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// 23 
// Story: CYOA: Next in Line 
// by David Silver 
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You step through the portal and are blinded by sunlight streaming through towering stained glass windows. Getting your bearings, you realize you now stand on four wobbly hooves in the center of an ornate marble hall. This is no secret base - you are in a grand castle throne room.

At the far end sits an immense winged alicorn pony, white as snow, who gazes down with an imposing air. "Welcome," she bids in a magisterial voice that echoes off the vaulted ceilings. Her jeweled hoofsteps ring out as she descends from the throne, her ethereal rainbow mane wavering.

With a pop, Agent Sweetie Drops appears beside you. "Our newest recruit," she announces, then whispers "Sure we can't have them?"

The towering alicorn waves a dismissive hoof, golden shoes glinting. "Equestria has need of them. I had hoped a pony of alien mind would come sooner." She looms nearer, her presence both beautiful and intimidating.

"Equestria faces grave threats. You may be the solution we need." Her piercing cyan eyes seem to gaze straight through you. Dappled sunlight filters through the stained glass, bathing the hall in prismatic hues. What have you gotten yourself into?

"You've already sacrificed much coming this far," the alicorn says, her voice echoing around the vaulted hall. "Complete this task successfully, and you will never lack for anything - this I swear."

She steps closer, her lavender eyes locked with yours. "Brave warrior of a distant realm, listen closely..."

The alicorn describes a grave threat facing Equestria, a wrong that must be righted. It sounds daunting, but achievable. With your unique skills, even transformed, you are the best chance to succeed where ponies alone cannot.

You stand tall and affirm your willingness to take on this vital mission. For your new home and its people, you will face the coming challenges without hesitation. The alicorn sees the resolution in your gaze. "Then go forth with our blessings."

As you turn to leave the gleaming throne room, a sense of purpose lifts your hooves. Far from home, you have found a new cause to fight for, filled with possibility. Come what may, you will prove yourself worthy of the faith placed in you this day.

The End, or really, the beginning, but that's another story entirely.