Thread 42725839

WARNING: I am planning to write some grotesk scenes for this CYOA, so read at your own risk.
I'll try to give a quick warning if it gets disgusting.

>You ever just wake up with this... idea in your head?
>An idea that leaves you so shaken, you really must follow through with it already?
>Especially in a world such as this, ideas like th-
>"Newbie, stop staring at the clouds and get your ass over here already, or you'll be dead by nightfall", a voice pulls you out of your thoughts
>A group of ponies, impatiently waiting for you to continue on alongside them, fronted by the mare that has just spoken up
>Cloud Buster, the leader of your little expedition group is impatiently tapping her hoof on the ground trying to get your attention
>The slim but athletic mare with a windswept, sky blue mane and soft yellow coat pony was known to have a short fuse so you better not let her wait
>Behind her, Powder Keg, a green earth pony and brown mane
>Using a black powder that you don't understand to build highly effective weaponry for you and the others of the group
>"Just point and shoot", he told you when you first met him and he hooved one of his weird contraptions to you
>Beat Down, another very bulky earth pony, strongest of the group and pony to make sure your equipment is always at hooves reach
>You aren't quite sure what, but he seems... worse for wear ever since you set out this morning
>More pale than you earlier, too
>Although with his cream colored coat, you might just be imagining things
>Last but not least, a small unicorn mare with glasses, a notebook floating next to her head as she checks it uneasily, glancing around nervously
>The purple mare with dark blue mane is called... you actually aren't sure you've gotten her name yet
>But she is the one guiding you through the abandoned, empty streets at the outskirts of canterlot and beyond
>Hurrying along as you're told, you pass by a window that has been broken, with only a few shards still in the frame
>But the shards are enough to see yourself.... taking a glance won't hurt
>You are....
-- Create your character

>>42725839 (OP)
How about an angry tiny earth pony in oversized clothes?

>>42726017
A dark spirit possessed me and made me mspaint something shitty to support this.

>>42726017
>>42726052
Why not? Also supporting.

>>42726017
>>42726052
>>42726055
>A tiny, angry looking earth pony mare is looking back at you with a grim frown
>"The type of face only a mother could love", you've been told by others before when they asked you to smile
>Your short, striped mane covers half of your face and your raincoat, much too big for you, hides most of your body
>With an annoyed grunt you once more follow the other 4 ponies in your party as you slowly make your way through the eerie former suburbs
>Occasionally you trip on the sleeves of your coat that definitely was not meant for a pony your size and you glance back at it
>It hides pretty much all of your body and you think about your cutiemark, your name, your purpose here...
>Maybe those scars from your past, both mental and physical...
-- Continue character creation
Locked in:
Character: Earthpony Mare, Tiny, Angry (looking), short and striped mane and tail
Current Equipment: A raincoat that is way too big for you

>>42726175
>cutiemark
An trackwalker's lantern. We're an attentive pony, especially at night.

>>42726175
Names tend to be ironically indicative.
>>42727102
So with this in mind, how about Faithful Upkeep? Cutiemark acquired through semi-obsessive commitment.

>>42727102
>>42727580
>Faithful Upkeep
>That's your name
>Marked by the trackwalker's lantern on your flanks your life up to now has been defined by near-obsessively committing to whatever tasks life throws at you
>Working day and night to make sure everything was in order was nothing new to you and the talent helped you settle in somewhat nicely
>Well, as nice as trying to seek refuge in a small outpost of ponies can be
>At first it was enough to patrol the walls at night, keeping everypony safe and the equipment staying functional.... but that didn't suffice anymore
>The scout teams have been shrinking more and more over the past few weeks so when it was time to replace them, you were called to help out
>Something you have always taken pride in was your attention to detail... which is also why you were the first one to notice that something with Beat Down was wrong
>Just seconds later, the stallion collapses to his knees, retching and vomiting up blood
>"Just... urgh... a moment", the stallion says before getting to his very shaky legs and unloading everypony's stuff onto the ground
>He then sets off into a sprint down the road, turning into an alley way and disappearing
>The 4 of you just look at each other in confusion as you decide to wait... and wait....
>Something about this feels incredibly off and the minutes seem to stretch like hours for you as your eyes dart around, anxiety levels spiking
>Your companions seem equally nervous, but nopony speaks even a whisper as they all stare after the packing mule
>Should you say something?
>Just wait it out?
>Your mind is racing with ideas as you'd rather wish you were about anywhere else right now

>>42728151
Isn't it like, dangerous territory? If he has to take a shit, we should be around him, watching his back. It's not the time to be squeamish about it. It's Cloud's call, but I think we should find him immediately and never let anypony run away like that again.
Grab a gun if we don't have it yet.

>>42728151
Try calling out his name if he doesn't respond then we should all go after him towards his last location instead of splitting up to find him better to stay altogether so we don't end up lost.

>>42728151
Reassure and comfort our teammates. Also now would be a good time to know the name of the small purple unicorn mare with the dark blue mane.

>>42728151
He's not coming back, or at least it won't be the him we know coming back

>>42728151
As another anon said, it's technically Cloud's call but the fact that we've been waiting so long means we need to do something. Our other companions seem to be stricken with fear, so we should rally their spirits. That way we can check up on him together.
>>42729241
In all honesty I'm aware this probably is a bad idea, but the main benefit is that if he's truly fucked up? We might be able to learn the signs for future cases.

>>42729427
It's been hours and he dumped all his gear for us, after vomiting up blood, before running off.

>>42729455
>minutes seem to stretch like hours
I get your point though. If we can't grab a gun, let's pilfer the biggest shard we can find from the window we were just looking into, wrap some cloth around it and prepare for a potential mercy killing.

Sorry, just got back from work!
>>42728151
>Letting Beat Down run off on his own without the others batting an eye confuses you a little
>This place is meant to be dangerous, right?
>But it being Cloud's call, at first you didn't really think want to say too much, she probably knows what she is doing
>Then again, he has been gone for.... you check the position of the sun and realize it barely moved
>It can't have been more than 5 minutes tops, perhaps he just had to take a quick bathroom break?
>Then again, all of you seem to exhibit the same anxiety, but you just cannot place the reason
>An instinct deep in your gut is telling you something is wrong-
>Who are you kidding, he was spitting out blood, there is more to this
>Doesn't look like he seems to be coming back, so you tap Cloud on the side, which makes her glance at you
"He'll be fine, right? You've ran more missions with him before!", you try and raise morale of the group
>"...Yeah, yeah he should be", she explains, although you hear there is a distinct level of unease in her voice
>Under her breath you hear her continue the sentence though: "although this has become more common the last few weeks.."
>Trying to get your own emotions under control, you turn your head to the unicorn who seems deep in thought over her notes
"So....", you start out as you walk up to her, "what's your name?"
>The sudden interest in her makes her yelp, flinging her book through the air and hitting Powder with it
>"HEY!", the stallion complains which makes her shrink together as she kind of just... cowers there
"I-I'm sorry", you apologize as you try to reach a hoof out to her, which she after a few seconds reluctantly takes
>Hiding behind her mane, she quietly squeaks, "Archives... Arcane Archives", barely more than a whimper
"It's... really nice to meet you, Archives", you try to make the poor thing feel more at ease
>She clearly doesn't want to be here, but realistically neither do you
"Should we be... looking for him?", you curiously ask after you feel introductions have been made
>Pondering for a moment, Cloud nods.
>"He usually takes a bit of time but it feels like this is excessive. Grab your gear, let's move", she commands
>Everypony does as they are told, splitting up Beat's stuff between the four of you
>Cloud heading out first, all of you follow, having your weapons at the ready
"Beat? Buddy?", Cloud carefully calls out as the group gets closer to the alley
>A faint labored breathing and gurgling is the only reply you get, just barely audible
>The leading pegasus with wing blades attached, spreading her feathers to be ready to strike
>Powder Keg carrying one of his special tools
>Arcane Archives... she seems to be relying on a small dagger she is carrying in her telekinesis
>You use your own preferred weapon....
-- Select weapon of choice

>>42728522
>>42728910
>>42729105
See >>42731988
For some fucking reason 4chan now thinks replying to more than a few posts is considered spam and it won't let me post.
Fuck you too, 4chins

>>42729241 >>42729427
>>42729455 >>42729503
>>42731988

>>42731988
I don't know if our character is allow to use a gun if we can I suggest we use the Mk48 heavy machine gun capable of firing 200 rounds before reloading put the pressure on the enemies with bellies full of lead to push them back and stand our ground to hold the line, but if we don't have guns with us then Faithful keep uses duel-wielding swords to slice and dice her foes with strength and swift combo moves.

>>42731988
Heavy pipe wrench or hatchet

>>42732230
Supportan. We may be small, but we're still an earth pony.

Spoilering for a bit of graphic description

>>42732099
>>42732230
>>42732389
>>42732398
>When choosing your tools, you have always taken a lot of pride into being able to utilize things that are multi-purpose
>Which means the hatchet in the pile is right up your alley, in combination with your small size and dexterity you can easily break somepony's bones...
>Or even split open a skull or two, given a proper chance, not like you know that from experience on a pony
>All four of you silently move past the corner to look at what exactly is going on
>As you round into the alley, you are greeted by a flight of stairs.... and lying at the bottom of them you see the form of Beat down, cramping and convulsing
>A puddle of crimson liquid pooling out of his mouth... ears... and he keeps coughing up oozing, slimy liquid
>In panic, cloud jumps up into the air and her wings carry her down to his side immediately
>She tries to lay a hoof on his side but his entire body is thrashing and convulsing as he starts leaking out of his mouth
>Horrified the pegasus mare steps back, and the 3 of you rush down after her to come to a standstill next to him

>What you almost step into is making your stomach turn and twist in knots
>The slime that he is spewing up has tiny, black worms crawl and twist, no doubt some kind of parasite
>Taking steps back your legs become more and more shaky as you watch what unfolds in front of you
>Powder Keg has moved away to eject his own stomach content at the sight while Archive on the other hoof eagerly scribbles things down
>Cloud is just standing there, stunned
>Beat Down's bloodshot eyes are filled with tears as they try and desperately focus on the mare next to him
>It is easy to assume he must be in a lot of pain right now as his legs twitch and kick
>"H-help.... me", his raspy voice can be heard, making cloud lean down to him
>"Oh my gosh. Oh gosh Beat, please, no!", the mare begs and pleads as you can only stare at what is unfolding in front of you
>Then... your attention to detail once again is the first to notice, that there seems to be something very wrong with his eye
>You try to warn Cloud, but it unfortunately was too late as you can only watch while his eye begins to bulge out... before plopping like a big disgusting pimple, splattering goop all over himself
>But not just the stallion is covered, so much of it squirts all over Cloud Buster's face and she starts retching and coughing as she desperately tries to use a hoof to wipe it off
>In place of an eye socket, to your disgust a fat insect larva wriggles out of where the stallion's eye should be
>While the stallion at this point seems no longer conscious, the wriggling under his skin intensifies and you start to have an even worse feeling in your gut

>You no longer know what is going on, but it seems like you gotta do something here

>>42732509
Smash the fat insect larva kill it.

>>42732509
This situation is not exactly ideal for anyone involved, but it's for sure going to get worse in a few seconds. It's a miracle we're one of the composed ones.
Working in a short timeframe, call out to Arcane Archives to pull Cloud Buster back with her magic. It might be risky to assume her telekinesis is that strong, but it'd be riskier to pull away a partially-blind, panicking mare by hoof from a hazardous corpse(?) that may be about to expel something worse.
While Archives is pulling her away, we have to make sure Powder Keg is back on his hooves or at least get ourselves in the position to move him along with us if needed.

As for Beat Down.. It might be morbid but I want to just wait and see the full extent of what's happening to him. It's definitely counterintuitive to just getting the fuck out of dodge, but information and awareness is survival.

>>42732509
Unless somebody knows a spell that can cure him, time to put him out of his misery. Also, Cloud should wash herself thoroughly in case the fluid is invective.

Bump

>>42732509
>tries to use a hoof to wipe it off
Bad idea. When we get her away from the body, flush her eyes with clean water instead. Use our drinking water if we have to.

>>42732661 >>42732688
>>42733009 >>42735473
"Arcane, get her out of there!", you scream as you whip your head back to get a look at Powder Keg
>He is currently wiping away the vomit from his mouth, spitting out the remains of puke but otherwise seems fine
>Surprised, Arcane drops her notes again, taking a few seconds to understand what is going on and what was asked of her
>But she is able to get her bearings, her head snapping to Cloud and her horn glowing
>It doesn't seem like the strongest of tugs, but the disoriented pegasus doesn't put up much resistance
>Falling on her ass, Cloud snaps out of it, just to watch you in time as you consider smashing that disgusting larva with your hatched
>Thankfully, you're smart enough not to get any closer to the hazardous corpse
>Beat seems beyond saving, you don't think anypony here is going to be able to help him
>As much as it hurts you to do this, you do what you can to throw your hatchet with as much force as you can, sending it flying...
>...time seems to slow down as you see it wizz through the air, only to miss your target comp-
>A purple aura envelopes the axe mid-throw, changing its trajectory to smash right into the parasite crawling out of your former pack mule's head
>It pops like a pinata, splattering into more goopy and incredible vile smelling liquid
>Moreover, your force was enough to split the stallion's head open, the blow likely having taken him out instantly
>You feel your own stomach try to rid itself of its contents as you realize that you just killed a pony
>Your legs shake, become weak.... you are about to just sink to the ground
>From behind, Powder Keg pushes against your side to force you to get a move on
>Archives is already tugging along Cloud as you ascend back up the stairs
>The still dazed leader is once more trying to rub her face with a hoof, but you stop her before pulling out your water canteen
(1/2)

>>42736454
"Hold still", you command and she thankfully sits down in silence without another word
>Her entire body is shaking, she is staring at- no, through you back towards the stairs, mouth hanging slightly open
>Using your drinking water, you pour it over her eyes and face, trying to wash away as much slime as you possibly can
>The canteen empties itself too quickly for your liking though and you frown as the last drop comes out
>From the side, a glowing magical aura carries another water canteen, Arcane Archives offering hers as well to help wash off Cloud
>Powder Keg in the meantime keeps a close eye on the still writhing and wiggling corpse at the bottom of the stairs
>While the water helped a bit, at least her face was clean again, there is still plenty of sticky goo clinging to her hooves
>At the bottom of the stairs, you hear a noise, as if something is tearing
>Curiosity gets the better of you and you decide to look together with the green earth pony
>Your entire body freezes as Beat Down's stomach twists and pushes, bulging out more and more vigorously
>Until it bursts open in a spray of blood and gore, followed by something starting to crawl out of him
>Was it a worm or some other kind of insect?
>Quite frankly, you didn't want to know, but you did watch how immediately it begins burrowing into the dirt, trying to disappear

>Next to you, Archives has returned to writing down more and more things as she watches the creature
>Cloud is still just sitting there, staring down the stairs with her eyes tearing up
>Glancing towards the sky, you see how it is starting to move towards the horizon, you give it maybe half an hour until nightfall
>What do?
(2/2)

>>42736456
We're down to two fighters, one pony without a ranged weapon and one broken mess. The final answer would depend on how important the original goal of our group was, and on if we have a doctor for Cloud back at the outpost or somewhere else, but it seems most likely that we're going back home. Consider looking for antiparasitics in some abandoned pharmacy on our way back. And for protective eyewear for everypony in a hardware store. And maybe look for something to cover ears, mouths and noses too.

>>42736757
And, just in case, take a sample of the goo from Cloud's hooves before we wipe it all away.

>>42736456
Thanks Arcane Archives for helping us slay the larva by hugging her and ask her if she okay after well having to assist in killing a fellow teammate?! If she is still sadden about the outcome apologize she had to go through that and continue comfort her in our embrace saying Faithful upkeep is here for her. Afterwards go talk to our leader Cloud Buster state it wasn't her fault Beatdown made the choice to go off alone and unarmed, so what happened was his own undoing not hers. Mention we had no choice the larva had already gotten to him minutes or hours ago for a while when we were waiting for him we had no idea something like this would happen; it had to be done it was justified mercy killing. Infer that nightfall will be upon us shortly and should they make camp here or head back to base, so she can see a doctor if she okay there could be side effects from the goo that touched her and we don't want the same tragedy to happen to her as it did with Beatdown? Does she know what the heck was that toxic parasite creature we just encountered?

>>42736757 >>42736811 >>42736848
>Down 2 fighters, no ranged weapon and a broken mess
>The situation really looks anything but good, especially with the one pony supposed to tell you where to go being unresponsive
>At this point, there is really only one thing you can do if you wish to not get stranded out here in the dark
>Especially if you want to make sure Cloud is able to get treated by a doctor, because you really do not trust the gunk she was covered by
>Eyes falling on Cloud, she still just stares down... you feel that there has been more to her relationship with Beat Down than just team members
>Her fur is still dripping with the sticky substance and you glance at your canteen that you are wearing
>Hoofing it over to Archives, you ask her to get some of the stuff into it for further analysis
>Using her magic, she scoops some inside and then seals it tight
"We should head back", you suggest to the group as you nod towards the sky
>Two of the ponies agree as the other one just looks at you before staring back down at the dead stallion
>Quickly cantering up to Archives, you give her a hug, to which her entire body freezes up in your embrace
>Looking at her face, she is in visible discomfort, trying to push away from you but she can't exactly match your strength
"You alright? I am sorry you had to... to kill a teammate. I'm sorry I had to ask you for that, thanks for the save", you whisper to her
>She squirms in your embrace before you finally let her go
>The mare takes a couple steps back from you before grabbing her notes and sorting them, putting them into her saddlebags
>Heading over to Cloud, you put a hoof on your shoulder
>With a dejected look, she glances at you, her body twitching and shaking
"It wasn't your fault he ran off on his own... there was no way to help him, this was a mercy kill, the larva must have already gotten to him long before", you explain to her
>Mentioning that you had to put him out of his misery makes her frown at you before growling, pushing you away from herself before her eyes return to the corpse
"Come on, we need to get going, it's almost nightfall. We shouldn't be out here when it's dark! And you need to see a doctor about this", you beg and point at her goopy fur
>But she has decided to ignore you and just sits there
>Powder Keg and Arcane seem to have already packed there stuff and are ready to head out
>You could just decide to abandon Cloud, she may just be a lost cause
>This situation makes you realize you should probably find some protective gear somewhere around, something to cover your eyes, ears, mouths and noses
>With the sun setting more and more, you don't see yourself making it back home if you wait any longer
>On the other hoof, there are plenty of empty buildings around, they may not be in the best condition but perhaps could make camp for the night
>The thought of being attacked at night frightens you, however it may be your only chance
>What should you do?

>>42737849
The things we do for survival..
We have the reaction speed of a fly, intuition of a crow but the bonding skills of a dragon.
From what I can tell, Archives is competent but she works off pragmatism than emotion. I wouldn't blame her if she went and ditched us for survival, but it'd be terrible for us. Powder may be a solid a gunman, but he's unfortunately more of a follower than someone who acts first. Cloud's far too emotional and needs time, but we don't want to be left just depending on Archives and Powder.

Let's bite the bullet for Cloud's sake and set up camp in a building. Furthermore, let's also be the one to keep watch all night. It's going to hurt us in the day but we need this team alive.

>>42737849
I vote we head back to base report what just happened to our superiors, so we can be properly prepared the next time we go out plus we need to analyze the goo we just got to know whether or not it's contagious and infectious upon physical contact.

>>42737849
How much do we know about Cloud's personality? I wonder if she would be inclined to follow simple commands, like "follow me", in this mental state. Not from us, clearly, but maybe Powder can muster a stern voice.
Second idea is raw earth pony strength. Do we think we can carry a pegasus who doesn't want to be carried all the way to the outpost, and get there in time? Only try it if it's certainly possible.
If neither idea helps, it's camping time. I don't know what kind of a threat are we afraid of, so just pick a house and barricade a room.

>>42737849
We're wearing a raincoat, so just force the mare onto our back and carry her

>>42737849
It's too dangerous to be out here at night something worse might appear fall back for now. If Cloud still doesn't want to move remind her that a leader is supposed to look after their team and keep them alive as much as possible. Say we will mourn, bury, and grieve for the loss of Beatdown once we're safe whether or not he was her lover or sibling he wouldn't want her to just give up like this we need her with us and focus now otherwise she'll have another death weighing on her mind.

>>42737942 >>42738088 >>42738094
>>42738108 >>42739031
>Starting to get a read on your teammates, you realize that you likely seem to be the best candidate to take on the role as temporary leader
>At least until you can get everypony back safely home, you probably wouldn't make it alive on your own
>And from how Archives seems to be very pragmatic, she might just dip on you if she thinks she'll be safer without you
"I think.... we should be heading back home, try again tomorrow", you suggest into the group, both Powder and Archives glancing at each other
>They then take a good look at Cloud who is stoic like a rock
>Geez, you really do have the bonding skills of a dragon, and it doesn't just seem to be your resting bitch face
"Cloud? I'm... I'm sorry about Beat. But we have to fall back... once we're safe, we'll mourn and grieve for him"
"But I don't think he would just... want you to give up like that, you know? You're a leader, the we're depending on you!"
>Looking around at you, Arcane and Powder her tears once more intensify before she ultimately lowers her head
>Sighing, you give her a piece of cloth to wipe away her tears which she graciously accepts
>She eventually tries to get up, but you can see her legs buckle under her and faceplant into the dirt
>While she obviously attempts to show strength, her body betrays her
"Come here", you tell her as you kneel down next to the mare, nodding your head towards your back
>She looks at you with a combination of confusion and disbelieve, especially with your smaller frame
>Rolling her eyes, you look to Powder Keg for help, who just kind of... seems to try and hold in a grin
>Eventually he composes herself enough and tells Cloud to get on your back
>The mare is not exactly thrilled about it, but she does as she is told, climbing on top of you before going limp as you stand up
>Pegasi are thankfully known to be quite light, but with her and your saddlebags added, you doubt you'd be able to carry everything
>Her legs are also almost touching the ground as she is slumped over your petite frame
>Nevertheless, you decide to get a move on, you know camp is about half an hour away and any minute you are wasting is one less of daylight
>Giving your bags to the other two, you get going, walking through the empty streets towards the outskirts of the city
>Out of the corner of your eye, you seem to keep spotting shadows, but when you look, nothing is to be seen
>Sounds you just cannot place but that send shivers down your spine
>Eventually, you come to a crossroad that leads out of Canterlot and onto the open road.... but more importantly is the thing you see to your left
>In the distance in the shadow of the wall you see what you can only describe as equine figures... shamble around slowly almost as if drunk
>They don't seem to have spotted you yet, but you what they did spot is a figure moving eratically away from them

>>42740999
Friend or foe? If we are going to rescue the figure, an ambush may work.
Hopefully we can still get home in time to pump Cloud full of anti-worm medications before the fraction of the parasite load that got into her system past our efforts gets too comfortable. And I mean full of this stuff. To a comical degree, like a loli in a Jap comic book.

>>42740999
Ignore them and keep going we have to get out of here before any more dangerous threats shows up and attack us.

>>42740999
Wish we could be a hero, but we ourselves are not in running or fighting position if something goes wrong.
I suppose we should at least alert Archives there's a stranger fleeing from a group of shamblers, for whatever report she's making.

>>42741316 >>42741563 >>42742101
>You watch as the pony seems to desperately run past the shambling critters, down another alley further into Canterlot
>All you can do is wish them best of luck as the other creatures slowly start walking after it
>Thanking Celestia, you quickly shoo everyone to head through the city's gate and onto the dirt path leading away from Canterlot mountain
>Long shadows are drawing out from the spires of the previously magnificent heart of Equestria
>Cloud still limp on your back has stopped crying but her entire body is still shivering as if she was freezing to death
>The shock must run rather deep or something worse is going on, but you really don't want to even think about that idea
>You should be getting home just in time before the night falls completely, already seeing the little plumes of smoke rising from the multitude of camp fires
>Between you four, there is an eerie silence that presses heavy on your heart and the morale of your party as you glance back towards the town that has taken one of your team members
>First mission you were ever sent on and this happens, it makes you feel sick to the stomach, angry at yourself and the world that this had to happen
>The fortified wooden walls of the bastion comes into view... well, not exactly a bastion but ponies have done their best to build a small wall to keep the night critters out
>All the while, you believe you can hear groaning and shambling movements behind you, but anytime you turn around there is just... nothing
>Is this paranoia starting to set it from what you've seen?
>The sun has dipped between the horizon now, leaving you with only minutes left before the world is drenched into deep blackness
>You'll make it in time for sure though, but what are you going to do when you're back?
>Or should you use the little bit of time you have with your team before you go your separate ways for the day to talk about anything?
>The outpost is not big, you have maybe ~20-30 ponies around at best, many who have fled the city while they still could
>There is a small, makeshift blacksmith that you might be able to check out
>You believe there to also be a veterinarian pony around somewhere, at least that is what you've heard
>The guards at the gate spot you and from a distance and you are getting blinded by one of their spotlights as they check you over
>They keep your path lit all the way to the gate as you march on, a cold shiver making your neck hair stand up straight
>Something feels wrong, but you can't place it, it automatically makes you hurry up a little though as you just want to get back into the safety of the walls
>What will you do once you get there?

>>42742355
Check on Cloud, she has been silent and motionless, save for the shivering, for quite a while.

>>42742355
If we did subconsciously notice something and aren't just freaking out for no reason like a bitch, there are only so many possible classes of reasons for it. Exhaust them one after another. Something about Cloud? Something about Powder or Archives? Something about ourselves? Something about the guards? Something about the walls or gates of the sanctuary? Or we saw something in the night.
If we do get inside with no extra bullshit, deliver Cloud to the veterinarian, give her something like ivermectin (don't actually overdose) and a warm blanket. Then discuss the sample with the veterinarian, maybe he'll know the best way to use it to our advantage. We're going to need a new canteen in any case. Then, if we still have any energy, investigate how and where Beat Down was infected and how his symptoms changed with time. The more we know about this disease, the better. Cloud said it took him a few weeks to get from zero to explosive eyes, right?

Bump

>>42742355
Tell Arcane Archives that Faithful didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable when she hugged her only trying to be friendly easing her shock from being too traumatizing of witnessing somepony dieing in a violent agonizing way that was a scary scene for everybody to see happened before their eyes and she also finds her smart intelligence behavior rather cute when she scribbling in her notes in full scholar mode. Then ask her to get the sample we took back to the lab for studying in a controlled environment and help the research scientists find out how dangerous it is, how to neutralize it, and if its contagious or not? Next, address to Cloud to have a medical checkup to make sure her body isn't suffering from any long lasting side effects from the goo that got into her eyes and that she should talk to upkeep about why she feels like her whole world came crashing down the moment Beatdown met his end, so she come into terms with it were she and him special someponies together or related as family? Ask Powder keg is he's not used to having to stomach blood spilled like that out in the field if so suggest he finds a way to pull himself together so he doesn't leave the team hanging if something like that happens again? As for Faithful upkeep she should go report what happened to her superiors and request that Cloud's team should get additional reinforcements using sharp and deadly lethal ranged weapons to help provide them backup against these mutated creatures. Afterwards Faithful heads to the blacksmith to strengthen the force of damages on her hatchet and get more weapons added to her arsenal if she going to have any chances against these things in battle.

10

Bump

That's what happens when you die!
https://vocaroo.com/1my9rYPUqezZ
It's pain that gets worse and worse forever!

Safety bump

>>42725839 (OP)
>grotesk

>>42750117
had my ESL slip throuhg
anyways writing bump. Sorry I didn't post yesterday I got home super fucking late

>>42742505 >>42742550 >>42744100
"Hey, Cloud, how ya holding up?", you try to check up on her as you glance back, taking a look at the mare's face
>Her eyes are still teary but she is clearly conscious as she looks back at you, trying her best to give you a smile
>Given the circumstances, she isn't doing a great job at it, but at least she's giving it a shot
>At least whatever is currently really giving you the creeps is not seemingly related to her
>Powder and Archives... seem fine, although you can tell they also both seem on edge as their eyes dart left and right
>You suppose it isn't them either, but you can't tell if they are just shaken up by the days events or is there more to it
"How about you two?", you ask as you keep walking in the small fortress' bright light beams
>"Fine, I think", Powder answers dismissively, sounding more like he just wishes to be left alone
>Archives just nods as she hurries up a little, watching the land sink into the night's darkness
>Everything else seems fine to, you aren't hurt, the guards look normal, the sanctuary seems just fine
>Perhaps you really just did spot something slinking through the night, an animal or some such
>Thankfully, the way to the gate is completely uncontested and the guards allow you entrance
>The entire base of operations is really just a couple of tents strewn about with ponies shuffling around between them
>None of them seem quite happy to be here, it looks like some of them haven't showered in weeks
>All in all, it is a sad sight to see, this place is in serious need of improvement
>But for now, you'll get a chance to relax and recover for the day
>Powder and Archives don't even really let you get a word in as they bid their goodnight, each heading off into different directions likely to their own tents
>Not having much choice you carry the mare on your back off to where you think the vet has made themselves at home
>A small, grey tent greets you with a mare sitting outside, gnawing on some dry bread
>Her cutiemark shows a syringe and a paw print, so you are feeling highly confident that this might be here
>Hurrying over, she looks at you in surprise and shock as you carry the pegasus on your back
>"H-huh? What's going on here?!", the confused pony asks before she notices the state the other mare is in
(1/2)

>>42750764
>"Oh my gosh, is she alright?!", the now identifiable unicorn mare asks, her mane having covered her rather short horn
"Got hit by something disgusting, but I am not sure but I fear she might have an infection", you try and explain the situation
>The mare has already ran into her tent to pull out a small blanket and put it next to the fire she used to cook
>Laying down Cloud on it, the vet mare immediately drapes another blanket over her
>"What did she get hit by?", she asks and you pull out the canteen
"I got this as a sample, will that help?", you hold it out to her and she takes it in her magic, shaking it and listening to it slosh
>Opening it, she takes a sniff and her face twists into disgust and quickly shuts it again
>"Ewww, this is VILE", she hisses before putting the canteen into her tent, "I'd love to take a look at it but..."
>The mare points around, "can't exactly do much without any kind of equipment. Best I can do is check on her obvious vitals and keep an eye on those"
>"She might just need some rest? I'll examine her to the best of my ability... and make sure she'll be alright tonight"
"Thank you... I really appreciate that. Maybe see if you have some uh... anything that helps with worms?"
>"Worms? I uh....", she heads into the tent for a few minutes before returning with a frown
>"Unfortunately, not. I wish I could be of more help, but when fleeing after we got evacuated I had to leave everything behind, all I got is basics to help with migraine or fevers right now"
>Thanking her for her time, you head out
>You'll check back on Cloud tomorrow then as you look around the place
>Watching the guards patrol the wall, you notice that there seems to be less ponies around as you remember.... you think?
>Thinking of what you need to do is... you need a new canteen
>And a hatchet, having left that behind covered by worm goo in Beat's corpse
>Speaking of, you probably want to figure out how he got infected in the first place, although you aren't quite sure where to start
>Cloud said he got worse over the past few weeks, right?
>Might be hard to perfectly trace back the origin then, but Cloud's team has been out on missions basically daily
>What should you do?

>>42750768
> there seems to be less ponies around as you remember
Then ask somebody about it.
>Cloud said he got worse over the past few weeks, right? Might be hard to perfectly trace back the origin then
What concerns me is if Beat was infected not on a mission, but here. If water or food is infected, we're about to have many more cases. Inspect food and water. And inspect the place where he used to sleep.
I'm not sure if it's urgent or can wait until the morning, but the doctor needs to know everything we know about Beat's symptoms, from his fever to the big thing that got out of his stomach. And the guards should be warned about the new burrowing enemy that won't be stopped by any walls, too.
Ask the doctor what drugs and equipment she needs and where can we find it.

bump

>>42750768
Maybe there's some clues in his tent. Beyond that, we'd need to question Cloud and the others.

Bump

>>42750854 >>42751809
>You could probably still try to at least figure out if the infection happened in the camp or on a mission
>Before leaving though you turn around to the other mare who was just about to go back into her tent
"Say... what equipment and drugs would you be needing? And where would one be able to acquire that?"
>The mare stops dead in her tracks as she looks back at you, her mouth hanging open as she attempts to formulate a sentence
>"W-well... there is, quite a few things.... a microscope for one would certainly help", she puts a hoof to her face
>"I could give you a whole range of medicine I could think of that would be good.... but without a proper way to store them they'd probably expire too quickly to be useful"
>She frowns and shakes her head: "I'll be honest.... without a way to store them, bringing them back is not gonna be of too much use"
>"This place isn't fit for treating ponies. Every day I see somepony coughing or spraining their hoof I worry I can't do anything to help them"
>"I'm a vet. We're used to improvise. But this place is a haphazardly put together collection of tents... even if the walls try to paint a different picture"
>A sigh escapes her as she finishes up: "We have to get out of this place, if we really wish to actually... survive. This place is falling apart"
>"I wish we were back in Canterlot. At least there I might actually be able to contribute something to this place", the mare seems to be holding back tears of frustration
>Composing herself for a moment, she exhales before trotting back to her tent and looking back out: "I'm sorry. I'll do what I can with your friend"
>Giving Cloud a look, she seems to have fallen asleep and is lightly snoring already
>You should interrogate her, but not today any more, the mare has gone through enough as is today
>Bidding the doc adieu, you head out into the camp again
>One thing that stays on your mind though is how... empty everything seems
>You could have sworn there were more ponies just a couple days ago
>Heading up to one of the guards, a tired looking pegasus stallion that seems like he is about to drift off to sleep
(1/2)

>>42753535
>Poor lad looks exhausted to his core already
"Hey!", you poke him to which he jumps up and lets out a shriek
>"S-sorry, I- Fuck", he looks around trying to get his bearings until his eyes fall onto you
>Seems to be a canterlot guard from the armor... or at least he got it from a canterlot guard
>Visibly relaxing as he sees you, he asks "w-what can I do for you, citizen?", in the most formal tone he can muster
"I... just got back from a mission. We have found something I'd like to report, an enemy that is seemingly burrowing into the ground"
>He cocks his head in response and asks you about what exactly you mean
>While keeping the details vague, you explain to him what you had gone through and how the... thing that crawled out of Beat's stomach ended up digging itself into the ground
>The realization on his face shows that he seems to have the exact same idea as you as he stomps the loose dirt ground
>"I'll... report this. Immediately. I am not sure if we have the ponypower to cover more ground but we at least need to get the word out"
"S-speaking of pony power!", you interrupt him just as he is about to run off
"Is it just me or have there been... less ponies around?", you question him to which he hangs his head
>"Just like you, expedition teams keep losing ponies to... whatever is out there. We've been losing many and there is nopony that could fill their place"
>"I haven't slept for the past 20 hours and have been patrolling these walls since the moment I opened my eyes.... If only we could try and find others to join us out there...."
>You thank the guard for your time as he excuses himself to go make the report to his superior, leaving this section of the wall unguarded for now
>Next step on your ag- you are interrupted by yourself yawning
>Although you could probably still push on a little more, maybe head to Beat's tent to see if there is anything suspicious there that you can find
>Or perhaps there is something else you would like to do?
>You haven't seen Arcane or Powder around either since they left you alone after getting home
(2/2)

>>42753537
It is beginning to seem like the worms are the least of our problems. Still, unless guarding the wall until the guard returns seems more important, do check Beat's place and see if he left any worms behind or infected anybody else in his last days.

>>42753537
Check Beat tent for clues.

>>42753708 >>42753711
>Leaving you behind on an empty part of the wall, you decide that it might be better to keep a look out for trouble until he returns
>Waiting and waiting, you are starting to feel the exhaustion of the day as you are just standing around
>There doesn't seem much to be happening at all so the boredom of the job really hits rather hard
>Climbing up the leader that leads up to the top of the wall, you decide to glance out into the blackness of the night
>The surrounding area seems serene, quiet, peaceful.... but it is a peace that you just don't want to trust
>Your eyes scan the horizon for anything suspicious but as an earth pony you aren't exactly adapted to see in the dark
>Unfortunately, the new moon is not helping for you to see anything so you decide to climb back down
>As you are about to step back, something in the distance flies past the trees before dashing back up towards canterlot mountain
>You only saw a shadow so you couldn't place it, but it was big, pony sized you would assume
>"Miss? What are you doing up there?", the guard from earlier calls out to you as you look down, quickly descending again
"Sorry... I was just making sure there is uh, nothing going on outside", you explain
>He frowns at you: "The wall is dangerous.... but I doubt you haven't put yourself into more danger than I did, being an explorer... so who am I to judge"
>Thanking you for taking point while he was gone as he returns to his post and lets you leave
>But you mention to him that you've seen something before you head of, explaining the... well you couldn't exactly tell him what you saw, but you tried your best at least
>He seems a little confused but promises you to be on the lookout for it
>Making your way over to where you believed Beat's tent to check out if you can find anything
>An old, tattered tent with holes torn into the side seems to be destination
>Glancing inside, you see it rather bare, a sleeping bag and a bunch of bandages, some of them fresh but a few that seem to be bloodied
>There is not much around otherwise

>>42754296
His discarded bandages should be inspected and then burned. The sleeping bag, it would be safer to burn it too, but I'm not really sure with how underequipped the camp is. That's all? No tainted personal belongings, no hidden diary to read, no squiggly worms under his sleeping bag?

>>42754296
If there's not much of anything to find here then asking cloud about it tomorrow is our best part. For now head to the blacksmith we need a new weapon perhaps get an extra one too or something totally different for backup just in case we need a spare for losing our weapon or it becomes dull at somepoint and we have to use another weapon of different capabilities to survive.

bump

Bump

>>42754296
Bandages? Maybe the parasite got in through an injury?

>>42754408 >>42754942 >>42756823
>The first thing you know is that you absolutely have to burn these bandages, who knows what they are contaminated with
>His sleeping bag as well, the camp might be a little underequipped but you are not going to risk anypony else falling to this fate
>Thankfully the sleeping bag doesn't seem stained from the outside so you so you use it to wrap all the dirty bandages up
>Part of you is hoping you might find any personal diaries or belongings in the pile, but it seems like he has been carrying everything with him to the mission
>You wonder if perhaps the bandages mean that the parasite entered through an injury... or maybe he got the injury from a parasite?
>At least you hope this means that just exposure to the slime isn't going to lead to any kind of infection.... hopefully
>As you are about to carry out the sleeping bag and bandages, you see what seems to be a scuffed bit of dirt under where the sleeping bag used to be
>Somepony has been digging here, that is for sure, and you throw the stuff out before starting to dig with your hoof
>A few minutes later, you reveal a small wooden box that you quickly open up
>Inside, you find a wrapped piece of paper as well as a golden hoof ring
>It feels a little wrong but you still unfold the letter to give it a ready through:

Cloud Buster,
The first time we met in Canterlot's Boxing Club, I laughed at you. You looked scrawny, barely able to hold yourself on your hooves...
that was a mistake. You didn't hesitate to absolutely beat my ass on our first sparing match.
The lightness to your step, the absolute focus... how could I not fall for you? The last 2 years since then have been the best I ever had.
Turns out under these ruthless assaulting hooves is a heart of gold and the mare I have been searching for my entire life.
I know, these past few months have not been... great, but I want to make this last.
Cloud. Will you be my wife?

>A bunch of lines had been scribbled out and rewritten
>You drop the letter and take a step back, looking at the golden ring and recognizing it for what it is - an engagement ring
>He must have planned to propose to her, writing a speech and everything
>You'll have to consider what to do with this, for now you put everything back into the small box and take it with you
>Outside, you carry the sleeping bag to the next closest fire and dump it in, watching it burn away
>Making your way over to the blacksmith, you are surprised to be greeted by a stout but old looking pony, hammering away on an anvil
>His long, silver beard and mane are a sign of the elder's wisdom but his body betrays no weakness
>He looks up at you: "Well, hello again. You seem to be doing all right. Need anything forged?"

>>42757832
Well this confirms my suspicions those two were definitely seeing each other in secret cloud needs to know Beatdown engagement ring for her either tomorrow or when the doctor clears her from any aliments. Until then, time to restock ourselves with weapons.

"Yes a new hatchet I lost mine in battle when I left the camp on a mission and I could use a sword too as my backup just in case".

>>42757939
How effective are swords? I'd rather have a crowbar.

>>42757832
So there's hope Beat Down wasn't exchanging his bodily fluids with anybody but Cloud. A little extra work for her immune system, but a little bit less work for us. It's even possible that Beat's dick preemptively immunized her against the parasitic onslaught of today, that'd be swell.
Any long object would work as a passable melee weapon. Ask the blacksmith what he thinks would fit our stature best. We will also need something ranged, maybe one of Powder's contraptions if they are reliable.

>>42757939 >>42757948 >>42757993
"A hatchet, please. I lost mine on my last mission in uh... sticky circumstances", you don't feel like going into detail here
>The pony gets up slowly, putting his current project into a makeshift furnace out of bricks
>Quite frankly, the thing looks like it is about to just fall apart at any second, but it seems to be good enough for him
>Checking through his scattered belongings, he finally pulls out a small hatchet out of the pile
>Hoofing it over to you, he gives you a moment to inspect it
>The quality is definitely not great, it likely won't hold too much abuse but should suffice for now, until you can get something better
"Do you by any chance have a.. uhm....", you try to think of what could add to your kit as backup
>At first you consider a sword maybe, but you never exactly practiced sword fighting, so that might not be the greatest of ideas if you accidentally hit yourself with it
>Before once again you remember that you love your tools to be multipurpose, and an idea comes to mind
"A crowbar! Do you have a crowbar?", it was long, it was hard and it likely could do some real damage if applied properly
>The stallion raises an eye brow and gives you a deadpan stare... before shrugging and starting to look through his stuff again
>A couple minutes pass before he returns and shakes his head: "No such thing, missy. Ought to put the old bones to work for dat one, if ya like"
>"Woulda need a couple o' materials ta git it done", he continues on, "but ah can git it made"
>Some raw metal, although he might be able to smelt down one of the already made things but with his current setup, the quality will likely stay.. subpar
>You start to see a bit of a trend here, all things considered
>One last thing you are asking him about is anything that works as a ranged weapon, to which he tells you that very much isn't something he has much experience with
>Might have to ask powder for something like his contraptions
>Is there anything else you need from him?
>With how late it is getting, it might be time to turn in yourself, unless there is something else on your mind that you wish to do?

>>42758581
Ask the blacksmith if he has any throwing knives those would come in handy especially hitting something at a safe distance?!

>>42758581
Does he think we will make it?

>>42758610
Once again, that requires skill that we probably don't have

>>42758581
We should ask if he's lacking anything he needs. It'll likely be the same story with the Vet, but if it isn't then maybe we can pick it up while we're on the next expedition.
In all truthfulness, I don't think the base is going to stay sturdy without new members or relocation, but the goodwill may help us for surviving the next few days. If we do try and pitch a plan to relocate, we want as many ponies trusting us as possible.

>>42760075
Something that should only be guarded from one side, like a cave, may fit our withering guarding manpower better. The trade-off is the risk of being backed into a corner with no way out. Gonna need two things for that: a throughly explored place to move to and a nonnegative charisma score.
>>42758581
Or maybe we only have to win one heart. Who's the most sympathetic pony in the camp?

Bump

>>42758610 >>42758789 >>42759984
>>42760075 >>42760267
"Oh, right. You got any throwing knives?", you ask, thinking those might make for decent ranged weapons in a pinch
>He thinks for a second before nodding, "Aye, ah think ah do", he mumbles as he turns back into his pile
>Just a few seconds later, he comes out with a set of 6 shoddily made throwing knives
>While they aren't the most sturdy looking, they'll certainly be good for one or maybe two attacks if you can get them back after throwing
>Even if you don't have the skill to use them, you're sure Arcane can assist you if necessary, just like she did with the hatchet
"If I may ask... what is it that you are currently lacking for higher quality gear?"
>"Apart from a solid roof above mah head? Coulda use ah better furnace than a cobbled together pile o' bricks", he kicks his furnace lightly, making the bricks shake
>"Thing's gonna collapse with a strong wind", he laments, "other than that? Pure material, I reckon. Ain't no good makin' from scraps"
>Once more you thank him as you head out to leave
>"Prithee, be careful. I don't want to see m' work squandered", he replies as he goes back to hammering down on his latest project
>As you head out, you realize that this camp is probably not going to stand for too long if things continue on like this
>This place is hard to defend with current horsepower and likely will be overrun fast if push came to shove
>Trying to come up with a better alternative... something that only needs to be defended from one side.... a cave?
>Obviously you would have to find something like that first, but it would likely be a much better option than watching this place collapse
>From what you remember, Canterlot mountain is known to have caves and mines from a long, long time ago, which may be a suitable place to look into
>Certainly worth suggesting as a place to go to tomorrow
>Although you are going to have to try and sell the idea of moving out to whoever's around
>Something you can probably think of later
>Right now, you feel your body is about to pass out, so you make your way back to your own tent
>As tiny as it is, it at least gives you a dry place to rest
>Climbing into it, you spot Arcane sitting a couple of tents away though next to the fire, scribbling into her notepad
>So that is where she is sleeping at, good to know
>While your body is struggling to stay awake, part of you is considering heading over to her to see what she is doing

>>42763977
Go spend time with Arcane see how she holding up after today bizarre mission. Fill her in about what the vet told us about the slime and what we discovered in Beatdown tent when we were searching for clues and why Cloud took his death really hard, then Ask her if she learned anything new about the threat we encounter since she still scribbling in her notepad and in her opinion what should our team do the next day? Lastly, apologize that we didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable when we hug her only easing her worries from witnessing one of our friends dieing before our eyes and we find her smart intelligence rather cute.

>>42763977
We're going to regret it, but alright, go bother Arc. Sleep is for the weak anyway.
Where is she from? Maybe she knows a better place for the camp.

bunp

>>42763977
Something that only needs to be defended on one side can only be escaped through one side.

up

Bump

>>42764433 >>42764558 >>42766513
>With a sigh you hang your head, kissing a good nights rest goodbye as you head over to the mare
>Either she doesn't notice you or just completely ignores you as she doesn't even look up from her notes
>As you get closer, the flickering fire that keeps her warm illuminates the many pages she has scattered around
>What you didn't expect to see were all the drawings scattered around her, pictures of wild life, ponies you have seen around camp...
>And many other things that just seem randomly chosen and you can't find a connection between them
>One of the pictures that you spot though is Beat Down on the ground, convulsing
>It's the scene you have encountered earlier today and it makes you sick to your stomach to see it again
"Hey, Arcane?", you break the almost-silence, giving her a moment to finish up what she was doing
>The mare looks at you, with a hint of annoyance that she quickly masks and instead raises an eyebrow
>"Good afternoon, Faithful. Can I help you?", she asks with a hint of forced curiosity
"Really, just checking in on you after today. Wasn't exactly... great to see the way Beat has kicked the bucket and I wanted to make sure you're doing-"
>"I'm fine, thank you", she cuts you off you can continue on with your sentence, "really. It happens, everypony knows that it's dangerous outside. Beat knew as well"
"Did you know that Cloud and Beat were a thing, too?", you ask her to which she once again raises an eyebrow
>She takes a moment before her eyes wander back to her notebook and her horn lights up, the feather beginning to draw once more
>"I did not. But her reaction certainly makes much more sense in retrospect", she mutters to herself as you watch her begin sketching out a couple of circles
>Sitting down next to her, she glances at you for a moment but resigns to your seemingly prolonged presence with a sigh as she focuses on her drawings again
"So, where do you come from?", you ask her as you watch her work
>"Manehatten. I was on the fast track to complete my studies for runic arcana. Came to Canterlot to study for a year... you can imagine the rest"
>Nodding along, you give her notes a glance
"Learned anything interesting from our encounter?", you curiously ask
>"Only that these creatures seem to have incubated inside of Beat Down... for a while I think"
>"Judging from it, those were larval stages of... well, insects. Those usually take a while to mature."
"I'm... really sorry about earlier by the way. I really really don't want to make you uncomfortable with that hug, I was only trying to ease your worries and you're intelligence is... rather cute", you blurt out
>Immediately, a bright red blush creeps on your face which is only mirrored by hers, in combination with a stare of disbelief towards you
>"I think we should... both sleep", she gathers up her papers quickly before heading into her tent, "Goodnight, Miss Upkeep, rest well"
>Smooth, real smooth

>>42768696
Arcane Archives needs a little time to process what she just confess to her; she'll ask upkeep about it more when she ready until then better get some rest for the next day. If they were insects in larval stages for a while inside Beatdown then he must've have come into contact with them somehow maybe the food or drinks were contaminated it from something else we need to tell cloud and the vet about this new information tomorrow so we can get an idea to how Beatdown got infected.

>>42768696
Well, she didn't try to strangle us. Perhaps we are slowly getting better at social interactions, after all. Go get some sleep.

>>42768696
sleepy time. We only delayed a few minutes, so shouldn't cause us problems.

Bump

>>42768862 >>42768876 >>42769646
>Sure, she seemed kind of cold there at the end but she at least didn't try to strangle you!
>Clearly a sign that you are getting better at social interactions!
>All she needs is a little bit of time to process that you just- did you just confess to her?
>What the heck is wrong with you, gosh
>You say the stupidest fucking things when you are tired and make anypony around you uncomfortable
>May just be a sign to get some sleep at this point, the night is short and you want to head out there again first thing in the morning
>As you close your eyes, you start falling into a restless dream, the feeling of insects crawling all over you intensifying
>You try to desperately scream, but naught a sound is coming out of your mouth
>Instead, your eyes widen as you can feel something wiggle and crawl inside it, something slimey, wriggly and crawly
>Clenching your eyes shut you beg to wake up as you feel a fat maggot crawl it's way into your throat
>As much as you try to gag, it wriggles and slides deeper inside you but doesn't seem to end
>Your belly is starting to stretch as if something is trying to escape and you feel pressure behind your eyes
>Panic sets in, you try and thrash about but your legs have gone numb
>Desperately hoping somepony is going to save you, the world around freezes in time
>The fear disappears as do all the other things that you felt and you find yourself floating in the dark night sky
>In front of you, the moon brightly glows, bringing light to the darkness that otherwise surrounds you
>And in front of the shining orb, the princess of the night herself is hovering in place
>"Greetings, my faithful subject", she announces as she looks down at you
>"It seems thy calls for my aid have reached me, but fear no longer for I have vanquished what hast terrified though so"
"Princess... Luna?", you carefully ask as you float closer to her, the mare of the moon eyeing you closely
>"Indeed. Thine dreams hath calleth for me in thine hour of need, calleth enough for me to reach out to thee.... a need I have not encountered for a while"
>The princess seems both relieved but also worried, something about the way she describes not... having had anyone need her help?
>Which with how things have been in recent months seems rather doubtful to you, the world has turned into what some may describe a literal nightmare
>"Thoust art alright now, thine dreams are once again under thine control", with those words, she turns around and you watch as the moon begins to glow, shift and turn into a doorway
>She likely seems to be trying to leave, but something about her seems... wrong
>...off

>>42771845
Ask her why haven't anypony being calling her lately for outside the dream realm; in the real world Equestria looks like it's inside of a horror film? We could used her and Princess Celestia help with this mess physically and emotionally. Next, where is she going? Isn't she supposed to address the matter at hoof for what is troubling our mind psychologically and help us get through it , so we can be less/don't be afraid of our nightmare anymore?

>>42771845
Insist she remains and chats with us. If she's not being called anymore, than she must have all of the time in the world after all.

>>42771845
Ask her to interpret what we just 'experienced'. Really desperate to believe we were just in a nightmare, but at the same time it'd be good to know the level of her awareness of the actual problem going on.

Bump

>>42772271 >>42772556 >>42772880
"Princess Luna, wait!", you call out as she is about to leave, which makes her abruptly stop and look at you
>"Yes, my dear subject? What is it that troubles though?", she gently asks as he floats a little closer
>Now that you get a good look at her, she seems... awful for wear
>Bags under her eyes, her frame being much thinner than you would have imagined...
>Whatever it is, her body must be suffering greatly, although this may just be how your dream imagines her?
>Quite frankly, you have never had her visit your dreams so you don't know how any of this works
"Princess, the... things I just experienced? That was... that wasn't real, r-right?", you shiver, merely having to think about makes it feel like something is crawling under your skin
>She puts a hoof on your shoulder and tries her best to smile at you, "Tis simply but a dream, non of this is is rooted in thine waking self's condition"
>Despite her looks, she gives off a warm and protective energy that lets you feel at ease
>Yet, her presence commands absolute authority and you can't help but feel in awe at the princess' presence
"You said you aren't... well, being called anymore.... does that mean you have some... time to spend with me?", you ask meekly, wishing not to anger the ruler of the night
>She is taken back by your request, but ultimately decides to sit down.... on a blanket on top of a hill, Canterlot in the distance and the moon behind, its light like a blanket for the rolling hills in front of you
>Patting the seat next to her, she looks up at the equestrian capital wistfully, her face taking on a more melancholy look
"Can I... ask what this was? What happened to me?", you are incredibly desperate to believe it was nothing more than a dream
>"Thine heart has gone through something dramatic, has it not?", she asks but already knows the answer, "an experience as such is not taken lightly. And dreams are the windows to thine inner self"
>The mare starts to explain: "Thine heart needs to bear the weight but it cannot. Not alone, so it calls out to you in your dreams.... or nightmares, as thou hast experienced"
"So it was really just a bad dream?", you ask, to which she thankfully nods in affirmation
>A sigh of relief comes out as for now your worries are subsiding a little
>"I must admit, thine nightmare has been... overwhelmingly strong to have calleth me here, but I must thank thee..."
>It surprises you as the Princess puts a wing before she continues on: "I have found myself in darkness for time unknown to me, thoust hath helped me find a way to thee... a way to see another friendly face"
>The mare shudders as she speaks that last part, twitching uncomfortably and you could have sworn for a moment the serene plains have grown darker
>She pulls you a little closer to her body with her wing and you can feel her warmth radiate out protectively
>Part of you wishes you could stay like this forever
>Is there anything specific you want to talk about?

>>42775327
Ask what is happening to Equestria; why is it a nightmare gone wrong out there? Why does she appear, she hasn't been getting any rest is something keeping her awake and constantly busy?! Tell her about the traumatic death experience of our fallen companion Beatdown,we could use some guidance and counseling right about now to ease the pain we're feeling in our heart.

>>42775327
Are you feeling ill your Majesty and how are you and your sister Princess Celestia is doing?