CYOA - Spitfire

>the Everfree Forest was quite spectacular
>mysterious plants and vile creatures made up every inch of the place
>Twilight had warned you of the dangers in here
>knowing that she is a smart pony, you took her warnings to heart
>on the way to Zecora she taught you many things about the strange herbs
>you had always wanted to go here
>and escorting Twilight on her journey to the zebra's home seemed a fitting time
>with the smart unicorn at your side, you feared not the wild forest
>now, however, you were quite alone
>you had stopped for but a moment to inspect a most wondrous plant growing on a tree
>and a brief moment is all the Everfree Forest needs
>Twilight had disappeared
>you tried so very desperately to find her, but to no avail
>hours of cautious stumbling around later, you finally admitted defeat
>you were lost
>for now, you were resting in a clearing in the forest
>fighting the rising panic you tried planning your next move
>your best shot seemed to be simply moving in one direction
>hoping to escape this horrid place
>as you get up, a terrible screech floods the woods
>it chills you to your very bone
>for a moment, you wait
>yet no creature appears to devour you
>instead, you see a flash of bright yellow slamming into a nearby tree
>looking around frantically, you spot something lying on the ground
>it looks like a pony
>it's definitely hurt
>unconscious

>you rush to the pony's limp body
>it's definitely a mare
>you better check her for injuries
>looks like she crashed quite hard
>with careful movements, you put the pony up against the tree
>her left wing is busted pretty badly
>she's also got some cuts on her face
>nothing too serious, luckily
>she probably won't be flying for a while, though
>as you're checking the rest of her body, she groans quietly
"Hey, are you okay?"
>she isn't capable of answering at all
>you hold up her head for her as she wakes up
>her eyes flutter and her head sways
>once again she groans
>"Wha... What happened?"
>you're not sure if she's talking to you or herself
>but answering seems like a good idea
"You crashed. Don't move your wing, it's looking pretty rough."
>she's still groggy from the crash
>with a shake of her head, she seems to clear her mind
>at the sight of you, she shrieks
>she starts wailing hooves of fury at you
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
>her body wasn't quite ready for a workout like that
>she tumbles over and groans yet again
>"Ugh, sorry."
"It's all right. Are you okay? Can you move?"
>the poor pony still hasn't recovered from the crash
>"I - ugh - think so. Just... gimme a minute."
>you give her two
>once she's finally regained her composure, she looks around
>"Where are we? And who are you?"

>no point in lying to this pony
>you're in this mess together
"I'm Anon. I'm a human. Been living in Ponyville for a while now. Long story. We're in the Everfree Forest. Also, we're lost."
>the yellow pony doesn't seem too happy with that information
>"Damn it."
>she seems to contemplate the situation for a second
>"All right, I'll fly out and get help, you stay right here."
>before you can protest, she starts flapping her wings
>she really shouldn't have done that
>her face distorts into pure pain
>she sticks a hoof in her mouth and muffles the scream
>you see tears forming in her eyes
>that wing is in worse shape than you thought
>it takes her a minute to calm down once more
>"Well... that plan's busted."
>she's still huffing from the ordeal
"What do we do, then?"
>the yellow pony is just staring at the ground
>"We have to find ponies; and fast. We're dead meat without help."
>you hear yourself gulp
>"I don't know much about this place. Any suggestions?"

>you think for a moment before speaking
>gotta weigh every option before deciding
>finally you remember why you were out here in the first place
"We could try to find Zecora's hut."
>the yellow pony looks confused
"She's a Zebra. Apparently she lives out here. I was going to her with Twilight the unicorn, but I got lost. She ought to be able to help us."
>your companion thinks about it for a second
>she nods in agreement
>"Getting help from a Zebra brave enough to live out here does sound like a good idea. Lead on."
>you take another look at her wing
>it is most definitely not supposed to be positioned like that
>without a word you start grabbing sticks and smoothing them out with your hands
>the pony is just staring at you
>"What are you doing?"
>you don't reply
>you're too focused on finding good sticks
>once you've gotten enough, you rip some fabric from your shirt
>with it, you bind together the sticks
>voilà, a make-shift splint
>ripping a larger piece of fabric from your shirt, you approach the pony
>"Woah woah, hold on. You aren't touching my wing."
"It's gotta be done. You're never gonna fly again if we don't try to fix it at least a little."
>she knows you're right
>as a result she just groans
>"Fine! Just get it over with."
>while you're no doctor, you know how to apply this properly
>you try to be gentle, but wings are very sensitive
>the pony flinches at your every touch
>but she takes it like a champ
>within a few moments, the splint is applied

"You better not move that wing at all, you hear me?"
>the yellow pony snorts and gives you a look
>"Are you crazy? Moving even a feather of that thing hurts more than the crash did."
>not exactly the response you were looking for, but it would have to do
>now to find Zecora's hut
>truth be told, you had no idea what direction to go in
>as you look around at the possible options, the yellow pony speaks again
>"By the way, I'm Spitfire. And, thanks."
>that gets your attention
"Spitfire? The famous Wonderbolt?"
>she puffs herself up a little
>"The one and only."
>her ego certainly doesn't seem hurt from the fall
"What are you doing out here?"
>Spitfire sighs
>"I was on my routine tour around the forest. I check on it once a week to make sure everything is in order. I flew too close to the trees this time around, and the rest is history."
>you know how fast some pegasi can fly
>if anything actually managed to hit her mid-flight, you were right to be scared
>"Anyway, let's find that Zebra."
>you nod
>there's only three visible paths around you
>back the way you entered the clearing
>you distinctly remember some funky looking blue plants back there
>down a dark and dampy pathway
>it looks quite gloomy
>or the absurdly foggy pathway
>seriously foggy
>you can only barely see the path to begin with

>honestly, you have no clue which way to go
>but the gloomy pathway seems reasonable
>Twilight mentioned Zecora being some sort of shaman
>voodoo magic and all that jazz
>dark and gloomy seemed right up her alley
>so it would make sense for her hut to be in that direction
>obviously, Spitfire doesn't need to know that you have no idea where Zecora is
"That way."
>you point towards the pathway
>you half expected Spitfire to object
>yet all she does is mumble in agreement
>you gulp one last time before embarking on your journey towards civilisation
>although the pathway looked uncomfortable from the clearing, it was far worse once you actually went down it
>all the trees around you were rotten to the core
>dead plants littered the ground
>and a deafening silence shook the entire forest
>on the inside, you were shaking like a little girl
>but you didn't let that show at all
>with head held high, you lead the way for you and your companion
>Spitfire seemed more cautious
>not scared
>just cautious
>then again, she did know the dangers of the forest better than you
>after walking for ten minutes in utter silence, you want to speak
>but you are interrupted before ever opening your mouth
>through the nearby bushes you hear a stomp and a 'woosh'
>both you and Spitfire stop dead in your tracks
>another stomp, another 'woosh'
>now you're really starting to shake

>no, fuck that
>this isn't the time to be afraid of noises
>you toughen up and place yourself in the middle of the path
>"What are you doing?!" Spitfire whispers at you
>she's probably right, you shouldn't be doing this
>but you can't hide from everything in this forest
>you slowly scan the area, looking for any abnormalities
>you find hundreds
>this is the Everfree Forest after all
>after carefully scanning everything around you, it returns
>a stomp
>and a 'woosh'
>you almost shit your pants as a cloaked figure appears right in front of you
>quickly calming yourself down from the freakout, you brace yourself for attack
>but none comes
>it's just standing there
>you can just barely make out its yellow eyes underneath the hood
>"A most unusual creature, you are."
>the voice is deep, though female
>"From the Everfree Forest, you are not."
>Spitfire has worked up some courage now
>she's standing next to you
>you're not sure if the creature asked you something, but you feel you should reply
"I'm a human. And what might you be?"
>the creature lifts its head and eyes you
>"I hail from the Savannas to the south. I am a zebra."
>she throws down her hood
>indeed it was a zebra
>albeit with long, luscious, white hair adorned with trinkets
>around her neck hangs a wax doll in a cord
>she really has this witch doctor feel going on
>"I have heard tales of your kind. Terrifying tales of dark magic and twisted men."
>she sure is a joyous one

>Twilight did mention Zecora being sort of odd once in a while
>but if she's a friend of Twilight and a native of this forest, she can help you
"I'm not sure what you've heard, and frankly, I don't care much right now. Me and my friend here are lost. Can you help us out? Zecora, right? Twilight -"
>the zebra stomps her hoof into the ground
>whether by chance or intention, a crack of lighting roars in the same instant
>"Do not speak of me as The Betrayer!"
>you hear Spitfire gulp beside you
>better try not to piss off the voodoo zebra
"S-sorry. I thought there was only one zebra living in this forest."
>"And you would be quite right!"
>the zebra is glaring daggers into your eyes
>it hurts to look, but you fear the consequences for disrespecting her during conversation
>"I do not wish to be here any more than you. And that is why I am leaving this place."
>with that, she swoops past the two of you
>"Wait, she knows the way out!"
>Spitfire's brain seems faster than your own
>or maybe you were busy screaming like a little girl inside your head
>"Hey! Wait!"
>the zebra turns to face you
>once more she looks at you in contempt
>"What now, pony?"
>"We're lost. And you obviously know the way out. Can't we follow you?"
>the zebra snorts
>"A bipedal and injured pegasus would only slow me down."
>before Spitfire can fire off a harsh remark, she continues
>"And his kind are not welcome in my land."
>with that, she turns to leave
>Spitfire looks astonished

>you have no idea what this zebra is going on about
>but she is your best shot of getting out alive
>you're not letting her go without any information
"Hey! Zebra!"
>she turns on the spot
>her entire body speaks of her fury and anger
>"You shall not speak a word to me!"
>her hair starts floating upwards, as does her coat
>it's a risk you have to take
"All I want to know is: where does the path you came from lead?"
>for a moment, her demeanour changes
>she seems calm, serene
>"To your salvation. Or your doom. Make your choice."
>she stomps her hoof into the ground
>'woosh'
>the zebra vanished
"Well, that sure was comforting."
>Spitfire sighs and looks to you
>"Come on, let's get moving."
>you nod in agreement
>the journey down the gloomy path continues
>Spitfire looks creeped out
>while you were too, at first, worry has taken its place
>you hear Spitfire groaning quietly as you walk together
>"Stupid ziggers", she mumbles
>you chucke at her remark
>she looks at you in confusion
"Oh. It's, uh, nothing. Long story."
>"Whatever."
>after walking for a few minutes more, you reach a junction
>there are two pathways
>both of the two are identical
>except the flowers on the right are red
>and on the left they are blue

>this time, Spitfire speaks up
>"I think we should pick the left path."
"I was actually thinking of going right."
>she just gives you this look
>"You claimed to know where Zecora was. You didn't even know what she looks like! I think I'll trust my word over yours right now."
>she did raise a good point
"Sorry."
>she snorts and continues down the left path
>not wanting to be here alone, you follow her
>as you take your first steps down the road, a strong wind blows through the treetops
>a chill runs down your spine
>you're positive the winds just whispered the word "doom"
"Did you hear that?"
>Spitfire stops up and listens for a second
>"Hear what? It's the wind."
"It's just... never mind."
>the two of you continue down the road, being wary of the plants
>Twilight told you of a plant called posion joke, which is blue
>you don't feel like walking in silence any longer, so you speak up
"You know, I've got a friend who'd be incredibly jealous if she knew I was with you right now."
>Spitfire doesn't even bat an eye
>"A lot of ponies would. The Wonderbolts are quite popular in Equestria."
"Yeah, you guys are pretty good."
>Spitfire shakes her head
>"pretty good", she mumbles
>your stomach interrupts her mumbling with a loud groan
>you must have been in here longer than you thought
>"You hungry too, eh?"
>you nod
>unfortunately, you don't know of any plants which are safe for eating
>you also don't know where you are
>or where Zecora is
>life isn't all that great

>you wish Spitfire would at least be nicer to you
>after all, the two of you are stuck together until you find a way out
>as you move along the path, you decide to tell a few jokes
"Hey, Spitfire?"
>"Mhm?"
"What do you call a zebra with a saddlebag?"
>she almost stops in surprise
>obviously not what she was expecting
>"Uh, I dunno?"
"A thief."
>she actually snorts out a laugh
>"Hah, what the hell, man?"
>you just smile at her
>finally she's cheering up
"Do you know why Soarin' is so attracted to Applejack?"
>Spitfire's eyes turn skyward
>"Oh, Celestia. No, why?"
"He wants to eat her apple pie."
>she graces you with a full laugh this time
>her voice is quite heart-warming
>sort of rough for a woman, but it fits her
>"He'll never hear the end of that, will he?"
>you chuckle
"Probably not."
>all the way down the path, the two of you exchange jokes
>you don't understand all of the ones she tells you
>many of them involve stereotypical portrayals of ponies, which you are not familiar with
>but you're having great fun
>none of you are focusing on your growing hunger
>or the fact that you're lost
>"salvation"
>you stop
"There it is again!"
>Spitfire looks worried
>"What is?"
"That voice. From before!"
>"I think you've gotten too spooked out, man. You need to calm down. There's no voices."
>maybe she's right
>maybe you're going crazy
>"We should get some rest, anyway."
>you agree
>there's a clearing up ahead
>but also what looks like a cave nearby

"Let's go for the clearing. Can't risk animals living in that cave already."
>Spitfire nods in agreement
>after but a few moments of walking, the two of you reach the clearing
>the grass here is actually green
>soft, too
>it'll be quite a nice place to get some rest
>the only disadvantage is being out in the open
>"I'll take a look around, see if the coast is clear."
"Be careful."
>Spitfire just smiles and hurries off
>you take a look around the clearing
>there's nothing but overgrown shrubberies and plants all around you
>you don't see anything moving
>hopefully no animals live near here
>"ARGH!"
>shit
>you haul your ass towards Spitfire
"Spitfire?! Are you okay?!"
>your companion comes running back to you
"Are you hurt?"
>"I'm not sure. For a second my neck stung like hell."
"Here, let me take a look."
>you inspect all of her neck in great detail
>with your fingers you move all of her fur in every spot
>but there's nothing to be seen
"I don't see anything. Maybe it was just cramps."
>"Maybe."
>she doesn't sound too convinced
>neither are you ,really
>"Let's just get some rest."
>you're not sure if the both of you sleeping at the same time is such a good idea
>who knows what evils lurk these woods

>nothing seems to be near the two of you
>you haven't even seen any wildlife so far
>sleeping at the same time should be fine
>you lay down in the grass and exhale calmly
>Spitfire lays down next to you
>for a moment you lay there in complete silence
>this forest is unusually quiet
>you've heard many stories of this place and the horrors within
>the silence feels wrong
>but luckily, Spitfire breaks it
>"We should probably, uh, you know, keep each other, ehm, warm... and stuff."
>you turn your head to her and smile
>she's actually blushing ever so slightly
>you shuffle over to her and engage in big spoon mode
>you place your left arm around her
>she coos softly
>you dunno what the fuck to do with your right arm though
>fuck this shitty sleeping position
>at least you get to hold Spitfire
>it makes you feel safe
>like your childhood plushie always did
>Spitfire would protect you from the monsters
>you notice her mane smells spicy
>it's quite a weird smell for hair, but it's pleasing
>it doesn't take long before the two of you drift off
>a whole night of rest will do wonders for you

>sleeping out in the open really does wonders for your mind and body
>maybe with the exception of your right arm
>as you open your eyes, you realise the two of you shuffled around during the night
>Spitfire is facing you and has her muzzle nuzzled into your neck
>she's also got a hoof on your cheek
>you're glad she isn't awake to see you blushing
>maybe you spoke too soon
>her eyes flutter for a second before finally opening
>when she realises how you're lying, she immediately retreats
>"I, uh, must've shifted in my sleep."
"Yeah, guess we did."
>she gives you an odd smile and gets up
>you immediately notice something's wrong
>she places a hoof to her neck and starts swaying heavily
>"Ugh..."
>you rush up and grab a hold of her
"Spitfire? Spitfire!"
>she doesn't seem to register any of your words
>this is bad
>"doom"
>this time, the voice doesn't sound like some omnipotent being
>it's coming straight from Spitfire's mouth
>"Ugh... my head."
"Spitfire, are you okay? Let me see your neck."
>she reluctantly moves her hoof
>you gasp in horror
>a large patch of her fur has turned a putrid, greenish color
>this is REALLY bad
"Are you okay, Spitfire?"
>she nods shakily

>Spitfire is screwed
>there's no way she's walking anywhere herself
>and you have to find help fast
>you gently grab her and lift her up in your arms
>granted, you have no fucking clue where to get help
>but one way must be just as good as the next
>you start running
>not as fast as you could go
>but there's a lot of things to look out for in this tretcherous forest
"ZECORA!? TWILIGHT!? ANYONE!?"
>all you hear is your own eccho in the distance
>Spitfire is groaning and panting in your arms
>you feel the tears coming
>although you have no idea what will happen to her or when, you know it's bad and soon
>for minutes you run, screaming at the top of your lungs
>no response ever comes
>"doom"
>once again from Spitfire's mouth
"Shut up, Spitfire! That isn't helping!"
>she doesn't respond to you
"Fuck! TWILIGHT, PLEASE!"
>all you see is plants and vines all around you
>except for one tree in particular
>you noticed it last night
>it had a strange carving in it
>circles within circles
>it was right next to the clearing
>but you've been running away from that for ages
>you look back
>although you've been running for ten minutes straight, the clearing is right there
>no more than 20 seconds away
>you start running again
>after a few minutes you stop
>the tree is back
>the clearing is right behind you
>"doom"

>you can't take it any longer
>the floodgates open
>tears stream from your face and onto Spitfire
"WHAT DO YOU WANT!?!"
>you scream louder than your lungs normally would allow
"WHY WON'T YOU LET US LEAVE!?!"
>you pierce the heavens with a roar of fury and wrath
>as you let everything out, you hang your head in defeat and cry
>you cry for this pony in your arms
>you cry for what will happen to her
>you cry for all you have wronged
>all you are, all you were, in this moment it matters not
>the only thing you want is Spitfire
>you want her to get up and be well
>for minutes you sit there, bawling your eyes out
>and when the final tear falls, you simply watch the panting pony in your arms
>you stroke her mane with your hand
>you nuzzle her cheek with your finger
>you place your hand on her blemished spot
"Let me carry this burden. Spare her. Please."
>you whisper into the woods
>"salvation"
>Spitfire
>she spoke
>you look down at her
>her panting has decreased
>her coat is returning to normal
>slowly, but surely, she is turning yellow again
>you laugh
>you laugh more than you have ever laughed in your life
>you grab that little pony and hug her tight
>"You're... mashing... me!"
>you let go and stare at her, laughing all the while
>Spitfire looks concerned
>"Dude, are you all right?"
"You're damn straight I am!"
>"Yeah... okay."

"Yeah... I'm, okay."
>you feel dizzy
>"Dude?"
>an immense weariness claims your body
>you lose control of yourself and fall backwards
>before your eyes close, you see Spitfire's concerned face

>when you finally regain consciousness, nothing seems to have changed
>you're still right where you passed out
>not that you expected Spitfire to haul your body around
>a throbbing pain has overtaken your head
>your stomach, too, is begging for attention
>you sit up, which turns out to be a horrible decision
>your entire body aches
>but you can't keep lying around here
>Spitfire is sitting a few metres away
"Hey, Spitfire. Sorry about that."
>she doesn't reply
>nervousness rises
"Spitfire? A-are you okay?"
>"Don't speak to me."
>her tone is unlike anything you've heard so far
>she's cold, distant
"What's wrong?"
>she turns her face towards you
>she looks shit
>tears are streaming from her face
>"You're a fucking pig, that's what!"
>she's sobbing through every word
"W-what? What did I do?"
>"Oh, don't give me that shit! You're only being nice to me to get in bed with me, and you know it! Don't deny it, I heard you in your sleep! 'Oh, Spitfire, take it all!' You disgusting fuck!"
>you are at a loss for words
>granted, she was an attractive pony
>but you never thought about her like that
>survival was your number one priority
>"doom"
>you look up
>an owl is sitting on a branch, watching you
>"doom"

>you look back to Spitfire
>in her eyes you see no anger, nor fury
>only the coldness of an icy heart
>the emptiness of a broken pony
>you remember the voice
>they are always there
>always teasing you, taunting you
>maybe you're supposed to take the bait
"Well, you do have a nice ass."
>"doom"
>fuck
>you look back at the owl
>it has grown
>its eyes have turned red
>feathers are decaying
>"WHAT?!"
>your attention snaps back to Spitfire
>wrath has replaced her empty stare
>her chest is heaving rapidly
>"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
>you're lost
>you were so sure you were to take the bait
>"doom"
"SHUT UP FUCKING OWL!"
>"Don't you change the subject!"
>Spitfire is moving towards you
>you try to back up
>but you are still too weak after passing out
>she gets right up in your face
>her eyes are mere inches from yours
>"What did you just say, you disgusting creep? Say it again, I dare you."
>gulp

>you stare into her eyes for what feels like ages
>she is piercing your very soul with these eyes
>"doom"
>the owl is still watching
>still knowing
>you gulp one last time
"Y-you have a nice ass."
>it tips Spitfire over the edge
>her eyes go crazy
>she is panting right in your face
>with the mightiest of roar she stands up on her hind legs
>the roar shakes the very forest ground
>leaves fall from the trees
>bushes are blown through the air
>the owl disappears
>as she finishes her roar, you prepare yourself for the end
>this is it
>you're done for
>you can't fight her in your current state
>all you can do is wait
>you are at her complete mercy
>she stares at you for but a moment more
>you close your eyes and wait for it all to end
>instead you hear her whisper in your ear
>"salvation"
>a force unknown grabs you
>rips you from your spot in the forest
>it throws your body through matter itself
>and it slams you back onto the grassy, forest ground
>with a sharp gasp you open your eyes
>heaving for air and coughing violently
>"Anon!"
>you hear Spitfire
>and a moment later you feel her
>her hooves are wrapped around you
>"I thought you'd never wake up!"
>she's sobbing
>crying, even
"I-I'm okay."
>after calming yourself down and regulating your breath, you hug her back
>you sit like this for a moment
>just the two of you
>peace and quiet
>Spitfire sobs and giggles
>"I-I found food!"
>she presents all manner of plants to you
>"They're fine, don't worry."

>before you begin eating, you want to talk
"Spitfire, I just had the most horrible nightmare. We were right here, but, you hated me. Wanted to hurt me."
>Spitfire looks taken aback by this
>"What? Why? You've never done anything wrong."
"I was talking in my sleep. Saying... things. You were about to kill me, I think. And there was that voice again. The same word. 'Doom'. But for some reason, it all worked out."
>Spitfire is munching on some plants
>you hope she's right about them
>"How?" she mumbles with her mouth full
>you shrug
"I told you the truth, I guess."
>she gulps loudly as she swallows her food
>"So, what was the truth?"
>you didn't expect that question
>a warmth is spreading in your cheeks
>Spitfire is just giving you a cheeky smile
>"What?"
"I, uh, said you had... a nice ass."
>now Spitfire is the one to turn red
>she's scratching the back of her neck
>giggling awkwardly
>"Uh, thanks. Your's isn't too bad either, I guess."
>you share the awkwardness together as you finish your meal
>despite it being just plants, it was quite a good meal
>then again, magical plants and all that
>you get up and look around
>"Any ideas, champ?" Spitfire asks

"We could see what's in the cave."
>Spitfire raises an eyebrow at that
>"Why do you want to go into a cave that's potentially occupied?"
>you shrug
"I don't know, but it feels right. Like we have to go in there."
>Spitfire just eyes you cautiously
>"All right, I trust you. Let's go."
>the two of you begin trekking towards the cave
>it's only a couple of minutes worth of walking away
>you chit-chat on the way
>you've actually grown accustomed to this whole situation
>you're quite enjoying Spitfire's company as well
>with smiles you approach the cave
>it's quite a bit bigger than you first expected
>the real eye-catcher, however, is the torch at the entrance
>"This looks suspicious."
>you have to agree with Spitfire
>but everything so far has been extremely suspcious
"I think we should check it out. I don't think everything in this forest is what it seems."
>you cautiously grab the torch and slowly step inside
>instead of a grand cave, you are presented with a narrow tunnel
>slowly you walk inside
>as you get closer, you hear noises coming from inside
>you can't quite make out what they are supposed to be
>Spitfire motions for you to be quiet
>you nod and continue on
>as the noises increases, caveman-like writing appears on the walls
>"doom"
>everywhere
>it's covering the entire tunnel wall
>Spitfire still doesn't seem to notice
>you can see the end of the tunnel coming up
>the noises are loud now
>they sound like a mixture of roars and ... moans?

>you look to Spitfire
>she mouths you a "What the fuck?"
>still you continue going
>as you reach the final step before the entrance to the actual cave, a particularly loud moan echoes of the walls
>you have no idea what is in store for you
>the sight before your eyes is not at all what you would have expected from a cave in the Everfree Forest
>a grand, round cave room
>it must be at least fifty metres to the top of the cave
>and every single inch of it is plastered in "doom"
>but what is directly in the middle of the room is what makes your jaw drop
>right there, right in front of you is Rainbow Dash
>her back is turned to you
>she is shackled to the floor
>you have no idea how
>it's like the shackles are part of the cave itself
>Dash is alternating between roaring and moaning
>her tail has been lifted high up and kept in place by another shackle
>"What. The. Fuck."
>Spitfire is the first to speak
>she is watching in absolute horror
>Dash notices the noise and looks back at you
>"ANON!"
>she doesn't sound relieved
>she sounds eager
>"Anon! Please! I need you! Right now! Take me! Take me right here! I NEED it!"
>you watch in absolute disbelief as Dash pleads with you
>"I'll even let you come inside! Come on! Take me! TAKE ME! Oh, Celestia, Anon! I'm so wet, I can't take it! Please! You can do anything you want to me!"
>her voice isn't pleading
>it's still eager
>her eyes are inviting you in
>telling you it's all right
>she licks her lips slowly

>"Seriously, what the fuck?"
>Spitfire is still in shock
>you're just watching Dash
>watching her presenting herself to you
>her dripping marehood winking at you
>her eyes asking you to do what a real man would do
>you feel yourself harden
>no, this is not right
>something is gravely wrong
>Dash would never act like this
>someone must have used a spell on her
>some sort of magic
>if this is even the real Dash
>you move towards her
>"DUDE!"
>Spitfire sounds utterly disgusted
>"Oh, YES! Anon! Come to me! Give it to me!"
>you ignore both of them as you proceed towards Dash
>your mind is free
>a blank slate
>as you reach Dash, you hear Spitfire snort
>you give Dash a smile and pat her head
>she looks disappointed
>angry, even
>you kneel down and inspect the shackles
>they're almost half a meter thick
>you have no idea how you're going to break this
>might as well start somewhere
>you reach out
>"CHOOSE!"
>a booming, dark voice echoes throughout the cave
>you look up
>nothing is there
>you feel sweat forming on your forehead
>after waiting a few minutes you reach out yet again
>when you are inches away from the chain, it returns
>"CHOOSE!"
>the writing on the walls is changing now
>being replaced with the very same word
>"choose"
>you suddenly hear a sharp gasp from Spitfire
>shackles are erupting from the cave floor
>pinning her inside just like Dash is
>"Anon! Help!"
>she's struggling
>it's pointless
>"CHOOSE!"
>"CHOOSE!"
>"CHOOSE!"

>"CHOOSE!"
>"CHOOSE!"
>"CHOOSE!"
>the voice keeps going
>echoing off the walls
>devouring your mind
>Dash is screaming obscenities at you
>Spitfire is pleading for help
>all the while this voice is thundering inside your head
>it's driving you crazy
>a constant hammer smashing you inside your mind
>Spitfire crying
>Rainbow Dash moaning
>it's too much
>you can't think
>"I CHOOSE BOTH!"
>silence
>ear-shattering silence
>then a light woosh
>followed by a loud crack
>you turn around to see what is going on
>the words are falling off of the walls
>one by one
>smashing into the floor
>disappearing
>it doesn't take long before all of them go drop
>Spitfire screams as one heads straight towards her
>however, it falls straight through her
>shatters on the floor
>as the last word drops
>and it crashes against the floor
>the shackles are broken
>Spitfire and Dash rush to you
>casting themselves into your arms
>you hold them close
>hug them
>the voice returns
>yet far gentler
>far more near
>far more real
>directly behind you
>"Salvation."

>you turn to face the voice
>and right there she stands
>the zebra
>she looks at you with motherly eyes
>a smile on her face
>"Salvation, my child."
>the three of you are speechless
>you want to ask
>want to hurt
>want her far away from here
>but you say nothing
>"You have proven yourself worthy, my child. You have passed every test I have set forth. Every challenge, every struggle. You have prevailed. Through your righteous choices, YOU have reached zen."
>you feel a tear creeping down your cheek
>falling to the floor as she speaks
>with the two mares in your arms
>trembling
>watching
>"You have proven that humans and ponies are just as capable as the Old Zebras. Through your journey with your companion, you have shown her the virtues of Nok, Baaj, Mihjal, Rorohk, Atash, and now, finally Rijj."
>she speaks in strange tongues
>speaks with such wisdom
>such motherly love
>"We did not believe you to be capable of these feats. We feared the ponies, and now, you. The human. For centures you have been gone, but now. Now there is you. And you have shown, that even humans can spread the divine blessing of Washar."
>you understand her not
>her words are so very strange to you
>but you feel their truth in your heart
>you cry at her hooves
>she smiles
>smiles at you
>you did well
>"Go now. Go home. Spread the teachings you have learned. Live your life. Live it well. Be happy. And never forget Washar."
>a blinding light strikes you, and everything goes white

>as the light fades you close your eyes
>you dare not open them
>you are still holding Rainbow Dash and Spitfire close to you
>hugging them so very tightly
>as if they may disappear at any moment
>but you open your eyes
>and there they are
>in your home
>your house
>sitting on the floor
>it's mid-day outside
>you're home
>it's over
>a surge of happiness courses through your body
>you laugh liked you have never laughed before
>you're safe
>all three of you
>you did it
>you WON
>the laughter continues as you hug the two mares
>Spitfire simply cries
>Rainbow Dash is silent
>in shock
>but you laugh
>you won
>nobody was harmed
>you all got out safe
>and now, now life can truly begin
>it's a beautiful day with so much to see
>so very many things to do
>ponies to help
>ponies to have fun with
>you rush outside
>and you hug every single pony you can find
>some of them find you strange
>odd
>but you are not
>you are simply happy

>it's evening
>you, Spitfire, Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Spike are all in the library with Twilight
>Twilight is quietly scanning a large, old book
>everyone watches her in complete silence
>earlier you recounted the tales of the Everfree Forest
>of what you and Spitfire went through
>only because you were many did they believe you
>but Twilight
>Twilight simply asked you to wait
>she had looked in many books, tomes and scrolls
>and now she had finally found it
>"Here it is. The 'Test of Washar'. It was an old ritual performed in the Savannas by the ancient zebras. It was a test of resolve and strength of character. Each zebra would face a series of challenges, testing their faith in each of the ancient gods."
>nobody spoke a word
>you had questions, but you were sure they would be answered
>"There was Nok, the goddess of kindness. Baaj, the god of generosity. Mihjal, the god of laughter. Rorohk, the goddess of honesty. Atash, the god of loyalty. And finally Rijj, the goddess of Magic."
>all eyes around the table went wide
>how could you not have seen it?
>it was all so very obvious
>their religion
>their beliefs
>it wasn't some crazy voodoo mumbo jumbo
>it was simply this
>"These were the six gods who ruled the people. All united under Washar, the one, true god. He brought peace and prosperity to the land."
>Twilight closed the book
>everyone sat in silence
>finally realising what you had gone through
>you and they were not so different

End.