A Second Life chapter 16

>You looked through your sight, surveying the desert canyon before you.
>This place looked desolate.
>Scratch that, desolate looked like this place.
>You couldn’t see any sign of life for miles.
>”Sir, the path ahead looks clear. We believe the large spire ahead is the Queen’s palace.”
“I can see why the changelings want to come to Equestria. This place reminds me of Tartarus.”
>”I’ll take your word on that sir.”
“Mount up, we’re not making another stop between now and the spire.”
>The Pegasus got back into positions, locking into the chariots, and signaled it was time for the rest of you to step in.
>Back in the air, you got a good look at the barren landscape below you.
>A rock filled desert separated by vast canyons, devoid of life.
>Yep, almost exactly like Tartarus, just with less lava.
>”Behind us!”
>You unslung your rifle and charged the first round, but kept it low as you looked back at the changelings tailing you.
>The unicorns readied spells as well, but you held up a hand to dismiss them.
“There are only two of them, hold fire. They’re just making sure we don’t try anything stupid.”
>Slinging your rifle, you looked at the spire as it grew closer and closer.
>As you came closer and closer, several holes came into view all over the spire.
>Just like their legs it seemed.
>The chariots landed, instantly surrounded  by several changeling guards.
>A lone changeling, standing nearly to your neck, came forward and looked over the escorts, examining the the small force  in front of him.
>Oddly enough, his eyes rest on you lastly, but studied you the longest.
>Seconds passed like minutes, but finally the lead changeling spoke, its voice like nails on a chalkboard.
>”Who are you and what is your business? Why are you with these p0ny scum?”
“These “p0ny scum” are under my command, and my…”
>You chose your next words carefully.
“They are my escorts. I am an ambassador fom Equestria. I wish to speak to your Queen.”
>You could feel the changeling scrutinize every detail of your being, looking over your curious form.
>“Follow me creature.”
>The smaller changelings backed down, sinking back into the rocky suroundings and shadows that complimented them.
>You looked back at the escorts, who fearlessly stood in a circle around the chariots you rode in on.
>You pointed  at the nearest Unicorn and Hermes, singling them out from the others.
“You two, come with me. The rest of you p0nies stay here and guard our exit.”
>The stallions nodded, forming a tighter formation around the chariots.
>They wouldn’t show it, but the surrounding terrain and the creepy look of the few changelings that lurked nearby unnerved them.
>The two p0nies and yourself followed the massive changeling into the rocky spire that reminded you so much of Tartarus.
>The interior was much cooler than the arid desert outside, giving some relief to your senses.
>A damp feeling enveloped you and the ground at your feet seemed to squish beneath the soles of your boots.
>A soft glow emanated from blue patches on the walls, revealing an organic looking substance that made the hallways and chambers.
>The light was dim, making the silhouette of the changeling in front of you your only guide through many parts of the walk.
>As you stepped into the next chamber, your eyes were forced to readjust once more to the slightly more illuminated throne room.
>Several more glowing patches of the strange, luminous pieces of organic material gave the room a soft glow, the light reflected off two large pools that lay on each side of a walkway that led to a throne.
>”What a curious creature… and with more curious company. Speak creature, before I toss you in a dungeon. What do you want of your Queen?”
“You are not my queen. I am an ambassador from Equestria and a personal friend of the princesses.”
>”Indeed? You are brave to cross my domain, with your kingdom and my hive on the brink of war.”
”That is the purpose of my visit Queen…?”
>”Chrysalis. I believe I missed your name creature.”
“Anonymous. I would appreciate if you addressed me by my title, if we are to keep this… formal.”
>The queen smirked, standing up from her throne and approaching you, her narrow geen eyes studying you much like the larger changeling.
>She was truly hideous, her charcoal black body had spots of gray, similar is size to the holes in her legs.
>What appeared to be wings were slightly torn in appearance, her mane had similar holes to her hooves.
>The horn on her head serpentine violently, with several sharp points that could possibly mimic the effects of a serrated blade.
>Her eyes were green, and narrowed similarly to a snake’s.
>For a queen, she looked far from regal.
>”Your feelings betray you Anonymous, ambassador of Equestria. You are repulsed by my form.”
>Impossible. You had on your finest pokerface for this meeting, crafted by hand thousands of years ago by monks.
“Whatever do you mean Queen Chrysalis?”
>”Do not lie Anonymous. Tell me what form pleases you?”
>Chrysalis’ horn glowed with a green aura, and you were trucked by a sudden headache.
>”Hmm, perhaps Celestia?” Chrysalis’ ugly, dark body was suddenly white, and her form resembled, no, imitated, Celestia’s.
>You remembered this trick from the invasion, still, you couldn’t help but feel your simmering anger well up as you recalled all the times she had pissed you off.
>”Hmm, no… to much anger. Perhaps the other princess?”
>You blinked your eyes and found yourself looking at the Luna you had fallen in love with after all this time.
>Another pain shot like lightening through your head, and you suddenly found Luna standing in front of you, her wounds healed.
>”Yes… friendship… compassion. Oh, is that… it couldn’t be… love?”
>The words were an echo in your ears, a soothing lullaby to your mind.
>You reached over, touching the soft warm body across from you, Luna smiling back at you.
>But it wasn’t right.
>This wasn’t your Luna
>This was an imposter.
>You brought your right hand around and across this phoney Luna’s face, catching the Queen off guard.
>She stumbled back, bringing a hoof to her face  as half a dozen changelings in similar size to the one that led you here.
>Not missing a beat, you drew your side arm and your rifle, holding them in opposite directions at the changelings that surrounded you.
“I was hoping we could keep this act of diplomacy civil, free of violence, and mind games.”
>”You do realize you are hopelessly outnumbered?”
“I’ve had worse odds.”
>”I admire your courage. Guards, stand down.”
>On both sides, both your escorts and the Queens royal guards, looks of shock and confusion seemed to be the popular fashion choice.
>You holstered your weapons, and faced the Queen once more.
>”The hour grows late Anonymous. Please, I will give you and your p0nies rooms to sleep in. We shall begin negotiations in the morning. Captain! Lead these individuals to some guest chambers. And be sure Anonymous is given the VIP guest bed. After all, a lover of Princess Luna must be important to her.”
>That last statement unnerved you to no end.
>How would she know something like that after such a brief encounter?
>Did she read minds?
>Perhaps emotions?
>Another pain bounced inside your head, no doubt the leftover side effects of whatever magic the Queen had used.
>You discarded you armor, setting it at your bed side and laid down.
>Sleep took over in an instant, preventing you from hearing the squish of the hooves at your “doorway”
>A pair of slender, black legs treaded over your floor, stopping beside your bed.
>”Now Anonymous. Let’s take a look inside that mind of yours.”
>The queen’s horn glowed green once more, and she shut her eyes, as if to see your past in her dreams.
>”Hmm… a seemingly comfortable childhood… happiness, but… curiosity, a thirst for something more…”
>She sifted through your memories, casting aside the ones with what seemed like useless bits of information.
>”And there is fear, mixed with anticipation. I don’t see why you are afraid of these men in their silly hats. All they do is shout at you.”
>She moved on, skipping much of the training, and began sifting through the countless hours of combat, deployments, and traumatic moments of your life that had numbed most of your mind.
>From there, she looked at your time in Tartarus, and how you had settled down somewhat upon coming to Equestria.
>She knew everything there was to know about you in the matter of an hour, and you were none the wiser.
>Your eyes bolted open, as if from a bad dream, but you couldn’t recall having one.
>Holding your aching head, which had only gotten worse, you gave a low moan.
>Chrysalis, lucky enough to have approached you from behind began slowly backing away, hoping to remain undetected.
>Her first hoof step was cut short, as the ground beneath her squished, allowing her presence to be known.
>You froze as well.
>Something was behind you, and you had no idea what its intentions was, or what it even was.
>Still, it was the middle of the night, and it had approached you in your sleep.
>Safe to assume, it was hostile.
>As swiftly as you could, you spun and leapt off the bed toward the dark figure standing in your room.
>You wrapped your hands around its neck, and brought it to the ground with you in a tangle of flesh and blood.
>Raising your hand, you prepared the first of many strikes, clenching it tightly into a fist.
>But there was a sensation that stopped you.
>It wasn’t magic, but one you had not felt in a very long time.
>Skin.
>Pinned to the ground underneath you was a girl, about your age, maybe a little younger.
>She was naked, much like you when you first showed up to Equestria, her body skinny from hunger.
>Her hair was a lighter color, possibly blonde, it was impossible to tell with this lighting.
>You lowered you hand, bringing her arm down from her face, taking in her features in the dim light.
>She was really pretty, her skin a bit pale, but her complexion almost flawless.
“Who are you? How did you get here, and why are you in my room?”
>”I heard there was another human… I had to see for myself. I’m… Crystal.”
>You slowly stood, holding out your hand to help up Crystal.
>She took it, and unsteadily rose to her feet.
>Could she be a changeling?
>No, changelings took the form of a creature they had seen, you were the only human in Equestria, ever.
>And you definitely did not look like this.
“Are you ok Carol?”
>”My names Crystal, and yes, I’m fine. I’m just a bit… shaken.”
>Well, she was either a good liar, or she was legit.
“My apologies, I was making sure you were really human, and not one of the changelings. Please, have a seat. You look hungry.”
>You helped her over to your “bed” and helped her sit down, then turned to your rucksack for your rations.
>Grabbing a bag of various nuts and dried berries, and your canteen so Crystal would have something to drink, you sat next to her, and handed her the food.
“How did you get here, in Changeling territory?”
>Crystal bit hungrily into a mouthful of the trail mix, swallowing her food before continuing.
>At least she had good manners.
>”A magic spell went wrong, I’ve been here about… a year I think. It’s hard to tell without a calendar, or a sun.”
>A bright idea came on inside your head, and you changed languages, to English.
“I know how that is.”
>”Please, my English is bad…”
>She had the slightest hint of an accent, maybe she was a foreigner. French, perhaps?
>Regardless, she was used to Equestrian by now, and she knew a little English.
>That was proof enough for you.
“I’m sorry, that was fairly ignorant to assume everyone spoke the same language that appeared in this world.”
>”It’s fine Anonymous.”
>RED ALERT
“I never told you my name.”
>”Oh, I heard the drones say it. Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
>She was either a very good liar, or she was telling the truth.
>Either way, you were convinced.
>”I just had to see if the rumors were true. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
“Not a problem ma’am. It’s nice to see a human after so long.”
>”Tell me, what are you doing here? Where did you come from?”
“Equestria, a land full of colorful p0nies, unicorns, and Pegasus. The changelings are threatening to attack, and princess Celestia sent be to try and keep the peace.”
>”She must trust you quite a bit.”
“I was simply the best choice for the job, given the circumstances.”
>”I see… I should go, I feel I have overstayed my welcome. Thank you for the food Anonymous.”
“You’re welcome Crystal. I’m sorry for attacking you.”
>”It’s fine. May I come visit tomorrow, perhaps after you are done with talking with the Queen?”
“I would be ok with that. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night ma’am.”
>”Please, Crystal is fine. Good night Anonymous.”
>Crystal stood, and walked on out of the room, the darkness causing her to walk with uncertainty.
>”Damn she fine!”
>Brain, penis, shut up. It’s time to sleep.
>”Sir, the Queen has asked to begin negotiations now.”
>You rolled onto your back, rubbing your eyes and waited for them to adjust to the dim light
>”Sir-?”
“I’m awake guard. Wait outside in the corridor.”
>The Unicorn bowed his head, and made way out into the hall as you got dressed.
>If you weren’t so tired, you would have grabbed his horn and thrown him out the window.
>But like you said, you were tired.
>That, and you lacked a window to throw him out.
>With your gear on, you strolled into the corridor, and followed the unicorn back to the throne room, his horn lighting the way.
>”Good morning Anonymous, I trust you slept well?”
“Not really, but I have slept worse. Now, shall we get straight to the point? What will it take for you to call off the invasion of Equestria?”
>”No formalities Anon? No small talk?”
“No.”
>Chrysalis strolled to the side of the throne room, sitting beside one of the pools.
>”Come, sit with me Anonymous. Let me tell you why I wish to invade Equestria.”
“If I had to guess, it’s because you live in this shit hole, while the p0nies roam around in big cities and beautiful plains.”
>”Now Anonymous, do you always insult your host’s home?”
>You leaned up against a rock protruding from the ground, keeping your front to Chrysalis.
>”No, I love our hive, even its location in this arid desert does not bother me. It is the lack of food that drives us to war.”
“Again, the first rule of buying a home. Location, location, location.”
>”Are you always this ignorant?”
“Usually, yes. I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m not a politician. I’m more of a-“
>”If I had to guess, a drone or worker. No, wait. You’re size and stature make you more of a soldier.”
“Good assumption. That’s exactly what I am.”
>”Tell me Anon, why would Celestia send a soldier to do a politicians job? Especially a heavily armed one at that.”
“I was the only one available for the job. The weapons are what we humans call, ‘life insurance.’”
>”Indeed. Though you misunderstand what my original point was. Changelings do not ‘eat’, instead, we feed off of p0nies.”
“That is disgusting. How can you call yourself civil?”
>Chrysalis shook her head.
>”You misunderstand me, we do not eat the p0nies. We get energy from their emotions, mainly love, compassion, happiness.”
”Why Equestria?”
>”Two reasons. One, the p0nies are the most loving and carefree society in the world. Two, they are much weaker than changelings. Should we invade Gryphonia, my army would be shred to pieces.”
“I see…”
>”We are a famished society. Living off the scraps of emotion that radiate all the way from Canterlot.”
“Why don’t you just, move? There’s a lot of cities in Equestria. Canterlot, Stalliongrad, Manehatten, Mareami, just to name the biggest.”
>”Would Celestia do that? Allow us to integrate with p0ny society?”
“I will ask, though I can’t guarantee anything.”
>”Such an agreement would be… acceptable…”
“Then I’ll write a letter to the Princess and send a messenger at once. Excuse me.”
>You straightened your body and made your way out of the throne room, leaving the queen to sit by the pool side.
>”My Queen, what do you wish to do now?” A lone guard bowed, awaiting her new plans for the day.
>”Leave me. I think Crystal shall go visit Anonymous. If Celestia refuses, and we attack Canterlot, he may prove to be a very large obstacle.”
>”He is just one being.”
>”One trained for war. Do not underestimate him. Now leave.”
>Chrysalis stood, and totted out after you, keeping a slower pace so she did not alert you to her prescence.
“Take this letter to Celestia, as fast as you can. I want to leave this place as soon as possible.”
>”Yes sir!”
>The Pegasus darted out of the room, oblivious to the naked human girl just outside.
>”Crystal’s” eye glowed green, and another headache lanced through your skull.
“Mother fucker… I swear this place is giving me a brain tumor.”
>”Are you alright Anonymous?”
>You looked up at your doorway, finding Crystal leaned against the door, her arms folded over her breasts.
“I’m fine, this place gives me a head ache.”
>You removed your fatigue jacket, and handed it to Crystal.
“I’d give you a full set of clothes, but I didn’t bring any extras. And I don’t think they would fit you that well.”
>Chrystal slipped the jacket on, and fumbled with the zipper.
“Here. Let me help.”
>You reached over, zipping the jacket so it covered her body, from her chest to just above her lady parts.
>Luna would freak if she saw you like this.
>”Is something wrong? You seem… distracted.”
“Distracted is one word for it.”
>”I’m sorry if I’m not pretty, I do my best.”
“No! It’s not that.”
>”So you think I’m pretty?”
“No, I mean yes, but… god damn it…”
>”What?”
>You face palmed, and sat back on your bed, taking out some food.
“Yes, you are pretty. Just don’t take it the wrong way.”
>”I don’t follow.”
>Man this lady was dense.
“I’m married Crystal, I just want you to know this isn’t going to be a relationship.”
>”Oh. I understand. I just like visiting a human for once. No worries.”
>You placed a piece of dried fruit in your mouth, chewing slowly.
>Another pain shot through your head as you did, and your face twisted with pain.
>You felt a hand on the back of your head, and the headache began to fade away.
>At the same time, your vision distorted, a green haze covering everything.
>”Relax Anonymous.”
>That voice was soothing.
>”Anonymous, may I ask you something?”
“Yeah sure. Whatever you want.”
>”Will you stay here, keep me company? These changelings are…”
“Ugly, disgusting, look like bugs?”
>”That’s mean… but yes, we’ll go with that.”
“I can’t, I belong in Canterlot. With Luna.”
>”Luna is dead Anon. Even we know about that all the way out here. I’m sorry.”
>You snapped out of the trance and broke away from Crystal, putting a few feet between you two.
“Don’t you dare say that again.”
>”I’m sorry Anon. If you need someone to talk to, let me know. I’ll drop by later…”
>Chrystal removed your jacket, laying it aside on the bed and walked out.
>At the same time, you drew a bottle of apple whiskey from your pack.
>You brought it as a pain killer/ disinfectant in case shit hit the fan.
>Now, it was a pain killer for your mind.
>The changelings must be giving her false information, knowing she would bring it up.
>Some kind of psychological warfare, or something.
>You took a large swig of whiskey, propping yourself against the wall.
>Would it kill the universe to let things be good for a little while?

>A few hours later, Crystal retuned, as she said she would.
>Only to find you passed out in your bed, an empty bottle of whiskey dangling from your hand over the side to the bed.
>”Too easy.”
>She placed a hand on your forehead and her eyes glowed green for a moment, as she sifted through your thoughts once more.
>This time, instead of figuring out what made you tick, she went through each and every memory she could find of Luna, and erased it.
>”Hmm… I may as well have some fun…”
>Crystal smiled, crawling under the blanket with you and cuddling close to you.
>It was a bit unpleasant, seeing as you fell asleep in full battle rattle, but she wasn’t after the pleasure.
>If Celestia refused this offer, she might be able to persuade you to stay with her, and fight for the changelings.
>After all, your single biggest tie to Equestria had just been erased, leaving a lot of bad memories of you and Celestia.
>Again, this would almost seem too easy for Crystal.
>The next morning, or what you assumed to be morning, was met with an ear splitting headache.
>You raised an arm to cradle your head, finding it trapped by a weight.
>Crystal was draped over the left side of your body, her head resting on your shoulder.
>Brain, system check. ASAP.
>”Fuck you asshole, do you realize what kind of pain I’m in?”
>Yes, I do. Now do a system check.
>Nope. All you need to know is you have 0 fucks to give, and we aren’t expecting a shipment for at least a week.
>You extended your right arm, gently shaking Crystal from her slumber.
“Crystal, wake up.”
>She stretched her body, and looked up at you with the prettiest eyes you ever did see.
>NO! BAD!
>Wait what? Brain what’s the big deal?
>…I dunno, something feels off.
>Told you to do a system check, get back with me when you’re done.
>”Good morning Anon, sleep well?”
“Yeah, I guess. What are you doing here?”
>You rubbed your head with your free hand, the pain from this hangover was unlike any you had ever felt before.
>”I came to talk to you last night, but you were gone. I helped myself to a few drinks. I’m sorry…”
“It’s fine… I’m just a little confused right now.”
>”As long as you aren’t mad…”
>Crystal smiled, leaning up and kissed you.
>Why did this feel so wrong?
>”Well, I should get going… May I come back tonight?”
“Of course. I have business with the Queen, I’m sure it won’t be too long though. You could probably stay here if you wanted.”
>”No, I would feel too awkward. I’ll see you tonight.”
>Crystal leaned up again, planting yet another kiss on your lips.
>You missed the sensation of human lips, much better than a p0nies.
>Wait, have you kissed a p0ny?
>That’s kinda weird… you don’t remember kissing one.
>But you felt as though you had at some point.
>Maybe one of your drunken moments with Spitfire?
>That was about the only p0ny you could imagine kissing, and even then, you had to be drunk.
>Sure, they were cute and cuddly, but they were still a p0ny.
>Crystal stood from your bed and stretched, allowing you to take in her beauty.
>”Ta ta Anon!”
>She disappeared out your door way, and rose from your bed.
>Your tac-vest was unzipped, most likely by Crystal so she could lay on you somewhat comfortably.
>You rezipped it and waited for the messenger to come with Celestia’s answer.
>Sure enough, the Pegasus came within the hour, dark bags under his eyes from flying all night.
>”Here sir, I came as quickly as I could.”
“Excellent, get some food and rest, make yourself comfortable here if need be.”
>The Pegasus nodded, and promptly collapsed where he stood, snoozing.
>You chucked him on to the bed, and opened the letter.
“Dear Anonymous, Under no circumstance will I allow changelings to reside in my kingdom- GOD DAMNIT!”
>Ok, needless to say you were pissed.
>Chances are, so would the queen.
>You just wanted to leave this place.
>Regardless, you should tell the Queen, so you two could talk over a new plan.
>You made your way to the throne room, finding the queen by one of the pools like she was yesterday.
>”Have you received word from your Princess?”
“Unfortunately I have. She does not want you or your hive in her land. I was hoping we could come up with a different compromise.”
>”This compromise was more than fair!”
“Celestia is not the most trusting p0ny in Equestia. Having a hive of changelings hiding in plain sight unnerves me even.”
>”You think we would go back on our word to remain peaceful with Equestria? We do not wish to kill the greatest source of emotion in the world!”
“Regardless, Celestia doesn’t trust you, and she has a final say in the matter.”
>Chrysalis stood, in an attempt to look you in the eyes.
>”Tell your princess, that if we are not allowed into your Equestria, we will come in by force.”
>You stared down at the queen, but she was clearly committed to taking Equestia.
“I will send a letter to Celestia, explaining the situation.”
>You spun on your heel, and made your way past a pair of guards that were ready to pounce on you the moment you laid a hand on you, brushing them aside.
>The small amount of contact was met with a hoof to the back, sending you sprawling into the nearby pool.
>You rolled on your back in the shallow water, rifle ready, and fired a controlled pair at the two guards.
>They each crumpled to the ground, but only to be replaced by four more soldier changelings.
>”STOP!”
>You were grabbed by a green aura, and lifted out of the pool.
>”I have no wish for violence, return to your chambers, and send your letter. I do not want any more delays.”
>She turned to the guards, her voiced hissing with anger.
>”Take these failures, and dispose of their bodies.”
“I apologi-“
>”Silence! Return to your room, and do not speak to me until you have the princess’ reply.”
>You nodded, and left the throne room, just behind the other changelings as they hauled their dead companions away.
>Discarding your wet fatigues, you wrapped yourself in a blanket, and quickly wrote a letter to Celestia
>“Dear Princess Celestia, the changelings refuse to agree to any sort of compromise other than the aforementioned one in my previous letter. I ask you to reconsider, or gather allies for war. If I may suggest, the changelings appear to fear the griffons, they may prove to be a great ally.”
“Pegasus!”
>The guard woke with a start, looking around the room.
>”Did I pass out?”
“Yes, and as much as I hate to send you out again, I have another letter.”
>”I’ll leave at once sir.”
“Then go, come back as quickly as you can, and prepare to leave as soon as you are ready to get back.”
>”Sir?”
“I suspect Celestia will stand by her agreement. I don’t wish to be captured as a prisoner of war.”
>”Right away sir.”
>The Pegasus raced off down the hallway, and out of the spire once more, taking flight toward Equestria.
>”How did the meeting go, Anonymous?”
>Crystal came behind you, wrapping her arms around you.
“Not well. You have good timing though, you always seem to show up just as I’m getting in from our meetings.”
>”Heh, I think the whole hive heard those gunshots. I assumed the meeting was over.”
>Another pain lanced through your head, and you reflexively held you head it in your hand.
>”Lay down dear, let me help.”
>You started to protest, but your limbs seemed to take over with a mind of their own.
>Laying on the bed, you felt Crystal climb on you, sitting down over your rear end.
>Her hands danced across your shoulders and neck, massaging them gently.
>”It’s so good to feel another human after so long.”
“It is.”
>Brain, did I authorize that sentence for departure?
>I dunno.
>”Do you feel better?”
“Much”
>”Good… good…”
>You felt a sharp pain on the side of your neck as bit down, and your entire body seemed to go numb.
>She rolled over on your back, repositioning over your crotch.
>“Let me make you feel better, love.”
>Something felt wrong, what it was you weren’t sure.
>But you had been here a year, surrounded by p0nies.
>It was time to cut lose.
>You pulled Crystal down close to you, locking lips once more.
>Crystal lay next to you in bed, a warm glow emanated from her pale face, even in the dim light.
>You needed that, so much tension built up, released all at once.
>Still you had a mission to do.
>Like your everyday James Bond, you slipped from your lovers arms and grabbed your assault pack, donning fatigues silently as you could.
>They were still damp, but you weren’t about to run around this hive naked while you planted C4 all around the interior.
>The place was a dark maze in itself, leaving you to wander about the hive in search of a good place to put the charges.
>You paused in the middle of a hallway, drawing your knife.
>You had a theory, may as well test it.
>Driving the blade into the wall, you found you could cut into it fairly easily.
>Removing a chunk of the organic material, you took a five pound charge from your backpack, armed it, and set it inside the cavity.
>You had ten charges, each five pounds.
>You didn’t expect to cause too much damage to the hive, but enough explosives should cause quite the shitstorm if you need to get away.
>You took a few more turns, cutting holes into the walls, and then filling each hole with a charge.
>You made your way outside and into the desert, discovering it was night time.
>Guess that meant it was time for bed.
>You armed the last charge, placing it under a bit of dirt a few meters in front of main entrance.
“Just for an explosive exit. Heh, reminds me of burrito night back on Earth.”
>Ok, that joke was bad.
>Regardless of your lack of comedic genius, you made your way inside and back to your room.
>Crystal had woken up, and had done her best to get in a sexy pose for you.
>”Do you always make love and run away?”
“I merely went out for a stroll.”
>You dropped your gear, tossed aside your damp clothes, and rejoined Crystal in bed, cuddling up to recover what body heat the cold desert air had stolen from you.
>”Do you think Celestia will agree to the conditions?”
“No. I honestly don’t.”
>”What will you do? Will you try for peace again?”
“I’ll return to Equestria and get ready for war.”
>”No!”
>You looked over at crystal, and into her eyes.
>”Stay here… with me. I don’t want to be alone again.”
“I have to. It’s my duty.”
>”Did you swear an oath?”
“Well no-“
>”Did you enlist in her guard?”
“No but-“
>”Then you have no duty other than to yourself. Stay with me.”
>Crystal shifted away, then climbed over top of you.
>”Stay with me forever.”
>Roundtwo.exe