathers of her neck around his claw.
>You gulp. He’s not playing around. Better not try anything just yet. Not until Gentra is safe.
>You walk up to him, shooting concerned looks at Gentra.
>As soon as you’re within range, he reaches out and grabs the thin chain the key hangs on. He jerks it up with one arm hard enough to lift you off the ground for a moment. It doesn’t come off from around your neck.
>He lets go of Gentra and she scrambles away from him, clutching at her neck and breathing heavily. He grabs the chain in both claws and yanks it in different directions.
>It digs painfully into your neck, not quite cutting off circulation. The muscles in his arms bulge out as he strains to break the chain. It holds strong.
>Gunthield frowns, giving up. “Well, that sucks for you… Nothing personal, but I’m going to have to kill you now.”
>You try to jerk away, but with both of his claws still on the chain, you can’t get away. He slams to the ground and steps over you.
(1/?)

>>30082168
>You’re rewarded with a grimace, and then he sits down on your chest, driving the air out of you. He lets go of the chain, only to grab you by the neck and start to squeeze.
>”If you’re lucky, the spell will go down when you’re out. If your not, it’ll go down when you die. If I’m not, I’ll have to tear your head off. Nothing personal kid. You put up a good fight. But I always complete my contract, no matter what it takes.”
>Horror starts to set in as he cuts off your air supply. You aim blind punches into his side and leg to no avail, you can’t get enough momentum like this to do any damage. The oversized griffin continues to talk, calmly even. “And I can’t trust you enough to drag you back to Canterlot. You’re too fast, and you’ll run as soon as we’re far enough away from ponyville. Or you’ll hit me in my sleep. Can’t risk it. Again, nothing personal, it’s just business.”
>His claws close around your neck, crushing off your air supply and stuffing a throbbing, burning pressure up into your head. His one good eye stares down at you in grim satisfaction as the pressure builds inside your skull.
>You can feel your eyes start to bug out. You desperately try to push him off hammer your hooves into his cold, detached face, but he’s too big; you can barely reach his chin. Your mouth pops open involuntarily but you can’t even catch onto enough air to make the strange choking noises you’ve always associated with being strangled.
>Your vision starts to turn red and go blurry around the edges and… And you’re dying.
>Oh sun and stars above you’re dying!
>Not like this, Ascended above, no! Not like this.
>You desperately try to hammer his arms out of position, but he’s braced against you, ready, and you can’t move your body enough to build up any momentum.
>Everything is starting to go black.

>You’re small now. You’re with other foals your age, a dozen or so of them.
>These are your friends. This is your childhood. Some kind of medical examination. The foal next to you, a little Earth pony mare, is crying. Scared.
>You drape your stumpy wing over her back and try to comfort her as the very tall doctor steps down the line.
>You’re older now. You have a tablecloth wrapped over your back and… something on your face.
>The carnival is in town, and you’re trying to sneak out. The clowns, seeing them from the high, palace windows gave you an idea.
>Change how you look, get past the guards.
>You’re trembling, terrified of getting caught. There’s no way this will work, not with the meager supplies you had managed to cobble together.
>Here they come. They’ll stop you, drag you back any moment.
>But… they don’t. They don’t even give you a second look.
>It worked!
>You somehow manage to stuff your excitement down until you get all the way out of the palace, to the carnival.
>You don’t notice until hours later that you’ve gotten your cutie mark.
>You’re walking with her through the halls of the palace. You’re adults now.
>She was chosen. Out of all of you, your best friend was chosen.
>You can hardly keep from bursting into a gallop, from shouting at the top of your lungs.
>That wouldn’t be proper, and you’re nothing if not good at looking how you want to. Later, you’ll celebrate later.
>For now, you just walk at her side, chest swelled up with pride.
>She’s terrified, trembling, as always.
>Her shoulder bumps into yours, ever so slightly. You can almost feel her leeching off your confidence and pride, using them to take the next step, and the next, and the next...
>You’re almost there now.
“Chin up.” You whisper to her. “You’ve been preparing for this.”
>There is a terrible flash of light.
(3/?)

>You remember lying there, barely able to move, every word an awful slur, barely able to form the most basic of sounds.
>You remember days passing and with a huge effort being able to walk shakily, Carrot beside you looking very pleased by this development.
>You remember Gunthield bursting into the door and looking at you, a vicious smile curling up on his beak, claws starting to wrap around your neck.
>And then… a vision. A blur of purple and red. A word that pings in your mind in your mind with a buzz.
>And you can barely slur out the word as the griffon starts to crush your throat.
>There is a terrible flash of light.
>You’re walking around Ponyville. Concentrating on anything is difficult, focusing on any concept or idea for more than a few seconds is impossible.
>A mare is standing beside you, rattling off something about Ponyville Heritage Square. She’s very energetic and keeps you from wandering off anywhere you probably shouldn’t.
>You catch sight of her cutie mark every few seconds and see a pamphlet emblazoned there as her magic gently tugs you along.
>You look blearily at some giant castle made of colorful, glistening crystals. And then out of the corner of your eye a giant griffon lands down in front of you, a vicious grin curling up on his beak.
>Weakly, you try to dodge, but he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s unstoppable, and his claws are wrapped around your neck.
>You’re… back. It’s fuzzy. You see a mare, purple coat and red mane, and she’s talking to you. “If you’re… danger… keyword…”
>And you remember a single word, gasping it out with your last breath.
>There is a terrible flash of light.
(4/?)

>You blink back the memories. Pry your eyes open again. You’re looking up at the griffon while he has his claws wrapped around your throat.
>But only for a second, and you find yourself enveloped in a memory once more.
>You’re in a dark alleyway. This is a memory, but it’s vivid. It’s fresher than before.
>A mare is standing in front of you. She’s taller than you, with a light purple coat and an orange-red mane, and she’s got an elegance, a grace to her. She’s talking to you.
>”Here. You need to take this. I can’t take it with me...” She slips a key over your eyes and it settles down onto your shoulders. “It shouldn’t allow itself to be taken off, only I’ll be able to do that. If you’re in danger, you can activate it by using the keyword: Trump Card.”
>She turns and starts off, ignoring your protests.
>You sit back and look at the key for a second. There’s a brief pain as something collides with the back of your head.
>You pry your eyes open one last time. Barely managing to push the darkness back.’
“Trump Card.”
>Maybe he eased up, let you get half a breath in. Maybe The Key just responded to your intent. Either way. You know it worked immediately.
>There is a terrible flash of light.
>The Griffin is dragged off you.
>No.
>He steps off.
>No.
>He steps backwards.
>The pressure around your neck is gone. You can breathe again, but… something else has taken it’s place.
>It’s like being grabbed from behind and heaved out of place.
>It’s like slowly being crushed by the very air around you.
>It’s like being anchored at the bottom of a rushing river.
>The world rushes around you as every blow, every step, every exchange is undone in exact opposite order.
(5/?)

>>30082201
>Your body doesn’t ache anymore, you’re sitting across from him at the booth. But just for an instant before you’re dragged backwards outside where you catch a glimpse of the sun un-rising.
>You’re thrown back into bed to wake up, and then hauled out to go to sleep.
>Everything streaks by, faster and faster. Entire conversations are unintelligible knots of sound.
>Entire days are blurs of light and weight and motion as you move faster than equinely possible, always backwards.
>The pressure closes in on your head until it is about to split in a gush of bone and blood and then
>You’re standing in an ally, the mare with the red mane.
>”Here. You need to take this. I can’t take it with me...” She slips a key over your eyes and it settles down onto your shoulders. “It shouldn’t allow itself to be taken off, only I’ll be able to do that. If you’re in danger, you can activate it by using the keyword: Trump Card.”
>She starts to turn, and pauses. “Sub? Are you alright? You don’t look so good… Subterfuge?”
>Her eyes widen. “Sub! Watch ou-”
>Stars and darkness take you.
>You are in a small, dimly-lit room. There is a window nearby, but it's too dark outside to provide any clues, either very late or very early. You sit up and wince, your head hurts, reaching back, you find a tinder, bandaged lump on the back of your head. It still throbs a bit, but you can bear it. You turn your attention back to the dark room. And you REMEMBER.
>You’ve been here before. You’ve done this before.

Welcome to Act Two, Jr. Timelords. Now shit gets real. Never forget your Trump Card and make use of the backlog, you remember the previous loop. Also, I’ll allow for skipping forward to a certain extent if you want the exact same things to happen. See you Wednesday, Time Cowboys.
6/6

>>30082207
Well.... crap. I think we should fast forward to Gentra telling us about meeting this griffon, and tell her that we remember him from our memories. Warn our friends that he is a mercenary and EXTREMELY dangerous and not afraid to kill to have this key.

We'll need to prepare for this encounter which means equipping and hiding daggers to stab him. That or try to get the guards to arrive at his location just after we leave carrots house.
Another plan is to cancel the meeting and ask to meet at another location where we can set up traps.

>>30082207
We're going to need a list of important things that happen on what days.

I want to maintain everything we've done except I'd like to replay the first bit after waking up and not go to the police since it's a waste of time. Instead of going to the Apples we go buy timberwolf spray and stay guard at the barn and it should save the girl's evening to hang out. We'll see where it goes from there. Also first thing we should do is start wearing a bandanna around our neck to try and hide the key.

There be many ways to approach this

Lovely.

>>30084009
Indeed

Hey we can tell those cutie markless adults their talents now.

Bang bang.

We must befriend many ponies!

We need oil and fire bomb for the bird.

Get away page 10. There are errands we must run.

>>30088207
Who says we NEED to fight him? We can simply avoid him.

>>30090174
Since we're a master of disguise we probably could avoid him. We need to go to the fashion college and get some coats and hats. But fighting him would help in finding out who he's working for and I'm curious about how much he could take.

Have a good night and sleep tight.