File: Straighten your tie.jpg (65.2 KB)
(�/�c؞P\
E bWNK��/2�:���(��m�6e6��-�*����� �PWW'wC���?,1��x^/�D�f����'��g��!ˣ��U�2���~�'ĕdž���$|�sPOa���ǡ��rQ��5���0��[�L���ZBB�RQ��ɹ8)�.��8�{fi\���q�>�Z�bY0�J�lVg�7)b�^��ص�'�Y����4�����cVtl���0�Ȇ��9����hgӡ�J�8SuY�em��¨����z��lF�k�������,��w:�3U��A5"!��� ���2P�%Bd!B#S"����t (vk�D�<��� kXu�<v)�C,b�z����U�����+���ڡ/v���p��_�N���i����Gʤ=}�he��)��OfT���;���/�
9� ���me+feY�4����qzj4Ba��L�T8�*�Q����n���5I����`��ÛX� ���"��Bo��Yw�a�7d���%��bc�T%Mȑ�Y�b"�2����6�2��r(��%�mL7Xb#����� D�� _&S�������)[�bSw, ��0��FK����3�9~�ָ?�����B�m�%���Mzt�?q�F�H��_Su��
�:��9��J�'cvy�.��m|�~��N���Ch���A��Nh�"�k�u�͵K ʟ���G�C��#�� 0�a�|�tLg2�;��f�y�E���E:�?Vp���Ui� 5czH�r��_ځ�~�T4ߒ3.����e �7L?�>�N �Oϒ3Vt����RU�@d�.���V�`6���W
�xk�^��7�����aqk�S_������m���+�V
Showing all 323 replies.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1729569591738.png (62.8 KB)
>>43245904
kiss her back.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1716705692641.jpg (34.0 KB)
>>43247708
>>
File: 149049831832.png (83.7 KB)
>>43247863
that doesn't make sense because I want my wife to rape me?
>>
>>
File: 1756117931506774.png (846.0 KB)
>>43248081For (You).
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43209413
>>43243827
Okay, the next segment of the chapter is up and running. The paste is already up to date as well. Really not much more to say about this one. So on to the obligatory link posting and then let's get right to the text.
Main story:
https://ponepaste.org/477
https://ponepaste.org/478
https://ponepaste.org/479
https://ponepaste.org/480
https://ponepaste.org/4581
https://ponepaste.org/8319
https://ponepaste.org/10382
Side story:
https://ponepaste.org/4466
Hope you like it.
>>
>>43248934
187.3
>You are not entirely certain what you are supposed to expect as you step out of the crowd.
>Does Discord claim to know you, or will he pretend that you are strangers to him?
>Either way, you have to be very careful.
>Because Discord will, without the shadow of a doubt, make it very easy for you to slip.
>And probably provide an extra load of soap just to let you slide further downhill too.
>Aware of this fact, and also expecting the worst, you eye Check Hill keenly right from the start.
>Even before he has spotted you in turn.
>At least as far as you can tell.
>And effectively speaking, it does not really matter much, as Check Hill turns his head roughly in your direction soon thereafter, promptly noticing you for good in the process.
>Judging from the look of his movement, it might have been a spontaneous one.
>Without the explicit intention of confronting you immediately.
>However, one can never be sure about any potential intentions behind Discord's actions.
>A fact which he certainly enjoys, considering that he can sometimes cause a headache to his adversaries simply by being unpredictable and opaque.
>Anyway, intentionally or not, his action has started this dance.
>Everyone has to swing to the tones of its music now.
>It only remains to be seen who determines the tact as the proverbial song proceeds.
>Well, the opening move goes to Discord.
>Which means that you will have to roll with the punches.
>And Discord does not waste any time.
>Check Hill swiftly eyes the four of you as you stand in front of him.
>Then he smiles.
>Not in a mischievous or mocking manner or anything like that.
>No, his smile comes across as actually genuine.
>Possibly even relieved to some degree as well.
>That part in particular almost makes your skin crawl.
>A cocky or pretentious Discord is a force to be reckoned with.
>But a friendly Discord is dangerous.
>He speaks up.
>"You're the four who are living in the remote house, I take it?"
>Alright.
>He is coming right to the point, as it seems.
>You respond.
"Yes. That's us."
>Check Hill inhales.
>And as he does, it appears as if he might be even more relieved than before.
>If you did not know it any better, you might almost believe that he is concerned about your wellbeing.
>"It's good that you're here. I was starting to think that I should ask somepony, no... at least two ponies... to summon you."
>You do not like what you hear.
>After all, it implies that his effect on the ponies is already strong enough to cajole them into doing something for him.
>Granted, asking a few ponies to inform you about his presence is not exactly a major request.
>But considering that it is Discord who is doing this, it is already a good reason to be alarmed.
>And his facade of the caring and concerned caretaker only makes it worse.
>Anyway, you need to react to his comment.
>So you quickly evaluate your options before you answer.
"Summon us? For what exactly?"
>>
>>43248935
>You feign complete ignorance.
>After all, two can play this game.
>And it leaves your conversation with Fall Seed out of the picture.
>You add something before Discord can respond.
"And by the way, who are you?"
>The stallion in front of you smiles politely.
>Which strikes you as wrong on every level.
>"My name is Check Hill. And I'm here to warn you."
>Well, he is not exactly leaving you with many options here.
>So you get right to the heart of the matter.
>You tilt your head.
"Warn us? About what?"
>Of course, Fall Seed has already given you some clear hints about Discord's plan.
>Yet you want to hear the details from Discord himself.
>Besides, it does not take a genius to figure out that Check Hill was waiting for that question.
>Acting like a spirit who just heard the correct incantations, Check Hill instinctively reaches for a pair of saddlebags.
>The bags have been put on the ground, right next to the stallion.
>Strange, you have not noticed this detail before.
>Probably because your mind was too preoccupied with Discord himself.
>You mentally reach out to #deca.mare again and also relay the conversation to Firefly and Sky Squall once more.
>Is there something in his stuff that we should know of?
>I mean something dangerous.
>You cannot see her reaction since you observe Check Hill as he reaches into one of his bags, but #deca.mare is quick to give you a mental answer.
>Except for his ideas, no.
>This is good news, even when it does little to defuse your current situation.
>After all, Discord is evidently trying to create a ruckus in Summer Shine by implying that something strange is roaming the woods around the village.
>The worst part about it is that he is, from the perspective of the ponies, technically not wrong.
>Even when the details of the "strange being" seem to be completely exaggerated, if Fall Seed's account is to be believed.
>You for your part decide to trust his evaluation of Check Hill's tales, so you mentally prepare yourself for the worst.
>And it is soon to come, as Check Hill unearths a scroll.
>The document appears to be slightly worn down, indicating that it is used regularly, but apart from a few minor blemishes it is fully intact.
>Check Hill speaks up before he opens the scroll.
>"I have every reason to believe that a creature is on the loose in this region. One unlike any other that you could even dream of."
>He opens the scroll now and looks at the content.
>You can only see the back of the document, so you have no idea what exactly it contains.
>But you are about to find out.
>For better, or for worse.
>"Don't get startled."
>Check Hill waits for another second to let his words sink in.
>Then he turns the scroll around.
>And much to your surprise, the sight does actually stump you.
>Because you see a twisted portrait drawing of yourself.
>Well, more or less yourself.
>>
>>43248936
>The facial structure is completely accurate, and Discord even managed to perfectly imitate your usual gaze.
>You even recognise where the inspiration is coming from.
>Discord has copied and altered the image which is attached to your personal pilot profile.
>And as far as the general outline is concerned, he managed to capture your personality fairly well.
>However, he has taken some very obvious and drastic liberties.
>For starters, you are fairly sure that you were never fully covered in dark hairy fur.
>And the last time you checked, you did not have any boar tusks either.
>You blink as you process what you are seeing.
>Then you open your mouth, but fail to say anything.
>A reaction which Check Hill uses to go on.
>"Not a pretty sight, I know. Some ponies were close to fainting when they saw it for the first time."
>As much as you hate to admit it, you can see why.
>Your friends are eerily silent as well.
>They must be just as surprised as you are.
>Realising that you must take control of the situation somehow, you raise your voice.
"What... in the name of..."
>You pause briefly , but push yourself to continue before Check Hill can take over.
"What is that... thing... supposed to be?"
>Check Hill is happy to answer your question.
>"Glad that you asked. That's, according to my research, a creature which is known as a Hum Hen."
>You blink once more.
"Come again?"
>The Earth pony stallion shrugs.
>"I don't understand why it's called like that either. It doesn't look like a chicken to me."
>You can agree with that notion at least.
>He goes on.
>"I'm not sure if it can hum though. The old texts were never very specific about that."
>Hold on.
"Old texts? You have sources for this?"
>Check Hill nods.
>"Yes, I'm not the first who's chasing this beast. But I'm determined to be the one who finds it."
>He reaches into his bags a second time to grab another scroll.
>It is just as worn as the first one, but also still fully readable.
>"The evidence is sparse, but if you know where to check, you can find a pattern of clues. Take a look at this."
>He opens the scroll and gives it to you.
>This one features a smaller full body sketch of the alleged "Hum Hen" in the centre, riddled with notes and comments on all sides.
>And now you see where Fall Seed got his impression of this thing being scarier than a dragon.
>Because not only is the whole body of this bipedal "creature" covered in dark hair, it also has sharp claws which look like they could shred metal like paper.
>The slightly hunched pose and forward leaning upper body do not help either.
>You almost have to struggle to comment on this sight without losing your temper.
"You can't be serious."
>Check Hill remains calm and polite.
>A fact which angers you even more.
>"Oh, I am. And my work is based on serious references. Here."
>>
>>43248937
>He points at a text passage close to the bottom of the scroll.
>As you read the lines, you quickly grasp that this is an enumeration of pony names and the titles of some pieces of literature.
>A rudimentary bibliography, as it seems.
>You study the names of the texts and their authors for a while.
>Both sound solid in theory, yet you quickly start to suspect that they are fake.
>After all, you have never even heard of any of them.
>Which is, considering your track record and the degree of your involvement in Equestria over the years, next to impossible.
>This alleged foundation of sources is nothing but hot air, and such an attempt would never fly in any well-read circles or places with easy access to information such as libraries.
>However, a small and mostly isolated community like Summer Shine does not have any of those advantages.
>The only even remotely comparable "fonts of knowledge" in this village are Fine Point and Bubbly Droplet.
>Which means Discord has ample means to stir up uncertainties with his stunts.
>You pass the scroll to your friends and observe their reactions.
>And you do not even have to contact them to see that they are not exactly convinced either.
>Fine.
>Knowing that the four of you are in agreement, you can go on.
>Poker face, and back to Check Hill.
"That's... certainly something, I guess. But honestly, I have a hard time to imagine that such a creature is anywhere in, or around, Summer Shine."
>Check Hill shakes his head and raises his voice.
>And he is loud enough so that the ponies around you can hear him as well.
>"You underestimate the Hum Hen, friend. It's a crafty fellow that can hide everywhere. In the woods, in the deep grass... and sometimes it even digs its way into cellars."
>You hear faint murmurs in the crowd.
>These words have definitely not gone unheard.
>Alright, Discord does not beat around the bush.
>It is clear where he is going with this one, and the best way to counter his approach is to shut it down right away.
>And you are not the only one who has this idea.
>Because Sky Squall chimes in right now.
>In an equally loud volume.
>After all, he knows how to catch the attention of others.
>"Not into ours. I've been there just this morning. And there were no hens or holes to speak of."
>The first part of his statement is not quite honest, for nobody has been in the cellar this morning.
>But the second half is definitely true.
>And Sky Squall's reassurance helps to calm down the locals again.
>Check Hill listens attentively as well, yet he shows no overt reaction.
>Then he responds.
>"That's all well and good, but this could change any minute. What if the Hum Hen was hiding in the bushes nearby when you left your house?"
>Sky Squall does not give him that opening.
>"Then I would've seen it during my morning routine around the house. I like to fly a few laps before we head out."
>>
>>43248940
>Which has indeed happened here and there.
>Sometimes it was even witnessed by some of your neighbours.
>Albeit not today.
>Still, it is very well established in Summer Shine that Sky Squall is known for his love of flight, so it is an effective argument that Discord cannot disprove.
>Unless he plans to make the unwise move of openly calling Sky Squall a liar, he has to accept this point for what it is.
>And he does make that concession, in a way.
>"I do not doubt your skills, but are you really sure that you covered the whole area? This creature is not only clever, it is also fast and elusive."
>Much to your surprise, Sky Squall starts to smile.
>In all honesty, and with the same pride that he loved to display in his previous life.
>"Trust me. Even the best legs can't beat a good pair of wings."
>Sky Squall boldly spreads his wings to stress his point.
>Then he fluffs himself up on top of that.
>It is an attempt to appear as imposing as possible, to illustrate strength and determination in equal measure.
>"We'd know if something unusual were to come even remotely close to this place. That's a guarantee."
>The reactions to Sky Squall's gesture are two-fold.
>The villagers side with him in this matter.
>All of them look at the Pegasus stallion now, and their concerned whispering ceases altogether.
>If this keeps going on like this, Sky Squall might even have to thank Discord for enabling him to take up a leading role again.
>However, as ironic as that might be, this is of course not the intention of your opponent.
>Check Hill, on the other hand, remains completely unmoved by Sky Squall's gesture.
>Yet he still does not show any notion of discontent either.
>Which does, in a way, concerns you a little bit in turn.
>After all, both Sky Squall and you have openly attempted to defuse the situation that Discord has created.
>And judging from the general mood of the ponies in the crowd, your mutual efforts were relatively successful.
>Discord cannot be happy with that.
>So unless he already has a plan to turn the tables again, you do not see how he can remain this composed.
>Check Hill speaks up.
>"Very well. It looks like we have a disagreement here."
>A pause.
>"But I think we can work this out. You say you can scout the area around the village? Then I suggest that you do so right now. And thoroughly."
>He inhales.
>"If you're right and I'm wrong, and you find nothing in the woods, then fine. I can accept that. Your tour may have been in vain then, but... better safe than sorry, right?"
>A pause.
>"And if I'm right, then it's all the more important for you to sweep the area for signs of activity. Because it means that a Hum Hen is definitely lurking nearby."
>This is a surprisingly rational way of thinking.
>Which means that it cannot be that simple, considering that Discord is the one who uttered it.
>Something is fishy about it, yet you have no idea what.
>>
>>43248942
>But at the same time, you cannot exactly say no to the offer either.
>Not in front of the gathered crowd of ponies.
>For they would not understand your motivations if you were to decline the proposal.
>In their eyes, Check Hill has just offered you a proverbial olive branch.
>And from their point of view, it would be foolish and reckless to dismiss it outright.
>You glance over to Sky Squall whilst he does the same in turn, and both of you understand that you are coming to exactly the same conclusion.
>So the Pegasus stallion agrees to Check Hill's proposal, albeit quite begrudgingly.
>He knows just as well as you do that the whole thing must have a catch.
>"Fine. If that's your... request, we'll scout the area for you."
>Sky Squall keeps trying to come across as diplomatic.
>"You'll see, three Pegasi can sweep the woods in no time."
>Check Hill blinks.
>"You mean two."
>Sky Squall tilts his head.
>"Uhm, you can count to three, right?"
>That quip was perhaps a little bit too confrontational, but it does not come out of nowhere.
>Check Hill responds, still showing a calm demeanour which does not sit well with you at all.
>"Sure, but you don't want to send a pregnant mare to deal with a dastardly creature, now would you?"
>Ass.
>Sky Squall grimaces only for a brief moment, yet it is enough to reveal that Check Hill's argument has struck.
>And as Sky Squall falls silent in his conversation with Discord, he reaches out to you and the others through your mental channels.
>I will strangle him.
>Does anyone want to join?
>#deca.mare responds.
>Stop, Sky. If you lash out, you give him what he wants.
>The stallion grumbles, yet only on the comm channel.
>I know.
>That only makes it worse.
>What do we do now?
>Firefly takes over.
>Play ball.
>I hate to say it, but I do not see a viable alternative.
>More grumbling.
>If you say so.
>Sky Squall does not sound convinced.
>Or maybe he simply does not want to sound content at the moment.
>Simply to stress his point.
>You chime in.
>But Firefly, that means we have to split up.
>Do you think you can handle him?
>Firefly replies swiftly.
>We will manage.
>Sky Squall again.
>The level of irony is infuriating, do you know that?
>This snake feigns to be a responsible and concerned pony by pointing out that pregnant mares are not supposed to face malevolent creatures.
>And yet he arranges everything to encourage you to stay behind with him.
>You are about to comment on that, but Sky Squall keeps going.
>I know it is what he does.
>But that does not make it any better.
>Now you "say" something.
>Let us get to work then.
>The sooner we start to debunk his claims, the better.
>And then we can all return to our normal life.
>Sky Squall sighs.
>I suppose you are right.
>>
>>43248944
>The Pegasus stallion takes a deep breath before he speaks up.
>"Fair point, Check Hill. That's... probably not the best idea."
>Then he turns to you.
>"Shall we head out?"
>You nod briefly.
"Alright. I still think this is a wild goose chase though. Just for the record."
>Check Hill nods.
>"Consider it recorded."
>He smiles.
>"For the history books. In the passage that precedes the confirmation of my theory."
>You huff audibly and spread your wings.
"That remains to be seen."
>With that said, you take off.
>And Sky Squall follows you shortly thereafter.
>You mentally address the others once more.
>Sky, let us give the ponies a good air show.
>Standard Guard search pattern, around the village and the nearby woods.
>He responds immediately.
>Sure.
>But how do we prove that something does not exist?
>The lack of evidence does not negate the possibility of it existing at all.
>You reply at once.
>That is true.
>But if we can prove that there are no signs of strange creatures nearby, it strengthens our position.
>Discord relies on rumors and hearsay, but we dish out hard facts.
>Facts we can use to convince the others that Discord's claims are nothing more than puffs of hot air.
>When nobody believes in his nonsense, he does not have any leverage to continue his charade.
>And therefore no reason to stay, as you think to yourself.
>Sky Squall inhales.
>Both on the comm channel and in the physical world.
>I hope this will be enough to get this buffoon out of Summer Shine.
>You tacitly agree with the stallion.
>Yet you also know what Discord can be capable of when he is feeling creative.
>And something tells you his creativity is brewing up something special.
>Just for the four of you.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43249727
Agreed, that would have been the last missing detail for the full list of traits. His depiction is clear enough as it is to get the point across though.
>>43250516
Glad to hear that. I'm always curious about feedback.
>>
>>
>>
>>43248946
>claim to know you, or will he pretend
Whichever causes more chaos in the long run.
>the opening move goes to Discord
They could just as well approach him and immediately state that they know him. Or approach him and say its good to see new faces. So the opening move is still up in the air.
>ask somepony ... to summon you
Summoning everypony? He is sure planning something.
>warn you
Hmm, three days might not be enough to set a bigger plan in motion which can sustain itself. For example unpaid taxes or something. Also him deciding immediately to fuck with them is exactly why they did not want to give him a proxy. Maybe it would be immediately time to teach him a lesson. Take control of the proxy, make him look like a fool.
>Check Hill
Unfitting name IMHO. Nor does it sound like chaos, nor the exact opposite. Like Calm Presence or something along that way.
>you see a twisted portrait drawing of yourself
At this moment I would have definitely taken away his proxy privileges for a moment. And make him look like a fool. Two can play this game. There is an expression "don't pull the lion's whiskers" in my language. He is just doing exactly that. Also it just occurred to me that Discord got his request fulfilled before Harmony.
>Old texts?
Hm, Anon did not visit Equestria that many times before. And those were pretty short when he did.
>it also has sharp claws
The fingers could be mistaken for that to somepony who never saw fingers.
>suspect that they are fake
#deca.mare could check it.
>and sometimes it even digs its way into cellars
Oddly specific.
>Even the best legs can't beat
I sense a reflection to the time when he injured Anon.
>remains completely unmoved
I wonder when #deca.mare or Firefly pipe in and call the newcomer a travelling scammer.
>we have a disagreement here
Would be funny if Anon just walked out, into the middle of the crowd and booped Discord's nose. Meanwhile all the ponies unable to see Anon.
>and you find nothing in the woods, then fine
Hm. What did he set up?
>Not in front of the gathered crowd of ponies.
Yes he can. He can call him a liar. He is a newcomer from somewhere, his words has no credibility.
>a pregnant mare
How does he know? Is she showing already?
>I will strangle him.
Just take control of his proxy, make him look like a fool then give control back. This would be the chaos way.
>he does not have any leverage to continue his charade
He will most certainly point out footsteps.
Thanks for the update!
>>
>>
>>
>>43253988
>They could just as well approach him and immediately state that they know him. Or approach him and say its good to see new faces.
That kind of doesn't fly now, after telling Fall Seed that they don't know him. Granted, he is out of the picture at the moment, but it would create a certain potential inconsistency in the chain of events. Now that I think about it though, they could have claimed to know him right from the start and then tell everyone that he has a tendency to see things which aren't there or something, implying that his drawings have no real basis. Oh well, missed potential.
>Maybe it would be immediately time to teach him a lesson. Take control of the proxy, make him look like a fool.
>At this moment I would have definitely taken away his proxy privileges for a moment. And make him look like a fool.
Hm, that's an interesting approach. Not quite what I had in mind, but it's a nice idea to turn the confusion around.
>Unfitting name IMHO.
Duly noted, and I see why. But keep that thought in mind for a while.
>Also it just occurred to me that Discord got his request fulfilled before Harmony.
Barring Harmony's earlier conception, he kind of did, yeah. But other than Harmony, he is not "interested" in the early stages of life, which makes it possible for him to "skip" the foalhood entirely whilst Harmony gains insights and experiences from being a youngster. So it's not an inherent disadvantage from Harmony's perspective.
>Hm, Anon did not visit Equestria that many times before.
True, but he does try to remain at least somewhat up to date. So the chances of him not knowing even one of those authors is bound to raise suspicions.
#deca.mare could check it.
That's true. And she can always intervene when things might get out of hand. They have not reached a level where this might become necessary yet though.
>Oddly specific.
Intentionally so, of course.
>I sense a reflection to the time when he injured Anon.
Interesting comparison, especially when one considers that Anon is physically not able to compete with a pony. But that is of course a fact which isn't exactly common knowledge on the surface.
>Would be funny if Anon just walked out, into the middle of the crowd and booped Discord's nose. Meanwhile all the ponies unable to see Anon.
Kek.
>Yes he can. He can call him a liar. He is a newcomer from somewhere, his words has no credibility.
That's why Discord added the scrolls to his repertoire. He attempts to gain credibility through them, as they help to make his "endeavour" look more professional than it actually is.
>Is she showing already?
Slightly. It's not much yet, but the first signs are slowly beginning to emerge. They're enough for a "trained eye" to see what is going on.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: comfort_panel5.png (27.9 KB)
>>43255078
either she cut herself, or it's from her pet bird >>43211839
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1375189750584.png (164.9 KB)
>>43257244
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1767029585331097.png (348.7 KB)
>>43261947
>>
File: 65852869.jpg (228.0 KB)
>>43261947
>>43261957
Based
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 7693790.jpg (492.0 KB)
>>43265077
uunnffff
>>
>>
>>
File: 54897278.png (436.7 KB)
>>43265911
Damn right she is
>>
File: 1779127883531204.png (406.2 KB)
>>43265911
The truth has been spoken.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1757350601639.png (38.8 KB)
>>43265911
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 58947892.jpg (259.0 KB)
>>43268049
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1583906213050.png (1.3 MB)
>>43268049
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 2586766.png (538.4 KB)
>>43272012
>>43272297
i miss this guy's art, wonder where he is now. i love my wife
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 6585624.png (1.4 MB)
>>43272941
Agreed
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1750885628592578.png (260.0 KB)
>>43272941
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1777601640510.png (168.3 KB)
>>43274804
Finish Line is a precious mare
>>
File: For her.jpg (412.4 KB)
>>43274936
>>
>>43248949
And here is the final segment of chapter 187. It is a bit of an odd one considering that a lot of the "speech" lines are not physically spoken, but I hope this unusual format doesn't distract too much from what is happening. If it does, please let me know. Usual links and here we go.
Main story:
https://ponepaste.org/477
https://ponepaste.org/478
https://ponepaste.org/479
https://ponepaste.org/480
https://ponepaste.org/4581
https://ponepaste.org/8319
https://ponepaste.org/10382
Side story:
https://ponepaste.org/4466
Have fun.
>>
>>43275046
187.4
>Sky Squall and you gain some altitude and begin your patrol around the village.
>And true to the standard routine as it is practiced by the Guard, you start to fly small sweeping circles close to Summer Shine and monitor the surface.
>Then, once you are sure that the area is clear, you gradually expand the range of your laps.
>Under ideal circumstances, there would be more than two fliers in the air to perform this task in order to effectively cover a wider area at a faster pace.
>But since it is only the two of you now, thanks to Discord's appeal to emotions, you have to make do with a single duo.
>This does admittedly hamstring your progress to a certain degree, yet you will manage.
>As you circle around the village and act as if you were keenly examining the environment, you decide to address Sky Squall.
"Sky, keep an eye out when we reach the trees. I... wouldn't put it past Discord to place some fake traces somewhere to cause a panic."
>The Pegasus stallion looks at you for a moment before he continues to eye the surface.
>"Can't say that I'd disagree, but why in the forests?"
>You take a breath.
"I doubt that Discord would take the risk of getting discovered by someone whilst he's placing wrong pieces of evidence. Remember, he's shifty as hell, but he can only rely on the capabilities of an Earth pony. And an Earth pony in an open field is easy to notice."
>Sky Squall follows your train of thought.
>"But not so in the woods."
>You nod.
"Precisely. A lot of foliage, and barely anyone in the vicinity to bump into."
>He inhales.
>"Very well. And what do you plan to do if we actually find something?"
>You blink and go on with a deadpan tone.
"Easy. To get rid of them. We wipe any traces and embezzle whatever objects that Check Hill might have placed. Then we say that we found nothing of note."
>You pause on purpose.
>For you want to see how Sky Squall reacts to the suggestion.
>But he shows no obvious reaction.
>So you go on.
"Sure, it isn't honest. And I bet Discord will also complain after the fact to bemoan our unfair behaviour or whatever, but, quite frankly, that doesn't matter. Discord has laid the groundwork by playing a dirty game, so we have to adapt if we want to keep up. Besides, I see nothing wrong with it. We deny Discord the chance to fool others with a scam, so we only right a wrong with unorthodox means."
>Sky Squall thinks about this for a second.
>Then he agrees.
>"Right. I don't see why we should put up with Discord's game either."
>You grin cockily as you get another idea.
>And Sky Squall comments on that immediately.
>"Anon, it's rare for you to look so... perkily. What's on your mind?"
>Now you have to snicker.
"What if we just turn the tables?"
>You do not wait for Sky Squall to answer.
>For you reach out to #deca.mare again and let both Sky Squall and Firefly listen in at the same time.
>#deca, how many decoys has Discord placed around the village?
>And while we are at it, where are they?
>>
>>43275047
>You hear Sky Squall's muffled laughter whilst #deca.mare speaks up.
>Check Hill has indeed placed a number of false traces in the forest.
>A pause.
>However, Harmony does not recommend me to reveal all of them.
>You blink.
>And Sky Squall falls silent.
>But why?
>What do we gain from playing this drama out?
>#deca.mare inhales audibly.
>Harmony thinks this is a good opportunity to learn.
>For Discord, but also for all of us.
>You think your reply speaks for Firefly and Sky Squall as well.
>I do not understand.
>#deca.mare goes on.
>Think of it as a field test.
>By confronting Summer Shine and us in particular, Discord has created the perfect setup for us to spar with his wits under ideal circumstances.
>We have a lot of influence in this region and do not have to rely on indirect means to counter his ideas.
>You chime in.
>So you mean our position as residents of Summer Shine turns us into active agents in the whole affair.
>#deca.mare goes on.
>Right.
>Harmony argues that we can hardly ask for better circumstances for our first confrontation with Discord, so it would be unwise to shut it down prematurely.
>Sky Squall reaches out to #deca.mare.
>That... almost sounds like a training run.
>A mock combat to test the waters, if you will.
>#deca.mare replies.
>Yes, that is one way to call it.
>Sky Squall grunts.
>Forgive me for being the sceptic here, but that does not sound like something that Discord would do.
>Not at all.
>He would never do us such a favour.
>#deca.mare chuckles at that.
>You are right, Sky.
>Discord has no intention to tone anything down.
>On the contrary, he knows that we can easily shut his game down at any given moment if we wanted to, so he plans to cause as much of an uproar as he can within a short span of time.
>You take over.
>I do not like the sound of that either.
>#deca.mare almost giggles again.
>Then look at it like this: Harmony proposes to turn the... chaotic escapades of Discord into a practical training session.
>Can you think of something which is more antithetical to chaos than that?
>You blink.
>I suppose not.
>You take a breath before you continue.
>And Discord really is none the wiser?
>Now she snickers a second time.
>Yes.
>Harmony is, for the lack of a better term, indeed pulling a prank on Discord.
>A prank with a practical side effect.
>Sky Squall smiles and speaks up.
>Fine.
>This is a premise I can work with.
>The stallion inhales.
>Too bad that we cannot tell him that though.
>Because if we did, he would stop it himself.
>#deca.mare agrees.
>Indeed.
>You inhale and go on.
>Okay, fine.
>Let us keep the charade going for a while.
>A pause.
>But it should be toned down.
>Before Discord finds a way to go overboard with his tricks.
>Firefly reaches out to you.
>And what do you have in mind?
>You think about this for a second and consider your options.
>Alright everyone, listen up.
>>
>>43275048
>We patrol the area and manually remove most of the false traces which Discord has laid, but we let a few of them intact.
>Then we return to the village and claim that we have found nothing of note.
>Discord is undoubtedly keeping track of our progress in one way or another, so he will see that not all of his works have fallen victim to our cleaning action.
>You pause for a moment to allow the others to evaluate your ideas up to this point.
>And Firefly uses the opportunity to spin your idea further.
>Anon, you assume Discord is going to encourage the others to inspect the forests a second time, correct?
>You nod instinctively.
>Yes, but probably behind our backs this time.
>Sky Squall goes on.
>To surprise us with the news of a finding.
>You confirm his theory at once.
>Bingo.
>On the surface, it is going to be a bit of a blow to our ego.
>But that is exactly what should make it so enticing for Discord to pursue it.
>Firefly chimes in again.
>Are you sure that Discord will fall for it?
>He knows we have somepony on our side who can give his whole plot away.
>You briefly consider this argument before you give Firefly an answer.
>That depends on how well we sell our confidence.
>If we are lucky, Discord might believe that we were certain in our abilities to find all of his works on our own... and that it came back to haunt us.
>Sky Squall inhales audibly.
>You know, it is one thing to leave Discord some space, but actively working towards our own failure, no matter how minute, is something else.
>That is just distasteful, Anon.
>You shrug, considering that he can see the gesture.
>To be honest, Sky, I am not the biggest fan of it either, and if you are asking me for my opinion, I would prefer a swifter handling of the situation too.
>But Harmony asked us to prolong the encounter in order to get used to Discord's tactics, so I make do with the cards that were handed to us.
>That requires some practical thinking and some... unusual strategies.
>Now it is Sky Squall who nods.
>Fair enough.
>The Pegasus stallion pauses briefly.
>Anon, there are no hidden catches or unspoken parts to your plan out of practicality, right?
>You blink again as you consider what to say.
>No, Sky.
>I have told you everything.
>There is no catch to it.
>And no hidden agenda.
>Why do you ask?
>He takes a deep breath.
>I haven't really expected anything else, but I just wanted to hear it.
>You can see him shaking his head.
>It looks like Discord is making me assume the worst in any given situation.
>You turn your head to look at him.
>Then you address him directly.
"Trust me, Sky. We're in this together."
>>
>>43275049
>You fly a little closer to give him a pat on the back.
"And I know this whole make-believe scheming thing isn't your cup of tea. Just let me do the talking when we're back. If someone says something about us messing up, I'll take the blame."
>The Pegasus inhales and nods.
>"Alright."
>With that taken care of, you address #deca.mare once more.
>#deca, give us a list of the most egregious fakes that Discord has placed.
>She reacts at once.
>Please define egregious, Anon.
>You take a breath.
>I mean the ones which are likely to have the strongest psychological effects on the others.
>We get rid of all the pieces that strongly point at the existence of any strange creatures, and we keep those which are more ambiguous in nature.
>If we have to play this game, we can at least make Discord's clues as opaque as humanly possible.
>#deca.mare speaks up.
>A smart move.
>Here it is.
>The desired list appears on the HUD of your visor in less than a second.
>And it contains no less than eleven individual elements.
>Including a little directional marker and the exact distance to your current position.
>You almost gasp.
>Damn, they are spread everywhere.
>How much time did he spend in the wilderness to plant them all?
>You can almost guess the answer, but #deca.mare is quick to confirm your suspicion.
>The last two days.
>He wanted to ensure that at least some of them are found.
>You inhale and take over.
>Ugh, fine.
>Then let us get to work.
>Sky, we proceed as planned.
>We maintain our standard tour and just happen to stumble upon these traces sooner or later.
>And then we remove them quietly.
>If anyone notices our landings, I will say that it was a false alarm.
>Any objections?
>The Pegasus stallion hesitates briefly.
>No.
>It is a dirty play, but considering the circumstances, I guess it is the best strategy we have.
>With that said, Sky Squall and you keep flying in slowly growing circles around Summer Shine.
>It will take a while for you to reach all of the eleven sites, yet in its own strange way, that fact can be a bonus.
>After all, spending hours for the search shows to the ponies that you took the search seriously, even in spite of the impending "slip-up".
>Plus, it gives you enough time to ponder what Discord's next step could look like.
>Because one thing is for sure.
>Discord will absolutely do the same right now.
>So you have to stay on edge to remain ahead.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43275047
>"Anon, it's rare for you to look so... perkily. What's on your mind?"
not sure about the phrasing here, using the adverb as an adjective seems a bit off.
Other than that, them using managed chaos as a training drill for future shenanigans does seem like a good idea, so it'll fun to see how poorly Discord takes being turned into homework.
>>
File: 1673024573191.png (147.8 KB)
>>43275341
>>
>>
>>43275884
>not sure about the phrasing here
Yeah, I see what you mean. I wasn't entirely sure about that one either, so I thought about that passage for a while. Now that I'm not the only one who thinks so, I believe I will just use the word smug instead. That should sound better in the context. Thanks.
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: Rolled tongue finger.png (167.0 KB)
>>43276721
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43275050
>Easy. To get rid of them.
That's what discords counting on.
>why we should put up with Discord's game
Exactly. Just force him to be a fool by talking control of his proxy.
>does not recommend me to reveal all of them
What does Harmony has to do with this?
>this is a good opportunity to learn
Sure. To learn not to give free rein to chaos.
>Discord really is none the wiser?
Too obvious binary solution. Leave all/some or collect all. Choosing between the two is expected. Plus if they don't remove all of it they will be the one ridiculed when Discord or somepony else finds one. What is not expected is for example suddenly Anon saying that he saw the creature going into X direction (leaving the town).
>claim that we have found nothing of note
This just delays his plan or plays into his hands.
>Discord will fall for it
Absolutely not. He plans ahead too.
>There is no catch to it.
That's exactly the problem. They are not ahead of Discord.
>Damn, they are spread everywhere.
How did he managed to get around without any pony noticing him?
>The last two days.
Well that works too. No need to hide if everypony is sleeping.
Thanks for the update!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43277237
>"Tine for some practice."
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>43278330
>What does Harmony has to do with this?
Nothing on a direct level. But Harmony, or "larger Harmony" to be precise, is watching and analysing this whole situation constantly. Harmony wants to gain some insights by letting Discord and Summer Shine face one another, and in order to do this, the "field test" confrontation has to go on for a while. Otherwise it wouldn't yield any usable "data" for Harmony to process.
>Sure. To learn not to give free rein to chaos.
Oh, Discord has no free reign to do as he pleases, given that his range of actions is limited by a whole plethora of safety measures. And he is of course fully aware of this. It is as #deca.mare said, Discord knows that they could stop him at any point in time if they wanted to, yet he also understands that they do not want to do that unless they absolutely have to. After all, Discord can only play his role as a "sparring partner" for Harmony if his actions prove to be at least a little bit of a challenge. So he tries to be as creative and challenging as possible within the boundaries that were set for him.
>Plus if they don't remove all of it they will be the one ridiculed when Discord or somepony else finds one.
Anon has considered this risk. It is why he is taking the lead now. If something of that nature is about to happen, he will take the responsibility for it, also shielding Sky Squall's good reputation in the process. He is ready to take one for the team if he has to, as the saying goes.
>What is not expected is for example suddenly Anon saying that he saw the creature going into X direction (leaving the town).
But it would make him and the others complicit in the act of pretending that a creature which does not exist has been in the area in the first place. And they do not want to do that. They wish to debunk Discord's whole narrative wholesale.
>This just delays his plan
Yeah, exactly as Harmony has asked them to do.
>That's exactly the problem. They are not ahead of Discord.
Catch in this case refers to Anon not withholding any information within their circle. He says that the plan does not contain any nasty surprises for Sky Squall or the other two. All four of them have exactly the same state/level of information. Well, maybe except for #deca.mare, but that is a different matter.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 232256__safe_imported+from+derpibooru_hooves+out_rainbowshining_reaction+image_weapons-dash-grade+cute.gif (375.2 KB)
>>43282904
Love me some Rainbowshine. She's a treasure.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: Derpy Dance!.gif (373.4 KB)
>>43285202
This is awesome, thank you anon.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1750171447623241.png (206.3 KB)
>>43248081
Here you go.
>>
>>43267123
>>43267152
>Take drunk mare to your house
>Lay her down on your couch
>Get her a pillow and blanket and tuck her in
>Get her a glass of water
>Bid her good night as she drifts off to sleep
>Go to your own bedroom
>Get undressed
>Crawl into bed
>Asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow
>Peaceful dreaming
>Wake up shortly before dawn
>Princess Celestia is in bed with you, sleeping soundly and cuddling you
>Conclude you are still dreaming
>>
>>
>>43284962
>>43285087
For you rhymes with snu snu
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1491879208968.jpg (64.8 KB)
>>43286811
This is the dream.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
File: 1766682326136513.jpg (900.8 KB)
>>43290341
Must feel incredible.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>