Week Long Vacation (CYOA) [Day 3 & 4]

Day 3
>You feel really groggy.
>Didn't really sleep pleasantly.
>Who would be able to sleep pleasantly in this state anyway?
>The time is now 4:21 a.m.
>Get out of bed?


>You lay in bed for a few more minutes.
>It's strangely quiet.
>Getting off the bed, you trot outside of the bedroom.
>You don't see Grace's mom around.
>Maybe she's asleep in her room?
>There's a note on the fridge, telling you to eat whatever you wish.
>A quick breakfast later, you think on what you could do to help right now...

>Check if auntie Grace is around?
>Find the wizard for help?
>Maybe there's clues back at the hotel?
>That's a silly thought.
>Wait around for something to happen?


>At first, you thought about looking for the wizard, but then you realize that you can't recall where his home is at.
>...
>Actually, you don't think anypony has ever told you where they live.
>Oh well, probably wouldn't have been much help anyway.

>It just occurred to you that you're still wearing the clothes you've borrowed.
>With magic, it doesn't take long for you to remove and neatly fold them up.
>Holding onto the keys, you decide to put the clothes back where they belong.
>Which is aunt Grace's room.
>She's probably sleeping inside, isn't she?

>You try your best to silently creep back up the stairs.
>Which isn't very silent, with how your hoofsteps echoes.
>Finally reaching her room, you slowly push open the door.
>The door loudly creaks as it swings open.
>You don't see anypony inside, only a messy bed.
>There's a faint smell of alcohol around...
>Hmm, there's a glass of wine on the desk.
>It's still full.
>No bottle around, though you did see a bottle of wine in the fridge just now...

>Welp, there's nopony around.
>You trot over to the bed, quickly making her bed up and setting the clothes down on the corner of the bed.
>You haven't seen her when you were making and eating breakfast, so you assume that she's not around then.
>Or maybe she's sleeping somewhere else right now.
>Both possibilities are equally likely.

>What do you do?
>Look for her?
>You can write her a note if you want?
>Do you go back to the hotel?
>Something else?


>Using the pens on the desk, you write up a short message saying that you've left and headed to a guard station for information.
>Of course, you've also added a timestamp next to the message.
>Because that sort of thing is really something everypony should do.
>Let's see...
>It's now 5:30 in the morning.
>And... done!

>You leave the room and trot down the stairs.
>Pulling open the front door, you trot out.
>And bump into cold metal.
>Looking up, you see one of those guards one would see around Canterlot.
>Oh hey, aunt Grace is behind her.
>She seems tired.
>She wordlessly hoofs you a bag of bits...?
>"It's yours."
>Oh! It's the bits you threw.
>...How nice of them?
>You really weren't expecting to get it back.
>Setting it down next to you, you ask the guard.
"Is the investigation going well? Did you find them? Are they okay?"
>"First, this was found in your hotel room."
>She passes a note into your grasp.
>Before you even consider to start reading it, she continues.
>"It appears to be a ransom note. Demanding that you, and you alone, brings five hundred thousand bits to an unregistered house in Canterlot."
>That's it? You can pay that... You think...
>Aunt Grace chimes in.
>"I still think they meant five hundred!"
>500?
>......Okay?
>The guard sighs and continues.
>"It said not to get the guards involved, an-"
>"Too late for that! They really should've gave you that note last night! Their problem now!"
>"Ma'am, please, let me finish."
>"Sheesh! You can at least show some emotion when you're delivering the news."
>Once again, you can see where Grace got her... graceness from.

>...Ignore them and just read the note?
>Say something?
>Do something?


>Holding the note at a reasonable distance, you start reading the note.
>Oh hey! That's actually smart, they used a machine to write the note, no obvious hoofwriting here.
>Right right...
>It's mostly the same as what the guard told you, except it tries to be intimidating and threatening.
>500k bits to some house in the city by this night, no guards, no other pony can get involved, yada yada yada...
>Or else they can't guarantee her safety.
>...Well that was vague.
>Why can't they be more specific?
>Say something like... 'I'll cut off her wings and send them to you in a box if you don't comply!'
>......
>Ponies aren't this vicious, are they?
>That was unnecessary edgy, oh Celestia, you never went through that phase, is it happening now!?
>Calm down, read the note.
>Wait, that's it?
>What the buck!
>This is the lamest ransom note you've seen!
>They could've at least copied something from the movies...

>A hoof boops you.
>Scrunching, you see that aunt Grace just booped you.
>And she's on top of you, on the couch.
>Great.
>"Hey! Read this part again!"
>She points at the part of the note asking for bits?
>(We demand that you bring 500.000 bits to the house by the entrance of central park.......)
>...?
>"See?"
"See... what?"
>She boops you again.
>"The dot! They only wanted five hundred!"
>Auntie please.
"...That's clearly a typographical error."
>"Well, that's their problem now! I say we just bring them five hundred, which that bag had more than enough by the way."
>She points at the bag of bits that was moved to the table.
>"Give them the five hundred, and let the guards deal with them once we have Grace back."
>...You kinda doubt this is how things work.

>You don't know any offensive spells.
>So you can't really set up a trap, though the guards could probably do it.
>Ask the guard for the plan and stuff?
>Ask for something specific?
>Switch back to Grace?


>Moving your head away from aunt Grace, you turn and address the guard.
"So, miss? What do the guards usually do in these situations?"
>"We could check that house right now, we can also wait till night and do as they say? But five hundred thousand is a lot of bits."
"That's not a problem."
>The guardsmare gives you a look.
>"They must know of how wealthy you are. Did you notice anypony stalking you lately?"
"...No, nothing really comes to mind."
>She sighs.
>"I'm not entirely sure what's the best thing to do, somepony else was supposed to be handling this sort of situation, but the guards have been... busy lately."
>She rubs her head, trying to soothe her nerves.
"...How many guards are involved in this investigation?"
>"One."
>...
"You're the only one dealing with this."
>"Yes."
"What the buck is the guards doing! This is an emergency!"
>"Now now... calm down, don't take it out on the poor mare."
>Aunt Grace pats your head, straightening your mane with her wings.
"How the buck are you so calm!? It's your daughter that's in danger here!"
>"Somepony needs to be calm here, and you clearly can't stay calm!"
>Ow...
>She practically screams into your ear.

>Say something?
>Suggest that you all go with the 500 bits plan?
>Do you wait till night to do it?
>Or do you plan to do something differently?


>You drink some water to calm yourself.
"What are the guards so busy with? An abduction is kinda a big deal."
>"There are other issues they're dealing with, what exactly it is, I don't know."
>Doesn't sound like she can tell even if she knew.
"So I suppose we'll go with auntie Grace's plan then."
>At least you won't need to go to a bank with this plan?
>You can't really pull that many bits without dad noticing too...
>...

>Timeskip to nightfall?
>Or switch to Grace?
>Something else?


>Day ?, Time ?
>You're Grace, and you've been trying to get these ropes off for like, forever.
"This is seriously annoying!"
>"Feel free to stop complaining."
>Patches still sounds as bored as ever.
>Well, being awake in a literally empty room will do that to anypony.
>Augh! You're so pissed off!
>Something snaps.
>Oh hey! The ropes snapped...

>What do you do?
>If you're breaking the wall down, how did you wanted to do it again?


"Yes! I'm free!"
>Of course, the first thing you do is...
>Stretch...?
>Wait, your hind hooves are still bound.
"Buck!"
>"What now?"
"My hind hooves are still tied up."
>"..."
>Metal bed...
>Metal!
"Hold on for a sec, I have an idea."
>You attempt to bend and break off a piece of the bed frame.
>It takes some effort, you are kinda tired, but you managed to break off a piece of metal!
>Using it, you cut off the ropes around your hind hooves and your wings.
"Ow!"
>You think you just accidentally cut yourself...
>You should be more careful, it's too dark to see properly.

>Hooray! You're free!
>You stretch your muscles, spreading and flexing your wings.
>Your left wing kinda hurts, but it's probably nothing.

>What do you do?


>Moving back to the wall, you try to break it down with the straight metal piece.
>It's almost like a spear!
>Except a spear is three times longer than this.
>You... uh...
>You smack the wall with the piece of metal?
>Clank!
>"...Grace, what are you doing?"
>Oh yeah, probably should've warned and told him to move away from the wall.
"Breaking the wall, move away from the wall please!"
>You hear hooves shuffling.
>Hmm... what if you try piercing it?

>How do you use the metal to break the wall down?


>"Be careful, Grace. There's nopony nearby, but you haven't ate or properly rested in a long time... and me sipping on your emotions probably didn't help."
>Wait, he fed on you?
"You... fed on me?"
>"I was hungry! And you were dreaming about something nice... so... sorry?"
"Yeah yeah! Whatever, how hard can breaking a wall be?"
>"...You do know that saying that will only cause you pain in the end."

>Even though it's so dark, doing something like this should be no problem!
>Using what little strength you have, you attempt to pierce the wall with the rod.
>Buck.
>The rod flew out of your grip.
>And everything is almost pitch black.
>......

>"What's taking so long?"
"Just hold on a sec!"
>...
>Found it!
>Okay, making sure you've properly gripped the metal piece this time, you try to pierce the wall!
>Huzzah!
>There's a short metal rod lodged in the wall now.

>Buck the rod?
>Pull the rod out and buck the wall?
>Ram the wall?
>Use the rod and do something else?
>Do something else completely different?


>"W-what the... Did... did you just?"
"Yup, I just penetrated the wall with a metal rod!"
>"...What are you going to do now?"
"Pull it out and buck the wall down?
>"Huh..."
>You pull out the rod, there's now a tiny little hole, complete with cracks in the wall.
"Kay, I think I can buck the wall down."
>"Hold on."
>Some green light shines through the hole.
"What?"
>"Can you move away? I can just teleport in."
"Wait, you can see?"
>"Duh?"
"Cool."
>You move back to the bed.
>A few seconds later, he appears in front of you with a green flash.
>He's not wearing anything, and is currently a unicorn.
>"There we go... are you okay?"
"I'm fine!"
>"If... you say so..."
>He seems to be staring intently at your side.
>Looking at the bed, he comments.
>"Did you really had to break off a piece of metal like that?"
"Yup!"
>"...You know that you could've hurt yourself, right? Well, more hurt than you already are."

>His magic lights up the area.
>You can now see clearer than before.
>What do you intend on doing now?


"Can you turn into an earth pony and break the wall down?"
>"...What kind of logic is that? You're stronger than me. If anything you should do it."
"Well what else are we supposed to do?"
>"I teleport out, get the keys, free you, and we leave?"
"Do you even have the energy for that?"
>"Not really, but I can try?"
>...
"What about springs!"
>"Huh?"
"Springs. From the mattress. Pick the lock with it?"
>"Is that how it works?"
"Or... we wait for somepony to show up? They gotta bring us food sooner or later, right?"
>"I guess..."

>What do you do?
>Let the changeling do the changeling thing?
>Break the door down or pick the lock somehow?
>Wait for somepony to show up?
>Something else?


"Okay, so here's the plan, you go out and do changeling things while I'll knock the wall down and pick the locks?"
>"Why do you wanna knock the wall down?"
"Because it'll confuse our captors at some point?"
>"..."
>He sighs and starts casting something.
>"Do it now, I made sure they can't hear us."
>Alright!
>You give the wall a buck!
>Patches quickly pulls you to the bed with his magic.
>"Sheesh, the rubble nearly fell on you."

>Say something?
>Do something before he leaves?
>How are you going to pick the lock?
>Which door are you trying to pick?
>Switch perspectives to Ivory?


>You look back to the wall, or what's left of it.
>There's a giant hole in the wall now, the metal piece you broke off is on the ground near some rubble.
>It appears that there's literally nothing in Patches' room.
>Cold stone floor and walls.
>That's the only noteworthy thing in his room.
>Feeling the mattress, it feels like...
>...You can't tell what it feels like.
>It's mildly comfy.
>Yarn?
>Guess it's yarn?
>......Wait, silencing spell!
>Why didn't you thought of that?
>You hug the buggo.
"Thanks! Can you cast that on the door?"
>"It's still active?"
>Cool!
>You can safely break things without fear of drawing attention!

>How are you gonna break the door?
>Just ram and/or buck the door down?
>Get Patches to do it with you?
>Something else?

>Something just occurred to you...
>He can put ponies to sleep.
>You can give him energy to cast said spell...
>......

~Meanwhile~
>It's finally past noon.
>You're so bored, and worried...
>Gosh, you can't stand waiting all the way till night.
>What if you just head over there, and throw bits at them?
>"Ivory, dear, I don't know why, but I just had the strangest feeling..."
"What?"
>"I don't know... Feels like somepony I know just realized something they could've done to solve so many problems they've had..."
"Okay? And you're telling me this why?"
>"Because."
"..."
>"Oh yeah, so let's go over the plan again. You'll approach the house with the bag off bits, the guard and I will be way above you on a cloud, so no need to worry, we can save you if things get hairy."
>It's a good thing that it's scheduled to be cloudy today...
>"Are you certain that you can carry me?"
>"Yeah sure, only thing you might need to worry about is how cold it might get."
>...
>How high is she planning to go?
>You involuntary sigh.
>This wait is killing you mentally.

>All of Grace's stuff is back at the hotel.
>It's not like you can do anything yet.
>But try scoping out the area or something?


>You suppose you should get Grace's stuff...
>But first, you think you should get auntie Grace some coffee or tea.
>She seemed awfully tired.
>Might as well bring her to a café or something, since you even have a sorta kinda bodyguard now.
>...

~Somewhere in Canterlot~
>You're Grace, and you're currently standing on a metal door.
>With the buggo's help, you've broken down the door.
>It was very eventful, and very offscreen.
"So... if I can give you the energy to cast more spells, and you can put ponies to sleep... can't we just put everypony to sleep?"
>"Yeah sure, it'll be more effective if they don't notice us too."
"......I'm just going to suffocate you with happy feels now."
>You hop onto him and wrap your hooves around his neck.
>"So, I'll lead and you'll support me?"

>Let him lead?
>Pick up the metal piece at the rubble of the fallen wall?
>Something else?


>At first, you though about picking up the metal pieces for protection, but...
>This door looks pretty nice.
>Yes.
>You're taking this home.
>Hopping off of Patches, you heave and lift the metal door up above you.
>"...A door."
"Yup."
>"You plan on carrying that upstairs?"
"Yup."
>"Good luck with that, the doorways might not be big enough for that."
"O, ye of little faith. Just watch me."
>Metal door get!

>Trotting out of the room, you look around for anything noteworthy.
>The light above you flickers brightly.
>There's a door across the room you were in.
>Looking to your right, you see a wall.
>...
>You turn to the left, and see a metal cabinet of moderate size.
>The cabinet is blocking the door to the room Patches was in.
>There's a hall that seems to lead into a bigger room.
>From what Patches had said, there should be nopony around here right now.

>What should you do?


>Obviously, this first thing you do is immediately go open the cabinet!
>In a way, it's almost like you're getting more scoops!
>Setting the door down in a slanted position next to the cabinet, you open it.
>Opening the cabinet, you see...
>Some medical supplies that's not even labeled, a toolbox, and some magnets...
>For some reason.
>It's even shaped like the sun and the moon!
>"Hey, seems like this door leads upstairs."
>Patches pokes at the door across the room you were in.
"It's not locked or anything?"
>"Nope, just really rusted."
>You leave them be for now, and trot to the side to push it away from the door.

>You turn to Patches.
"You'll tell me if anypony is approaching or nearby, right?"
>He nods at you.
"Great!"
>You look around the area once more.

>Hmm... clearly, the wall is hiding away some secret!
>You knock on the wall with a hoof.
>It doesn't sound hollow?
>"What are you doing?"
>Turning back, you see that he's looking at the cabinet that you've opened.
"Checking for secrets?"
>"Ah."
>Welp, you can't find any sort of secret here.

>Your wing stings as some sort of cloth tries to clean it.
>Patches applies some sort of medicinal paste to your wing.
>"Don't move for a sec."
"Thanks?"
>"Mm."

>Anything you wanna do with whatever that's in the cabinet before you check out the hall past the cabinet?


>You grab the medicinal supplies.
>Good thing there's a tiny pouch right next to it, or you'll have problems carrying all of this and a giant door.
>It's pretty big.
>For you.
>...Anyway!
>Moving the magnets away from the box, you flick it open with a wing.
>You open the toolbox!
>Each compartment is full of screws and nails.
>You didn't know there were that many types of screws.
>In another compartment under the ones holding the nails and screws, you find a hammer, a wrench, a crowbar, screwdrivers, and other things you'll usually find in a toolbox.
>Clearly, a giant metal door isn't good enough.
>You don't want to hurt ponies too badly with that.
>Something small to knock them out will have to suffice.
>Guess the wrench works!

>Alright!
>You now have proper equipment to face off against the dastardly villains that dared to capture you.
>All you need is a suit of armour or something you'll look like some sort of adventurer.
>...
>The mental image of an adventurer wielding a wrench and door is kinda...
>Fun.
>Yes, let's go with that.
>Anyway, moving on!

>You trot down the hall.
>Trotting into the room, you see many stacks of crates.
>"I thought this was a normal house, are we in a warehouse or something?"
>Oh hey! Your clothes are on one of the crates.
>Probably shouldn't wear them though, don't wanna accidentally tear them.
>Hmm...
>Wanna open up the crates somehow?

>What do you do?


>You need a crowbar...
>...
>Welp, time to head back and get the crowbar.
>Using your good wing, you drag the door all the way back to the cabinet.
>What, It's bigger than you!
>The door is like, three times your size!
>How else are you suppose to carry it?
>Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, it's probably about two times your size, give or take?
>It's not like you can measure it anyway.
>But hey, seeing a pony like you dragging a metal door like it's nothing must be pretty intimidating, right?
>Spitting the wrench next to the tool box, you use your mouth to carry the crowbar with you.
>It's a good thing that nothing in the toolbox is rusted.

>Heading back to the room, you crack open one of the crates.
>Looking at around the crate you've picked at random, you spot a label saying it's crystals from the mines.
>Huh, guess the place stores a bunch of materials?
>Crystals used in many tools count as materials, right?
>You used the crowbar to open the crate.
>It's surprisingly easy to open it, the top cover just kinda flew off.
>Dust covers your face.
>You back off, coughing uncontrollably.
>A closer inspections shows that the wood is actually rotting.
>And the crate is actually empty.

>What do you do?


>You look through the other crates.
>It's all empty...
>Wait, this one is heavier!
>The label says mana crystals.
>What's the difference?
>Opening it, you find a bunch of hay?
>What.
>Why is this here.
>You have several questions.
>And no, there's nothing hidden in the hay.

>Anyway, standing on top of the crates, you look around the area for any other entrances and stuff.
>And you don't see anything of interest.
>Why are the lights on anyway?
>There doesn't seem to be anypony hanging around here.
>Well then, you hop down and check mom's dress for any damages.
>If there's even a tiny scratch on it...
>It appears to be fine, there's dust on it, but that's probably from you opening the crates.

>"Hey. You done? We're wasting time here."
"I guess, you want a weapon?"
>You point at the door with a wing.
>"I don't need a weapon."
"Suit yourself."
>Door, you shall be missed.
>Think you'll come back for the clothes after dealing with whoever that threw you in here.
>And with that, you leave the area and head back to the hall.

>Open and go through the rusted door now?


"Hey, is anypony around right now?"
>"Yeah."
>Somepony is already coming down?
>Well, you were horsing around in here for a while...
"Wait, really?"
>"Yup, you."
"...So we're still fine."
>"Duh, I told you I'll let you know if I start sensing other ponies around."
>You hop onto him.
"Great, so... can any of the medicine be used to knock a pony out?"
>"Nope, there was something that paralyzes a pony, but that's about it. The rest is just herbs and whatnot."

>He pushes o-
"Think I should upgrade the crowbar?"
>"...?"
>He tilts his head.
"You know, use duct tape and attach metal pieces onto it."
>"Why? We won't even need to fight. Everything will be fine."
>He pushes the doo-
"B-but, weapons, action, and other cool stuff."
>"No, a crowbar is good enough."
>You give a tiny whine, crossing you legs and pouting as he pushes open the doo-
>Bang!
>"..."
>The rusted door falls down.
>"I only lightly pushed it..."
"...Was the muffling spell on?"
>"Yes."

>Well then?
>Go up?
>Or do you still have further business here?


>You go up the stairwell.
"How did you identify the medicine anyway?"
>"Basic survival skills? I dunno, working in hospitals?"
>...

>A sorta long trek later.
>"Finally."
>He pokes at a wooden door.
>"Hopefully this one doesn't break when I touch it."
>Opening the door, you can see sunlight from the cracks in the roof.
"Wow, this place is huge."
>"Well this is a warehouse, albeit an old one that isn't in use anymore."
"And nopony scrapped the place and built something else here?
>"Guess not. I don't remember seeing any warehouses like this one in Canterlot."
>Looking around, he comments.
>"Weird, you'll think that there'll be somepony nearby watching over us or something."
"You don't detect anypony nearby?"
>"Nope."

>What do you do?


>...
"Are we still in Canterlot?"
>"I'm fairly certain we are in Canterlot. Considering it's not any hotter than usual. Unless there's some other city that's as high up as Canterlot."
"Wonder if there are hidden cameras around here."
>"Probably not, just look around, the place is practically falling apart."
>Wait... You didn't see your camera by your clothes.
>Where is your camera?

"You might wanna turn back into a pegasus before somepony notices you changed species."
>"Mm."
>He shifts into a pegasus and flies out of a window and onto the roof.
>Looking around, you can see that you're definitely in Canterlot.
>Since you can see the castle.
>Although there aren't any other buildings around the area, other than a tiny shack nearby.

>The sun above is beginning to set.
>What do you do?


>You point at the shack.
"Our captors might be in that shack."
>"And what, you wanna check it out?"
"Yeah!"
>"We can just fly away right now, you know."
"..."
>He sighs at you.
>"Let's go, it's your fault if we end up getting caught again."
"It'll be fine! Let's go!"
>"Mm."
>He flies you to the ground.

>Letting you off, Patches trots behind you.
>You don't see anyway you could stealthily approach the shack.

>What should you do?


>There's nothing of note in the warehouse.
>Hm... you don't hear anypony inside, but considering how far away from it you currently are...
"Hey Pat..."
>?
"When did you..."
>He's wearing your clothes from last night.
>"I took it with me."
>You can't help noticing your mom's dress is neatly folded on his back.
>......
"Never mind that. Is anypony in the shack?"
>"No idea, it's too far."
"Let's get closer then."
>You trot closer towards the shack.
>"There's somepony inside, just three of them."
"Any magic shmagic trap stuff around?"
>"I don't think so."
>You somehow trotted to the front door without anything bad happening.
>You still can't hear anything inside.
>You whisper.
"Are they sleeping or something?"
>"Nope, they are very much awake right now."
>You don't like how Patches is grinning.
>With how his fangs are poking out.
>Even though he's a pegasus right now.
>Are they bucking or something?
"...Are they together?"
>"Nope, they're all alone, we can take them all down easily."

>What should you do?


>Pressing your ear on the door, you hear nothing noteworthy.
>You do smell pizza though.
>That's something?
>You start whispering a plan to Patches.
"How about this, we'll knock on the door and wait for one or all of them to come out. We'll hide behind the corner and wait for them to come out before I nail em with the crowbar or you hit them with a sleep spell. Or both if there's more than one."
>"Wouldn't they question why they are getting knocks in the middle of nowhere?"
"What else are we supposed to do? Actually go inside?"
>"Meh, this plan is easier. Want me to add something like, 'filly scout cookies!' or something?"
>Wait, do they even have that sort of thing in Canterlot?

>You do have a changeling here with you...
>Knock silently, or add something silly and/or weird?


>Hmm...
"Give me the clothes for now. Why don't you disguise yourself as a cute unicorn colt selling cookies?"
>"I like it, hold on a second."
>He undresses in front of you.
>Tossing you the clothes, he shifts into a cute little colt.
>He knocks on the door.
>"Hello?"
>His voice is pretty darn cute.
>You stay behind the door as it opens.
>"What's a little colt like you doing here? It's dangerous around here."
>"A sorta deep voice replies.
>"I'm here to sell scout cookies! My special talent lets me detect where ponies are! So everypony just made me do all the work on my own..."
>"Huh, cute. You don't need to wear the uniforms these days?"
>"Actually... we're still supposed to wear them. But it's so hot around here! Please don't tell?"
>"Heh, sure. Where's the cookies? What kind you have?"
>You could see a teal hoof petting Patches' mane.
>"U-uh... about that... I sorta... lost them. B-but I need to fill the quota! Or they'll kick me out! A-and mom and dad would disown me! An-and..."
>He starts crying silently.
>...That was out of nowhere.
>The same hoof scoops him up.
>"H-hey, don't cry, it's okay. Do you just need the bits? Is there something I need to sign?"
>"What's taking you so long! Who's at the door there?"
>"Don't worry about it! Just scout cookies!"
>"Shoo them away! We're already broke! We don't have time for scout cookies!"
>"B-but, he's crying and everything..."

>Why isn't Patches putting them to sleep yet?
>Think he's having too much fun...
>...Should you like, cut in, interject, do something?


>Charging in should work.
>You set the clothes down on the cold stone next to you.
>Something just occurred to you.
>How are you supposed to explain this to the guards?
>'Oh guard sir, I've escape the clutches of these dastardly villains on my own, found a little colt wandering around places they shouldn't be in, and convinced them to put on an act.'?
>Even if this were true, you doubt anypony will believe it.
>"-ank you! Thank you for this!"
>Patches trots back out with three bits on his head.
>He subtly nods at you before turning and waving.
>The door closes.
>"Three... two... and... okay, they're asleep now. I'm not sure if these ponies abducted us. They seemed like homeless squatters."
>Gah, he still has that sickeningly cute voice.
>"What should we do?"

>What do you do?


"Had fun? Must've been soaking in love in there."
>"Mm... It was great."
"How come you don't just disguise as a lost foal all the time to gain all that love? Ponies will be in line to give you free hugs with that kind of acting. Or is there something that I'm missing here?"
>"As fun as it may be, ending up in an orphanage isn't one of my priorities."
"What's the problem? Just direct them to a house, preferably yours, and thank and say goodbye to them before going in!"
>"But that would cause rumors, and I'll have to make more lies, soon, things will just go badly. More badly than usual anyway."
>This is why they should work in pairs, having another changeling around would make things easier.
>Wait, can't three changelings just work together?
>A fake family, cute adventurous colt that keeps getting lost equals love for the whole family!
>Or is that not enough or something?

"Anyway, I'm kinda disappointed. I was hoping to do some head bashing, but this is fine too, I suppose."
>"There's another pony somewhere in there that's awake, beat him or her up instead."
"We gotta go find a guard."
>"Now? No need to tie them up or anything?"
"Oh yeah, let's do that first. And transform back already, jeez."
>"I like being a colt though."
"..."
>"Fine, fine."
>He transforms back into his old pegasus self.
>"Happy?"
"Very."
>"The other pony is somewhere in the back, you deal with him while I tie those two up with something."
"Kay."

>You finally enter the shack.
>Stepping over the unconscious, sleeping ponies, you look around the room.
>There's a small cracked table with a box of half-eaten pizza.
>You don't see any sort of cloth anywhere.
>There's a few mats on the floor, and a door that leads to a tiny room.

>How do you go in?
>Charge in?
>Sneak in, somehow?
>Something else?


>A glance back shows that the two ponies are both male, one is an earth pony, the other's a pegasus.
>They look relatively clean?
>They don't seem particularly strong, in fact, they seem kinda malnourished.
>Let's see, the earth pony has a lone island with a tree for a cutie mark?
>And the pegasus has an envelope cutie mark.
>Seems like the pegasus was the one that scooped colt Patches up just now.
>You didn't smell anything weird except pizza when you came in here.
>Actually, what sort of logo is on the box anyway?
>You don't remember seeing any sort of pizza restaurant with this logo.
>Why do they use fruits as the logo for a pizza restaurant?
>Do they like, use fruits as toppings?
>That's just... Ew.
>You open the box to have a better look at the pizza.
>Hmm... seems like plain cheese pizza.
>"......"
>Feels like somepony is staring at you.
>Moving on to the mat!
>It looks....
>Like an uncomfortable cheep mat that's not meant for sleeping!
>Looking around, you check if you missed where one of your things are at.
>...You don't see it anywhere, where the buck is your camera?
>If it's not here, then where is it?
>You took it out with you last night, whoever abducted you must've took it.
>"......"
>Something pokes your rump.
>Looking at the hoof, you see Patches with an unamused expression.
>He points at the door where the other pony is in.
>He mouths something to you.
>They're coming out?
>Huh?
>Oh!

>Whoops, you were distracted.
>Uh, you quickly move beside the door, crowbar at the ready.
>As soon as the door swings open, you charge in and whack them in the head with with the crowbar!
>The pegasus stallion lets out a marely shriek as you swing at his head.
>He leaps back with unnatural speed.
>"H-Hey, w-we can talk this out!"

>Attack? How?
>...Say something?


>Yeah no, you're tying this pony up.
"Then you shouldn't have abducted me."
>You swing at his head again.
>He screams like a little filly as he evades your strikes.
>"AH! No! Whatever it is! I didn't do it! Please don't hurt me!"
>You keep swinging as he keeps dodging.
>The crowbar slams into the wall as he spreads his wings, leaping over you.
>Crack!
>You break a smallish part of the shack wall with that horizontal swing.
"Coward! Stop running away! Face me like a stallion!"
>You swing backwards towards where he probably is.
>"Somepony help me! There's a crazy mare trying to kill me!"
>He charges towards the closed door you came in from.
>When did you close it?
>He attempts to pull it open, but he struggles to open the door.
>"G-guys!?"
>Thank you Patchy.
>He spins around and cowers, looking at you with a frightful expression.
>You move menacingly towards him, wings spread and conveniently casting a shadow over him.
>Seeing no way out, he tries to swing a hoof at you.
>It's too fast for you to evade.
>...It doesn't hurt at all.
>One would think that a swing this fast will at least make you feel some sort of pain.
>Oh, he's clutching his hoof in pain.
>Incompetent much?

>Knock him out?
>Just grab and tie him up?
>Do something else?


>He gasps in pain as he rubs his sore hoof.
>Staring at him menacingly, you start.
"I woke up in that warehouse nearby after being ambushed by ninjas."
>You rear up and slam your hooves down in front of him.
>"Eep!"
>The stone cracks.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
>"I-I..."
"Well? Speak!"
>"I-I don't know! You were sent to me in a crate! I-I was supposed to keep an eye on you and they'll come back for you in a few hours! My friends weren't involved! Please don't hurt them..."
"Uh huh, go on... If I find out you're lying to me..."
>You swing the crowbar at the wall next to him, making the wood crack.
>"Sheesh, stop breaking things in there."
>Patches' mareish voice comes from beyond the door.
>The door opens and you see Patches at the doorway, munching on the cheesy pizza.
>The two ponies are tied to the table behind him.
>Where did he find the cloth for this?
"I'm trying to be intimidating here. Go outside."
>"Just look at him! You can practically smell the fear off of him! Metaphorically speaking of course. Oh yeah, want a slice?"
>He holds out a slice of seemingly cold pizza in his wing.

>What do you do?
>What should you ask?


>You take the pizza with your other wing.
>It's still warm.
>Nom nom.
>Cheesy.
>You finish the slice of pizza in seconds.
>Wow, you're hungry.
>You don't feel hungry, but you're really bucking hungry.
>This is a weird feeling.
>"Want another? You need this more than I do."
>You nod.
>He gives you a few more slices.
>The sky blue pegasus sorta regains a bit of his composure.
>"H-hey... that's mine..."
>"Oh, sorry, here."
>Patches passes him a slice.
>"There's the last one."
>Why are all of you eating pizza now?
>How did it went from interrogation to friendly pizza dinner?

"Anyway! How much are they paying you!?"
>"They're not paying me."
"...What."
>"I don't think they are."
"......"
>"What? The note pretty much just said 'keep an eye on the pony in the crate, or else.', what am I supposed to do?"
>"Uh, get the guards?"
>"B-but I can't."
>"...Why?"
"You take care of them, I'm gonna get the guards."
>"N-no w-wait!"
>Patches whispers something at him.
>...You're not sure if it's something calming or not.
>You ignore him and trot outside, away from the shack.

>You don't see any guards around here.
>Flying is a bit harder, but you manage just fine.
>A small cut is nothing.
>After a few minutes of searching, you've found a guard by flying to the city walls.

>What do you wish to tell the pegasus guard?


"I was abducted by ninjas!"
>You say as you fly up to his face.
>"Excuse me? Can you repeat that?"
"Well, somepony tried to foalnap me......"
>You tell him about the capturing and stuff.
>You point at the warehouse you were in during it too.
"So, that's the gist of it. I'm gonna wait for the assailants to appear again so we can surprise attack them! Would the guard help us? The more the merrier!"
>"W-wait, you've escaped, and now you're going back to fight them?"
"Yeah, my friend is still there, keeping an eye on three of them that we've caught."
>You prepare to fly back.
>"Hold on a second, don't try to fight them on your o-"
"Yeah yeah, I'll see you there."
>You fly off without giving him a chance to respond.

>You land back in front of the shack.
>What do you wanna do?
>If you're planing on ambushing your foalnappers, how should you do it?
>Shift perspectives?


>Trotting in, you immediately ask the pegasus...
>Why is he leaning on Patches, and not tied up?
"...Now, where's my camera?"
>"What camera?"
"I was wearing that dress,"
>You point at mom's dress on the table.
"And a relatively new camera, it had a little case full of photos?"
>"You didn't have it on you when I saw you."
"...Tie him up and leave a note for the guards, we're gonna set up an ambush!"
>Patches lazily nods at you.
>Hmm... what if you jump down from the rafters with the metal door?
>Oh ho ho.

>"I didn't expect I'll be doing this sort thing again."
"Waiting up on beams that are breaking apart?
>Shifting the oversized door, you add.
"This'll be great, we'll get the... drop on them!"
>"......yeaaaaaaah!"
>Wew, his voice was pretty deep just now.
>Time passes.


>You're Ivory, you've collected some of Grace's stuff with you in a small bag.
>It's evening, you've arrived at the meeting place?
>Is that what it's called?
>You have roughly five hundred bits in another bag, you didn't count it.
>Counting five hundred bits is just painful, physically and mentally.
>There's multiple ponies wandering around, what were you supposed to do again?
>Something like, leave the money in the trashcan by the house?
>Then sit at the park bench facing the pond for further instructions?
>...

>You can see a park nearby.
>The house seems to be well-maintained.
>Then again, almost every building in Canterlot looks like that.
>What do you do?
>Do as you're supposed to?
>Knock/Enter the house?
>Something else?


>You find yourself doing as you're told.
>Placing the bag on the trashcan, because no way in tartarus are you putting money in the trash, you turn and trot through the park.
>Treating money like trash brings bad luck or something, you think.

>Now that you're lying on the bench.
>You find yourself bored and alone for a few moments.
>The fishes in the pond seems happy today.
>A filly is poking at the aquatic life with a stick.

>A note and a pen is teleported in front of you and lands on the bench.
>You pick it up and read it.
>(I thought we said 500000, not 612. Do you even care about your marefriend?)
>...Did they actually counted?

>They must be looking at you from somewhere...
>Write something back?
>Look around?
>Something else?


~Meanwhile~
>You've captured your captors, and informed the guards.
>Think they're over at the shack right now.
>You've been playing chess with Patches, without the actual physical chess pieces.
>Keeping track of everything is hard.
"I uh... move king to e2?"
>"Pawn advance to f3, checkmate."
>Wait, his pawn is still there?
>You thought you...
"W-what!? This is dumb, let's do something else."
>You lean on the metal shie-you mean door.
>"Cards?"
"How does that even work? We don't have a deck to draw."
>"Illusion magic?"
"Oh... You could've done that for chess."
>"Was too lazy to do it, wanna try it? I promise I won't cheat."
"I suppose... sure."


~Back to the panicking pone~
>Ahhhh what are you supposed to do?
>What were you thinking?
>Of course they'll be offended by this whole plan.
>As you internally freak out, a paper airplane crashes into you.
>What?
>There's something written on it.
>Oh, write a reply and they'll see it...
>Right, guess it's connected to another paper or something.
>Uh...
'Is she okay!?'
'Don't hurt her, I'll send you more money later!'
>Wait, you need to explain yourself.
'You wrote 500.000. So, I was unsure if you meant five hundred or five hundred thousand.'
>This works, right?
'I'm sorry, please don't be offended.'
>You quickly scribble another line down as a postscript.
>You place it down beside you and stare at it.
>There's no reply.

>A surge of magic suddenly teleports you into a bright room.
>You rub your eyes, trying to shake away the feeling of being disoriented.
>"Screw all of that subtlety stuff! You give us all of your bits now!"
>A light yellow unicorn wearing robes with some runes over it screams loudly at you.
>"Unless you want your little marefriend to slowly starve to death."
>...
>You notice that he's the only pony in the room.
>You don't see anything of note behind him, other than a window with curtains hanging at the sides.
>You could see the entire park from it.
>Lightning flashes outside.
>"Hey! You listening to me?"
>A magical field forces you to look at the unicorn.

>Ignore him?
>Say something?
>Throw bits at him and try to subdue him? Try being the keyword here.
>Something else?


"H-how do I know if you didn't already k-killed her?"
>He wordlessly pulls out a photo of a unconscious Grace in some dark looking room.
>It seems like the photo is taken in a room like the one you're in.
>Oh Grace, please be okay...

~Meanwhile~
>Yes! You won again!
>...You can't help thinking that he's just letting you win.
"What if we play connect four?"
>"Connect four?"
"It's like tic-tac-toe but better!"
>"No it's not, I know what it is, and the rules are completely different."
"Shush, the win conditions are almost the same, and that's enough for me."
>A game starts!
>Heh, you could choose any colour you want, with magic and all.
"Do you think Ivory's okay? He must be absolutely freaking out right now."
>"He'll be okay, I'm sure there are guards watching over him."
"The guards are pretty unorganized though."
>"It wasn't this bad before, I'm sure they'll get their act together in time."
"Knowing Ivory, he'll go crying to somepony he knows. And mom is probably the only pony around that he trusts. Hope mom's not taking the news too badly."
>"It'll be fine. It's not like your foalnappers would've captured him and torture him for information, right?"
"...That's oddly specific."
>"I don't know, it was the first thing that came to mind."
"Right..."

~Somewhere else~
"T-that proves nothing! And it's not like I have any bits left on me! That bag was all I had!"
>"Don't you lie to me! You've been spending a lot of money like it's nothing! And it's all hidden in some sort of dimension spell, is it?"
>Actually, you were just retrieving money from dad's storage spells.
>He keeps correcting you to some fancy space name when you call them storage spells too.
"No, I can't get you more money if I'm here you psycho!"
>"Call me that again and I'll cut off your horn."
>Tears well up and blurs your vision.
"P-please don't hurt me! H-her mom-"
>A loud thunder startles you further.
>His magic holds you in place as he turns to look out from the window.

>Do something?


>You... try to move, but you can't.
>Lightning flashes once again.
>You attempt to cast a spell, but nothing of significance comes from it.
>The pony just gives you a glare.
>It starts to rain.
>"Hmm... What are they doing?"
>You hear a door opening and closing from somewhere within the building.
>A sorta large hammer smashes the window open.
>The yellow unicorn teleports to the side as aunt Grace dropkicks into the room.
>You slowly back up into the corner of the room.
>She's soaking wet all over, even her bag is all wet.
>...What the buck was she thinking?
>You hear a lot of background noise, mostly sounds of magic from elsewhere.
>Auntie Grace immediately throws... water balloons at him...
>Even though this is a bad situation and all, you can help but stare at auntie Grace blankly.

>Do something?
>Watch the situation unfold?


>The magic locking you in place is gone as he focus on dealing with aunt Grace.
>You get up and try to tackle him.
>He blinks behind you when he sees you charging at him.
>Spinning around, you're met with a blast of magic at your face.
>Knocked back against the wall, you see that both of the other ponies are soaking wet at this point.
>He tries to cast something at you again to knock you out of the fight.
>A wing pulls you away from the spell, as the spell chars the wall you were at.
>She fishes around her bag for a pack of... toys...
>...Are sparkly firecrackers supposed to help in this situation?
>She throws them at a dry part of the floor near the unicorn, the impact creating a loud bang and causing it to go off in a bunch of flames.
>Flames that isn't even real.
>The unicorn seems mildly confused by her antics.
>As much as you want to, you can't facehoof right now.
>The unicorn is unconscious and twitching constantly.
>"Are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
>When did she... oh...
>She threw a stun rod at him.
>A stun rod that is still active.
>In a puddle of water.
>You can still hear sounds of struggle from elsewhere.
>...
>You can't help noticing that you still don't know where Grace is, or if she's fine.
>And now the pony that knows is unconscious.
>And he'll be dead if you don't move the rod away.
>Your magic lifts the rod and set it down in the corner of the room.
>You don't think that rod will be usable after this.

>As much as you want to, you're not sure if he'll even be able to feel you kicking him somewhere you wouldn't wish on your worse enemies.
>What do you do?


"I'm fine, thank you."
>...Is it even safe to touch him?
>You removed the source of electricity... so it should be safe now, right?
>You use your magic to disrobe the unicorn.
>Huzzah, the robe is yours now.
>It's what Grace would do, you think.
>You try to dry the robe as you look for something to tie the unicorn up with.
>You can't exactly stop him from just teleporting out though.
>If there's a method to restricting and or arresting unicorns, you don't know of one.
>Aunt Grace just trots up to him and slips a ring on his horn.
>That ring looks much more kinky than it should.
>...Why does a family of pegasi has this sort of stuff?

>Looking around, you end up using the curtains to tie the unicorn's limbs in uncomfortable positions.
>There's some broken glass near the window.
>Sounds of hoofsteps draw nearer outside the room you're in.
>What now?


>"Hey, you alright there?"
>A wet hoof pats your head.
>Looking up, you see aunt Grace, mane still dripping water on the floor.
>You reposition yourself so she's between you and the door.
"Protect me mother!"
>"W-wha-"
"More of them must be coming up here!"
>"Those are the guards."
>She rubs your back with a wing as the door swings open.
>That mare guard from before trots in here with a few other pegasi.
>Oh... You're safe now?
>The unicorn is swiftly carried away by guards as you hide behind Grace's mom.
>"They've already found Grace, or rather, she broke out and escaped."
>Aunt Grace adds.

>Ask something?
>Do something?


"She's okay? Take me to her! I wanna see her!"
>You hug the robe you've taken from the unicorn like a pillow, it's weirdly comfy, and warm.
>You've decided to wear the robes for now, and none of the guards seemed inclined to take it from you.
>The guards lead you two to a warehouse in a lower corner of the city, the rain has already stopped.
>The walls seems awfully tall from here.
>Apparently, she's still in the warehouse.

>You trot in with your aunt, the place is dark, a few rays of moonlight shines through the cracks on the roof.
>Gives the place a creepy look.
>You don't see anypony around.
>"You sure she's around here?"
>"That's what the other guards told me. None of them really knew why didn't she wanted to go home."

>What do you do?

~Within the warehouse~
>The dice rolls.
>Four.
>Darn, you've landed in one of the hotels again.
>"Rain was out of nowhere."
"Yeah."
>"Think none of them is showing up here. The guards were pretty sure of that too."
"Probably."
>The board is almost completely dominated by him.
>You roll again.
>It's another four.
>At least you're landing on your own tile this time.
>"Maybe they just wanted us to starve?"
>Patches shifts back into a pegasus, as the monopoly board disappears.
>"Somepony's coming in again."
>You look down, and see one of those robed ponies and your mom at the entrance?
>A guard accompanies the two of them.
>"You sure she's around here?"
>Your mom loudly asks.
>The guard softly replies to her.

>Hmm...
>Jump down and strike a pose or something?
>Stay up here and listen?
>Something else?


>Spreading your wings, you dive down to the floor with your door.
>The door 'lands' with a loud clank, making everypony turn their attention to you.
>You land on the door and strike a menacing pose!
>Except there's a pegasus perching on your back now.
>Because Patches landed on top of you like an oversized bird.
"Hi mom!"
>She waves at you.
>Why is she still dripping water?
>Did she not have an umbrella?
>Didn't the rain stopped for quite a while already?
"Who's the hooded-"
>The hooded pony tackles and embraces you lovingly.
>Though it doesn't knock you down.
>You could feel Patches' tail slowly wagging on your back.
>"You're okay! D-did they hurt you?"
>Ivory whispers, not caring that the three of you are in a pony pile on top of a metal door.
>How did he get one of these robes?
>They feel really comfy, despite looking really, really unfashionable.
>And this is coming from you of all ponies.
>The guard trots outside after whispering something to your mom.
"No, I'm fine. They didn't even put anypony competent enough to keep an eye on us."
>Your mom trots up and gives you a hug from the side.
>...She could've at least dry herself first.
>"So, how are you feeling? Do you need anything in particular?"
>She asks.
"Uh..."

>Well, you're kinda hungry.
>And tired.
>And your camera is still missing.
>Say something?


"Did you happen to come across my camera on your way here?"
>"Did you lose it?"
>Ivory questions.
"I can't find it around here when I woke up."
>"Maybe the guards found it?"
>You mom suggests.
"I'll go-"
>"No no no, you two take your time and have fun. I'll go speak to the guards. Come along."
>She pulls Patches off of you and drags him outside.
>Patches whines at her as she pulls him away.
>"Why are you dragging me out too?"
>"To give them some private time, duh. And I have something I wanted to ask you."
>Ivory silently kisses you.
>He talks to you about what he did when you were taken away,
>You warp your wings around him to calm him when he shivers a little.

>Any comments on how he acted when you got foalnapped?
>Do you wish to tell him about how you escaped? Want to twist the truth a little or something?
>Go back to the hotel now?
>Or do you wish to do anything in particular?


>The calming silence is occasionally broken by the creaking of the door you're on.
"So, what's with the new duds?"
>"I thought it looked really nice? One of them was wearing this. It's what you would've done!"
"Not complaining about this, because hey, free robe! But it looks... eh..."
>"It feels great though! And just look at the runes all over it!"
"It gives you the look of some edgy evil unicorn though."
>"But it's cool!"
"...Anyway,"
>You tell him the tale of your heroic escape!
"...and I just sat up there with the giant metal door. Patches got bored and made me play games with him."
>"You just waited for hours up there, for the chance of somepony coming back?"
"Yup."
>"So, say if you're that pony, wouldn't you seeing a bunch of guards nearby just immediately make you abandon the idea of coming back?"
"..."
>"...Can we leave now? This place is really dusty, and dirty."
"Fine, love you."
>He hugs you a bit tighter in response.

>You trot outside to where your mom is, they're talking by the door of the shack nearby.
>There's no guards around the area, even the guard that came in with your mom isn't around.
>Funny that there's blades of grass growing out from the cracks in the stone roads around here.
>Not many ponies must come here often.
>You didn't notice before, but the city wall is closer than you thought.
>"-hat's it? What kind of plan is that?"
>"It's better than just leaching off of them. And It's not like I can survive being some hermit in a-"
"Mom! Did the guard knew where my camera is?"
>The two of them turns to you.
>"The guards have it. Don't worry, you'll get it back tomorrow."
"Right..."
>"Can we go home now? I wanna sleep."
>"And you were so energetic just a few moments ago. Dear, are you sure you're not getting ill?"
>"You'll be tired if you had to balance yourself on some old, probably going to break wooden beams for hours."
>Heh, you would've caught him if he fell.

>Go back now?
>Or do you have further business here?


"We're gonna head back to the hotel for now, goodnight mom."
>"I'll come with you! Home is on the way and I don't want you getting into trouble again."
>Your mom follows you at a close distance as you began trotting at a brisk pace.

>As you head back, a question sticks out in the forefront of your mind.
"Whatever happened to those hobos?"
>You wonder out loud.
>"The guards are probably dealing with them. If they're truly innocent, then they have nothing to worry about."
>"What do you mean by that?"
>"Isn't there some sort of effort being done to help homeless ponies get their lives together and stuff?"
>"There is?"
>"Why are you asking me? You're the ponies here, you should know about this more than I do."
>"Yeah, but you're the one living in Canterlot for years."
>"I live here and I never heard about this thing!"
>"Auntie please. No offence, but... eh..."
"You never go outside for anything other than food, and you don't even read the news. You're not the best example in this case."
>"Yeah! What she said."
>"I do go outside!"
"Food and work related reasons don't count."

>In short time, you find yourself back at the hotel entrance.
>Your mom hugs you, one of her hoof ruffles your mane a little, before she trots back home.
>You head back to your room, your current state draws some inquisitive stares from a few other ponies around.

>The first thing you do when you get back to your room is to-
>Ivory drags you into the bathroom without giving you the chance to do anything else.
>"We're taking a shower, then we're going to bed."
"But it's only eight."
>"Don't care."
>One thorough shower that may or may not had involved a lot of touching and/or cuddles later.

>It's not that late yet, but go straight to bed?
>Read something?
>Cuddle?
>Do something in particular?


>He drags you onto the bed and cuddles you close.
"Can we get some food before going to bed please? All I had was pizza today."
>"Only pizza?"
"Just like, four? slices of pizzas?"
>"I-I'll get something-"
>You give him a boop.
"No need to panic, I feel a bit hungry, but mostly fine."
>"That's not a good sign, you need to eat something! Now!"
>There's a knock on the door.
>"You two in there?"
>Oh hey, Patches is at the door.

>You two trot over and open the...
>"Pizza delivery?"
>"..."
>Ivory gives him a deadpan look.
>He grins at him.
>"I really want to shut the door in your face right now. Just saying."
>He pouts at him with droopy ears.
>......
>An awkward silence permeates the room.

>"Since when do you have a pizza colt uniform?"
>That's not the important part here!
>"...Did you even clean yourself?"
>Ivory pls.
>"I have food! Because you didn't eat anything all day and I've been feeding off of you, so... this is thanks?"

>What do you do?
>In fact, do you even need to say anything?


"You're welcome, and thanks for all the help yourself. Come on in!"
>You let him into the room, before closing the door.
"So what kind of pizza did you get?"
>"Uh, pineapple?"
>"..."
>"It was the cheapest."
>"......"
>"I also have seafood pizza!"
"Cool!"
>"Oh, so there's nothing for me then."
>"I have other stuff, like bread! And some weird dumpling that I forgot the name of."
>"Right."

"You aren't used to saying thank you, are you Patches?"
>"Heh, no, not really."
>"Shouldn't somepony like you be used to everything?"
>"Hey, in the end, I'm still equine... feeling? Living?"
>"We get what you mean."

>While you munch on another slice of your food, you think about Ivory's new robes.
>It's still sitting in the bathroom with your mom's dress.
"Hey Ivory. That cloak you got was magic or something right? Any clue what it does?"
>"I can wear it in a desert and feel fine."
"...So temperature stuff?"
>"Yup."
"Figures, and here I thought it'll be some sort of magic enhancing thing."

>"Oh yeah! I also brought a box of... something."
>"Something."
>"I forgot the name, okay? It was all in some weird gibberish language."
>He brings out a box from the bag and opens...
"That's meat."
>"Oh... No wonder they asked if I'm buying for a gryphon."
>"Can you put it away now? The smell is killing my appetite"
>"...let me just bring this to my room. You two enjoy and have a nice night."
>He rushes out with the delivery bag.
"See ya!"
>"Close the door when you leave, and at least clean yourself before going to bed!"

>You feel satiated.
>Ivory cleans up the fancy table.
>A quick wash of your hooves and muzzle later, you find yourself cuddling Ivory in the bed.
"I don't think I ever thanked you for coming to rescue me~"
>You whisper.
>"I didn't do anything though. It was mostly the guards and your mom."
"You helped, and that's all that matters. So thanks again."
>You nuzzle the back of his head.
>He smiles and snuggles closer to you in response.
>Sleep takes you both eventually...



Day 4
"Mm..."
>The warm thing you're hugging feels different.
>Opening your eyes, you realize that you're hugging a pillow, and is alone in the bed.
"Mm?"
>You sit up on the bed, still hugging the fluffy pillow, and look around the room.
>It's almost noon.
>You don't see Ivory around, and the shower isn't running.
>There's some bread and a cup of tea on the table.
>The tea's probably cold by now.

>What do you do?


>There's some pudding in the fridge, along with some leftover pizza from yesterday.
>...The lower drawer of the fridge is filled with assorted fruits.
>Somehow, you don't think that's supposed to be there.
>You reheat the pizza with a modern looking microwave.
>This microwave really clashes with the whole look that the room gives off.
>Everything is so old-fashioned and mansion like, even the fridge!
>Then there's a silver microwave sitting in the corner.
>Ding!
>Cool, it's done.
>You sit at the table with some pizzas and the tea.

>Drinking a big gulp of the tea, it tastes... you're not entirely sure what sort of tea this is, other than that it's cold.
>Think it has been sitting here for over an hour.
> Maybe you should just add some hot water to it...
>That would ruin the taste, wouldn't it?
>It's not like you know what sort of tea you're drinking anyway.

>After breakfast, you head into the bathroom for a quick shower.
>Once you're ready to take on the day, you look around the room for any sort of note Ivory would've left for you.
>There is a note on the end table by the bed.
>And your camera is here too!
>The note doesn't look like a note, with how much stuff is written in it.

>Hopping onto the bed, you push the lamp aside to read the note, the note reads...
>7:20 a.m. - I'll be in the library downstairs, left you some food when you wake up again.
>Hey! Your neighbour here! I stopped by your room to return your clothes. It's back in the closet.
>9:02 a.m. - Patches, how did you get into the room? And use your own note! Anyway, some guards showed up, wanted to ask me a few things. So leave me a note if you go somewhere.
>9:34 a.m. - They asked really weird questions near the end, but they gave me your camera back. If you went blind for some odd reason, it's right next to this note.
>9:36 a.m. - I'm gonna go back to the library again.
>So, I didn't had anything better to do, and I tried out some of your clothes, to see what might be nice, hope you don't mind! P.S. I have the master key.
>10:18 a.m. - Patches, how did you get the master key?
>10:20 a.m. - Anyway, I'm gonna buy some fruits from the shops outside, the hotel never has any fruits.
>You know, your balcony is a pretty good spot for spying, I could see a lot of the city from here. My balcony only had a view of the castle. P.S. I took one from the staff room during midnight. Why do you add the time to all of your notes anyway?
>10:40 a.m. - Because it gives Grace a better understanding of what happened? Just try reading this entire paper without my timestamps, it'll look like a mess.
>I was right! Our fridges have different stuff in them! P.S. Oh, I see what you meant.
>10:46 a.m. - ...Grace, he just came into the room, opened the fridge, and left after writing on this paper. All the while completely ignoring my presence. [spoiler]I[/spoiler] [spoiler]He ju[/spoiler] [spoiler]This i[/spoiler]
>10:51 a.m. - Okay, I can't deal with this right now, I'm gonna go outside for a walk.

>...Why are they talking to each other like this?
>They're just a few minutes away from each other, jeez.
>The time is now 11:23 in the morning.
>What do you do?


>Heh, seems like your silly is contagious.
>You check if your camera's fine, seems like everything is there, nothing's missing, and it still works.
>You quickly add a message that you've woke up, and went over to Patches' room.
>Putting the note back down, you take your keys along and head to the room across the hall.
>Unlocking and entering Patches' room, you see nopony in sight.
>The balcony door swings open as Patches trots back in.
>"Hi Grace."
"Hi, you were in my room?"
>"Mm."
"Did you find anything nice to wear?"
>"Yeah, was just testing what feels better, because I've actually never worn dresses before this."
"You can borrow my clothes, but it'd be better to ask permission first, you know."
>You still can't believe you're the responsible one now.
>"Will do!"
>He salutes you like a guard.

"What are you up to anyway?"
>"Now? Nothing in particular."
"That's actually perfect! I have something I wanna ask you."
>"Go ahead."
>He lies down on the bed.
"So,"
>You climb up and sit at the edge of the bed.
"What's your real name?"
>"Real name? Would you believe me if I told you I don't remember?"
"Seriously?"
>"Yup, I've used so many different names up to this point, I'm not really sure what name was the original."
"Is it a number or something?"
>"Probably."
"Okay... how about age? How old exactly are you?"
>"Wow, don't you know it's rude to ask a stallion's age?"
"That only applies to mares."
>"Why is it rude anyway? It's just the age."
"Don't ask me, I wouldn't know, nor do I care."
>"Anyway, I'm seventy one! Gonna be seventy two in a few more months."
"Cool... how long do you typically live for again?"
>"I don't know, a hundred? I guess?"
"Hmm... does having constant love extend it or anything?"
>"...I have no idea!"

"So, how do changelings r-"
>"Grace! Patches!"
>Ivory barges into the room.
>"Pack your bags!"
"Wait what?"
>"We going on a field trip?"
>"Nope, we! Are going to a beach! A place where we can safely relax! Where nothing bad could possibly happen to us!"
>"Pirate attacks, boredom, finding ancient sunken temples and or treasures, attacked by aquatic life, drowning, stranded on islands, more dangerous stuff, you get the gist."
>"......"
>"Just saying."

>...
>Say something?


>Hm... you didn't pack a swimsuit.
"But we are in right in the center of Equestria. What beach is there?"
>"That's why I'm telling you to pack your things, we're getting out of Canterlot, every time I come here something bad happens."
"Uh huh... where's the nearest beach anyway?"
>"I'm still thinking about that."
>"So we're going nowhere?"
>"A lot of cities have beaches! I think. As long as the city is near the ocean."
>"Right... so Vanhoover? Baltimare?"
>"Whatever works!"
>"I'm down with that."
"Hold on a sec, I'm not going to the beach without a sexy swimsuit."
>"We can just buy them when we get there."
>"But that'll be much more expensive, tourist prices and stuff."
"And we'll need to prepare for our worse enemies at the beach, sunburns!"
>"That can also be brought when we get there."
>"Again, expensive."
>"For you."

>What do you do?
>Go along with this idea?
>Buy beach related things in Canterlot or when you get to... wherever you're going?
>Do something in particular?


"We're moving without a plan or seeing mom? She was concerned for me, and she did help save me. I don't want to leave without letting her know I'm doing better now."
>"Just bring her along then, I can pay for it."
"Why do you want to leave in a hurry so badly? Is it because so much has happened to us?"
>"Yeah... I just... this whole trip is just a wreck."
>"We can always play ogres and oubliettes in the hotel."
>"Why are you bring this up now? And... you actually played it?"
>"I played a necromancer zebra before!"
>"Really? I can't say I'm surprised."
>"It's fun! I once raised zombies minions and made them kiss another pc in their sleep."
>"And it gets creepy immediately."

>You give Ivory a kiss on the cheek.
>He blushes faintly from it.
"Back to the main topic, the beach sounds great. You know you can just tell us if we need to skip town right? Wouldn't be the first time."
>"I... hahaha... the guards kinda asked me a lot of stuff about Patches here."
>"Little old me?"
>"Yeah, I told them that you're a friend, and were homeless and all, and we felt bad for you so we helped you out?"
"And?"
>"And they immediately interrogated me for details on this pony that doesn't actually exist."
"Oh."
>"Because records and reports and all that stuff. So, I have no idea if things are actually okay and I'm just being paranoid, or... you know."
"Well... I think Baltimare or Las Pegasus sounds the most fun. Though I'll like to at least let mom know where we're going though."
>"Are we all going shopping now then?"
>"I... guess?"
"Hold on a second, Patches, you stay here for now."

>You drag Ivory back to your room.
"So you're alright with Patches coming with us?"
>"Duh? Why else would I have a reason for this beach trip?"
"Just checking, I honestly can't tell if you like him or can't stand him."
>"I do like him. You'll be the first to know if I'm not okay with him."

>What's the plan now?
>Should you invite mom along?


"Sorry, this is still kind of... new to me, and I would rather ask and be certain."
>"Uh huh, think harboring an old stallion that's also the number one public enemy of Equestria is something that's new to everypony involved."

>On one hoof, mom has deniability, on the other hoof, you really want to see her.
>Hmm...
>You head back to the room across the hall.
>Patches is lying on the bed with a fancy luggage.
>Did he brought a bunch of stuff during this short amount of time?
"I think the best plan for now is to skip town. You good to leave for... Baltimare right now?"
>"I'm good."
"So, what do you usually do when your identities is compromised?"
>"Panic internally."
>"What."
>"And lie a lot."
>"..."
>"And possibly bribe ponies."
>"......"
>"Heh, honestly, maybe we can just make up an excuse of me slipping under the radar and all, and just be like, 'Well, now you know I exist!'?"
>"I don't think that works."
>"It worked once! When I first got here!"

>Leave for Baltimare?
>Bring mom along?
>Set up a proper story to explain Patches' existence?
>Something else?


"Exactly how long will this trip be?"
>"Uh... A few days I guess?"
"Can I even go back to my job when the vacation is over?"
>"...Yes, of course! Things will soon calm down, and the guards have other problems to deal with anyway, right?"
"Right... We'll pack and leave then, going to a beach sounds nice."
>"I'm already ready."
>Patches gestures to the flowery luggage on the bed.
>Seriously, just looking at it hurts your eyes.
"We'll stop by mom's house first, let her know about the plan."

>You return to your room to pack.
>Let's see...
>Ivory folds and puts all your clothes into the bag.
>The camera is placed in your bag as well.
>You don't think there's anything else to bring with you?
>Ivory's pulling out the huge bag of fruits from the fridge.
>"I just brought these, we're bringing them along."
>Okay?
>You think you can bring everything else in the fridge with you if you want to, since it's free and all.
>You can also take the hotel towels and soaps too if you like.
>You'll decide upon this later.

>Patches enters your room with his luggage.
>"So I have everything ready here."
>He says as he hops onto your bed.
>"That note is still here? I'll dispose of it."
>He starts shredding the paper.
>"Just burn it."
>"There's no fire here."
>Ivory's horn glows softly as the paper spontaneously combust into flames.
>"There's your fire."
>"What the buck! I was still holding on to it!"
>Patches flings the note onto the floor.
>...
>The carpet starts burning.
>......
"Guys? The floor is on fire now."
>"Oh buck!"
>Patches starts stomping on the floor to put out the small fire.
"And there's a scorch mark on the floor now."
>"...Whoops. Let's just, avoid saying anything about this?"
>Ivory sheepishly exclaims.
>"This is just gonna draw more attention to us, is it?"
>Patches sighs.

>Ignoring the embarrassed unicorn, you trot over and pat Patches' shoulder.
"Don't worry, Patches. This time you have two ponies on your side this time to cover you."
>"Why are you doing so much for me?"

>Input answer.
>Do you go full cheapskate and take everything you can from the hotel? Including the pillows?
>Anything you still need to do before you talk to mom?


>You give him a look.
"I know it sounds extremely cheesy to say this, but it's because you're our dear friend. You put up with both my own oddness, and the insanity that has followed us this week."
>"It's only three days, not a week."
>Ivory comments as he tries to find a spot in your bag where a watermelon would fit.
"That's beside the point. Besides the fact you're a natural kleptomaniac, we know you're a nice changeling. It also isn't very common that we find other ponies that tolerate us. Us eccentrics need to stick together."
>You give the amber pegasus a hug.
>He happily hugs back.
>"What is this 'we' and 'us'? Am I part of this eccentric ponies support group now?"
>Ivory jokes as he gives up on shoving more fruit in your bag, opting to just using a bag with the hotel's name for all of his fruits.
"Oh shush, I know you're hanging out with me and Ivory mostly for the love, thats fine. Ponies form relationships based on wants and needs almost a hundred percent of the time."
>"I see... I didn't think it was such a sappy reason. Now I feel bad that I don't have a good reason for hanging around you two."
>"You don't need a reason to hang around us."
"Yeah. I've been getting sappy lately, need to wrestle a shark or something when I get to the beach."
>"Ha! I'll like to see that happening."
>"...Don't do that, sharks are cute."
>Ivory pls.

>You've decided that you're not gonna go full cheapskate this time.
>The hotel got lucky, this time.
>So after double checking that everything you own is in your bag, you strap on the bag and prepare to leave.
>You trot down to the first floor, as Ivory talks to the young mare to check out and stuff.
>As he returns the keys and discuss on money related things with the mare, you notice Patches stealthily placing a key in the bin of pens by the counter.
>Bored from waiting, you look around for anything interesting happening.
>Nothing interesting is happening though, the hotel is as quiet as ever.

>It only takes a few minutes for you to reach your mom's home.
>Trotting up to mom's house, you give a few knocks on the door.
>...
>Nopony answers the door.

>Why didn't she just get one of those fancy alarm thingy?
>Knock harder?
>Yell?
>Her window's open, fly into her room?
>How do you plan on telling her about this whole course of action you're taking?


>Spreading your wings, you swiftly fly up to the window and into her room.
>Landing with a clop, you look around her bedroom.
>Seems like her bed is really messy, the covers are drooping to the floor.
>Maybe she just woke up?
>Leaving the room, you can hear the shower running.
>Guess she was just showering.
>You give the door a few knocks.
"It's me. Need to tell you something."
>"Just wait a minute! I'm almost done cleaning!"

>About three minutes later, she trots out of the bathroom with towels wrapped around her mane and over her back.
>"What did you need again?"
"Just letting you know, that I won't be in Canterlot soon."
>"What? Why? You just got here!"
"Well... with what's been happening, we don't want the guards paying more attention to us than they already do."
>"Because of your new friend?"
"Yeah. So, b-"
>"Where are you going then?"
"Uh..."
>Baltimare?
>You haven't actually made the decision.

>What do you tell her?
>Is Baltimare where you're planing on going?


"Everything is being done last minute so we don't have any plans yet."
>"Hmm... just stay safe, and send me a letter when you get there. I'll come with, but I don't want to get in the way of your fun."
"It's okay if you tag along, I don't mind."
>She thinks to herself for a few indecisive moments.
>"I suppose I can just send a letter... I'll meet you at the station. To see you off, at least."
"Alright. Mom?"
>"Mm?"
"Thanks for all help you did to save me."
>There's now a slightly moist pegasus wrapping their hooves around you.
>"Of course! I'll do anything for you."
"I know..."

>Landing at the front door, Ivory asks.
>"So? Ready to go?"
"Mm, mom will come by the station later."
>"She's coming along?"
"Not sure, she seemed kinda indecisive."
>"Okay, to the station?"
"To the station!"

>One boring, confusing trot later...
>With the train station coming into sight, it's immediately apparent that there's more guards around than there usually is.
>Ponies are crowding the station, even during this time.
>"What's with the added security?"
>Ivory mutters to himself.
>"Quick double check, Baltimare?"
"Yeah, that works."
>He then promptly wanders off to the ticket booth.

>Spotting an unoccupied bench, you rush over, setting your things aside as you take a seat.
>"So, this is happening. I haven't left Canterlot in decades. Honestly, this still feels like a dream."
>A whistle cuts through the noise of the crowd, as some ponies shuffle onto the train.
>Ivory is still nervously chatting with the pony at the counter as two guards stands rigidly next to him.
>Those guards must be making him uncomfortable.

>What do you do/say now?


"Crap I forgot about swimwear. Now we have to pay extra when we get there. I imagine prices are higher in beach cities."
>"That what I said, but Ivory said that we can just buy some when we get there."
>Pulling out a smol pillow from his luggage, Patches starts resting on the bench.
>"Is your coltfriend okay? He's kinda nervous."
>He asks as his hindhooves brushes against your side.
"It's probably the guards. I'll go check on him, take care of our things."
>"Yes ma'am!"
>He lazily does a mock salute.
>And now he's using your bag as a body pillow.
>At least it works.

>Moving closer to your coltfriend, you can hear the tail end of the conversation.
>A fun idea comes to mind as you move behind him.
>"-you done? Can I get my tickets now?"
>"Just a second sir, just need to check a few details."
>A wing of yours is used to poke his rump.
>Specifically around his cutie mark.
>Turning around, his muzzle bumps against yours.
>"W-what are you doing?"
"Just checking up on you."
>Pulling him close, your wings to proceed to throughly fondle him.
>In front of the two guards.
>Who is very much trying to look away from you two right now.
>You give his neck a nibble.
>"G-Grace, ah! We're in public!"
>"Excuse me ma'am, can... you two... get a room?"
>The guard on the left of the booth asks.

>Huzzah! Now everypony except you is uncomfortable about the situation!
>What do you do?


>You pout a little at the guard.
"Alright. Come on Ivory, let's go get out tickets. Be sure to buy us a private booth."
>"P-private?"
"Yes, private~"
>You give his neck another lick.
>"Ahem, here's a ticket for your private room."
>The stallion behind the counter interjects with a strange accent.
>"Free, apology for all the problems we had. Glory to Equestria."
>A ticket is passed to him.
>"T-thank you-Eep!"
>Through practiced motions, you can easily get him onto your back without any issues.
>You can definitely feel him on your back alright, wew.
>"D-don't bounce so much.... S-so, we just need to wait about fifteen minutes for the next train."
>Ivory attempts to speak normally as you trot back.
>With a glance back, you could see that the guard on the right, a mare, is fanning herself with a wing.
"Hehe, we even got free tickets!"
>"That was not worth it..."
>He shifts slightly on your back, hooves wrapped around your neck.
"It totally was!"

>Back at the bench, you see that Patches is already asleep.
>Like a hobo.
>He's hogging the entire bench.
>His own luggage and a pillow is supporting his head, your bag is a body pillow, and his hindhooves is resting on Ivory's bag of fruits.

>What do you do?
>What do you do until train arrives or your mom shows up?


>Lifting your hoof, you give Ivory a little pat.
"We're totally going to be having some fun on the train alright."
>He twitches slightly.
>"O-on the train?"
"Yup."
>"But what about Patches?"
>"Zzz."
>The addressed pony snores loudly.
"He can stay outside our room."
>"T-that's..."
"Sheesh, don't worry, I wouldn't do you on the train just like that, public transport is a turn off.... Then again, I've never considered how it might be different in a private room..."
>"Grace..."
"It's just an idea for the future! Don't worry, I'll make sure that your first time would be romantic and all."
>"Does it still count? Since we've already... y-you know."

>The voice of a young sounding mare cuts through your reply.
>"I've decided that I'll come with you!"
>An orange mare trots up to you, propping her sunglasses up to her ears.
"Mom?"
>"...Are you okay? You're sweating a lot, are you getting heatstroke!? Do you need some water!?"
>She ruffles her saddlebags for a silver thermos and a handkerchief.
>"Uh, I'm okay, but thanks auntie."
>One of her wings use the small cloth to rub his forehead as the other hoofs him the flask.
>"You're welcome!"
>Her sunglasses falls back down to her muzzle as she nods.
>Taking a sip from the thermos, Ivory starts choking slightly.
>Scrunching at your mom with the force of a cute little colt, Ivory exclaims.
>"T-that was not water."
>"It wasn't? Oh, that was the tea I brewed. Here's the water!"
>She pulls out another silver thermos from her saddlebags.
>"Bleh! That taste was unbearable!"
>He starts sipping the water slowly.
>"Heh, I know coffee is more your thing. If you want, I have coffee too!"
>"No. Thank you for the offer."
>She pulls out yet another silver thermos.
>...You know for a fact she has different coloured thermoses.
>"Well, go on... you were talking about trains, I heard?"

>What do you do and/or say?


"Yeah, something like that. I was just j-"
>White hooves wraps around your mouth.
>"We were wondering if the guard has surveillance enchantments on the trains."
>"Is that so? Looking for private places to bang, are we?"
>"W-what? No!"
>Pulling Ivory's hooves aside, you chime.
"There was that private room of ours, clearly, such a place would be safe from any surveillance."
>"Stop it! Back on important stuff, is it alright for you to just pack up and leave?"
>"Yeah, not like anypony would miss me."
>"What about your fiancé?"
>"I said anypony, he's not a pony. I've sent him word. It's not like I can see him right now anyway..."
>She mutters near the end.

>"Anyway, where are we going again?"
>"Baltimare."
>"Oh? Why are we at the platform to leads to Ponyville then?"
>"Because..."
"There were no seats at over there."
>Pointing at the direction of where most noise is coming from, you feel Ivory moving around on your back.
>"What she said."
>Taking the flask of water back, your mom puts in back into her saddlebags again.

>"The train has arrived."
>"Let's go then! I haven't been to a beach in forever!"
>You thought Patches was just fake sleeping before, but it seems like he's actually asleep.
>How the buck do you sleep in a place like this?
>Is this some superpower every hobo gets?

>Do you wake him, or do you just carry him to your cabin?
>What do you plan on doing in your temporary quarters?


>You know what to do here!
>Clearly, the best course of action is jenga!
>Firstly! You unequip Ivory.
>By placing him on Patches for now.
>Patches automatically hugs him like a teddy bear.
>"Grace please, now is not the time for this."
>Ivory states in a deadpan tone, staring at you blankly with a slight blush.
>Ignoring his plea, you retrieve your bags from from Patches' side, and strap them on.
>Pulling the luggage under him was a bit difficult, but you're a master of jenga darn it!
>Once everypony's baggage is safely strapped onto you, you equip Patches, and subsequently Ivory.
>"I swear, if my fruits are squashed..."
>You hear Ivory muttering as you make sure that Patches lies belly up on your bags, holding Ivory in place.
"Woo hoo! I've done it!"
>You hop onto your mom in joy, not even noticing that she's technically carrying everything now.
>Mom carries you all into the train that leads to Baltimare.
>It's like you're a little filly again!
>Note to self, send her fiancé some ice packs, pain killers, and cream.

>Once you're carried into your temporary quarters, you hop off of your mom and start unequipping everypony on you.
>Patches is placed on the top bunk of the bunk bed.
>You seriously doubt he's asleep after all of that, he's just lazy.
>Really, really lazy.
>Immediately, Ivory starts checking on your bags and whatnot, before leaving the room for food with your mom.

>Do you follow him for lunch?
>Do you chat with the changeling obviously lazing in bed?
>Something else?


>Now that you're alone with Patches, clearly the only thing you should do is investigate if you're able to get aroused in the train!
>Yeah!
>Think sexy thoughts!
>Um... white stallion that happens to be wearing socks pinned under you?
>Hmm... He looks suspiciously like Ivory.
>Wew.
>Getting chained up by him sounds nice.
>"Can you stop thinking about that sort of thing? It's distracting."
"Fine."
>Guess it still doesn't work.
>No idea why it doesn't work on trains, or other transportation vehicles/methods.
>Cruise ships don't count!
>You've never been on one, but they don't count!
>Airships and cruise ships are the same, right?
>One day, one day you'll find out for sure.

>"What are you doing?"
>Patches rolls on his side, staring down at you from the top bunk.
"Just testing something!"
>"Well do it outside."
"Come on! Why are you sleeping at a time like this?"
>"Because I'm a lazy old stallion? It's better than me reading newspapers all day and screaming at 'this generation' for no real reason. That's what they usually do, right?"
"Think it's less screaming and more constant complaining and whining. Anyway, I've been really curious, how do you re-"
>"Hey Grace! Want me to get you anything?"
>Ivory's head pops into the room.
"Uh, sure."
>Ivory's head disappears from the open doorway.
>Trotting over and closing it with a wing, you try to ask the one thing you've been dying to know.
"Anyway, how do changelings repro-"
>"Grace! Anything in particular you want?"
"...Anything's fine."

>Hopping onto the top bunk, you sit down next to Patches.
"As I was saying, how do you-"
>The entire room shakes as the train rumbles a little.
>Gee, that never happened before.
>Is the train moving faster than usual or something?
>Patches seems slightly amused at this.
>...
"So... let's put that question aside for now. Do you only feed on love? Can you eat other kinds of emotions?"
>"Hehehe... Yes, it's not as good as love, but I can feed on other emotions."
"I assume they taste differently, and has different... for lack of a better term, nutritional values?"
>"Mm..."
>He waves a hoof in the air as he moves back to the wall.
"Cool... So even lust counts?"
>"Yes, that counts."
"...How-"
>Creak...
"Mm? What was that sound?"
>"Stuff moving around?"
"Anyway, you know what I was trying to ask. Now just answer me."
>"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes, please. There's so many different variations of how it works in novels and stuff. I just wanna know how it actually works!"
>"Heh, it's pr-"
>Crack!
>There's a falling sensation.
>You instinctively spread your wings, flying to the floor.
>What the buck!?
>You were just trying to ask how the buck do they reproduce!
>"Ugh..."
>Patches didn't react in time, and is now groaning on the floor by your forehooves.
>The bed collapsed, at least you two weren't in the bottom bed?

>The door swings open with a slam, as mom trots inside, drenched in... hot, scalding coffee.
>Wow... steam is still rising from the coffee all over her.
>She wordlessly pulls a towel from her saddlebags, before leaving the room.
>It seems she didn't even notice the collapsed bed here.

>...
>What do you do?


>A wing of yours pulls out your baton from your bag lying on the floor.
>Poking Patches with your baton, you question.
"You okay?"
>"Augh... I'm fine."
"You sure?"
>"Yeah. I'm not that out of shape."
>You sigh internally.
"What are you going to do in the future? We're only going to be on vacation for so long with Ivory."
>"Survive, live the rest of my life in peace, I suppose."
"That's it? Where? How? Will you go back to mingling around Canterlot? Or will come with us after everything is done?"
>"I don't think I can go back to Canterlot safely without much issues, with how on alert that everypony is nowadays."
"Just come with us! Back to Manehattan, you can crash at my place!"
>He can do all the housework!
>It'll be like, having a maid for free!
>Well, for your emotions, but that's still an infinite source, so technically free! Right?
>"Heh, thanks for the offer."
"Now! My question!"
>"Grace!"
>Ivory trots in as the door swings open.
>"I've returned with sandwiches! And juice boxes! Did you know there were strawberry flavoured versions of this brand?"
>...
"Again?"
>"They're the easiest to bring back here... what happened to the bed? Why are there coffee stains all over the floor?"

>What do you do?
>Poke ponies with your baton?
>Eat the sandwich?
>Go out of the room?
>Something else?


"Bed just randomly broke, and mom came with coffee spilled all over her. She just dried up and left a moment ago. Thanks for bringing sandwiches."
>"You have magic, what's so hard about bringing something like a hayburger back?"
>"Because... reasons!"
>"Does he has a sandwich fetish?"
>Patches stage whispers from the ground.
>"No I don't!"
"Anyway, did the train had a bump or something?"
>"Yeah, not sure what that was. Some luggages fell from the upper compartments on my way back."
>"What, was there something wrong with the rails or something?"
>"I don't know?"
>Ignoring their conversation, you pull apart the curtains to look out from the windows.
>...You see a wall.
>It's moving pretty quickly.
"So where do foals come from?"
>"And I'm going outside again."
>You pull Ivory back in as he tries to leave.
"Oh no, this is super cool knowledge that you should know too."
>"I don't wan-need to know how they do it."
>Nibbling on the sandwich, you close the curtains again.
>"Well, when a stallion and a mare loves each other very much, the stalli-"
"Now you're just being silly."
>There's another shake as you stumble a little.
"What the buck is going on?"
>"Engine problems?"
>"If that were the case, we'll be slowing down or exploding."

>What do you do?


>In a fit of idiocy, you pull up the windows and start seeing if you can climb outside.
>"What are you doing!? We're in a tunnel! Are you trying to kill yourself?"
>A magical field pulls on your tail, pulling you away from the window.
>Right... Jumping out of a moving train in a narrow space is a bad idea.
>Actually, getting out of a moving train is a bad idea, period.
>Even when you're a pegasus.
"Hehehe... I don't know what exactly was I thinking, let's go find the pony that checks the ticket?"
>"Conductor."
"Yeah, that!"

>You three head out of your room.
>Nopony else is in sight.
>There's coffee shaped hoofprints all over the floor.
>To the left is a path that leads to the carriage where most passenger ponies would be at.
>Food is probably in that direction too.
>You're pretty sure those ponies that pushes carts of food around usually are over there.
>The right would bring you closer to the head of the train.
>Where the engine is?

>Where do you think the conductor is?
>Or anypony that could enlighten you on whatever that's going on?


>Maybe there's something wrong with the wheels?
>The idea of dying in a literal train wreck is unsettling.
>Welp, time to head to the front of the train!

>Opening the door, you move to the next coach!
>Which so happens to be filled with rooms too.
>Though you don't hear anypony out and about, you do see the rump of an uniformed mare going towards the engines.
"Wait!"
>You quickly catch up to her before she leaves the room.
>"Please return to your seats and rooms, the problem will be resolved soon."
>She trudges on, speaking in a monotone voice.
>"What's going on? The train won't crash or anything, right?"
>"No, we're dealing with it."

>Input words to speak.


>Even if they do fix it it's still a newsworthy event.
>"You sure about that? Because frankly, I can't believe you."
>"I'm taking care of it, if you can let me check what's going on. The train might be stopping for a few moments because of this."
"You can do that? What if there's another train?"
>"...This is the only train along the route to Baltimare."
"Wait, what about Fillydelphia?"
>"That's not on the same rail. Did you take the wrong train?"
"No! I'm just asking!"
>For clarification!
>She trots off without a word.

>...
>"Are we... going to do anything?"
>......
>"So, we're not doing anything then?"
>Maybe it's just you, but the train is slowing down.
"Now we're going to do something!"
>Following after the conductor mare, you soon find yourself in the engine carriage.
>There's a lot of stuff here, you don't get what it all does.
>But you do see that mare doing... something!
>You don't know what she's doing, but it's probably important!
>And a stallion that's seems to be unconscious.
>...You don't think he's exactly okay.

>What do you do?


>You give the stallion a poke with your baton.
>Unresponsive... limp...
>Still breathing though!
>Guess he's asleep?
>But who the buck sleeps in a pile of coal?
>The mare clearly knows you're here, but she seems to be too focused to care about it.
"Whatcha doing there?"
>"Stopping it."
>"How much of a delay will this be?"
>Ivory questions as he trots up next to you.
>"A few extra hours."
>"Seriously? At this rate, we'll get there by midnight."
>You silently watch as the train slows to a stop.
>How are they planing on fixing it if the problem is outside anyway?
>You're aware that these tunnels have enough trotting space for a few ponies at the side, but it's still a tunnel.

>The mare slaps the stallion awake, and pulls him aside for train stuff, you guess.
>Looking outside, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
>Great, you're now stuck on a train as the ponies responsible try to fix it.

>What the buck are you going to do now?
>Explore away from the train? You're pretty sure there's forests and rivers nearby.
>Stay in your room and... do something?
>Look at the pretty ponies as they work?
>Something else?


>You head back into your rooms for now.
>As much as you'll like to pull out your cards and go looking for ponies to play them with, you have something much more important to deal with now.
>First things first, you gotta ask your question!
>You turn to Patches, who's on the collapsed bed right now.
>Is it safe for him to be there?
>"So... eggs."
>"Huh?"
>"We come from eggs."
>"...I know I'll regret asking, but how the buck does that works? How big would it be?"
>"The queen does it? I guess?"
>"What kind of answer is that? Does she lay eggs like... chickens or something?"
>"Mm."
"Won't insects work better as a comparison? You know, because bugs!"
>"Grace please, don't most insects have those... weird dicks that lay eggs?"
"I don't know, I failed biology!"
>"No you didn't. Saying you failed something isn't a valid excuse for forgetting."
>And the changeling is lying on the slanted, broken bed.
>Darn, you should've spoken to somepony about this.
"Anyway, you have fun, I'm gonna go find somepony to play magic the gathering with!"
>"Nerd. You better not wander out of the train."
"I won't! Oh, and apparently I was wrong."
>"About what?"
"The privacy changes nothing. I can't wet from this."
>"O-oh... I-I'll go tell somepony about the bed!"
>"Why are you pulling me along!?"
>He blushes slightly and quickly trots outside, dragging Patches outside.
"Because you might break it further?"
>Not that there's any easy way to break it even further.

>It gives a little creak as that thought goes through your mind.
>Sheesh, you swear that this train is alive or something.
>Where should you explore for other ponies to play nerdy card games with?
>Towards the back of the train?
>Towards the front?
>Or some specific place that's usually on trains?
>Or did you changed your mind and want to do something else now?


>Grabbing your deck, you follow after Ivory to give those ponies a piece of your mind!
>Since this could've caused other ponies to get hurt, and... and...
>Well, okay. You're actually just trying to get free stuff out of this.
>Celestia knows that Ivory wouldn't have the initiative to get free stuff out of this situation.
>Ooo... what if you get free trips in the future!
>Or food, food is always nice.

>You find Ivory talking to a stallion, one of the staff on the train, as Patches stares out at the window.
>"-terribly sorry sir, was anypony hurt because of this?"
>Patches slowly raises a hoof.
>"I'm not mad or anything, just... letting you know about it... so you can fix it."

>Quick!
>What did you wanted to get out of this?
>And how do you cut into the conversation?


"I demand that you let me use the intercom!"
>"Excuse me?"
"We were on that bed when it suddenly collapsed! I demand compensation!"
>"Please don't do this."
>Ivory mutters.
"In the form of intercom usage!"
>"Okay?"
>"Why do you need to use the intercom?"
>Ivory asks with a displeased expression.
"Just to make an announcement, to get other ponies to come to our cabin for games!"
>"..."
>Face, meet hoof.
"So, where's the intercom?"
>"..."
>"Right this way, miss."
>Ivory sighs.
>"Why are you letting her do this? I give up."
>Hoofsteps echo from further and further away as he trots off.

>You are led back to the head of the train.
>He sorta messes with some of the buttons.

>Do you get the stallion to say this message?
>Or do you say it yourself?
>What the buck do you even say?
>Saying something completely different is also a possibility.


>You prod the stallion's rump with a hoof.
"You can make the announcement."
>"That was the plan."
"Kay. Just make it sound fun."

>Looking at the area outside the train, you see nothing really interesting.
>A lot of railroads go through the mountain, wonder if it'll collapse with time?
>Considering that a museum fell in and all.
>"Attention passengers, the train will be delayed for a while. I'm aware that there's not much you can do right now, but for your own safety, please stay on the train, don't wander out of the train. If you're a fan of magic the gathering and brought your own deck, there's an event in cabin B-4 where you can play the game with other players. Thank you for your cooperation."
"...Well, that was easy."
>"Mm, I doubt you'll get a lot of ponies. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to..."
>He sighs in annoyance.
>"provide entertainment until everything is fixed."
"Good luck with that."
>You trot back to your cabin!

>You don't find Ivory or Patches in here.
>But your mom is here!
>She seems to have cleaned herself, more or less.
>"Hi Grace."
"H-"
>"I'm heading outside for a moment."
>She trots off without giving you a chance to reply.
>...You're gonna assume 'outside' meant outside of your room.

>Since you're staying on the train, what are you going to do for now?


>Welp, time to wait.
>You stay in the room, doing nothing in particular.
"..."
>Time passes.
"Ugh, it's been hours!"
>It's only five minutes.
"Shut up brain."
>...
"..."
>A knock?
>Nope, just phantom knocking sounds.

"Well then, this is-"
>The door swings open.
"Yes! Hi! Wel... oh, it's you."
>"You should at least be a bit more happy when you see your coltfriend."
>He seems to be playing some sort of hoofheld game.
>Wasn't that in your mom's bag?

>...
>This is dumb, why are you stuck in some tunnel?
>If you were at some field, there'll at least be some sort of scenery.
>Bah.

>About 8 minutes has passed.
>Do you just keep waiting?
>Or do you do something else?
>Like... exploring?
>Or talking with friends and/or strangers?


>You wait for somepony, anypony to show up.
>The room is silent.
>Beep beep boop boop.
>Silent aside from the sounds of some weird game Ivory's playing.
>Why does mom carry along something that plays pong anyway.
>It's so silly.
>A minute passes.

>Welp, time to shuffle your one and only deck of cards!
>You should've brought along the rest, really.
>Even though it's probably more than your bag could hold.
>Sixty painful seconds passes.

"..."
>"Ooo... she has other games on this thing?"
>Deep breaths Grace.
>Deep breaths.
>Oh Celestia nopony is coming, because nopony is a nerd, hhh....
>Time passes.

"So... where are we gonna be staying when we get to Baltimare?"
>"We'll decide when we get there. Any place would do for this, really."
"Heh, we can stay on a boat?"
>"If it comes to that, hopefully nopony in our group gets seasick."
"I know mom doesn't!"
>"Mm..."
>What feels like an hour passes.

>"Yes! I've beaten auntie's record!"
>AHHHH!
>You need to move.
>Just sitting here like this is killing you.
>Mentally killing you, probably physically too.
>An eternity passes.

>Maybe you'll look for Patches.
>Although, you're not too sure where he is.
>Right! Should you say anything to Ivory before leaving?
>Like, tell him to take care of something while you're not around.
>And where would a bored changeling hang around at?


>"You going out?"
"I can't stay here doing nothing."
>"I'll stay here in case ponies show up."
>You head outside.
>...
>Let's see... where would he be?
>Hmm...
>Obviously, a super sneaky changeling would hang on the train roof!
>Yeah!

>Getting off the train, you try to fly onto the roof.
>Despite the narrow space you could freely fly in, getting on the roof was pretty easy.
>You don't think anypony noticed you flying up here too.
>"What are you doing here?"
>An amber unicorn stallion asks you.
>He's lying on the roof with some... uno cards? as a mare brushes his tail.
>What is...?
>Why is mom here?
"What are YOU two doing here?"
>"Nothing."
>Patches mutters.
>"We were killing time!"
"Do you need to do that here?"
>"Well I was gonna go find a cloud and hang, but none of the ponies know how long this whole fix up will be. So... here I am!"
>"Uh huh, you can still get an estimate."
>"So, why are you here? Weren't you playing something with other ponies?"

>What do you do/say?


>Involuntary, you pout a little at mom.
"Nopony wanted to play..."
>Mental note to future Grace: Abuse position as a journalist to shill the game so hard it becomes a movie series.
>Not the hard hitting journalism you usually do, but it can't hurt.
>"Aww, I'm sure most ponies were just busy."
>"Busy being what? Bored?"
"And Ivory is beating your scores."
>Patches throws a bunch of draw four cards into the air, rose petals scatters all over the area.
"Now I'm sad, and bored. Really should've just asked you guys first. Can I play Uno with you guys or something? Please?"
>"What, Uno? The game that has the capability of taking hours just for one round?"
>"You're thinking of monopoly."
>"That one's worse. Why don't we play... Ogres and Oubliettes?"
>"We have no dm. And I'm not really familiar with the rules and stuff. Doesn't it take a lot of time just to set up your character?"

>How do you plan to hang out with them?
>Play some board or card games with them?
>Go back to the cabin to play games?
>Go bug Ivory and play Ogres and Oubliettes together?
>Really, you can suggest something as absurd as leaving the train and swimming in a river and it could actually happen.
>Though that's probably a really, really bad idea.


"Honestly, I'll rather just talk."
>Cutting through their conversation, you move next to your mom and lie down.
>"Then talk."
>Standing up, Patches pulls out a gold scepter from his mane, as stars gather around himself, forming into a fancy set of clothes.
>He seems pretty good with illusion stuff, maybe he can teach your coltfriend.
>Moving on, your mom starts brushing your tail...
>Wait, why does she have a brush with her?
"Why did you bring a brush up here?"
>"That's actually me. Feels real, doesn't it?"
>The unicorn changeling replies.
"Yes, actually."
>"Well that's a completely separate spell from the illusion, and it's a chore to actually maintain, but eh... nothing better to do. Getting a brushing from somepony else is nice."
>He twirls the scepter around like one of those performers Ivory dragged you off to watch in the past.
>The scepter clearly passes his own body multiple times though.

>You poke your head to the side of the train roof, staring at the dark ground below.
"So... how does your disguises work? Are they an illusion or a full transformation?"
>"That's completely illusion magic free. Or you ponies would've been able to come up with a counter already."
>"Really? So, what? You become just as squishy and furry as us when you transform? It's not some spell that tricks the senses?"
>"No, if that were the case, it would cause way too much effort to maintain a transformation."

>Hmm... you think somepony is wandering by the wheels.
"How are you so sure that what changelings feed on is love, and not some chemical reaction our body releases?"
>"I don't know? It's what I was taught."
>"Clearly, we need to dissect him to find out!"
>Ooo... gotta wonder if their organs are the same.
>"...Please no?"

>"Want to go back in? Being up here when we can't even see the sky isn't fun."
>"Sure! I'll go check how far along they are with the repairs and stuff."
>Mom flies off, leaving you and Patches alone on the roof.
"You gotta have something to ask me back, come on! It's weird just asking you things without you asking anything back."
>"Well... What do you expect at the beach? Think anything interesting might happen? Oh yeah, I wanted to know, how do you plan to spend your first time with your coltfriend together?"
"I'm assuming you meant that sexually?"
>"Yup. Just curious. I can give ideas too! There's the super cliché, romantic music, scented candles, orange sunset shining through the curtains..."
>He trails off.
>That's not how it usually works.
>And he of all ponies should know.
>This sounds more and more like a fantasy, or maybe he's just messing with you.
>The latter sounds about right.

>What do you say?
>What do you do now?
>Stay here and relax/chat with Patches?
>Go to where mom probably currently is to ask/talk with the ponies repairing the train?
>Go mingle with the passengers?
>Head back to your quarters?
>...Do nothing?


>Maybe you're the one that's out of touch and not Patches.
>Or you're both out of touch.
>Nah, it has to be him.
"At the beach, I expect a completely ordinary stay with nothing bad happening to us for the rest of our stay.... A relaxing beach picnic would be great... at least that's what Ivory hopes. I'm aware that we attract a lot of trouble around us. Perhaps this train was sabotaged in order to stop me from my secret mission in relaxing."
>"Think this would be way more relaxing if it didn't happen in a tunnel. With the exit literally right there."
>One of his hooves point at the blinding light.
>Perhaps it's still sometime afternoon?
>"Heh, what are the odds of some giant sea monster showing up?"
"At the beach? Not very likely. But you can prepare that as an illusion to scare Ivory."
>"Sounds fun, and also a bad idea when you're trying to lay low."
"You could just do a small one!"
>"Where's the fun in that? He might just find it cute or something."

"As for what my plan is for Ivory, I guess... I didn't plan much beyond us two alone in a bed."
>"Heh, that's okay. You'll do well with improvising anyway."
"Actually, all that romance sounds good. I know Ivory wants it to be special, but I am not totally sure how to do that."
>He smirks at that.
>"You can always... go with the romance novel fluff. It never happens in reality, but I'm sure you can come up with something, heh."
>Hmm... wonder if those enchanted comics has explicit versions for sale.

"So since you're so curious of what I do in the bedroom with Ivory, I am curious about something. Do changelings form romantic relationships with other changelings?"
>"Uh... I'm sure it has happened. Just not often."
"So you never seen it happening?"
>"Nope!"
"Huh, and here I thought your entire race thrives via incest."
>"...I think this is a completely different case."
"But you're all still technically related though! Also, are they usually monogamous or polyamorous?"
>"I don't care, I'm sure most don't really care. As long as it gets us love."

"Hmm... They got an origin story? Mythological or historical tale about where your species came from."
>He puts on a thinking pose, as his illusions fades into the air.
>"I... actually don't know! I never had to care or think about these things before I met you."
>Tilting his head as he stares down at the train roof, he continues.
>"Ugh, why are you asking me the hard questions? It's like infiltrating a school all over again."
"Heh, do you know more about ponies than changelings at this point?"
>Letting out a sigh, you state.
"I'm kind of sounding like book princess aren't I?"
>"The purple one?"
>Heh, some would say it's lavender, but you won't say anything.
"Yeah, she always rambles on and on about this sort of stuff."
>"As... strange as she may be, she seems to be handling her newfound duties well."
"I heard she was a total shut in before she even became one of those elements."
>Gotta wonder how does somepony like that grow so much over so little time.

"Want me to brush your tail?"
>"Uh... sure? Weren't we supposed to be going back in or something?"

>Say something?
>Stay here or get back on the train?
>If you're going back onto the train, do you go back to your room?
>Or do you do/go something/somewhere else?


"Mom said she was gonna check on when we would be ready to get moving."
>"Ah."
>Feeling his tail with a hoof, it seems to be well-taken care of.
>Feels pretty smooth too.
"I have far too many questions that I still want to ask, but let's save it for later to avoid becoming too much of a dreaded nerd at this moment. I do want to know about that time you infiltrated a school."
>"I was just using infiltration to make it sound fancy. It was just one of my many mistakes."
"Still sounds like a fun time! You must have a lot of these stories, I swear you come off as a super spy in those spy novels. It comes off as natural after all these years, doesn't it?"
>"Again, you read too much. I'm very much just an ordinary stallion."
"That happens to have the power to disguise himself whenever he wants."
>"Yes, that too."

"So what happened? With the school thing, I meant."
>"I was disguised as a young stallion at the time, didn't really had any idea on what I was supposed to do, and I had to... take over a friend's position as teacher."
"How long ago was that?"
>"I was sixteen."
>You're like, negative years old at that time.
"You're already doing this sorta stuff at that age?"
>"No, not really, since I was inexperienced and all. And the occasional 'field exercises' doesn't really prepare you for the actual thing."
"It never does."
>"It was just for a week, and I did it mostly for the experience. And then I ended up having to teach stuff I know nothing about."
"Can't you just tell them to do self studies or something like that?"
>"I didn't know that was a thing! And I can't do that everyday!"
>Right, this raises several questions.

>Mom's head pokes up from the edge of the roof.
>"Hey, I think they're almost done, you two might wanna come back in."
"Oh, sure, let's head back in."

>Heading back into your room, you don't see anypony around.
>Didn't you tell Ivory to stay here and watch your things?
>Gee, he didn't even leave a note for you.
>What do you do?

>Important story shift!
>Do you want to stay as Grace, hanging around the train for possible shenanigans?
>Or do you shift perspectives to Ivory, who is currently literally in some fantasy world with some other ponies, playing some silly dice roleplaying game?
>Or do you go back in time, and play through your changeling friend's first time infiltrating pony society?
>If you'll rather time skip to when you arrive at Baltimare, probably near midnight. That's also a possibility.


>Welp, you're not sure what exactly to do.
>Hopping onto the collapsed bed, you start chatting with Patches.
"So, what exactly happened that day?"
>"What day?"
"You know, the day you became a teacher!"
>"..."
"It's not like we have anything else to do. Don't old stallions love telling the young their life stories? Tell me everything!"
>"I guess I can tell you about it..."
>He lies down next to you on the bed.

>You're...
["Buck, what was my name again?"]
>["Just come up with something temporary! I'm sure you'll remember your name throughout this!]
>You're... you're not sure what your name is, but you just want to get out of here.
>Buck, why is he a history teacher?
>You don't know any history!
>It's the most boring thing ever!
>Why would a changeling care about pony history!
>Your own history is boring enough as it is!
>"Sir? Are you okay?"
>A little-
>["I said everything! Don't start in the middle!"]
>[Grace says as she shakes your entire body with her hooves.]
["Everything?"]
>["YES! Everything!"]
["You asked for it."]

>Your eyes slowly opens, adjusting to the bioluminescent light in the cave-like room.
>The nursery chamber to be precise.
>An old looking changeling trots arou-
>["Wait, is this when you were born?"]
["Yeah."]
>["I'm amazed that you remember this, but not your name. And besides that, I meant the start of the story, not your entire life!"]
["Heh, I was just messing with ya."]

>You're a really excited changeling!
>You're currently disguised as a charcoal unicorn, but that's beside the point.
>Well, you're pretty sure what you're feeling is mainly excitement anyway.
>Today will be your first time infiltrating the outside world!
>Actually, you're just sent in as a temporary replacement while the changeling you're replacing goes off to do something super confidential!
>Even you aren't allowed to know what he's going to do.
>Some friend he is... not telling you the finer details of his assignment.
>Honestly, you envy him.
>Despite being the same age as you, he has been much better at all of this information gathering spy work, love gathering, yada yada yada.
>He already has a few years of experience, and... you're just now only starting to learn about this sort of stuff.
>It's mostly thanks to him persuading the higher ups too.
>"Hey, are you listening to me?"
>A similarly charcoal coated earth pony pokes at your horn.
>His name is Fore, or Four, you're not sure.
>It sounds the same anyway!
"Uh... yes?"
>"Uh huh, then I'm sure you can tell me what you're supposed to be doing, what personality my teacher self shows to the world, what coat colour and cutie mark he has, and his whole history?"
>...
>Buck, you didn't think this would turn into a quiz.

>Select a form appropriate for a history pony teacher.
>Create a back story.
>Select his name.
>And other character creation related things.


"Uh......"
>"Clock's ticking."
>His sing-song tone doesn't help with your thinking.
"Four Score, which is a greyish cobalt stallion earth pony with some sort of book cutie mark?"
>"Seriously? 'some sort of book' isn't good enough."
"It was some sort of untitled green book?"
>He just sighs at that.
>A burst of green fills the room.
>"There. Got it now?"
>A young looking earth pony stands before you.
>You trot around him and commit the details to memory.

>"Now, basic knowledge about this stallion?"
"His parents are dead? And lives alone in this house? He has a good friend who's also a teacher in the same school? Oh oh! He runs the school debate club!"
>"...Good enough, I suppose. I hope you don't somehow mess this up, I won't be around to keep an eye on you."
"It's only for a week! I'll just... avoid hanging around ponies?"
>And you don't even need to work every day!
>You think, you're actually not entirely sure of your schedule.
>He gives you a look of mild concern.
>"Just stay safe."
"You too..."
>He trots out of the bedroom you're in.
>You let out a sigh and open the curtains to look outside.

>He's already trotting off down the streets.
>You'll wave, but you don't think he'll notice.
>It's still noisy, even during the night, guess big cities are usually like this.
>Eh, what should you do right now?
>You can double check your schedule for tomorrow.
>Heading straight to bed sounds great right now.


>The moon seems dimmer tonight.
>That image of the mare always feels calming to stare at.
>Slowing your breathing, your mind wanders...
>You still can't believe it's that easy to get into a pony city.
>All you did was just trot in.
>No problems whatsoever.
>Guess you should take a look at the schedule before bed.
>Magically pulling the curtains shut, you trot over to check the note you've scribbled down.

>Let's see, tomorrow you'll need to...
>Be at the school by seven because all teachers need to be there... for some reason.
>Teach some classes.
>First class is by nine.
>Blah blah blah...
>Huh, there's not a lot of classes you need to teach.
>Perhaps you're just lucky?
>What are you supposed to do between classes?
>...
>Teachers sleep in the school... right?
>Moving on, there's also a meeting to discuss something about the school?
>["I have to say, past you sounds really ignorant to everything."]
["Well, I was technically a teenager at that time."]
>["Not really a good excuse, but go on!"]
>And the rest is free time!
>Great, time to sleep.
>You plop face first onto the bed and almost immediately drift off into the realm of dreams.

>Ring Ring!
>Ring RIng!
>Ugh, shut up.
>One of your hooves flails around, knocking the annoying sound further away.
>Oh for...
>Why isn't the sound stopping?
>You cast something without actual mental input, and the sound is silenced.
>Ah... peace and quiet.

>What do you sleep?
>Do you wa-sleep?
>Or do you prep-sleep?
>Zzz.
>Pony beds are nice.
>[spoiler]What time is it?[/spoiler]
>That's not important.
>Forget what you need to do.
>Sleep is more important.
>["..."]
["Yes, I was lazy. Sue me."]
>["Did you somehow end up not going to school at all?"]
["You'll be surprised. I did make it to school."]
>[When exactly is a different question.]
>["Then, what happens next?"]

>Your eyes open to total darkness.
"Mff..."
>Hooves feels weak.
>Maybe sleeping with your face stuffed in the pillow was a bad idea.
>Pulling yourself up, your blinking eyes slowly adjusts to the light shining through the curtains.
>It's... surprisingly quiet.
>You don't hear anything at all.
>Maybe it's still too early and you can go back to sleep?
>Your hooves absentmindedly tries to grab air.
>Hmm? It's gone...
>You were so sure you had a mini clock next to the bed.

>What do you do?
>You still don't feel hungry, but you know there's some love stored around here.
>Relax and laze on the bed?
>Do you start preparing for work?
>[spoiler]Check the time?[/spoiler]
>Transform into the teacher now? Or when you leave the house?
>Something else?


>Ugh... you'll stay here for a few minutes.
>You're supposed to be teaching basic Equestrian history to a class of foals?
>That happens to be a few years younger than you are.
>Yeah.
>Then there's the older classes with with ponies that are technically older than you.
>Fun, you can seduce them!
>Since they're older than you anyway.
>Hmm...
>Maybe you can get away with adjusting your appearance for maximum sexiness?
>You suddenly shift into an earth pony while thinking about this.
>Buck, you better not let your mind wander before this happens again.
>Hopefully winging this will be enough.

>Rolling off the bed, your right forehoof lands painfully on something metallic.
>Ow, what is...
>Oh hey! That's where your clock went.
>It's nine o'clock.
>Welp, you better feed on some love and...
>...
>Wait a second.
>NINE!?
>BUCK, first day and you're already screwing up!
>AHH, WHAT DO?
["And then I ended up getting horny colts pinning me over the desk for hours! Then I mind wiped them! The end!"]
>[Grace laughs at the sudden shift.]
>["Ever since that day, they would get inexplicable hard ons for their teachers?"]
["Anyway, I panicked and ran...]

>No time for anything!
>You quickly grab onto some random notes and rush out of the room.
>Wait!
>You stop and rush to a mirror, looking over your form.
>Everything seems to be in order!
>Time to go!
>You gallop out of the house without eating anything, or bringing anything aside from random notes.

>The school comes into view.
>It's quite large, think it's just another city thing.
>Yes! You didn't lose your way and end up in a brothel or something.
>The class...
>Where was the class?
>Uh, room 106?
>What is that supposed to mean!?
>Rushing into the building, you don't see anyone around.
>Guess the students are in the learning rooms, and the teachers are in the teacher office place?
>["Classroom."]
["Huh?"]
>["The buck is a learning room? Why would anypony call a classroom something like that? And 'teacher office place'?"]
["I was not prepared for this sort of thing. Okay?"]

>Ah ha!
>There's your class!
>You quickly open the door and rush in, and promptly crash into a stallion.
>Papers are scattered everywhere as you find yourself on top of said stallion.
>Ow, everything hurts.
>"Ugh... Score?"
>Everything is blue.
>You can hear whispers all over the place.
>A sigh comes from the stallion, you could feel the vibrations as your face is buried in his chest.
>"I see you're finally here. Can you get off of me?"
>You're too dazed to act.
>Another sigh is heard.
>"Everypony, try to read up on section 2.4 for a minute while I sort this out."
>You're then swiftly carried out of the room.

>"Hey, Score, you alright?"
>A concerned navy blue pegasus with light purple mane asks.
>You're in the hall outside the class?
>"Hello? Did you bump your head or something?"
>A hoof waves itself before your eyes.

>How do you act?


"What? Who..."
>"Seriously? It's me, Prime. Everypony thought you've gotten sick or something, what happened to you?"
"I..."
>A hoof brushes the top of your head.
>"I was the substitute for your class. Since you're clearly unfit for class, why don't you take some time to compose yourself? I'll give your students something to do."
>He trots back into the class.
>...
>This can be a good thing.
>It means you don't need to teach! Right?
>And all of your notes are inside, and all over the floor, great.

>Do you stay here?
>Or do you go elsewhere in the school?
>Do you go inside to collect the notes you didn't even read through yet?
>You can also go inside for other reasons, such as taking over the class.
>So, what do you do now?


>Now that you think about it, those notes might contain sensitive information.
>You should get it all first.
>Just as you stand back up, the door swings open and Prime trots out with a stack of papers.
>Giving them to you in his wings, he gives you a knowing smirk.
>"Think you might have grabbed the wrong notes on your way here."
>Taking them in your hooves, you look through...
>Wait a second, these aren't notes.
>...
>It's a lewd drawing of yourself.
>Your current self anyway.
>You never knew your friend had a talent for drawing.
"Um..."
>The next page is also something similar.
>In the corner, there's also a tiny drawing of...
>Some amalgamation, eww, did every species in the world had an orgy and made this thing?
>...Maybe you should stop flipping, lest you find porn of your fellow teachers.
>"Don't worry, I won't say anything. Can't say the same for anypony inside that saw them though."

>...
>You're sure your friend drew these for reasons other than fun.
>Do you do something about this?
>Also, do you want to ask anything in particular?


>[A hoof pokes you repeatedly.]
>[Grace is looking at you with an amused expression.]
["...What?"]
>["Did you sense any lust from him? Did he end up fiddling your diddle?"]
["Grace please, stop breaking the flow."]
>["You didn't answer my question!"]
>[You sigh at her insistence prodding.]

"Uh, thank you..."
>"You're welcome."
>You quickly stuff the papers back into your bags.
"What did... you... think about the drawings?"
>"Honestly? They're cute. I never knew you could draw."
"I-I see..."
>You feel only amusement, slight happiness, and concern from him.
>...
>Yes, there is very faint lust too.
["Happy?"]
>["Very!"]

>"Feeling better? You seemed tired, when did you sleep last night?"
>It's that obvious?
>Guess you did trot all the way here from the lands south of that mountain city.
"Sometime past midnight?"
>Another sigh.
>"Do take better care of yourself."
"I will, I was just busy last night."
>"Mm, if you need anything, just ask."
"Actually, where do we store spare textbooks again? Since everything I should've brought is sitting somewhere at home."
>"You can just get them from the room next to the faculty office."
"Faculty office?"
>"...You forget again? It's on the first floor, next to the medical room. Right there."
>He points down the hall, in the general direction of the rooms passing the stairs.
"Ah, thanks again."
>"No problem, I can cover for you throughout the whole period, and the next class will be taught by me anyway. But feel free to come in anytime, history isn't exactly my strong suit."
"Okay..."
>He reenters the classroom.

>Okay, you are now free to wander the school grounds.
>You've saw a huge field on your way to the actual class building.
>The canteen is actually near said field, and is connected to the main building via a walkway.
>There's multiple floors here, it's probably mostly classrooms, and some specialty rooms for magic practice and gym stuff. Probably.
>You also saw another building that seemed broken down on your way in.
>So, what do you do?
>Trot around to familiarize yourself?
>Grab a spare textbook?
>Something else?


>You quickly trot over to the room for a textbook.
>Thinking back on the stuff your friend left you...
>There wasn't any keys for anything here.
>Only key your friend gave you was the one to your home now.
>Guess if you'll need keys, you'll need to find them in the office or a security pony.

>You try pulling the door open, and it swings open.
>Guess it wasn't locked?
>There's huge stacks of textbooks featuring many different subjects.
>It's doesn't take long for you to find one of basic Equestrian history.
>Trotting into the faculty office, you notice two other ponies around.
>They don't pay any attention to you, seemed busy with something else.
>Welp, gives you more time for personal rest.
>If you can find your spot.
>Meh, you can just sleep at a random spot if you need.

>Taking a seat at the corner of the room, you...
>Actually, should you rest or sleep?
>Or do you... ugh, read the history book?
>Or you can do something else!


>It's best that you... read this thing.
>But first! What are those ponies doing?
>No, you're not procrastinating, shut up.
>You discretely look around the room at the other ponies.
>Seems like the green mare earth pony across the room is writing stuff in books.
>Grading?
>And the other yellowish white mare unicorn is reading something, glancing at the clock every so often.

>A happy thought occurs to you when you look down at the textbook in your hooves.
>This is the teacher's textbook, right?
>They store them here, right?
>You flip it open to check, and it seems that you... don't have the teacher's version.
>It's the foal's version.
>Buck, it's probably somewhere home.
>No cheat sheet for you, unfortunately.
>...Maybe you can find one somewhere amongst the stack of textbooks?

>Do you read?
>Do you try to make things easier by finding the teacher's version?
>Do you do anything but read?
>No, you're not trying to procrastinate.


>Just reading the student's version is totally unproductive, right? So, you shouldn't read at all!
>They should just distribute the teacher's version to everyone.
>Placing the book in your saddlebags, you quickly trot back to the room of books!
>Darn, you don't see it anywhere.
>Time passes as you search high and low for the book.
>Ah ha!
>Through vigorous climbing, you actually managed to find one in the back.
>Along with the easy version of many other books featuring different subjects.
>You head back to the office.
>There's no ponies in here now.

>It's almost ten.
>Think recess happens at ten thirty?
>Your next class is at noon.
>Then you just need to worry about a meeting that you're not even sure you need to show up for.

>Sitting down in your little corner again, you flip open the book and skim through a few pages.
>Ooo, ponies being racist.
>Something something sanctuary.
>Wishy washy windigos.
>Crickly crackly chaos.
>Blah blah blah banishment.

>What do you do?
>Do you go hang at the class you were supposed to be in?
>Do you go get something at the canteen right now?
>Do you do... something?
>Do you, ugh... properly read the book?


"Eh..."
>...
>Guess you should get this over with.
>Let's see, chapter one is...
>Just dumb introductory stuff.
>Skip!
>Chapter two is, uh...
>Something about ponies being racist towards each other.
>There's also something about eternal winter.
>Flip!
>Well, maybe you should actually read some of it.
>Equestria's history can't be that boring, right?
>Chapter three...
>Unable to compromise, the three tribes all sought out other lands?
>What three tribes?
>Oh hey! windigos are cool.
>......
>......
>And boom! Holiday called Hearth's Warming or something.
>......
>You've learned about the Founding of Equestria and the meaning of Hearth's Warming day.
>Hooray, they're about five percent less racist after that event?
>Yeah, sounds about right.

>Why do you still have hundreds of pages to go through?
>Augh!
>What is there to learn about?
>It all sounds like some dumb fairy tale.
>'The winner dictates history'... or something, right?
>What are the odds that ponies just erased history or something?
>["Hold on! You thought about this too?"]
["Um..."]
>["That's what I thought! Like how the mare in the moon was some old ponies' tale, why would somepony just let the world forget about their sister? It was listed as bucking folklore! Or-or the story of the three tribes! They can't have just 'became mad at each other' for no reason, won't those snow monsters have showed up already? What happened before that?......]
>[You didn't know the journalist had such passion for this sort of stuff.]
>[Was ther-"]
>[You shove a hoof against Grace's lips.]
["That was just a stray thought of mine. I really couldn't care less about history."]

>Someone is behind you.
>When did they get here?
>You can feel a mix of happiness and playfulness from them.
>...Why are the ponies always happy?
>A stack of books dropping on the table next to you startles you slightly.
>Prime sits at the swivel chair next to your stationary seat.
>"Here's their homework!"
>There's only seven notebooks.

>In the corner of your eyes, you can see that the time is 10:35 in the morning now.
>What do you do/say/ask?


"Thanks."
>Grabbing one of the books, you flip it open.
>The words are, a bit hard to understand.
>Do you need... to grade seven of this!?
>Way to throw you in the bucking deep end, mister important changeling.
>Couldn't even tell you why or where he's going.
>Worse friend ever.
>You understand nothing, what is this writing?
>Ignoring this book, you check the other notebooks.
>Looking at the writing of the names on the cover, you pick the book that is the most legible.

>...
>Yay, you have no idea if this is correct or not.
>Can you just give everything a tick?
>Nopony would know, right?

>...Wait, you just need to compare it to the book you have, right?
>That makes your task much more easy!
>Sounds of writing and slight tapping fills the room as time passes.

>"So, you free tomorrow?"
>You can hear slight creaks as Prime spins his chair around.
"Hmm?"
>"It's Saturday tomorrow, so I'm just checking if you're going to stay home during the weekend, again."

>What do you do/say?
>Do you keep grading till it's time for your next class?
>Or do you look for something to eat?
>Or something else?


>He swivels in the chair while holding a book up.
"Nope, I'm planing on heading out!"
>...Crap, he's gonna ask to hang out with you even more, is he?
>Quirking an eyebrow at you, he asks.
>"To?"
"Uh... the club?"
>Or a bar.
>Those two things are the same, right?
>"Cool, wanna get drunk together?"
>...Is this how teachers are supposed to act?
"I'm not exactly there to get drunk, and why would someon-pony get drunk when it's still day anyway?"
>"Why else would you go to a club?"
"Uh... to..."
>Buck, what do ponies do at clubs again?
"You know... I don't have a reason."
>"If you just wanna go outside, you could wander the city or something!"
>You hear more creaks as he spins around and around.
>How the buck does is he capable of reading like that?
>How is he not crashing into anything?
"Actually, I'll probably stay home in the end. I don't like going out anyway."
>Plus, there's probably enough love stored up for you to stay inside for a full week.
>You'll need to check, but it makes sense for Four to keep a stock.
>"Mm hmm. I see you're still as indecisive as ever."
>Oh, good to know you're not breaking character or anything.
>Ugh, there's only one more book to go through.
>Seems like the homework is somewhere within chapter two.
>Makes sense, considering it's spring.
>...

>Done! Yes!
>Good thing there's only seven sets to grade.
>Isn't there usually more students in a class?
>Especially in a city school.
>There sure aren't a lot of teachers going in and out of the office.
>It's also much more quiet than you expected, aren't places with a lot of young ponies usually really noisy?

>It's already 11:12 in the morning.
>You're... kinda hungry.
>But where the buck are you suppose to find food in a place like this?
>How does Four do it?
>And you have a class when it reaches noon.
>Considering that it's gonna be essentially a class of teenagers, maybe you can just hold on till then, and seduce the students or something.

>"You know..."
>Prime suddenly chimes up.
>"Considering tomorrow's a day off, wanna hang out tonight?"
"...Is alcohol involved?"
>"Duh, it's pretty much a necessity! Come on, the other teachs can't be bothered to pull their sticks out of their flank to do something like this with me."
>They seemed okay to you...
>Although, you haven't interacted with them yet.
>Do they just not get along?
"I-"
>"Yes, you don't need to drink."
>...Why does this sound so pathetic for some reason?

>What do you do?
>Explore?
>Make small talk? Talk about what?
>Something else?


>["Clearly, he's desperate for your dick! It's only a problem if the sex isn't good!"]
>[Grace pls.]
>["Also, isn't this about sixty years ago? You'd think culture would be slightly different back then."]
["..."]
>["Don't mind me, I was just rambling, go on!"]

>With how desperate he is, it sure feels like you have little choice but to accept.
>At least you'll probably get food out of this?
"Sure... I guess."
>"Yes! We can go right after the principal talks about his issues with the school, again. "
>Why do you have the strange feeling that you're going to regret this?

"Have you ate yet?"
>"Nope."
>Four has to have a way to feed in this school, so...
>What are the odds of finding love in a canteen?
"Is the canteen still open?"
>"Yup. Though most food is probably cold by now."
"Mm..."
>"You're actually going there? Don't you usually go out to some restaurant nearby?"
>You do?

>Say something?
>Do something?


"Yeah, but I'm feeling lazy today, and..."
>You look to the clock.
>There's less than an hour of time left before you need to teach another class.
>Checking your bag for bits, you see...
>You have no idea how many bits you actually have, but there's definitely shiny coins inside.
"Ah, just a quick bite should suffice."
>"Have fun. Bring something back for me!"
>Wait, he's not coming?
>You don't even know where said restaurant is.
>And what are you supposed to pack for him?
>...

>What do you do?
>There's no time to explore, you just need to know the directions.
>Asking what he wants is an option.
>Or you can just get him to come along, preferably without revealing that you have no idea where you're going?
>Maybe there are other options as well?


"Alright."
>Placing the textbook that you've borrowed into your saddlebags, you trot out of the faculty office.
>You just need to find a student and ask them if there are any restaurants nearby!
>You're a genius!
>Let's see, it can't be that hard to find a student in a school.

>Trotting up to a random teal student, the pony greets you, almost by instinct it seems.
>"Good morning sir!"
>He feels nervous, for some reason.
"Yes, do you know if there are any restaurants nearby?"
>"Uh, yes."
"Directions please."
>He gets even more nervous and slightly confused.
>"It's......"
>Nervously, he tells you about the restaurants nearby.
>Did he think you were quizzing him or something?
>Apparently, there's a few different restaurants nearby.
>One such restaurant, or rather coffee shop, sometimes has discounts or promotions for couples and whatnot.
>You think you know where this is going.
>"Um... can I go now?"
>The teal stallion whispers.

>Say something?
>Now, what do you do?
>Canteen?
>Leave the school?
>Or just stay in the faculty office?


>Gotta hate the bug that threw you into this with no preparation.
>At least this is a way for you to train your improvisation skills?
>At first, you thought about going to the canteen anyway, but-
>["So, a young stallion and not a colt, huh?"]
["What are you implying?"]
>["Nothing!"]
>[Sometimes, you wonder if her mind is perpetually stuck in the gutter.]

"Right, you may leave now."
>You trot off and out of the school, towards the coffee shop.
>On your way there, you attempt to read some of your notes.
>Surely, it's not all drawings, right?
>...
>If only you were a unicorn, how do earth ponies do it?
>Do you just wobble with three hooves or something?
>You have no idea how can you read and trot as an earth pony.
>Do you... transform into a unicorn?
>After checking if no one is watching or nearby, of course.


>Right, you'll just go into a back alley for that.
>Once the school is out of sight, you turn into an alleyway and check if anybody is looking at your general direction.
>Hmm... a farmer would be best suited for this.
>Less chance of somebody expecting you to do something you don't know about.
>You quickly take on the disguise of a orange-reddish stallion unicorn with...
>What sort of cutie mark would a farmer have again?
>Flowers?
>What was that flower you saw a few days ago... daffodil flowers?
>That works.
>You think.
>["Hold on a sec, how did you went from farmer to florist?"]
["Hehe... I didn't even know what a hoe looked like?"]
>["Yeah, sure. But that train of thou-"]
["Moving on!"]

>Okay, trotting back out into the crowd, you levitate the stack of notes out for viewing purposes.
>Hmm, porn, porn, drawing featuring a scenery of the sea, porn of an teacher mare, class schedule, porn of teacher stallion, slightly erotic art of changelings, lesson plan, notes on students, more drawings...
>...Did Four moonlighted as some erotic artist or something?
>You can feel hostile emotions nearby...
>A mare nearby covers her filly's eyes as you trot pass.
>...Maybe going through this in public was a bad idea.
>Why didn't Four just use a sketchbook for this?

>Ooo, you can already sense food from here.
>A little coffee shop filled with ponies inside, and working ponies getting coffee in line comes into view.
>...Hmm, you won't need much of anything, but he did say to bring something back.
>Do you buy something back for Prime? If so, what? You can see cakes and coffees on the tables within the shop.
>Do you get something for yourself?
>Or do you just stay outside like a creep, because honestly, you can just feed on the background emotions from outside.


>Shoving the notes back in your bags, you trot towards the shop.
>Heh, a stray thought pops to the front of your mind.
>What if you got together with another teacher?
>It can't be that hard to seduce a teacher...
>Yes, this will be the perfect revenge!
>["Wait, hold up. How is setting up a relationship for your friend revenge?"]
["He'll have to stay committed to a pony?"]
>This can't possibly backfire!
>["Did it backfire?"]
["That'll be spoilers. So, I've went in the shop and got in line..."]

>Heh, there sure is a lot of ponies around here.
>You have no idea why is this place so popular.
>Most drinks seems...
>Kinda expensive?
>Seven bits for an espresso is expensive, right?
>The mare at the counter seems happy, though her emotions consist of boredom.
>"Good morning sir, what would you like to order?"
>Oh, that's you.
"Um... What's the most romantic small cake you have here?"
>"What's the occasion? Are you celebrating an anniversary with a lucky mare? or Is this for an apology?"
>Why is this necessary information?
>What do you tell her?
>Do you correct her and say it's for a stallion?
>Come up with an excuse saying that a sister just wanted your help on buying a 'romantic cake' etc. etc.?


"It's just something simple, an apology, for being late to a date."
>"Great, less work for me. Now, what do you want other than romantic? You don't need any sort of written message on it, do you?"
"Um... no? Uh..."
>"She turns and quickly grab something from the back at an amazing speed.
>Setting an heart shaped... (chocolate?) cake with roses on the sides, she looks to you with a smile.
>Emotions still as bored as ever, she asks.
>"Will this do?"
>Guess this works?
>...Want her to, write something on it? Or something else?
>Also, are you getting a drink for yourself or something?


"This works, thanks."
>"You're welcome!"
>You look around the shop while she places the small cake in a slightly bigger, but still small box.
>Just being in here makes you happier, gotta wonder if other changelings ever hang around places like these.
"How much will this cost me?"
>"Just thirteen bits!"
>She says with fake enthusiasm.
>...Thirteen?
>Um... how much is a gold bit worth again?
"Here?"
>You pull a golden bit out with your magical field.
>"Mm, hold on a sec."
>She ruffles under the counter and hoofs you the change.
>A few silver and copper bits.
>You have no idea if this is correct.
"Thanks again."
>You turn and trot outside, levitating the box close to you.

>Hmm, you'll have to be careful not to shake too much.
>The box of a small romantic cake is neatly placed inside your saddlebag, next to the history book you've borrowed.
>You should return the book before you leave the school today.
>Let's see... go back now?
>Do you have anything to do before you head back? Or on the way back?


>Right, you're still an unicorn...
>You trot back to that alleyway you were in.
>First! You should get rid of the flowers, flowers might be a bit too much at the start.
>Separating the flowers from the cake, you place them in your other saddlebags, which were empty.
>These could still be a snack after all.
>You check around the area for signs of ponies noticing what you're doing, before transforming back into your earth pony teacher self.
>Now, you can safely present the cake to him and deny everything if he doesn't respond well to the romantic gesture.

>Heh, time to head back to the school!
>As you pass the school gates, the pegasus guard nods at you.
>Nodding back with a smile, you quickly head back into the faculty office.
>Huzzah! You still have seventeen minutes before you need to go to class.
>Prime is writing something in a notebook with a bunch of numbers.
>...
>Buck, you're actually kinda nervous.
>How are you supposed to do this?


"Hey Prime, I got you some food like you asked."
>"Great! How much do I owe ya?"
>You take a seat at the corner next to him again.
>Should... you ask for money in this situation?
"Hold on, I'll have to check the receipt. Here's it is."
>You carefully take the box out of the bag and place it in front of him.
>"Hmm? Cake?"
>He seems slightly confused, yet he's as happy as ever.
"Mm hm..."
>You're not sure if you're supposed to stare at him when he's opening the box or not.
>Right when he opens the box, a tiny blush shows itself, easily visible through the blue coat.
>He seems...
>Initially confused and embarrassed, then mostly amused.
>He slowly turns to you with a quirked eyebrow.
>"I didn't know heart shaped cakes were a thing. How much was this?"
>...
>What do?


"Just ten bits."
>"Here you go."
>He sure sounds happier.
>He IS happier than he was this morning.
>Whew, you didn't know a pony can be this sickeningly happy.
>["In a good way?"]
["Mm... If you put it that way, sure. Let's go with that."]
>You quickly check for the notes for what you're supposed to be teaching later as Prime pushes a silver bit to your side of the desk.
>Hmm... it's history, yay.
>History about... the other races?
>...Buck.
>Pocketing the bit, you leave the receipt pinned under a slightly transparent stone paperweight, on top of a stack of books.
>There, he should notice it after a while.
>Other ponies trotting by might notice it too.

>Without a word, you get up and prepare to-
>"By the way, thanks for the cake."
"Well, technically, you're the one buying it."
>"Thanks anyway."
>You leave the faculty office with your bags, focusing to detect his emotions even when you're outside."
>...Still as happy as ever.
>Somepony nearby feels slightly sad.
>Where was the class again? Think it was upstairs...
>You go through the fire escape stairwell next to the medical room.
>A thought just occurred to you, it'll be really easy for you to detect Prime's presence, since he seems to always be happy.
>Hmm? He's a bit happier, and mischievous?
>...Maybe playful is a better term for it.

>You've reached the third floor.
>The class so happens to be right here too!
>Great.
>...You don't want to go in.
>Ugh...
>What do you do?


>Maybe if you act threatening and intimidating, they'll obey you?
>What was that saying... 'Might makes right!'?
>...That's a surefire way to get fired.
>Heh, you'll teach them changeling history, if you actually remember them.
>It's also a really stupid idea that'll lead to problems in the near future.
>......
>Okay, you just gotta calm down, and trot in like a stallion.
>Opening the door, you trot inside with a neutral expression.
>"Good afternoon mister Score!"
>...Right, that's a thing.
>Um... There's only seven ponies in here.
>Most of them are chatting amongst themselves.
>That teal unicorn from earlier is in this class too.
>Seems like they're older than you are too.
>Sitting at your desk, you take a look at the class roster.
>Huh, apparently, seven is right.
>Okay then.
"..."
>You just want to get out of here.
>Buck, why is he a history teacher?
>You don't know any history!
>It's the most boring thing ever!
>Why would a changeling care about pony history!
>Your own history is boring enough as it is!
>"Sir? Are you okay?"
>A little mare with...
["Huh, now that I think about it, you look a lot like her."]
>["What was her name?"]
["...I'll see if I can remember."]
>You smile and give her a silent nod.
>Why can't you be a language teacher or something?
"..."

>What do you do?
>Do you... make something up?
>Ask the students questions?
>Sudden field trip!?
>Something else?
>Do absolutely nothing and stare at the class?


"..."
>Really, only a quarter of the class is even paying attention to your presence at this point.
"..."
>...
"Okay! How was your morning so far? Did anything interesting happened?"
>"..."
>There's an awkward silence.
>Ugh, what did the homework said again?
>Most of them had terrible foal writing...
>...Wait, that's for a different class!
>"It was okay, nothing interesting beyond the principal's speech this morning. What's up with you, teach?"
>Mini Grace that's actually about her size speaks up.
>"Mini Grace?"
>The teenager speaks up as old Grace breaks reality.

"I told you, I don't remember her name."
>"Yeah, but, 'mini Grace'?"
"She looks like you, so..."
>"I'm not complaining, it's just funny that a pony that looks like me exist."
>You've been talking for a while, but it seems you still have a long time to go before you reach the beach.
>Wonder where did her coltfriend went?
>He's been missing for a while.
"Right, back to the story."
>You shift on the bed, a comfy pillow under your body.

"I'm fine."
>"You sure? Are you having one of those mid-life crises or something?"
>...How did she come to that conclusion?
>And now four ponies are talking to each other, one's working on homework from another class, one's just listening to you talking with the young mare.
>Great.
>It's not like they'll complain if you don't teach.
>Seems like there's no overly studious student in this class.

>Hmm...
>You're gonna be here for an hour.
>What do you do?


"I'm not having a mid-life crisis! I'm not..."
>Buck, you can't say how old you are.
"I'm only... somewhat old!"
>"If you say so."
>...Maybe you should've just went along with it.
>You let out a sigh.
"I think... I might be having one of those crisis."
>"Ooo, can you tell us? Maybe we can help?"
>"Mm, hey, how were we supposed to do this again?"
>That pink young mare that has been doing what you think is homework since you came in pokes her from behind.
>And now you're left with that teal stallion.
>Who is still staring at you.
>He seems to get nervous whenever you pay attention to him.
>Bah, this is going nowhere.

>Do absolutely nothing?
>Elaborate on your personal issues?
>Listen in on the two mares doing homework?
>Listen in on the ponies chatting?
>Talk to the teal stallion?
>Trot around the classroom?
>Something else?


>Closing your eyes, you focus a little to listen to the chatter amongst your students.
>"So, what do you think?"
>A young leaf coloured mare asks a grey stone coloured stallion.
>"About what?"
>"You know, the rumor I've been telling you for the past ten minutes?"
>"Oh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
>"..."
>"Just tell him later when he's not sleepy."
>A red mare pipes up, nose buried in her school saddlebags.
>"Why should we care about the love life of some random ponies we don't even know anyway?"
>A snow coloured young stallion mutters.
>"Ugh! Do none of you understand gossip?"
>"Yeah."
>The grey pony replies bluntly.
>"Let's not get into this. Have you seen that newest... that miss River......"

>Opening your eyes, you immediately notice that... nothing has changed.
>Though that teal stallion isn't looking at you anymore, he still feels uncomfortable.
>Hmm...
"Hey, is something wrong?"
>You trot up to the young pony at the corner of the class, looking out at the window.
>"No."
>He's definitely scared alright.
>You don't think you look intimidating?
"You sure?"
>"Mm..."
>...

>What do you do?


>You don't think your asking about restaurants would result in this.
>Just what did Four do to him?
"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, for suddenly asking about the restaurant."
>"It's okay..."
>At this point, it's like the teacher doesn't even exist.
>Is this normal?
>You hope nobody nearby hears this?
>It's not like they're really noisy, since it's less than ten ponies.
"Come on kiddo. I'm a cool pony, what's got you bothered?"
>"It's really nothing. I'm just... It's just... nightmares..."
"Wanna talk about them?"
>"I-I'll rather not..."
>Hmm, you have a hunch that you're in it.

>Say convincing things!
>Or you can let this go and do something else?


>You give him a little pat on the head.
"Wanna talk in private?"
>"...I don't want to annoy you, you're busy and all."
"Technically, this is my job, but alright then. If you change your mind, I'll be around. Remember, as a normal, ordinary teacher, I'm always happy to help my students."
>"Mm."
"Of course, there's always the counselor."
>All schools have one, right?
>"I can deal with it... It's just a dream."
>He looks down at the desk.
>"Just a dream..."
"O...kay?"
>"I mean, you're you! You're the kindest teacher in this school! The foals love you! You're not some creepy, black shadowy thing with green eyes..."
>He's pretty much mumbling to himself now.
>Your senses tells you that the other students are still occupied with their own conversations.
>...Worry intensifies.
>"...Then it threatens to kill my family, then she just disappeared without a word! Oh Celestia I know she's probably just camping with her friends, but then..."
>...Four, what did you do?

>...What do?


>Hmm... this is the last class you have to teach.
>You don't have any debate club meetings today, you think.
>Might need to check when you get home.

>You'll want to ask more, but this probably isn't the best place for that.
"Why don't you come find me after school? I think I can help you."
>"Really?"
>["Mind wipe?"]
["...You do know that I can't actually do that, right?"]
>["Oh..."]
["And your glee at your fellow ponies getting their mine wiped scares me."]

"Yeah, really."
>You ruffle his mane with your hoof, taking care not to end up rubbing his horn.

>Sitting in the empty seat next to him, you stew on your impending doom.
>...Prime said something about section 2.4?
>But that's a completely different class!
>That's for basic equestrian history!
>This is completely different!
>There's no equestrian history being taught in this class...
>It's... actually 12:45p.m.
>Huh, only fifteen minutes left!
>Yes!

>You don't think you even have the textbook this class needs.
>...What do you do?


>You address the entire class from the seat at the back corner of the room.
"You know what? I don't really have any time left to teach you all what I wanted to teach... so, feel free to talk amongst yourselves!"
>As if they aren't all doing that already.
>Maybe you should give homework?
>...
"Also, write something short, bout a page long, about the bat ponies!"
>That's what they're called, right?
"Make sure it's factual, feel free to use sources from the library, just cite your sources. And... I know this is history, but try not to make too many grammar mistakes!"
>A series of groans comes from the class, mostly from the four chatting amongst themselves.
"Hey, tomorrow's the weekend! You'll have plenty of time to write something short!"

>...Should you set a deadline?
>Want to talk to somepony specific in this class?
>Do you end and leave the class early?


"Oh yeah, you guys can have these back."
>You can sense some confusion from the ponies working on homework.
>You pull out the stack of notebooks next to your roses out and just set it at the teacher's desk.
>Trotting back to the teal pony, you sit at the chair next to him.
"You know, if you want, we can talk after class too. I can pull you out of class, what class did you have after this?"
>"...This is the last class?"
"......oh."
>"Hey, these aren't our books!"
"..."
>"Are you okay, teach?"
"Yeah! I'm... just having an off day. Sorry."
>"Um... my sister is in that class, If you want, I can give them to her to distribute it?"
"Oh... Good! Thank you."
>Entrusting mini Grace with the stack of books, you turn your attention to the teal stallion again.

"So... I don't have anything to do after this, want to talk after this?"
>"Okay..."
>Great!
>You ruffle his mane again.

>The sound of a bell ringing resounds throughout the class.
>Think you can dismiss the class now?
>Also, you have a meeting sometime before the afternoon classes and activities actually starts.
>Then you can just go home after the meeting.


"Well, you can all leave now!"
>You turn to the teal stallion.
"You stay here, we'll have the class to ourselves!"
>Trotting to the teacher's desk, you pull open the drawers and rifle through the contents.
>Blank papers, blank graph papers, blank coloured papers.
>Huh.
>Most of the class has left by now, taking their belongings with them.

>Moving to the young stallion, you start.
"So, stay calm, and tell me about your dream?"
>"Well... I don't remember much, but you were some monster that threatened to... k-kill my family?"
"..."
>"And I keep getting them whenever I sleep, and then my sister just disappeared without a word! I mean, she always does that, she has to take care of me as well, so she's always out late doing work, but then she's just, gone!"
"I see..."
>What might end up giving him nightmares?
>Could he have saw Four change?
>And he ended up overthinking the situation?
>You know for a fact that Four is much more competent than you are, so it's really unlikely that he was found shapeshifting by this young stallion.
>And you seriously doubt that he actually did much of anything to him...
>Hmm, you need more information.

>What do?
>Let him go for now?


"Hmm, you can go. Write everything down if you have that dream again, so you'll be able to remember it."
>"But that's scary... And I only have a plushie for comfort..."
>...Is his parents away? Or...
"It'll be okay, I'll do some research to help you with this, just hang on?"
>"Yeah, it's just a dream..."
>He mutters to you, mostly trying to convince himself.
>Maybe you should... no, getting him to stay with you will result in trouble.

"I'll see you in a few more days, kay?"
>"Mm..."
>He starts packing his things, preparing to leave.

>Go to the faculty office?
>Just go straight to where the meeting will be happening?
>Do something in particular?


>You head straight to meeting room somewhere on the first floor.
>Seems like nopony is here yet.
>Hmm... better early than late!
>Time passes.
>With nothing better to do, you read your 'notes'.
>By that, you meant enjoying and appreciating Four's artistic skills.

>...
>You feel sleepy...
>Pulling out a rose, you munch on the petals.
>A pony plops himself on the swivel chair.
>"Hi again!"
>Prime greets you.
>You give him a nod.
>Mm, there's a lot of ponies around now?
>Gee, you need to be more aware of your surroundings.
>Good thing you're at the corner of the table, where nobody other than Prime can see exactly what you're reading.

>"Is everypony here? Good, I have bad news for all of you."
>An old looking mare addresses everyone in the room.
>"Due to the fact that... we still don't have the minimum amount of students attending the school, we'll all be out of a job by the years' end."
>...

>React?
>Say something?
>Stay silent and listen to the entire thing?
>Act like you're listening and tone out the whole thing?
>Something else?


>...That's a nasty surprise, but that explains the lack of students.
"Why is this even an issue?"
>You mutter.
>"Rumors? Bad news? The string of events that lead to somepony dying? We kinda don't have a good reputation. Despite us having nothing to do with it."
>Prime mutters back.
>Somebody died?
>That's... unusual.

"What was the minimum requirement again?"
>"It's _____."
>["..."]
["I can't remember every bucking detail!"]
>["Uh huh..."]
["Well, look at it this way, a school in a big city, has a student body consisting of a grand total of forty students."]
>["...Wow, that's the size of a huge class."]
["Yeah, you see what I mean now."]

>Huh, that's about thirty more ponies you'll need to find...
>Hmm... You have a great idea!
>What if a bunch of young changelings are sent in as students?
>It'll be a good opportunity to train them!
>Thirty-ish is a huge number though...

>"It'll take a miracle to save this school. I'm sorry, everypony, I've failed all of you."
>Buck, did you just miss part of the speech?
>The old mare stares down at the table.
>...You put on a facade of sadness.
>Chatter comes from everywhere, the room explodes into noise.
>A sigh comes from the pegasus next to you.
>"We all knew this was coming..."
"What will happen to yo-us?"
>"We'll just have to find another job? I do have other skills other than teaching."
>A hoof slings itself around your neck.
>"Hey, no worries, we're both young, and can easily find another way to survive!"
>The same can't be said for the other ponies.
>Considering that most of them are like, twice your fake age.
>Maybe that's an exaggeration, but they sure look that old.

>What do?


"We'll stick together no matter what happens, right?"
>"Mm hm!"
"Hmm, so, we have a year of this left?"
>"Yup, unless a group of foals end up in this school throughout the year."
>Can you even get a group of changelings in here without making it suspicious?
>Hmm, this is something you should discuss with your fellow changelings.
"What about the students that are already here?"
>"Transfered to another school?"
"That'll be hard on the students..."
>"That's true..."
>He sighs again.

>There's a lot of chatter, questions, and other words being thrown around the room.
>Prime pokes your side.
>"Wanna leave now? We can't do anything else here anyway."

>What do?


>Well, you don't actually have any reason to stay here.
>You give him a tiny nod and follow him outside.
>He quickly rushes into the faculty office to collect his bags, before coming up to you at the main doors to the school building.
>"So! We're going drinking? No take backs?"
"No..."
>"Great! So, bar, club, or... we can buy something and drink at our homes!"
>...
"You do know it's still the middle of the afternoon, right?"
>"And?"

>...
>Do you go along with this?
>Where do you go?
>Suggest something else and drink alcohol at night, when it's probably most appropriate?


"Where would you prefer we spend time together?"
>"Somewhere else other than a bar?"
"If you really want to... But I don't think they open at this time."
>"Hmm, what about... wait, we didn't eat lunch yet."
>He pulls you into a side hug, pointing at the sky with his other hoof.
>"Okay! We'll get lunch, then play games until it's night!"
>Lively much?
"Sure..."
>You wonder if you'll ever meet another pony that's more eccentric than him.
>Pulling you along, you two trot pass the school gates and back into the city.
>You feel like you're forgetting something...
>Something book related.
>Meh, it's probably nothing.

>You follow him... somewhere, he hasn't actually told you where, but you're getting food, you think.
"...So, what did you think of the cake?"
>"It was great!"
>Good?
>"I'm paying you back with lunch!"
>...
"B-but... you paid for the..."
>He shushes you with a wing, leading you to the side of a crossroad.
>"Now, what kind of food would you like to eat?"

>...You notice food joints, strange restaurants that seems foreign, and a book store around the area.


~Back on the train~
>Despite the bed collapsing, it's still as comfy as it was.
>Maybe your standards are too low.
"You know, I have to wonder, why am I telling you about my first dates with a pony?"
>"Wait, that was your first?"
"...Yes, it's practically my first everything. This whole tangent have nothing to do with the school story, in fact, the story can be counted as over already."
>"Oh, no, you're not getting out of this! I want to know, EVERYTHING!"
>Her eyes shine with a strange glint.
>That's creepy, even for her.
"Fine, I'll humour you."

~At the crossroads within a city~
"Um..."
>You can't just say love!
>Why is he asking you?
>What would be good?
"Uh..."
>You look around the area once more.
>"Take your time."
>Prime hovers in place patiently.

>What do you do?


>...Seafood?
>Wait, ponies don't usually eat meat, do they?
>Though you can easily eat anything, maybe sandwiches would work?
"What if we just get some sandwiches and watch other ponies at the park?"
>"Sure! Works for me!"
>["Oh no! Even you?"]
["...What?"]
>["I thought only Ivory had a sandwich fetish! But you too!?"]
>[Grace collapses dramatically onto you.]
["...This was a one time thing. And it seemed appropriate for a first not really date!"]
>["I know, I was just messing with ya."]

>You two have brought some sandwiches from a nearby shop.
>And now you two are sitting at a park bench, alone.
>But not really alone, since there are foals, dogs and some old ponies around.
"Think there's any way we can prevent the school from closing down?"
>"What can we do? It's not like we can find a bunch of ponies to go to the school. I don't even know how the process usually works."
"Mm..."
>You give your sandwich a little nibble.
>A paper airplane crashes into your side, coming from the playground.
>Looking over, you spot multiple foals playing at the playground.
>And... Mini Grace is there, is she foal sitting?
>...She's waving at you.
>......

>What do?
>Choose something to talk about?
>Do (not so) subtle romantic things?
>Do something in particular?


>You give a little wave back, throwing the paper airplane back at her.
"What do you plan to do if we're out of the job?"
>"I don't know... anything works, I suppose. Maybe I'll go back to being a weather pony. What about you? You'll be worse of then me when this is over."
"Hmm... I don't know yet..."
>"Heh, you can be one of those archaeologist? Go on super cool adventures!"
"...I'm pretty sure that being an archaeologist will be just as dull as history teacher."
>You move just a bit closer to him.
"You know, you didn't have to take me out and buy me some lunch."
>"Yeah, but I gotta pay you back for the cake!"
"It was just three bits, and I would've been happy to give it to you as a gift."
>"Sure, but then I wouldn't have a proper excuse to hang out with you!"
>Glancing around, you notice that the smol pegasus at the playground is now talking to a few other ponies from your class.
>One of the foals is playing with bubbles next to her.
>Cute.
>Nopony is looking in your general direction...
>Moving just a bit closer, your [spoiler]hooves[/spoiler] brushes against each other.
>He doesn't seem mind.
>And he's just as happy as ever.

>What do?


>Taking another bite out of the sandwich, he shifts slightly on the bench.
"Do you... come here often?"
>You silently brush against his hoof again.
>He snorts at that.
>"Did you run out of things to talk about?"
"Hey! I have plenty to talk about!"
>"No, I don't come here often, but you knew that already."
>Seeing that he doesn't seem to mind, you hold onto his hoof with your own.
>"You're awfully touchy today... Mm? Didn't you say you were only interested in mares?"
"Uh..."
>He boops your snoot with his other hoof.
>"You done? Wanna do something else?"
"..."

>What do you do/say?
>Watch a movie?
>Find an arcade for fun?
>Hang around at his home?
>Surely, there'll be something you can do there. That doesn't involve lewd things.
>Invite him to your home?
>You're sure you had some sort of magic crystal screen thing that shows you the news and other stuff.
>["Wait, those things existed that long ago?"]
["Yeah."]
>["But those are expensive! Even now, it'll cost me at least a month's worth of my paycheck!"]
["Really? Four said it was only seven hundred bits..."]
>["......"]
>FInd some sort of event going on in the city that you can go together?
>Something else?


"Sorry, I guess I'm just out of it today."
>"I'm not complaining."
"When did I say something like that?"
>"Literally the first day you worked at school?"
"Did I? I guess I lied."
>You shift just a bit closer to him.
>"You should've said so then."
>Something about this feels awkward to you...
"So, why did you become a teacher here anyway?"
>"Already changing the subject?"
>A wing drapes itself over you.
"Um..."
>This is a bit... embarrassing.
>Sure you're a bucking changeling! But still...
>You're not trained for this!
>"I liked teaching. That's it. And being a teacher pays more than weather pony, I need the bits, after all."
>For the first time in this day, you can detect some form of sadness from him.
"Let's go, somewhere!"
>"Somewhere?"
"L-like a movie!"
>Buck, you feel queasy.
"Or an arcade! That was the plan, wasn't it?"
>Smirking at you, he replies.
>"Sure, we can go see a movie. The cinema or save some bits and watch something at home?"
>So... this is a date now, right?
>He lets you go and hop off of the bench.

["...Do I really have to tell you about the rest of this day? The next plot relevant thing happens at the end of the day anyway."]
>["Aww, you embarrassed?"]
["Yes."]
>["No worries, mama Grace won't tell anypony."]
["...I'm twice your age."]

>Go to a cinema or his home?
>Pick a genre?
>Do you actually watch the movie?
>[Do you actually tell Grace about this whole date?]


["I went to his home."]
>["Ooo... did ya-"]
["No. We watched a movie together, then got drunk, that's it."]
>["Did you at least cuddle?"]
["Come on! Things don't go that fast!"]
>["That didn't answer the question!"]
>[Grace states in that sing-song tone again.]
["...Yes, he started it. Happy?"]

>One very awkward and very offscreen date later.
>You somehow end up drunk and fell asleep, like, in his embrace.
>This is going way too fast for you.
>You mean, sure, the pony you are and this pegasus knows each other for probably years.
>But for you, it's literally the first day!
>Good thing that this doesn't result in you dropping your disguise!
>Most of the time.
>Anyway, something weird happened that night.

>"Hey!"
>You wake up... somewhere in a forest.
>Somehow, you're still in earth pony form.
>"Why aren't you at the house? You made this harder than it needed to be!"
"Wha-"
>Four stands in front of you, you're both at a cozy campsite in a forest.
>The moon hangs high above the sky, twinkling stars illuminating the night sky.
>There's some sort of charm talisman thingy next to the sleeping bag.
>Although nobody is inside.
"Wher-"
>"Dream, I learned dreamwalking with the help of a talented pony in the school."
>Dream? Is this where Four actually physically is?
"H-"
>"Now, I'm just here to check up on you, not much time, harder than it looks. It seems so easy when he does it."

>...?
>What... do?


"You're here! Did you know that a pony keeps having nightmares of you?"
>"Me?"
"Yeah! Like, you, in your true form."
>You poke at his sides, feeling nothing but air when you touch him.
>Actually, you feel warm all over.
>"What pony?"
"I dunno, he's one of your students, unicorn stallion, teal coat, silver and purple mane, has a weird crescent moon, stars and clouds cutie mark?"
>"That's... hmm..."
>He paces around the small fire.
>There's some ruffling among the bushes.
>"I've entered his dreams once."
"Really?"
>"Mm, as a test of sorts."
"Did you... threatened him or something?"
>"What? No, he didn't even see me."
"Who taught you all of this then?"
>"I did."
"But you said-"
>"They led me to discovering it was possible."
"...Wait, wouldn't that be bad for us? What if a random pony enters our dreams?"
>"Not likely, it's one of those cliché forgotten spells, left to rot after some event in the past, I suppose. Plus, that's why you were supposed to be sleeping at home! I made counter talismans all over the house!"
"Well, you should've told me this before you left!"
>"I didn't have time! And I can't-"
>There's a loud cracking sound echoing throughout the forest, sending chills down your spine.
>"What the-"
>Everything suddenly ends.

>You wake in a start.
>Something is hugging your furry body.
>Your head hurts, much more than it should.
>In fact, everything is spinning.
>You're not sure where you are.
>Everything is still dark, you're really tired, and sleepy.

>What do you do?
>Try to go back to sleep?
>Get up?
>Find some painkillers and go back to bed?
>Something else?


"Ugh..."
>You groan as you roll in place, burying your face into a warm, fluffy chest.
>Whatever that's hugging you twitches slightly.
>You need painkillers.
>Wriggling slightly, you...
>Completely fail to get out of this grip.
"Mmmm.... lemme go..."
>Not only is a pair of hooves wrapped over your body.
>A wing is also covering you like a blanket.
>On top of that, there's another thin blanket cover the both of you.
>Wake nearby living creature up for painkillers?
>Or do you give up and attempt sleep with a painful headache?
>...This ain't an option.
"Head hurts, help please."
>You poke at the belly of whatever's hugging you repeatedly.
>"Wha... Score?"
"Hurts. Painkillers. Please."
>"Mm."
>The world spins as you're moved somewhere.
>The warm thing is gone now.
>"Ugh, two in the morning?"
>Soft muttering is heard.
>Something woody creaks, and is shut.
>A pill of some sort is pressed against your lips.
>Accompanied by a squishy cylindrical stick that gives you water.
>You don't bother getting into an upright position, and just take it while lying down sideways.
>Almost immediately after that, something fluffy and warm lands on you, pulling you into another embrace.
>It still hurts.
>When is this medicine suppose to take effect?
>Is the last thing that crosses your mind as you fall asleep.

>Your brain reboots.
>Something warm, and living... is draped over you.
>It's not exactly quiet, you can hear city noise, mostly the sound of carriages outside.

>What's the first thing you do?
>What do you plan on doing?
>Do you even do anything?


>There's still a dull pain coming from your head.
>Ugh, now that you're significantly more awake than before, you realize that it's raining outside too.
>This is nice, you want to stay like this.
"Thank you..."
>You mutter into Prime's fluff.
>He's seems to be in deep sleep, if his breathing and emotions are any indication.
>["Aww... This is really cute!"]
["Of course you'll find it cute."]
>[Sheesh, you shouldn't feel embarrassed by this, but you are.]
>["Is he still alive today?"]
["..."]
>["I mean, you're alive! So, unless he died in a tragic accident, odds are, he's still alive and kicking!"]
["No."]
>["A-ah... I see..."]
["Heh, he didn't die in the story, but by the end of this... well, telling you now would spoil parts of the story."]
>[An awkward silence fills the room.]
>[The trains nowadays are so much more quieter...]

>An unknown amount of time passes.
>There's a knocking sound from somewhere.
>Prime is still asleep, you can faintly hear the voice of a mare.
>"...pen up! ...need..."
>Ugh, how annoying...

>Do you do something about it?
>Or do you keep lazing in his warm embrace?
>[As Grace, would you like your changeling friend to tell you how this ends?]


>["Spoilers are never fun."]
["Heh, have it your way. I once met a mare that starts reading books by reading the end first. She was a weird one."]
>["...Why would somepony do that? What's the point of reading the books then?"]
["I dunno."]

>Now that you don't have an unbearable headache hampering your thought process, you can easily wriggle out from Prime's grip.
>"Mm..."
>He mumbles something as he rolls around, wings twitching.
>Looking around the room, you see a half a glass of water sitting on the small table nearby, a straw poking out of it.
>Sheesh, his room is kinda messy.
>Not that your room is any better.
>Water is running down the windows, it's almost like a waterfall.
>Now that you're not on the bed, the room actually feels kinda chilly.

>You move out of his room, towards the knocking.
>Pulling open the door, you're greeted to the sight of a pegasus mare, who is soaked in water.
>"Finally, br-who the buck are you?"
"Um..."
>The brightly coloured orange mare blinks at you.
>Some water is dripping onto the floor in the hallway from her yellow mane.

>What do?


"Uhm, let me get a towel for you."
>"I can do that myself."
>She shoves past you, pushing you into the wall and trots into the apartment house, water dripping all over the floor.
"A-are you here for Prime?"
>"Duh? Who the buck else lives in this dump?"
>...Why is she perpetually grumpy?
>Can't she at least act happy?
"He's sleeping right no-"
>"Seriously? It's almost two in the afternoon!"
>The mare starts drying herself with a towel as she shakes herself like a dog within the bathroom.
"...Just hold on for a second, I'll get him for you."
>And ask him who this mare is.

>Trotting back into Prime's bedroom, you attempt to shake him with a hoof.
>This was a mistake.
>You're pulled into an embrace.
>[spoiler]Something warm of his is poking at the area above your crotch.[/spoiler]
"Prime, wake up, please."
>Leaning back slightly, you poke at his muzzle with a hoof.
>The door slams against the wall as it swings open.
>"You're too slow! I'm waking..."
>"Sis... how many times do I have to tell you? Don't be so rough with the door..."
>Prime mumbles wearily as he pulls you closer.
>"You know what, I'll be outside, just hurry up!"
>The bossy mare slowly backs out of the room.

>...
>What do?


>"Yeah yeah."
>He waves a hoof at her as the door is closed by her again.
"Your sister is kinda mean."
>"She's always like this, but she means well."
"As much I want to continue being comfy and soft in all this cuddling, we should probably go see her. She doesn't seem patient at all."
>"Mm, she's not patient, yes, But she can wait a few more minutes for me."
>One of his hooves slowly strokes your back.
"...Also, um... you're poking me with your..."
>"Hmm? Sorry, heh, at least it's not awkward this time?"
>'This time'?
>"What time is it?"
>He yawns as he shifts on the bed.
>[spoiler]It's grinding against your stomach...[/spoiler]
>[spoiler]Eee! It's... dripping on you...[/spoiler]
"A-are you doing this on p-purpose?"
>"No, no, sorry, I forgot."
>His grip on you slackens, letting you move yourself to the edge of the bed.
>"Gee, it's already one forty-three already?"
>He climbs out of the bed, blankets still covering him, and trots outside without taking care of his mane, coat, or his...
>Well, the blankets are covering him anyway.

>You sit still on the bed, attempting to calm your heart, head, and your other head, as their voices echo into the room from outside.
>"What do you want? I'm kinda busy here."
>"Busy with your little coltfriend? That you didn't even bother introducing?"
>His sister chides in a joking tone.
>"Since when did you care about my love life, or my friends for that matter?"
>"Yeah, on second thought, I don't wanna know all the gross details, keep it to yourself."
>"Mm."
>"That doesn't mean I don't c-"
>"I know."
>"Are you stil-"
>"Yes."
>A sigh comes from the mare, before you hear her soft reply.
>"Are you doing well? You know you don't have to keep doing this for the bastard, right?"
>"Mm."
>"Do you... need some bits?"
>"...I can take care of myself."
>The conversation becomes quieter...

>...Maybe you shouldn't listen to this.
>Do you do anything?
>Should you stay here in bed?


>You should stay in the bed, and eavesdrop on them.
>Yes, listening to this is is... vital to your task!
>It obviously can't be because you care.
>Nope, no caring here.
>No, it's not an excuse.
>["It's totally an excuse!"]
["Grace please."]
>["Oh, right, go on!]

>"I know, I know."
>It becomes silent.
>Only the sound of heavy rain is left.
>...Think the rain is worse than it was this morning.
>You feel, concern, annoyance, and anger, from his sister.
>He's... he's just blank?
>"Heh, you reek of alcohol. I hope you at least showed some self control."
>"..."
>"..."
>The conversation falls silent again.

>"Why do you keep doing this to yourself? You're barely scraping by, this is no way for a pony to live!"
>It isn't?
>You mean, there may not be a lot of furniture, or things...
>And the room is kinda messy, old, and there's cracks over a lot of things, but it seems okay to you.
>...Huh, now that you think about it, this place is a dump, especially when it's compared to your temporary house.
>"Because he's our dad?"
>"Just let him go die under a bridge! He's not using YOUR hard earned bits for anything good anyway!"
>"Don't say that..."
>"You... Augh! Why are you so bucking stubborn! I just don't want to come here one day and find your rotting corpse in this dump!"
>"..."
>The negative emotions outside is... kinda making you uncomfortable...
>"...Whatever! See if I care!"
>"......Sis, wait!"
>The sound of a door slamming against the frame reaches your ears.
>...You feel slightly queasy.
>Through emotion sensing, you can tell that the mare is just standing outside the apartment house, in the hallway.
>...And she's trotting away.
>He's not doing anything, other than sitting in the living room and feeling utterly depressed.
>...You're not prepared for this sort of thing!
>Augh, what would Four do...
>Probably nothing, to be honest.
>Hmm? His emotions is shifting back into that sickening happiness.
>...This is possible?
>How does a pony do that?

>Well, this has throughly killed your hard-on.
>What would you do?
>Is what you should be thinking.

>...
>What do you do?


"..."
>You don't know what the buck you're supposed to do!
>Maybe waiting here is the best course of action?
>The door swings open as Prime trots back in.
>...
"Um... are... you okay?"
>Of course he's not okay!
>That's not the face of an okay pony!
>Even if his emotions say otherwise.
>"Mm."
>He gives you a tiny nod.
"Ah... do you need a hug?"
>Hugs makes ponies feel better, right?
>He silently climbs back into the bed with you, pulling you into an embrace.
>Hugging him back, you can feel some tears dripping on your mane.
>You keep feeling a weird mix of happiness and sadness from him.
>Those two shouldn't exist together!
>Maybe you're just bad at this?
>That can't be it!
>This is the one thing you're good at!
"...So, that was... awkward. I see you have some problems on your hooves."
>"N-no, it's... nothing you need to worry about. I'm-hip, I'm dealing with it. It's not a problem, you don't need to worry."
>...How are you supposed to deal with a sobbing pony that keeps trying to convince himself that he's okay?

>["What if he's a changeling!?"]
["Seriously? Stop ruining the mood of the story!"]
>["Sorry, sorry."]

>...Do you talk about something?
>Stay silent and ask questions later?
>What are you even going to ask?
>Do you... do nothing?


"Alright, I won't pry into whatever is going on. Just know that you don't have to be alone in anything, alright? I'm here if you need me, Prime."
>"I-I know..."
>You keep hugging him, hooves slowly stroking him in a calming gesture.
>An unknown amount of time passes.
>You've went from hugging in a sitting position to being his living body pillow as he lies in bed.
"So... I never knew you had a sister. Can you tell me about her?"
>"Sh-hic, she's a cool pony. Much better pony than I am anyway..."
"...What's her name?"
>"Composite Element...."
"What does she do for a living?"
>"Research. With other ponies."
>Research?
"I... see..."
>"She's also older than me, thinks that I need her help with everything. She's stupid, just because she's smart she thinks she's always right."
>You don't say anything to that.
>"A-and now that mom's gone, and dad got into trouble with the wrong ponies, she just, just..."
>You two really need a bath after this.
>"I don't know why she hates him... Nopony ever tells me anything..."
>......

>["You know, I have to say, this thing sounds like it's been a long time coming. It's good that you were there instead of your friend."]
["I'm sure he would've done the same."]
>[...]
>[No, no he won't. He never cared about anything other than the hive's orders.]

>...
>What do?
>Stay here like this?
>Try to make some food or something for him? It's already 2:37 and you two haven't even ate breakfast yet.
>You're actually kinda hungry.
>...Convince him to take a shower?
>Something else?


"Well you know what, even if she is smarter than you in general you are still smarter than most and she should consider that more when judging you. She should've know better than to ever treat you like that."
>"I... Heh, thank you..."
>He nuzzles your forehead.
>...Just a bit won't kill him.
>Feeding a bit on his emotions, you nuzzle back into his chest.
"Hey, Prime?"
>"Hmm?"
"Sorry to stop being your pillow, but we should probably eat before we starve."
>"I don't feel hungry..."
"...Yeah, I'm getting something for you."
>Pulling yourself away, you trot out of his room.
>For some reason, the kitchen is part of the living room.
>Let's see... he doesn't actually have much of anything you can use to cook with.
>It's fine, you're not good at that anyway.
>Hmm...
>There's a bunch of instant noodles in his cabinets.
>That's just unhealthy.
>There's also an assortment of cheap alcohol among these things.
>...

>Gee, do you attempt to cook something?
>Do you buy some groceries to cook with?
>Or do you just buy something from a shop nearby?
>What do you plan on getting?
>Or you can drag him outside, though he doesn't seem to be in any state for that.
>Maybe there's something else you can do?


>...Yeah no.
>You're going out for grocery shopping.
>Grabbing your bags, you trot back into his room.
"I'm going grocery shopping, you're gonna be okay on your own?"
>"Mm..."
>He gives you a tiny nod.
"Well, I'll be back in a little moment."
>You trot outside, grabbing his keys with you.
"I'm borrowing your keys!"
>You don't hear an actual response from him.
"And umbrella!"
>...Wait, you can't use it.
"Never mind! I can't use your umbrella!"
>You'll just have to hoof it.

>Eight minutes later...
>Let's see... This should be good.
>Hmm...
>You throughly inspect the vegetables.
>Ooo...
>There's a sale going on!
>Eh... Do pegasi eat meat?
>Probably not.

>Some time later...
>You heave a giant cart of groceries onto the cashier counter.
>The young mare cashier blinks at what you just set at the counter.
>You can see sweat dripping down her forehead, for some odd reason.
>...
>"That'll be one hundred and twenty seven bits."
>["......"]
>[For some reason, Grace is giving you a strange look.]
"Um... hold on a second."
>You ruffle through your bag for bits.
"Will this be enough?"
>You say as you pour a bunch of bits onto the counter.
>The mare blinks at you with a displeased expression.
>"Here's the rest of your bits."
>She pushes your bits back, after taking some from the tiny pile.
"Thank you!"
>Making sure your few rose petals are next to your books, you... uh...
"Can I have a bag?"
>You turn to her, seeing that everything is already nicely set in a huge bag.
>"Already done."
"Oh, thanks!"

>...Maybe you brought too much.
>This is a bit heavy.
>Reentering Prime's apartment home, you swiftly fill up his fridge and cabinets with actual food.
>Now, you can make almost anything!
>Except meat related things, because you didn't buy any meat at all.
>It's also much more expensive than everything else you've brought.

>What do you attempt to make?
>Still make instant noodles, with a few extra veggies?
>It balances out, right?


>One cooking montage later.
>Huzzah! You've made lunch!
>Even though it's already three in the afternoon.
>That doesn't stop the sound of angelic choirs echoing throughout your mind.
>You feel as if you've accomplished great things today!
>There's now two bowls of noodles.
>Complete with veggies and small diced up tofu that was on sale!
>You don't need it, but it'll be weird to just watch him eat.
>Once you're done setting the food up at the table, you head back into his room.

"I got you food!"
>"Thank you..."
>He wearily trots out from the bedroom.
"I also brought you actual food, and other things, so use them."
>"I-"
"No excuses, what you had was unhealthy and would land you in a hospital sooner or later."
>"...okay."
>...
>"Thank you, really."
"You're welcome."
>Hmm... you should leave.
>But, is it okay for you to leave like this?
>You silently finish eating your meal.
>It's... not exactly the best, but you think it was okay.

>You put on a slightly strained smile.
"Well, I gotta go. I really do have things to do, and I didn't even go home since yesterday."
>"Okay, take care."
>He gives you a hug and a kiss on your cheek.
>...
>Ugh...
>Mental sighs aren't as satisfying as an actual sigh.
"See ya."
>Making sure everything is in order, you leave his home, and the building trotting...
>Out and straight into the rain.
>It's still raining.
>Great.

>You head into a public bathroom.
>Once you're done checking for signs of life, you shift into the form you took when you arrived at this city.
>A charcoal coated unicorn with the cutie mark of a spell scroll.
>Using your magic to create a shield, you trot back home.
>Hmm... wonder if you can mix this spell with an image projection spell to create the illusion of an umbrella...
>...Wait, that counts as a conjuration spell, doesn't it?

>...
>Your house is a little ways off from most residential homes, away from prying eyes.
>So this'll be a long walk.

>The streets are almost empty, as expected on a rainy day.
>Is he worth the investment?
>It'll take a lot of effort to nurture this relationship.
>As much as it pains you... this...
>...You don't really want to think about this.
>You'll deal with it later.
>The rest of the walk home is filled with unwanted thoughts.

>You're finally home.
>Ugh, you already slept the entire morning away, but now you just want to sleep the rest of the day away.
>Should you settle down and consider... Nah, it won't be a problem, you'll think about it later.
>Do you check around the house for notes, clues, and other things Four may have left you?
>Do you do something else?


>Of course!
>The first thing you do is set up that telepathy link to the hivenet!
>Then you can rant anonymously about how Sunbutt has a better rump than the queen!
>And then you'll get kicked out of the link, and the hive forever for treason!
>So you wander the world of the ponies for the rest of your lives!
>Oh, you're not actually at your home, never mind.
>["What. Wait, the hive mind is a thing?"]
["I was joking. To lighten up the mood?"]
>["Oh."]
>[None of you comment on the fact that you didn't actually answer the question.]

>Right, you gotta be responsible, even on a Saturday.
>So it's back to earth pony form again...
>Why did he picked earth pony?
>It's so unpractical when you didn't have a lifetime's worth of experience as one.
>Ugh, you'll check the bedroom first.
>...
>This place is like a magical fortress!
>Why does he has so many charms all over the place?
>It's not like he's gonna get robbed anytime soon.
>Sheesh, not even other changelings can get in here without his permission, and your permission now, you suppose.
>Time passes.

>Let's see...
>After hours of checking and searching, you've learned that this whole teacher business is basically a side thing of his own while he keeps an eye on anything that digging site may have found?
>Apparently, this town started as a mining colony, that quickly grown into a city with the amount of rich minerals underground.
>But apparently, a ruin of some sort was discovered underground, and he was here to gather information for the hive.
>Huh, he's been here for years just checking on this stuff?
>That sounds way easier than everything else you thought of.
>...Then why did he even needed your help with this?
>This whole teacher thing had nothing to do with his orders.
>No wonder he told you to be quiet and not to talk to anyone about this.
>This... doesn't sound like him at all though.
>Hmm... Maybe you'll learn more when you go to bed.

>You don't actually find anything about Score.
>Though there are notes on what appears to be a random assortment of the city's citizens.
>Any specific information you're looking for?
>What do you do?


>Hmm, you're a bit curious about whatever may have happened at the school.
>Time for research!
>Since he has a bunch of old newspapers and notes, something like that shouldn't be too hard to find out.
>They're even pinned to walls with those conspiracy lines you see in movies!
>...

>Huh, it really was an accident.
>Hmm, so that's what happened to that building.
>You didn't know fires burning down buildings can cause it to collapse.
>Maybe there was something else to it.
>School didn't even have enough funds to rebuild it.
>Strangely enough, the fire only resulted in one pony dying.
>An unidentified unicorn.
>Whose body was never found.
>Huh, least that's what the newspapers says.

>The notes for teaching are actually in a neat pile at the desk of his bedroom.
>By neat pile, you meant incoherent mess scattered all over said desk.
>Whatever, you'll teach them the syllabus in no particular order, it'll be Four's problem by then.
>Ha! You'll see how he deals with the test making process.

>Next thing on the list, is sources of love!
>Sure, you have more than enough love to tide you over for the entire week.
>But this'll be a good experience for you.
>Let's see, there's not actually much on this sort of stuff, but...
>Hmm... There's not a lot of ponies Score knows, and most of the teachers' relations with him are neutral.
>Except for Prime, getting him drunk equals free love, apparently.
>...Four didn't bother learning about him, it seems.

>There's no mention of other disguises or and their personalities.
>You know for a fact he has more than one disguise.
>A changeling needs to be flexible and adapt to any situation after all.
>Guess he won't leave important information lying around willy nilly.
>Even though this is basically an invisible magical fortress.
>Understandable, considering the amount of sensitive information lying around everywhere.
>Heh, this place looks like the room of those serial killers you often see in movies.
>Maybe you watch too many movies...

>Okay, so the actual goal of your presence right now is to take care of this house for him, it seems.
>You don't actually have anything to do, nor would you receive any orders from home because this is apparently Four's thing.
>Hopefully he won't need you to actually do anything important for him.
>You don't think you can deal with the stress.

>But you do have something you personally want to take care of.
>You don't care that it's not how changelings should act, it just doesn't feel right to ignore these problems.

>First, the unicorn student's nightmare situation.
>What is his name anyway?
>One class notes checking later.
>Weaver, weird name, he doesn't even have a tailor cutie mark.
>In fact, you're not sure what his cutie mark even means.
>Okay, let's organize the facts you know about this situation.
>You know that Four has entered his dreams once, although Weaver never saw him, or so Four says.
>You remember that he mention his sister disappearing, though it could be unrelated to the situation.
>What else... his dreams consist of Score as some shadowy thing that keeps threatening to kill his family or something?
>Hmm... maybe he's not actually seeing Score as a changeling.
>You do have the addresses of all of your students, so you can visit him if you want.

>Second, the school getting shut down.
>...Honestly, you don't think you can do anything about this.
>......

>Third... Prime's family issues.
>You're not entirely sure what you can do about this too...
>Ugh, why is everything so hard?
>Maybe you should find his sister and talk.
>How would you even find her though?
>Look for sciency places?
>Arcane sciency places?
>But...
>You'll think about it later.

>Course, this is actually none of your business, and you should just send sick letters and stay here all week.
>Life would be easier if that were possible.

>The rain has stopped a while ago.
>It's now 5:12 in the afternoon
>What do you do?
>What goal do you focus on now?
>Is there even anything you can do right now?
>Or you can just stay in here and laze the rest of the day away?


>Welp, it's the weekend, you're a teacher.
>Time to learn what you're supposed to teach for the rest of the week.
>Hmm...
>It's not easy to make sense of all of this.
>But you can easily memorize most of this.
>Time passes.

>Feeling hungry, you opted to drink some of Four's food.
>Why is this even something ponies needed to know?
>Mm, this is pretty great.
>You take another sip of the concentrated love.
>If this is what teachers has to do, you don't want to ever be one. Again.
>Ugh, you have enough material to go through most of your classes now, at least.

>It's nine already!?
>Did you just spent four hours studying!?
>Augh, why is this your life now?

>What do?
>Go to bed?
>Do something else?


>Hmm, was the unicorn dying a changeling trying to erase a persona?
>Can't they just leave on a camping trip to some death zone and never come back?
>Yeah, that's probably not it.
>...
>For all you know, it can just be Four getting caught up in the whole thing as another pony.

>You should go to bed.
>Even though it's still early.
>And there's no adults around.
>Meaning... you can do anything you want!
>Like... um...
>You don't know what you can do, other than go into the town and get drunk.
>Ooo, you can watch the news on that magic screen thing!
>...That's really boring though.
>Ugh, you crawl into the bed, charms of all shapes hang above like tiny lamps.
>They're even faintly glowing.
>......
>Through time, sleep slowly takes you.

>You're trotting in a blizzard.
>"Ugh, did I miscalculate?"
>Four's usual voice comes from a unicorn of snow colour next to you.
>He's wearing really fluffy looking winter clothes.
>"I may or may not be lost..."
>A sigh comes from him.
>"Should've stole the map."
"Four?"
>"Ugh, how's a map suppose to help in this blizzard? I need to find shelter before this gets any worse."
>Did he always spoke out loud when alone?
>"Is that?"
>He starts galloping towards something.
>Shoot, he's gone now.

>You blink and find yourself next to him again.
>He's shivering alone in a cave.
>It's dark, and that blizzard is still going on outside.
>He starts setting up camp.
>As he pulls out a bunch of magic charms, he notices a glowing talisman with some sort of rune symbol on it.
>"Hmm? This isn't supposed to be active."
>He fiddles with the talisman as everything fades to dark.

>You open your eyes to two giant pupils right in front of you.
>"..."
"AHH!"
>You swing a hoof at the monstrosity, phasing through it like a ghost.
>You see that you're next to a flickering, small flame.
>Four, in snow unicorn form, is curled up asleep next to the fire.
>"Good night to you too."
>Four greets you, while in his true changeling form.

"What the buck!"
>"Language."
"Screw you!"
>"Nice to see you're doing fine."
"...What do you want?"
>"Help."
>He glances at the fire.
"With what?"
>"I need you to find me three things."
"...How am I supposed to give them to you?"
>"You just need to memorize them and project them here, duh."
"Does this mean I have to do more studying!?"
>"...It's not that hard."
"Yeah, for you."
>"If it helps, I just want to know a spell, and see a map of Equestria."
"What's the third thing?"
>"...That one is for yourself, I forgot to mention this, but bring this charm with you wherever you go."
>A paper looking charm with unknown writing and symbols on it shows up out of nowhere.
>"It's not perfect, but it'll keep you safe from a lot of things, and, well, keep other changelings from knowing what you actually are. You can keep it, I made that one for you."
"......How the..."
>"Did you forget who you're speaking to?"
>Ego drips from his sentence as he stands just a little taller, smiling at you the way an older brother who won against his younger brother would.
>"Now! I'll be stuck here for a while,"
>He gestures to the blizzard outside.
>"So please get me what I need."
"Right now?"
>"When else are you supposed to do it?"
"But the library will be closed..."
>"Just sneak in! How hard can it be?"
>He glances at the flame again.
>"Well, whatever you do, get me the spell first."
"What do you need?"
>"A warming spell? Or something like that? I kinda... ran out of firewood. Please hurry? The fire is dying."
>He stares down at the tiny flame.
"How do I even wake up?"
>"Just think it?"
>...It's that easy?

>...
>What do you do?
>Ask him why is he doing all of this secret stuff that no one from the hive is even aware of?
>Ask him about the death at the school?
>Actually, you should find the spell before he starts freezing.
>Ask him something in particular?


"Fine, but you owe me answers as soon as I give you that spell!"
>"Yes yes, just hurry before I start freezing. I don't have anything else to burn."
>Um... you wake up?

>You wake in your bed with a start.
>Ugh, there's a slight dull throbbing pain at the top of your forehead.
>Is this the spell's fault?

>Looking around, you see the mini alarm clock with a moon figure on it is showing that it's one in the morning.
>1:01 a.m. to be exact.
>Right! You don't have much time, do you search for a spell at the arcane library?
>You doubt what you need can be found at the school library, so public library will have to do.
>Or... there could be something in his own home?
>Though he would've mentioned that, if it were true.


>Oh yeah, he talked about a charm, where's...
>It's hanging above the head side of the bed, cool.
>You carefully retrieve it and place it in your bags.
>Despite it looking like paper, it doesn't feel like paper, wonder what it's made out of?

>To the library!
>You've passed it multiple times in the short period of time you've lived in this city.
>It doesn't long for you to reach it.
>Finding yourself in front of a library of moderate size, you immediately notice that the doors don't budge as you try to push them open...

>Ugh... You consider your options for a brief moment.
>...No one's around, shapeshifting won't be too much of a risk.
>You don't know any ways to pick locks.
>The only way you're getting in this way is breaking down the door.
>Or you can break the windows! Because that's so much better.
>Hmm... shapeshift and fly up for more possible options?
>Do... you... knock on the door?
>["..."]
["It was a completely valid option to consider!"]
>["Not judging you, just wondering why didn't I met you sooner."]
["Oh..."]


["...I'm not crazy am I?"]
>["Nah, don't worry. You've now reunited with your own kin."]
>[Grace's mimicry of a wise old pony isn't really that good.]
["Don't pet me."]

>You shapeshift into a young pegasus of sky blue coloration, taking off and flying up above into the sky.
>There doesn't appear to be any balconies, despite this being a two story building.
>Through your superior subterfuge skills, and only that, you were able to spot a small hole that acts as a vent.
>Yes, no luck involved.
>You totally didn't accidentally fly straight into a wall and attempt to hit the wall back, resulting in immense suffering.
>You also didn't shed tears and landed on a ledge right next to said vent.
>You're not still crying! Shut up!
>...
>Well, you didn't attract any attention, so there's that.

>...There's a small vent that a small foal could crawl and squeeze through, do you?
>Shapeshift into what race when you get inside?


>Sniffling-
>You mean, looking around for any signs of ponies noticing you, you notice that a few lights are on, though you don't think any of them noticed your presence.
>It's probably just young ponies ignoring sleep, that always happens around these places, don't they?
>Eh... There's not really any feasible way for a non-pegasus to get all the way up here.
>Mostly because you attempting to climb up here will only result in tears.
>But a dexterous pony can climb up the giant tree and hop onto the ledge you're on, you suppose.
>Calming yourself, you transform into a small dirty brown unicorn colt with dark clay pot mane.
>You crawl through...
>Immediately falling from the hole near the ceiling and crashing face first onto the floor.
"Wah!"
>You hiss out loud as your hooves tries to rub the pain away.
>["Just how small can you get? How big can you go? Is there a limit or something?"]
["Depends from changeling to changeling, I think. I can go from small foal to... well this."]
>[You gesture at yourself.]
["Sure, I can make myself bigger, bu-"]
>["Can you make IT bigger?"]
["......Ignoring that. Either way, this is my normal size now, and if I shapeshift into a pony of different size, it's going to take more energy either way."]
>["Ooo, so, just so I can imagine this correctly, Score was the size of an average pony, right?"]
["Just a bit smaller, why?"]
>["How big is Prime?"]
["A bit bigger than Score?"]
>[Grace says nothing, just nodding and muttering to herself.]
>[You have the strange feeling that you two are talking about completely different things.]

"Owie..."
>You can't help but sniffle just a bit as you hooves tries to make you feel better again.
>["That sounded lewd."]
["..."]

>Getting up, you look around the place.
>You're currently on the second floor, it seems like this is a reading area of sorts.
>There's shelfs of books on both the second and the first floor.
>You don't sense anybody around, and the place is really dark.
>Good thing you're a unicorn!

>What do?
>How do you search?


>Let's see...
>Is this the magic section?
>One would imagine that all of them are, since this is an arcane library.
>Illusions?
>Not what you're looking for, where would the pyromancy or conjuration section be?
>Hmm, you vaguely remember some sort of system used for this.
>One luck filled search later.

>Aha! Pyromancy!
>Not a lot of books here.
>Makes sense, wouldn't want the average citizen to be able to burn everything down willy nilly.
>...Countering Pyromancy.
>Dealing with Pyromaniacs.
>Advanced Pyromancy Techniques.
>Some sort of scroll telling you how to cauterize wounds with pyromancy.
>Practical uses of pyromancy.
>Hmm, this probably works.
>Pulling it out and reading it, you can easily find spells that would let even the weakest of ponies to deal with the winter cold.
>Granted, they need to have the magic potency and mana pool for it, but that won't be a problem for Four.

>Take it?
>Read and memorize it here?
>Find something to copy it down?
>Something else?


>Pulling the book out with your tiny hooves, you remember that you have a horn, and start using it to bring the book back to the reading area.
>It's best that you don't take it home with you, since there could be some form of security magic involved.
>Especially when you consider the fact that this is a magic library, and that the subject matter involved isn't a harmless one.
>Grabbing a quill and a parchment filled with random math equations lying around, you start copying the finer details of the spell.
>Hmm...
>...And done!

>Okay, you've probably used almost have an hour since you woke up.
>You should hurry.
>Leave the book here? Or put it back on the shelf?
>Do you try to read and learn this spell on the way back, or when you reach home?
>Leave the way you came in from?
>Anything else you need to do before you leave?


>Through the power of your mind! The book is quickly placed back where you found it.
>Safely tucking the rolled up parchment you used for spell copying, you steel yourself for what you're about to do.
>Trading away your magic for flight, you muster up some effort to fly up to that little hole and crawl outside again.
>Whew, poking your head out, you don't sense anybody around, so...
>You promptly get out and glide down to the base of the tree.
>Think you came here as Score?
>...Yeah, you came here as Score.

>Wait... you can't read and trot like that.
>You make yourself into a young teen stallion unicorn, and trot back home while memorizing the spell.
>...You trot into a lamp post twice in the process.
>Even though your perception is usually really good, but you failed to spot the metal stick protruding from the ground somehow.
>Good news is that no sapient creatures noticed this whole situation.

>Some time later...
>You're standing by the bed again in the bedroom.
>It's 1:39 a.m. right now.
>You're supposed to just... go to bed, right?

>What do?
>You'll deal with the map later, it's been thirty eight minutes, and that fire couldn't last for ten more minutes when you left.
>Anything to do before you sleep and save your bro/friend?


>You head back to bed.
>......

>You wake up in the cave again!
>It's... really dark, almost pitch black.
>There's a really loud windy sound from outside.
>Whew, you can't even see out of the cave now.
>Did the blizzard somehow gotten worse?
>"Y-y-you-'re he-here."
>A shivering changeling sits on the floor near his real world body.
>He's definitely not okay, despite the fluffy clothes physical him is wearing.
"Um, how do I..."
>The parchment you've written the spell in manifests out of thin air, slowly falling onto the ground.
>You notice that only what you remember is on it, most of the miscellaneous math gibberish is gone.
"Oh..."
>He sluggishly crawls to the parchment, eyes darting over the spell again and again.
"Are you gonna be-"
>Without a word, the dream ends, waking you up back in your bed again.
>The headache is back, though it's not as bad as it was the last two times...

>...Is he okay?
>What do?
>Panic?
>Go back to bed?
>Find a map?
>Cry that you just killed your brother-friend via inaction?
>[spoiler]What specific things do you plan on asking him again?[/spoiler]


>You sit in silence for a few moments.
>...
>Picking up the paper you set aside, you try to refresh your memory of the parchment.
>H-he's still alive, he can't die yet, he didn't even answer your questions yet.
>So he can't die, narrative causality and stuff, he has plot armour, right!?
>...You attempt to go back to bed.

>You wake up in the cave again.
>The place is... um... you don't see any sources of warmth around here.
>Well, the spell doesn't emit light, you think.
>And Four's physical unicorn body is moved slightly, still in a curled up position.
>He's no longer shivering, so you assume the spell is in effect.
>"Thanks for the assist."
>A changeling ambushes you with a hug.
"Can you not?"
>You instinctively move away from the hug.
>Did you just felt something?
>Isn't this a dream?

"Now, answers!"
>"Mm, what do you want to know?"
>Trotting over next to his asleep body, he sits down in a dog-like position.

>Ask questions?
>What ask?


"Sorry, maybe that was a bit rude. Considering you nearly... Um, how are you right now?"
>"I'm okay. Really."
"Good, the spell worked then?"
>"Kinda, but you don't need to worry about me end up freezing to death anytime soon."
"Well, I did review the spell again if you need it, but you're already done with it?"
>"Mm, I wrote it down too."
"Good, then tell me, what are you even doing all the way out there?"
>"Here."
"Here, whatever! I'm not physically here!"
>You should ask him how this dream spell even works later.
>"Heh, I suppose I owe you an explanation... I came here on a hunch."
"...? Elaborate?"
>Letting out a sigh, he looks up at you.
>"In a few more years, everyone back home will start starving."
"What!?"
>"We learned that another hive's numbers has been growing abnormally fast. In a few years, they'll have enough numbers to overwhelm anything in their way. Course, they don't know about us. We're a small hive, and we're better at subterfuge than other hives."
>He looks you up and down.
>"Well, most of us is better."
"Hey!"
>You're good at this too!
>"So, that's good right? We thought that we'll just keep doing our thing, and well, they'll eventually go fight other hives and wipe each other out. But here's the thing. We can't efficiently harvest love because of their activities."
"What've they been doing?"
>"Straight up abducting ponies and forcefully sucking them dry."
"Oh..."
>"Yeah, if this keeps up, ponies become more guarded, their princess start doing something, no more food, boom. We all die, the end."
"Maybe... we can ask the ponies for help?"
>"What? No! That's a one way ticket to the sun!"

"...So, why did you come here then?"
>"I'm basically chasing after fairy tales at this point, ugh."
"Well?"
>"You know that little story I told you when you were still a nymph?"
"Um... refresh my memory?"
>"One of a grand empire, made out of crystals. Where everything was powered by love, a place where love is freely given to others?"
"...kay?"
>That's obviously a foal's story.
>"Well, everyone knows it's just a silly story told to young lings. But every story has some semblance of truth to it, right? So I figured... maybe... there'll at least be something that can help us."
"Wait, why can't we just move elsewhere then?"
>"The queen doesn't want us to leave. I don't know why, nor can I do anything about that... "

>...
>What do you want to say and/or ask?
>Stay silent?


"What a bunch of jerks, I bet they'll get what's coming to them sometime in the future."
>["Heh, and so they got what they deserved."]
>"Preferably without getting us involved."
"Will you be okay here?"
>"I can protect myself, and I'm resourceful enough to hide and stay away from anything dangerous."
"Good, what about love? There's no signs of any civilization around here."
>"I have enough safely stored with me. I can do this for a while longer."
"You'll come back if you run low on love, right?"
>"Of course, I'm not suicidal."
"What if you can't find it? What will you do then?"
>"I don't know. Perhaps someone at home would've come up with something?"
"Mm... what if we run away?"
>"What?"
"We can live elsewhere, like, in Canterlot! There's no way anything will happen there, right?"
>"Yeah, sure, we'll be safe at home. The queen doesn't want us to move anyway."
>...You didn't mean the entire hive.
>"And I don't think we can all safely get into the capital of Equestria without any issues."

>["So, just so we're clear, that was about the crystal empire, right?"]
["Mm."]
>["Hmm... so that larger hive you were talking about, is it the one that invaded Canterlot?"]
["Yes. Most likely, I just stayed home all day when that happened."]
>["But still, more than one hive? And yours is one known for subterfuge? That's pretty significant. Do other hives not get along with each other? They must be angry at that queen for exposing them."]
["I wouldn't know. I did kinda leave without a word in the end."]
>["Why though?"]
["Hmm?"]
>["Why did you leave? You all seem to be close."]
["It's part of our plan. I'll leave it at that."]

"So... about my situation. It turns out we're getting laid off because of the lack of students from an accident."
>"Oh, I knew about that, it won't be a problem, I can do something else."
"Yeah, how did that accident happen?"
>"That was me, you don't really need to do anything about it."
"Okay? But what really happened though?"
>"Must you be so curious about everything?"
"Yes! You can trust me!"
>"Eh, it's nothing serious. And before you start, no. There was no assassination involved. It's just accidental fire starting when I was trying to learn about some students' opinions on certain things."
>You weren't going to ask about assassination stuff...

"Oh yeah, what are bits worth?"
>"Did you forget already?"
"Maybe."
>"Even though the number is literally right on it?"
"..."
>It is?
"I didn't notice."
>"This is why I worry for you."
"I just never paid attention..."
>"You may be good at emotion sensing, but your other skills are severely lacking."
"Hey! I can be just as good as you!"
>"Then you're also far too naive, careless, and oblivious."
"..."
>"Heh, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Don't worry, you'll learn in time."
>You can feel a hoof rubbing the top of your head.

"There's something else."
>"What did you do this time?"
"I didn't do anything. Just, can you tell me about Prime?"
>"...Why?"
"I may... have been trying to obtain some source of love from him."
>"Just get him drunk."
"I meant purer love, not lust."
>"...You didn't."
"I did!"
>"..."
"So..."
>"You know what, you can keep being Score after this, as your first hooves-on experience on love harvesting."
"What? No! I don't want to be a teacher! You don't have the authority for this!"
>"Remember, future spymaster. You brought this upon yourself."
>He smirks as you despair on the horrors of being a teacher full time.
"W-wait, we can-"
>"I'll even tell you what I know, he likes romantic gestures, judging from what he reads. He has only showed interest in stallions before, so don't try to seduce him as a mare... Not like that'll be a problem, considering you have something against mares for some reason."
"I like being male, thank you very much!"
>"Yes, that's very changeling-like attitude. Gold star for you."
>He snarks at you.
>"He has a sister that works on many different magical projects with other ponies. He himself doesn't seem to get along well with her, considering that he never mentioned her, even when drunk. And I've seen him talking to shady ponies every now and then, could be dangerous, so be careful of that. Under normal circumstances, this is a pony I'll tell you to avoid starting anything with, considering all the secrecy."
"...He's not that bad."
>"Yeah, sure, doesn't mean the effort is worth it."
>He looks outside once more.

>"Ugh, can you get me a map? I'll like to at least know where I am right now."
>["Well, sounds like your revenge plan backfired hard."]
["...It was a good idea!"]

>What ask?
>What do?


>[Nobody has shown up during the whole time you were talking to Grace.]
>[Guess this bed isn't getting fixed anytime soon.]
>["Ivory isn't back yet, what is he doing?"]

~Somewhere nearby~
>As fun as that spell was, the feeling of getting stabbed is not one you'll wish to go through again.
>Even though it was painless.
>The feeling of having something inside you is weird though.
>Good thing that the spell's power has ran out, and you all have to go back to dice, pen and paper.

>Splitting up the party is never a good idea, now you have to fight a bucking undead dragon alone!?
>How the buck are you supposed to fight when you're a support character!?
>And the only pony with healing skills is unconscious in a hospital, and two of the group is having a poke war right there.
>This right here, top tier roleplaying.
>"Roll perception."
>...Oh good, you're not completely doomed yet.
>Twenty three!

["Rich pony stuff?"]
>["Mom is also off doing Celestia knows what."]

~Elsewhere~
"But that would be too small!"
>You gesture at the room to your left.
>"We can't fix it until we get to the station.
>Yeah, that's understandable, it's not like they have spare beds just lying about.
>But this new room is...
"It can't fit all of us!"
>"Sorry, but we don't have any other rooms on the train."
>The staff you're speaking with doesn't even sound mildly apologetic.
>You swear, you'll have words with her boss.

>[You glance out at the windows once more.]
["That's the Rambling Rock Ridge, right?"]
>["Yup yup!]
["Equestrian places has weird names..."]

"This isn't how it works! I'm supposed to get revenge back at you by getting you involved with Prime!"
>He seems amused by this.
>"Seems like your little revenge scheme backfired."
"Yeah well, you're still in the butt end of nowhere! Who's laughing now?"
>"Mm, there's a map somewhere in the house. Be a good little changeling and get it for me, and I might forgive you for this."
>Giving him a pout, you get back up and prepare to leave.
"Right, let me find you a map. See you in a bit."

>Awaking in Four's bed, you see that it's still dark outside.
>Seems like the time is 3:52 a.m.
>Right, map.
>Ugh, you'll have to search the entire house?
>Why is this room filled with books lying around?
>What kind of changeling just leaves their things lying around everywhere!?
>Ugh, sure, nobody but him was gonna see it, but this is going too far!

>One hour later.
>Finally, here's his stupid map.
>...You have to memorize this.
>Buck.

>About half an hour later...
>Bucking high and mighty changeling.
>Making you do all of this dumb stuff.
>At this point, you might as well forgo sleep and go do stuff later.
>...

>Waking up in the cave again, you immediately summon the map.
"Here's your dumb map."
>There's no one in sight.
>...
"Seriously!?"
>You're in the cave entrance, everything is still here, except Four.
>Can you even move away from that magic thing of his?
>Ugh.

>Waiting intensifies.
>Unicorn Four trots back from the deeper areas of the caves.
>You stare at him as he lays himself down and go back to sleep.
>As soon as dream him appears, you throw the map at him.
"Here's your map."
>"Oh, good, I hope I didn't make you wait too long."
"No, it's fine."
>You say through gritted teeth.

>Lying down next to him as he studies the map, it becomes apparent that you're gonna be here for a while.
>Can't even have your revenge, guess you really brought the Prime situation on yourself.
>...Do you go through with helping him and his debt?
>Hmm...
"Oh yeah! Do you think we can bring in a bunch of young changelings as students? So the school can keep running, and the rookies would get more experience!"
>"That could be risky, who'll watch over them? With only one changeling teacher there, this can only end in disaster."
"Come on, you don't have enough faith in the other changelings."
>"I'm trusting you with all of this, that has to be saying something."
"But-wait... Are you implying that I'm untrustworthy!?"
>"I didn't say anything. You said it yourself."
>Giving you a smile full of mirth, his tail brushes over your back.
"..."

>"Ugh, there's too much ground to cover. The map isn't even complete."
"Don't you have any idea as to where this place you're looking for is?"
>"Just a hunch, the legend mentioned it vanished one day. But that means there could be some ruin of the place left, after whatever that caused it's disappearance."
"Wait, won't Equestria has history books on this place?"
>"Nope. I don't know why, but there's no books on it. Not even a hint of a clue."
"Oh... I hope you do find something."
>"Don't worry, get some sleep, I'll be fine now. Oh, from now on, I won't be calling you here unless I need your help. So if you need to ask me something, just pour some magic into the dreamcatcher above the bed and sleep. I trust you'll do fine without me for a while."
"What do you even need ten different charms above the freaking bed for?"
>"Safety purposes?"
>Jeez, the house is already in a secluded area, what more do you need?

>Say something?
>Ask something?
>Leave?


"Goodnight, don't freeze to death out here."
>"Mm."
>You awake once again as the you leave the dream.
>Seems like you're getting used to this, you barely felt uncomfortable this time.
>It's still dark outside, but a glance at the clock shows that it's 5:42 in the morning.
>And you're still as tired as you were last night.

>It's Sunday.
>...Do you go back to sleep at this time?
>Or do you get up and do something?
>Do you spend the entire day in bed?


["And so I studied, throughout the morning."]
>["Even though you're dead tired?"]
["Yes."]
>["How responsible of you!"]
["Eh. It wasn't fun. I'll much rather just go to bed."]

>Ugh, you've decided to study more teacher school stuff as the morning passes.
>Time flies, it's the afternoon now.
>You think you'll be okay with school teaching for now.
>...You hunger.
>For love!
>Do you eat in here or do you go outside for food?
>It's not like you're getting any visitors anytime soon.
>You don't think anypony knows where Score lives anyway.

>["Sounds like a boring day."]
["Hey, not every one of us gets into trouble everyday."]
>["Bah, I suppose a quiet day every now and then is healthy."]

>[You can't remember, did you ever went outside that day?]


>You thought about doing something productive, but nah.
>Sleep time is now!
>......
>The day is spent lazing in bed.

>["So, nothing of note happened at all?"]
["Yes, nothing happened."]
>[You think forward on the rest of that day, not saying anything for a moment.]

>Sometime in the afternoon.
>A silent small magical burst nearby catches your attention as you read one of the romance novels laying around.
>Looking up from the bed, a spell activates as green lights in front of you form the words 'Unidentified pegasus approaching front door.'.
>Your head falls back onto the pillow, as the book falls on your face.
>...A bell from the door sounds.
>Ignoring it, you push the book off and bury your face into the pillow.
>The bell keeps ringing.
>Maybe if you ignore it long enough, it'll go away.
>...You haven't ate lunch yet, whoops.
>Maybe being too lazy kills.
>Nah, that can't be it.
>Being lazy is great!

>What do?


>You lazily crawl out the bed, and onto the floor.
>Ugh, you're stiff all over.
>Ignoring that persistent bell, you do a few stretches, presenting your rump to an invisible pony.
>Maybe you'll get some lunch, complete with concentrated love.
>Ooo, what if you dip bread in them?
>Is that even possible?
>You never ate love with something else before.
>...Fine, you'll go great the dumb door.
>You're still Score, right?
>Glancing down at yourself, you're definitely an earth pony, colours and mane seems to be correct.
>Good enough!

>Trotting out to the main door, you pull it open.
>A light green pegasus stallion in some sort of suit greets you.
>"Good day! We're doing a survey on the citizens in this area!"
>...
>"It won't take more than a minute, can you......"
>You're already beginning to tone out his speaking.
>Can you just slam the door in his face?

>What do?


>You let out a yawn as he goes on and on.
"Dude. what's this about? Can I just mail it in?"
>"Oh, yes! We just want your opinion on a few things the mayor is planing. The instructions and everything is here."
>He pushes a few pieces of paper into your chest.
>...
"Kay, bye."
>Rolling the paper and tucking it into your mane, you close the door and trot back to the-
>The bell rings again.
>...The spell tells you that a few pegasi is here.
>A different one?
"What now?"
>Opening the door, you see two little foals in some sort of uniform.
>"Hi mister! Do you like cookies?"
"...Yes?"
>"Would you be willing to buy cookies from us? It goes to a cha... chari..."
>"Charitable. We practiced this."
>The other pegasus stage whispers.
>"Charitable cause!"
>...

>Ugh, what do?


"Yeah sure, whatever. How much for a box?"
>"Just three bits!"
"Cool, hold on a sec."
>One money retrieving later.

>Giving them the bits, you ask.
"Here, what cause does this go to?"
>"Uh, here!"
>You're hoofed a box of moderate size and a pamphlet.
>Orphanage?
"Okay... here..."
>Cool, you give them back the pamp...
>They're gone.
>...
>You close the door and head back in-

>There's a knock on the door.
>......
>Right, breathe in.
>Inhale.
>Exhale.
>Stay calm.
>Ignoring everything, you open the door once again.
"What the buck do..."
>"Hi?"
>Prime says, looking at the multiple papers tucked in your mane.
>"Do you know you have a box in your mane?"
"How do you know where I live?"
>"I visited before? Am I bothering you?"
"So you're here to..."
>He doesn't seem to know what to say, as he looks at his right hoof drawing circles into the dirt.
"......Hold on a second."
>"Okay!"
>You close the door again.

>As soon as the door is closed, you give up and flop onto a couch, the box falling onto the couch.
>Somehow, it lands in a upright position.
>The pamphlet and the survey papers are poking out of your mane.
>What do?


>You take the papers out and set them down on a table.
>Nothing weird is around, place is messy as usual.
>Think the love is safely hidden away, this will be okay?
>Hope he doesn't get into the bedroom, the magic charms everywhere will be weird.
>Trotting back to the door, you open it and immediately hug him.
>He automatically hugs back, showering you with slight love.
"Come on in!"
>"Yeah, thanks."

>Moving the box of cookies onto the table, you lie on the couch with him.
"So! What brings you here? Can I get you anything!? Did you ate lunch yet? Um..."
>"Uh, first! I want to say that I'm sorry..."
"Huh? For what?"
>"For probably making you uncomfortable and saddling you with my issues?"
>He waves his hooves around as he rants.
>"I mean, we didn't even actually went on any dates yet and even though we were already friends, I know that sort of personal stuff was something that you won't want to deal with. Since you're... well..."

>What do?


>You have no idea what he's implying here.
>Clearly, the only answer to this is hugs!
"There isn't anything wrong in sharing personal stuff if it bothers you, Prime."
>He awkwardly hugs you back with his wings.
>Guess you don't need to eat the stored love.
>You'll find out what cookies dipped in love taste like some other day.
>"Yeah, but, it doesn't bother me! I just don't know if you're okay with me... having those... things. To deal with."
"It's fine! I don't mind."
>"Oh... okay..."
"And I'm pretty sure that day counted as some sort of date."
>"I don't know if you can call getting drunk and watching movies a date."
"Aw, we had fun, so it counts!"
>That's how it works, right?

>"I had a whole speech and everything planned, now I don't know what to do."
"...You can always hang around here, we can... do whatever?"
>"You're not busy with anything?"

>You don't have anymore school stuff to deal with.
>...
>What do?


"Nah, we can... watch something on this!"
>You gesture at the delicate looking screen on the wall.
>"It still works?"
"I... think so?"
>Maybe you should've check what you can even watch on this thing.
"And I have cookies?"
>You point at the box of cookies under the survey papers.
>Maybe you should organize the house, put a bed in one of the rooms, so you can use it as a bedroom with him.
>For cuddling and stuff! Yeah!
>That's totally it.

>Um... how does...
>You fumble around with the delicate equipment to turn it on.
>Can't afford to break this, Four would kill you for sure if you broke them.
>Click.
>Static.
>Click click.
"Um... Technical difficulties."
>Maybe you should've been more prepared for this.
>"Nah, it's fine."
>He flicks the box of cookies open.
>There seems to be a wide variety of cookies in the box.

>A wing wraps itself around you as you try to figure out the technicalities.
>You feel him nuzzling your neck, waving a cookie in his wing.
>"We don't need to do anything, we can just stay like this and read something."
"I guess."
>The screen suddenly turns on and starts playing some sort of show on it.
>...
"...It worked!"
>You have no idea what you did.
>All you did was just press buttons.
>Time passes as you two cuddle on the couch.
>You end up falling asleep on the couch eventually.

["...No, I'm not telling you how he fed me cookies in great detail."]
>["Bu-"]
["No."]

>"Hey, Score. Wake up."
>Something gently shakes you.
"Mm?"
>"It's late, I'm hungry."
"Then eat something."
>"I can't when you're on top of me."
>You snuggle into the fluff.
>Why can pillows be this fluffy?

>What do?
>Not entirely sure what you have in the kitchen.
>Do you plan on taking him out for dinner?
>Or something else?


"Eh, I'll see if I can make something for yo-us."
>"I can help you!"
"I'll see if there's anything in the kitchen first."
>You crawl up the couch and land on your hooves behind the couch.
>Finding your way into the kitchen, you check and...
>Find cheese! There's a lot of cheese around for some reason.
>There's also a bunch of cereal boxes, they're all in different brands too.
>You can't believe there's not even bread in the kitchen.
>Or anything leaf-like.
>The leaf shaped cereal doesn't count.
>Also, there's a bunch of drinks in the fridge, and there's some meat in the freezer... for some reason.
>You're honestly kind of annoyed by how unorganized everything is.
>Especially the drinks, soda, bottle of wine, beer, some sort of store brand water, a bottle of pink liquid that resembles love, but isn't actually love, et cetera et cetera.
>They're all just clumped together in the fridge.
>This is painful to look at.
>Welp, not sure what exactly this says about Four, but that's it, that's everything you can find in here.
>There's a lot of love in the bedroom though, if you can count that as food in this context.

>Well, you're not the best at cooking, but you do know the basics.
>Knowing a bunch of different skills is kinda important to being a changeling after all.
>It's not like you'll burn down the kitchen anytime soon, probably.

>What do?


>...You can't serve this.
>Yeah, pizza would be better.
>Trotting back out to the living room, you lean over the couch to prod your coltfriend.
"Let's just go get something outside."
>"Alright! Where to?"
>He sits up on the couch, brushing his mane with a hoof.
"I dunno, pizza? What do you want?"
>"Pizza sounds good!"
"Great, let me get ready."
>"Who's gonna care about that? You're fine as it is, let's go!"
>Hopping over to the door, he promptly drags you out of your home.
>Your mane's a bit messy though.
>Ah well.

>One trek later.
>...Did you forget something?
>It feels breezier this night.
>"So, what are you planing on getting?"
"Uh, whatever's fine."
>"Come on, you gotta have some idea for this!"

>What's the plan for your pizza acquisition quest?
>How do you plan on having this meal?
>A pizza to share? Two pizzas? Five? Other stuff? Blah blah blah...
>Yes, this is a very important decision.
>If you want, you can also just buy it and bring it home, really.


>The rest of the way there is filled with pizza talk.
>A few moments later, you find yourself seated in a noisy room.
>A large fresh pizza sits in between you two.
>You have no idea what kind of pizza this is, but you see a bunch of greens on it.
>The two of you make small talk as the pizza slowly gets consumed by the both of you.
>Mostly Prime, he ate seventy percent of the pizza.
>It's pretty good though.
>You'll give it a three out of five.
>["Pretty good, and it still only gets three out of five?"]
["Love will forever be the best."]
>["What's qualifies as four out of five then?"]
["Nothing, no food of that quality exists."]
>["O...kay."]

>["So... did you two..."]
["The next bucking day!"]

>You wake up on something soft and warm.
>Ugh, where are you?

>...
>Where did you go after diner last night?
>Your home, his home, somewhere completely different?
>[Does Grace ask for more details on the night? The night that will only result in more cutesy cuddles? And maybe other things?]


>Right, you went to his home last night afterwards because you can't exactly invite him into the bedroom filled with magical items, unless you're a unicorn. And hey! More love for you!
>["And lust, that's important too."]
["..."]
>["Come on! Tell me tell me tell me!"]
["You act like such a filly sometimes..."]
>[An immature, filly in a teen sized body really fits her as a description.]

>When the bill is given to you two, you realize that you didn't even bring your bags out.
>You don't have any bits on you.
>It's okay though, he paid for the meal.
>You two are currently outside right now.
"I promise I'll pay you back tomorrow."
>"It'll be fine, you can pay the next time we go out, problem solved!"
"Ah, but..."
>Doesn't he already has money issues?
>And-
>"A few bits won't kill me. Don't worry. Come on, I'll trot with you back to your home."
>Sleeping alone doesn't sound as fun.
>The prospect of sleeping with a fluffy pegasus sounds much more comfy.
"...Can I sleep over at your place again?"
>"Sure! That'll be nice..."

>It doesn't take long for you to reach the apartment he lives in.
>Seems like the place just as messy as it was yesterday.
>...
>"Feel free to do whatever, I'm gonna go freshen up real quick."
>He heads into the bathroom.

>Welp, what do you do?
>Read something of his?
>Look out the windows?
>Go to sleep in his bed?
>Rummage around for something specific? Or specific information?
>Do some other house related things?


>["You know, for somepony who seemed so happy to follow my behaviour and antics with me before, you really seems quite embarrassed telling this story to me."]
["Well.... I don't ask for details on your dates with Ivory! Or things you two do behind closed doors."]
>["I'll gladly tell you if you wanna know!"]
["Of course you would."]
>[She beams at you in response.]
>[Talking about how you spent time being intimate with another stallion on a moving train to Baltimare is not what you were expecting to do when you woke up this morning.]

>Crawling onto a chair, you look outside through the windows.
>It seems that the area doesn't really look... welcoming?
>Yeah, that sounds like the right way to describe it.
>It doesn't feel that way when you were wandering in the streets though, so maybe it's just you.
>At a glance, you notice another worn down apartment much like this one, an empty building that used to be...
>You're not sure, but it seems condemned and would be torn down sooner or later.
>Oh, and the cheery grocery store is nearby!
>It's like a ray of sunshine among everything around here.
>...!?
>You instinct tells you something was, is still watching you.
>But you don't see anybody even looking at your general direction.
>Maybe it's just paranoia, yeah.
>Ugh, you're buying curtains for him at the next opportune moment.
>Now that you think about it, his room's window had no curtains too.
>Turning back, you're immediately pulled into a kiss.

>What do?


>Kisses usually contain a lot of love, right?
>You wouldn't know, training didn't prepare you for this.
>Maybe you should've been more attentive during the whole training process.
>Falling into the kiss, you bathe in the wave of love and lust.
"Mff..."
>The feeling of his tongue in your mouth somehow makes it tastier.
>You can't feel your hooves on the ground.
>Out of breath, you have no choice but to break away from the kiss.
>Panting uncontrollably, your hooves presses themselves against your chest in a futile attempt to calm your heart down.
>"Jeez, you okay? I wasn't that terrible, was I?"
"N-no, I just... wasn't used to this sort of treatment."
>"Come on, we'll have career day to worry about tomorrow."
>Aw, but you thought you're about to get d...
>Wait, career day?
>You thought it was...
>"In case you forgot, yes, it is tomorrow."
>Lifted off of the ground, you find yourself carried like a bride as he flies you into the bedroom.

>["Super serious question, so, you two did end up shagging in the story, right? Now, who was the one getting the D?"]
>[Wow, how direct.]
>[You kinda want to facehoof, is this what Ivory feels everyday?]

>What do/ask?
>Yes, you can probably end up doing lewd things if you're so inclined.
>[What do/say?]
>[You can lie, it's not that hard to lie.]


>[Somepony like her would know how obvious any lie is.]
>[Probably has a sixth sense for it too.]
>[It is nice, telling someone that's not another changeling about your personal stuff.]
>[As weird as this pony may be, she is a friend.]
["Obviously, I mean, it's kinda my nature."]
>["Right right, because changelings."]
["So yeah, I did get mounted like a mare."]
>["Hehehe... was it good? How was it? Super awkward?"]
["Patience, we'll get there eventually."]

>You don't struggle, letting yourself be carried to the bedroom.
>You're not too sure if you're actually being observed.
>The feeling is no longer there.
>Least the windows in his bedroom has the view of a forest.
>No way anything could be watching you from here, unless they are pegasi.
>Or other winged living creatures.

>Gently placed in the small bed, he crawls into bed next to you, taking up the position of the big spoon.
>"Night Score."
>He nuzzles the back of your head lovingly.
"Mm..."
>Time passes.

>You wake up on something soft and warm.
>Ugh, where are you?
>Right, you went to Prime's home last night afterwards because you can't exactly invite him into the bedroom filled with magical items, unless you're a unicorn. And...
>The strangest feeling passes you, sending a chill down your spine.
>...Think it's called déjà vu?
>You don't feel anything fluffy hugging you, guess he's already awake.
>Looking at the window, you can see that the sun isn't even up yet.

>You're alone in Prime's bed, what do?


>You hunger...
>Time for operation: Seduce your coltfriend for food!
>Rolling around a bit, you reposition yourself so that the pony that comes in here would have a good view of your rump.
>The blanket is draped over your hind hooves.
"Prime!"
>"Hmm? Do you need something, Score?"
>You hear hoofsteps getting closer.
>Hearing the opening of the door, you can feel wandering eyes on you.
>With a flick of your tail, you're pretty sure you've managed to give him a good glimpse of the things usually hidden by your tail.
>"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
>You roll around, using your tail to cover your crotch.
"Maybe~"
>Trying your best to stay calm, you give him a lustful look.
>"It's five in the morning, do we have time for this? "
>He gives you a look of slight amusement.

>Input action/words.


>Something at the back of your mind wonders if you should go back home to collect your teacher stuff, but the thought is swiftly shunted away as you focus on love.
"Sure we do! It's early. We have plenty of time."
>You roll around on the bed, giving your rump a little wiggle.
>Giving the clock a glance, he gives you a small smile.
>He climbs into the bed next to you, giving you a hug.
>"You sure about this? Do you really want this?"
"Yes, please."
>His hooves turn you around so that you're muzzle to muzzle.
>Booping your snoots together, you're pulled into a passionate kiss.
>One that's much like the kiss you had last night.
>Your eyes closes as you focus on the sensation of his muzzle, his tongue, and most importantly, that sliver of love you're feeding on.
>Feeling yourself rolled onto your back, the sensation of something warm of his presses against your own.
"Ah! H-how are we... Mmm..."
>You can't help but moan slightly as your body involuntary trusts upwards against him.
>He leans down and whispers to you.
>"Score, feel free to say anything if I'm making you uncomfor-"
>The sound of a whistle sounds through the room.
>"Ah, buck. I forgot about the water!"
>He hops off of you and rushes out of the room.
>...
>Darn it.

>"Sorry! Sorry!"
>He says as he rushes back in, his... rod, clearly visible under him.
>"Um, where were we?"

>What do?
>Something you want to do?
>Let him lead?


"We were frotting?"
>"Right, sorry about the interruption."
"I-it's fine."
>You attempt to look at him seductively, spreading your hindhooves to expose yourself to him as he moves towards the bed.
>The bed squeaks as he starts climbing on top of you once more, you mutter to him.
"I-I've never done this before, so... please don't be too... Mff..."
>He gives you another kiss as you mutter worryingly.
>"First time with a stallion, huh?"
>Well, first time period, but you don't know if Four ever said anything about being with mares.
>You nod at him embarrassingly.
>He smiles down at you reassuringly, giving you a little nuzzle on your cheeks.
>All the while, his cock grinds against yours, sending you a pleasurable feeling that your hoof can't compete with.
>"No need to worry, you'll enjoy this. I'll buck you so hard that you won't be able to sit down properly for days."
>I-Is that possible!?
"U-um.... I... hh... unh!"
>He suddenly stops, getting himself into a sitting position.
"Wha... are you..."
>"Stay still."
>His left hoof presses against your chest.
>One of his wing slowly wraps itself around your cock, as his hooves rummages the tiny table drawers next to the bed for something.
>Unf... you didn't know a wingjob could feel so heavenly.
>You're not even sure what's going on, you think your brain is starting to ignore stuff happening in the background.
>T-this isn't supposed to happen, they s-said that y-you need to always be...
"Mhh..."
>You let out a gasp as you felt his wing circling around the tip of your cock, as a hoof fondles with your balls.
>Didn't even realize that his hoof is no longer pressing on your chest.
>The train of thought you had was derailed, you think something about perception was involved.

>The sound of glass knocking on wood echoes from somewhere to the left.
>You were rolled onto your belly, lying on top of two pillows.
>Something warm, wet and slick pressed against your rump.
>"Score, you ready?"
>His belly rubs against your back as he tries to nuzzle your neck.
>"Are you okay? Want to stop for a minute?"


>Oh you're not dreaming, this is really happening.
"Just give me a small moment to compose myself."
>"Take as long as you need. Take deep breaths, I'll try to go slow, but it might hurt a bit."
>He whispers into your ear.
>Right, Especially since you never took anything up your flank before.
>Giving the pillow a squeeze, you mentally steel yourself.
"Right, I'm ready."
>You say as you give a glance back at him.
>"Feel free to bite something if you need to. Okay, here goes."
>The sensation of his slick cock pressing against your tailhole is immediate.
>He seems to be holding himself back from the urge to just bury himself to the hilt in you.
>Putting more strength into the presses, it slowly spreads you apart, pushing into you painfully.
"A-ahh!"
>"Mff!"
>You clutch at the pillows, pressing your face into the sheets.
>He's not stopping, more is forcing itself inside of you.
>The pain becomes too much to bear when some sort of ring passes through, making tears blur your vision.
>Even though it grazes against something that's oddly pleasurable, the pain you're feeling covers over it like a blanket.
>You bite down at the sheets of his bed, a few tears soaking the soft cloth of the sheets.
"I-I can't..."
>Seeming to snap out of something, he immediately stops his actions.
>"I-I'm sorry, I couldn't stop myself."
>He nuzzles against the back of your head reassuringly.
>You feel a small twinge of pain every time his cock throbs in excitement.

>Once the stinging pain has faded slightly, or rather, you've adapted to the pain, you whisper to him.
"G-go on."
>It feels warm.
>There's no audible reply, only another nuzzle.
>You feel a pair of hooves wrapping around your chest in a hug as his entire body rests on your back.
>"I'll start pulling out now."
"Mm..."
>His voice is right next to your right ear, being embraced like this feels wonderful.
>Hugging you tighter, he starts pulling himself out of you.
>You're a big changeling, you can take this.
>The thought runs through your mind repeatedly as you endure the dull pain.
>Pulling himself out to the point where only the tip is left inside of you, he warns.
>"I'm thrusting in again."
"Go on, I can take i-ah!"
>"Mhh..."
>His thrust makes you scream in a weird mix of pain and pleasure as it grazes against the thing again.
>Pulling back out again, he thrusts lightly into you again and again in a never ending cycle.

"Hah! Unff..."
>Rump elevated and supported by pillows, your own cock thrusts between the two pillows every time he thrusts into you.
>Your mane is pulled by him every now and then as he bites it in an animalistic manner.
>Sweat drips down your mane.
>You can't move an inch, completely stuck within his grasp as he spreads your hole pleasurably.
>His hooves are wrapped over your chest, his weigh pressing you into the sheets.
>He bites down sharply on your right ear, making you squeal in a mix of conflicting sensations.
>"Can I... ah... go faster?"

"Y-yah! Yes!"
>You get a bite on your neck as acknowledgement.
>Everything feels hot.
>Burying your face into the sheets, you close your eyes and focus on the pleasurable sensations.
"Mff! Unf!"
>The thrusting may hurt slightly, but you couldn't care less at this point.
>Some part of your mind worries that you won't be able to trot after this, but the thought is discarded before you have the chance to evaluate it.
>His dick completely hilts itself into you as he thrusts into you deeply and quickly again and again.
>Pulling on your mane, he forces your head up as he moans into your mane.
>Loose feathers from his spread wings falls on the sheets, testament to the amount of strength put into each thrust.
>Climbing just a bit closer to you, his thrusts presses against that pleasure inducing spot that it was grazing before.
"A-ah! Oh! I... I... Unf!"
>Try as you might, you can't even warn him on the fact that you're about to burst.
"P-Pri-ah! Uh... unf......"
>You feel him biting your ear again, sending you past the point of control.
>Your dick throbs with pleasure as you cum into his pillows.
>With each spurt of cum you fire, you can feel your hole tightening, sending Prime into a animalistic haze.
>"Ah! Score! I... I love you!"
>He screams as he hilts himself into you, moaning uncontrollably as his sticky, hot cum spreads itself over your inner walls.

>["Whoa!"]
["...Seriously? Now of all times?"]
>["Hey! At least I didn't interrupt when you talked about how he said he loved you!"]
["..."]
>["I mean, damn, that pony is bold, already saying the L word when you two were only a thing for a few days?"]
["Well, I thought it was romantic, and... hot."]
>["Wait a minute, I wasn't any better. Wait, Ivory said it, not me. No, I didn't even realize I lost!"]
["You done yet?"]
>["Now I have to make sure that I propose first!"]
["Mm hmm..."]
>[Grace starts ranting about bold romantic actions.]

>What do?
>[What do?]


~Back in the present~
"Should I go on?"
>"Yes! Let me just calm down for a sec. How far left do we have to Baltimare?"
>Grace wonders as she looks out the window.
"I heard we'll arrive at night."
>"Night? What time is it?"
"Um, sometime near three in the afternoon?"
>"Huh..."
"Can I request extra cuddles? Or something from you and Ivory to receive extra love for telling you this in embarrassing detail?"
>"Of course! It's no problem at all! Anything for a friend!"
"Good, I would've asked for your own stories to be even. But... you're going to share your times with Ivory no matter what anyway."
>"Hehe."
>"Right here!"
>The voice of Grace's mom comes from outside.
>The door swings open, as ponies...
>A bucking bed is pushed into the room.
>"What's this about?"
>Grace questions her mother.
>"Bed collapsed, so there's not enough beds for all of us now!"
>"And that matters, why?"
>"Because!"
>"Right..."
>Grace seems mildly annoyed by her intrusion.
>"So now we have a bunk bed, a collapsed bunk bed, and a mattress!"
>"Are you happy now? Can I go, ma'am?"
>The poor conductor mare asks.
>"Yeah, sure, whatever, bye!"
>The other ponies leave.

"So-"
>"So! I'll not bother you any longer, I'll go have a chat with your dearest coltfriend, bye!"
>"...Bye mom."
>She trots off.
>There's now a freaking mattress complete with pillows and sheets on the floor.
>What even?
>"That's mom for ya. On the plus side, more pillows for us!"
>She flutters off the bed and toss a few pillows onto the collapsed bed you're on.
>No, what even?
>"You okay dude?"
>You don't understand, the same could've been done if the mattress you're on is moved to the floor.
>It's not like the bottom bunk of the collapsed bed is unusable.
"Yeah, I'm fine."

~Sometime in the past, on a Monday morning~
>Collapsing in a messy heap, he holds you close and mutters something unintelligible to you.
>He's still inside of you, and now you're resting belly up on his chest as he lies on the pillows... that probably needs to be replaced.
>A unknown amount of time passes as you bask in the afterglow.
"I love you too?"
>Shoot, you didn't mean to make it sound like a question.
>You mean, you just met him a few days ago.
>But anything for love.
>It seemed to work though, because the sensation of love has intensified at that.
"A-hah..."
>You felt his half erect shaft pulling itself out of you, as he turns you around and kisses you.
>Resting under his muzzle, you can feel his cum slowly leaking out of you, down your balls and onto his crotch.
>You feel somewhat sore all over.
>Some part of you wishes to fall asleep, do you comply?


>No, you can't sleep now.
>Have to do stuff...
>Ugh...
>After some time, Prime seems to have completely come down from the afterglow.
>"Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?"
>You shake your head while it's pressed into his chest.
"M...fine..."
>"Ugh, the bed would be a pain to clean."
"Sorry..."
>"No, it's not your fault. We can't stay for long, let's get you cleaned up."
"Mm..."
>Prime gets up, carrying you into the bathroom, trying not to get too much of your combined mess over the floor.

>You two take some time to clean each other up, though it's mostly him cleaning you up.
>Once you're both sure you're all clean, and nothing is still leaking out of you, you're moved to a rough couch at the living room.
"I can trot on my own."
>"You should get whatever rest you can, I'll make breakfast for us."
"Mm..."

>During breakfast.
>You munch on a piece of bread.
>Eating while you're lying down feels weird.
"I won't need anything for today, right?"
>"That's what I was saying, we don't need anything for something like career day. Just make sure that no foals get lost or separates from the group. Stuff like that."
>Oh, cool, that won't be so hard, right?
"When do we need to get there again?"
>"It's just the usual time."
>So seven thirty-ish?
"Shouldn't we hurry then?"
>"Nah, it's the same every year, nopony other than our students will know, and they never all show up on time. So we'll probably still have to wait once we get there."

>The time is sometime just past seven.
>What do?


"Alright, I trust your judgement."
>"Great!"
>He drinks some more water as he looks out the windows again.
>You stay on the couch for five more minutes, before getting off.
"Let's go?"
>"Yeah, can you trot?"
"I think I can?"
>You trot up to the door next to him.
>It's not that bad!
>No, it's pretty bad, but you can trot just fine.
>Well, other than a bit of limping, you seem to doing pretty well.
>It's not like it's still hurting like tartarus or anything.
>"You sure that you don't need somepony to lean on?"

>Input answer?
>Suggest/say/ask something?
>Anything specific you want to talk about on the way there?


>You give him a tiny smirk.
"I suspect you might like that, but I don't mind at all."
>"Heh, I may have a few ulterior motives for checking."
>Leaning on him, you trot out with him, letting him lead you to your destination.

>On your way there, you feel his tail wrapping around yours in a way that you've seen couples do.
"Sooo... does this make you my official coltfriend? Seems silly, considering... but we haven't actually spoken about that part."
>"Course we are! I mean, we still need to go on more dates and all, because what we did can't really qualify as a date."
>Hmm...
>That's a good thing, right?
>More dates equals more opportunities for love!
>The rest of the way there is filled with small talk.
"So, we... are going to be working together later?"
>"Yup yup, there'll be twenty three students in our group."
"So it's not the whole school going?"
>"Kinda? There's waivers involved, and most students don't care about this sort of thing in the first place. But there are more than twenty three foals involved, the other groups are just under the care of other teachers."
"You could've just said there are other groups."
>"Yeah, but words, they're hard."
>Small talk intensifies.
>The school is in sight now.
>"Wait, I forgot to clean the sheets!"
"...Don't think we had time for that."
>"B-but if it's not cleaned... I won't have a bed tonight!"
"......"

>Anything specific to say before you find your group?


"You don't like sleeping with dirty sheets?"
>"What you're okay with dirty sheets?"
"Honestly, yeah."
>"Even... uh... sheets covered in our..."
"No?"
>["...So you already had your dirty hobo powers that long ago."]
["What."]
>["Nothing! Go on!"]
>[Grace is giving you an innocent smile.]
>Prime gives you a strange look.
>"...No as in-"
"Plus! You can just clean them after school?"
>"It won't dry in time, I don't have spare sheets. You see the problem?"
>Not only does he lack curtains, but even bedsheets!?
"How the buck do you usually clean them then?"
>"When I wake up? Then I can use them again at night?"
"What if it's winter?"
>"At that time, I don't really have a choice but to sleep on the couch."
"Eh, slept in worse places and positions before."

>You end up at the spot where your students will be gathering at.
>"Huh... there's not a lot of parents around."
>You hear Prime muttering as he scans the area.
>Funny, it seems like you're the homeroom teacher of that class you gave homework to.
>And most of them are included in this group.
>After some roster checking and waiting, the group of young ponies and a couple adults starts heading out.
>There is a plan here, which is to go to some research facility, guard station, blah blah blah, and for some reason, a demolitions site?
>You have no idea what's the bucking point of watching ponies tear down a house, but okay! You're not the pony here.

>What do?
>No, really, what do?
>It won't be hard to convince Prime to take them to see other things if you want.
>It's not like anybody other than you two know the plan, right?
>Well, the parents do, but there's only a few of them here, and persuasion is a thing.


>Oh well, guess you'll just follow along with Prime.
>Prime is the one at the front of the group, leading them to who knows where.
>At the back, you can see that most of the parents seemed to be your average citizen pony.
>Most of them don't have anything that indicates what sort of jobs they do, or stuff like that.
>Though there's one obviously guard in the group, and the crimson unicorn pony next to him has medical equipment on him.
>Ah well, it's none of your business to care anyway.
>Most of them seemed content just chatting with each other, only a few stayed close to their foals.

>Ugh, why isn't there at least a carriage of some sort for this whole thing?
>Do they expect you to trot around the entire freaking city?
>One boring trek later.
>You find yourself standing in a place that you don't really want to be at.
>Why is the guard station the first place you're going to?
>...With this many guards around, you wouldn't need to worry about anything going wrong anytime soon?
>Oh good, now they're talking about some life story.
>Ugh...
>Ignoring whatever that's happening, you look around the room you're in.
>Seems almost like an office, except papers and files is everywhere and a few ponies is doing their own business.
>It isn't so busy around here.
>You can't help noticing that it'll be really easy for you to take something without anybody noticing.
>But that'll just be a bad idea right now.
>["So let me get this straight, you all went to the guard station, but didn't get to check out the jails, interrogation room, and other fun stuff?"]
>[You give Grace a nod.]
["Yeah, let me just skip the boring parts, since I didn't even pay attention to some of that."]

>One boring visit later, you're now on your way to some other place, think they're getting breakfast somewhere right now, for some reason.
>You're pretty sure that's just Prime and some parents being hungry.
>Oh, good, they're buying donuts and hayburgers at some stall on the streets.
>You mentally count the number of ponies once again.
>Fourteen adults, including you.
>Five teenagers, and seventeen foals.

>What do?
>Try to talk with some of the foals?
>Talk with the pony that had nightmares? He's been more or less silent throughout this whole trip.
>Talk with the adults?
>Do something else?
>Check something?


>You trot up to Weaver, the pony who's name you've found out a few days ago when you were home checking for info.
>He doesn't seem to notice your approach.
>In fact, he seems really tired.
"Hey, you alright?"
>He sluggishly gives you a nod.
>"Y-yeah, I'm fine."
"So... did you have that nightmare again?"
>"No... It stopped after the day you talked to me. And I don't even dream about anything now."
"Do you usually dream?"
>"Yes, in fact, I could always control it before. But I can't do anything in the nightmare, and I didn't dream at all for three days straight."
>So, this pony lucid dreams frequently?
"But why are you so tired?"
>"I don't know, I wake up feeling like I've barely slept at all throughout the weekend."
>Ugh, this is probably something that a professional should handle.
>What could even do this sort of stuff?
>Some sort of spirit?
>Do spirits exist?
>Would a dreamcatcher help him?
>Maybe you should find some sort of magically inclined doctor for him or something.
>Or ask Four for help, since he's more magically knowledgeable than you are.
>"Hey, Score, can you lead the ponies here for a bit?"
>Prime suddenly whispers to you, wing holding onto some hayfries.
"What?"
>"I've noticed that somepony is missing, I'll meet you at the facility later."
"That's..."

>What do?
>Tell him that you'll find the pony, so the hard work is taken care of by him?
>Or take the group to the facility?
>Something else?


"... mm, can I try to find the pony?"
>It won't be that hard for a changeling to find a pony.
>"I already have a hunch on where he is, don't worry, I'll be back before you know it."
"Ah, fine. I'll see you at the facility?"
>"Yup! Just keep an eye on the foals so they don't start wandering off in there."
"Mm."
>He gives you a quick kiss on your cheek before trotting away.
>...
>Weaver pokes at your fetlocks.
>"Are you two-"
"You saw nothing."
>"O-oh, right. I didn't see anything."
"Good colt."
>You give him a little pet on his mane.
"Tell me if something bad comes up again."
>"Okay."
>Gathering the group of ponies, you press on!

>Some time later...
>You find yourself standing in front of what looks like a university.
>...
>You have several questions.
>Apparently, this is the research facility.
>You think you were suppose to talk about stuff, but nothing really comes to mind.
"So, here's the research facility! You might think that it's a university, but nope. The ponies that designed the place clearly had a poor sense of architecture. So... Uh... they research magical stuff and do science in here! Yeah!"
>That was terrible.
>Ugh.
>Oh good! There's a guide coming over.
>He'll take care of everything!
>Said pink stallion is dressed in what appears to be a lab coat and those glasses you've seen ponies wear in movie labs.
>Um... did he just said something to you?
>You kinda zoned out.

>Say something random that may or may not relate to whatever the pony said?


"Hahaha, yeah..."
>...You got nothing.
"Sorry, I kinda zoned out there, what was that?"
>"Just checking if you're the group we were expecting."
"Oh, um... duh? Why else would a random group of foals show up in a place like this?"
>"I can't just assume without checking. If you don't mind, we're running low on time. So let us get this over with."
"Right..."
>He trots inside, most of the foals looking to you.
"Um... go on ahead, and pay attention to whatever the nice stallion tells you."
>Once they've moved on, you began following them from a slight distance.

>Ooo, there's a lot of magical stuff around here.
>Well, you can sense them anyway.
>Mm... it seems that they're going to a open lab.
>Following them in, you look around for anything interesting.
>Nothing dangerous is around, most harmful items and equipment are probably moved to another spot.
>There's a door to the side, some sort of orange glow can be seen under the cracks of the door.
>You don't see anything else particularly interesting in here though.

>What do?
>Listen to the pony talking?
>Go outside and wait?
>Check out random things in the room?
>Something else?


>Maybe you should listen to some of the things the poner is saying.
>Could be important.
>"-f the things that were found seems to be dated back to thousands of years ago, even before Equestria's existen..."
>This seems like the sort of thing Prime's sister, Composite Element, works on.
>Wonder if his sister is around here?
>Hmm... was the whole thing an excuse to stay away from Element?
>You recount the ponies here mentally.
>"-enchantments still last to this da..."
>Yes, it seems somepony is indeed missing, though you're not sure who because you don't pay enough attention.
>Maybe Prime arranged this and is just eating ice cream with the missing pony at a stand somewhere?
>Sounds like something he would do, right?
>You're not sure.
>"-tions? I'm sure there's a lot of things about what we've been doing that you may wan..."
>Should you go outside and check?
>If he really is avoiding the place, then he won't even come inside.
>"-hat? That's classified, but it'll be public information in a few months, probably. But the..."
>There's other ponies in the side room, where the orange glow is from.
>Emotion sensing! You forgot you can do that!
>Speaking off, there's not a whole lot of ponies within range.
>Not including the ponies in the room, of course.

>What do?
>Go outside?
>Keep half-listening?
>Poke something?
>Something else?


>You have to be responsible and listen!
>Because teachers are super responsible, right?
>Yeah, right!
>...Ugh.
>"-so that's about it, really. What else do you want, my freaking life story?"
"...Excuse me,"
>You trot up to the pone, lowering your voice when you're close.
"is there a pony named Composite Element working here?"
>"El? Yeah, why you ask?"
"Oh, just curious, because I know her and stuff."
>Wait, why did you say that?
>"Ah, if you want, you can see her, she's j-"
"No! No... I need to make sure the foals don't wander off to places they're not supposed to go."
>"True, foals are naturally curious."
>Glancing back, you see that most of them are just talking amongst themselves.
>"Do you still need anything from me?"

>What do?
>Ask him to take care of this group and find Prime's sis?
>Stay here?
>Get him to show the class cool magical artifacts? That's what they're called, right?
>Finish this and start taking the foals elsewhere?
>Something else?
>Heh, technically, you do have the authority to end this and make them go home.


"..."
>...You can't do anything fun because responsibilities.
>Being responsible is dumb.
"When does she finishes work?"
>"Usually late night? She doesn't really follow a schedule. And she's only working with us a few days per week."
"I see..."
>"Need something else?"
"Nope! Thanks for complying and helping out with this! Come along everypony!"
>Bleh, you address the group to follow.
>The faster you get this over with, the faster you can get into bed.

>You leave with everybody following behind.
>Ha! Thanks to your racial traits, you don't even need to look back and check if somebody isn't following you.
>Heading outside, you see Prime standing next to a bench outside across the streets.
>A young snow coloured pegasus with bright blue mane is sitting on said bench, eating what appears to be vanilla ice cream.
>It's notable that the foal doesn't have a cutie mark yet.

>What do?


>Crossing the streets, you trot up to Prime.
>"You're already done? That was fast."
>He gives you a smile.
"Yes, did you have much trouble finding..."
>You glance at the foal once more.
>The foal stares up at you cutely.
>...Definitely a him.
"Him?"
>"Not really, he was at the guard station, went off into the bathroom without telling any of us."
"Right..."
>"I got him ice cream on the way here. So, let's move on?"

>What do?


>You decide on not saying anything that'll imply you suspecting him of avoiding the place.
"Let's move on, I guess."
>"Great!"

>A few hours later...
>Ugh, somehow, this has been even more boring than teaching history.
>Nothing exciting has happened at all!
>You can't do anything because you had to be a responsible adult and all that dumb stuff.
>Don't even have anything to talk to the adults about.
>And the foals didn't stir up any trouble throughout the day too.
>Didn't even get to see magical explosions or anything like that.
>Least it's over now, with most of the foals gone, you can actually go home now.
>It's sometime in the afternoon, you're standing just outside the school with Prime.
>Funny that there was no lunch to be had, guess it made things easier for the parents?
>Since they can just bring their foals out for lunch afterwards.
>You don't see any other teachers or students around.
>Other than the few from your group here waiting for their parents.
>Can't they just trot home?
>"Hey, you okay?"
"Hmm?"
>"You were just really quiet the whole day, so... I was just curious."

>What do?
>Go home and sleep?
>Something else?


>You're thinking of finding his sister, but maybe you shouldn't tell him that.
"No, I'm fine. I'll go back home now, see ya."
>"Alright, see you later."
>Trotting off in the direction of your home, you head straight towards your home.
>Can't exactly say you're going home than trot the other way.
>Might as well grab your saddlebags and stuff too.

>When you get back home, you grab your things still set aside in Four's room.
>Think you can safely call it your room at this point.
>The box of half eaten cookies are still sitting on top of the papers.
>...You'll deal with it later.
>It's not like anypony would know.
>Time to stalk your coltfriend's sister!

>So, here you are! Sitting outside in public in the middle of the afternoon.
>To be more specific, at the bench that Prime and the young colt was at.
>...You don't think she's coming out anytime soon.

>What do?
>Wait?
>Go in?
>Something else?


>You can't go inside because it might cause problems.
>And so you wait.
>And wait.
>......
>["What problems? It's not like you're not allowed inside. Are you?"]
>Hmm... wonder if you can buy a box of ice cream.
>["Seriously, you can just ask a pony if you can go in or something."]
>Wonder how much bits does the ponies pulling he carriages earn?
>With how they're everywhere in the city, they must have a lot of business.
>["So... you just sat there."]
["Hey, it's what I did."]
>Ooo, what if you become a private eye!
>Super cool and rugged detective that narrates everything in their minds!
>Because those noir movies are like that, so that must be how detectives act!
>Yeah!

>Seems like the sky is cloudy today, wonder if it'll rain.
>"Excuse me sir, would you mind holding that pose?"
"Um... what?"
>An earth pony dressed in artsy clothing asks.
>"No, keep looking up at the sky!"
"Okay?"
>"Got it, thank you!"
>He gallops off across the streets, and continues painting stuff, you guess.
>...You don't need to look up anymore, right?
>["Don't tell me you just sat there until night..."]

>Did you?


["I sat there until she came out or morning came."]
>[Grace seems bewildered.]
>["Let me get this straight, you sat there from afternoon till... That has to be more than sixteen... What the buck? How does somepony sits still on a bench for more than sixteen hours straight!?"]
>[Guards? Models? The sun princess?]
["Of course not, even I can't do something like that. I eventually got sick of waiting and went inside anyway."]

>You can't take this anymore.
>Crossing the streets, you trot back into the facility.
>Nopony stopped you from going in.
>Where...
>"It's you again. You looking for El?"
>Oh hey, that pink stallion is here.
>Seems like he was leaving.
"...Yes."
>"Come along, I'll bring you to her."
>...

>Follow?
>Ask something?


>Pushing the door open, you trot into the room.
>Looking around, you can see a few ponies sitting around.
>The walls aren't the sickly white you've seen on your way here, but a calming blue.
>There's a lot of notes scattered over the table to the side.
>With the amount of unknown liquids sitting by the notes, you don't think this is safe procedure in anyway.
>There's some sort of tablet with writing you can't recognize at the centre of the room.
>Some sort of magic is-
>"Who the buck are you?"
>That was fast, it has only been a single second.
>Element trots up to you.
>"You."
"Me?"
>"What are you doing here?"
"Um... I wanted to talk to you."
>"Just spill it."
"Here?"
>"Where the buck else? Some bathroom stall?"
>"Who's this? A lover of yours?"
>The question drifts forth from one of the ponies in the room.
>"Nah, think it's an ex, from the way she reacted to him."
>"Doesn't she act that way towards everypony though?"
>"You guys know that I'm still within earshot, right? Ugh, fine, outside."
>She pushes you back out of the room.

>"So? The buck do you want to talk about?"
>Her voice echoes slightly through the empty hallway.
>You sense a few nosy ponies nearby.
"It's just that... What's going on with your brother? I mean, as somepony that's dating him, I should know and help, right?"
>She lets out a sigh and stares at you.
>"...So he didn't tell you? Of course he didn't."
"Well, it's more that I didn't press him for information?"
>"Of course his coltfriend's a pansy like him too. What's your name?"
"Score, Four Score."
>"Score, nice name. So... how should I..."

>"Hold on a sec."
>She kicks the door open, as a few pained groans sounds from beyond the door.
>She then trots inside without a word.
>......
["I'm not repeating what she said"]
>Trotting back out, she gestures at you to follow.

>Finding yourself in an empty room, she shuts the door behind you.
>There's no windows in here.
>"So, here's the gist of it. He's an idiot that's far too kind for his own good."
"...That's it?"
>"That's the root of the problem. The main problem is that his dad owes multiple ponies bits. Lots of bits. So now that mom isn't around to kick him out of our lives again, he comes crawling back to his son for help. And I think you can put two and two together. You've seen his home, you should know he earns more than enough for something better."


>Can't this problem be solved if you give him more money?
>You don't think he'll accept it though, he certainly didn't accept his sister's bits.
"I suspected as much. It's not hard to gather that."
>"If you can't gather that, I'll have a few problems with you railing my bro."
>She looks over at you once more.
"Um... It's kinda the other way arou-"
>"Whatever, you get my meaning."
>She seems mildly disgusted by the thought.
"Thank you for telling me all of this."
>"Yeah, whatever, it'll take him forever to tell you all of this anyway."

"So... I can guess that you hate his dad."
>"Oh, what gave it away?"
>Sarcasm drips from her words.
>Your obvious disassociation with your own father?
>You don't actually say it out loud of course.
"If that's the case, why does Prime help him? It sounds like your mom did everything to get him away from Prime."
>"How the buck would I know? I'm not my brother. You should act like the stallion you are and ask him yourself."
"Yeah, but why do YOU think he keeps helping his dad?"
>"I don't bucking know! Sentimentality? Some misguided attempt to help? He never gave me a straight answer!"


"Regardless, thanks for the help at least. I'll try to fix this issue of his."
>"Hmph, good luck with that."
>She gives you a dismissive gesture.
"Why are you always so angry at everypony all the time?"
>"What do you mean by that? I'm not angry."
>It's kinda true, her emotions says that she's only annoyed.
"Um... angry, grumpy, annoyed by everypony?"
>"Do I need a Celestia damned reason?"
"No... I'll get going now, thank you. Good luck with your research."
>"Yeah yeah, bye."
>She impatiently moves past you and out of the room, back towards where she was working at.

>And with that, you follow her and leave the room.
>...You're not entirely too sure how you're supposed to leave this place.
>Ah well, you'll find your way out if you keep heading in a direction.

>What's the plan now?
>Find somepony?
>Go somewhere?
>Do something?


["And so, I sat there in silence until somepony showed up."]
>["Uh huh, so you've starved to death, and I've actually been talking to your ghost?"]
["Exactly!"]

>You trot off in the general direction that you came from.
>There was a grand total of zero ponies in the halls.
>Retracing your steps, you soon come across a guard like pony.
"Excuse me, where's the exit?"
>...
>There was a long winded series of directions.
>Following said directions, you soon find yourself at the back entrance... somehow.
>Welp, you still got out, you suppose.
>Looking up at the sky, it's clear that it's still the middle of the afternoon.

>What now?


>Hmm... Now that you think about it, there's not really much you have left to do.
>Which is actually a good thing!
>Because that means you can go home and lie in bed forever!
>Well, maybe not forever.
>Anyway, it's time you go home.

>One long trot later...
>Sheesh, maybe you should consider getting ponies to bring you home.
>All this trotting around is annoying.
>A carriage ride can't possible be that expensive, right?
>Oh yeah, you never returned the history textbook.
>It's too late to go back now.
>Or rather, it's too much of a chore to go all the way to the school.

>...
>Entering your home, you pass by the box of cookies once more.
>Cookies last long, right?
>Hopefully, they won't go bad if you leave them lying here.
>...Oh yeah! Survey papers, and the pamphlet.
>You'll give them a read, you suppose.

>Let's have a look-see...
>Oh hey! Those foals were from your school!
>Not your school, you meant the school you work in.
>For? Work for sounds more appropriate.
>Wonder if they visited other teachers.
>Wait... visiting teachers for this sort of thing is counterproductive, isn't it?
>Anyways! Seems like most of the bits go towards an orphanage in the city's downtown.
>Doesn't sound like there's a lot of foals in said orphanage though.

>Ah well, let's see what this survey nonsense is about.
>Skimming through the papers, you read out a few questions at random.
"How long have you been a residence of this area?"
>Health questions...
"Monthly income?"
>How much of said income is spent per month?
>Why the buck would somepony want to know this sort of stuff?
"Current occupation. Cutie mark...."
>Yada yada yada...
>Occupation related questions.
>And now it's asking mundane questions like:
"Cats or dogs... What."
>The selection box only has dogs as an option.
>What even?
>Printing error? Perhaps?
"Favourite flower."
>Um, guess rose is tasty?
"Best flower/greens to top on a sandwich."
>...
>How do these things relate to whatever they're asking?
>At first you thought they're doing some sort of statistics thing on the ponies living here.
>Then these things are included for some reason.
>What, are they gonna improve the neighbourhood or something?

>...
>This is still the first paper.
>You don't really have anything to do.
>Ah well, such is the life of a boring pony.
>Think the sun is about to set in an hour or two.
>Continue 'reading'?
>Look for something to do in here?
>Look for something to do outside?
>Laze the day away?
>Something else?


>This survey is really dumb.
>Not gonna bother doing it.
>You'll still read most of it though.
>Le-

~Back on the train~
>Grace's mother barges into the room once more.
>The poor door forcefully slams against the door.
>With the force of most earth ponies opening doors, now that you think about it.
>"Guys! I know what caused the train to broke down just now!"
"Should we care?"
>"What?"
>Grace sits up straighter, ears perked.
>"So, you know how practically everything needs magic to properly run?"
>"Yeah?"
>"Guess what happened."
"......Just tell us."
>"You're no fun. Fine, the magic equipment apparently just stopped! Then it automatically started again! The ponies working on it was pretty confused."
"I see?"
>"Here's the fun part, have you been keeping track of how long we were stuck on the immobile train?"
"No? Why does it matter?"
>"It doesn't. But it's just funny that it the stuff was all shut down for exactly one hour, down to the seconds!"
>You still don't see why does this matter.

>What does Grace do/say?


>Jumping down onto the floor, Grace asks her mother.
>"The train was set up to stop exactly for one hour down to the second?"
>"Yup!"
>"Have trains become sentient and stopped working for us ponies?"
"Cough racist ponies Cough."
>Grace gives you a flat look.
>"You're supposed to actually cough, not say the word cough."
"Coughing hurts my throat though."
>Turning back to her mother, she starts dramatically.
>"So what does this mean, should we start panicking and evacuating the entire kingdom of Equestria?"
>Her mom sits down, somehow still slightly taller than Grace.
>"I don't think it's that dangerous. It's just interesting information that I thought you'll want to know."
"Could it be some form of worldwide magic outage?"
>"That's sounds much more apocalyptic than what Grace is saying."
>"Hey, you'll never know when these things happen! Next thing we'll know, aliens have abducted us and is running a simulation to study us."
"Uh huh, that sounds really loony."
>"Maybe you need to stop reading science fiction."
>Grace's mom mutters out loud.
>Getting up again, she prepares to leave the room.
>"Either way, that's all I found out, so if it's anything significant, we'll see it in the news sooner or later. See ya."
>"Bye mom!"
>She trots back towards the door, closing it with a wing as she leaves.
>And now you're left with the quiet noise of the moving train, the sun seems to be setting outside.
>Forests make up the scenery of the lone window here.
>Looking closely outside at the sky, you think you see some smoke rising from within the forest.

>What do you two do?


>Grace has just jumped back onto the bed.
"Hey, take a look at that."
>"Hmm?"
"There's smoke coming from the forest."
>Probably campers.
>Then again, since when do ponies camp in places like this?
>Crawling to the edge of the not so tall bed, she peers out of the window.
>Seriously, this bed's height level is just the equivalent of two mattress on an everyday table.
>"They're burning down Equestria! We're doomed!"
"Welp, time for us to evacuate to the Crystal Empire."
>It's not part of Equestria, right?
>She's now taking photos of the smoke.
>When did she get her camera out? You thought it was still in her bag.
>Looking closely, your inspection showed nothing of note beyond a sliver of smoke rising from about...
>The trees are kinda blocking the view.
>They shouldn't have made the rails so close to the forest.
>An estimate of the smoke's origin would be about... twelve minutes away at trotting speed?

>What do?
>Continue telling stories till you reach Baltimare?
>Stop and sleep/laze on the bed?
>Do something else as Grace?


>Meh, you're kinda tired now.
"Hey, I'm gonna go to sleep. I'll tell you the rest of the story another time."
>"Nope!"
"No what? But I wanna sleep."
>"You're coming with me."
"What, why?"

[You are now Grace.]
>You push the pegasus out of the bed.
>He doesn't really resist, flopping onto the floor and rolling onto the mattress lying on the floor.
"I'm gonna go look for Ivory, and you can help!"
>"Can't you do it yourself?"
"..."

>Persuade the lazy bug to come along?
>Input words.
>Leave alone?


"Fine. You can stay here and take care of our things. bye for now!"
>"Mm."
>A waving hoof rises into the air as you trot out of the room.
>Now that you're out here again, you actually feel slightly dizzy, maybe you've been lying down for far too long.
>The windows out here has a great view of a mountain close up.
>You can faintly see some figures of what appears to be lone houses on said mountain.
>Wonder why would anypony live in a place like that?

>Hmm... If you're a spoiled rich unicorn with an appreciation for peasantry activities, where would you be?
>Maybe peasantry is the wrong way to look at it, sure doesn't stop those stuck up ponies from putting it that way though.
>Games?
>Yeah, why didn't games come to mind first?
>Sometimes, you feel weird.

>Where do you search?
>What's the plan?
>Do you head to the other carriages where most passengers would probably be at?
>Do you search the other rooms here? And the rooms at the other carriage in front of this one?
>Do you utilize the intercom, or whatever that thing is called?


>You briefly thought about asking somepony to let you use the intercom again.
>But, you'll rather not make enemies.
>Where would Ivory be...
>Of course! You'll have to head to the main carriage area, which is...
>Somewhere at the back, since the rooms are all at the front for some reason.
>Shouldn't they be at the back so there's less noise from the engine or something?
>It's not like there's storage taking up all of their space.
>Maybe you should think about these things while trotting.
>Just standing on your hooves outside of your room with a blank thousand yard stare must be a bit weird to wandering ponies.
>Not that there are anypony wandering the place.
>Right, you should actually start moving.

>Trotting a few steps towards the back of the train, you pull open the door and move to the last carriage.
>There's more ponies around here, most of them seated.
>Windows around shows you the scenery of trees slowly passing by.
>You don't see Ivory around here.
>There's a few foals playing some form of board game here.
>Most of the ponies are talking amongst themselves, reading something, or sleeping.
>Huh, you don't see...
>Wait, there he is, the pony serving and bringing other ponies drinks and stuff.
>You're not sure what else do they do.

>What now?
>Move further back?
>Go back?
>Do something here?
>Ask somepony something?
>Something else?


>Eh, Ivory can wait.
>You'll hang around here for now!
>Trotting closer to the foals, you see that they're gathered around in a neat little circle.
>You're not sure what they're talking about, since their conversation is really quiet when compared to the rest of the noises in the room.
"What are you all playing?"
>"We're playing snakes and ladders?"
>The foal closest to you says.
>You can see that the board is indeed just that.
>There's a small box of simple board games nearby.
>"Do you want something from us?"
>A foal with coat and mane colours resembling the falling autumn leaves asks.
"Eh..."

>What do/say?


>Snakes and ladders?
>Why would they play such a boring game?
>Don't they have better stuff to be playing?
>Seriously, they could've just played spin the bottle or something.
>Do foals play truth or dare?
>You don't remember playing anything like that when you were young.
>Bah, you regret everything.
>Oh yeah, you should say something before you creep them out.
>More so than you've already did.
>Since they're kinda subtly moving away and moving something you can't see behind them.
>Wait a sec, that's...
>Is that a map behind them?
>Wonder why don't they have any bags with them.
>In fact, where are their parents?
>Nopony here seems to be paying much attention to them.
>Hmm... w-
>"Can you go away or something? You're weird."
"...I was gonna ask if I can take a photo of you all playing?"
>"Can we say no?"
>Seems like that brown leaf coloured colt is the most aggressive of the bunch.
>Maybe leader is a better word.
"It might end up in the newspaper! Alongside the story about the train stopping!"
>One of them starts to say something, but the other foals quietly shoves him.
>"No."
"Ah... okay. I'll just be... gone now."
>You trot to the other side of the carriage room, thankfully devoid of any random ponies.
>Well, in about a three hoofsteps radius anyway.
>Looking back at the foals, it seems like they're back to talking now, probably about you.
>And they're not doing anything else, it seems.
>You look away as you realize one of them is still staring at you.

>What do?


>The pony that was staring at you warily isn't the one that they shushed.
>It's the leaf coloured one.
>In fact, you can tell that some of them are trying not to glance at you.
>Maybe they think you're trying to scam them, or worse, foalnap them?
>Nah, you're not that weird.
>You think.
>Are you?
>Wait...
>Did they run away from home!?
>Which is actually really easy to do in Equestria and nopony will even noticed your running away unless you disappear for days?
>You think back to that one time when you ran away from home.
>For five hours.
>Which is actually shorter than the time you would usually spend outside.
>Alone.
>Huh, now that you think about it, you've spent more time with Ivory, your classmates or just alone outside than the time you've spent with your parents.
>...
>That's normal, right?
>Yeah.
>Course it is.
>You feel slightly sad for some reason.
>Maybe you should've spent more time with them when you were younger.
>Especially with dad.
>Ugh...

>You can't believe this, you're getting sad and sappy for no good reason.
>And most importantly, you're trying to work on your vacation because you're bored.
>Augh, why can't life be filled with adventure, violence, evil-slaying, and...... uh... loot?
>Yeah! Loot!
>Maybe you should just go take a nap instead, or do some wing ups in here.
>Or start writing all the crazy things you've saw.

>What do?
>Find Ivory?
>Do wing ups? Where? Challenge random pegasi to wing ups?
>Write?
>Nap until you reach Baltimare or something happens?
>Or... something else?


>You kinda suspect the one colt the other fillies and colts shushed is getting pressured into coming with them.
>Clearly, everything has some deep, hidden meaning to it!
>You'll find out later by intercepting them when they get off the train.
>In the meantime, you can write up something about the train stopping!
>Like, uh...
>Headlines are hard, even for a journalist, okay?
>You think about it on the way back, Ivory can take care of himself.
>It's not like he'll go rushing into anything dangerous anyway.
>That's like, the most un-Ivory thing that he'll do.
>Right, you should go back.
>You've been doing this standing in place and having an internal monologue thing a lot lately.

>Pushing the door open, you find a sleeping pegasus nearby on the floor.
>Like, in front of the door level of close.
>Did he rolled off of the bed or something?
>Not that it's much of a bed.
>Ah well, time to write things!

>What do you write?
>Or more importantly, how do you write this?
>What sort of tone are you gonna go with?
>Then again, you can just write a summary and deal with it by editing a few things later.
>Because then you'll kill more time.
>And that means less time being bored out of your mind!


>Stepping over your friend's limp, still full of life body, you grab your little pad of papers and prepare to write nonsense onto it!
>Well, you only do that when you were younger, and in class, and-
>Okay, you still do that whenever you're bored.
>At least you're not drawing genitalia of other stallions and mares onto it like one of your classmates?
>Wonder if they're doing fine.
>Right, there's a table you can use for writing needs just sitting in a corner of the room.

>Let's see, you make note of the train stopping in the train tunnels under Canterlot, and that it stopped for an entire hour.
>Exactly one hour, zero minutes, and zero seconds.
>Hmm...
>Actually, that's all you knew.
>There wasn't a lot of information.
>Ah well, you can still easily spin this into a longer article.
>Won't be the first time, that's for sure.
>Time passes.

>You've already wrote a draft and summary of what you know.
>And it only took you about ten minutes to do so.
>You sigh as you lay your head down on the wooden square platform.
>Maybe you should do something else.
>You look to Patches, he's now sleeping at the door.
>Heh, you would move him, but it'll be funny to see somepony coming in and slamming the door into him.
>...Maybe that's a bit rude of you.

>Seems like it's night already.
>Won't be long till you reach your destination.
>What now?


>Of course, what you should do now is exercise!
>You used to do that everyday, then vacationing happened and you just forgot.
>Yeah, forgetting things seems to be a running thing with you at times.
>Even though it has only happened like... um...
>A few times in recent memory.
>Oh yeah, you should move him before his snoot gets booped by the door painfully.

>Wonder why is he so carefree?
>Is he just that relaxed around you or what?
>Ooo, can he sense strangers around even when asleep, like a dog!
>...Dogs do that, right?
>...You have no idea!

>With relative ease, you swiftly carry him in your front hooves and fly to the bunk next to the collapsed bunk.
>You have no idea why did he stayed on the collapsed bunk.
>You also don't know why were you on it with him for so long when a normal one is just sitting right there.
>And off he goes! Onto the top bunk of course, wouldn't want this one to crush him when it inevitably collapses now that you thought about it.
>Because this world really likes screwing with you sometimes.

>And so, you spent the rest of the train ride exercising in your room.
>Yes! You gotta keep in shape, and be healthy and stuff.
>The frightening thought of being an old mare that can't move without help scares you, to be honest.
>It's what made you start doing these things on a daily basis.
>......
>Some time passes.
>The moon rises high into the sky.
>You'll eat something later.
>Ivory still isn't back yet, sheesh, guess he ended up doing something fun somewhere.
>Hmph, he gets to have fun, but nopony would play cards with you.
>This is unfair!
>You think as you complete your two hundredth wing up.
>It's kinda hard to gallop around here. Since this is a small room and all.
>But you have other ways to exercise anyway.

>Some part of your mind wonders what the buck your mom is doing.
>She has been coming in and out every now and then.
>Mingling with the passengers?
>Doesn't sound like something she would do, to be honest.

>Stretching a little, the monotone voice of a mare sounds through the room.
>"We will arrive in half an hour. Please don't forget your belongings when you leave."
>Oh great.
>Finally.

>What do?


>What do you do...
>Aha! You'll eavesdrop on those foals you've creeped out a while ago.
>Surely, they'll never see you coming.
>If only you can shapeshift, would be totes easy blending in with other foals.
>Right, you'll tell the shapeshifter. Clearly, he'll help you out!
>You gently shake the sleeping changeling.
>"Noh, let me sleep."
>You attempt to rouse the probably not completely asleep pegasus.
>He snores really loudly at your feeble attempts to get him out of bed.
"Since I know you're listening anyway,"
>Probably, but you don't need to say that.
"I'm going to eavesdrop on little foals!"
>"...You know that's really creepy, right?"
"Aw come on! It's not like I'm gonna stare at them menacingly and foalnap them for some dastardly plan."
>"Whatever, don't get caught and you'll be fine."
"Yeah, but that's kinda a problem, I mean, I kinda freaked them out earlier."
>"Just... I don't know, go sit somewhere nearby and do boring pony things?"
"Right. You make it sound so easy."
>"It is! I've spent most of my life doing that."
"...You talking in that tone is really weird when your eyes are still closed."
>A flash of green energy later, a pair of poorly painted eyes are on his eyelids.
>...Kay.

>Where do you go looking for those foals?
>They could still be in that carriage behind the one you're currently in.
>You'll have to check.
>Get him to help you?
>Something else?


>You can do this on your own.
>No problem at all!
>Covert surveillance is nothing to a fantastic reporter like you.
>Especially since this is just a bunch of foals.
>"You done stroking your ego?"
"Wha-I wasn't doing that!"
>You quickly move away, picking out some clothes to wear.
>Ooo, what if you dressed up like a detective!
>Yeah!
>...Do you have something like that though?
>You rummage through your clothes for a few moments.
>You're like, 95 percent sure that something like that is-
>Aha! You pretty much brought this on a whim to prank somepony, but it ended up being pretty useful at times, since he kinda hides your cutie mark, body, wings...
>Not the face though.
>Think wearing something like a mask would just draw more attention to you.
>Maybe you'll wear something more... normal.
>To you.
>......

>Yup, this totally works.
>You're not entirely sure what you're wearing, considering you just threw a bunch of different stuff together.
>But this is pretty much a pony's everyday clothes.
>If all ponies wore clothes, that is.

>Going by common sense, which is kinda rare to see at times.
>You head back to where you last saw the foals.
>And to nopony's surprise, they're... not there.
>Well, most of them aren't there, some of them are still in that set of train seats.
>Sitting on the raised section of the train seats doesn't seem particularly safe.
>Ah well, foals will be foals.
>You're pretty sure you've done the same.

>Let's see, the set of train chair... seats... whatever the buck those things are called, behind them are currently empty.
>There are some stuff over there, but there's no actual pony sitting there, so you can sit there for now if you want.
>The window outside doesn't show you much, other than... dark shadowy figures.
>The other side of their train coach-seat is very much occupied, by a young stallion reading something.
>Won't stop you from going there if you want.
>Or you could go somewhere else nearby... like, the opposite side!
>... No, that's too far. You won't be able to fully hear what they're saying over there.
>You know, you're not sure where else can you go, other than right next to them.
>Maybe you can do something else while you eavesdrop?
>Like, looking out of the windows near them or something.


>You decide to sit down at the seat facing away from them.
>Great, you've narrowed it down to two options, the one with a stallion sitting in it, or the empty one with a bunch of luggage on?
>Actually, you think all the colts are gone, the only ones sitting there are fillies.
>...
>Think you'll pick the empty seat.
>Yeah, and take a look out at the window.
>Moving into the empty seat, you immediately notice a bunch of slightly expensive things lying around on the table.
>And letters, there's a few letters here too.
>Of course, there's also five suitcases over here.

>Ignoring those things, you take a gander out through the window.
>Yup, the darkness sure is inviting, and dark, and shadowy.
>Think you saw a glint from something, but it has already passed before you can fully realize what you saw.
>Right you should actually listen into what they're saying.

>"-see?"
>Definitely a female voice.
>"......"
>Whoever is speaking speaks too quietly.
>"It'll be fine, we've set everything up, you didn't forget the note, did you?"
>"......"
>"Then it'll be okay!"
>Another voice. Female too, though this one is slightly more melodic than the other voice.
>"We've done our part, remember, we're doing this to help him. So don't get distracted."
>The same voice continues.
>"......"
>Looking around, you see your mom trotting by, a glass of... you're not sure what that is, it's orange-reddish. Oh yeah, that glass is held in her wings.
>She gives you a little wave before trotting towards the direction of the carriages in the front.
>"Yeah, I get what you mean, but I've already told you, my sis knows what's going on, as long as we don't wreck her home, we can stay there for now."
>Yet another voice starts. Sounds like her throat's a bit sore.
>Seeing as her voice's a bit... hoarse.
>Actually, you're not seeing anything.
>Can you use listening in that sentence instead?
>...Why do you think these things at inappropriate times?
>Also, you get the sense that comment of wreaking things was directed at somepony.
>"Come on! It was only an accident!"
>"......"

>Keep listening?


>You decide to sit here and keep on listening.
>"I don't see the issue here."
>The rough voice replies.
>"Yeah! it's kinda still the holidays."
>The melodic voice adds.
>Maybe you should start giving them mental names.
>Then again, that'll be a bit hard to keep track of.
>"..."
>"It can't take that long for this to happen! He's just being silly, and going along with him will help him see it."
>The melodic voice gives a reply to the quiet filly.
>"And they would've done this even if we didn't help. So it's better that we're here too. Somepony needs to keep an eye on them."
>The first voice, which you're dubbing as normal voice, adds.
>"You sure it's not just because-"
>The rough voice starts implying.
>"No."
>"I didn't even-"
>"No."
>"......"
>"You sure? I don't see anypony nearby staring at us."
>Normal asks quiet for conformation.
>"..."
>"Uh huh, when are they coming back? Is getting more juice so hard?"
>Melodic complains.
>"It's only been about six minutes, give them some time."
>Rough replies.
>"......"
>"I definitely felt it too."
>Hmm... this is somepony new.
>A kinda fillyish colt voice starts.
>"Hmm? You too? Hmm... let's do something else for a moment."
>Normal suggests.

>Darn, how many of them were there again?
>You can't remember.
>So there's five here, and at least three to four somewhere else?
>What do?
>You might wanna... nah, you're sure your mom will take care of your things if you don't go back.
>Keep listening, or do something?


>"Like what? We have literally nothing other than this dumb board game to play."
>Rough speaks to normal in a disgusted tone.
>"......"
>"Ugh, but the other board games are somehow worse."
>"We can always... Um... Yeah, I got nothing."
>Melodic tries to suggest.
>"We really should've thought of bringing something more fun."
>Normal laments.
>"I have books."
>Filly sounding colt says.
>"Yeah, really weird books, that I don't think you should be reading."
>Normal speaks in a lecturing tone.
>"But it's cute!"
>"Do you even know what you're reading here?"
>"Duh, I'm not dumb."
>"Okay, just checking."
>Normal speaks in a giving up tone.
>"Ugh, did you bring your science fiction with you?"
>Melodic asks.
>"No... I only brought these."
>"Ew."
>Melodic makes a disgusted sound.
>"Hey, aren't fillies supposed to like these things more?"
>"How and where did you get them from anyway?"
>Rough asks.
>"My brother! It was under his bed."
>"......"
>"I have to agree with her on this one."
>"But he never minded me borrowing his things..."

>"Right, let's not talk about this! We can... talk about bets! Yeah!"
>The melodic pony changes the subject.
>"What bets? What are we betting?"
>Rough perks up slightly.
>"Betting is bad, why are we talking about this now?"
>Fillyish colt asks.
>"We're not actually going to bet anything, silly! So, when do you think his parents will show? I'm thinking when it's morning again."
>"A day?"
>Rough asks, a slight undertone of disappointment hidden in her voice.
>"You're both wrong."
>Normal starts in a smug tone.
>"They can't possibly get here on time because the next train to Baltimare is scheduled from tomorrow afternoon. And with the delays, you can expect that it'll take at least two and a half day for them to get here."
>Oh yeah, this is the only train going back and forth between Canterlot and Baltimare right now.
>Might be easier for you to go home to Manehattan by sea in the future.

>"What if he's right though?"
>Filly colt wonders.
>"Hmm?"
>"What if they don't come?"
>"That wouldn't happen!"
>Melodic reassures.
>"I hope you're right."
>"Even so, we can't deny the possibility of that happening. And we should plan accordingly for it, even when it's only a tiny sliver of a chance."
>Normal addresses.
>"What? That wouldn't happen! Yo-"
>"Yes, I did say that it won't happen, but it was mostly to reassure him. We know full well that his parents are one of those silly 'pure blooded' unicorns."
>Sheesh, you can even hear the air quotes from her tone.
>Oh yeah, some families in Canterlot comes from a long line of unicorns, and will only marry other unicorns that had generations of unicorn history.
>You think it spanned all the way back to before Equestria too.
>No matter how you look at it, you just find it...
>Eh... you can't think of a nice way to put it.
>"And yet he's born an earth pony, not a unicorn."
>Oh... oh, oh!
>You can already see the scandalous rumors forming.
>"So? That doesn't matter! It shouldn't matter!"
>"......"
>"Jeez, listen to her, calm down."
>Rough attempts to calm melodic.
>"You'll see! They will care! They will realize how ne...ne-negli-"
>"Please, calm down. You'll attract more ponies' attention."
>For the first time, you've managed to hear the soft spoken filly's voice.
>You're just gonna call her quiet in your mind.
>"Negligent is what you're trying to say. For his sake, I hope you're right. I'll hate to see his heart break further from this."
>"Sheesh, can you all just stop for a second and calm down? And you. Go kiss him already."
>Filly colt cuts in.
>"Ew, don't be weird, they're both like, only about eleven."
>"Yeah, you gotta stop reading that thing, it's making you see through... some sort of matchmaking goggles."
>"Aww, come on, It's clear as day!"

>"Ugh, are they coming back at all?"
>Normal tries to shift the conversation.
>"Maybe they're just getting more stuff for us?"
>Rough wonders.
>"But I don't want more stuff, I want my juice!"
>"Just get it yourself, sheesh. It's just a minute away."
>Filly colt suggests in an annoyed tone.
>You think you see lights.
>Yup, Baltimare is in full view now.
>"We're back!"
>A powerful coltish voice comes from your left.
>"Finally! Why did it took you..."
>Melodic thinks.
>"Forty three minutes and twelve seconds."
>Maybe you should've dubbed normal as sumg smarty.
>"Yeah, that long for you to come back?"
>"Somepony thought we were stealing the juice box."
>"Uh huh, what's the real reason?"
>"He tried to lift too much stuff with magic and fainted."
>You recognize this voice as that leafy pegasus' voice.
>"I thought we agreed to keep that secret!"
>"No you didn't. You said, and I quote, 'We'll tell them that somepony thought we were stealing and tried to lecture us.' which is still a terrible plan by the way. And you never said anything about not telling them the truth."
>Leafy replies to... power?
>Meh, power works.
>"So where's the juice boxes?"
>"Here!"
>"And where's our missing pony?"
>"In the bathroom."
>Power nonchalantly replies.
>"Ah, and you're not in there with him to support him?"
>"...Why the buck would I go into the bathroom with him like that? That's weird!"
>"Ugh, you colts."

>...
>Maybe you've heard enough.
>What do? Keep listening?
>Until the train arrives?


>At first, you contemplated on the idea of going back and asking your mom what she's been up to.
>But then you would have to go back to your room, and that means that these foals might be gone when you finally come back.
>And so you stayed, the others will have to carry your luggage off.
>Speaking of luggage, why didn't anypony take these away yet?
>Are the owners even around?
>Right, you gotta keep listening.
>"-ime. So, how many of you have been to Baltimare before?"
>Rough asks the rest of the group.
>It'll be funny if your mental names matches their real names.
>"Okay then, guess you'll all will have to follow me."
>"Or we can just find a map."
>Power suggests, not really liking the idea of following Rough?
>Hey, it's hard to know why ponies say the things they do at times.
>You don't even know how to read maps."
>"I don't, she does!"
>...Yeah, you're like, ninety percent sure that a hoof is being pointed at the know it all filly.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you see another colt trotting pass you, towards his friends behind you.
>Seems like he's also wearing a small hat and some clothes.
>Wonder what should you dub him as...
>Huh, now that you think about it, he was the only one in the group wearing clothes.
>Clothes?
>...Sometimes, you have very unimaginative thoughts.
>"Oh hey, you're back! Are you okay?"
>"Hmm? Of course I am."
>Ooo, you can see the lighthouse from here!

>"So, where are we staying again?"
>Power asks the group of foals.
>"My sis's place! This is the third time I'm telling you this."
>"......"
>"Oh yeah. Sorry. What sort of place is it though?"
>"...I've also told you that before."
>"Well... Uh..."
>"It's just a small house in town."
>"Wait, can it fit all eight of us?"
>"Ugh, yes, we discussed this, we'll just all sleep in the same room."
>"Like a slumber party!"
>Melodic cuts into Rough and Power's... bickering?

>Actually, that was less bickering and more an annoyed filly repeating information to her friends.
>Seems like you've arrived at the train station.
>"Oh, we're here! Let's go!"
>"Slow down, let the adults leave first."
>The filly sounding colt says to the melodic filly.
>"Will your sister be waiting for us outside?"
>"Yup."
>"Good, us wondering an unknown city at almost midnight would be bad. I hope she didn't wait too long."
>"Oh yeah, the delay... she's kinda impatient. I don't know if she's still waiting or not."
>"It'll be fine, Salt knows the city."
>Leafy says to normal and rough, which is now Salt.
>Ugh, you knew this would be a pain to keep track of.
>"Do you see her outside?"
>"No, the station is empty..."
>"......"
>"Yeah, let's go now!"
>"Wait, I'm not finished."
>Power says to melodic
>"Just drink it on the way, gee."
>Filly colt says to power.
>Maybe you should've called him ship.
>You don't know why, he just sounds like a very shippy pony.
>...That's a weird thought and you're going to ignore it from now on.

>Seems like they're leaving.
>The owner of this pile of stuff in front of you still isn't back.
>Wonder what happened to the owner?
>You got bigger fish to fry than to wander about looking for somepony.
>Following them from a distance, you trot out onto the station.
>...Seems like they're already going down a street.
>...You don't see your friends and mom around.
>Wait, that way of thinking makes it sound like mom isn't your friend.
>...You don't have time for this pondering!
>The others will be fine on their own, so do you follow the foals?


>Yup, you're gonna keep on following a group of foals like some creepy stalker.
>Except you're not a stalker!
>Yeah!
>...You don't think they'll be alone anytime soon, considering how there's a few ponies around.
>And you can't exactly trot behind them unless you wanna get noticed.
>......

>You've been trotting behind them at a relatively far distance for quiet a while.
>...
>Didn't you just came through here a few minutes ago?
>Standing at a corner of a closed grocery store around them, you can hear their voices.
>"Didn't we just came through here?"
>Power starts.
>"Yeah, we did. We've passed that building with the huge fish sign on top of the door."
>Clothes replies.
>"You know, we really should've at least looked at the map from the station."
>Ship, you're calling that colt ship from now on.
>Because it's weird to think filly colt constantly.
>There were maps there?
>"There were maps there?"
>Leafy starts.
>"...Yeah, there was even one on a board near the ticket booth."
>Normal states.
>Huh, didn't notice that.
>"Huh. Does that mean we're lost?"
>"......"
>"Hey, don't look at me! I've only went around town when the sun is out, the place is totally different at night!"
>Salt attempts to justify herself.
>"...Well this is a problem."
>Normal states the obvious issue.
>"What do we do?"
>Asks Ship.
>"Ask somepony for directions?"
>Suggests Clothes.
>"Like who? There's nopony around."

>...What do?


>"Like..."
>"Why don't we retrace our steps, or... wait, Leaf! Fly up and see if you can spot... uh, Salt, any landmarks near your sister's home?"
>His name is actually Leaf, huh.
>You don't know what to feel about this.
>"Let me think..."

>You decide to make your entrance!
>Trotting up to them, you say,
"I can give you directions, are you sure you wanna be doing whatever you're trying to do though?"
>They seemed slightly startled and move into...
>Some sort of formation, a battle formation?
>You have to wonder if they've practiced that before.
>Heh, the unicorns are at the back too.
>...This is kinda cute.

>And then a bunch of foals start speaking without giving you a chance to say anything.
>"Y-you! You were the pegasus from the train!"
>Leafy states.
>"So how long have you been following us?"
>Normal asks.
>"What do you want?"
>Ship asks.
>"Should we start preparing spells?"
>Power mutters quietly to Leafy.

>Say something before things escalate?


"Whoa, I wouldn't try fighting me if I were you."
>"There's eight of us, and one of you. Don't underestimate us just because we're foals."
>Whoa, you can detect some spite from that.
>Think you struck a nerve.
"I come in peace. Yes, I'm the pegasus from the train, but I'm not here to fight or anything like that!"
>Yeah, you totally nailed it.
>Ten outta ten diplomacy there.
>"Just tell us what do you want from us? You have a map or something?"
>Ship asks once more.
>No.
>Not saying that though.
"I just wanted to know if you were all sure you wanted to do this and nopony was getting pressured into something they want no part of."
>"Ah, so not only were you following us, you were also eavesdropping on us."
>Little miss smug states in a matter of factly tone.
>You should really ask for their names or something.
>"Well you should mind your own business! We're all here because we want to."
>Leafy speaks for the group.
>None of them objects to the statement.

>Input words.
>Say things.


"Very well then. I just wanted to make sure, good luck with whatever you're doing."
>They stare at you, seemingly unsure of what they should say.
>...
"Plus, it's just my nature as a reporter to eavesdrop."
>"So... can we go now? Or are you going to do something to us?"
>Ship questions your intentions.
"Well, I did say I can help you with directions."
>Even though you've never been here.
>And never actually saw a map.
>And probably won't be able to find your friends if they don't wait for you at the station.
>...You don't make a lot of smart decisions at times.
"By the way, I'm sure your fighting formation is very effective. I am just very good."
>"Yeah, sure, whatever."
>"So do you know where the bar is? Or a ship that's kinda like a house is? I can find my sister's house from there."
>"Are you saying we can't take you? Come on, just try it!"
>"Don't do it, she might be looking for an excuse to report us."
>"...she already has what she needs to report us."

>What do?
>What ask?
>What say?


"I'm going to be honest. I can't help you with directions at all. I promise I'm not going to report you or anything though."
>"Yeah, because you've been so trustworthy so far."
>Ship grumbles sarcastically.
"How about you guys wait here and I'll... buy you a map for the trouble I caused you?"
>"Or, we can just do what we're originally going to do. Fly up and check around the area. I just need to know where we currently are."
"I can do that!"
>"Yeah, good, Leaf, Sail and Arrow, go up with her and look around."
>"But she's not-"
>Ship, or Sail, you guess, tries to object.
>"Yeah, and she's not going away anytime soon, so deal with it."
>Normal cuts off his objection.
>You really should ask for their names, then again, you won't see them again after this anyway.
>So this confusing mental name assigning will only last for a while.

>Comply with their plan?
>Do something else?
>Say/Ask something?


"Okay, anything in particular you want me to find?"
>"Just the gist of where we are, and it should be easy for you to spot a big ship that's as big as a small house, and probably looks really lived in. Just point me in its general direction and we'll be fine."
"Alright!"
>Flying up with a few foals, you look around the city from high above.
>Wow, the lighthouse is kinda pretty from here.
>Especially during this time of day.
>Okay, there's the train station.
>Um... looking down at the area you were all in, it seems like some sort of market area?
>Well, the layout of the streets and stuff seems to suggest that anyway.
>And there's a bunch of market-like shops around, so...
>It's a reasonable assumption?
>"Think that's what she was looking for?"
>Turning around, you see Leaf pointing at a...
>That's a ship alright.
>Is that...
>There's clothes and towels hanging above where the sails should be.
>...You're not a ship expert, but you're like... eighty-three percent sure those things are called yardarms.
>Because you read about it once!
>Somewhere.
>You forgot what you were reading.
"Great, let's go down and tell her!"

>You four fly back down to relay the information!
"-so that's it!"
>"Alright, thank you for your help, we'll be-"
>"There you are."
>Ivory voice cuts through the little filly's voice.
>"Um, what?"
>Salt mutters in a confused tone.
>Looking back, you see your colt friend, your friend, and your mom!
>Your mom is also the one holding everything.
>"Why didn't you wait for us at the station? If we didn't see you flying up there, we wouldn't have found you."
>He stares at you blankly, patiently waiting for an answer.
>...At least he doesn't sound mad? So you didn't incur the wrath of your coltfriend?
>He's only really exasperated, like usual.
>Which actually doesn't sound much better than him being mad.
>Since it implies that he's always irritated by you, which is totally untrue.

>What do?
>Insert sentences?
>Do something?


"Hey guys. Sorry about leaving you behind but I didn't want to lose these foals."
>"Right, Patches told me about them. What are they doing out here at midnight?"
>Patches gives you a little wave when you look to him.
"I was getting to that! Long story short, we're taking them to one of their sister's home! Which may or may not be a ship!"
>"...Grace, context. Please...... Wait, 'we'?"
"Yeah, you're coming along now! So here's the gist of it, these little colts and fillies were-"
>"Can we go now?"
>"No, it's dangerous out at night, we'll accompany you for now. So hold on a second while I find out what's going on."
>Ivory bluntly says to the young foals.
>"Hmph..."
>Leaf grumbles at that and sits down on the ground behind you.

"So... okay, these little colts and fillies are helping one of their friends run away during the tail end of summer break. It's still summer break now, right?"
>"Wait, what? Yes it's summer break, but hold on a sec, why are they running away?"
"Oh yeah, they're running away from the earth pony colt's pure-blooded unicorn family from Canterlot to prove that they still loved him and weren't neglecting him because he's was born an earth pony in a long line of unicorns."
>You see your mom frowning slightly at the back, as Patches instinctively steps away from her.
>"Running away to prove? How does that even-"
>"She meant that so his parents will come running and searching for him. Because that means they care... or something."
>Leaf supplies the answer helpfully.
"And so they took a train to Baltimare from Canterlot and is hiding at a friend's family's home! So I've offered to show them where to go so that they wouldn't get lost in the city and actually get foalnapped... I think."
>"..."
"Hahaha... don't be mad?"
>"I'm not."
"Great! let's go!"
>The pegasi foals start leading the group towards that ship you saw.

>"Ugh... let's get this over with. I swear, if we can't find a place to stay before the sun starts rising."
>Mutters Ivory as he trots next to you, surrounded by foals.
>"So, what are your names?"
>You can hear your mom cheerfully asking from the back.
>Oh yeah, you should take your bag back.
>Though you know mom doesn't mind lifting a few things for you.
>"I'm Spell Resonance."
>The voice of the know it all filly you've dubbed as Normal reaches your ears.
>Looking back, you see that she's pointing to the other foals.
>"That's Bright Melody, Sea Salt, and Silent Arrow."
>She continues as she points towards the other fillies.
>So Melody is the melodic filly and Arrow is the quiet filly, noted.
>"The only unicorn colt here is Power Shot. The two pegasi colts are Golden Leaf and Air Sails. And the earth pony is Scattered Dust."
>"But we just call him Dusty!"
>Melody adds into the conversation.
>"Wow, that's a lot of names to remember. Sorry if I forget it in the future! So that pegasus there is Fleeting Grace! She's my daughter."
>Your mom replies, giving them your names too.
>"Wait, you're a mom?"
>Sails looks over at your mom once more.
>"Yeah?"
>"But you look..."
>"Sails, don't be rude."
>Arrow wops him on the head.
>"I'm not trying to be rude! In fact, this should be taken as a complement!"
>"Hehe, you all must've known each other for a long time."
>Why is your mom mingling with foals?
>"Yup! Even before we started school! So, what's your name?"
>"Graceful Fall. I know, my parents must hate me."
>That's new, she never said that before.
>"And that's Raw Ivory! Her coltfriend! Aren't they the cutest?"
>...Mom pls.
>There's a mixture of different emotions being displayed at that.
>"Oh, and this is Trusty Patches!"
>"Don't mind me."
>Patches says as he follows you all from the back.

>You tune out the conversation between your mom and the foals, as Ivory starts talking to you.
>"So after this detour, what sort of hotel should we look for? I've heard there's an inn in town from the train. There's also a brochure recommending the hotel at the top of the cliff, says it provides a nice view of the ocean."
"Sounds like it only applies if we get the right room."
>"Yeah, or you'll get a view of the city, and plains, which isn't bad too. At this rate, I might as well just buy a ship and use it as shelter."
"I don't think you can buy it at this time, it's way past midnight already."
>"Screw the rules, I have money!"

>What do/ask/say?
>Hasten the pace towards your destination?
>Other options?


"Speaking of ships, what's the deal with that ship that seems like a house?"
>"Oh that's my sis's place."
>Salt chimes in.
"Guess that explains the house-like features?"
>"You gotta be exaggerating. Can a ship like that even move?"
>Ivory wonders out loud.
>From the looks of it, probably not.
>Since it looks really old, and you doubt the engine still works, considering the fact that there's no sails on it too.
>"Wait, that's what you meant by 'small house in town'?"
>Leaf asks for clarification.
>"Duh, it's a small ship, and it's docked in the town, so..."
>"I don't think that classifies as a house."
>Resonance mutters out loud, seemingly to herself.
>Turning back to Ivory, you give him your thoughts on picking a place to stay.
"I think we should go for the inn, the cliff one sounds too ritzy to be fun."
>"Anything works, I'm sure there's more places we can stay around here."

>Your group reaches the port of the city, where there's a lot of ships.
>Yeah, really, what else would you expect to find in a port at midnight?
>Moving closer to that ship docked at the corner of the port, you can see... nothing of note.
>"Is she even home?"
>Resonance wonders.
>"She's probably asleep, or panicking at the train station."
>Salt says nonchalantly.
>Getting onto the ship, you look around the area once more.
>It seems well maintained, all things considered.
>"Should we just go in?"
>"Won't the doors be locked?"
>"So we knock?"
>"Nah, it won't be a problem, if it's locked, it'll be a magic lock."
>"Ah, so she's a unicorn too?"
>"Yup! And everyone in our family knows the method to lock and unlock the spell, unless she changed it for some reason."

>Huh, this really is a small ship, not a lot of moving space when you're all here on the deck.
>Heh, wonder what'll happen if you went into that room-like place and spin the ship wheel nonstop.
>And the foals are all going inside, great.
>...Do you follow them?
>"Grace, what are you doing? Let's go."
>Ivory drags you toward where the foals went.

>Dragged below deck, you can see that the place is actually quite roomy.
>A storage room, a kitchen, the captain's quarters is a simple bedroom, and more rooms.
>The small lights around seem to do its job of illuminating the area quite well, the moonlight shining through the windows help too.
>...You don't think these things are called windows though.
>Welp, doesn't matter to you at this point in time.

>It appears that the owner isn't here.
>"Well, guess we'll just stay in her room for now. She'll see us when she comes back."
>"Is this legal?"
>Ivory mutters out loud.
>"Course it is, family can't trespass on their other families' property!"
>"Actually..."
>"I don't care."
>Salt immediately cuts off Resonance's attempts to correct her.

>While the foals wander and look around, Salt heads into a room and pull out a whole bunch of sleeping bags.
>"There we go! Everypony come and grab one!"
>Resonance pokes at your side.
>"Thank you for escorting us here."

>Leave now?
>Say something?
>Ask something?
>Look around?
>Something else?


"You're welcome. So, how long have this ship has been here?"
>"Uh, I don't know, probably a few years? It has always been docked here every time I've visited."
>Salt answers.
"I see."
>"Hmm... will you all be fine on your own?"
>Your mom asks the foals.
>"Yeah!"
>Mom seems a bit conflicted, probably at the idea of leaving eight foals alone?
>"So can we leave now? I really want to sleep."
>Ivory mutters as he leans on you.
>You notice in the background that Patches is currently sticking his nose into the rooms.

>What do?


"I think mum's uncomfortable with leaving the foals alone. So. we should stay here until her sister gets here."
>"How long will this take?"
>Asks Ivory as he climbs onto you, already half asleep at this point.
"It'll just take a while, probably."
>"Mm..."
>And now Patches is no longer in sight.
>Mom is chatting with some of the foals that are still completely awake.
>Sheesh, they sure have a lot of energy.

>Guess you'll let them do their thing, and head back up.
>Maybe you'll spot Salt's sister coming!
>Even though you have no idea what she looks like.
>Other than her being a unicorn.
>Trotting back up, you look around the area once more.
>Hmm... flying up and perching on the mast sounds like a fun plan.
>The view might be nice at least.
>Though perching on top of that lighthouse would be cooler.
>Even though it's probably not allowed.

>Taking care not to drop your coltfriend, you fly up onto the mast.
>"What... are you doing?"
>Ivory wearily mutters.
"Just getting a better vantage point."
>"h..."
>...Not sure what he said, but okay?
>Perched above like a bird, you can see...
>Yeah no, most of the buildings are still taller than you.
>This isn't much of a vantage point.
>At least the sea looks nice!
>Heh, this isn't much of a view, considering this probably still counts as the bay.
>Think this place is called Horseshoe Bay?
>Why must the port take up one part of the bay anyway?
>Can't they build the port at the bottom of the cliff or something?
>Surely, doing something like that with magic can't be that hard, right?
>...
>Maybe you're overestimating magic.
>Again.
>You think Ivory is asleep. Eh, you'll leave him be.

>Some time passes.
>You don't see anypony around.
>...
>No signs of movement.
>Huh, don't young ponies usually go out at this time?
>Well, you're at a port, it's unlikely that you'll see anypony around here.

>What do?
>Stay up here?
>Fly down to the deck?
>Go back inside?
>Something else?


>This feels like one of those times where you should contemplate and think about your experiences in the past week or so.
>Though it's kinda hard to think at this time.
>Canterlot is barely visible from here, you're not at a high enough altitude to see it properly.
>Ah well, maybe you should check up on your mom.
>Flying down, you land with a soft clop.
>Trotting towards the doors again-
>"Who are you? What are you doing on my ship?"
>What, how did you not spot her just now?
>Spinning around, you see a unicorn mare.
>The moonlight lets you see her light purple coat and grey mane with ease.
>Is it grey or silver? You can't tell.
>It's quite short in comparison with other ponies' manes.
>"Ugh, your sister dragged us into this, get her to explain herself to you."
>Roused by her voice, Ivory groggily answers.
>"She's here?"
"Yeah, she's inside. Along......"
>She has already teleported past you and is heading inside.
>...Welp, not your problem anymore.

>You should probably head inside?
>Do you?
>Since staying out here is also an option.


>Trotting after the mare, you follow her steps into the ship.
>It's surprisingly quiet, aside from your mom's voice echoing throughout the room.
>Guess the foals are asleep.
>"So that's how they ended up here. I think you already knew why they came here though."
>"Well, yeah. I did get the gist of the why from her letters."
>"You better take good care of them, they would've been wandering the city had we not found them."
>Hmm? That's not exactly what happened.
>Mom please.
>You don't bother listening to them, since mom seems to be just telling her the events that led to this.
>Where the heck did the changeling went?

>Peaking into the rooms, you eventually find Patches rummaging through junk.
>There appears to be a lot of useless junk in the room.
>"Ah, are we done here?"
"I think so? What are you doing?"
>"Nothing, I got bored, so..."
>Ah, so he started snooping around.
>You tend to do that at times.
>...You were also told multiple times that it's a bad habit that you should kick.

>You feel kinda tired, which is unsurprising, considering that it's probably only a few more hours until sunrise.
>What do?


"Well, we'll be leaving soon, so come along."
>You drag Patches outside without giving him a chance to object.
>Trotting over to the mare, you give her a few words of encouragement.
"Good luck with the foals. Mom, you done?"
>The two mares both give you a nod.
"Well, let's go home!"
>You say as you pull mom outside.
>"Thanks for helping out the foals."
>You hear the mare speaking to you in a quiet tone.
>Wait, why did you say home?
>You don't have a home in Baltimare...
>Yet.
>Hmm...
>"You know, it's already four in the morning. I'm not sure where can we find someplace to stay."
>Mom says as she looks around, the bags swinging recklessly along with her motions.
>"Hey, we can always sleep wherever."
>Patches throws out the line as a joke/suggestion.

>What do?
>Find a way to gain a house here!
>Go find an inn?
>Go to a bar/club or something?
>Ask the mare if you can sleep here for tonight since it's way too late?
>Forgo sleep and head to the beach? You didn't even buy the necessary equipment yet though. And the shops are probably still closed.
>Something else?


"Eh, what if we stayed here?"
>"Here? Uh... okay?"
>Patches says, not really moving.
>Ignoring him, you head back down into the ship.

>Looking around, you find the mare in the kitchen.
>"Hmm? Did you forget something here?"
"Uh, no. Can we rest here for the night? It's way too late and we're too tired."
>"I see... Uh, well, I can't exactly say no, so... go ahead. There's some more sleeping bags in that pile of camping equipment I never use."
"Great! Thank you."
>You turn and grab a few things for your friends.

>Heading back outside, you toss the bag to Patches and your mother.
>It ends up draping over mom's face, while Patches just looks around the ship.
>"Where the heck are we supposed to sleep?"
"I don't know, somewhere inside, wherever you want?"
>It's not like there's beds or anything.
"Alright, goodnight. I'm gonna sleep above."
>"Don't fall off the roof!"
>You hear Patches call out as you fly up onto higher ground.
>Well, you have slept on places like this before, but you heard that tree branches works as an excellent napping spot.
>So this'll work pretty much the same way?
>The sky looks pretty nice at least.
>Making sure your coltfriend is safely tucced in the sleeping bag, you crawl into the bag with him.
>Well, this feels pretty nice, all things considered.
>Sleep slowly takes you as the motion of the boat and the sounds of waves lulls you to slumber.