Previously on My Little Raisin:
>Convince Luna that the box is the key to defeating Tezel and that only you can open it
>--Luna tests your confidence by telling you she’ll open the box—
>You tell her that your ‘psychic powers’ say that only you can safely open up the box
>Convince Luna to allow you to open the box
>**Dump out Piece of Granite**
>Box is suddenly closed with a violent reaction; Luna is injured and taken to Canterlot
>Pick up the Adanemzurai, overwhelmed with power; put it down
>Guards attempt to arrest Raisin; Wedge, Luna’s Pegasus guard, puts a spear to Raisin’s throat
>**Use charm and wit to make Wedge let up on his defenses**
>--Grab the Adanemzurai—
>Accidentally take control of Wedge when he strikes the Adanemzurai
>**Use Wedge to escape the Library – Raisin and Sweetie Belle become fugitives**
>Run to Everfree Forest, release Wedge from your control
>Stay out of sight, maneuver along forest edge until you reach Sweet Apple Acres
>Approach the Apple Farmhouse, see a note that AJ is out. Open the door, AJ is inside
>Say ‘hi’ to Applejack; she leads you out to barn, telling you that Pinkie and Scootaloo came by and starting doing weird stuff. Applebloom has joined them in their shenanigans
>Enter the barn; find Pinkie, Scoots, and AB singing an off key version of the Crystal Phonograph melody to a group of derped up unicorn fillies
>Bug Pinkie for some Peppermint Candy, but she and Scoots ate it all
>--Begin Elixir Withdrawal Headaches—
>Plug up all but two of the fillies sets of ears with Marshmallows
>Guards have showed up at Sweet Apple Acres
>**Calm Sweetie Belle down as she ponders the notion of going to jail**
>Get Applebloom to attempt to open up the back doors of the barn, use Scoots as a distraction for the guards. She fumbles
>HAMMERSPACE: Pinkie plugs up the remaining derped fillies before the guards make their way too far into the barn; she distracts the duo
>xXx Dash out towards door, slam head into barn doors xXx
>Go back towards farmhouse, avoid smashing head into door
>xXx Send Sweetie back outside so that Raisin can have some alone time with Adanemzurai – Sweetie is seen by the guards xXx
>--Use the Adanemzurai; find instant relief and incredible perception. You hear a mare’s voice speak to you while holding it—
>-- Attempt to open the Adanemzurai –
>Put the Adanemzurai away; guards know that you’re in the house somewhere
>xXx Announce your presence, exit the cellar to confront guards face-to-face xXx
>**Threaten guards with Adanemzurai; issue demands for Grape Peppermint Jelly, Sweetie’s Freedom, and that nopony touches the Adanemzurai **
>xXx Get knocked out by one of the guards while staring at the Adanemzurai xXx
*Asterisks represent good actions, xXx represents bad actions
Raisin awakens to find herself in an opulent chariot en route to Canterlot. The gleaming ivory towers ahead that usually evoke peace and comfort for our dear filly send her spiraling into an anxious state of disbelief, knowing that she’s about to answer for her apparent ‘attack’ on Princess Luna and the guards. With Sweetie Belle at her side, Raisin takes a few spoonfuls of Grape Peppermint Jelly and lays helplessly on the deck, awaiting judgment.
Without a clue as to where the Adanemzurai could be, Raisin must think of a way to turn this situation around… and fast.
You turn on your side toward Sweetie Belle. "I've really gotta know where the Adanemzurai is, Sweetie." She rolls her eyes again, looking away from you uncomfortably.
"It's all gonna be better soon, Raisin..." Sweetie Belle gently runs her hoof through your mane.
"Look, I know the guards probably told you something like 'Raisin's cursed' or some junk, but I know that thing is the key to stopping Tezel."
Sweetie Belle sighs. "I don't even know who this Tezel guy is! You keep talking about him..." She continues to brush her hoof over your mane. "Don't worry, Princess Celestia will know what to do."
You struggle in vain to get an answer out of her. You hear one of the guards up front talking with his buddy. "No, no. Her Majesty said to take her directly to the throne room. This is big... it's about Luna..."
Sweetie Belle looks up. "We're almost there, just hang on..."
You look around, seeing that the chariot you're in looks mostly empty... except for a white, heavy chest to the very side.
Anything you want to look at/interact with before the chariot arrives?
You take a quick look around the cart. You can see two sets of Saddlebags up towards the front; they're secured in place with a set of straps.
To the side is a very large, intricate chest. It looks identical to the one that Luna used to store the Adanemzurai back at the Town Hall.
"...Sweetie..." You look up at Sweetie Belle. She looks down, still petting your mane softly. "...I'm really sorry about all of this... I never meant for you to get captured..."
She doesn't seem worried at all. "Oh, um... actually, the guards said I was kidnapped by you back in the Town Hall... so I'm free to go anytime..." She looks around sheepishly. "...but I wasn't just going to let one of my best friends go all by herself to see Celestia." She smiles. "I'm with you all the way, Raisin... we're gonna get you fixed up and back to normal again."
The chariot shakes as it lands on the upper docks. Above you, there are magnificent banners with the Royal Sisters upon them. "We're here. Come on, little ones, let's go see the Princess." The guard sounds emotionless and cold.
The back of the chariot is open.
You give Sweetie a soft smile, then nuzzle up to her hoof. "Thanks for being here for me, Sweetie. It means a lot."
She smiles back, lifting your head up off of the chariot deck to give you a hug. "I'll always be there for ya."
The guard steps up into the chariot. "It's not standard protocol, but I shall carry the prisoner upon my back to the Throne Room. I do not wish to see such a young prisoner struggle with her shackles nor do I wish for her to obtain injuries before she meets her Royal Highness." He announces his intentions flatly before picking you up with one of his wings, effortlessly rolling you onto his back. You lay across him, staring off toward a large set of stain glass windows.
Sweetie follows the guard close behind as you make your way into the castle. Behind you, a set of guards are carrying the white box from your chariot. As they turn a corner, an old pony with thick glasses stops them. "Is that it? Is that...? Where's the paperwork for it? I must have..." The conversation trails off as the Throne Room doors close behind you.
"All hail her Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia."
You are gently rolled down onto the ground, standing in place on the red carpet. You look up, seeing the pristine visage of Princess Celestia upon her throne.
You scramble for a moment, but manage to bow before her. You wait a few moments.
"Rise, little Raisin..." Her tone is delicate and sad. "I'm so sorry that you've gotten mixed up in all of this... if only Luna hadn't entertained your theory..."
"I'm really sorry about what happened to your sister... I really didn't mean for it to happen... She wasn't supposed to touch it..."
Celestia rises up from her throne. "Princess Luna... my sister... she's going to be fine. Whatever power the Adanemzurai unleashed upon her has knocked her unconscious. She's in her room, recovering from her injuries..." The Princess slowly makes her way toward you, her mane flowing magnificently as she descends her throne. "...You're in extreme danger, Raisin. The Adanemzurai has put a terrible curse upon you."
You sit quietly, allowing her to speak. "The box you opened, the Adanemzurai, is a cursed relic from times passed. It's cursed with the darkness of Hatred from a twisted, vile queen." She stops before you. "That curse is now upon you for opening that box." She lowers her head. "The lust for power that you feel will slowly consume you for as long as the Adanemzurai is a part of you."
"Yeah, but what are you going to do about the stone bird that's loose in the mountains? Luna's guards personally observed that."
The Princess looks up. "A stone bird?" She shakes her head. "That's certainly Tezel's doing. There's no doubt about that." She paces away from you for a moment. "...but how is he controlling it without the Adanemzurai?" She turns around once again to face you. "This is most concerning... but it's not your burden to bear, Raisin. We have to cure you, that's what's important now."
Princess Celestia continues on. “The Siren Sand curse upon the fillies that you observed in town has a counter-curse. I’ve already dispatched one of my star pupils to cure them… “ She looks extremely worried. “… but the Adanemzurai’s curse can only be lifted if we empty the box. That is something that we cannot do.”
Turning around, she issues a command to the guard at your side. “Please take her to the south tower guest room. Keep her under guard..." The Princess returns to her throne. "We need to keep her safe from herself until I can figure this out..."
The guard looks down at you. "...I will show you to your room, young lady." He offers you a lift.
“Wait, your star pupil? You are aware Twilight's missing and drank some Siren Sand too?"
The Princess looks up. "...I knew she has been missing..." She looks down at you curiously. "...but I was certain that she was looking into this Tezel matter herself... isn't she the one you learned the names 'Tezel' and 'Adanemzurai' from?"
Her eyes narrow as one of her hooves rise, a command to halt the guard at your side. "...or am I mistaken?"
"Some of her books and some things Snakeoil Sally hinted at when we talked. Twilight has been missing for a few days now."
Celestia seems a little suspicious, but settles down. "Alright... forgive me. I believe this whole situation has put everyone on edge." She holds up your letter that you sent. "Because we were never able to apprehend Sally, we couldn't confirm this information you sent. I thought that Twilight may have spoken about this matter before she left... but... if she's truly been enchanted by the curse of the Siren Sand..." The Princess falls silent.
"Just relax for a while. The south tower is one of the grandest suites in the castle. We need to keep you nearby for your own safety." She sighs. "We will figure this out." The guard again offers you a ride, but you refuse, instead deciding to walk behind him.
"Please, unshackle her when she's inside her room." Celestia watches you and the guard begin to exit the room. "As long as you stay put, Raisin. Just give the adults some time to solve this mess."
Sweetie Belle tags along by your side as you exit the massive hall. "So... what did she say? Are you better now?" She gives you a beaming smile.
"I think I'm feeling better. Can you walk with me for a while? Maybe we can hang out with me for a while? Being locked up makes me a little nervous."
Sweetie nods her head. "Of course! I asked the guards and they said that I was allowed to keep you company! I heard they have a huge wardrobe in the south tower! We could play dressup if you wanted, maybe make some drawings, listen to some music.. OH! I bet the food here is reaaaaaaally good! We could probably get like, a ton of different desserts..." Sweetie Belle trails on with ideas for fun things to do while under the watch of the guards.
As you listen, you take a gander around the halls. You still see the old pony arguing with a set of guards about the white chest they brought in. "No, you can't just throw that into the archives all willy-nilly! We have procedures here, gentlemen, and if we don't follow those procedures, things just become a giant mess..." He rambles on, trying to convince the guards to get the appropriate paperwork together before they move the box another inch.
"Can we... well, could we go over to the chest really quick? I wish to confront my inner demons."
The guard doesn't respond at first, just continuing to lead you down the hallway. "You are not allowed within the immediate proximity of the chest. It's far too dangerous for everyone."
"We flew here with it like just a few feet from my face! What was different then?"
"We only had one chariot." He answers bluntly.
Sweetie looks a little disappointed as her fun ideas seem to have fallen flat on you. "...I really hope you get better soon, Raisin..." She carries her head down as your chains echo in the hallway.
You continue to follow the guard, noting the hallways you walk down. From the Chest where it sits currently, right outside of the upper docks, you have gone straight. You take a left down another hallway, then take a right as you near the end. You ascend up a spiral staircase and find yourself outside once more. A cool breeze washes over you.
You continue along to another flight of stairs. It spirals up an opulent white tower, ending at a large, grand door. "Make yourselves at home. I will be at the door if you require my immediate assistance. Inform me if Raisin attempts to harm you." The guard stands by the open door, ushering you both inside. As soon as you cross the threshold, the door slams shut. You hear a click.
Sweetie Belle looks about, putting on a pleasant smile. "Hey, this isn't so bad, right? This is like... the biggest bedroom I've ever SEEN!" She carries on for a bit, describing the room. "...and look at hose huge windows! We could probably see Ponyville from here!" She runs over, kicking a small chair up to the side of the window. She looks out, but doesn't make any immediate comments.
You can still feel something odd in the back of your head, like a very faint pull towards the door.
You turn around, removing your rump from the door that bumped you on your way into the room. "Hey! Mr. Guard! The Princess said that you were going to take my shackles off! I can't play anything with these on!"
After a few moments of silence, you hear the door click again. The guard pokes his head in. Without saying a word, he reaches down between your forelegs with his muzzle. His helmet brushes up against your chest. With a quick jerk and a distinct click, the shackles around your legs all fall off. Sweetie Belle looks at the guard in astonishment.
"How did you do that so fast?" Her mouth hangs open slightly.
"Practice." He picks the shackles up, slings them over his back, then promptly slams the door shut. You hear the door lock click once more.
"Hey! What about my belongings? My parents would be sooo angry if I lost my brand new saddlebags!"
This time, there is no response.
You shrug off the guard's silence. "Hey, Sweetie Belle. Let's see if we can find any fun stuff in here."
She hops down off of her chair, then races around. "Okay! I'll start looking over here..." Sweetie Belle runs up to a desk. You start combing over the back of the room close to the wardrobe closet, picking up a variety of any interesting items. Before long, you and Sweetie have amassed a small pile of things from all around the room.
"Let's see here... a set of Quills, some Paper, a fancy set of Horseshoes, a Glass Jar, some String..." You spread a few of the things out. "...and some Dresses." You saw a set of pretty dresses in the closet, so you figured you'd bring them over for Sweetie Belle to see. She likes them.
"Hmmm... I can't think of anything fun to do with all this stuff..." Sweetie Belle rubs her chin. "We could draw or something with the Quills and Paper..."
The late afternoon sun hangs in the sky, bathing the land in it's brilliant glow. It's still well above the horizon.
"Hey, speaking of stuff... do you know what happened to our saddlebags?"
Sweetie stops. "I have no idea." She looks a little concerned. "Maybe they sent them back home?"
You look at Sweetie Belle sincerely. "Sweetie Belle, I've gotta be straight with you. I'm really not cursed whatsoever."
She looks at you, then looks about, laughing nervously without response. "I know it's weird that I know so much, but my knowledge has nothing to do with some weird curse thing. I'm your best friend, Raisin, and always have been." You pause for a second. "I just got the ability to use a really rad cube thing that gives me mind control powers."
She smiles at you. "Raisin.. we both know that thing is cursed..."
"Yeah, but I know that it can be used to stop all this madness. You've gotta trust me on this one; I wouldn't lie to you."
After a little bit, she shrugs. "...I really don't know what to do right now... I mean, we're stuck in this room until Celestia can figure out what's going on..."
"I say we help her out. C'mon, there's gotta be a way out of here."
Though she seems a little flustered, the little unicorn can't resist the possibility of dangerous adventure. "You know what? I think you're right."
She seems to be on your side. What do you wish to do now?
Outside of the main window, there is a huge dropoff. Down below, you can just barely see the edge of a balcony, probably about 50-60 feet down.
You decide that it'd probably be cool with the Princess if you borrowed some of the guest room dresses for a little while. You put on the brilliant blue dress and fit yourself into the pair of child's horseshoes. You were relatively surprised to find the wardrobe could potentially accommodate a wide variety of guests.
Sweetie Belle puts on a pink, stylish getup. "Wow... these look REALLY expensive... I hope the Princess doesn't mind..."
"Nah, she probably won't. There was like 5 of these in there."
You decide that your hair might give you away. Shaking your head and patting your tangled, wild mane, you somehow get your hair to slick itself back for a few moments, then it 'pops' into a richie-rich looking kind of style. Sweetie Belle pulls on the ends of your mane a little, making them curl. "You seriously look like Diamond Tiara right now..." Sweetie giggles at you.
"...shut up."
You put the jar full of writing supplies in her mouth, telling her that she'll be known as Writesalot.
"...Writesalot?"
"Hey, it's all I have on short notice. Roll with it."
You and Sweetie Belle start tying the ends of the bedsheets together to form a long rope. After a few minutes, you've got a decent coil of 'bedsheet rope' lying on the floor. Sweetie Belle has pretty much pieced together your escape plan.
"Okay... so we're going to climb out of the window, then?" She looks over at the large glass window. "...how do we get it open?"
There doesn't seem to be any latches on the window.
END OF DAY 14