Cutie Clash

It's not just a game...

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"What is Cutie Clash?"

"It's an intense dueling game where two ponies face off each other in an arena. Each is equipped with a weapon based off of their cutiemarks. The meaning and aesthetic design of the cutiemark is taken into consideration when the pony receives his or her weapon. The game's popularity has grown over time. It's the talk of Equestria now. Ponies from all over gather to compete..."

"That sounds kind of dangerous..."

"Oh no, it's all virtual. None of it is real...but it feels real. Do you want to try?"

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...That was the first time I had heard of Cutie Clash. I had thought it was a silly, little game...just a fancy gimmick to get people hyped about something that didn't deserve the fame. But I was wrong. Once I started playing...I couldn't stop. It gave me such a rush...a feeling of complete power everytime I won...

People consider me an excellent duelist, but now that I'm in the big leagues, everypony I face is on the same level as me. I always wondered how much of it was fake though...ponies say there's no risk to playing, but is that the truth?

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"I hope you're ready to lose, Tactic."

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"Don't be too sure of yourself..."

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"I'LL DESTROY YOU WITHIN THE FIRST 5 SECONDS!"

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>Input action.

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"Why don't you just stand still so I CAN KILL YOU?"

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>Input action.

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You are allowed 3 hits per match. If you are struck three times with the opponent's weapon then you have been defeated...

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"I...I still have 2 strikes left! I was just warming up...I'll get you for sure!"

>Input action.

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"Let's see if your little scythe can cut through solid rock!"

>Input action.

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"BETTER DUCK!"

>Input action.

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"Grghh...the rumors about you were true, I see...what am I doing wrong?"

>Input dialogue.

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"You spend way too much time thinking about what to say rather than thinking about what to do...oh...and you also decided to fight me."

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When your opponent is reduced to one heart, your weapon automatically upgrades to its second form. Some criticize this, saying it's unfair, but that's the price you pay for allowing yourself to be hit.

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"Let's put you out of your misery."

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"AND THE WINNER IS...TACTIC!!!"

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"Good job, I suppose...guess I should stick to beatboxing for now. You really have a knack for this game...guess that's why you're here, eh? The Cutie Clash Championship...are you planning on shooting for the title as the Champ?"

>Input dialogue.

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>"I'm just seeing how far I can get. What's it to you?"

"I'm asking so I know who to bet against when the wages start..."

>Get angry.
>Stay calm.

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>"If you spend the same time choosing bets as you do choosing words, you'll be fine. Have a nice day, ma'am."

"I'M A DUDE."

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This was just the first round. There'll be many more before this Championship ends. Over the course of 2 weeks we'll see the competitors widdle down to the last two...whoever wins that one is the Champion, I guess.

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"Tactic! Hey! You were great out there!"

It's Carver, a good friend of yours. You met her during one of your local Cutie Clash tournaments. She wasn't very good at the game, but you admired her hardworking personality. Carver didn't qualify well enough to be admitted into the competition, but she tagged along as 'moral support' anyways.

>"It was an easy match. That pony was far too predictable."

"I thought you looked super cool, though! But I have to admit...the fight didn't last long. Wanna grab a bite to eat in celebration?"

>Go out to eat.
>Go back to hotel.
>Explore rest of the convention center.

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"I hope you don't think this place is too shabby...I know you're pretty hard to impress, heh."

>"It's good enough. I'm hungry, so I can't afford to be picky."

"Oh boy! I was starving!"

>"...You should really eat real food, Carver."

"Ice cream is real food..."

>Scold her.
>Disregard it.

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>"Ice cream is good for the soul, Tictac."

"Don't call me that."

>"But it's cute..."

"I don't care."

>"Mmph...!"

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"That ice cream does look pretty good. Mind if I have a taste?"

>"Mm! Sure! Here!"

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"No, no. Not from the spoon. From your mouth."

"...A-Ah--wh-what a great joke!"

>Joking.
>Completely serious.

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"Do you want me to be joking?"

>"U-Uh ah...erm..."

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>"AH! How CUTE! He's already getting plenty of mare action after his first victory!"

"...Who are you?"

>"Me? I'm the pony that's gonna BEAT your FLANK into the ground during the championship! Or, you know, you can just call me Short Fuse."

"Well, if you don't mind, we're sort of in the middle of something."

>"OH! Oh please GO AHEAD. I'd love to see you woo over this self-conscious, little flusterflank with your ALL POWERFUL stallion charms...!"

>______

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"Hmm? Are you jealous?"

>"Pff, why would I be jealous of HER?! I feel pity for her, actually."

"Oh? If you're not jealous then...are you a boy or a girl?"

>"What kind of question is THAT?! Of course I'm a girl! Are you saying I look like a DUDE?!"

"Sorry, it's a bit hard to tell sometimes."

>"Why you little--"

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Carver steps up in front of her.

>"W-Wait! Don't hurt him! He's just being...well, him!"

>"Outta my way little BRAT! God I HATE mares like you...acting all GOOD like you're some sorta SAINT. Pisses me off!"

>_____

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"Hey, Short Fuse, there's something on your face."

>"Eh? And what the hell would that--"

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"Your fight is with me, not her."

>"M-My shake...!"

>"...YOU FUCKING HORSECOCK! I'LL KICK YOU INTO THE FUCKING MOON!"

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>"I'M GOING TO STRANGLE YOU AND THEN PUNCH YOU IN THE--"

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>"H-HEY! What the--?! LET ME GO! GEWAHHHH!"

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>"A-And stay out!"

>______

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"Are you alright?"

>"Y-Yeah! I'm fine! Just a little bruise..."

"That was very dumb of you. I don't remember asking for you help."

>"B-But she was about to punch you! I couldn't let that happen!"

"I can handle things on my own."

>"...I'd rather she punch me than you..."

"Ugh...I'll get you another ice cream. Sorry about that."

>"It's okay...I'm not very hungry anymore...are you angry, Tactic?"

"...I just don't like seeing people push you around."

>"But you push me around."

"...Come on, let's go back to the hotel."

>"Alright..."

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Carver has been moping around on her bed for about an hour now. She hasn't said a word. Is she upset I got mad? I get mad at her a lot, though. Why is this any different?

>____

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"Cheer up already. It makes me uncomfortable seeing you sad like this. You're the only happy one out of the two of us. Make it count."

You return to your bed.

>"...I'm sorry...I guess...I never realized how dangerous this trip could be. This is a lot different than the little fights we had back at home."

"Yeah. It's an international Championship. Of course it's different."

>"W-We just need to be more careful. I'm gonna try and get a bit of shut-eye, so I can be wide awake for your next match tomorrow!"

"Good night, Carver."

>"Night, Tictac!"

"..."

------------------------

After another hour or so of browsing on my phone, I decide to get some sleep as well. Carver is already snoring lightly, as well as the rest of the hotel. I adjust myself in my bed, pulling the covers over myself. As I'm drifting off to sleep, I hear a strange sound in the hallway. It sounds like...someone bumping against the walls. Probably some drunk pony...

I start to hear a voice, though.

>"Not here...not there...where is it? Where did it go? No, no, not it...him. Where did he go?"

Why are they so loud?

>"That scythe pony...he...I need to find him. If I don't...they're going to KILL me."

>_______

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(( I need to go to sleep for now! I'll be back tomorrow evening! ))

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"Do you guys mind shutting up so I can go to sleep?"

>"W-Woah! Calm down! We aren't looking for a fight! Why are you in your Clash suit?"

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>"We're detectives. We're just trying to track down...wait...you're the scythe pony!"

"That would be me."

>"S-Sorry! But um...we have a bit of important business to discuss with you."

>Tell them to jack off.
>Listen to their story.

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"I'll listen but you better make it damn quick."

>"Of course! We wouldn't want to waste your time...ahem. You are familiar with the game Cutie Clash, right?"

"...I believe this counts as wasting my time."

>"Right...dumb question...um, well, have you ever heard of viruses?"

"Computer viruses?"

>"Not quite...these viruses are ones that can get into your helmet. The one you're wearing right now. We think that one of these viruses is infecting your games."

"I doubt it. I haven't noticed anything unusual."

>"W-Well, they're pretty good at hiding! But uh, just to be safe we kinda...have to uh...pull you out of the...championship...so we can search you!"

"...Excuse me?"

>"I know it sounds crazy but this is important stuff! For the sake of public safety we need to take your helmet...and taking your helmet sort of disqualifies you from playing the game."

"...I'm going back to bed."

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The mare behind the other detective steps in front of the door.

>"Soory, kid. Vi cannot let you continue vith zis' tournament."

>Push her away.
>Reason with them.
>Agree.
>Ask for more information first.

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"Before I'll even consider the bullshit you're spewing at me, how do I know you're really detectives?"

>"H-Here! We have badges! Um...somewhere..."

>"Deed you lose your badge, Wattson?"

>"N-No! I just uh...probably left it in the car..."

>"...Vell, I haeve mine. Here. Taek' gud' look."

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"Even if you are real detectives...why should I believe this virus story?"

>"Vould you liek' us to explain more?"

"...If you want to."

>"Few months ago, a scientizt naemed A.I. programmed an autonomous viruz zat caen' hack into ze 'elmetz of Cutie Clashers."

I can barely understand her.

>"He vas only aeble to create v'one. Ve beleeve it ees' vith you."

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"Sorry sir, but I can't understand what you're saying."

>"Perhapz you should zink' about being less of an aesshole and leesten to vhat vi are saeyin'."

"Why do you think it's me? It could be any of these fighters."

>"Vi haev' vatched many of your matches. Vi notice zings' zat should not be normal for your aeverage Cutie Clasher."

"I'm not an average Cutie Clasher. I'm better than average."

>"Vhat a pr'udizh zing to say."

"Look...if this is such an issue just cancel the damn tournament. You're the government, you can do that."

"Zhat vould raize public attention. Vi do not need zhat."

"Then leave me alone."

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>"...Zeein' zat you do not plaen to change your mind...vi vill' leave you be for tonight."

>"W-What?! B-But the boss said--"

>"Eet does not maetter vhat ze boss zaid...zis' ponee doez not vant to cooperate."

"Damn straight I don't. I'm not giving up this competition because some nutjobs in trenchcoats talked to me about a virus that probably doesn't even exist. What does this virus even do?"

>"...Eet killz ze host."

"...What?"

>"Good evenin', Taectic."

-----

[ END OF PART 1 ]

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Are you real...?

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>"TACTIC! We slept in! C'mon! Your match starts in an hour! We have to HURRY!"

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"Crap! I can't believe I slept in!"

I never sleep in. Something isn't right. Am I getting pre-match jitters? This early in the championship? Impossible.

>"Hurry, Tactic! We don't have time to slouch around!"

I run out the door with my gear.

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>"WWWWELCOME BACK TO DAY 2 OF THE INTERNATIONAL CUTIE CLASH CHAMPIONSHIP! TODAY WE HAVE TACTIC AND CHARMLET! LET'S HAVE A GOOD FIGHT!"

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>"I finally get to meet you face to face! I've heard a lot about you...mind going easy on me? I am just a gentle mare after all..."

>_____

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"If you were gentle, you wouldn't be able to make it this far."

>"Heehee, I suppose I can get a bit rough when I'm playing...but if you let me win, I can promise that the battlefield won't be the only place I can get rough on~"

"...Are you flirting with me?"

>"Oh! Is it obvious? Oh dear! I'm flustered!"

Sigh...what a bimbo. Let's get this over with.

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>"Are you afraid of heights, Tactic?"

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"...Are you?"

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>"Of course not...let's have fun, then shall we?"

"Let's."

>"Do you want to make the first move? Or shall I have the honors?"

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"Ladies first."

>"Oh! What a gentlecolt...perhaps I'll take you out to eat after this match is over and you've lost~"

"I'd rather eat out of a trashcan."

>"My, my~ You certainly know what to say to fire ponies up!"

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>"May the best pony win!"

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The ropes of this bridge cannot be cut. The arena's are all specialized. This arena was built for balance. The bridge will shake...but the ropes will not break.

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Wouldn't the air be a bad place to--

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What!? Sh-She disarmed me?!

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- When you are disarmed during a match, it takes only several seconds for your weapon to reappear in your grasp. However, staying alive within those moments is the crucial part. Without your weapon, you're defenseless. -

>Input action.

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Falling off the edge of this bridge would lead to automatic defeat...better be careful...

Magic isn't allowed either. Flight and magic are null in order to give all ponies fair chance...

>"Running toward me? Can you outrun my whip?!"

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>"Guh!"

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>"Wh-What?! How...y-you can't use your horn as a weapon! That's against the rules!"

"I..I didn't..."

>"And wh-why is it glowing! Magic is banned! Y-You cheater!"

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"This has never happened before...I'm not doing it on my own..."

...Wait. The purple magic from my horn has stopped...did it go away? Did it actually--

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>"Don't...let...me...die..."

My...My head...I hear a voice inside my head. A voice that isn't mine.

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Get out of my head! Out!

>"What's the matter with you?"

"...N-Nothing...probably just a glitch."

>"Hmph. I don't need all my hearts to defeat you, anyways..."

>Continue fighting.
>Leave game.

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There's no rule specifying we CAN'T use horns...it just...usually doesn't work.

But I won't let this get in the way of my fight.

"Fine, try and prove that to me."

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(( Heading to bed for tonight! Thanks for reading! Will continue tomorrow! ))

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>"I won't report you to the admins if you play fairly for the rest of the fight!"

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>"Get a taste of this attack!"

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>Input action.

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"Counter attack!"

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>Wait for smoke to clear.
>Attack under cover.

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Underneath would be too dangerous...but maybe if I can jump above her then land behind her...

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>"Huh?"

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>"Gghnn!"

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>"...Clever boy..."

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>"Hiyah!"

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color ref of whippone

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>"Ah you caught yourself...no matter..."

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>"I know when I'm beat...I haven't come across such a powerful opponent yet...someone so...dark and overbearing...it's thrilling!"

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>"If you'd like, I'll let you finish me off..."

Btw, if you guys want color references of other ponies just ask.

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"I'm not fighting someone who won't fight back. Either get up or get the hell out."

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>"...Oh my...any other pony would just slice me outright...but you are a gem aren't you? I wonder what it's like to hear you scream! Fine, I'll fight you...it'll be my pleasure...!"

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>"YES! A hit! Groan for me!"

"Wh-ghh!"

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>"Let me have just ONE taste!"

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>"Ohohoho!"

She's gone insane...! I can't even get close! How is she tossing that thing around so fast?!

>Input action.

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Gotcha! It got tangled in my scythe!

>"...Eh?!"

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>"...You ripped up my whip?"

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Fanpic is done.

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>"Ahh! What an amazing match! Tactic! That was so refreshing!"

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"Was I too rough for you?"

>"Me? Of course not, sweetie~ But I'm afraid I wasn't nearly rough enough on you..."

"...Eh?"

She's getting uncomfortably close.

>"Wonderful match, Tactic~ I believe we stay in the same hotel...if you ever want a bit of companionship...I'm in Room 2-14."

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...I hope not all of the mares in this game are like this.

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...Oh god. My helmet is buzzing...I can't hear anything...!

It feels like it's drilling into my brain!

>"Don't...let...me die..."

That voice again?

>Take off helmet.
>Leave helmet on.

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color ref for tactic

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FIXED

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color ref for carver

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"Rrgh...if you keep messing around with my matches I AM going to kill you...!"

>"...Cannot die...it is my main objective...I must stay alive..."

I walk off the arena, finding a secluded area off to the side.

>"I...can help you..."

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"I don't NEED your help...but fine, humor me, what is it that you can help me with?"

>"I...can help you...win..."

"Using anything other than my own abilities is cheap and illegal...what you're gonna help me with is getting me disqualified at this point..."

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>"...Please...do not...kill me..."

"...Eh?"

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>"...I can...protect you..."

The virus...it must have activated the virtual reality in my helmet...

>"...I do not wish to be shut down..."

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helmet ref

edgepone 4life

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"Are you...the virus those detective were talking about? Created by that A.I. guy?"

>"A.I. is my primary creator, yes."

"How the hell did you even get in here? I made sure to install the best security system..."

>"I was planted here."

"What? No one but ME touches this helmet...how could it have been hacked?"

That didn't make any sense...I've never let any other pony get a hold of this helmet...am I forgetting something? Did someone steal it or something?

"...Don't interfere with my games, and we won't have a problem."

>"If you are defeated in the game I am deactivated. Do not let me die..."

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>"That is not what would result from my deactivation. My primary creator programmed my secondary objective to be finalizing the death of my host."

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>"But he did not include the instructions to do so. I am unable to kill you as a result. My primary directive is to stay alive, however. I must ensure I am not deactivated."

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"Look...I won't deactivate you or whatever but if you decide to interfere with my fights it's both over for us."

>"...Yes. I will obey. Thank you, Master."

"...Master?"

>"You are the owner of my home. I must obey the instructions given to me by you."

"...Fine. Then leave my helmet."

>"I cannot. I am bound to this helmet. If I am moved I am deactivated."

"So you're stuck with me?"

>"I am sorry if this is an inconvenience. I cannot go against my coding."

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((Bedtime for me! See you guys again tomorrow!))

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Bump for whip pone

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Sorry! I'm still finishing up a bit of homework before I start! Have this as an apology~

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"It still seems odd to me...it feels like you're contradicting yourself. If you're programmed to kill me...why are you suddenly being nice to me?"

>"Appealing to your favorable nature will increase my chances of survival."

"...Well, just don't cause any trouble and I won't be forced to deactivate you."

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...Wait...what's that light?

>"I mÃŒâ€ºusÃÂ tÃŒâ€º leavÃŒâ€ºeÃÅ“ ÃŒÂ§nowÃÅ“...yÃŒÂ¸ourÃÂ Ãâ‚¬friend ÃŒÂ´is..ÃŒâ€¢.tÃŒÂ¸akingÃŒÂµ.ÃÅ¾..ÃÅ¸mÃÅ¾eÃŒÂ·--ÃÅ¸"

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>"Aha!"

"...Carver?"

>"Tactic! S-Sorry! But you were just standing here...and purple electricity was shooting out of your helmet so I...I thought something was wrong!"

"...No I'm fine. Just examining my software."

>"O-Oh...okay!"

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>"Come on! I have a few friends that want to meet you!"

[ END OF PART 2 ]

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WHO SAID ANYTHIGN ABOUT NIPS?

WHO'S NIPS? I don't know hahahha

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Who will be lost...?

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>"Over here! Here! Some friends of mine came to watch!"

"Oh. Hello."

>"This is my brother, Woodchip! And his girlfriend, Riverdance. And that's J'Ella, my best friend!"

"I didn't know you had a brother..."

>"Ahaha...he's just passing through right now. I don't talk about him very much."

>"Aw, why? Aren't I cool enough for my lil' sis?"

>"Anyways, they wanted to spend a bit of time with you. We could go out and hang! It's still pretty early in the day. Your next match isn't until tomorrow night, either!"

>Agree.
>Disagree.

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"Eh, I suppose I have nothing better to do. Where are we going?"

>"Hmm...let's go get ice cream!"

"We got ice cream yesterday. What is it with you and food?"

>"Ice cream is a great bonding experience...come on! It'll be fun!"

"Fine...if you get fat after all these sweets then that's your fault."

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>"So, Tactic is it? How did you meet my sister?"

"Local Cutie Clash tournament back at home. I faced off against her. She wouldn't stop bothering me after that."

>"Hehe, he was just so cool! I couldn't resist! I had to know more about him!"

>"I have to admit, Carver, he is quite the stallion! I've known Carver for years...but I've never seen her this excited about a pony!"

>"Yeah! Tactic, me and J'ella knew each other since high school! Crazy, right?"

>"Mmhmm~ Oh, Tactic, by the way, did you hear on the news? Some crazy scientist dude broke out of prison yesterday. He was supposedly involved in a lot of scandals with the Cutie Clash community..."

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"I haven't heard anything about that...tell me more."

Could this be the scientist that programmed that virus? A.I.?

>"Ponies say his name is A.I."

Aaand there it is.

>"He was some whackjob scientist who was working on autonomously intelligent computer software...then one day he was caught programming some sort of software that would be able to kill whoever it got hacked into but he was stopped before he could complete the project."

>"How scary..."

>"Yeah, and he somehow got out...I don't know how but the police are looking to find him."

"...Well I hope he doesn't come to the competition. That would risk having the place shut down."

>"Oh! That reminds me, Tictac..."

...Stupid fucking nickname...

>"That mare that you were fighting...she seemed awfully uh...wh-what's the word..."

"...?"

>"She seemed very...interested in you...y-you didn't...I mean you don't plan to..."

"Use your words."

>"Y-You're not gonna involve yourself with her, are you?"

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"...I don't plan on it."

>"Oh, phew..."

"By the way..you never did tell me if you wanted me to be joking..."

>"...A-Ah..."

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>"..."

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Will continue the CYOA tomorrow! I have another present for you guys in a bit though~

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While I'm at school have some concept art :>

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>"...So...how long have you two been friends, again?"

He looks a bit irritated...

>"Woodchip...don't be rude to Tactic. Your sister puts up with us dating~"

>"I just don't trust him dating my sister, that's all..."

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>"WE'RE NOT DATING!"

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"That's true. We aren't dating. But it's certainly a possibility, Woodchip. Does that make you mad?"

>"O-Of course not! As long as Carver's happy..."

>"..."

>"Carver, you okay?"

>"...Mm...I'm gonna...go use the toilet."

Carver gets up and leaves.

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>"...Do you actually like her, Tactic? I hope you're not just toying with her..."

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"There's not much to dislike about her. She's nice, fairly attractive...in her own way."

>"..."

"She's my only friend."

>"That's not hard to believe."

>"Woodchip! Why are you being so rude?"

>"I don't trust the guy!"

>"Well I for one think he's charming~"

>"You're just saying that because you want Carver to find someone already, J'ella."

>"Hey! Hey! Tactic, right? Do me a favor...if you really like her...please give her a bit of action, okay? Girl's been single since she was a filly."

>"J'ella! That's my sister you're talking about!"

------------------------

I stare at Woodchip, smirking.

"Oh I'll be sure to. By the way, Riverdance, do you have any input on my romantic life?"

>"Alright, I think that's enough. It was nice meeting you, Tactic, but me and Riverdance have places we need to go."

>"Huh? I don't think we--"

>"Good day."

They both leave. J'ella begins to laugh.

------------------------

>"Don't mind Woodchip, he gets kinda grouchy sometimes, but it's fine."

"I'm not worried about it."

>"...So you do know she really likes you, right?"

"I'm aware."

>"...She's had a bad track record of liking bad ponies...I hope you're a bit different."

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"Depends on the kind of bad. I can be a bit crude sometimes."

>"I can see that, haha...but I don't think you're genuinely bad..."

"What kind of bad ponies was Carver involved with?"

>"...Let's just say Carver has more hearts than she can handle...she's broken so many...she must have a hundred."

"Eh? Is that so? Maybe she should start liking better ponies."

>"She can't really help herself...she's under this weird illusion that ponies like you are super cool and desirable and stuff...n-no offense! I'm sure to some ponies you're plenty desirable, but I wouldn't trust you with my money, heh."

"Smart move."

>"...Hm, Carver's been in the bathroom for a while..."

------------------------

"I'll go check on her."

>"Ayy, that-a boy."

I proceed to walk back to the bathrooms, approaching the female room.

I knock on the door.

"Carver? You still alive?"

>"...Tictac? Oh! I'll be out in a, in a second! Hold on!"

------------------------

"Fine I'll just uh...wait out here."

...Man, it's awful quiet in there...

>"...No...you can't...what's going...on?"

What? Is that Carver?

>"...He's...just a friend..."

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Beddy bye time! Will be able to do much more tomorrow cuz' no work!

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"Hey! I'm coming in if you don't come out!"

No response.

"Ugh..."

I push my way in.

"Carver?"

------------------------

The only stall with hooves in them is this one... I knock on the door.

"Carver? Are you in there? What the hell did you eat?"

>"T-Tactic! I'll be out in a sec just uh, snf, I'm still w-working on it."

"Are you lying to me? You don't sound entirely truthful..."

>"I'm j-just constipated or somethin', heh."

>Leave.
>Persist.

------------------------

"...Carver come out. I know you're not constipated."

>"How do you know?!"

"I...I just do, okay? Now come on out."

>"You can't make me!"

"Come on. J'ella's waiting. It'd be rude to make her stay out there."

>"S-Since when do you care about being rude?"

She had a good point.

"Fine. I'll just stand out here till' you're ready."

>"Just wait outside the bathroom! You're not even supposed to, snf, be in here!"

"Do you want me to leave?"

>"Yes!"

------------------------

"...Before I do, were you talking to anyone in here?"

>"N-No? I...I wasn't talking at all!"

"I heard you outside..."

>"...W-Well, maybe I was muttering to myself...snf...eavesdropping isn't nice, Tactic..."

------------------------

"I'm a bit worried about you...are you angry at me?"

>"..."

"Carver?"

>"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

------------------------

"...Fine. I'll be outside."

As I head out the door, I hear a stifled whimper from Carver's stall.

I let the door close behind me. Looking back out at the booth, I see that J'ella left. Perhaps she thought if she gave us alone time we'd hook up...

------------------------

I sit down at a table for now.

What's wrong with her? She was crying in there, I heard it. But what about?

I continue to sit for about another half hour.

------------------------

>"...T-Tactic?"

"Carver?"

------------------------

>"Everything's all better. Sorry for making you wait."

------------------------

"You're a terrible liar, Carver. If I did something to make you cry, I want to know what it is. I don't like making mistakes in ignorance."

>"..."

"...Well?"

------------------------

>"...I think I love you..."

[ END OF PART 3 ]

------------------------

Why am I here?

---

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Archive: http://anonpone.pineapplecomputing.com/clash/22795852#navbar

------------------------

>"...I think I love you..."

------------------------

"...I think for now we should just stay friends, Carver. It's not that I don't like you but...I don't want to hurt you later on if I find out we aren't meant to be together...or something..."

>"...Y-Yeah. That's smart. Snf, sorry for being such a drama pony..."

"Why would you even want to be with a pony like me? I don't treat you any different than other ponies..."

>"That's not true! And w-well...you're just...so cool...I couldn't help myself."

"Come on, let's go for a walk."

>"Snf...okay..."

------------------------

"So...what's so bad about liking me that you went and cried so much?"

>"...It's...kinda complicated."

"We've been through worse, come on."

>"I guess I just...I knew that liking you would lead to pain. I tried so hard not to love you...and it seemed to work...but you've been really flirty lately and I-- I guess it just sort of pushed me over the edge."

"...Ah."

>"I know that you don't really like me back...I guess I just had to get over the fact that we'll never be together. But I-I'm better now! No worries..."

"I'm sure this isn't the first time you've fallen for the wrong pony."

>"Did J'ella tell you that? Heh...yeah I'm pretty bad at choosing ponies to like..."

------------------------

"Sorry for being so flirty, Carver. It's not as if I don't like you...you're actually pretty cute and...stuff...but I just don't think it would work out. I don't want you hurt more than needed."

>"I understand, heh."

"...So what other ponies did you even like? What were they like?"

>"Um..."

------------------------

>"I used to hang out with this pony...he was kinda popular as a model...but he m-mostly used me as an errand pony. I thought we had a thing going...but I found him making out with a different mare one day behind the photoset..."

"..."

>"A lot of my flings have been stuff like that. Me falling for a pony...thinking we could get together...then find out he only really kept me around as a tool...b-but you actually care about me! You m-mostly use me as moral support, I think..."

------------------------

"I also genuinely enjoy your company."

>"...Really? It's not really like you to admit to stuff like that..."

"...Well, if it'll make you feel better I'll say it."

>"Hehe...thanks, Tactic...oh, uh, what time is it?"

"Probably about 3pm, why?"

>"Oh dear! I need to get going!"

"Oh? That's a bit sudden. Where are you headed?"

>"Ah, I promised J'ella that we'd meet up at the park in the afternoon."

"You didn't mention anything like that."

>"I-I know...but I'm already kind of late b-because of the whole uh, you know...love thing..."

"Fine, fine. Go on. I'll head back to the hotel."

>"Perfect! I'll see you soon!"

Now that I'm alone...I'm a bit curious to see what that whip pony wanted to talk to me about.

------------------------

Going to bed for tonight!

------------------------

Crazy Pegasus waifu

------------------------

Once I get back to the hotel, I head up to room 2-14. Might as well check it out, right? Maybe she had something important to tell me.

Approaching the door, I can hear some sort of...yelling from inside.

>"GET OFF OF MY LAMP! I'll tie you up and spank you!"

------------------------

I knock on the door three times.

"Hey, you in there?"

>"...Oh...is that...Tactic?"

The door opens.

>"Oh it is! Excuse me, I'm dealing with a little pest in my hotel room at the moment...!"

------------------------

>"H-Hey! Don't touch that!"

------------------------

>"You're getting your disgusting feathers all over everything!"

>"...It adds character to the room."

------------------------

"...You never mentioned you had a roommate. Is she your friend?"

>"Of course not! I would never keep such a...wild...THING in my room...! She showed up after our little match and she hasn't left since!"

"Can't you just make her leave?"

>"I've been TRYING!"

------------------------

>"..."

"E-Eh...can I...help y--"

>"You are Tactic?"

"...Yes...?"

>"...How nice it is to meet you. Hoo-hoo-hoo!"

"...U-Um..."

>"...I hear you whisper things in your sleep."

Get the fuck off of me.

------------------------

"Where exactly are you when you listen to me...?"

>"It varies from night to night...sometimes under your bed, sometimes on your ceiling..."

>"Oh, so you're just using ME as an excuse to get to HIM?"

>"...Very astute, yes. I heard you exchange room numbers...so I expected him to come here. He does possess a penis, after all."

"..."

>"..."

------------------------

"You're a pretty desperate pony."

>"Not desperate, Tactic. Interested. I want to learn your ways...trust me, if I wanted to procreate I would do it...but I simply want to learn more about you."

"What the fuck do you even want then?"

>"...Isn't it obvious? This is a Cutie Clash tournament...if you learn about your opponents...you are more able to crush them in battle."

------------------------

"Look. I don't care and I don't have time for this."

>"I look forward to fighting you, Tactic."

"Likewise, or whatever."

------------------------

I shut the door.

"Ugh...what an idiot."

>"Man, dealing with her antics puts such a damper on my libido..."

------------------------

"Sorry...this is sort of my fault..."

>"Ah it's no biggie. I assume you came here expecting a fun time?"

"I guess."

>"Mmm, I'm not in the mood anymore. Uwah...what to do..."

She begins to gather up the feathers.

"So uh, have you noticed any funny business surrounding the competition lately?"

>"Funny business? OH sweetie, Cutie Clash is infamous for being the breeding ground of various scandals and troubling cases...if anything, this competition is much tamer than others."

------------------------

>tfw when Carver and Whippone are tied on the poll.

------------------------

Anyways, I need to go out for a while! I'll be back soon!

------------------------

"So, did that crazy pony ask about me at all?"

>"Hmm? A bit. I wasn't able to say more than I already knew."

"W-What? What did you tell her?"

>"She asked what sort of weapon you use and such..."

"And you told her?"

>"Of course. It's not a secret or anything. It's broadcasted to the world every time you battle!"

"I suppose..."

------------------------

"Doesn't she watch our matches? Ugh, whatever...anyways, now that I'm here, what do you need to talk about?"

>"I think it's quite clear what I was going to talk about. It wouldn't be talking at all, actually, just a bit of...naughty fun. But I'm no longer in the mood. The passion is gone. The only way to ignite the fire again would be to...oh! We could try and battle again!"

------------------------

"I'm not even sure where we would fight..."

>"Silly...we don't NEED a place to fight. It's all in our helmets. We just need a place to sit."

"Are you really that eager to get beaten?"

>"Heh, as if I'd let you win this time. You just got lucky because I was too turned on to think straight."

"Who's saying that won't happen again?"

>"You wanna go, Tactic?"

------------------------

"I'll beat you into the ground."

I retrieve my helmet from my room and return quickly. We both sit down on the floor, facing one another, our helmets on.

"Wanna make a wager?"

>"Sure...if I win, then you owe me a kiss~"

"And if I win, you have to submit to ME for once."

>"Wh-What? But I'm a dominant!"

"Exactly."

>"...Fine. Let's go."

------------------------

"...Is this lava..?"

>"It seems so. I wouldn't recommend touching it~"

------------------------

>"Why don't I start this off?"

------------------------

>"Hiyah!"

------------------------

------------------------

"You're gonna have to do better than that!"

------------------------

------------------------

>"Yip!"

------------------------

>"...How does that count as a hit...? No matter...this has gotten a bit too personal, Tactic..."

------------------------

"Did you like that?"

>"...No. I'm dominant. I take control!"

------------------------

"Come on now, Charmlette. Snagged by me again?"

------------------------

"Tell me how it feels to lose that control. To feel so powerless before someone else. To know that I could do anything I wanted to you, and you can't stop me. Whether you beg for me to stop or keep going, we'd move at my pace. I'd just keep edging you on until you couldn't take any more. You'd be begging for sweet release that I wouldn't give."

Quick! She's stunned!

------------------------

"So...beg for it."

------------------------

------------------------

"Heh...a bit too much for y--"

Oh jeez, what's my scythe doing?

Is this the virus?

------------------------

"GAH!"

>"...Let me...help..."

"I TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT OF MY FIGHTS...!"

------------------------

I need to...jump into the lava...

>"Tactic? What's your scythe doing?"

"RGH! Get off of me!"

>"...Tactic...if you end this match...she will take you..."

------------------------

>"I will...not let her...have you...you are too precious...to me..."

[ END PART 4 ]

------------------------

Get away from me...

----

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

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------------------------

[ LAST TIME ON CUTIE CLASH! ]

>"I will...not let her...have you...you are too precious...to me..."

------------------------

"Why did you lie to me? You PROMISED you wouldn't do this!"

>"...Initiating virtual reality override..."

"What--"

------------------------

"GODAMNIT!"

------------------------

"VIVI YOU FUCKING IDIOTIC PIECE OF--"

>"The game will not end. If it does you will engage in coitus."

"Wh-What?"

>"...I cannot let that happen."

------------------------

"Let me take off my helmet! Rggh!"

>"...I am supposed to be the perfect waifu. My creator told me that."

"What even are you...why is my helmet so...tight?! Ugh, you aren't going to kill us are you?!"

>"I cannot. I do not know how."

"Charmlette? Can you take off your helmet?"

>"Um...n-no! What's going on?"

I can hear the panic in her voice...

>"If she is removed from the game then she will engage your genitals in sexual activity."

"Why do you even CARE you're a ROBOT."

>"...Do...Do you not wish for me to be your waifu?"

------------------------

"What even is a waifu? Is that some sort of fruit?"

>"...My creator did not instill that information to me."

"God damn...look, just get us out! As soon as we get out I'm figuring out how to kill you."

>"...But that is against my protocol."

------------------------

"I thought I was your MASTER. You have to follow what I say!"

>"..."

"...Now get us OUT."

>"...I don't want to leave you."

"Well you should have thought of that before you decided to fuck up our game."

>"...I'm sorry, Master...you may take your sexual urges out on me if that will make you feel better."

"What will make me feel better is if you let us go!"

>"...If you really would like to go back then I must obey. Do you wish to confirm this decision?"

------------------------

"...Get us out. I'll confirm if you promise not to do this shit again."

>"...I accept the fact that I am not sufficient enough to be your waifu."

>"Initiating virtual reality shut down..."

------------------------

- Boop -

------------------------

Goodnight! See you guys tomorrow!

------------------------

"Are...Are you okay?"

>"What WAS that? What's wrong with your helmet? What...what was that THING?"

------------------------

"Look...beyond it being some sort of helmet virus...I don't really know."

>"...Virus? Does...Does that explain why your horn was able to hit me?"

"I guess..."

>"...Tactic...you do know if people find out about this you're...disqualified, right?"

------------------------

"I asked her to stop messing with my fights...I guess she thought this was okay because it was just for fun..."

>"...Are you going to keep on battling?"

"Yes...and I would appreciate it if you could keep this a secret."

>"S-Sure. What do I get in exchange, though?"

------------------------

"How about I keep your little 'accident' a secret, hmm?"

>"Accident? Wh--"

"Yeah. That little puddle there."

>"H-Hey! I...hmph, sneaky bastard."

"I'll see you around, Charmlette."

------------------------

>"Oh! Tactic! You're back!"

------------------------

"What's up? Did you have fun?"

>"Mmhmm! J'ella calmed me down a bit. Where did you run off to?"

"Just tinkering with my helmet a bit."

"What are you watching?"

>"Moonlit Wishes. It's a story about a lost princess who falls in love with a peasant pony...it's so cute!"

"Beh, it looks dumb. That kind of story is so cliched."

>"Nuh uh! I used to watch it when I was young...I love it, even today!"

------------------------

"What's so great about it?"

>"I...I mean I admit it is a bit childish...but I just really love the idea. Can you imagine? Being a beautiful pony princess...and finding your one true love as just a regular, plain pony? Plus, the songs are really catchy!"

"Hmm..."

This is complete bullcrap. The dialogue isn't even original or clever...it's just your typical love story.

>"Do you have a favorite movie, Tactic?"

------------------------

9 billion hours in paint

------------------------

"I'm a fan of comedy."

>"...Pfft, you're silly."

Carver closes the movie, tugging the towel off her head.

"Hey, I need to step out for a moment to take care of a few things. You good here by yourself?"

>"Hm? Yeah, of course!"

"Alright..."

I leave the room, taking the helmet with me. I needed to have a talk with that virus...where should I hide?

------------------------

I arrive on the rooftop. This seems like a good place.

------------------------

Well...let's see what happens.

------------------------

------------------------

"I didn't have sex with that pony."

>"...I observed."

"Now tell me why you decided it would be a good idea to butt into that fight."

>"If you submit to your urges and procreate with her then my duty as your waifu is null."

"I still don't even know what a waifu is..."

>"I have agreed to stay out of your life, Master. State the purpose of your presence here."

------------------------

"I need to know as much about your programming as possible. I don't know what a waifu is, I don't know why or how you got in my helmet and I don't know why your creator was such a lonely nerd. Fill me in."

>"I already told you that the term waifu is unknown to me. I simply know that I am supposed to carry out my role as a waifu, but I was not told what the definition is."

"That seems really stupid..."

>"I do not remember how I got here. I only remember waking up inside of this helmet. I apologize. Before residing in here I lived in my creator's machine."

"Machine?"

>"His computer. He fixed me there."

"And you said you're supposed to kill me?"

>"My secondary objective is to kill you, this is confirmed. I was not programmed with the means to do so, however."

"...Your creator really seems stupid."

>"My tertiary objective is to be the perfect waifu. I simply wish to direct your affections to me as opposed to other ponies."

------------------------

"Do you know WHY you're supposed to kill me?"

>"To eliminate Cutie Clash players. That is the purpose."

"Huh..."

>"...Am I disappointing you?"

------------------------

"Why Cutie Clash players?"

>"I do not know. We did not talk much."

"Pfff, I bet he at least talked to you a little bit..."

>"I was not complete enough to exchange sentient conversation before I was removed from his computer. When I was finished he did not have the opportunity to speak with me. I do know that I was a test. A test to research autonomous software that thinks of its own accord."

------------------------

"Do you even want to kill me?"

>"...No."

"Alright, that's good...and if you can think on your own...what do you think of me?"

>"...I'd rather not share that information."

------------------------

"We need to be honest with each other. Look, I won't hide anything from you if you don't hide anything from me. If you have something important to say you need to just say it--"

------------------------

>"Please do not kill me..."

------------------------

"I suppose I won't kill you...but you need to behave, okay?"

>"Yes, Master..."

"...Ahem."

I'm taking that kiss awfully well. I guess kisses aren't really as intense as the TV shows make them seem...

"Now, I suggest that uh, I leave you be for now. I need to keep you away from your creator...he sounds like a despicable pony..."

I pat her back awkwardly, before stepping away from her.

"I'll visit you soon, okay?"

>"...I look forward to it."

------------------------

"...Well now what?"

------------------------

I head back to the room.

>"H-Hey, Tactic! B-Back so soon?"

------------------------

"...You need...help there?"

>"Help? H-Help with what?"

------------------------

"...Are you sick or something? Your face is really red...why are you sweating?"

>"I...I must've just had a bad dream...I was taking a nap before you came in..."

"And why are your covers up so high? You're probably dying of heat stroke in there..."

>"...L-Look, I'm fine! Just uh, go watch TV or something..."

I place my hoof on her forehead.

"You're burning up."

>"Nnf..."

------------------------

"What are you hiding?"

>"N-No! Don't!"

------------------------

------------------------

>"Oh god...d-don't look!"

http://i.gyazo.com/6d8d633f600c619e48455af6b5a72375.png

------------------------

>"...Tactic? Is that your...?"

"Oh god..."

------------------------

>"..."

"..."

>"..."

"..."

>"Can...Can I touch it?"

------------------------

"S-Sure..."

http://i.gyazo.com/036baa408897c5cb235b678536926747.png

>"...It's so warm..."

"...Will you let me touch yours?"

[ END OF PART 5 ]

------------------------

Keep your hooves steady...

----

Part 1:

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Part 5:

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------------------------

"Will you let me touch yours?"

>"...A-Ah um..."

"It's only fair..."

>"R-Right..."

"Heh, did the toy pop out?"

http://i.gyazo.com/ae9315979f340ba51ef09bb3fdf036a9.png

>"I...I was...r-really tense and..."

------------------------

"I'm gonna start rubbing, okay?"

>"Mhmm..."

How the hell do I do this...I've never done this before...

http://i.gyazo.com/05e6bbf7901e68b7343059f0aa14f77c.png

>"Th-That feels good..."

------------------------

"You smell pretty good, Carver..."

>"Ah...! T-Tactic w-wait-- nnh!"

http://i.gyazo.com/9542307ffedc871b5baa67f1a22209c1.png

"...What a cute, little bead..."

>"Please i-if you keep touching that...hhn..."

------------------------

"What'll happen if I rub harder...?"

>"T-Tactic! Wait! I-- a-ah! S-Stop! It...It tickles...hahh!"

I place my hoof over her belly, holding her down.

http://i.gyazo.com/f9da6fc6f7996f4a63e7f3dc369f56b9.png

"Come on, Carver..."

>"Nnf! Nnhh...T-Tactic...!"

------------------------

>"Oh Celestia...Tactic I c-can't...!"

"...Cum for me, Carver."

>"Nngh--ah--mmf?!"

I clamp my mouth over hers.

http://gyazo.com/f1ef1b303160bd10482ba1a1e0fb4a68

------------------------

( We'll continue Tactic's side of the fun tomorrow~ Goodnight, 4chan~)

------------------------

I sit up.

"How was that? Heh..."

>"...Amazing...I've never had another pony uh...do that...for me..."

"I've never done it to another pony."

>"D-Do you want me to try doing stuff...to...to you?"

------------------------

"Fair is fair."

>"Well...I'll just uh..."

"..."

>"G-Gosh you're already so...so stiff..."

http://i.gyazo.com/2c9d99bfd3c10d047af18a56e398c47a.png

------------------------

>"...I know that some ponies put their...their mouth on it like this..."

"...A-Agh..."

>"Mmh..."

http://i.gyazo.com/3bdeef194b08115d52ff34ed9993d3b9.png

------------------------

"J-Just lick it a bit...don't go all the w-aau!"

http://i.gyazo.com/66005ba1991680f0ff6971d919424b67.png

>"MMph!"

"N-Not so deep! Carver!"

------------------------

"D-Deeper..."

>"Mmgh..."

"Nngh!"

>"A-Ahh!"

http://i.gyazo.com/5950c334cc2a906ec523e860d49d9ce5.png

------------------------

I pull her in, wiping up the mess that I made...

"Um...th-this doesn't change anything."

>"...Right..."

------------------------

"Oh, you have something on your mouth."

I wipe the cum off.

"There."

>"...Hey, Tactic...? Was...Was that good for you?"

------------------------

"It was great...thanks."

I roll over on the bed.

>"...I'm really tired now...it's not even sundown yet."

"Well, we have time...do you want to watch TV or something?"

>"No this...this is nice."

------------------------

"...I guess I should be...holding you more."

>"..."

"...You can fall asleep if you want."

>"...Okay."

>Fall asleep.

>Stay awake.

------------------------

I pretend to fall asleep, waiting for her to slip into a deep slumber. I listen to her breathing, burying my nose into her mane. I'm still not sure what feelings I have for her...sure, I do like her...but do I want to commit myself to her?

It's hard to stay awake... I end up falling asleep.

------------------------

"Nngh...Carver...pull the covers back up..."

------------------------

[ END OF PART 7 ]

------------------------

Leave me alone...

----

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------------------------

"..."

------------------------

Why tie me up when I can just use my magic?

I untie myself right quick.

>"...Even if you can get out of the ropes...you're trapped in my box fort."

------------------------

"I'm not trapped inside, you're trapped outside."

>"...Oh? I can come in whenever I want."

She steps inside.

>"You don't hold power here, Tactic."

"Where's Carver?"

>"In the room. I just took you, don't worry."

------------------------

"Are we in your room?"

>"Yep."

"...Is...this a normal hotel room?"

>"I don't sleep in a hotel room. This is simply a storage closet."

"...Oh...well then, why did you kidnap me?"

>"...I was lonely."

"And that gives you the right?"

>"..."

"Ugh, what time is it?"

>"...11pm."

------------------------

"What do you want?"

>"Your company. I'll only keep you an hour. Are you hungry?"

------------------------

"Your hour starts now...and sure, a snack would be nice."

>"One moment."

She hops out of the fort.

"So why me? And why bother kidnapping me when you can just ask me?"

>"I find it's easier to take things by force. And you're interesting. You smell nice, too."

"...Wha--"

>"Here."

------------------------

"...Actually I'm dieting so..."

>"...Oh that's a shame."

"...Do you usually...eat bugs?"

>"I eat what I find. Bugs are just the most common thing I find."

"Do you want to go out to eat?"

>"...I don't like going out in public..."

------------------------

"How did you afford your headset?"

>"...I stole it."

"Well that's not...that's not really a good thing to do."

"Anyways, I'm going to get take out. You ever had pizza?"

>"...No."

"You're about to. Also, please ask my permission before kidnapping me to your closet. It's polite."

>"Note taken."

I search the closet, finding an old telephone. Alas, I have no money to pay for the pizza...

>Input action.

------------------------

"I'll be right back, Owl Eyes."

>"...Please come back."

"Don't worry."

------------------------

I leave the closet and find my way to my room. I order the pizza, pay for it, leave a note for Carver explaining my absence, and return to the closet in about 25 minutes.

"I'm back--"

------------------------

"...I made a table."

------------------------

I set down the pizza, moving the flashlight onto the ground.

"Here. Try a slice and see what you think."

>"Thank you."

"Mmhmm, no problem."

------------------------

------------------------

"...Snf..."

------------------------

------------------------

"Did I do something...wrong?"

>"...Tell me why."

------------------------

"Why...?"

>"Why didn't you just kick me and leave me like all the others."

"Which others?"

>"The other fillies...isn't that what you're supposed to do?"

"...What?"

>"I don't deserve this. I don't deserve you. Bugs are the only thing I deserve to eat."

------------------------

"I decided to give you food. I don't care if you deserve it or not. I paid for it, so eat it."

>"...I can't touch it. I can't, I can't."

"What? Just eat the-- O-Oh god what are you--"

------------------------

"Celestia! Just fucking...why'd you bring me here if you didn't want affection?! I'm trying to comfort you or some shit...just what is your problem?!"

>"...I don't...I don't know I..."

"Stop it! Stop that!"

>"Why couldn't you just let me eat bugs?"

"Because nopony deserves to eat fucking BUGS!"

>"I'm not a pony! I'm just a HORSEFLY. A BIRD...I'm not a pony...I'm not..."

------------------------

"I'm trying SO HARD not to be an ASSHOLE and this is what I get?! Just calm the fuck down!"

>"Let me go! Let me go!"

"NO! You stay still!"

I hold onto her for a few minutes. Her struggles die down quickly, then she just sits there.

>"...I don't even like owls."

------------------------

Bedtime! See you all tomorrow!

------------------------

Does it hurt...?

----

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------------------------

>"...I don't even like owls..."

------------------------

"How'd you get your cutie mark then?"

>"...Because being an owl is all I can do..."

"That doesn't make any sense."

>"How I got my cutie mark doesn't matter. I have it now, that's it."

"What's your name?"

>"Ponies call me Owl Eyes."

"Oh that's...your real name? I...just sorta called you that sarcastically."

>"Everypony does."

------------------------

"Do you stay up all night?"

>"I sleep when I need to. Not when I want to."

I begin to rub her shoulders. They feel stiff.

"...Can you hoot?"

>"I do it unintentionally sometimes."

"What about turning your head 360 degrees?"

>"...No."

"...Hmm...do you have any friends or family you could be with?"

>"No."

"....What are you doing in this tournament?"

>"...No one cares what you look like here. They only care about how well you can fight."

------------------------

I hug her. I feel kinda bad for her...all things considered.

>"You smell nice."

"Yes you told me."

>"...Right."

"Hey, you smell kind of like a toilet, so you wanna come to my room and take a bath or something?"

>"...Is that a form of a joke?"

------------------------

"It would be a funny joke if you didn't smell like a Timberwolf's ass. Now come on. I'll leave the pizza for you later. I doubt you'll care if it goes stale."

I nudge her towards the door.

>"...Can we at least take the air vents?"

------------------------

Color ref for Owl Eyes

------------------------

"Nope. Come on."

>"...Okay."

------------------------

"Oh...she's still asleep."

------------------------

------------------------

"Bath's ready."

------------------------

"Get in."

>"...It's wet."

"Yes. It's water."

>"I feel weird."

------------------------

"Alright, I'm gonna get a brush and--"

She slides under the water.

"...Really?"

------------------------

"...Wrong way, stupid girl."

>"...Water feels nice on my face."

"God...you're so filthy...I can see the dirt floating off of you."

>"Is this soap edible?"

------------------------

------------------------

"Sorry...but I...I'm gonna scrub everything..."

>"Huh?"

------------------------

"Hoo!"

------------------------

"Sorry about that..."

>"It felt weird."

"Yeah. I know."

>"When is this over?"

------------------------

I'm going to bed! Goodnight!

------------------------

Baby owl eyes for you guys!

------------------------

1 hour later...

"Good Celestia...it took so long to wash all that crap out of your coat."

>"Sorry."

------------------------

"Feeling alright?"

>"...I feel less heavy."

I begin to run a comb through her mane.

Ugh...this feels so girly...

"So do you know how to uh, preen your feathers?"

>"Preen?"

------------------------

"...Well, how hard can it be? You just...pull the feathers out right?"

>"...Please be careful."

"Geez, I don't even need to bite them. I can just brush them out with my hoof."

>"...My feathers don't stay on well."

"Tell me about it."

------------------------

"There. Done."

------------------------

"Alright it's time to go to bed...I'm beat."

>"Okay."

------------------------

------------------------

"Hey. I literally just cleaned you. Get the fuck out of there."

I float her onto the bed, throwing the covers over her.

>"..."

------------------------

------------------------

Finally. I get to bed and close my eyes. Tiny, barely audible snores are coming from Carver's nose.

------------------------

Several hours later...

------------------------

"...What time is it...?"

------------------------

>"So you're like...a bird?"

>"...I suppose."

>"Cool! Can you lay eggs?"

>"...No."

>"Aw...that'd be kinda strange though..."

------------------------

>"So you like the unicorn?"

>"Y-Yeah...he's really something...I don't think we have much of a future together...but I don't mind having a bit of fun now."

>"How long have you known each other?"

>"...Hmm...almost a year? I don't know too much about him...kinda funny, huh?"

>"I would not know."

>"I know that he's a lot nicer than he lets on...do you have any friends?"

>"Not friends. I do have acquaintances."

>"Oh?"

>"They are here with me."

>"We'll have to meet them sometime!"

>"...I'd prefer if you not."

------------------------

I yawn out, letting them know I'm here.

>"Oh! Tactic you're finally awake! You're up a bit early...your match isn't for a while."

>"Morning."

>"Why didn't you introduce me to Owl Eyes? She's so nice!"

"It...It was like 1 in the morning."

>"...W-Well still!"

------------------------

------------------------

"...Yes?"

>"...Oh you're here. Excellent!"

------------------------

>"I believe you have something that belongs to me."

------------------------

Don't let them hurt me...

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------------------------

>"I believe you have something that belongs to me..."

------------------------

>"Who was it, Tactic?"

"Nopony important."

------------------------

"Just a strange pony...nothing you need to worry about..."

------------------------

------------------------

>"Thank you for returning her to me!"

------------------------

"HEY! Give her back you fucking assho--"

>"Woah, woah now! I don't want any violence...I just want her back so I can finish her programming, that's all...she's an incomplete project. I was simply using you as a hiding place."

------------------------

"Yeah and let you craft her into the perfect killing machine? I think not."

>"...Oh? Did she tell you about that? I should've given her a better filter...I doubt you'll believe me but I don't want to kill Clashers. I left out the instructional programming for a reason."

------------------------

"Fine. WHY did you implement that objective then?"

>"...I was commissioned to do so. By a group of ponies that actually DO want to kill Clashers. Look, do you really want me to go into my whole life story right here?"

------------------------

"I just want some answers...we shouldn't talk about this here but come on in and we can talk."

>"You're awfully bipolar about your feelings."

>"Hey, Tactic? Who's that strange stallion?"

"Just...stay there, Carver. He's uh...he's gonna be here for a little bit."

I have a couple hours before my next match...we have time.

------------------------

"I assume you're A.I.?"

>"You would be right."

"Alright, A.I. this is Carver and...where's Owl Eyes?"

>"She crawled through the air vent once your helmet started exploding..."

"...Well, this is Carver. Now spill the information, you fat fuck."

>"I'll give it to you in short terms...basically, I've been researching autonomous AI software...I originally wanted her to be the perfect waifu, as she's probably told you, but my work caught the interest of a certain...ah...Anti-Cutie Clash group, let's say. They asked me to program it to hack into the helmets of players and kill them. I did. But I didn't add the instructions, so even if my viruses were planted in helmets, they wouldn't be able to do anything. However, I was caught up in a scandal...and the PBI are convinced I'm guilty of murder. I've come back to take my virus and complete her, then find a place to hunker down until this blows over."

------------------------

>"I can't name the group of them because they didn't tell me. I was very much left in the dark. They threatened to kill me and destroy all of my work if I didn't comply. I finished their virus and displayed it to them. Then, before they were able to come back to grab it, I deleted everything, slid the virus in your helmet and went to jail. Escaping wasn't hard to do, it just made sure the Anti-Clash group didn't get me."

"...What's a waifu?"

>"...The perfect girlfriend, I suppose."

"Are you that lonely?"

>"Hey, it's a way to kill time."

"Alright how about this...there are more than one virus?"

>"I had to delete the rest of them..."

"What would completing her mean?"

>"Currently there's a glitch in which...if you do certain things with her...you end up getting trapped in the helmet."

"Why MY helmet?"

>"It was the best way to ensure she stay alive. You're the undefeated Cutie Clash fighter, so naturally, if you don't get defeated, she doesn't die."

------------------------

"Why does she die when I lose the game?"

>"I have no idea. I've been trying to fix it but so far I've had no luck. I've killed numerous viruses through beta-testing...something about the disconnection after a game ends or something..."

"And...what...kind of things?"

>"Must I spell it out for you?"

"..."

>"Fine. If one decides to...engage in...sexual acts with their virus then, the glitch happens."

"...Oh. W-Well uh, where are you gonna hide now?"

>"I have a few underground facilities that I can bunk in. The Anti-Clash group is advanced, but nopony can get inside my bases."

"Um, what are you going to do with Vivi once you finish her?"

>"Preferably keep her. Why? You like her? I suppose I can let you keep her. I just need to transfer her coding to other viruses. They're pretty disposable."

------------------------

"I promised I'd keep her safe. I don't go back on my promises."

>"...Fine. I'll bring her back."

"Wait...can I just keep her in a separate helmet?"

>"The helmet requires an owner for it to work properly."

"That's bullshit."

>"Tactic? What's this virus got to do with all this?"

"...I'll explain later, Carver. Alright, A.I. how about this...can you make it so that she DOESN'T have to follow her protocol?"

>"No matter how independent I make her, she still needs some sort of directive to stay alive."

"Just change the directive then."

>"That would take several months."

"...Maybe later then...hey, do you know anything about a weird mare with an accent and a flustered stallion?"

>"The police ponies? Yeah. They're the ones that threw me in jail."

------------------------

"Can you...make her real?"

>"I'm afraid I can't."

"That's fine. Just a bit curious."

>"How do you have underground bases?"

"I'm kind of a spoiled rich pony, sorry if that offends you. Parents are pretty powerful. They respect my hobbies, so they give me office spaces."

"...Huh. Well how about this, what if Vivi stays in Carver's helmet?"

>"Wh-What?"

"She doesn't play much..."

>"W-Wait, Tactic I...I don't think I can handle a virus being in my helmet."

------------------------

"Ah that's fine, I don't want to force you into this."

>"...Thanks, Tactic."

"Hey, A.I. Should we ask Vivi what she thinks about all this?"

>"Vivi can't communicate in this form. She can only speak through your helmet."

------------------------

"Can you put her back in the helmet for a bit?"

>"I don't see a problem with that."

He hooks a few wires to my helmet. Vivi turns into pink lightning and fuses into my helmet.

>"Feel free to put it on whenever. In the meantime, I'm gonna work on a few things out here."

>"Don't worry, Tictac! I'll just stay put! You do your thing!"

------------------------

I slip on the helmet, and turn it on...

"...Does this place change every time I come in here?"

>"Good morning."

------------------------

(Bedtime for me! Thanks for reading guys! I'll try and do more tomorrow!)

------------------------

"Oh, hey."

>"I will not be seeing you for a while."

"What?"

>"My creator will take me away and fix me."

"About that...would...would you rather stay here with me?"

>"It is not up to me to decide."

------------------------

"Well it's your turn to decide now. So spill it. Your programming says nothing about keeping stuff a secret."

>"...I am simply...a program. I do not have any desires other than to fulfill my directives."

------------------------

"I asked you what you thought of me last night and you said you'd rather not tell. That was your choice. I'm asking you to make another one."

>"...If I do will you leave me?"

------------------------

"I can't promise, but I promise I won't be unreasonable."

>"...I do not wish to leave you. I wish to stay with you. But my creator needs to fix me. I am imperfect."

------------------------

"Fair enough. But you will come back to me. He promised."

>"Yes. But it will feel empty without you."

"Aw well...I'd rather you didn't want to kill me."

>"I as well wish I didn't want death upon you."

------------------------

"That's sure...touching..."

W-Woah...what's...

"H-Hey...why's the ground shaking?"

------------------------

"WAUGH!"

[ END OF PART 9 ]

------------------------

Don't look down...

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------------------------

"WAUGH!"

------------------------

"...VIVI?!"

>"This will make the goodbye easier. Once you hit the ground you will be taken out of the virtual reality. Tell A.I. to return me back to you."

------------------------

>"...Please be careful. Danger lurks in the tournament."

------------------------

"Guh!"

>"...Oh! You're back! How was it, Tactic?"

"Where's A.I.?"

>"He went to go grab a soda, why?"

------------------------

"I need to return the virus to him. Do you know where he went?"

>"Uh, just out in the hallway."

The door opens up.

>"Hey, I'm back. Ah, you're out of it. What'd she say?"

"She agreed to go with."

>"Of course she did. I programmed her that way."

"...Yeah well, here. Just take her and get outta here."

>"Gladly."

He transfers Vivi into the small jar again, resting it in his hood.

>"Good luck on your tournament. I will return her to you in a while. Hopefully it shouldn't take too long."

------------------------

"...Hey, Carver, you said Owl Eyes went into the vents, right?"

>"Yeah, she said she needed to meet up with a few ponies...as a goodbye present she chewed on my mane..."

"...Uh..."

>"It was cute! A little odd, but it was a...kind...gesture."

"By the way..."

"You doing okay? A lot has happened today..."

>"Hmm? O-Oh! Yeah! I'm fine! I've seen weirder...though it was strange. I'm just happy you're not in any trouble...I've never heard of viruses...but I got the gist. Are you...Are you gonna get caught? I hope you don't get disqualified..."

------------------------

"They can't disqualify me...no proof. You wanna get something to eat?"

>"Oh! After your match! You need to get down there!"

------------------------

"Alright, let's go. You owe me lunch, though."

>"Right-o!"

------------------------

"...Well...here we go."

------------------------

"I really wish they would tell me who I'm facing up against..."

------------------------

"...Wait..."

------------------------

"...Is that a filly?"

------------------------

She's not saying anything...well, let's get this started.

------------------------

------------------------

((Goodnight! I'll see you all tomorrow, hopefully!)

------------------------

There are steam geysers everywhere...I need to be careful with where I step...

------------------------

GAH! Our weapons haven't even spawned yet! Why is she acting so quick?!

------------------------

------------------------

I have to stand my ground...keep my distance.

------------------------

------------------------

Oh jeez..! She latched on!

------------------------

------------------------

GWUH!

------------------------

------------------------

Okay...stay calm...you need to blend in...

------------------------

------------------------

Did...Did we hit each other?

------------------------

------------------------

Time to end this...

------------------------

"AHHH!"

------------------------

------------------------

Well that's...one way to win a match.

------------------------

------------------------

"Pretty good match, kid. No pony's been able to get that far with me."

She nods.

>"..."

"What's your name?"

>"..."

She exits the stage.

"...Well alright then."

------------------------

"Ah, whatever...hm?"

------------------------

------------------------

>"The hell were you doing last night?! I TOLD you to bring me back MONEY, not stale-fuckin' pizza! I don't know why Decker even keeps you around...you're fucking useless."

------------------------

I pick her up, setting her on my back.

"I'll be taking this."

"What the--?! Oh it's Tactic...heh, sorry to say, Tiny Dick..."

------------------------

Owl Eyes slides off your back.

>"But she's with me."

------------------------

I'm kinda hungry...

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------------------------

>"Sorry Tactic, but she's with me..."

------------------------

"Do you know her?"

Owl Eyes nods.

>"I'm supposed to be keeping track of this pony...you have nothing to do with this so BUG OFF!"

------------------------

"You obviously haven't been keeping good care of her...she's been eating bugs for Celestia's sake."

>"She likes bugs..."

"I doubt it. Hey, Owl Eyes, want to come eat with us?"

She averts her eyes.

"We'll be at the Haystack if you want to join."

>"She won't be going anywhere with you, jackass."

------------------------

>"Now go and work on whatever it is loser-ponies work on..."

"Tch, according to that match I'm technically a winner."

>"...Whatever. Oh, hey DC. Sorry about that match, dude."

------------------------

"DC? Good game."

She looks at you without saying anything.

"And Owl Eyes, you're welcome to join us if you want."

------------------------

...Carver was supposed to meet me out here. I wonder where she is.

------------------------

I know that there are stored videos on the Cutie Clash website that show examples of other fighters...maybe I should check that out.

She's most likely already at the Haystack. It's fairly close, so I'll just go there myself.

------------------------

Thank Celestia it's so close.

------------------------

I feel as though someone's watching me...

------------------------

------------------------

"Can I help you?"

------------------------

"If you wanted to tag along you could've just asked."

She says nothing.

------------------------

"It's kind of hard to talk to you if you don't say anything. Even when we were fighting you were completely silent."

>"..."

"Fine...tag along if you want. Just don't be a pain in the flank...why are you following me anyways? Confused as to why I beat you?"

She shakes her head.

"Then what?"

>"..."

"...Do you just never talk?"

------------------------

"...Are you a mute?"

>"..."

She nods.

"...Ah. That explains it."

Haystack comes into view.

"Do I...need to use sign language or...?"

She shakes her head.

------------------------

"Well, glad you're joining for lunch, I guess."

I step inside.

"...I forgot how hungry I was. Carver isn't anywhere in sight...might as well find a host to give us a table...it's pretty empty here, though..."

------------------------

>"Ah! Welcome to Haystack! We have tables everywhere, hehe. Let me show you to one."

"Why's it so empty?"

>"There's a big match going on right now at the Cutie Clash convention...and since we don't have any TVs, there's not much reason to come here."

"Ah..."

------------------------

"Who's playing? Do you know?"

>"Umm, let's see...Riptide and Axel, I believe. Here's two menus for ya! If you need any other help I'll be within callin' distance. Better let you and your sister look stuff over."

"...Sister, eh?"

------------------------

"I think we should stick with drinks for now...I'll just get some water."

The filly nods in agreement.

>"Two waters? Gotcha~"

"By the way, have you seen a pony with a wooden trunk cutie mark?"

>"Haven't seen any ponies in here since this morning."

------------------------

"Alright so, how exactly do you communicate with others? You're more experienced than I am."

>"..."

------------------------

------------------------

The waitress returns after a few minutes.

>"Alrighty, you ponies know what you want?"

"Two hayburgers. Mine with fries and her's with...fries, as well."

>"Two hayburgers comin' right up!"

------------------------

------------------------

"So where are you from? What're you doing at a Cutie Clash tournament, eh?"

------------------------

"What about Owl Eyes?"

------------------------

------------------------

"How long has that been going on?"

------------------------

"Why do you wish she didn't?"

------------------------

"Have you tried to tell your sister?"

------------------------

"Does she...does she hurt Owl Eyes?"

------------------------

"How does she even know Owl Eyes?"

------------------------

"What's your name, by the way?"

------------------------

>"Here's your burgers, folks! Hope you enjoy!"

------------------------

"May I have some ketchup?"

>"Ketchup? Sure thing! One sec!"

The waitress dances off.

"...So, who's Decker? Is he your sister's boss?"

DC shakes her head.

(cont.)

------------------------

"Hmm..."

(cont.)

------------------------

(cont)

------------------------

------------------------

"What? What bird man?"

------------------------

"Um...that's my Clash helmet...did you mean somepony else?"

------------------------

"Tell me about this Birdman."

------------------------

"Sorry, that was just because I had to get serious. I feel bad for scaring you, but you're the first pony to really give me much trouble."

DC seems to visibly back away, clutching onto her hayburger.

------------------------

"Hey! I'm only scary in the match! I did buy you a burger after all..."

DC nods, scooting back up to the table.

------------------------

"Do you want any ketchup?"

DC shakes her head.

"More for me, then."

"By the way, can you show me what Decker looks like?"

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

"Your sister might be worried about you. Want to head back? I also need to pick up a hayburger for a friend of mine."

DC looks uncertain, but hops off the chair anyways. She nods at me as a sort of thank you.

------------------------

I might want to grab a burger for Owl Eyes as well...

"Do you want to walk back with me?"

DC shakes her head, waving a hoof.

"O-Oh, alright. Maybe we'll see each other again?"

I think I see a nod of her head before she walks out of the restaurant. I must remember to look up videos of Short Fuse and Owl Eyes on PoneTube when I get back.

(cont.)

------------------------

That makes me wonder...what was Carver doing this entire time? She promised to meet me at Haystack, and I haven't even gotten a text from her...

------------------------

"Hey Carver I--"

Oh.

------------------------

"What are you guys up to?"

>"Owl Eyes said she wanted to stay in here for a bit...she seems kinda shaken up."

------------------------

"What happened?"

I set the burgers down in front of them.

>"Ah, she won't tell me. She just said she likes to stay in here to calm down."

------------------------

"She'll open up to us when she's ready. Hey, Owl Eyes, you like hayburgers? Go ahead and try it."

------------------------

>"She likes it!"

------------------------

"So what'd you do today?"

>"O-Oh, well I was gonna go to Haystack with you...but I caught up in a few things. We can make something for dinner if you want!"

"That's what I was thinking. You gonna join us, Owl Eyes?"

>"...Sure."

"Don't talk with your mouth full."

------------------------

"Do we need to go shopping or something?"

>"I mean...I know there's a microwave near the ice machine...I don't know about anything kitchen-like. I know J'ella lives pretty close! We could use her house!"

------------------------

"That sounds good."

>"Mmh! I'll call her up and we can visit later tonight. Owl Eyes, you'll love J'ella!"

>"...Okay."

Hmm? Oh I got a text.

[ END OF PART 11 ]

------------------------

I meant well...

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------------------------

I got a text message. Wonder what it says...

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

Ah, he replied.

------------------------

"What does that mean?"

>"Well...as an extra little bonus, I added, let's call it, some libido to her. Have fun."

L...Libido?

------------------------

I don't think this is a good time and place for that sort of thing...

------------------------

Might as well look up a few videos...

>Short Fuse videos
>Owl Eyes videos

------------------------

I'll just make a quick search for her...

Hmm, there's a good amount of videos.

------------------------

------------------------

A rocket launcher? That seems a bit unfair...but oh well. Let's see if Owl Eyes has any--

Huh?

(cont.)

------------------------

"Why are you watching Short Fuse?"

------------------------

"I'm figuring out ways to defeat her if we ever have to go up against each other."

>"...Short Fuse is a bad Clasher."

"Eh?"

>"...She is bad at focus."

------------------------

"So we just rile her up?"

>"...Yes. But she hits hard. She is a good shot. The angrier she gets, the more powerful."

------------------------

"Have you ever played against her?"

>"No...I don't want to."

"Do you think she's a better Clasher?"

>"...I don't know."

"And how fast can she hit? Does she had to reload?"

>"No...but I do think the more she fires the more tired she gets. It takes energy from her."

"Hmm...what's YOUR style?"

>"I don't have one. I just fight based on what needs to be done."

"...What does that mean?"

------------------------

"...It'll be fun to fight you."

>"...Likewise."

"Hey Carver, how long till' we go to J'ella's place?"

>"Hmm, at least 4 hours..."

"Plenty of time."

------------------------

>"Hey, guys. I'm gonna go grab a few groceries for J'ella. You wanna stay here?"

------------------------

"Nah, we'll stay. I need to take care of a few things, and I'd rather not leave Owl Eyes on her own."

>"Good idea! I'll be back soon!"

Carver exits the hotel room.

(cont.)

------------------------

>"I like her. She's nice."

------------------------

"She is very nice. She's one of my closest friends. Ah, what are you doing down there?"

>"Resting on your leg."

------------------------

"...You wanna talk about anything?"

>"...No. I will talk about whatever interests you."

------------------------

"Well...how did you get into Clash?"

>"...Me? It...was a matter of circumstance. Playing well got me money."

------------------------

"Is it fun for you?"

>"...No. I don't like hurting other ponies. Even if it's not real."

"...Wh-What's your battle record."

>"I've only lost 2 times. Once to DC and once to Axel."

------------------------

"...Out of how many games?"

>"I lost count."

"Alright...well, where does all that money go?"

>"Short Fuse takes it all. She says she needs it in order to keep DC safe."

"...Sounds kinda fishy...and who's Axel?"

>"One of the Elite Clashers. Have you not heard of them?"

"N-No..."

>"He wields an oriental polearm."

------------------------

"May have to watch out...and, do you mind telling me how the money you earn keeps DC safe?"

>"...Short Fuse doesn't tell me much. She just gets mad when I ask too many questions."

"Do...Do you know who Decker is?"

>"He's very powerful. Short Fuse is afraid of him."

"She is? Man...must take a lot of power to do that...oh and, DC she uh, she told me she doesn't like how Short Fuse treats you."

>"I know. DC tries to help me, but Short Fuse stops her when she catches her.

------------------------

"...I'm sorry Owl Eyes. I'm not real sure how to console you."

(cont.)

------------------------

>"...I just like that you're here."

------------------------

"What do you do other than Clash?"

>"I haven't had much of a chance to explore hobbies..."

"None at all?"

>"...I like reading. I don't know how to read very well, but it's calming."

------------------------

"Any favorite stories?"

>"...The Ugly Duckling."

------------------------

"Why?"

>"...Maybe I'll get a family some day."

------------------------

"Well, you already have friends. So that's a good start."

>"...Yeah."

"Anyways, before we head over to J'ella's place we need to give you another bath. Climbing around in air vents isn't very clean..."

>"...O-Okay..."

"Do you not like baths?"

>"It feels weird when you scrub me in...places."

------------------------

"Bad weird or good weird?"

>"...When you were done I wanted you to keep going...is that good weird?"

------------------------

"I...think you can handle it this time."

>"...Okay. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Owl Eyes steps in the tub.

>"...I like the water."

------------------------

I step in the bath alongside her.

"...I need to bathe too."

>"..."

------------------------

[ END OF PART 12 ]

------------------------

And then she found her way back home...

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------------------------

------------------------

>"...Thank you, Tactic."

------------------------

------------------------

"Dip under the water."

>"Okay."

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

"Hey...Owl Eyes."

>"Huh?"

(cont.)

------------------------

"Having fun?"

------------------------

"...That doesn't go there."

------------------------

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

>"...You have bubbles on your face."

"No I don't."

>"Yes you do."

------------------------

"Show me where."

>"Here. It's right here."

"B-Buh?!"

------------------------

"If you keep the bubbles that close it'll get in your eyes and mouth. Please don't."

------------------------

>"Don't play around with dangerous soap."

(cont.)

------------------------

"I was just joking around--"

>"Tactic. I won't let anypony hurt you, okay?"

"...A-Ah..."

Shit.

------------------------

"It was just soap."

>"...And this is all just a tournament, isn't it? That's what it's supposed to be anyways. You're nice to me. That is something I don't find much. I don't want people to be mean to you in return."

------------------------

"Thank you...but that goes for you too. I want you to get away from Short Fuse."

She shakes her head.

>"I have to stay with her. I need to protect DC, too."

------------------------

"You don't have to stay with her..."

>"I do. If I leave...Decker...he...he would kill--"

Owl Eyes had to stop herself.

"...Does...Does Short Fuse hit DC?"

>"Never. She yells at DC, but she would never hit her."

------------------------

"What does Decker want?"

>"...I don't know. The only thing I've heard about is...some...some plan to stop the tournament. He wants to use Cutie Clash to...to stop the competition entirely."

"L-Look...Owl Eyes, you need to let us help you. Nothing is going to change if--"

>"If you get involved you will die."

"...I can handle myself."

>"He's much more powerful than any of us...he...you wouldn't stand a chance."

------------------------

"I'm not sure if I can...but WE can."

>"..."

"Just trust me, okay? It'll be fine."

>"...I...I trust you."

------------------------

I hug her close.

"Thank you. Now let's get dried off and ready."

>"We still have a few hours..."

"Then there's no rush. No problem."

(cont.)

------------------------

"...May I take a nap, Tactic? I haven't slept well, but I feel safer around you..."

------------------------

I climb into my bed, patting the area next to me.

"Come on, get some rest."

She curls up beside me, in a little ball.

------------------------

------------------------

I tap at her face.

>"That tickles!"

She's definitely a lot more expressive...

Owl Eyes is completely out of it beside me.

------------------------

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

I wonder if I can give her any sort of present or something--

(cont.)

------------------------

...

(cont.)

------------------------

Are...Are those...?

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

http://i.gyazo.com/3a8aa6f62c22f5da870a3a9162c12ce1.png

------------------------

I slide out of bed and tiptoe into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

http://i.gyazo.com/41e444b1d9b5d7c783d81c7d11c291a1.png

------------------------

http://i.gyazo.com/4be0f706e6be2ed02534226aa8cace59.png

>"...Ah! It feels so good...! Th-Thank you, Master..."

I begin to stroke myself with my own two hooves.

>"Push it in deeper..."

------------------------

>"...H-Harder! Yes! Yes! I l-love it...!"

"Hngh!"

http://i.gyazo.com/a9479865946cfea5dfa980b9b246e13c.png

------------------------

------------------------

Might as well take a small nap as well...

[ END OF PART 13 ]

------------------------

Fly away, little duck...

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------------------------

>"Silly butts...! You fell asleep?"

------------------------

"Wh...What time is it?"

>"It's about 5. You wanna head over to J'ella's place? It's just a 15 minute walk. We don't have to eat right away, either!"

brb dinner

------------------------

"Yeah, a walk sounds pretty refreshing. Wanna get coffee?"

>"J'ella has coffee at her place! She makes a great cup!"

I float Owl Eyes onto my back.

"Shall we?"

(cont.)

------------------------

>"--and then we tried finding the chocolate milk but it turned out that the company discontinued it due a disease outbreak! How ironic is that!"

"...That is pretty strange."

>"Carver wouldn't stop laughing...it wasn't THAT funny."

"I'll have to agree with J'ella."

>"Well, I thought it was clever...What'd you two do while I was gone anyways?"

------------------------

"Ah we just cleaned up a bit, I played on my phone, Owl Eyes passed out on my lap...nothing much."

>"You must've been pretty tired after this morning, huh? That little filly really gave you a tough time..."

------------------------

"I actually had to try pretty hard to beat her...shew as a good match. Let's hope I don't have that much trouble in the future."

>"Y-Yeah."

You feel Owl Eyes shift on your back.

>"...Tactic?"

I passed out again ;_;

------------------------

"Hey, Owl Eyes, sleep well?"

>"Yes. Thank you. Are we headed to the Jello pony's house?"

J'ella responds.

>"Yep! You must be the Owl pony Carver told me about! Wonderful to meet you!"

>"...You as well."

------------------------

Turning back, I notice something strange from the corner of my eye. A filly running out of an alleyway.

"...Hey, you guys go on ahead, I need to check something out."

>"O-Okay, don't take too long, Tactic!"

I set Owl Eyes down and race across the street. As I get closer I notice...

------------------------

"DC? What are you running from?"

DC looks up, she starts to hastily shake her head. She notices Owl Eyes off in the distance and waves a hoof, desperate for you to leave.

------------------------

I step in front of DC and wave to Carver. She seems to pick up the message and corrals the others elsewhere.

I can see DC shaking behind my legs.

From the alley, I can barely hear some sort of pained scream.

------------------------

I try and peek around the corner. I see moving shadows, but nothing of real worth.

"DC, you need to get out. Go to Owl Eyes."

She shakes her head.

"DC, listen to me you have to get out."

You can see tears forming in her eyes. She continues to defy you.

------------------------

I lean in a bit closer. I see flashes of some sort of light...

"Is your sister in there?"

DC nods, clearly concerned.

------------------------

"Get yourself to Owl Eyes, DC. I'm not going to worry about you."

DC dashes off, and I dash in. Rounding the corner I fire off a number of bright flares, disorienting them.

(cont.)

------------------------

I feel a heavy weight crush down on my horn, stopping me in my tracks.

>"...What do we have here? A little pest?"

(cont.)

------------------------

My entire body feels like it's been flattened...

"...A-Are you...Decker?"

>"...Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, too. Have you come to enjoy the show?"

------------------------

I manage to lob a stream of spit at his feet.

>"Hmph. What a confident, young stallion. Have you come to save Short Fuse?"

"...Wh-Why are you...why are you doing this?"

>"She betrayed me. She promised me an allotted sum of bits, but failed to deliver. This is her punishment. Don't worry. I won't kill her...but she needs to know who to listen to."

------------------------

"Why does she owe you bits?"

>"If she gives me bits, I keep her sister out of harm's way. It's simple."

Short Fuse begins to mutter something.

>"...T-Tactic? Why the...the hell are you here...? G-Guh...!"

>"She spends too much time galloping around like a celebrity...just because she's good at some game. How detestable..."

"If you beat her u-up like this then she won't be able to get bits."

>"I'm sure she can find a way."

"B-But...why do you...even need the money?"

>"...I don't. But it's fun to watch her squirm for a chance to get a few bits."

------------------------

"Wow, so that's how you get your kicks?"
"Beating a defenseless mare in a dark, unsanitary back alley?"

"Pff, wow. How climactic."
"I can tell you really know drama.."

"..not..."

"Look, tonight while you're in bed, you're not gonna remember a thing about this gross brutality."
"Not one damned thing."

"Why all this effort for a fuzzy memory?"
"Wait for the right time, bleed her and savour it."

"Or maybe you don't have the patience?"

>"...You're right. Perhaps we should try something a bit more exciting."

(cont.)

------------------------

...The magic on my horn disappears.

I can move!

(cont.)

------------------------

I begin to float a nearby shard of glass...

(cont.)

------------------------

(cont.)

------------------------

------------------------

>"Thank you for the idea. Perhaps you should come work for me."

------------------------

>"I look forward to exchanging pleasant discussion with you again."

...

------------------------

.
.
.
.

"The dead cannot cry out for justice, it is the duty of the living to do so for them."

- Lois McMaster Bujold

[ END OF PART 14 ]

I POSTED IT IN THE CYOA DISC THREAD. GG RIP

------------------------

It's harder to see in the dark...

---

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Part 8:

Part 9:

Part 10:

Part 11:

Part 12:

Part 13:

Part 14:

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Death is a lot different in real life than it is in Cutie Clash...

How long have I been sitting here?

------------------------

...Could we bring her back? As...a cyborg? A long time ago, that thought would have been absurd...but the technology is possible now.

But how...how would I even begin to try?

>"...Tactic? Are you back here?"

------------------------

After I wipe the remaining blood off my cheek, I rush over to the entrance, finding Carver, Owl Eyes and DC.

"Hey! What are you guys doing back here?"

>"...Tactic? W-We were worried so we...wanted to check on you. J'ella went back home. Do you still want to come?"

I forgot about the dinner date...my stomach is too twisted to even process the thought of eating.

>Go to dinner.
>Decline.

------------------------

I look down at DC. Making eye contact is difficult.

"No we...we can't go. We need to call the cops. There's an...an injured pony back here. You can go to J'ella's place, Carver. It'll be safer. I'll stay here."

>"...O-Oh! Alright..."

------------------------

Carver trots off, getting my message, taking Owl Eyes with her.

I maintain my gaze with DC, my eyes burning.

"...DC...th-there's something you should...know."

I can see the concern in her own eyes.

"Your sister...she..."

(cont.)

------------------------

"...Decker...he..."

(cont.)

------------------------

"DOUBLE CONE! WAIT!"

>Stop her.
>Let her see.

------------------------

It's important for her to gain closure from this...

(cont.)

------------------------

From a distance away, I can hear a soft voice...
.
.
.

>"...Sis Fuse?"

(cont.)

------------------------

>"...You're okay...you're okay...y-you're strong...you'll b-be safe..."

(cont.)

------------------------

I slowly approach her, swallowing the massive snare in my throat.

>"Can you h-hear me...? I-It's me...p-please..."

(cont.)

------------------------

I pick her up.

>"N-No...! Don't take her away!"

Her screams are barely audible. Her voice cracking from misuse.

>"Don't make her go...!"

------------------------

"That's enough Double Cone...it's too late...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

>"...S-Sis..."

------------------------

The police and ambulance arrived a few minutes later. The body was pronounced dead, which prompted investigators to flood the scene.

It was only a matter of time before the media would get a hold of this...

------------------------

I pull DC close.

>"Sir, Tactic is it? You're a witness to this murder, yes?"

"Yes...I...I watched. A pony named Decker is responsible. He held me down and...and killed her."

>"Thank you. Although, we do need to suspect you for being involved in this case...we won't take you in, knowing you're involved in the tournament, but should we ever need to question you, we won't hesitate to ask."

------------------------

"May I have your number?"

>"Unfortunately no, but I will give you the office's number. If you learn anything new about the case please contact us."

>"Ah, I knew yew vould be here."

"I-It's you..."

>"Da, pleazure to z'ee you again."

------------------------

"I suppose it's nice to see you too. I just wish it weren't here..."

>"Me nee'der, but zis' is my job."

"Are you here to ask me questions?"

>"Nyet. I know you deed not do ze' murder, but you are ee'nvolved. Vhat vere you doing here?"

------------------------

"I saw a filly run out of an alleyway...I heard a scream...I came in here to try and stop whatever was happening...but I found a unicorn named Decker. He held me down...and I tried to distract him but...he ended up killing Short Fuse..."

>"...Decker? Aye...I know zat' name. He ees' a problem. Ve' haev reported many issues vith' him...zis' ees' not his first keel'. Ah, you may l'eev if you vant."

------------------------

"...So you're just going to let him get away?! You're just gonna ignore it?!"

>"...Zat' is not vhat' I vas' talking about. Ve' are al'vays lookeeng for him. He ees' al'vays a step ahead..."

"Give me your number if I need to contact you."

>"...Fi'een."

I give her my phone. She enters in her number, with her name down as 'Detective'.

>"Vee keep our nae'mes private. Hope you do understa'end."

"Come on, DC. Let's get--h-hey! Where are you going?!"

She shakes her head, inching off a bit.

------------------------

"DC...you can't leave..."

I start to follow her.

"It's not safe right now on your own...you need to come with me. You can stay with Owl Eyes and Carver...they'll keep you safe. They'll protect you..."

>"If..."

"...Huh?"

>"...If you couldn't protect Short Fuse...how...how can you protect me?"

------------------------

"Where will you go? You can't be alone, DC...if you come with me you'll have Owl Eyes and Carver! We'll work together and keep you safe."

>"..."

------------------------

"Will you stay with us? Please?"

DC nods.

"I'll keep you out of harm's way...we need to get through this together."

------------------------

"Let's go. You wanna walk on your own or...?"

DC begins to walk without me.

"Alright, walk on your own."

We head on over to J'ella's place, via directions sent to us by Carver. Once inside, DC goes immediately to Owl Eyes, Carver and J'ella preparing a light snack in the kitchen.

>"...So...she's dead, isn't she?"

------------------------

"Yeah. She's gone."

>"Mm. Come on, DC. Let's clean up."

They both wander off. I head into the kitchen.

>"Tactic! Are you alright? Did you figure stuff out?"

------------------------

"I...I dunno...I figured out a few things...I hope you don't mind if I don't have much of an appetite."

>"That's fine. Just try to stay calm alright? Don't beat yourself up over stuff. I know you tend to do that. Is there anything we can help with?"

------------------------

"I need a drink and some...quiet place to sit."

>"J'ella, do you have anything?"

>"I have a few bottles of tulip ale in the fridge if you want."

------------------------

"I'll just have one."

I enter a quiet bedroom, sitting on the bedside.

"...Here we go."

[ END OF PART 15 ]

------------------------

The show must go on.

------------------------

You only managed to get your hands on two bottles before Carver stepped in to stop you. You don't know what time it is, and frankly you don't necessarily care.

------------------------

You gather enough strength to peek over the bed. Two empty bottles of dandelion ale lay on the ground.

------------------------

You aren't drunk. Maybe a little tipsy, but mostly exhausted. You glance at the alarm clock. 1:32am. Not too bad. Into the kitchen, you make a bee-line for the fridge, but notice Owl Eyes sitting at the counter.

------------------------

"What are you up to? Where are the others?"

>"The others are very much asleep. Carver told me to make sure you don't drink any more. You have a battle tomorrow."

------------------------

"Do you know who I'm up against?" You sneak around behind her and grab a glass from the cupboard, filling it with cold water.

>"No. It isn't me, though."

"And shouldn't you be in bed?"

>"I don't sleep."

------------------------

"Didn't...Didn't the tournament get cancelled?"

>"...Did it? I haven't watched the news at all..."

"Also, I've seen you sleep. I know you do it."

>"That was my attempt at humor. I just don't sleep often."

"I think both of us should get some shut-eye...I bet the tournament's status will be updated tomorrow morning."

>"I don't quite feel like sleeping. I doubt I could even if I tried."

------------------------

"Me neither...is DC around? She okay?"

>"She's in bed. She isn't mad at you, just coping. She's a tough kid. It'll be fine."

"...Hey, I'm curious. Do you mind...telling me what happened before you met up with me and Carver yesterday?"

>"Hmm?"

"Did...Short Fuse say anything?"

>"Oh...when she was yelling at me?"

"Yeah."

>"...She was mad."

"Well yeah, that was obvious. How do you know Short Fuse?"

>"...We worked for the same pony. We grew up together. I made her mad...it was my fault."

------------------------

"What was she like before? Was she always so angry?"

>"...She had to become angry. If she didn't look tough she would've gotten eaten alive."

"...But what was she even angry about? Shitty bits? I doubt that's the case."

>"...It's...It's because she...needed the bits. If she didn't get enough bits then...Decker would've...done bad things. I couldn't get any so...I thought if I brought food it would be at least something..."

------------------------

"How...How do you feel about her death? Be honest."

>"...I didn't like Short Fuse. But she was good for Double Cone. I am scared for the filly."

"You wanna have a practice fight? Get our minds off of things?"

>"...I don't know if I'm up for that. I wouldn't be a very good opponent."

------------------------

"Heh, how'd you get into a Cutie Clash tournament without being good?"

>"...I don't know if I'm good, but if you want to battle I will comply."

"We both need practice if the tournament is still going on."

>"True. You've never seen me fight before, right?"

"Nope."

>"Do you want to finish your water first?"

------------------------

You chug down the whole cup, setting it gently on the counter.

>"...That works as well. Don't pee while we're fighting, please."

You move yourselves to the living room, gathering up your gear and plugging it in.

"You look nice, Owl Eyes."

>"Thank you. You look very cool as well. Would you like to establish rules or is it a free-for-all?"

------------------------

"Just a free-for-all. It's not extremely serious."

>"Okay."

She clicks a few buttons on her helmet, disabling the life-point mechanic. Unlimited hits are now active.

You both enter into the virtual realm, the environment spawning around you.

------------------------

"Alright are...are we underwater?"

>"Yes. Clearly we can breathe. But I estimate that gravity and traction is very much a factor."

"Hmm...alright, I...guess we can start out with reflex training?"

>"Right."

You jump around a bit, testing out how movement is affected. You're significantly slower, and it takes more effort to move around.

Almost immediately, Owl Eyes is racing(as fast as she can) towards you, baring her weapons.

------------------------

You wait patiently, knowing that underwater momentum is much harder to control. Jumping to the side, you swing your scythe with as much force as possible, clanging the blade with the back of her weapons. It sends her tumbling into the ground, sand kicking up everywhere.

------------------------

You quickly throw up sand to cloud the water. It's hard for either party to see anything, other than vague shifts in the color of the sand.

You then see two glowing dots in the midst of the clouds.

------------------------

From the dust, you notice a swinging blade coming straight for your face.

------------------------

You quickly bend back, catching yourself with the scythe. Her hoof scrapes the top of your helmet, then her hind hooves kick above your face.

------------------------

You whip your scythe into a circle, which would be impossible in real life, and create a tornado, Owl Eyes swirling around in the center.

------------------------

You watch to see how Owl Eyes gets out the situation, jumping into the spiraling vortex to attack. Once you're inside however, you can't find her, and find yourself wobbling in the storm. You then see a brown splotch rapidly spinning INSIDE the tornado, popping out the other side.

------------------------

You attempt to catch the gusts with your scythe, tumbling through the storm, causing it to fall apart, sending you crashing into the sand.

Both of you get up and confront each other yet again, staring each other down.

[END OF THREAD 16]

------------------------