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Previously, on Mystery Adventure Quest:
Not much, to be honest.
Fleeing from a suddenly dark and spooky apartment, it seemed the darkness itself was closing in on you as something malevolent gave chase with thunderous steps and a haunting visage.
When you took flight, searching for places to go, you spotted two choices: A white fortress, or a red tent.
After struggling with yourself over what each could mean, you picked the red tent and blazed toward it as fast as you could.
Eventually, you crashed, feet from the entrance to the meager shelter. With the blackness of the world finally finding its way into your vision, a glowing green pegasi stepped from the tent, speaking vaguely as you lost consciousness.
And woke up in a small home on the edge of Ponyville.
Greeted by a blue pony who introduced himself as Cobalt, you scarfed down a provided breakfast of oat pancakes once you figured he wasn't planning anything malicious.
The two of you shared words, with Cobalt shedding some light on what's going on with this case.
In the end, the two of you decided to work together. At least for now.
Wondering just how much you could trust Cobalt, and how much of the dream of being chased the night before was real based on Cobalt's account, you finally left the humble home of Cobalt, determined to stop this Brynn and keep Rarity's name clear.
And maybe hoping you hadn't dragged yourself into something dangerous, truth be told.
Not much, to be honest.
Fleeing from a suddenly dark and spooky apartment, it seemed the darkness itself was closing in on you as something malevolent gave chase with thunderous steps and a haunting visage.
When you took flight, searching for places to go, you spotted two choices: A white fortress, or a red tent.
After struggling with yourself over what each could mean, you picked the red tent and blazed toward it as fast as you could.
Eventually, you crashed, feet from the entrance to the meager shelter. With the blackness of the world finally finding its way into your vision, a glowing green pegasi stepped from the tent, speaking vaguely as you lost consciousness.
And woke up in a small home on the edge of Ponyville.
Greeted by a blue pony who introduced himself as Cobalt, you scarfed down a provided breakfast of oat pancakes once you figured he wasn't planning anything malicious.
The two of you shared words, with Cobalt shedding some light on what's going on with this case.
In the end, the two of you decided to work together. At least for now.
Wondering just how much you could trust Cobalt, and how much of the dream of being chased the night before was real based on Cobalt's account, you finally left the humble home of Cobalt, determined to stop this Brynn and keep Rarity's name clear.
And maybe hoping you hadn't dragged yourself into something dangerous, truth be told.
>>591923
Stepping from the small cabin on the edge of town you note the time of late morning, the sun approaching it's noon position.
The day is surprisingly pleasant, considering the potentially bad things that tonight could bring.
You ponder about what to do next. Cherry could use an update, if you trust her enough to share what's happened. That and if she saw you flying around the other night like Cobalt describes, she might be looking for you.
Then there's the matter of Sweetie and Rarity, though they're secondary concerns right now…..right?
Considering this ritual supposedly won't take place until nightfall, you have a surprising amount of time to get whatever you need to get done finished and out of the way before any confrontation.
So, Puff, what will you do?
Stepping from the small cabin on the edge of town you note the time of late morning, the sun approaching it's noon position.
The day is surprisingly pleasant, considering the potentially bad things that tonight could bring.
You ponder about what to do next. Cherry could use an update, if you trust her enough to share what's happened. That and if she saw you flying around the other night like Cobalt describes, she might be looking for you.
Then there's the matter of Sweetie and Rarity, though they're secondary concerns right now…..right?
Considering this ritual supposedly won't take place until nightfall, you have a surprising amount of time to get whatever you need to get done finished and out of the way before any confrontation.
So, Puff, what will you do?
>>591940
>Sweetie and Rarity
>ever secondary concerns
We're in this mess for them. They are our primary concern and our reason to be, no matter what hocus-pocus this Cobalt fellow's spooked at. THAT is our secondary concern.
>>591942
sounds like a good idea, and then we can ask Cobalt if there's anything we can do about this ritual ourselves. If he has a plan, we need to know about the details and how we can help.
>Sweetie and Rarity
>ever secondary concerns
We're in this mess for them. They are our primary concern and our reason to be, no matter what hocus-pocus this Cobalt fellow's spooked at. THAT is our secondary concern.
>>591942
sounds like a good idea, and then we can ask Cobalt if there's anything we can do about this ritual ourselves. If he has a plan, we need to know about the details and how we can help.
>>591946
Spike said Twilight was away, yesterday, and will presumably be so for the next week.
That said, perhaps Spike could relay a message and get a response, or he may have some resources himself.
>>591947
>THANKS ASPIRANT
I didn't whisk her away, anon. Stoppit.
>>591945
>>591942
>>591947
You recall Cobalt saying that disrupting whatever summoning diagram Brynn plans to use would be the best way to stop the ritual. As for a larger plan, maybe you should clear that up with him before you stray too far from his house.
Spike said Twilight was away, yesterday, and will presumably be so for the next week.
That said, perhaps Spike could relay a message and get a response, or he may have some resources himself.
>>591947
>THANKS ASPIRANT
I didn't whisk her away, anon. Stoppit.
>>591945
>>591942
>>591947
You recall Cobalt saying that disrupting whatever summoning diagram Brynn plans to use would be the best way to stop the ritual. As for a larger plan, maybe you should clear that up with him before you stray too far from his house.
>>591949
We need to disrupt him, eh?
Well, I don't know just how serious this situation is, but as a PI we probably ought to at least have some cupcakes for personal defense stashed away somewhere… one of those to the face could really distract a guy from completing a summoning. Maybe see Pinkie if we don't have any.
We need to disrupt him, eh?
Well, I don't know just how serious this situation is, but as a PI we probably ought to at least have some cupcakes for personal defense stashed away somewhere… one of those to the face could really distract a guy from completing a summoning. Maybe see Pinkie if we don't have any.
>>591954
>>591955
>>591956
Strange….you didn't see anyone else in the house. Maybe they were just in another room. Either way, you decide maybe listening in couldn't hurt.
You press your ear to the door gently, concentrating to tune out the background noise of the outdoors and what little activity goes on here on the edge of town.
One voice sounds like Cobalt's, to be expected.
The other one is….almost the same? Rougher sounding, but in the same range. You'd think he was talking to himself if the voices didn't overlap as they argued.
"…..telling you, can't trust 'im."
"He's the only other one whose seen any of this that we know of. And he read the first stanza. He'll be keyed in for a month, at least."
"I don't like it. He could mess things up. And if he gets hurt, what'll you do then? Explain to his friends and family things that you don't even understand?"
Both voices fall quiet for a while, no doubt both thinking.
>Keep listening
>Enter
>Knock
>>591955
>>591956
Strange….you didn't see anyone else in the house. Maybe they were just in another room. Either way, you decide maybe listening in couldn't hurt.
You press your ear to the door gently, concentrating to tune out the background noise of the outdoors and what little activity goes on here on the edge of town.
One voice sounds like Cobalt's, to be expected.
The other one is….almost the same? Rougher sounding, but in the same range. You'd think he was talking to himself if the voices didn't overlap as they argued.
"…..telling you, can't trust 'im."
"He's the only other one whose seen any of this that we know of. And he read the first stanza. He'll be keyed in for a month, at least."
"I don't like it. He could mess things up. And if he gets hurt, what'll you do then? Explain to his friends and family things that you don't even understand?"
Both voices fall quiet for a while, no doubt both thinking.
>Keep listening
>Enter
>Knock
>>591958
>>591961
Eventually, they start talking again.
"So, you think he found the logs?"
"Is that what you call those scribbles?"
"You know those are important! It's the only thing we know happens when I black out."
"Still not sure why that is, are we."
"I still think it's part of the last summoning we interrupted. You know. How you happened."
"And here I am, making the best of my meager existence on this plane. You could do me a favor and let me really be free, you know."
"So you could hide yourself in the world, watching it come down because of Brynn when you know I need your help to stop it?"
"Please, you exaggerate."
"How do you know that?"
"Have any of your dreams been about the world ending? I mean, really?"
"No."
"Then why-"
A pair of hooves slam a table.
"Don't dismiss my intuition!"
A minute of silence passes, before the gruff one finally says, "Alright, alright. Sorry, Cobalt."
"It's fine, Vernant."
"Ugh, you just HAVE to keep calling me that."
>>591961
Eventually, they start talking again.
"So, you think he found the logs?"
"Is that what you call those scribbles?"
"You know those are important! It's the only thing we know happens when I black out."
"Still not sure why that is, are we."
"I still think it's part of the last summoning we interrupted. You know. How you happened."
"And here I am, making the best of my meager existence on this plane. You could do me a favor and let me really be free, you know."
"So you could hide yourself in the world, watching it come down because of Brynn when you know I need your help to stop it?"
"Please, you exaggerate."
"How do you know that?"
"Have any of your dreams been about the world ending? I mean, really?"
"No."
"Then why-"
A pair of hooves slam a table.
"Don't dismiss my intuition!"
A minute of silence passes, before the gruff one finally says, "Alright, alright. Sorry, Cobalt."
"It's fine, Vernant."
"Ugh, you just HAVE to keep calling me that."
>>591965
>>591966
>>591967
You try to peek through the screen door, but the glass of the wooden door on the other side of it is misted and hard to see through.
So you sneak around to the side of the house, where you saw a window into the kitchen before.
Standing on your hind legs, you brace yourself against the house as you stand slowly upright. Luckily, the curtains are pulled wide and the blinds are up, so you can see quite clearly into the kitchen.
And at the two Cobalts sitting across from each other at the kitchen table, one eating a stack of pancakes similar to the ones you just had.
You blink a few times, then rub your eyes, before looking again. Yet the image doesn't change.
There sits Cobalt, in a chair at the end of the table closest to you, wearing a cooking apron. And at the other sits Cobalt, eating pancakes, though that one seems to be very tired. Even from here you can see the bags under his eyes and lines in his face that make him seem weary.
Though, perhaps it's the lighting that makes him look tired. Because you swear that as he eats, the lines seem to fade gradually. Like an artist slowly erasing a stray line from a drawing.
Staring at him seems to unsettle you, and you find the urge to flee rising.
#Sanity Check
First 3 rolls of 1d10 taken. Any 1's means immediate failure, more than a single 1 worsens the failure degree. Any 10's make you auto-pass, with multiple 10's making you steel yourself against further weird things.
10's and 1's cancel each other out.
Good luck!
>>591966
>>591967
You try to peek through the screen door, but the glass of the wooden door on the other side of it is misted and hard to see through.
So you sneak around to the side of the house, where you saw a window into the kitchen before.
Standing on your hind legs, you brace yourself against the house as you stand slowly upright. Luckily, the curtains are pulled wide and the blinds are up, so you can see quite clearly into the kitchen.
And at the two Cobalts sitting across from each other at the kitchen table, one eating a stack of pancakes similar to the ones you just had.
You blink a few times, then rub your eyes, before looking again. Yet the image doesn't change.
There sits Cobalt, in a chair at the end of the table closest to you, wearing a cooking apron. And at the other sits Cobalt, eating pancakes, though that one seems to be very tired. Even from here you can see the bags under his eyes and lines in his face that make him seem weary.
Though, perhaps it's the lighting that makes him look tired. Because you swear that as he eats, the lines seem to fade gradually. Like an artist slowly erasing a stray line from a drawing.
Staring at him seems to unsettle you, and you find the urge to flee rising.
#Sanity Check
First 3 rolls of 1d10 taken. Any 1's means immediate failure, more than a single 1 worsens the failure degree. Any 10's make you auto-pass, with multiple 10's making you steel yourself against further weird things.
10's and 1's cancel each other out.
Good luck!
>>591969
>>591970
>>591972
You take a few deep breaths and lower yourself to a normal standing posture as you calm yourself down.
But considering what you've already experienced, it's surprisingly easy to regain your composure.
You aren't sure who this "Vernant" guy is, or why he looks like Cobalt. Just another layer to this already crazy case.
>What do?
>>591970
>>591972
You take a few deep breaths and lower yourself to a normal standing posture as you calm yourself down.
But considering what you've already experienced, it's surprisingly easy to regain your composure.
You aren't sure who this "Vernant" guy is, or why he looks like Cobalt. Just another layer to this already crazy case.
>What do?
>>591975
Uh, fuck that. We don't owe him anything but a stack of pancakes. We're not his henchman. We have our own interests here, and our interests are to leave no stone unturned. We're an INVESTIGATOR. It's what we do.
Stand up, look at both of them, and knock on the window. If Cobalt is on our side, we need an explanation.
Uh, fuck that. We don't owe him anything but a stack of pancakes. We're not his henchman. We have our own interests here, and our interests are to leave no stone unturned. We're an INVESTIGATOR. It's what we do.
Stand up, look at both of them, and knock on the window. If Cobalt is on our side, we need an explanation.
>>591974
>>591986
>>591987
>>591988
You flap your wings and hover outside the window before knocking on it gently with a hoof. The Cobalt on the far end of the table stops chewing his food, merely staring at you grumpily while the other one turns around with a look of surprise.
You raise your front hooves in a way that you hope conveys something like, "What the heck, man?"
The Cobalt with an apron on waves at you before motioning to come in through the door. The other merely goes back to eating his pancakes.
>>591986
>>591987
>>591988
You flap your wings and hover outside the window before knocking on it gently with a hoof. The Cobalt on the far end of the table stops chewing his food, merely staring at you grumpily while the other one turns around with a look of surprise.
You raise your front hooves in a way that you hope conveys something like, "What the heck, man?"
The Cobalt with an apron on waves at you before motioning to come in through the door. The other merely goes back to eating his pancakes.
>>591990
>>591991
>>591992
You walk in the door held open by Apron-Cobalt, sitting in a chair between the two seats the others had occupied, doing your best to make it look like you aren't the most confused pony in the room.
Somehow you were expecting a more…dramatic reaction from the two, though. Instead, the one is still eating, and the other seems almost cheerful. Which would be unnerving itself if there weren't two of the same pony sitting in the room right now.
"Well, I wanted to avoid this until later. But it seems your detective instincts have led to you discovering one of my secrets," the cheerful Cobalt says, "Vernant was being a grump this morning so I didn't want you to meet since, well, first impressions and all. But, here you are. So say hello to Vernant over there."
"Charmed," the eating pony says, speaking around a mouthful of pancake.
>>591991
>>591992
You walk in the door held open by Apron-Cobalt, sitting in a chair between the two seats the others had occupied, doing your best to make it look like you aren't the most confused pony in the room.
Somehow you were expecting a more…dramatic reaction from the two, though. Instead, the one is still eating, and the other seems almost cheerful. Which would be unnerving itself if there weren't two of the same pony sitting in the room right now.
"Well, I wanted to avoid this until later. But it seems your detective instincts have led to you discovering one of my secrets," the cheerful Cobalt says, "Vernant was being a grump this morning so I didn't want you to meet since, well, first impressions and all. But, here you are. So say hello to Vernant over there."
"Charmed," the eating pony says, speaking around a mouthful of pancake.
>>591998
>>591997
"So..Hi, Vernant," you say, the awkwardness of the situation keeping the air tense, "And uh, Cobalt."
"You didn't come back just to say hello, did you?" Vernant asks speculatively.
"No, I was going to ask Cobalt what the plan for disrupting Brynn's ritual was, specifically. And if he knows where it's going to take place."
"Ah. Well, at least you're kind of smart."
"Vernant, be nice," Cobalt says calmly before turning back to you, "Alright. We're certain the ritual is going to take place in a field not far from here. Brynn needs flat, even ground for the ritual. That and Vernant thinks-"
"Knows."
"Fine, 'knows', that he needs moonbeams to strike the sigils for this particular summon. Something about her being associated with the moon, or tides, or something."
Vernant sighs as he sets down his silverware, placing his head in his hooves.
"I'm bound to an idiot."
"Hey, you know when we're split like this you're the side with all the hard information."
"And you are a blabbermouth," Vernant says hotly, "uri eter as ōgustek ,aw eraweraW!"
There's a loud crash and a blinding light that makes you cover your eyes.
When you can see properly again, there's one and only one Cobalt sitting in the chair across from you.
>>591997
"So..Hi, Vernant," you say, the awkwardness of the situation keeping the air tense, "And uh, Cobalt."
"You didn't come back just to say hello, did you?" Vernant asks speculatively.
"No, I was going to ask Cobalt what the plan for disrupting Brynn's ritual was, specifically. And if he knows where it's going to take place."
"Ah. Well, at least you're kind of smart."
"Vernant, be nice," Cobalt says calmly before turning back to you, "Alright. We're certain the ritual is going to take place in a field not far from here. Brynn needs flat, even ground for the ritual. That and Vernant thinks-"
"Knows."
"Fine, 'knows', that he needs moonbeams to strike the sigils for this particular summon. Something about her being associated with the moon, or tides, or something."
Vernant sighs as he sets down his silverware, placing his head in his hooves.
"I'm bound to an idiot."
"Hey, you know when we're split like this you're the side with all the hard information."
"And you are a blabbermouth," Vernant says hotly, "uri eter as ōgustek ,aw eraweraW!"
There's a loud crash and a blinding light that makes you cover your eyes.
When you can see properly again, there's one and only one Cobalt sitting in the chair across from you.
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>>592003
Fine, be like this, don't even say goodbye. Pinkie was right he is a jerk.
Anyway at least now we know about the field. We could make some guards patrol the surrounding area and report to us any strange activity but I think we should ask Cobalt if he agrees with this.
Fine, be like this, don't even say goodbye. Pinkie was right he is a jerk.
Anyway at least now we know about the field. We could make some guards patrol the surrounding area and report to us any strange activity but I think we should ask Cobalt if he agrees with this.
>>592006
>>592004
>>592007
"The plan for disrupting it can be just about anything," Cobalt says calmly, as though nothing out of the ordinary just happened, "But I think primarily he's going to try to summon this one the same way he did Harley: Namely drawing sigils in the ground, including some sort of food or candy offering, and the mannequin is how the spirit will break free from where its stored. Destroy or remove the mannequin, offerings, or sigils, and the ritual should be disrupted enough that Brynn can't, or won't, continue. If he does, then I don't think even he knows what'll happen."
"I have some connections with the RGIA," you reply, "I could see about placing guards near the field or-"
"No." Cobalt says flatly, before his expression softens, "Please, don't. The field is the best place for him to do the ritual, but not the only one. If we take the best spot away from him, he might use any of the dozens of smaller, less suitable but still usable areas around town. I'd rather we know where he's going to go so we can plan around that instead of having a last second pony-hunt for him and possibly miss our chance. Does that make sense?"
>>592004
>>592007
"The plan for disrupting it can be just about anything," Cobalt says calmly, as though nothing out of the ordinary just happened, "But I think primarily he's going to try to summon this one the same way he did Harley: Namely drawing sigils in the ground, including some sort of food or candy offering, and the mannequin is how the spirit will break free from where its stored. Destroy or remove the mannequin, offerings, or sigils, and the ritual should be disrupted enough that Brynn can't, or won't, continue. If he does, then I don't think even he knows what'll happen."
"I have some connections with the RGIA," you reply, "I could see about placing guards near the field or-"
"No." Cobalt says flatly, before his expression softens, "Please, don't. The field is the best place for him to do the ritual, but not the only one. If we take the best spot away from him, he might use any of the dozens of smaller, less suitable but still usable areas around town. I'd rather we know where he's going to go so we can plan around that instead of having a last second pony-hunt for him and possibly miss our chance. Does that make sense?"
>>592014
Well now that's settled what now?
We can't go in town investigating since we could fuck up and Brynn might find out.
We also need to go see Cherry and I really want to make sure Sweetie and Rarity are safe. No guards patrolling but I still say we should guard them.
Also if we could we should go to Rarity and Sweetie and try to convince them to stay in the Boutique this night. Let's not risk anything, especially running into them tonight.
Well now that's settled what now?
We can't go in town investigating since we could fuck up and Brynn might find out.
We also need to go see Cherry and I really want to make sure Sweetie and Rarity are safe. No guards patrolling but I still say we should guard them.
Also if we could we should go to Rarity and Sweetie and try to convince them to stay in the Boutique this night. Let's not risk anything, especially running into them tonight.
>>592015
>>592016
With the plan now settled in detail, Cobalt shows you out. The two of you part ways on friendly terms, all things considered.
You wander back into town, deciding on the way that you need to see Cherry before you see Sweetie and Rarity.
It doesn't take long to get to the small scale castle-like building that waves several Equestria banners, as well as a smaller banner that denotes the RGIA: A single eye between a moon and sun.
The sound of busy ponies doing office work assaults your ears as soon as you enter the building looking for Cherry.
"Puff!"
Suddenly you're tackled from the side, knocked completely off your hooves and onto your side, though for some reason you land softly.
The reason is revealed when you turn and see your assaulter: Sweetie Belle.
>>592016
With the plan now settled in detail, Cobalt shows you out. The two of you part ways on friendly terms, all things considered.
You wander back into town, deciding on the way that you need to see Cherry before you see Sweetie and Rarity.
It doesn't take long to get to the small scale castle-like building that waves several Equestria banners, as well as a smaller banner that denotes the RGIA: A single eye between a moon and sun.
The sound of busy ponies doing office work assaults your ears as soon as you enter the building looking for Cherry.
"Puff!"
Suddenly you're tackled from the side, knocked completely off your hooves and onto your side, though for some reason you land softly.
The reason is revealed when you turn and see your assaulter: Sweetie Belle.
>>592020
>>592021
>>592022
Sweetie squeezes you hard, nuzzling your side affectionately as she says something about being worried and how much she's missed you. It's nice, if a bit embarrassing.
You can only squirm in her grip as nearby office workers scoff and pretend not to be watching.
"Alright Sweetie, let Puff up before he gets uncomfortable."
You look over to see Rarity and Cherry standing together, Rarity smiling at her sister's affection. Cherry, on the other hand, looks surprisingly….neutral.
Sweetie reluctantly lets you up, but not before giving you a quick peck on the cheek.
You get to your hooves, dusting yourself and your saddlebag off as Sweetie beams at you.
You almost forgot how tall she's gotten, only half a head shorter than you even after your growth spurt. Her mane falls down to her shoulders, still ending in those big curls she's always had.
"So, Puff," Cherry says, snapping you out of your thoughts, as her and Rarity join you and Sweetie, the group forming a little circle in the lobby of the RGIA building, "Seems I wasn't the only one who couldn't find you this morning."
Seems not.
>>592021
>>592022
Sweetie squeezes you hard, nuzzling your side affectionately as she says something about being worried and how much she's missed you. It's nice, if a bit embarrassing.
You can only squirm in her grip as nearby office workers scoff and pretend not to be watching.
"Alright Sweetie, let Puff up before he gets uncomfortable."
You look over to see Rarity and Cherry standing together, Rarity smiling at her sister's affection. Cherry, on the other hand, looks surprisingly….neutral.
Sweetie reluctantly lets you up, but not before giving you a quick peck on the cheek.
You get to your hooves, dusting yourself and your saddlebag off as Sweetie beams at you.
You almost forgot how tall she's gotten, only half a head shorter than you even after your growth spurt. Her mane falls down to her shoulders, still ending in those big curls she's always had.
"So, Puff," Cherry says, snapping you out of your thoughts, as her and Rarity join you and Sweetie, the group forming a little circle in the lobby of the RGIA building, "Seems I wasn't the only one who couldn't find you this morning."
Seems not.
>>592028
>>592029
Because.
"I was." Cherry says rather pointedly, her eyes narrowing only slightly, "It's not often a detective goes flying around town at breakneck speed late at night. That, and I was hoping you'd give me an update on that case you were working. One presently trumps the other, so I'll say it flatly: Are you alright?"
"Yeah, Puff," Sweetie says softly, bumping your side with hers in a playful manner, "Rarity says she saw you flying really fast and looking scared. We were worried too, so we went to your place to try and talk to you. When you weren't there, we asked around town."
"We just happened to bump into Agent Floret in the market while she was asking the same questions. Quite fortunate, really," Rarity says with a smile, "But I think we're all wondering what happened and if you're quite alright now? I dare say you don't look any worse for the wear."
>>592029
Because.
"I was." Cherry says rather pointedly, her eyes narrowing only slightly, "It's not often a detective goes flying around town at breakneck speed late at night. That, and I was hoping you'd give me an update on that case you were working. One presently trumps the other, so I'll say it flatly: Are you alright?"
"Yeah, Puff," Sweetie says softly, bumping your side with hers in a playful manner, "Rarity says she saw you flying really fast and looking scared. We were worried too, so we went to your place to try and talk to you. When you weren't there, we asked around town."
"We just happened to bump into Agent Floret in the market while she was asking the same questions. Quite fortunate, really," Rarity says with a smile, "But I think we're all wondering what happened and if you're quite alright now? I dare say you don't look any worse for the wear."
>>592031
>>592032
"I'm fine, I'm fine," you reassure the ladies, unable to resist side-bumping Sweetie back reassuringly, "Just uh….got a little spooked during my investigation. Which I'd like to speak with Cherry about in her office, if that's possible."
"Of course," Cheery says, visibly lightening up as she motions to a nearby office, "Rarity and Sweetie may wait out here if they wish to speak with you afterward."
Cheery walks to her office as Rarity pats you on the shoulder.
"You're a busy fellow so I'll just head back to the boutique. If you need anything, anything at all, just stop by. Remember who all is in your corner for you when things get tough."
You smile and thank Rarity for her support.
Sweetie hangs back, letting Rarity walk outside before she gives you another firm hug, this time from the front as she wraps her front hooves around your neck and leans against you.
Silently, she kisses your cheek again before giving you a final squeeze and letting go.
"I'm free all day tomorrow; The summer class is going on a field trip and they didn't need me as an escort since so many parents volunteered. I know you're busy, just have lunch with me if you can. Okay?"
You nod. You can't make any promises, but you'd like to.
Having hugged you enough and feeling reassured, Sweetie joins Rarity outside as they head to the boutique together.
>>592032
"I'm fine, I'm fine," you reassure the ladies, unable to resist side-bumping Sweetie back reassuringly, "Just uh….got a little spooked during my investigation. Which I'd like to speak with Cherry about in her office, if that's possible."
"Of course," Cheery says, visibly lightening up as she motions to a nearby office, "Rarity and Sweetie may wait out here if they wish to speak with you afterward."
Cheery walks to her office as Rarity pats you on the shoulder.
"You're a busy fellow so I'll just head back to the boutique. If you need anything, anything at all, just stop by. Remember who all is in your corner for you when things get tough."
You smile and thank Rarity for her support.
Sweetie hangs back, letting Rarity walk outside before she gives you another firm hug, this time from the front as she wraps her front hooves around your neck and leans against you.
Silently, she kisses your cheek again before giving you a final squeeze and letting go.
"I'm free all day tomorrow; The summer class is going on a field trip and they didn't need me as an escort since so many parents volunteered. I know you're busy, just have lunch with me if you can. Okay?"
You nod. You can't make any promises, but you'd like to.
Having hugged you enough and feeling reassured, Sweetie joins Rarity outside as they head to the boutique together.
>>592040
>>592041
>>592042
"Things could be better,but I'm doing alright. I've got things under control. No need to worry about me."
"Well you can say not to worry all you like, Puff," Cherry replies, her voice gaining volume gradually, "But when I see the pony I've entrusted a case with flying across the sky at night like he's being chased by chaos itself, I think I have every right to worry!"
She takes a deep breath, settling back into her seat before closing her eyes and rubbing her face with a hoof. It's only then you notice how tired she looks.
"I'm sorry," she says evenly, "I don't mean to snap at you. Would you like some coffee? I feel like I need another cup."
>>592041
>>592042
"Things could be better,but I'm doing alright. I've got things under control. No need to worry about me."
"Well you can say not to worry all you like, Puff," Cherry replies, her voice gaining volume gradually, "But when I see the pony I've entrusted a case with flying across the sky at night like he's being chased by chaos itself, I think I have every right to worry!"
She takes a deep breath, settling back into her seat before closing her eyes and rubbing her face with a hoof. It's only then you notice how tired she looks.
"I'm sorry," she says evenly, "I don't mean to snap at you. Would you like some coffee? I feel like I need another cup."
>>592044
Cherry pours some coffee from a pot you didn't notice on her desk into a plain white mug before pushing it to your side of the desk. She pours a cup of her own into a black mug embellished with the RGIA logo and some writing you can't read on the side.
You take a sip of your coffee before realizing there's no cream or sugar in it. Or any on the desk for that matter. The taste is harsh and bitter, even if the scent is surprisingly sweet.
Kind of like Cherry today.
"I know it looked bad, and I'm sorry for worrying you, but I've got it under control. Just trust me."
Cherry sets her mug down on the desk, hard, splashing a small amount of coffee onto some papers as she glares across the desk at you.
"Just trust you? Just. Trust. You? Puff, if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have given you the case. I wouldn't have said, 'Hey can you do me a favor and if you get in over your head just ask me for help?'. You and I wouldn't be talking right now if I didn't trust you, you'd be sitting in a debriefing cell with Walnut. But I do trust you, Puff. More than you seem to realize. That's why I haven't been asking you all the questions I ask any single other pony. Because I know I can trust you. This is the first time you've ever done anything that's made me question it at all."
Cherry gets up from her seat, pacing on her side of the desk.
"I'm torn, Puff. I want to trust you, I do. I know you aren't telling me everything. And in our profession that's a necessity sometimes. So don't get me wrong, I get that. But what am I supposed to tell my bosses about my most trusted field agent bolting from the sky, running like he's got a demon on his tail?"
She huffs one final time before sighing again and sitting heavily in her seat, mumbling something.
Cherry pours some coffee from a pot you didn't notice on her desk into a plain white mug before pushing it to your side of the desk. She pours a cup of her own into a black mug embellished with the RGIA logo and some writing you can't read on the side.
You take a sip of your coffee before realizing there's no cream or sugar in it. Or any on the desk for that matter. The taste is harsh and bitter, even if the scent is surprisingly sweet.
Kind of like Cherry today.
"I know it looked bad, and I'm sorry for worrying you, but I've got it under control. Just trust me."
Cherry sets her mug down on the desk, hard, splashing a small amount of coffee onto some papers as she glares across the desk at you.
"Just trust you? Just. Trust. You? Puff, if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have given you the case. I wouldn't have said, 'Hey can you do me a favor and if you get in over your head just ask me for help?'. You and I wouldn't be talking right now if I didn't trust you, you'd be sitting in a debriefing cell with Walnut. But I do trust you, Puff. More than you seem to realize. That's why I haven't been asking you all the questions I ask any single other pony. Because I know I can trust you. This is the first time you've ever done anything that's made me question it at all."
Cherry gets up from her seat, pacing on her side of the desk.
"I'm torn, Puff. I want to trust you, I do. I know you aren't telling me everything. And in our profession that's a necessity sometimes. So don't get me wrong, I get that. But what am I supposed to tell my bosses about my most trusted field agent bolting from the sky, running like he's got a demon on his tail?"
She huffs one final time before sighing again and sitting heavily in her seat, mumbling something.
>>592049
Cherry rubs her face again before staring at you over the top of her hoof as she rests her chin on it.
"I wonder how that Sweetie Belle can stay so incredibly infatuated with you."
You balk at the statement, nearly spitting out the mouthful of bitter coffee you were sipping on. A reaction which earns a surprisingly girly and charming giggle from Cherry.
She sighs again before sipping her own coffee, ignoring the small amount dripping down the side of the mug from her outburst. When she's finished, she waves you off with a hoof, as though dismissing you.
"You've got that look that says you've got better things to do than talk in circles while not really telling me anything. I'll be here if you need me. Now get out of here before I decide to take the case back from you instead."
Cherry rubs her face again before staring at you over the top of her hoof as she rests her chin on it.
"I wonder how that Sweetie Belle can stay so incredibly infatuated with you."
You balk at the statement, nearly spitting out the mouthful of bitter coffee you were sipping on. A reaction which earns a surprisingly girly and charming giggle from Cherry.
She sighs again before sipping her own coffee, ignoring the small amount dripping down the side of the mug from her outburst. When she's finished, she waves you off with a hoof, as though dismissing you.
"You've got that look that says you've got better things to do than talk in circles while not really telling me anything. I'll be here if you need me. Now get out of here before I decide to take the case back from you instead."
We've been questing for almost 4 hours. While the conclusion of part 1 draws near, please let me know if you guys are getting tired. It's getting kind of late here in the US East Coast, and since some of you are Euro I can only imagine what hour it is there.
If you'd prefer the big dice rolling parts be concentrated to next week, I would understand completely.
I'll leave it to those of you still here/talking.
If you'd prefer the big dice rolling parts be concentrated to next week, I would understand completely.
I'll leave it to those of you still here/talking.
>>592058
>>592059
>>592060
You head for Rarity's boutique. There's a certain something that's been nagging at you since you woke up.
Rarity seems surprised to see you when she opens the door to your knocking. She invites you in as she always does, and this time Sweetie is on the living room couch when you enter. She pats the couch cushion next to her, inviting you to sit as she smiles widely.
>>592059
>>592060
You head for Rarity's boutique. There's a certain something that's been nagging at you since you woke up.
Rarity seems surprised to see you when she opens the door to your knocking. She invites you in as she always does, and this time Sweetie is on the living room couch when you enter. She pats the couch cushion next to her, inviting you to sit as she smiles widely.
>>592063
You sit beside Sweetie, who promptly leans against you in a warm snuggle as she sighs happily with her head on your shoulder.
Rarity takes up a place at one of her work stations nearby, revving up a sewing machine as you figure out how to cage your question.
"Hey, Rarity?" you ask between bouts of sewing noises and humming from the seamstress.
"Yes, Puff?" Rarity replies, curiosity in her sing-song tone.
"So….uh…..last night. You saw me flying?"
"I imagine half the town did," she laughs, "Ponies here are rather…lackadaisical, typically. You were flying faster than most Rainbow Dash fans. Which is saying something, I think."
"Oh. Good."
"Why do you ask?"
"Well uh…..did you see anything chasing me?"
The sewing noises stop. You look over the top of the couch at Rarity, who is staring at the wall thoughtfully, before she turns and looks in your direction.
"Not that I recall, darling. I was wondering if that was the case, considering your speed. You aren't on the run now, are you?"
"Oh no, no no no," you say with a nervous laugh, "Nothing like that."
"Good. I would hate to have Sweetie's….sweetie become a fugitive. But if there's something you think you need to tell us, now would probably be a good time."
>Tell them about the weird thing that chased you
>Tell them about your dream/hallucination/whatever the heck it was
>No need to worry them, don't tell them.
>Player choice.
You sit beside Sweetie, who promptly leans against you in a warm snuggle as she sighs happily with her head on your shoulder.
Rarity takes up a place at one of her work stations nearby, revving up a sewing machine as you figure out how to cage your question.
"Hey, Rarity?" you ask between bouts of sewing noises and humming from the seamstress.
"Yes, Puff?" Rarity replies, curiosity in her sing-song tone.
"So….uh…..last night. You saw me flying?"
"I imagine half the town did," she laughs, "Ponies here are rather…lackadaisical, typically. You were flying faster than most Rainbow Dash fans. Which is saying something, I think."
"Oh. Good."
"Why do you ask?"
"Well uh…..did you see anything chasing me?"
The sewing noises stop. You look over the top of the couch at Rarity, who is staring at the wall thoughtfully, before she turns and looks in your direction.
"Not that I recall, darling. I was wondering if that was the case, considering your speed. You aren't on the run now, are you?"
"Oh no, no no no," you say with a nervous laugh, "Nothing like that."
"Good. I would hate to have Sweetie's….sweetie become a fugitive. But if there's something you think you need to tell us, now would probably be a good time."
>Tell them about the weird thing that chased you
>Tell them about your dream/hallucination/whatever the heck it was
>No need to worry them, don't tell them.
>Player choice.
>>592066
>>592069
>>592068
"No," you say after a time, "It's nothing."
"If you're sure."
"I'm certain of it," you say, smiling as you squeeze Sweetie to you. It's been a long while since you've been able to do that. Or just sit around and watch television.
So, for the first time in what seems like forever, that's what you do. You spend some quality time on the couch with Sweetie, watching a comedy show and sharing in laughter with your favorite pony, while her endearing older sister works and laughs along with you.
And for a while, things are normal. The case is gone from your mind, replaced only with this, two ponies who have treated you like family for years. Well, one of the two treats you like family. The other treats you like something even better: Her special somepony.
When the sun begins to set and the deal you made with Cobalt refreshes itself in your mind as golden rays of sunlight stream in through the boutique's windows, you feel the weight of the case press down on you again. It's with more than a little regret you untangle yourself from Sweetie on the couch, getting up despite her slight whine for you to hold her a bit more.
She can be selfish too, sometimes.
But the two see you off with smiles and hugs, as well as some procured supplies, even after you tell them to try and stay indoors tonight.
Maybe it's for the best that they didn't ask any questions and you didn't tell them about your…..whatever that was.
They wave and watch you go until you wander from their sight.
Maybe still a little worried about what you're hiding.
>>592069
>>592068
"No," you say after a time, "It's nothing."
"If you're sure."
"I'm certain of it," you say, smiling as you squeeze Sweetie to you. It's been a long while since you've been able to do that. Or just sit around and watch television.
So, for the first time in what seems like forever, that's what you do. You spend some quality time on the couch with Sweetie, watching a comedy show and sharing in laughter with your favorite pony, while her endearing older sister works and laughs along with you.
And for a while, things are normal. The case is gone from your mind, replaced only with this, two ponies who have treated you like family for years. Well, one of the two treats you like family. The other treats you like something even better: Her special somepony.
When the sun begins to set and the deal you made with Cobalt refreshes itself in your mind as golden rays of sunlight stream in through the boutique's windows, you feel the weight of the case press down on you again. It's with more than a little regret you untangle yourself from Sweetie on the couch, getting up despite her slight whine for you to hold her a bit more.
She can be selfish too, sometimes.
But the two see you off with smiles and hugs, as well as some procured supplies, even after you tell them to try and stay indoors tonight.
Maybe it's for the best that they didn't ask any questions and you didn't tell them about your…..whatever that was.
They wave and watch you go until you wander from their sight.
Maybe still a little worried about what you're hiding.
Final warning about how long he event may or may not take due to typing and all that other stuff. Since there's only like, three of you, and one stated he was dropping off shortly, the option to cut the finale of Part 1 to next week is still on the table.
Up to you guys, just saying.
Up to you guys, just saying.
Right, I think we'll put the ritual stuff off until next week since 1/3rd my questers are dropping off due to tiredness.
It'll also allow me to focus on more detail oriented writing without worry of people falling asleep during it. Hah.
Sorry for it not being super eventful this session, but story has to happen somewhere right?
It'll also allow me to focus on more detail oriented writing without worry of people falling asleep during it. Hah.
Sorry for it not being super eventful this session, but story has to happen somewhere right?
>>592082
Thanks for the compliments!
Next time should be more action with some of the puzzle pieces falling together. Or at the very least, some more exposition on to what's going down/history between characters.
Thanks for participating everyone, and for your patience with me.
Have a great night and I'll see you next weekend!
Thanks for the compliments!
Next time should be more action with some of the puzzle pieces falling together. Or at the very least, some more exposition on to what's going down/history between characters.
Thanks for participating everyone, and for your patience with me.
Have a great night and I'll see you next weekend!