Cirquesque CYOA

>>30455419
FUCKING DO IT YOU WORTHLESS SACK OF SHIT!
ARE YOU A BITCH OR YOU A DRAGON!
I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER YOUR PANSY ASSED WHINNING.
LOUDER MAGGOT! LOUDER!

OR at least deeper. Deep and loud.

>>30455419
>you realize a foal or two are watching you curiously.
Do something already. I'm thinking it. Herb is thinking it. Those foals are thinking it.
Heck even Shia LaBeouf is thinking it.
If you actually manage to scare some foals? Good. Then that'll be all the more convincing.

>>30455419
Too late now, Leaf. Do it.

>>30455419
Tell them they might want to cover their ears.

>>30455419
https://youtu.be/cF2duVczkvQ

>>30455793 >>30455926 >>30456173
>>30456298 >>30456311
You gulp, telling yourself that it's too late now, you are in and might as well go all the way through...
Doesn't people say that bravery starts as bravado?
"You might want to cover your ears," You try to fake it as well as you can, hoping that you'll believe it sometime soon. and take a deep breath.
DearTwilightYouLookSoRidicolousRightNow--
You roar loudly -trying to use your belly like you heard it's proper- and keep it for as long as you can, eyes closed shut.
"What in the Styx' climbing up your ass?" Asks Sea loudly from her cottage.

>>30456809
Yell back that you're practicing a scary roar!

>>30456809
SORRY. I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO CHARACTER.
I mean, I was trying to get into character. Was I any good?

Once Leaf is done with "roaring" practice, he should move onto shooting lighting. Then doing both.
It seems weird to do, but hey it's for the act.

>>30456809
T-try not to cry. You gave it your best and that's all that matters. R-right?
Ask for Herb's opinion. How bad was it? Does he have any tips? Any exercises to help?

Good lord Leaf is Fluttershy trying to be assertive.

>>30456809
My goddess Herb. What did you make me do. Maybe the crack of thunder could mask my war cry.

>>30456809
I know what will fix this building more muscle mass. Gonna need some beans, fish and veggies.

Make a fuck ton of clouds. Don't even store them. Just leave them floating around so when people see them they'll think 'wtf is goin on?'

Maybe sea has some tips.

>>30456809
I keep hearing about this Styx. Is there any knowledge from Leaf's world? Is this something universal? The human Greek mythology? Other?

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>>30456828 >>30456996 >>30457008
>>30457180 >>30458435 >>30458757
>>30458993 >>30460378
"Uhm." You land on the ceiling.
"We's practicing the acting, missy." Says Herb, irritated.
"Ah." She falls completely silent.
"Uhm." You are sure no one can hear you, so quietly you say it, but the uttering still comes out unimpeded.
"Only 'ah'?" Demands Herb.
"What else?"
Herb rubs the space between his eyes "Don't you know anything about stage manners?"
"Probably more than you do, yes."
At least you tried your best, right?
"Boy's still learning, girl." Herb hops closer to her hut.
"I noticed."
"Ye know what, girl, I am wondering if you actually acted all that much." He says casually.
"I pulled practiced skill out of my ass. Sure."
"You sure it didn't climb back in?" Asks Herb sweetly.
"Did I do that bad?" You ask, then realize you did so too quietly for anyone to hear so you repeat it.
"You did it, boyo. We'll get there." Says Herb, turning back to Sea quickly.
"I busted, didn't I?" You say. "Do or bust."
"Way to miss the point." Says Sea, "Do or bust means that either you do it or you panic."

>>30461076
Oh okay. So doing it badly still isn't busting. That's good, at least.

>>30461076
Time to whimper a little bit.

>>30461076
Start celebrating your small victory.

>>30461076
Cute horse chef/farmer

So what Seaweeds acting skills are a part of her mysterious past or something?
Damn. Why does everyone have mysterious pasts obscured by riddled words n' shit? Why can we be mysterious too?
Leaf the super secret Pegasus wizard or some shit. Or drug dealer. I don't know how corrupt the city he lived in was.

>>30461076
>uses a "c" shaped frown instead of a typical scrunchy face

>>30461099 >>30461131
>>30461134 >>30461603
You glide down near them, grass brushing your hooves for an instant before you land.
"Bustin's the worst part, Leafy boy." Herb hops aside from your landing, "Just don't thing of the audience, willya?"
"Is that what you do?" You whimper.
"I tell stories because people's there, Leaf." He says as if it was obvious.
"Uhm." You turn to Sea. "And you?"
"The audience isn't there." She says after a moment.
"Huh?"
"Theater is not acting, Far away. Theater is being."
"You take acting very seriously, don't you?" She doesn't answer, so you add. "Is this part of your mysterious secret past?"
"I don't give a damn about that, Leaf." She says drily.

>>30462062
Cont. acting lessons with Herb, then make some clouds to replace the one you extracted from th3 clay pot and some to water your grass. I do not know how slightly salinated water has to be to the point where it will kill the grass.

>>30462062
There's really nothing in your past that you give a damn about? That's good I guess.

>>30462062
I just sometimes feel like I want to learn more about you. Sorry, maybe I'm too curious for my own good sometimes.
Go back to practicing with Herb.

>>30462079 >>30462627
>>30462101
"There's nothing you care about?"
She doesn't answer.
"I just feel curious sometimes." You dig the ground.
"Why."
"I want to learn more about you?"
You don't expect her to answer. Her lips flutter open for a split second, but she doesn't.
"I'll go back to practicing." You nod to yourself, cringing, then turn around. She doesn't stop you then either.
"Now you try another roar, yes?" Says Herb, "Real loud."
"I am not sure about that." You say uncomfortably.
"What kind of dragon doesn't roar?"
"One that's too civilized and up his ass for something as brutal as that." Says sea mater-of-factly.

>>30463178
I know what'll boost our confidence. Some booze. Let's hit the market for a bottle and come right back. Enough to get buzzed.

>>30463178
What if we ask an actual dragon how to roar?
No? Probably a dumb idea. Does Leaf have everything planned for lunch, dinner and breakfast?

>>30463178
Maybe in order to give a good roar we need to be angry instead of confident. So let's try to think about things that makes us angry like ponies cutting in line and going to the store and finding out the last ice cream was sold out.

>>30463230 >>30463502 >>30464318
You look at her for a moment, trying to figure out if that was an insult or a suggestion, but decide to not think about it, "Maybe if I was angry?"
"With how stressed you already are?" Asks Sea flatly.
"Maybe you can use the stress instead?" Adds Herb after a moment in a conciliatory tone.
"I don't know…"
"A valve is always useful, yes?"
You scratch the ground again, considering it nervously. Roar your stress out…
Can't hurt to try, right?
Even when the feeling is becoming -sickeningly- familiar to the point of being hard to notice, you can still focus on it- a weight on your gut, a certain tightness climbing up your throat, and a sort of headache that only seems to be there if you think about it. You focus on it, collecting it like you would your tenderness when gardening, and utter- no, vomit it out.
Your frustration.
Your want to deny and reject this all.
Your fear, your self questioning.
Your inadequacy.
And among it all, you find it- you shout your anger, your rebelling against this all; the deep, acheful indignation all this injustice produces in your Equestrian soul. The same rebelling that made it impossible for you not to fight the worm on the sea, the same rebelling that you are too much of a coward to act on. The same frustration and rebelling that, even, you can't help feeling so strongly towards Sea so often.
You find your throat sore when you are done, some time later.
"You…" Starts Herb carefuly, "You might want to clear your eyes, boyo."
They are still closed, but you do just that. There's some humidity on them.
"I got to go." You say without thinking, forcing your eyes open.
"Somewhere in particular?"
"Don't know." You turn around and just walk off your lawn. Neither Herb or Sea or the Star chase you to the streets, and you are thankful for that.
A drink, you decide after a few streets. You need a drink before anything else.
"Leaf?" Asks Natan, troting to you with Nitz on his head. "Is anything amiss?"

Bomp

>>30464688
Everything for me at least. I'm getting a drink, would you like to accompany me?

>>30464688
Just feeling a bit off. I'll be fine after some time. Do you know where they sell alcohol around here?

>>30464688
What no. No. Just a little stressed is all.

Things could always be better.

>>30464688
Hi you guys. How have you been?
Me? Oh I'm fine. Just looking for something to wash away the fears and doubts, but I'm too afraid to do that.

What did I miss since last thread? Herb seems to have picked up an accent and Leaf is now the male equivalent of Fluttershy.

>>30466408
He is Leaf no longer. He is now Butterscotch, the rule #63 of Fluttershy.

>>30464688
I'm still frustrated with everything here. What should I do? What am I doing wrong?
I can't even act right without cracking.

>>30466408
>>30466601
Huh, really? Must've slipped my mind since last session. The reason he was hesitant about the roar now was more because of screaming incoherently than anything else, but I might've overdone it admittedly.
Updating in a few.

>>30466771
>insanity meter
Apprehension, embarrassment, awkwardness, fear

>>30464872 >>30465005
>>30465014 >>30465865
>>30466126 >>30466408
>>30466601 >>30466771
>>30466834
"Going for a drink."
"I didn't think you drank?" He walks with you.
You think about that for a second, "I didn't either."
"Ah."
A moment of silence passes.
"Is it related to the shouting?"
"Was I that loud?"
"I was close by." He says simply.
"Where?"
"Sewing to earn some money." Natan pauses for a moment, and Nitz chatters something to him, "Forgive her insistence, but Nitz still wants to know why did you shout."
"Too many things are amiss."
"Ah." He chatters back to Nitz.
"You know where to find a drink?" You ask when they are done talking.
"I saw a pub when talking with our neighbors. Are you sure about it?"
"Drinking is the only thing I am sure about right now." You say with aplomb. Maybe, if your lucky star is shining, they have actual booze here rather than... medusa saliva or something.
"If you say so..."
"I do."
Nitzan guides you across a few streets, backtracking some of your walk in silence, and enters the bar with you- eyeing the patrons carefully before moving more than a step inside.
"Hey." You tell the barman.
"Hey." He looks away from a pair of mares he was talking with and gestures at them to wait.
"You got booze?"
"You got pearls?"
You grab the bag and clang it, "Not many?"
"Enough for a beer. Two the glass" He walks to a close-by dispenser.
You give a look to the bar for the first time: A few dozen metal tables, with only a few windows here and there under it's low ceiling. It's painted to look like wood, but here and there ricolant ceramic can be seen. It reminds you of a few bars you've worked at, actually, with an odd care put into not being as well kept as to look /fancy/.
Huh. Natan seems to feel curious about it, sitting on a turning stool besides yours.

Also, regarding Styx: I don't remember just how clear Sea's explanation was but she's mentioned it's how they call the bottom of the sea- where all who die eventually go.

>>30467543
Horse sea Hades. Fun.

>>30467539
Just a beer then.
Would the bartender care for a little conversation?
Anything interesting about this city? Anyone, place or group of interest? Is there a guard? What can he tell you about the festival? Is there a grocery store or drug store where you can buy some alcohol?

>>30467539
Have you two ever been two a bar before?

>Enough for a beer. Two the glass
I might be reading this wrong. We have enough for a full to the brim glass/mug/tankard/flagon/cup of beer?

>>30467539
>>30467539
Can we just, not work on roaring until tomorrow and focus on looking aesthetically cool and scary? Maybe tomorrow morning we can ask Bubba if he has a potion to make someone sound more scary. More intimidating, frightful, ominous, deep, dark, etc.

>>30466771
I mean, I kinda actually like the characterization. Maybe Leaf can be a Fluttershy that won't have to learn the same lesson over and over again? Still, it's a bit jarring to go from "normal" to maximum beta mode. Still good direction to go though, I liked him pawing at the ground as some nervous tick or something and basically all of this >>30464688. Adds some needed depth. All the stress and whatnot from being home one second here the next has finally caught up with him.

>>30467543
Roll a random encounter to see if something happens to Leaf while at the bar.

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>>30467631 >>30467656
>>30467687 >>30467705

"First time in a bar?"

"We traded with some before, but..." He seems to wonder whether or not to keep talking, "But it was my captain who did it before."

He doesn't seem to want to talk about it, so you decide not to. "Can't you drink?"

"We can't experience drunkenness, as much as some Dudas have tried." He says distractedly, extending a hand to the bar to let Nitz climb onto it. "Would you mind telling me exactly what happened?"

You hesitate at first, but tell him of what happened- how you were crushed by all of it suddenly, the barman appearing with a glass quickly.

"Excuse me if concern makes me impertinent..." Says Natan, "Such outburst is improper of a captain."

"I am no captain." You say immediately, sipping down some of the bitter drink.

"No, especially in the way Dudas use the word. But I was taught captainship starts when, regardless of whether or not people follows your words, they hear and weight them."

You don't answer to that, instead staring down at your glass.

"Letting your emotions grow both uncontrolled and uncontrollable is not good, regardless of that. You should find a way to relieve stress..." Te odd shine that you assume is his eye shifts to your beer, "Preferably one that's not alcohol. My captain had confidants, such as the other captain who visited you."

"Rarity." The familiar name comes quickly to you. "She said her name's Rarity."

I just wanted a drink, you think in the moment it takes him to answer. Not all this.

"Is that so?" Natan is quiet for a moment, tapping a finger against the table indecisively, "I hope it was pleasant? The Diamond Line has certain, maybe literally ingrained, penchants that can be very unpleasant... and again, forgive me if you think any of what I said is impertinent, or idiotic. I have almost no practical experience as a captain."

Queued some things.

>>30468897
>forgive me if you think any of what I said is impertinent, or idiotic. I have almost no practical experience as a captain.
Ha! That's sort of the both of us. Funny thing that.
And it's fine. What you said is something I Should already know myself. Mostly. The part about controlling my emotions.
You know. I think you're going to be a great captain someday. No where anytime soon, it someday. Cheers.

probably my favorite CYOA, it's so fucking good

>>30468897
>spoiler
Like watering the lawn and checking on the crops?
I know the captain had good intentions, but she's just awful. She broke into my home and threatened me. In my own home! I think I'll lock my window and get a dead bolt from now on.

>>30468897
Here's a pearl for a thought.
Perhaps we've been doing this the wrong way.
Who said the antagonist we're going to play has to roar? Maybe he tells or does a death knell yell when defeated.
Or he doesn't have to be a Dragon either. Is there a pegasi equivalent to wizard?

>>30469001
What do you Like about it?

To duda fucker anon.
Fucking a Duda would probably go as well as sticking your dick in a grinder.

>>30468989 >>30469007
>>30469249

"Inexperienced? You and me both..." You stop dry, unsure about whether or not to use that word. "Brother?"

"If it pleases you."

"You and me both, brother. You'll be a good captain some day." You add.

He avoids your gaze, not answering.

"Hey, I got an idea," You say as it appears, "what if we didn't use a dragon for the play?"

"Wasn't having a dragon among the central points?"

"Not sure I can actually roar." You say quietly, then rush to add. "But hear me out, what if instead I play a Scùrlock."

"A... tssurlok. Is it from 'Questria?"

"Equestria and yeah! Scurlocks were pegasi from the three tribes war who manipulated weather to create huge storms, and knew all about using thunder."

"Three tribes war?"

That question drops you off your high, "It's complicated."

"Ah." He has a short and quick chatter with Nitz, "Have you thought of simply not roaring? Or learning that later?"

"Huh?"

"If roaring is the issue... it's not all that a dragon does, I am sure."

You think about it quietly. The barman offers to fill the glass that you are surprised to see is empty already, but you shake your head, "Hey, isn't there a festival coming?"

"Mhmm, the Sunset carnival's always good Business." He adds, giving a quick look to your glass but leaving it where it is.

One of the mares he was talking with before, an orange -almost white- pegasus, raises her glass for the barman to fill it. "We moved here earlier so our colt could see it. Boy's hipped as can be about it. She-" The mare gestures at the other one, "-said 'Hey, you get the money and we move in time for it.' as a joke. Then he got the money and his cutie mark." She giggles tipsily, motherly pride and mirth in her voice, and gives a sip to the glass that the barman filled while she talked.

"Hey, do I know you?" Asks the other, a light blue earth pony, while she takes the glass away from her partner discretely. "You are that stallion from the convoy, right?"

"Oh yeah! the one with the bird." Adds the orange one one. "Boy's still drawing that... 'Seltia' was it? And 'Loon'?" She thinks about it for a moment but shrugs it off. "Are the flanks of the blue one really so tiny?"

Clack, clack, clack.

"Nitz?" Asks Natan.

She keeps hitting his largest lens with the might-be-a-peanut-analogue. He chatters something quickly in their bird-like language, and she answers while pointing outside, then clacks his lens again.

>>30469716
I guess so? Would Nitz like to leave or is there something outside?

>>30469716
Ha. Never considered one of my leaders butt to be smaller.
I think we're good on drinking for now. Wouldn't want to spend all our...pearls? Maybe a few minutes of idle chit'chat with no more beer, then we leave.

>>30469716
>She keeps hitting his largest lens with the might-be-a-peanut-analogue.
For a second I though she was laughing at the tiny flank comment.
Such a simple solution. Not roaring.
Oh hey another earth pony. What's up with the lack of earth? It kind of sucks being surrounded by water all the time. And scary.

>>30469957
the earth ponies here are just ponies. They don't know about their connection to the earth.

>>30469746 >>30469947
>>30469957 >>30470193
"Gimme a sec." You turn back to the mares, gesturing at Natan to wait, "Uhm, I hadn't thought about Luna's flanks before."

"But are they?" Insists the orange mare.

"I... guess?" Even saying that much feels like tearing the words off. "It's just that the alicorns are up there and all."

"So what? Mine's up there too." The orange mare says jokingly, but there's no actual humor on her eyes.

"You-- She's an earth pony?" You ask, really noticing it for the first time, then remember it. "A pony, I mean." Natan, who was standing from his stool, stops moving for a split second and gives you a discrete kick on the flank.

"Surprised?" She makes a sly little smile, the barest hint of how ready she is to guard herself visible in her eyes for an instant.

"Just that there's so few of you around here." You rush to add, "I think I've seen five on the street total."

"Pfft, don't be a bozo," The orange mare is quick to grab her partner in a hug, pressing their cheeks together, and from the blue mare's amused expression this isn't the first time. "Just look at this face. How much of this cute d'you think the sea can have at once? Huh?" She rubs their cheeks together, smiling widely and making the blue mare giggle under her breath despite the awkward position.

"Don't be cheesy." The blue mare pulls herself off the hug, giving her a boop for it.

"Hm." Says Natan, making you turn around- There's some sort of parade you can see through the door he opened. "I wasn't aware of this."

Btw, using double spacing because I think it makes my dialogue more readable. Tell me if it looks ugly.

>>30470236
Ask the mares what the parade is about then maybe go see it yourselves. They might have a float that's throwing things at the crowd if you're lucky.

>>30470193
Dude. That's sad. They can't make use of their full potential. Earth ponies are natural druids. The earth strengthens their bodies n' all that magic mubojumbo.

>>30470236
>"You-- She's an earth pony?" You ask, really noticing it for the first time, then remember it. "A pony, I mean." Natan, who was standing from his stool, stops moving for a split second and gives you a discrete kick on the flank.
I blame it on the alcohol.
Maybe it's only Sea who didn't know about earth ponies and their connection to the earth. Or maybe, the "regular ponies" here are sort of like how the pegasi on this word have adapted to the sailing life. Maybe they're great swimmers.

>>30470236
Double space, single space. Seems fine to me. Then again im not a particullary picky person so my words aren't worth much.
If we manage to pull off a successful performance, I hope we can earn enough for the Star's repairs. Earning more them enough is always welcomed.
I'm sure the Star would be splurging over the parade right now if she were here.

>>30470270 >>30470318
>>30470341 >>30470388
"A parade?" You walk outside with the other patrons, much to the visible distaste of the barman, and see why is that you didn't hear it: the music are still a ways away, seemingly advancing with whatever is being paraded.

No floaters, though, which bums you out just a little bit.

The orange mare lifts the blue one so she can see, which reminds you you can fly yourself, but you decide to talk with Natan first, "What was that about?"

"What was what?"

"Your kick."

It seems to take him a moment to realize what you mean, "Ponies don't like being reminded of that." He says hushedly.

"Reminded of what."

"That there are so few ponies compared to pegasi." He still talks quietly. Nitzan chatters something, so he stands on his hindlegs and lifts her on his outstretched hand. "Their numbers have been thinning for all of recorded history."

>>30470688
How much of the world's history do you know?

>>30470688
>much to the visible distaste of the barman
Oh. Did we forget to pay him? Quickly finish your drink and pay the guy, then return.

>>30470801
He's mad that his customers are leaving to watch a parade instead of buying more drinks. If we didn't pay you can bet that he would be saying something about it right now.

>>30470827
Good points.

>>30470688
That's tragic. I can see why though. They're separated from their birthright.

We must save the earth poners and bring the land back.

>>30470876
We must fuck all the earth mares and impregnate them with Leaf's mighty seed. I'm sure someone in his family line was an earth pony. Leaf would have a better chance saving them then any other earth pony stud.

Meant to say so earlier, but paused since lack of sleep is starting to get noticeable.

>>30470876
Next thing you know our home attracts a herd of earth ponies.

>>30470688
I didn't know that. I should go apologies to the mare.
Let's head back. I think Leaf has cooled his head enough to continue.

How old is this water world?

Lemme smash
>two lesbian milf's. or two really good friend milf's.

Times a wasting. The sooner we get to practicing, the sooner we can continue looking for the last stars. Because fuck that giant elderitch cock sleeve.

I'm referring to the giant see monster we met if you couldn't tell.

>>30475039
I call it the wurm iñ notes and art, if it helps you any

>>30474498
>Lesbians who might actually be bisexual since they have kids and thought we were hot.
bump

>>30470759 >>30470801 >>30470827
>>30470832 >>30470864 >>30470876
>>30471083 >>30472102 >>30473602
>>30474498 >>30476497 >>30475039
>>30475984
"Just how long is that?"

"I was told it's three thousand years." He answers something Nitz told him and looks back to you. "But I am unsure as to how accurate that count is. Calendars have been reset so many times, after all..."

"Reset?"

"Haven't yours?"

You consider that, realizing you hadn't before. "It's Equestria's is the fourth millennium of the alicornian era, and twentieth year of the harmonic. And I know there's more before that."

"You... name your eras while at them?"

"You don't?"

"It does sound unintuitive."

"I dunno. How much do you know of history?"

"It's part of being a captain," He lowers his arm, much to Nitz' discontent. "The first thing I was taught was our history."

You nod and flutter a small distance from the ground for a moment to see what's being paraded here. Some sort of water tank, surrounded by city guards.

"You never did answer me if the cap-- Rarity was... unpleasant." Natan chooses the word carefully.

You consider your words as you descend. "She broke into my house and threatened me if anything happened to you."

Some of his bellows open for a moment, doing something very similar to a sigh. "I feared as much, Diamond lines are very أحمر كالدم."

"Ajmar what?"

"Forgive me. They are, what was the word... very martial people. Old habits die hard."

>1/2

"Yyyeah, I noticed. Gimme a sec, I gotta apologize." You flutter to the pair of mares- Nice flanks, you think idly. "Hey, miss?"

"Cu." The orange one turns her head to you.

"Kyu?" You try.

"And you are... Lyf, right?"

"Leaf." You nod. "I wanted to apologize for earlier?"

"What for?" Cu turns does a flip to lie with her belly upwards midair- grabbing her partner in a hug while she rests on her belly. "Reminding me that I got the best girl around?"

"You are tipsy, Cucu."

"It's still true." She returns to her previous, more comfortable position.

"Yes it is." The blue mare angles her face to you. "No harm no foul. alright?"

You nod again. "It's just that this place is very different from home and that one caught me by surprise."

"You from Landly?"

"Further."

"Albari--" Cu wrestles with the word.

"Albaricoque?" Finishes the blue mare.

"I don't think you know it. Equestria?"

They shake their heads.

"Lettuce Leaf?" Calls Natan. "I am sure we could reach a more desirable situation with captain Rarity if I talk with her."

>2/2
Anyone opposed to not seeing what's at the parade?

>>30477411
I kind of want to see why they're totting around a giant water tank. What, they gonna pour in somewhere for symbolism? Give our water? Make it rain?

>>30477411
>I am sure we could reach a more desirable situation with captain Rarity if I talk with her
I don't know. What if she thinks I pushed you to ask her? Plus she scares me.

>>30477411
If you think it would help sure.

I want Cammy to lore dump all over me. Mmmm I want to know more about this parade. Ask Natan.

>>30477411
For the sake of pleasantries, what is the blue mare's name?

I can take solace knowing there to be no cats in this aqua world.

>>30477679
Sea cats, anon.

>>30477754
No

>>30477867
Stealing all your fish, anon.

>>30477901
Fuck!

>>30477411
Let's go talk to her.

>>30477464 >>30477477 >>30477525
>>30477679 >>30477754 >>30477901

You gesture at Natan to wait, "I forgot to ask your name?"

"Me? Blue Angel."

"/My/ angel." Cu lifts Angel to rub their cheeks together.

Angel snickers. "You sure you aren't drunk?"

"What if I am?"

"See what I have to live with?" Angel asks you jokingly.

"Oh, I am a monster aren't I? Fear my cuddles!"

Angel rolls her eyes, but doesn't reply.

You glide down again, "You were saying?"

"I asked if you'd feel more comfortable if I talked with the captain." Repeats Natan.

"You sure?"

"You already are-" He stops talking for a split second, as if correcting what he plans to say, "-much too worried."

It's so hard to read Natan, you think. Only his voice tone, usually mild, gives any cue of how he feels, his ever staring eye-lens forever fixed in place.

"It'd look like I made you tell her that." You shake your head.

"Maybe... do tell me if you decide otherwise." He adds.

"Yeah. You got any idea of what this parade is for?"

"I don't even know what is that they are parading." He says, more stating a fact than complaining. "All ponies are taller than me."

"Some kind of water tank."

"Made of glass?"

"Looked like it."

"Ah. Maybe a representative of the sirens came?"

"Don't they breath air too?"

"Tanks are a sign of prestige."

"Sounds impractical."

"Exactly, Lyf." Says Cu distractedly.

"Alright? We can wait a few minutes until it's here." You sit down, some stallions returning to the bar after a moment.

Are they parading the siren with... kazoos? You shake your head, trying to ignore that when you flutter up again to see her.

"Want a lift?" You ask Natan, offering your forelegs.

He considers it for a moment before grabbing them, angling his body to get a proper view. Not having a neck must suck.

>1/3

The siren, her scales pearly white and flippers a iridescent green, looks at the crowd from inside her gilded tank, sapphires and emeralds adorning it's bottom... and a smaller one, light blue with braided, shimmering threads adorning her and floating delicately in the water, looks from besides at us with eyes wide in wonder at the surface.

Someone shouts, a shout that is almost immediately echoed by another and then another- angry bickering that advances through the crowd along along with someone who is pushing everyone else out of their way.

A pony dressed in black and blue bursts off the crowd, trailed by an oversized cape, and dashes to the guards without a pause- All guards who aren't carrying the tank aiming their spears at the intruder who jumps to a side, cape flowing like water yet somehow never hindering their movement.

One of the spears is caught on the cape, and the guard tries to pull it and the pony who wears it- but even as he prepares to do that the intruder is readying a buck...

...and the guard only losses his balance when the cape is released off the wearer's neck and he pulls nothing, the intruder rushing to the tank with a foreleg raised, ready to hit with a sectioned gauntlet.

>2/3

The older siren is quick to grab the younger one protectively, her mouth open, but the punch lands on a sapphire instead, bursting with white and, instead of cracking it making the gold that holds it in place turn to dust.

Another sapphire is stolen from the tank before the siren sings, a crystalline sound that makes it hard to think. All fall still, guards included, and you can barely summon the focus to stay airborne.

"Leaf?" Asks Natan.

The pony keeps moving for a moment before noticing what's happening, then tap their ear quickly -a small, private laugh barely audible, if only because you are close and everyone but the siren is silent- and grab their cape of the floor, then run away with a sway to their hips as if daring anyone to try catching them.

The siren stops singing and looks at the direction the pony ran to, gesturing at two guards to chase and the rest to keep moving- the ones who are carrying the tank moving just a little bit faster now.

>3/3

>>30479523
what the fudge just happened?

>>30479523
ask blue and Cu if they have any clue what just happened. or someone.

>>30479523
Oh no! We should chase after that pone- no not really. That's not our job.
I'd like to talk to the Sirens, but after this ordeal I doubt they'd want to talk to anyone, or the guards letting us through.
So they take some gems. What's the big deal? They're what, a couple of bits for a shiny paper weight?

>>30479523
Hey Natan. What are the odds of the guards letting us talk to the sirens?

Did we leave his sister back at the bar or did she climb aboard the S.S. Lettuce Leaf or Natan?

>>30479842
>>30479848
>>30480230
>>30480273

Everything is silent.

"What was that." You can't see who is that makes the question, but it shatters the silence with a mix of echos and answers, too many to make out any individual one.

"Cu? Blue?" You ask them.

"I know as much as you do." Says Blue, prodding Cu with an elbow, "Cucu?"

"What--? Did that just happen?"

"Yes. And too tight."

"Huh? Oh yeah." Cu relaxes her arms and flutters down, Nitz climbing to your snout and prompting you to do the same. "Enough drink for the day."

"Natan?" You try once he's made contact with the floor.

"I... don't think I'd be right?" He seems to have been thrown off even more than everyone else. Nitzan hops off your snout to his head.

"I wish I had something to be wrong with." Says Cu.

"Some years ago I did hear of a thief who dressed and stole like that. But their only heist was a noble's mansion." He has a short conversation with Nitz, "Sh-- It says the thief didn't even get to have a nickname."

"Also," You ask, giving a sideways look to the sirens and thinking you'd like to talk with them. Maybe asking for an audience? "So much trouble for... A meal worth of gems?"

The others just stare at you,

"Leaf," Says Natan slowly. "Each of those gems probably was worth more than Seaweed's house, which is made of wood."

"What?" You look at him with similar confusion.

He just stares back at you.

"Gems are cheap." You say mater of factly.

"No." He answers in the same tone. "They aren't."

Valuable gems, what kind of world is this? You try not to think too hard about it, still feeling the small edge that made you snap before and fearing to press against it too hard.

"Alright." You shake your head with a sigh, "Alright. Is there any way I could talk with that siren?"

"After this? Maybe if you proved to be of trust... but whyever?" He asks. "Sirens are tight with etiquette when on the surface. Asking that only for 'a chat' would probably be distasteful to her."

>>30480353
It can't be that bad, can it? I thought for a moment, when she looked our way she seemed interest. Or maybe shecwas interest in you?
You and your sister ok? Looks like her song shook you up.

>>30480353
>"Gems are cheap." You say mater of factly.
>"No." He answers in the same tone. "They aren't."
Say what? That's crazy man. Everyone in Eqestria had gems. Dragons eat them if they feel up to digging.
There are dresses, works of art. Heck even food (dragons).
This place is weird.

>>30480353
I wonder If we should head back.

There were those sirens from Equestria. Taco girl, orange leader, and broody purple. Do these sirens look any different from the ones back home?

Going to bed

>>30481168
Good night

>>30481939

>>30481018
>>30482479

>>30480353
Looks like we should have chased the thief then.

>>30480466 >>30480501
>>30481018 >>30483350
"I guess you are right. Catch you later?" You ask Cu and Angel.

"Oh yeah, you are in this neighborhood? I guess we'll see you around."

"Our boy's gonna search your bird again as soon as we tell him." Adds Cu, smiling.

"Yeah," You imagine so many foals, dreading the chance that they step on your farm-- Which you forgot to water today, you remember adding it to your mental checklist. "So yeah, see ya." You say as you start walking back home.

"See ya!" Says Cu cheerfully, walking with Angel in the opposite direction with a sway on their hips.

"Natan?" You take your eyes off it, "You okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"That song?"

"Siren songs don't effect us. Most, at least."

"Really?" You remember how it made you feel like your head was filled with cotton. "That sounds nasty."

"We haven't always had the most friendly relationship." He says simply, "I am more concerned about you. Do you feel anything off?"

"No?" You try to find anything that might've been too small to notice, "No, I don't. Are you sure gems are valuable here? We kinda made clothing with the things back home."

"Only sirens and tritons can mine them." He says simply, "It's hard to for sirens, and tritons are strictly forbidden from reaching Styx. You /are/ like a child…" He says to himself, then rushes to add, "Forgive me."

"It's not wrong," You shrug it off as best you can. "What do dragons eat, then? Gemstones are like candy for them in Equestria."

He seems to find the question odd, "Food. More meat than ponies, of course. And some ceramics and metals." He sounds uncomfortable when saying that last one.

You decide to give him more space and reach your home in silence, where the Star -still looking loosely like a snake- is creeping up on Sea, who is cutting fish. Another snake -Didn't Herb call it Sea's?- is also sneaking up, but on a piece of the fish she cut.

Also ye, these sirens are like Adagio's bunch.

>>30484327
Water your plants.

>>30484327
Double snek hiss. Hnnnngggg cute

>>30484327
>Didn't Herb call it Sea's?
Well would you look at that. I must have missed that because I didn't know sh3 had a snake.

>>30484351 >>30485211
>>30485349
Natan sits on the edge of your lawn looking at Sea while you water the plants.

You check the dirt, not really holding any hopes yet, and confirm that no leaves are visible... but at least there's nothing to--

Oooh, no. You scrunch just a little when you check if snakes thread upon it, just in case. There's only a few very loose lines on the dirt, which might just be your imagination- Snakes' weight is just too widely distributed, anyway, and you are left wondering why did you actually worry over that...

...You really needed some farming, even if it was only watering the plants. It's oddly comforting to worry about small stuff.

There is a muted clank, and you turn around to see that Sea kicked the Star on the face plate. Almost immediately -her hoof still pressed against the face of the Star, who is still- she grabs the snake that was sneaking up on her by the neck, seems to consider what to do with it for a moment, and puts it on the floor carefully.

>>30486035
See you Sea. I'm back from my minor break down. Where's Herb?

>>30486035
See if the snake is friendly towards you.

>>30486035
Does Leaf own a guitar?

>>30486154 >>30486511 >>30486617
You leave the water can by the fence and walk to the snake, who stares back at you the whole time expectantly.

You don't say anything immediately, instead watching her work. The fish already clean, she doesn't cut immediately like you had guessed from a distance; Instead she passes the edge over the fish' scaleless skin to feel it -practically caressing it- with practiced ease before each of her swift cuts.

"Hear you." She says, kicking the Star distractedly again when she takes another chance at sneaking.

"I am back."

"I just said that."

You nod at that, taking your time to answer. "I am feeling better now."

She makes another cut before answering- Clack, it clashes against the wood.

"Ah."

Clack, clack, clack.

You remain silent.

Clack. She works her jaw and pushes the snake off the table again. Clack.

"Are you sure?" She asks.

>>30486146
Hissss

>>30487405
At the moment yes.

>>30487405
Slowly offer your leg to the snek so it can coil up to you.
>Noodle fren familiar acquired

>>30487405
Yep. Totally. I'm so sure that I'm going to practice my cloud manipulation. I need to make some more clouds to replace the one in the clay pot, and to use for practice.

>>30487405
For now. I do need to find a better way to vent than drinking my problems away though.

>>30487405
Since she's keeping up with it for us, hear her later.

Wanted to post one more update but I am too tired to write properly, so going to bed.

>>30488750
Punch the sandman in the dick.

Can I make a request?

>>30489392
Requesting a sexy rock

>>30489392
Uh, sure

>>30488036
There is no better way, silly.

>>30489392
Request as in a drawing? Yeah, can't hurt to ask.

File: file.png (33KB, 571x348px) Image search: [Google]

33KB, 571x348px

>>30489623

>>30490543
Needs more blush. And a swim suit on the rock.

>>30490543
Wew. Are those nipples or eyes?

>>30487577 >>30487935 >>30488020
>>30488036 >>30488053

You pause for a moment, clacking your teeth a few times, "I am for now."

Clack, clack.

"That's good." She says.

You nod. Clack. "I need a way to relieve stress, though. Other than drinking"

"You could try hitting me when we spar."

Clack.

"Yyyeah." You extend a hoof to the snake, who after a moment of staring coils around it and uses you as a ladder. "That."

The snake tries to crawl from your body to Sea's, and is grabbed by the 'neck'.

Sea holds the snake on the air for a moment, as if considering what to do with it, and decides to leave it on the ground again.

"Far away, I want you to hit me when we spar."

"What?"

She puts the knife aside and starts hanging the thin strips of fish to dry under the sun.

A fly buzzes to one, making her pause.

"I hate cities." She says under her breath.

>>30490623
Yes.

>>30490902
I have some doubts about hitting Sea. Shame she doesn't like the place. So far it has been good for us.

>>30490902
Hitting her is not going to make us feel better. Sure, she's stressful to talk to and get along with, but in the end we do care about her. Hitting her is just going to guilt us and make us feel worse.

>>30490902
Let's do it dudes. We fight for real now. Anything else would be insulting.

>>30490902
>>30490914
>>30490942
>Far away, I want you to hit me when we spar.
>Hitting her is just going to guilt us and make us feel worse.
Nah. It'll be great! Remember how Sea is an adrenaline junky? If Leaf eventually proves to be a challenge for her, she might actually like it.
And she just want him to actually try instead of giving weak attempts and sticking to blocking.

>>30490914
What are your doubts?

>>30490942
But it'll make her feel better :^)
>Hitting her is just going to guilt us and make us feel worse.
It's sparring. The point is to improve.

>>30490956
Fight For Honor
> Viking tosses ensues

>>30490966
Sea is kinky

Roll to see if the Sirens were aroused by Leaf

>>30490902
Only hit her three times. Then you win the round.

>>30490983
>>30490966
Ah, somehow read that as hitting her right now with no sparring. That's what I get for speed reading though.

>>30491014
>they will be using three hit rules
>a definitive winner
>three hits and your done for the day
>Leaf can get three hits
>Seaweed won't be disappointed

>>30490914 >>30490942 >>30490956
>>30490966 >>30490983 >>30491006
>>30491014 >>30491021 >>30491024
"I am sorry about that." You click your teeth together, thinking. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes." She starts taking back the hung fish

You nod to yourself, then add. "Cities or sparring?"

"Both."

"I am kind of liking it. The people's nice enough."

She doesn't answer to that.

"I don't want to hit you." You add.

"It's the whole point of sparring, Far away."

"I guess so." you don't feel like saying anything else, instead watching her take the last few pieces of fish methodically, feeling with her hooves where she remembers having put them. "But I am still worried."


"I earned it before, anyway." She shrugs.

"Worrying?"

"A hit. To get even." Then she adds before you can answer: "You can hurt people less if you practice, you know." You don't answer to that, so her ears twitch in what you can only guess is annoyance. "If you don't know how to use your strength you can hurt someone badly without wanting to."

>>30491378
Practice now. Where'd that pole go?

>>30491378
She does make a good point of hurting others if we don't know how to control how hard we strike.
She also feels like she deserves to be hit by us? I guess there is a lot of built up frustration within Leaf caused by her.

>>30491378
Less thinking more hitting. Over thinking things so far has only caused you problems.

>>30491404 >>30491427 >>30491474

"I, er, you think I want to hit you?"

"Not really. Can you cook it?" She gestures at the fish.

"I guess I could put it in the freezer?" You try not to look at it too much. "I was thinking about sparring right now. And trying to make clouds after that."

"So long as it's not wasted." She grabs your hoof after a moment of searching. "Here." She lifts it.

"Here what?"

"Hit me." You only blink at that. "Blind leading the blind, I swear to the little sisters... Hit my shoulder already."

You think about it for a moment and, more to please her than anything else, give her a punch on the shoulder.

"Put some heart on it, will you."

You try again, this time harder. "Is this enough?" You ask hopefully.

She shakes her head but walks into her shack, then out of it with your staff on her mouth and her spear on her tail.

"You grabbed mine?"

She spits it, "You left it on the floor."

You grab your staff, testing it's weight again, and follow her to your lawn.

"You start." She says simply, holding her spear lazily with her tail and holding it by it's bladed side, not seeming to be in any particular stance.

>>30492531
>You nod nervously, nervousness climbing up your gut, and open the door to fly to the ceiling and grab some of the cloud in the pot.
>"I guess I could put it in the freezer?"
Need more clouds, but later. We fight now.
Swing your staff to her right and be ready to counter, then follow up with a counter strike if Leaf can manage that.

>>30492531
Well, time to channel the frustration and stress she gives us into hitting her. She wants us prove oursleves more than anything.

>>30492718
That doesn't sound like it would help at all. Last time Leaf tried to channel stress he started crying and ran away. What he needs is a cool head and a clear mind.

>She wants us prove oursleves more than anything.
Or she's just bored, but if Leaf were to say that then I bet she would respond with a "Yyyeeeah, sure. That's exactly what I was trying to do."

>>30492780
Definitely bored when I think about it. She doesn't have much to do after all.

>>30492531
Go for quick jabs with the spear.
Can you even sweep the legs of a pony? Maybe if the pole was long enough, but ill probably never know.

>>30492531
Go for that overhead swing.

>>30492531
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HLDJ2QteN7c
Only in his wildest dreams and watching his movies can he dream of fighting like a weapons master.

>>30492678 >>30492718 >>30492780
>>30492871 >>30493863 >>30494283
You open your mouth, close it again, and rear the staff to try hitting her from the side.

You are starting to dread seeing her ears flick-- She crouches, belly flat against the grass and the staff only hitting one of her ears, and pounces at you.

You rear away, but she stands at your side with the already swinging spear moving at you. It's more of a happy coincidence than anything else than your staff is on it's way to your head.

"You aren't using your wings." She says, her tail lax, then shoves you sideways with her whole body, making you struggle to keep your balance. She whips the spear around with her tail before landing a hit on your flank that makes you fall for good.

"Are you well?" She asks when you don't say anything.

You test the joint, cringing, "Jeez."

"If I hadn't pulled the hit you'd have a broken bone instead of a sore hit. Do you understand what I meant now?"

"I did before." You rub the hit.

"Not as much." She spins the spear around again and readies it. "I'll go easier now."

"Excuse me, Leaf?" Asks Natan, still sitting at the edge of your lawn. "Have you not considered padding?"

"Oh." Says Sea, surprised. "That too."

Oh, and paused.

>>30494922
Oh my god you're right Natan. I deserved that a little for forgetting that. Let me find some rope and blankets.
Fuck it. Fly fighting now.

>>30494922
I honestly thought of it but then I wondered how we were gonna get it in this world. Having good padding is an option? Or is it the crappy kind that I expect a world like this to have? Or maybe we can use some pillows we have?

Vomp

>>30495241
Getting? You daft fool. What about potentially owning? Or making improvised padding with pillows, folded blankets and sheets?

>>30494922
Still surprised how rare gems supposedly still wrapping his head around that but eventually accepts are here. I think we had farms to grow gems?

Did the Pie family do something with the rock farm? I'm way behind by a lot of seasons.

>>30497558
Bu

>>30494922
That would help a lot. Could you get some to? Just to start with? I think it'd be easier to try hitting you then.

>>30498585
>>30494922
No. Stop thinking about it. She doesn't need any padding to kick Leaf's ass.

stop with the weenie hut jr shtick.

>>30498599
What a stupid thing to say. Don't think about her wellbeing? No, we don't want to hurt her.

>>30498616
We can't even hit her when she's trying. She's the one who knows how to fight. If she thinks she needs padding, then she's gonna get herself some padding.

Or she might say something like how "armor" would slow down her mobility.

>>30498616
It's up to Sea to decide whether she wants. Don't expect her to say yes though. She's been through far worse than anything Leaf could ever dream of inflicting on her.

>>30498626
It's sparring, not real combat. Taking risks serves no purpose, and yes, there is a risk to her. Experts make mistakes too.

>>30494956 >>30495241 >>30497549
>>30497558 >>30498585 >>30498599
>>30498616 >>30498632 >>30498642
"Padding?" You rub your sore flank. "I wasn't sure you used that here."

"I usually don't."

"Actually," Exclaims the Star from above you, giving everyone -even Sea- a scare. "The guard of this city has some very light ceramic composites that I didn't know of. You wouldn't know it's not cloth!"

"Then how do you?" Asks Natan curiously.

"I asked until someone answered and then kept asking." She says with some pride, her pieces arranged loosely like a star again.

"Is that a scratch?" You notice the thin silvery line on her paint.

Her whole face rotates and shuffles, the eyes approaching the scratch, "Oh."

"Oh?"

"I scared a guard." She says simply, then mutters, "It's not my fault that they were so jittery."

"Try to make some noise when moving. Sea? You want any padding?"

She lifts her spear vertically, "Hit it as hard as you can."

You share a look with Natan, who does something you can only guess is a shrug, and rear your spear again.

They clack loudly on impact, and after a moment's consideration shrugs too, "Maybe something for my neck."

"Right," You trot inside, surprised that she takes even that much... Gems come to your mind again like a sore tooth as you gather cushions and extra blankets. How comes they don't just make rock farms?

Maybe it's related to earth ponies having no earth, you think idly. Don't they have to do... some earth pony thing to cultivate gems inside the stones?

You only notice Herb when you are nearly done with the makeshift padding, not daring call it armor: Some cushions hanging freely over your flanks and forelegs, a helmet a cousin forgot at your home, and a plush scarf wound around your neck.

You look at yourself in the mirror and can't help cracking a smile. Just like when you played as a foal, still as protective as it is ridiculous.

"Looking good." Mutters Herb, waking up from his nap over your shelves.

1/2

You don't answer immediately, instead tightening the straps around your flank and regretting the lack of any protecting near your wings for the sake of mobility.

"My mum said sometimes you need a cry." Adds Herb.

"I guess."

"Nay, boyo, no guesses here." He insists. "There might be bad moments for it but practicing isn't one, ha?"

That gives you some comfort, even if you are reticent to show it just yet.

"Glad to see you better. You whacking the girl?" He pauses for effect, rustling his wings to get the blood flowing. "I heard the clacking and the hitting. Could be good for the show, yes? Kids like them fights."

You nod distractedly, pick up the folded blanket you grabbed for Sea, and go back outside. Sea is waving her spear lazily, clearly bored and hitting the grass every once in a while.

"Can I ask you something?" You offer the blanket, then remember to push it against her so she notices it. "Is this about proving something or about you being bored?"

"Why 'or'?" She falls silent while wrapping her neck loosely, maybe mulling. "I am bored and don't want to swim too much in this water. But I don't like worrying that someone will get hurt when I am hunting either."

2/2

>>30500161
It's nice to hear you say that you do worry about me. I'll try to improve to lessen that worry.
Continue our sparring, and try to get to be a bit more on the offensive while controlling how hard we strike.

>>30500161
Let's say Leaf keeps practicing til something happens. Maybe stop in an hour then call it a day for practice.

This back and forth during the sparing is quite boring.

>>30500161
Tee hee she worries about us. Now agree with her that it will benefit you in the future and thank her for helping you.

>>30500622
>>30500623
>>30500654
>>30500722
You blink at that, "It's nice to hear."

"What is."

You shake your head, smiling to yourself, and have to crouch to dodge a swipe of her spear.

>--

Cas pulls you along a path, saying something too quickly to make out, so you stop walking, your sudden stomps making dust rise.

"Hm?" She turns to you. "What's wrong?"

You shake your head, dodging the worm as he charges at you again, again, again, knowing that eventually you'll be too tired and fall to the waters anyway, wondering why are you even trying to cover the leak anyway.

Dad's hoof rests on your head, comforting, and he guides your hooves in applying the cement.

"Like this." He says, smoothing it with a ruler which he gives you. "See?"

You nod, your tongue poking when you smooth it too with painstaking slowness.

"But it keeps opening." You tell him, confused.

"So much patchwork ain't proper, no. But it'll have to do until we find the issue."

You nod, hesitant.

"Excuse me." He says, extending her wings, "Is this--" Her horn shines, making twilight fall over the hill, and stands proudly.

You can only blink at her.

"Forgive my rudeness," Says Princess Twilight Sparkle distractedly, as if concerned with too many other things, "But are you Lettuce Leaf?"

You extend a leg to do a reality check, but she grabs it quickly. "No! Don't. I am not part of the dream... well I /am/ now-- That's not what maters. Are you Lettuce Leaf of Equestria?"

You nod, trying and failing to not stare, and rush to make a reverence to look somewhere else. Her eyes, her beautiful eyes... so tired, with bags under them.

"I am so glad of that, I've been hoping that I'd find you this way for days now." She uses a wing to make you stand, an expression you can't quite read on her face. "What is that place like? Are you well? Did my stars reach you? Have you heard the name of 'Creaking Meadow'?"

I actually was planning to offer a skip this post

>>30501165
It's full of water and there's a terrible worm here that's a tarturus level threat who wants to find equestria.
I'm fine for the most part and the inhabitants of the world are not openly hostile and some even friendly though I've been told the nobles can be a hoofful.
Only one star has reached me and I'm still looking for the others.
The name doesn't ring a bell.
Now answer my questions, how is progress in getting me back home? Can I bring someone with me?

>>30501165
Princess. Is that you? It's really you. Then that means there's a chance I can go home.
The Stars? Oh no I've found one of them, though the circumstances at the time could have been better. Some monster wanted the star to flood Equestria or something, and I fear it's not done just yet....
I'm well enough, though I could be better. And this place? Well it's as different as it is similar as home. It's like looking through a mirror, but the reflection is upside down.

>>30501165
Can you use your magic to put knowledge of Scùrlock's in my head or something? If I were fighting a monster made of assorted vegetables then I wouldn't be having so much trouble.

>>30501165
Don't think lewd thought about Cas.
Don't think lewd thought about Cas.
Don't think lewd thought about Cas.
Don't think lewd thought about Cas.

Think lewd thought about Cas.

>>30501337
That is completely out of left field and not make any sense at all. If anything lewd were thought it would be about twilight anyway.

>>30501165
I have been following your order and spreading friendship wherever I can. Some inhabitants are difficult to get along with, but I had made two friends out here. Cas and especially Sea. Without Sea, I don't think I would be here speaking to you right now, and Cas has shown nothing but kindness that is difficult to find around here.

Things here are very different, but they're also similar in ways. Earth ponies have no earth work with, and are only called ponies because of it. Wood and gems are a rare resource around here. There are also other species I have met that I didn't recognize that reside along with ponies.

>>30501437
Going to have to agree with this anon. I think we're too busy thinking about what to say to the princess and having the feeling of hope of getting hope if she's able to reach us.

>>30501461
>the feeling of hope of getting hope
Pretty sure I need some sleep after typing that.

>>30501165
If that is the real princess Twilight and not just something you're imagining and a sign that you're going crazy tell her to rest.

>>30501461
>I have been following your order and spreading friendship wherever I can. Some inhabitants are difficult to get along with, but I had made two friends out here.
You make him sound like a brainwashed Muppet. Thought that's not entirely wrong you make it sound like he's entirely devote. That's what I think.

>>30502051
He kind of is from what we've seen so far, in opinion personally. He defends the princesses and looks at them at a higher level. Might take a while to break that mindset from Leaf.

Damn, got caught up writing the update and didn't realize it was 6 AM. Paused for today.

>>30501165
The entire world is one big sea, and everyone lives on floating cities and houses. There are mechanical people and sirens and giant evil worms who want to flood Equestria and flying whales and the ponies are nice still and gems are really rare here and I found one of your stars and she's nice but a bit weird and I'm kinda scared and I'm rambling.

Vomp.

>>30501227 >>30501280 >>30501329
>>30501461 >>30501482 >>30502051
>>30502260 >>30501506
"It's… water. The whole world is water, and I don't know why but my house floats. And earth ponies are just ponies and I think they are falling to extinction and…"

She hears you tell her the whole story, understanding, patient, and -and it's a while before you notice this one- devouring the information, asking you to repeat yourself several times. Even the times she grabs you in a hug there's that subtle disassociation to her, like she's somewhere else entirely and her body simply happens to not have followed the mind yet.

"It's all like a mirror." You finish. "It's all swapped. And every time I think I have a footing something else pops up. Like how wood and gems cost so much."

"What I am the most surprised is that ponies speak Equiish… Give me a moment to think about this, will you? It's a whole lot of information." She blinks a few times, the sun and moon swapping places several times on the sky like they are fast forwarding for several minutes. "Ah." She nods to herself as the twilight returns and stays. her eyes focusing fully now.

"Princess?"

"I dread formality just a little bit, Leaf. What were you asking?"

"Can I take someone from here back with me?"

She blinks at that, changing to a more grave expression, "You mean Seaweed… Forgive me, but it's all too uncertain. Like the spell that took you there was purposefully designed ineptly to obfuscate its operation."

"And Herb?" You ask without thinking. "The Star?"

She sighs, "If I have my way I'll make a stable, permanent portal that allows commerce and tourism. But for now you are my top priority, Leaf. You are my little pony."

Your throat feels too tight to talk.

1/3

"I know you had nothing but admiration for me, Leaf, and I am sorry." She wraps you in her wings, no dissociation to her demeanor this time.

"I never wanted this." You shake your head, "I don't want to leave everyone behind."

"You might not have to." She grabs you tighter, "Do you want to know how did Rarity put hero stories once?"

"I don't care about heroes!" You exclaim.

"The mountain, insurmountable… so Pinkie dug a hole under it." She smooths your mane slowly, deep in reminiscence, "And Applejack walked around it, and I studied the mountain for six hours then teleported, and Fluttershy asked pretty please to use the tram, and Rainbow said 'what the heck' and flew over it." She laughs to herself, even if her eyes are moist too, "Don't worry about heroism or universal ideals. Keep to your principles, think about the situation at hoof, and help your friends do the same."

You don't answer to that, instead taking your time to think and calm down, really looking at her for the first time.

The bags under her eyes, the way her head hangs a little, how her wings, even when folded, are misaligned, how uncared for they are.

"Princess Twilight?" You ask her, "When was the last time you slept?"

2/3

"I've done without for longer," She shakes her head, "Creaking Meadow. Have you heard of her? She was a pegasi who disappeared some three decades ago, the same way as you. Another five decades prior, Whisper's home and I quote 'up and went, only a hole to mark where it been'." She grabs you tighter, as if afraid that someone will take you away. "And to make it worse all three of you seem to have the same broad personality traits. This is both too precise and arbitrary to be natural phenomena, and always happens when no one has the time to look into it."

"Someone did this?" It feels like a loose teeth now, an ache you can't help poking with your tongue, but at least…

At least you can now be angry at /someone/ rather than lament in the unfairness of happenstance. It's somehow easier to handle when there is something tangible to focus on.

"Creaking was a writer with a mild obsession with her journals." She ignores your question, you aren't sure if from obliviousness or selective ignorance. "And if written word is as valuable as you are saying it is…" She leaves the words in the air for you.

"…they are in someone's library."

"Find them, Leaf. At least you might find where she went wrong."

"And if I find there's no way to go back?" You ask, every word painful.

"You have your friends, and something they didn't." She puts a hoof on your chin and makes you look up to her- her face, her beautiful and tired face, close enough to make your heart flutter. "You have me. Don't you trust us to do our best?"

3/3

>>30505055
The only promise, and the safest is to promise you'll try.
What about this Whisper pony? Shouldn't I try to find them as well? Or, were they old when they disappeared?

>"Creaking was a writer with a mild obsession with her journals."
>"And if written word is as valuable as you are saying it is…"
>"…they are in someone's library."
New Quest Objective: Gain access to the noble's personal library or books

What did Creaking Meadow look like?

>And to make it worse all three of you seem to have the same broad personality traits.
What is it? What's the same?

Will I see you later?

>>30505055
I guess even if Twilight fails in bringing us back we can at least speak to her about things in our dreams. What's happening in equestria right now? Tell our friends and family that care that we're alive.
Thank Twilight for talking to you.

>>30505055
>>30505176
Failure implies she has stopped trying to find a way to bring Leaf back. And That is Princess Twilight to you plebeian!
But again what this >>30505176 anon said. Who will water our petunias at the community garden?

If there's nothing else to talk about, we should really leave for now so she can finish other business.

Would you like to tell the star anything Princess Twilight?

>>30505144 >>30505176 >>30505319 >>30505947
You shake your head, unable to talk at first, "I-- I don't know if I can..."

"I don't know what you can or can't do." She says patiently, softly. "I care about what you are willing to try, because the one real failure is to give up. Can you try to get back? To trust that we will help you to?"

Almost without thinking, you nod. How could you do otherwise for Princess Twilight of all ponies?

"No, Leaf..." She sighs. "Don't promise the princess. Don't promise this for the title you've been taught to respect, not when the pony is the one asking! I am not asking you this with any authority, be it from the crown or achievements, but as the friend I could be."

"Friend?" You ask her, still processing it.

"Yes, Leaf. I don't know you, what books you like or which foods you crave or, but I still think we could be friends. And it's in name of that trust, that hope, that I want you to promise to and for yourself that you won't give up. That you will have enough faith to make it happen."

She--

The realization shatters upon you. /She is so preachy/.

You nod, trying to put all this aside, "I will."

"You have no idea of how glad I am to hear that, Leaf."

"And everyone else?" You say, then add, "My friends? Dad?"

"Your family and friends are rooting for you," She is distant for a moment again, "They are watering your plants, and your boss said he's giving you a week of vacations when you are back." She giggles at this one, "Could you believe him?"

Your mouth falls open, "Old Creek is giving me vacations?"

"He said it like it was a free for all at Canterlot's treasury. "

"With salary?"

>1/3

She nods, clearly making an effort to regain her composure, "And your friend, Nightlight- He said you can take his hats." She takes the tricorn from your head for a moment, "He'll be happy when I tell him about this. And tell Nghshllya-" She makes a clear effort to pronounce the name properly and, from her expression, fails to, "-his flock awaits for his stories impatiently."

You nod slowly, doing your best to process all of it, "What was Whisper like?" Then you add. "What are the traits? The ones we have in common?"

"Extrospective pegasi whose issues begin then they are too Introspective. You want a quiet life most of all, yet time and time again raise to help your friends when they need it. You can't ever completely understand violence, even if you can be convinced to apply it." She lists distractedly, "These are all traits that Fluttershy also had when I first met her... and it makes me angry and a little scared to think that Creaking disappeared less than a moon before I went to Ponyville. and that if something had been just a bit differently it might've been her who ended here."

"What if I find her?"

"I was hoping that you had." She nods, closing her eyes to think for a moment. "She was an orange pegasus, and her mane was a darker shade of it. Her cutie mark was a bottle overflowing with ink... Whisper would be reaching a hundred and something by now, but he was steel blue." She clicks her tongue, "Creaking disappeared with her home too, a cloud home not much larger than yours. So if you see it..."

You nod, and she keeps talking. "I can't track your coordinates from your dreams alone, but if I could pinpoint your position, if a magical beacon was strong enough to reach me, I might just be able to open another bridge. Remember this, Leaf." She grabs your head between her hooves, lowering her head to be eye to eye with you, and lists a series of technical descriptions several times until you can repeat them from memory.

>2/3

"Those are the properties the bridge I reopened to send the stars there had, a bridge you confirmed is definitely not safe for organics. But if we could establish a stable channel I might just be able to teleport you across." Her eyes are grave for a second, reminding you of what she said before. You come first. "Write it down. I'll make you wake up as soon as this dream ends just so you do that."

You nod when she releases your head, your heart beating like a drum from the proximity to her, and all you can think of is hoping that you didn't blush.

"Is the star performing well?" She asks, and you nod, "I am glad of that, even if you make it seem like she's demonstrated actual intellect... not what maters." She shakes her head, and for a split second it seems like she'll collapse, "I'll try to talk more with you later, but Luna could only bridge our dreams from sheer luck."

It takes you an instant to realize what you just did, but she hugs you back with abandon and just as tightly.

"Thank you." You press your head against her chest, your eyes tearing up a bit, "Thank you, thank you, /thank you so much/."

"Shush you." She seems as amused as she is touched, "What is a fri--?"

You blink in the darkness and look out of the window.

The sun is just barely grazing the horizon, the shadows barely receding, but this doesn't mater right then-- you grab a pen and notebook from your night table to write and double check the instructions Twilight gave you.

Your soft, plush, blessedly warm bed.

You lie on it, wondering if you should start the day early or sleep some more.

>3/3
Current todos for this day, as I remember them;
-Talk with Rev and the others about getting some kind of help with the worm
-Talk with Bubba about the possibility of poisons.
I am very probably forgetting something.

>>30506700
Other things to do find out where the library around here is and seeing if it's possible to sneak into it if we can't get in easily. And telling herb that his flock looks forward to this world's stories. He should be good at surveying the library.

>>30506700
Get the fuck out of bed and write all that shit down!
PANIC!

>>30506821
>you grab a pen and notebook from your night table to write and double check the instructions Twilight gave you.

>>30506846
oops

>>30506700
So is it evening or morning now?

>>30506953
>The sun is just barely grazing the horizon, the shadows barely receding

>>30507065
I am a mess today. Sheesh.
>>30506700
Ok. Maybe this time I'll post something better.
So it is definetly morning. Uh. Make sure you have electricity so you can bathe. Have some breakfast. Take the fish meat out of you freezer and offer to cook Sea some battered fried fish with cayenne powder and dried chili peppers. She did want a little kick. And a sice of those fruits. And probably some for Herb to if he wants some.
Well maybe not battered or spicy? I don't know what aForget-Me-not, should and shouldn't eat other then fish so far.
>And tell Nghshllya-" She makes a clear effort to pronounce the name properly and, from her expression, fails to, "-his flock awaits for his stories impatiently."
Tell Herb this after break fast is served.

Got start off the day with a good meal.
>>30506846
>>30507065
How did I do? D-did I do it right now guys?

>>30506760 >>30506821 >>30506846
>>30506953 >>30507065
Feeling in a better mood than you have in days, you decide to raise with the sun and take your time to do proper breakfast-- No halfassed quick bites this time! But first...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoADPv88teo&index=2&list=PLm2XczImJucM-hzYoDaGxQUBTzpS8T1fQ
(Cirque du Soleil - [Zaia #02] Aestus Color)

You give the gramophone one last turn and crank up the volume just enough to hear it from the kitchen, and get on cooking.

"Feeling good?" Asks Herb after a while, standing a distance from you.

"You think?"

"You are swinging your flanks so much, Leaf, that you'll knock me out if I get any closer." He says in what passes for a serious voice tone with him.

"I know!" You don't stop swinging your flanks with the music as you clean the fish, not minding what it is for once. "Your flock says hi."

"Whu--"

"Princess Twilight talked with me. Me! Can you imagine it?"

"Did you hit your head?"

"Ha! I hope not. She entered my dream! And she's so weird you have no idea."

"And my flock was there?"

"Well no of course can you imagine a few hundred birds-"

"Two hundred, fifty nine."

"Two hundred and fifty nine forget-me-nots in a dream?"

"I can, mater of fact."

"Well I can't. But she said they are awaiting your stories!"

"So they are." He nods, not as happy as you had expected him to be.

You grab a strip of fish and toss it in his direction. He catches swiftly, his beak clacking around it. "Cheer up, Herb. I am sure they'll fly for from the winter when they have to."

"One can hope." He gives a mildly interested look to the coffee -your last- that's boiling.

"You want any?"

"It'd poison me. Nature's unfair sometimes innit?"

"I know! A bitch." You say happily, shoving the cut fish aside and grabbing the fruits you bought yesterday to cut them as thin as can be.

1/2

"We are having a party?" Asks the Star from outside the window, only her head plate visible.

"Wouldn't that rock?" You open the window latch to let her in.

"The boyo's in a good mood." Shrugs Herb, moving aside when she decides to arrange her pieces near him.

"What is--" Asks Natan, only to be flung by the Star.

"It's a party!" She says, spinning while dancing circles with him.

"How are you grabbing me without--"

"Who cares! Herb what you say we steal a noble's books." You take a dip of what you cut into a fine dust and confirm that yes, it tastes sickeningly sweet. Now to try this...

You fry some of the dust, and thankfuly it acts like you had hoped-- the juice coagulates and it comes off as small crunchy croquettes.

"I say you be crazy. Ain't good when I am the straight bird, Leaf. Bad omen."

"Can I be the straight bot next?" Asks the Star.

"I still don't know what's happening." Says Natan as the Star pulls him into what looks like a tango.

"I had a good chat." You say simply. "A princess came to my dream.

"Should I assume this is the oddness of your 'Questria?"

"You could." You take the rest of the cut fruits and fry them, doing something that could be called croquettes... too bad you don't have cheese to go with them.

"You planning to woo Sea or something Leaf boy?" Asks Herb quizzically.

"Ooooh yeah!" Says the Star, still pulling Natan into dance after dance with cheerful awkwardness. "She's even outside already!"

2/2

>>30508437
>"She's even outside already!"
I've a feeling she wants to comment on the volume of the music, or she smelled the food. I bet this time we'll really get a reaction out of her!

>>30508437
Ohh. The star would be very useful in the library. They can scan pages and then we can get out of there without them even knowing anything is missing.
Wish Sea a good morning.

>>30508900
Exactly. She's a speed reading demon. Just like her mother.

But let's plan on how we will convince the local noble to grant up access to read the books of her personal library later.
>>30508437
Now is time to do the pony equivelent of the salsa. Or something equivalently spicy.

>>30508437
Make more clouds later to build a mini cloud bed?
And don't forget about work later.

Paused for the night.

>>30508437
Let's go bring Sea in but with dance.

>>30508437
Well guys. Looks like we pay have a permanent portal back home. Now can we fuck Cas silly?

>>30510380
We do? Seems like we're a long way from having anything concrete.

>>30510380
That's still very unlikely and far less of a chance of happening, and working than just bringing someone to Equestria one-way.
Not to mention we may have to move away from the city depending on what Cammy throws at us. We're still not going to bring her if it comes to that. Cas isn't looking for a fling from what we've seen.

>>30508651 >>30508900 >>30508932 >>30508967
>>30510370 >>30510380 >>30510930 >>30511435
"She is? Hm." You fry the fish again, this time covered with some of the not-quite-flour you bought yesterday to give it some crunch. "Herb? Want to try?"

"Might as well." You blow on a piece to cool it and throw it at him, and he nods. "Could use some cheese."

"Cheese? Why would--" Starts Natan, only to be interrupted by the Star changing to another step, "I still don't know what you are doing!"

"Pink pattern told me to party!" She exclaims amidst her laughing.

Natan gives you a look. You shrug with a smile, 'Your problem'.

"Of all the times to forget buying cheese." You turn back to Herb.

"Might tell stories for coin later." He makes a birdy shrug.

"G'luck," You take most of the remaining fish, leaving some for Herb, and, flanks still swinging, go change the vinyl.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAggCCekE2w
(No Hay Nadie Como Tu - Calle 13)

"Caliente." You say, ignorant and uncaring as to what does the word actually mean.

Sea is indeed outside, and about to open your door when you do just that.

"Sea!" You slide outside quickly, the earth pony cringing away when your fur graces hers, "Have I told you how weird your hearing thing is? It's like-"

"Not all is hearing."

"-something out of a comic book, y'know? Weird cool, don't get me wrong, just like you to say nope to blindness."

1/2

"Are mood swings a land thing." She says gruffly.

"Not at all, want some?" You offer her the fish, putting it near her snout. "The princess came into my dream."

"Top or bottom?"

"I didn't expect the princess to be so weird, would you have? The real thing, not figment of my imagination. Princesses do that in Equestria." She grabs some fish, "Any better?"

Her mouth contorts a few times, lips closed tightly, before she swallows and talks putting obvious effort in keeping her voice apathetic. "Hot."

"Pfft but really, how is it."

She remembers to cool the next one before eating it, "Crunchy."

"Has more of a bite than before?"

"A bit raw. Not that I dislike it."

"You wouldn't, wouldn't you?" You giggle, "Anyway, the princess said I got to get to a noble's books."

"I'll sit tight."

"Aw don't be so grumpy," You put the fish bowl on the food and pull her forehooves into dance stance. "Live the life!"

"Far away, what are you doing." She states more than asks.

2/2

>>30512146
>"-something out of a comic book, y'know? Weird cool, don't get me wrong, just like you to say nope to blindness."
Seaweed is just like Daredevil!

>>30512146
I am dancing because of how wonderful everything is, there is good music playing and want you to join me. It'll be fun.

>>30512146
I'm just having a good time! I recommend you try it!

>she swallows and talks putting obvious effort in keeping her voice apathetic
Hah, she's struggling to keep her emotionless facade!

>>30512146
Expressing myself through dance. Try it.

File: file.png (27KB, 588x556px) Image search: [Google]

27KB, 588x556px

>>30512161 >>30512207 >>30512452 >>30512492
"Well dancing of course," You pull her a few steps, cheek against cheek.

"Try something funny and I'll headbutt you."

"Calm down some, I am not some perv."

"What dance is this even?"

"I have no idea. That's why it's fun!"

She doesn't answer.

"Come on, Sea, wouldn't you dance on the stage?"

"This isn't the stage, Leaf."

>>30513138
So think of it as practice!

>>30513138
We are just practicing our acting by using improv dancing! Come on, it'll be fun and you won't be bored like you keep saying!

>>30513138
It's a good test of your agility and reflexes. Not to mention synchronizing with your partner. If we can understand each others paces we'll be better fighters.

>>30513138
Her left lens looks odd.
You're right it's not a stage. It's practice.
The walts, tango, samba, salsa. Wew!

>>30513210 >>30513244 >>30513323 >>30514131

"So we are practicing!" You pull her in circles, still holding hooves -wasn't this position called promenade?- and trying to get her to sync her step with yours. "You hadn't before?"

"Not in years."

"Can I ask why?"

"Better things to do."

"Figured as much."

"Then why do you ask."

You only laugh, opening your wings to get some balance, and remember the flanks and sides are supposed to be touching in this position, "And we'll get some coordination too. In the stage and... when that thing comes." You shake your head to not think about it.

She doesn't answer.

"Come on, one, two." You walk a step with each and, however unheartedly, she follows the lead. "One, two, one, two. Aren't you bored? One, two. This is better than nothing. One, two, three."

"Don't try waltz." She says.

"Waltz?"

"It's so damn boring."

You laugh to yourself, "One, two. Alright, no waltz. Three, four, five."

"Waltz have five steps."

"Guilty as charged. One, two. Why did you learn waltz? One, two."

"Because I was taught waltz."

The Star bursts out of the doorway, now holding a disgruntled Herb instead, and Natan sits on the doorway.

"I still have no idea of what's happening." He says simply.

"I'd like to know myself." Adds Sea.

"Already told you, the princess came to my dream."

"In Equestria is relatively mundane magic to enter dreams." Says the Star, "Although heavily regulated."

"Right."

Herb escapes the Star's hold, "Awwww... what did she tell you?" Asks the Star.

"That I have to get into a noble's library and find someone's journal."

Sea grins at this, "That might be fun."

"Legally, Sea."

Her smile fades.

Alright, so the current checklist for the day was
-Talk with Rev
-Talk with Bubba
-Search a way into the Noble's library
The crew of Rev's ship can be expected to be already up and working at this time of the day.
Also Leaf is pushing the right lens against her face.

>>30514162
>Her smile fades
Aawww. Ok well if worst comes to worst then fighting miiight ensue.

Ok. Bid everyone good bye, go to Rev, then Bubba, then back to practice.

Will there be an opportunity to perform tomorrow?

>>30514162
Come on now! From what I hear from this noble, there is a good chance we may have to do something illegal to get it.
And trust me when I say, I will do nearly anything to get my hooves on that journal!

>>30514239
>>30514162
Oh boy. Don't make promises you can't keep. Leaf is too much of scared pone to steal. Or not it'll depend on what happens and if the noble will send guards after Leaf.
Breaking the law is still breaking the law.

>>30514401
Won't star be able speed read and obtain everything on the journal without taking it? Only questionable action is sneaking, but that's only if we're forced to. This is one of the few leads we have.

>>30514669
Shush. We'll See when we get there.

>>30514740
Of course, all this is just hypotheticals. We have little to no information.

>>30514162
We'll adapt the plan if we have to but we're going in there no matter what.

>>30514211 >>30514239 >>30514401
>>30514669 >>30514740 >>30514771
"Sea, I won't do it illegally if I can avoid it."

"It doesn't count if they are nobles, Far away." She passes a hoof around your waist.

"I think law counts more for them than for us, Sea."

She pushes you, making you hang only from her leg. "A hunter relishes the challenge."

"Then glad I am not."

You have the feeling that, were her eyes visible, you'd see her deadpan. "Don't remind me."

"Do you have to do that?"

"I am a hunter overdue for good prey, Leaf." She pulls you back upright and sits. "Or at least for clean waters to swim. What do you expect me to be like."

"Overdue?" You rub your waist, sore after it having held most of your weight. "Sea, the worm was..." You blink "How long ago? Three days? Five?"

"Feels like longer."

"Jeez it does. Look," You talk more quietly just in case, "If worse comes to worse I'll take you up on it, but for now? I'd like to do it properly."

"Good luck. Might as well try to bed her."

"Yyyeah. I'll go see Rev while I got time."

"Try not to have another mood swing." She heads back to her shack. "Hear you."

"Yeah, later."

"Wait," Natan grabs Nitz and trots after you, "I should visit the captain regarding this worm too. If it's really as dangerous as you say..."

"It is."

The rest of the walk until you take separate ways is made mostly in silence. You could swear Nitzan is making fun of you a few times.

When you arrive Rev is hovering over a few people carrying boxes, guiding them to the flagship's storage, "Leaf?" He gestures at someone to take his role and hovers closer to you, "You look like you went thru the meat grinder and then found a gold chest, man."

"Kind of." You nod.

"When was the last time you brushed your mane? It's... making an effort to stay straight."

"I know." You make a grimace.

"And your wings?" He lands besides you to grab and stretch one, to have a better look. "We got showers in here, you know."

And paused.

>>30515990
Heh. Didn't think there was anything wrong with Leaf's wings. And I didn't thin we'd,m have to ask Leaf to bathe. Is this because we removed his bathtube?
Well he is offering.

>>30516117
I think it's worth saying you don't necesarily have to give manual commands for his every bodily need. Leaf eats and generally takes care of himself on his own. The not bathing part was purely because, seeing how he's been lately, I found it fitting that he was forgetting some grooming.

B

>>30515990
Tell me where they are so I'll take one right after this conversation. Anyway I need help in a fight against the worm.

>>30516130
Boop

https://pastebin.com/QYcupt4f

>>30518776
wew

>>30516117 >>30517117
"Showers?" You remember, and regret, how you repurposed your bathtub, "Where? And what about my wings."

"Red door near the kitchen." He points vaguely with a wing. "But you needed something? Other than a shower and preening?"

"Remember that thing on the sea? The worm?"

"What's a worm."

"Er, the giant snake?"

"Forget Pinky? As if. It was like a bedtime story gone wrong." He rustles his wings as if shuddering.

"What if I told you it's coming here."

"I'd grab Dance and get the hell out of dodge." He says immediately, grimacing. "Why haven't you?"

"Because it's coming for me."

"Oh." He nods, "Don't grab your girl then. Or Dance."

"I don't have--" You shake your head, "I don't really know what am I supposed to do about this. I was thinking of... explosives maybe. I heard some people fishes like that?"

"Maybe, yeah. You--" He turns suddenly and shouts something at one of the people carrying boxes, "Sorry, new guys. But yeah, you want to blow the thing up?" He pauses for effect, extending his wings fully for emphasis, "I am all for it. Pinky bits raining are about the best thing that could happen."

>>30519350
So can you find or get it then?

>>30519412
"So can you get them?"

"Whoa, whoa, that's a bit of a bigger question," He gestures at you to give him time with a wing, almost putting it on your face, "Alright so this thing was what, sixty meters long? Eighty?"

"I wasn't screaming for a ruler, you know."

"Right. So let's say eighty, and about ten thick? That'd be... I got no idea how many explosives, gimme a sec." He flies off without waiting for an answer.

You sit on the docks after a moment. He doesn't return immediately, but Dance does, her silvery blue mane tied, "So you are here. How are your wings?" She doesn't wait for a question before pulling one unfolded, "Sea's head? Is she wearing her patches?"

That gives you pause, "I forgot about that."

"The rugged type's so bad. Barely better than the suicidals," She feels your wing base, "Any pain?"

"Just--" She stops moving her hoof, "Yeah, about there."

She pushes it with calculated ruthlessness, making the pain worsen for an instant and then disappear, then smells your fur, "Has Sea swam in this water?"

"No idea. If she got fish she swam away--" You remember that she had to tie herself to her shack to swim away. "How did she get that fish."

"I hope you didn't eat it." Says Dance, "Bring her here later."

"So I am good?"

"For now."

"How's your rib doing?" You give her chest a look.

"The rib? Got it reset, should be fine in a few weeks."

"Found him," Rev comes with a stallion well into his forties, "Leaf, Badabam, Badabam, Leaf."

"A pleshure," He offers a hoof to shake and seemingly tries to make you fall on your face with it, "You want to blow someone up?"

"Sssssort of." You try to cast off your qualms on the subject. "Big sea monster."

"Kid says it's pretty big... you sure you want to soldier on with this?"

"Not much of a choice."

"If it's the size he told me it won't come cheap." He shrugs, as if saying 'What can I do', "Five hundred the boomstick, or just about. Siren export. Let's say... five's a nice number."

>>30519922
Time to scourge up some money then. Where can we usually find you in order to pay you?

>>30520045
"Twenty five hundred." You cringe. "You can't uhm, discount per quantity? Or... a payment plan?"

"Kid, can I be straight withya, stallion to stallion and all?"

"I... don't think you care about my answer to that."

"You don't have the weight here to ask neither of those things," He ignores you. "You get me the pearls upfront, I get you the sticks nice and easy, hm? Ask for me around here." He walks past you with a wave of his hoof.

"Great." You scowl, "Just damn great."

"Sorry for that, the business attracts that sort." Rev winces, "IIIII guess we could talk with my cap' about that? He likes this city."

"Rev, you know he's not... the most believing about that snake being real." Says Dance as carefully as she can, "Or at least as bad as we know it is. We don't exactly have proof, do we?"


Probably won't update anymore today. Just feeling off and I can't write properly.

>>30520704
Alright, let's go see bubba.

>>30520704
Maybe some Poisons or acids? I don't think I can scourage enough pearls in time. Not unless there are ponies looking to buy clouds. Do you guys know anyone who would want to buy some, other than Bubba?

>>30520704
Maybe, Star could playback what happened on her face if she has it? Then we would have video proof!

Reminder for myself tomorrow: Also add them discussion the possibility of finding another hunter because I forgot completely about that.

>>30520704
Gonna be honest. I heard from some unseen whisp that the Worm snake would eventually come back since it's not dead.
Sure you could discount it as the stress getting to me, but it's not impossible for the creature to have been able to trackour location. And it's not dead. Plus....magic.

>>30521837
Why another hunter?

>>30521845
Ask whoever proposed that idea together with the explosives one. My interpretation is guarantee some extra help.

>>30521851
I remember proposing the explosives idea myself with a bit of the science and why it's awesome, but not the extra hunters one. Can you show me the post?

>>30521886
Odd, I've been checking the archives and can't find it. Call it a brainfart on my part.

File: unknown.png (83KB, 868x522px) Image search: [Google]

83KB, 868x522px

Uploaded it earlier by mistake, hence me deleting it, but lo and behold Leaf drawn by a leaf.

>>30522124
Gib a leaf shaped snootle

>>30520704
Other then getting covered in nasty slime. Maybe if we got something from the sea ponies Duck I forgot what they were called. Triens? Tritens?

So how've you guys been?

>>30522124
Nitzan is main waifu

It's time to hit those showers.

>>30523287
Don't drop the soap. Soap is bad substitute for lube.

File: file.png (14KB, 378x435px) Image search: [Google]

14KB, 378x435px

>>30522654
You mean these ones? They are either tritons or fish ponies depending on who you ask. Don't use the later on their face, though.

>>30524381
10/10 would fuck again.

Might not update today because of life.

The forbidden love between a triton and a pegasi. When heaven and earth meet. Or in this case the heaven and sea.

>>30526892

>>30528019

>>30529393

>>30522654
>>30530283

File: file.png (29KB, 1116x1120px) Image search: [Google]

29KB, 1116x1120px

>>30521478 >>30521680 >>30521813 >>30521838
>>30522654 >>30524381 >>30522926
"Why are you so sure this thing's coming after you in the first place?" Asks Dance, looking at you critically.

"It's... I might have an answer, give me a few," You half trot, half glide back home, wondering if it's a good idea to tell them some a wisp talked with you. Maybe you can avoid it...

"Leaf?" Natan catches up to you, one of his bellows open and blasting air. "What is it?"

"Getting the Star."

He slows down his pace, and you leave him behind quickly. The Star is once again sleeping on the roof- the second floor rather, and perks up as soon as you call it.

"Videos?" She repeats, thinking, "I don't save raster data... But I can convert it to that. I'll just need a few hours."

"Can it be faster?" You insist. "Minutes?"

"Is it that urgent?" She asks hesitantly, "I'll have to turn off."

"What? Why now--"

"No no, I, as in I, not the--" She stops talking, "The empathic interface. Not the machine."

You just stare at her.

"Just-- It's easier to show." She floats to you. "Just be calm."

"What for."

"Turn on, you dumb--" Several pieces in her click, and she falls completely silent, pieces returning to looking like a star.

"Star?"

A moment passes.

"Empathic interface disabled." Talks the same plain, scratchy voice the Star had when it had just been turned on. "Disabling lateral thinking. Disabling pattern thought. Disabling location tracking. Enabling multiprocess. Assigning processing time to imaging systems. Now composing video data. Userland disabled until processing time is available."

"What?"

"Notice: Speech patterns modified by empathic interface. Almost all processing power is now being dedicated to generating video. Remaining time: Ten minutes."

You sigh and head back to the docks, the Star trailing after you silently.

>1/2

"Oh, Natan," You walk a little faster to him, "The Star--"

As if on cue she flies over you -heat blossoming on her wake- and takes a dip into the water, where she remains for almost a minute.

"What happened to it-- her?" Asks Natan, concerned.

The Star floats out of the water, trailing steam and the case of some of her pieces opening and closing spastically to release air blasts.

"Cooling cycle complete." She says as if it was the explanation to everything.

"Let's get going." You start walking again, Natan keeping his eye on the Star at and and all moments- much to Nitzan's discontent, from the way she kicks him.

"Leaf, do you mind a question?" He asks when you are nearing Rev's ship. "Since you know her better than I do... Do you also get the impression that Seaweed has a rather romanticized idea of what a hunter is?"

>2/2

>>30533495
Why is our house so shit?

>>30533499
Does she need to do the same thing for taking pictures? Pictures are just as good if not better.

>>30533499
>"Since you know her better than I do... Do you also get the impression that Seaweed has a rather romanticized idea of what a hunter is?"
Maybe? Possibly. I wish I knew her more so I could give you a better answer. Back in Equestria I know there are some ponies that are just like her. Thrill seekers looking for the next big challenge.

>>30533495
Nito. Is pone pone pone pone pone home.
I see that little bit of green on those rows of tiled soil. We making progress boi's. Maybe we should invite all the "earth" ponies to our turn to laying around and smell the grass. Mmmmmm do I love the smell of fresh earth.

>>30533499
Yeah man she's a little different. It's kind of scary how much she enjoyed fighting that monster.

>>30533499
Odd. Star mentioned something about patterns and other stuff. What do you think Natan?

>>30533499
She's real passionate about it, yeah. I guess when you live alone out here you need something to keep you going.

>>30533541 >>30533683 >>30534080 >>30534555

"I am still on the ropes about that. You know she's cold and all that?"

"I am aware, yes."

"Well, has she talked with you about hunting? At all?"

"I've seen her talk with you. She is... passionate on the subject."

"Passionate's not the half of it. That smile of hers scares me a little."

"And she seems to be impatient for the creature to come here."

"I can't..." You pause. "I don't think I can explain to you how much she enjoyed fighting it."

"I can manage an idea."

"You really can't."

"Mhmm. But I might see myself soon if we have bad enough luck."

You prefer not to voice what you think about that and keep walking, and soon enough the Star falls to the floor with a loud clack.

"Ouch." She says, her voice back to normal. "Done." She slides to you like a snake. "Are we close? This video is big."

"Did you really want to... rastr--"

"Rasterize it."

"Rasterize it?"

"Just give me some hours next time." She jumps back onto the water. "Itis hard to think with something this big in memory."

"You sure you are okay?" You peek down from the planks. She's 'swimming' in there, following you.

"Just give me a few." She says simply.

"Alright." You nod, looking the direction you are walking again. "If you say so..."

Natan can't seem to stop giving her quick glances during the minute or two it takes us to reach the ship.

"Hey--"

"Ah!"

"What?"

"Don't do that!"

"Don't be so jittery." Rev lands behind you, seemingly amused that he gave you a scare, "You got your answer--? Oh hey, it's you." He gives a curious look to the Star, "The odd Duda?"

It takes her a moment to understand the question, "I am not a Duda."

"Oh."

"But I have video proof."

Rev stares at her, then at you, "You two keep making up words."

"What? Hey, I am not."

>1/3

"Twilight Sparkle made me with several million words." Says the star mater-of-factly, her voice ever so slightly smug, "And all of them are real. But look!" Her panels rearrange themselves as to present the largest possible flat surface, and a video starts playing in it.

"Pony." Its booming voice reverberates. "Give me the machine."

You can't help shuddering, but Rev's reaction is more extreme- He makes himself scarce, flying off with a little squeal.

"You brought that thing here!?" Rev shouts from a rooftop.

"What!?" You ask back, forced to shout because of the distance, "I-- No! It's just a video!"

"Curious." Natan pokes the image with a finger hesitantly, as if expecting his finger to enter it.

"It's a moving picture!" You keep telling Rev, "Just, just an image with sound to it!"

"You brought freaking Pinky! Of course it'd come after you!" He points at you accusingly.

"It's magic!" Shouts the Star simply, looking at you, "Like a mirror that reflects what I saw!"

Rev points at you again, as if tempted to accuse you further, and lowers it with an abashed expression before fluttering to you slowly.

"See?" The Star whispers to you, "Twilight taught me that. Just say it's magic if they don't understand."

"This is what it said?" Asks Rev, keeping you between himself and the Star. The Star is, in the video, now gliding with you away from the worm.

"Yes." You say gruffly, "This thing wanted me, and you think it's--"

"Let's make it shorter." He walks off, gesturing at you to follow, "Show it to the cap, make your case."

Wait.

Fuck.

You and Sea on that cloud.

>2/3

You give a panicked look to the Star.

"Does the video have all of it?" You whisper nervously.

"Why wouldn't it?" She gives you a completely innocent look, whispering too, then perks up, "Ooooooh..."

"Oh?" You ask hopefuly.

"Ooooooh," She nods, "My systems don't log private affairs." She says.

"So that on the cloud--"

She smiles, "It's only a blank area for me."

"Oh thank Celestia."

"Thank who?"

You blink and remember to make a curtsy to the captain, who is standing impatiently.

"Boy's saying you got something for me."

"Yeah, Star? Can you play from the start?"

The captain's reaction is as immediate as Rev's. He punched the image.

"Hey!" Exclaims the Star, offended.

"It's magic," You rush to explain, "Like a mirror that shows what she's seen. The worm's not here."

He nods, not buying it quite yet, and taps his hoof against the boards as the video plays.

"The creature proved to be childish, spiteful, murderous, and single minded." Says the Star once it's over. "I think it's reasonable to expect it's readying to come here. Possibly for the city as a terror tactic."

"Hm." It's all the captain says at first, thinking, "Kid-- Far something? Far, this thing is after you. Do you have any ideas of what to do about it?" He seems to be done, then adds. "Not the explosives. Anything you have in mind to prevent this thing killing half the city."

You have the feeling he's testing you with the question.

>3/3

Also, sorry to those of you who are annoyed by the constant multiposts I've been doing this thread. It just keeps happening.

>>30534720
It'd be less annoying without the double spacing.

>>30534691
All the weak and feeble hide while the strong fight it. Poisoning it. Leading it into a trap or ambush.
Finding the elements of harmony.

Something came up, so paused early this time.
Or rather didn't start as early as I wanted to. Drat.

>>30534691
Same as last time maybe? But with more guns, ponies. Maybe some very very acidic alchemical waste from Bubba. We seriously can't get any boom sticks? What if we showed our case to that one Siren we saw at the parade?

Bruh do we have thermite? That shit would work. Iron rust and aluminum powder to make the spiciest chemical reaction.
Wait. Wait wait wait no? Maaaybe Leaf might not know about that?

>>30534691
>Anything you have in mind to prevent this thing killing half the city
Moving away from the city with Star? But I'm pretty sure we wont win against it with just me, Star, and Sea.
Is there no one who could help or make a substitute explosive? Maybe a unicorn could make some magic bomb?
Hey Star? Do you have some recipe for something dangerous in your memory?

>>30534691
Dynamite are Siren exports right? What are the odds of finding a Siren who might sell those at a cheaper price then what Badabam was selling them for?

>>30534691
Do you know what time it is?

>>30534691
Man. We should show more people the worm monster video your reaction was priceless. *scared whinnies* ha!

I still want to know if Natan would be capable of repair that projector or whatever it was. Is it for writing on a transparent sheet? Is it movie film?

Annoying worm bump

>>30536702
Its a movie projector. Will see if I can take care of it next update.

>>30537665

>>30534773 >>30535358 >>30535386
>>30535529 >>30535534 >>30536001
>>30537943

"My friend Sea wants to fight it. She's a hunter. And Herb said we should leave the city, but I--"
The Star talks over you, "We'll need extra help to defend ourselves against it. We barely managed to anger the creature, and can't let it have any clue of how to reach our home."
"And I--"
"What happened with the explosives?" Natan interrupts you.
"Siren exports cost too much for now."
"Maybe there's cheaper alternatives?"

"Maybe," You nod impatiently, "But let's get on track. The boomsticks cost too much, but I was also thinking of either finding a siren who sells cheaper or some poison or acid. A guy who makes potions told me they always have some adverse effect, but if it's just meant to hurt you..." You leave it hanging.

The captain looks at you carefully for, you feel, the way you talk as much as what you are saying, and only speaks up a moment after you've stopped, "You don't like any of this, don't you?"
The non sequitur trips you up for a moment, "Why would I like it?"
"Tell me why you don't." He ignores your question. "You look like a snake in a box."
You give a look to Rev. He shrugs, as if he himself had passed through this and didn't have a better idea of how to get out of it than you do.
"I... don't want to fight this thing." You click your teeth together a few times, thinking. "I don't want to fight at all, and this thing is forcing me to, so I can't help trying to think of a peaceful way to avoid it."
You aren't sure any read on the old stallion is reliable at all, but you have the feeling he's pleased. "I'll believe that this thing is coming here for now. You and that mare know it better than I do, so try to find a proper way to help taking care of it -any at all- and I might see what I can do to help. And I'll talk with other captains to keep extra moonlets patrolling."
The secondary threat in his voice tone and face is palpable: 'Don't betray my trust or else.'

This question didn't fit in the charlimit, but any problems with this line spacing? Double for long paragraphs and normal for short ones?

>>30540263
We'll be there. Still need to try boiling water and catching the condensation.

>>30540350
Didn't we make a contraption that extracts what little water it can from the slightly salty water?
Better idea. We buy a water proof tarp and collect the rain water we would make from the water we would collect. We can sell them for a pearl a Liter.