Hugs of Sir Manys

The remaining changeling can't even be seen anymore, completely drowned under a wave of some odd looking food. Its only response was the following "Where did that pony get all this stuff from?" - it groaned weakly. At least it won't be hungry as it ponders on that - it thought to itself. All five changelings now lie in defeat. 4 covered in vines, 1 covered in exquisite food.

@GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @ChrysalisM @Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer "Ok, everypony, I believe we should hurry. I don't think they're going to pursue us any time soon" Vibrant would step outside. The stench of the maze again caught his nostrils, so he would initially wince in disgust. He needed to know, where the rest of the ponies went. They may be in trouble if more changelings arrive. He would notice several hoof trails leading into one of corridors. He didn't like being here, the area again giving him a sense of dread, but he's sure he's not the only one with that feeling. "Follow me, everypony! I believe they went that way" Vibrant shouted at others, waiting for them to join him.

Vibrant would see that the time for music is over. He heard Caramel's call for aid, so he quickly flew towards the remaining changeling and smacked it across the face with his guitar. The wood was sturdy fortunately, so there was only a small dent in one spot, easy to fix. Fortunately his proper instrument he has given to @Sophie H.before all this happened... he hopes she keeps that one safe. The hit made changeling completely defenseless for what's to come. Its hooves were already held by the veins, all it could do is watch. Then Vibrant shouted to his team "Hurry up, everypony! @AuroraGlimmerCaramel, this one is Yours to finish off! Everypony else, let's get ready, we better not stay here for too long!". He was already ready at the exit, looking around if all the corridors are clear. So far he saw nothing but darkness there, it seems like there were only 5 sent after them. A surprisingly low amount given how many ponies were gathered.

@GeneralDirection A loud thud could be heard as the changeling fell to the grass. The vines were already trying to ensnare the changeling. It tried to wiggle out with what strength it had, but the grip was very tight. What magic made the vines act clearly was becoming stronger with time. As the vine completely trapped the changeling a small flower can be seen on it. It smelled like lilac and it seemed to hold a gentle, yellow glow within itself... the color had uncanny similarities to Nebel's mane @AuroraGlimmer @ChrysalisM As Aurora attempted to escape last changeling would suddenly pull Ix. "You're not going anywhere, traitor!" it hissed. It seemed unaware as of now what happened to the other one left standing. It did not understand the concept of loyalty the ponies already well developing along with Ix, thinking that she'll just be left behind at changeling's mercy. There was a complete silence coming from the changeling now. It seemed to be completely speechless, unable to understand the behaviour of pony that just defeated it. Some leftovers of the pie were still seen all over its head as it struggled to move. As Skylight was finished with turning remaining changelings into living art galleries all that was heard were desperate hisses of the only one capable of fighting still and intense coughing of the rest as flour was getting inside their snoots.

Vibrant would continue playing, further inspiring others to fight with bravery. His mind was fixed on @Princess SilkyStar Silk. On wishing she was safe. On wanting to take her - along with everyone else - out from here and back to the safety of more vibrant lands. His eyes seemed to almost shine as intensity of his performance was steadily growing. Changelings captured in the vines were no longer able to move. They could just watch as their brethren, heavily outnumbered were fighting a fight they cannot win. Friendship and love prevailed over malevolence of their sick leader and Vibrant felt it. Just as deep inside he felt she's safe. He felt almost as if he heard her call. The sound of his playing spread through the maze. He almost wanted to take up the fight himself, but he knew that what he's doing now is his role. The pick he was holding started gleaming with light. The gleam seemed to be a mix of cyan and purple. He realized that the pick started to shine. He was holding a gem in his hoof! "I will find You, Star Silk" he whispered to himself, inspired by the precious gem he's holding now.

Vibrant Grove would smile as he continued strumming. He realized that the floor, the walls, this entire room, unlike the rest of area looked healthy and uncorrupted. He can work his own magic. So he continued strumming. Suddenly lush, green vines begun emerging from walls and from the floor and ensnaring knocked down changelings. They were too weak to resist. His eyes closed, focused on task at hand he trapped them. "Three down, two to go" he whispered to himself and then shouted to his group: "Come on, everypony, we almost have them all!" Vibrant would smile, a bit of a cheeky grin on his face. Turns out there's more to his playing than just music and the changelings just got to discover it. He would then kick the changeling, that's right next to him in the head as it attempted to wiggle out from vines that entrapped it. "Autographs later, jerk". He said to it.

@Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @ChrysalisM The changeling would grunt loudly as it got slammed against the wall, kicked by Nebel. It would lose conciousness for a short moment, but quickly begun gaining it back from the sheer loudness of Vibrant's playing right next to it "w...wha..." it whispered as it tried to get up. The changeling that was in pursuit of Cimex would be surprised at her unintentional dodge of his attack as she went after another one. It'd growl menacingly and continue pursuit of her, unthreatened by having 2 of its companions defeated already. Something pulled Nebel to the ground after his successful kick. It was another changeling, working quickly to overpower him. The changeling would release audible grunt as it slammed against the floor. Dynamo's spell severly damaged its wings, taking away its ability to fly. It was trying to regain balance and get up, but hit the ground too hard upon landing. It hissed angrily at Dynamo Pad, but otherwise seemed to be unable to act. The remaining two changelings looked at each other with visible distress. They were already sent to fight the group while being outnumbered, now there's only two of them against entire group of ponies. But they cannot retreat, they must fight. Chrysalis doesn't take cowards lightly and they will definitely be punished for such act of cowardice.

@Skylight Scintillate Vibrant would initially get surprised by the attack of changelings, but looks like none of them paid attention to him yet, focusing on other ponies instead. He is not a capable fighter when it comes to close, melee combat, so he did what he believed he's best at. He sat down and pulled out his guitar and started playing brawl music, making the attack by changelings feel like a tavern brawl instead. He would find himself laughing as he saw the sudden counterattack by Skylight against one who believed impersonating her is a smart idea. He also would love to have a pie now. The room was now covered with melodic, playful music that would further encourage his group to fight off changelings, letting them continue on.

@Skylight Scintillate The changeling would get caught completely off guard by the sudden attack by Skylight Scintillate. Knocked down by the ferocious baguette attack it wouldn't even resist the pie, processing what just happened alone was sufficient to leave it completely speechless and unable to react to anything. Against its better judgement it decided to simply lick the creamy pie off its face and say "mmm delicioussss!" It found itself unable to do much else anyway... in the background Vibrant Grove could be heard bursting in laughter despite the still ongoing fight. @Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer Changelings were caught by surprise as Dynamo Pad launched magic attacks at them. One changeling managed to react in time and close in on Caramel, but another got a direct hit from the spell. The changeling fell to the ground and left out a silent groan. Then it slowly got back up on its hooves and eyed Dynamo "You... dare!" it uttered and flashed with anger. Then it flew at Dynamo Pad, as if it considered the attack to be a challenge.

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM Changelings all landed before the group. There were only 5 of them, so numbers were on the side of the group. One of them fixed its stare on Cimex and hissed. "Traitor! We will deal with You later." 4 of them attacked the group. Only Nebel seemed to be free from the assault, while the rest had to deal with the attack. One of them quickly flew at Wolf Tracks, and Saffron. Two others noticed Caramel's unusual form. They looked initially confused, never seeing this kind of changeling before and tried to knock her down together. 4th changeling couldn't tolerate Cimex's betrayal any longer and lunged at her, hoping to drag her back in front of Queen Chrysalis and be rewarded for bringing the traitor for punishment. The last one has given a malicious look towards Skylight Scintillate. That's when suddenly it flashed with light and... took on her form. It cackled evily, using her voice, feeling like a corrupted version of her. Afterwards it quickly jumped at her, knocking her down and knocking her fabled baguette off her hoof. They looked exactly alike now. It felt impossible for the rest of the group to distinguish, which one is the real Skylight. The changeling knew that. Suddenly it took a completely docile posture, trying to imitate Skylight's behavior and calmness. It pointed the hoof at her accusingly and shouted to already overwhelmed GeneralDirection. "Help me! One of them went after me!!"

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM Shortly after the ponies united into a group of 8 a buzzing sound would be heard approaching. It sounded like a hive of aggressive wasps was heading their way as if to blame them for current state of this place. But as the buzzing became louder its source became visible. Black, body full of wholes and blue, buggy eyes. A group of changelings begun their approach, angry, likely sent after one of them betrayed them.

OOC: Important note to Mossy Wall team. As of now team is split into two groups! Group 1: @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM Group 2: @TheRockARooster @Sparklefan1234 @Brony Number 42 @Tao Because of that, for now the 2 groups can't directly interact with each other, until eventual reunion! Keep that in mind for future replies!

@Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @ChrysalisM @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse Seeing how Cimex remains calm and not aggressive Vibrant calms down, but still keeps a close eye on her. Still, he focuses on his group for now. He saw the surprise and a hint of fear in Dynamo's eyes about the sudden change. He would approach him closer "I'll be honest with You, friend. Caramel's change surprised me just as much as it surprised You. But it's still same Caramel, with whom You just beat this challenge. I cannot say I am not a little off guard from this, but I can say I believe she can be trusted and she is our friend". He would take a look at gem in Dynamo's hooves and analyze it. "Hmmm... it may be important. I suggest we keep it safe, it must be tied to You in some way". He felt happy inside as this finally started giving some answers as to their current situation, however small these answers were. Such things gave him comfort - if there's anything Vibrant truly feared, it is the unknown. What just happened made the unknown that much smaller. He would then notice the gem Caramel is holding. She still had her spider form, which will take a while for him to get used to. But then... whatever she is... it is good she is on their side. "I believe You should hold onto Yours as well." Upon hearing Chrysalis's speech he would cringe, feeling both annoyed by the entire situation and worried about those ponies that are not with him, especially Star Silk. "You better not hurt her" he whispered to himself. Vibrant would lower his guard towards Cimex. Chrysalis's heated reaction convinced him of changeling's change of heart. "I apologize for initial outburst. But since clearly You caused that annoying thing *points to where Chrysalis was before* so much anger then I believe I can trust You" He extended his hoof towards her "My name's Vibrant Grove. Nice to meet You, Cimex". That's when Wolf Track and Saffron reached them. He would be surprised at Wolf Track's demanding tone, but find some irony in it. She clearly underestimates the situation they're in. "Wolf Track, since You decide to drown us in questions... first of all - nobody here knows what's going on. It's not every day that a party turns into a putrid mess of a maze with Chrysalis trying to be scary in the sky. I am pretty sure we all "don't have time to deal with her". If You'll find a way to convince her to let us go, because we're busy - go ahead. For now... I would recommend team work and maybe we will happen to actually really find a way out." Then he would turn to Saffron. "If You're worried about who might we be - no need to. Just stay close, because we are not alone here.

@Aurora Glimmer @Dynamo Pad @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @ChrysalisM Vibrant would find himself even more shocked upon Caramel's change. He never saw a creature like this. A changeling... spider? He found himself confused as to how to react. "Ca...caramel...? You're a changeling too? But..." he found himself stuttering and turned to Dyny. "Dynamo, did You know? Don't get me wrong, I know we are all allies here, I am just... in shock.". He heard distant trotting sounds, but wasn't sure about the source, that kept him on his guard. If Chrysalis already sent one changeling after them, then certainly there have to be more. He hopes that others, especially @Princess SilkyStar Silk are okay.

@Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer As both Dynamo Pad and Caramel manage to succesfully repeat proper patterns both walls suddenly lit up. Whatever magic was holding two ponies in place seems to have dispersed, allowing them to have freedom of movement again. Below the mushrooms, on both ends something begun to glow, inviting both ponies to reach for it. Whatever emitted the glow seemed to almost sing...

Vibrant would look with visible confusion and surprise as a baguette suddenly appeared in Skylight's hooves. "What?" was the only thing he was capable of saying, normally he'd start laughing, but given severity of the situation they're in, he was simply speechless. Vibrant would become more vigilant, hearing trotting sound from the distant, not aware that they belong to @The Wife of LawWolf Tracks and @Dark HorseSaffron. His attention, however quickly shifts towards a sudden flash of light and a change in parasprite's appearance. "A changeling!" Vibrant would shout in surprise and outrage. "What do You want? What do You all want from us, invading Princess Cadance's wedding wasn't enough for You?!". His pose was defensive, expecting an attack any moment. He faltered though seeing that the changelling is kneeling before them. "You better explain Yourself and do it fast, changeling".

The parasprite would become visibly more nervous with @Aurora Glimmer trapped along with @Dynamo Pad. Combined with further pressure from @Skylight Scintillate, who clearly was being suspicious, its look became more... sad. The parasprite, becoming more serious landed on the ground and begun to change in front of everypony... the figure now replaced with the changling form of @ChrysalisM

@Tao @Brony Number 42 @TheRockARooster As Blue wakes up he notices that other ponies are already split into three groups. His match, Raven seems to have taken the middle path along with Roswell. They seem to be looking at something, but Tao can't quite see what it may be from such a long distance. To the left went Vibrant along with Dynamo Pad, Caramel, Skylight and Nebel. All that Nocturne Blue can see is that Vibrant suddenly seemed to become quite defensive, as if preparing for some imminent danger. Wolf Tracks and Saffron are close. They seemed to mistrust ponies they ended up with for reasons unknown to Blue. What path will Nocturne Blue take? That remains to be seen as he seems to have fully regained conciousness. @Sparklefan1234 Wind Walker explored the corridors, but found them to be repetitive with no specific features standing out in any of them. Whatever she was hoping to discover through exploration seemed to evade her. She still heard distant voices of Roswell and Raven, but found herself unable to recognize what were they saying. Maybe it's best to go back and join them?

After @Aurora GlimmerCaramel pressed the buttons, trying to follow the combination of lights, the mushrooms on @Dynamo Pad's end begun flashing. On his end the flashes were incredibly fast, barely noticable to an eye. It appeared to be the very same game that Caramel had to play... The room still remained peaceful. At the entrance Vibrant seemed on edge, gathering his companions as if preparing a defense. Other than that its colorful atmosphere was almost soothing despite the entrapment.

As @Dynamo Pad and @Aurora Glimmer got pulled Vibrant would gasp in surprise. "A trap!" He looked around himself to ensure his companions are with him. At his side he saw @Skylight Scintillate and @GeneralDirection Nebel. The rest of ponies seem to have stayed behind. "No time to retreat, we need to make our stand here" he thought to himself. He realized he's unarmed, unless his own guitar counts as a weapon. Without his bow he finds himself unable to do much. Oh well, he still must do his best. He's not alone. In times like this though he wishes Star Silk was here. She was always very resourceful in such situations. He looked at the two ponies. "Let's be vigilant. Something's up". He looked at parasprite still flying around, but it seemed to just keep looking at them, occasionally repositioning itself in the air. He was surprised by how... calm, even happy Caramel seemed to be.

The parasprite seemed to be undisturbed by what happened, hovering in the air and giggling. As lights begun to flash in front of @Aurora GlimmerCaramel it said "It's a challenge! You two must beat it together, before we continue!" For a moment parasprite's attention shifted to other ponies. It noticed especially @Skylight Scintillate and Vibrant Grove with their ever watchful eyes. In a way all of this felt new to the parasprite too. The care it received from Caramel, the trust those ponies seemed to have given it. Parasprites are infamous due to that one incident that happened in Ponyville yet here it experienced nothing, but kindness. As those thoughts ran through little creature's mind it kept its wide, innocent smile.

@TheRockARooster The plant seemed almost fleshy in its texture. Colour somewhere in between red and brown. Upon close investigation @Dynamo Pad and @Aurora Glimmer Caramel would discover that both walls also had cutie marks. The one on the left had Caramel's own, heart shaped symbol. The one on the right had gaming pad that looked exactly like the one on Dynamo's flank. As two ponies approached closely suddenly there was a sharp pull that has put them both in front of their respective walls with mushrooms. As they try to step away they find themselves unable to do so, their gaze focused on mushrooms instead. In front of Caramel lights started appearing on mushroom caps. They seemed to follow a pattern that kept repeating itself.