Loud Opinion

@Blitz Boom Upon her back, Limbo marveled at her own reaction. It had been some time since her last scare; So long that she had forgotten what to do when you're scared. It was fun. Her heart raced and she felt more alert. How novel! She felt like making some distance between herself and the thing, but she looked to her escort to be sure. Sure as the tide, he had overreacted and bolted, taking the cart with him. "What a gentleman," she quipped with a roll of her eyes. When her eyes drifted back to the pony(?) she let out a surprised gasp. "Sorry," she whispered with a blush, "I'm still getting used to things not disappearing when you look away." "Oh, how rude of me," She susurrated brightly, without a trace of fear, "My name is Limbo Dreams. It's nice to meet you."

@abrony-mouse As Limbo let herself smile, the gloom that had hounded her for so many hours dissipated. "The same way every crisis is solved. The magic of friendship." It was like the sun poking through a cloud-line. Limbo's new stride tempted her to lift her head, only to be punished by the mild sunlight. "You can guide me to Phantom, and once we're there, I can convince my-" Limbo again stopped herself. She would not allow thoughts of tragedy to creep up again. "She'll see that somepony still cares for her. If I'm correct in who we are dealing with, I know she's just lashing out." "One must always prepare to be wrong, so just in case, I'll be counting on you to get Phantom and everypony else to safety while I keep her busy." @ExplosionMare @Starforce As the precocious duo approached the un-party, they noticed that the ponies were not in a festive mood. Through the cracks in the encircling ponies, BonBon was clearly at the center. There she was, clutching at her throat with a comfort Lyra at her side. Most striking was the absence of her mouth.

I had a fun break, but now it's time to get crakin'. Hiatus is over.

@Blitz Boom A mass of ponies exited the hamlet's train station. On an unrelated note, a pegasus-drawn carriage careens across the sky in all its opulence. On a tangentially related note, Limbo Dreams was jostled by the sudden halting of her carriage. Oh, if only she could afford more than the single-stallion-drawn, budget transport. Maybe she would be insulated from her careless use of energy. Throughout the journey, she had gotten strange looks from the stallion. And now, she would have to converse with him as they stopped to rest at the lake. It was so unfair. She just wanted to see the sights. What did it matter that she would leave the carriage to get a better look at things. The very important fact that the carriage was in motion when she left to sight-see. Cranky that her opportunity to see a lake for the first time was slipping away. Of course, such an exciting discovery would visit her in her time of weary. Just her luck! With a huff, she picked herself up and splashed around in the lake. Miss. Dreams was too tired to take her time discovering all the wonderful properties of a lake. This called for a more direct approach. "It certainly feels like water, but it's still too early to tell..." She whispered to herself.

This seems abrupt, but I am taking a vacation from GM'ing and am announcing a one week hiatus. I won't be checking the RP until next monday at the least.

This seems abrupt, but I am taking a vacation from GM'ing and am announcing a one week hiatus. I won't be checking the RP until next monday at the least.

Necro-post? I'm interested if you still are.

@abrony-mouse Limbo Dreams shielded her eyes from the sun. Again, she lamented Celestia's splendor only to grit her teeth and bear it. When Fuchsia asked where they were going, Limbo stopped. She realized that she didn't know where the ranch Fuchsia had mentioned was. She cleared her throat before whispering, "I'm not good with directions. You'll have to lead the way to Phantom's ranch." With a sheepish smile, Limbo waits for Fuchsia to pass her. She then frowns and adopts a posture more befitting a filly at a funeral than the grown mare in the meadow she is. "I'm scared, Fuchsia. When we meet the pony responsible, I don't know if I can bring myself to..." Limbo lost herself. In her mind, one event leads to another, and the sequence only gets worse as it progresses. "I'm counting on you to see this through and save Phantom. No matter the cost!" As Limbo concluded, she spoke with authority only to recede inward again. It was a hollow bastion, and it showed in her demeanor.

@Starforce Limbo playfully rolled her eyes are Magloria's sneaky ways. It was entirely unnecessary as Radiant had given her permission before she left the room, but felt no need to correct her. Miss. Pass opened the door to her Jr.'s bed-chamber. The room was dark as pitch and just as somber. The bright colors were nothing to liven the ill-lit chamber. Limbo Dream's heavy breathing was the only motion within. Her horns would have repulsed Miss. Pass, were she not her mother. Instead, it gave her pride. She just knew that when her daughter woke up, she would be just as unique and passionate as she was. Though it did sadden her to see that her daughter had to be neglected while Radiant was saving his wife. She flicks the lights on and drops to let Magloria off gently. "I'll be in your mother's room if you need me," She whispered, more out of habit than for any practical use, "Have fun!" @ExplosionMare A handkerchief was quick to dry Sombra's tears. Radiant had gotten into the habit of doing such things on her behalf, with her being a feeble as she was. "Don't worry dear, I'll just try again. We'll try again and again and again until your walking and talking like you should." In truth, Radiant was lost. He had thought of every trick in the book to keep ponies alive. Joy, comfort, and other such things ponies live for. Nothing was working. He thought long and hard, as he left Sombra's chambers. The last thing he wanted was to leave his wife alone. He didn't know how he was going to save Sombra, but he knew it wasn't going to happen sitting at Sombra's bed. Work needed to be done, and today had to be sacrificed for the sake of tomorrow. There was also his daughter to think of. If he had given up his work to spend time with his wife. If he let Sombra go before she grew up, he could never face his daughter again. As he walked to his study, a guard interrupted him, "Your majesty, there's been a theft. The pony is asking for an audience." Was there no end to his problems? "You handle it," he replied harshly. "Sir? She will not listen to my authority." Radiant let out a sigh. He was no good at this, and he was running out of time. If he could just put the people on hold for a while... If everyone was just kept happy until he was done, he would have both himself and Sombra to set things straight again. He realized that he kept Sombra's mask on him. It was supposed to keep the pain away. To induce a calm and sedated state. "Have her wear this, and I'll deal with her theft when I'm done with my work." Meanwhile, Limbo Pass entered Sombra's room and sat beside her. "The kids are playing. I... Take it things didn't go so well."

@ExplosionMare @Starforce The heart of the town thronged with joviality. Balloon placement was shotty. The rest of the decorations weren't much better. Without the dedicated party pony the hamlet had relied on, any celebration was doomed to mediocrity. Such shortcomings were superfluent, though. The real allure of the festivities was as strong as ever. Ponies chattered and gossiped, as they often want to do, but a mild crowd had formed near the center of it all. The center of attention could still be seen from a distance, but it would prove difficult to make out her features. A table with a punchbowl was the most immediate element of the party. Alone it sat, with no hors d'oeuvre to accompany it. Not even a table cloth lay below it. Some distance away, the banner Moonlight saw earlier hung proudly among the streamers. @abrony-mouse Miss. Dreams leans into Fuchsia's semi-hug. Moments ago, Fuchsia had held this pony at knifepoint. Now she confides in her assailant. "Such a dear sentiment. You can not know what has inflicted me so. I won't allow it. It is a burden too great for me to outsource." "Moonlight and Starlight will not be accompanying us. You are a part of this now, and should be given due agency." Limbo then abandoned the unanswered question as well as the room itself. The door was left open, inviting Fuchsia to follow.

@Starforce "You'll still need permission to get into her room, but your father is nothing if not reasonable," Miss Pass clarified as she continued to sway in her sacred way. She then gave a tut when Magloria's face planted and lowered herself to let Magloria abord. "You'll find your center soon, and these like jigs will come as naturally to you as looking adorable," She exclaimed with a sly face nuzzle. @ExplosionMare "That's it, dear," Radiant reassured. Radiant was allowed a slight reprieve as he literally worked his magic. His experiments only increased in complexity as his more simple solutions bore no fruit. Even with the increased cognitive demand still was preferable. It wouldn't constantly remind him of his failures like the mare before him did. The sudden cruelty in his mind shocked him to his core. Not now, no; but once upon a time. When he first dived into the dark arts, such thoughts nearly drove him away. It was desperation that lead him back, and confidence in his own resolve. He was no longer the child that tenderly skimmed the edge of darkness. Doctors had no answer for Limbo Pass's condition. It was up to their king to brave the darkest caves and bring back the treasure within. Ending his metaphors, Radiant redoubled his efforts. This time it would work. This time... It failed. He was silent for a moment. He then lowered Sombra's head and released it from his telekinetic grasp. He had no words. He felt hollow.

Limbo Pass gives a knowing smile to Magloria, "She's on her way to recovery! You'll see, your father is a miracle worker. He saved me, and he already saved your mother once before." "So, how do you feel about Jr. staying at the palace? Should be able to see her more often now that she's closer." Miss. Pass was not a fan of keeping her daughter locked up, but Radiant says it's for the best until he can figure out what's wrong with her, and she trusts his judgment. As they walked down the hall, Limbo pass never lost the pep in her step or the smile on her face. What deity gifted her with this emotional resilience? And how cruel were they to deny Radiant hope the very same thing? For a few painful moments, Radiant couldn't say a word. He had seen it a hundred times before, yet it never failed to strike at his heart. It took every method he could muster just to keep tears off his face. When he did finally speak, it was a whisper, "Don't worry dear, you'll see Magloria again. And when you do, you'll amaze her as the picture of good health." He paused again before continuing, "I just need more time. Raise your head, please. I have another test I need to do."

@abrony-mouse "Yes," Limbo whispered grimly, as she tried to hide her face in the shade of her mane, "lead the way." Something had changed. But what could have sparked such a shift? A hatred spanning years was ignited and ready to burn down a million bedtimes. To snuff out a thousand hopes. Like so many times before, Limbo used that desire to smother her own feelings. A gift Silver had given her -among other things. Like water over hot coals, Limbo seethed, though not so loudly. "Sorry," Limbo corrected as she realized that she had not mastered Silver's technique, "bad memories. It's not your fault." "I," She chokes a bit, "think I know what may have happened to Phantom. In the dream catcher, I saw-" She hults. A wall of sorrow had erected itself within her path, and now she feels the pain. "I saw through someone else's eyes. If those eyes belong to the pony I think then," Again Limbo pauses, "I think I really will need your help with this one."

@abrony-mouse At first, Limbo was relieved to finally be back to her mostly plain pony shape. She then looks to the knife with annoyance, but a hint of respect was evident. "Ahem," She began. The motherly tone had vanished. Instead, a child-like whisper took its place, "Look to your fellow pony Fuchsia. We all see their destiny as clear as day. Yet, of all the destinies you've seen, have you ever seen a wilted field or a bloodied hoof? Evil has no place in the pony heart. That is why harmony is so effective. There simply is no reason to fear your fellow equine. I'm sure today is an excellent example." "If that does not suffice, then I challenge you. Would you call a mare held by tragedy 'evil'? That is what the ponies we are talking about are. They are neither good nor evil, for they were never given a chance in either respect." "Perhaps a show of trust is in order. The ponies we are guiding are 'Moonlight Sparkle' and 'Starlight Glimmer'". Limbo is aware of the extent of her explanation and pauses to make sure Fuchsia is following. "I must be upfront as you've saved me without concern for your own benefit. I was not entirely honest when I said that I can see your past. I have seen your past. Past tense," She emphasizes, "I saw every dream you ever dreamt. I followed your journey with wrapt attention. The same is true for Vinal Scratch, and Moonlight, and Starlight. You all were like superheroes to me. You kept me hopeful in the years leading up to Silver Tongue's rescue." "I tried to keep up, but your dreams stopped. You dreamed of a train ride, and no dream ever followed that. That," She shudders, "thing was the source. I planed to misplace it for a night and get my hero back; Maybe understand how you've changed so much."

@abrony-mouse Limbo takes a good few seconds to take in what Fuchsia is saying, mostly in confusion. At the mention of explaining, the weaving of the dream catcher shifted to reflect Limbo's scowl. 'So this was her plan from the start,' she thought to herself. That leap in logic was proven wrong as Fuchsia carried on. "So, you didn't do this on purpose?" Limbo stated more than asked, "And you've been doing some snooping. I can't help but imagine that you don't have the whole story. Something I'd love to clarify given better circumstances." Limbo sighs but straightens up, "Well, if you want to work with me, then I suggest you help me get out of this woven nightmare! Why do you even carry such a horrible trap, let alone hang it over your head?!" "And when you're done, we still need to hand out the bread to the poor." "You're not off to a good start are you?" with a huff, Limbo continues, "but I can see that you're trying, and you seem more genuine this time around."

@abrony-mouse When Fuchsia returns up the bussy tower and started her investigation, she was assaulted by the sheer volume of texts to go through. As she delved, the authors began to seem more detached from reality. The texts that were dated first describe 'mysteries behind the skin of the earth,' 'seven histories' and 'dreams being linked to the foundations of reality.' Immortals were more common than Fuchsia was led to believe -if this text is to be taken seriously. Though, the secrets behind their unnaturally long life have been closely guarded secrets. Then, Twilight had ascended. A 'Long' --as they put it-- had made their finding public. Silver and Limbo had taken this very seriously. Twilight herself is described as a prophet, and her friends were her saints. One particularly disturbing passage laments Twilight's immortality as a curse. She alone is gifted with life long enough to see her dearest kin leave her behind. A grim solution was posited by Limbo Dreams: She would ascend herself before Twilight realizes the bleakness of her situation, and have her pass on. Twilight would not face eternity alone. Instead, Twilight would be the first to cross the finish line, and she will await her friends there. Her rummaging was interrupted when a lost-sounding Limbo spoke up, "Is that you?" Came a slightly shrill inquiry, "I heard somepony coming, but I can't see you at this angle." Again, Fuchsia was alone in the room. The voice came from her bed, though.

@abrony-mouse Fuchsia vainly throws her vigor into the emptiness of the temple. The soulless temple only throws her own voice back at her. The emptiness of the temple emphasis a rustle of paper in Fuchsia's hooves. A note was comically stuck to her other for-hoof. The thing was signed by Silver Tongue. 'Miss Dreams, 'I'll be away to Golden Oaks. I want you to do some investigating into this Phantom fellow. I've finished a commission from him, but haven't heard from him since. He was acting quite zoned. Your expertise on the subject may be what this needs. I also would appreciate it if you could look into our newest sister, I'd like to know her intentions. She claims that the key is hers, so she has a reason to make Phantom disappear. She is the prime suspect. 'The townsfolk are superstitious enough without linking actual crims to our professions. I'm counting on you. 'One more thing. I know you are aware of my condition. You are very polite in dancing around the subject. I just want you to know that if I don't make it back from Golden Oaks, I have full confidence that you can see this through to the end. 'Live well, 'Silver Tongue.'

@abrony-mouse Eventually, Fuchsia awakens to a surprisingly calm sight. The bell still hangs overhead, but Silver is not in his bed. That's not the only thing that's missing, though. The dream catcher is no longer in it's pride of place but instead, laying upon the ground. Most peculiarly, though, is a subtle tremor coming from the dream catcher. Now, it was evident that the noon sun hadn't waked her up. It was clearly the ethereal shouting coming from Fuchsia's trusted companion. The voice was oddly familiar. Uptite and motherly. Hark, it was Limbo Dream's voice coming from dream catcher. The weaving was also disturbed. It had been refashioned to look like Limbo's head. If that wouldn't wake the adventurous pony, then nothing would. Besides that, the smell of rain persisted, despite the cloudless sky.

@abrony-mouse Silver Tongue was mildly surprised. Limbo Dreams, on the other hoof, was positively befuddled. "Ahem," Silver Tongue cleared his through, "We weren't expecting you to trust us enough to share a sleeping quarter." Limbo gave Mr. Tongue a pleading look, only for Silver to nod. "Forgive Miss. Dreams. She's not used to having unfamiliar company. You wouldn't believe how long it took for me to get her out of her shell." "Well," Limbo says with a stomp of her hoof, "you two can spend the night together. I have work to do." As if fate itself had taken Limbo's side, Silver collapses with all the grace of a cadaver. Perhaps fate was a little too enthusiastic tonight. Limbo quickly rushed to his side but did not look concerned. "Our living quarters are at the top of the tower. You should make yourself at home, and we'll be with you eventually."

@abrony-mouse At Fuchsia's outstretched hoof, Limbo snaps out of her self-indulgence and lifts her head with an incredulous scowl. "That was a joke! Why, in the name of Celestia's polka-dot throwers, would I give you a key that unleashes the underworld's most heinous villains?!" "I-" Limbo gasped, still trying to grapple with Fuchsia's request, "No! In fact, you've made me realize how dangerous that key is. Silver and I will destroy the key the first chance we get." Silver Tongue gave off a laugh too hearty for his age, "Oh, Miss Dreams, cut the filly some slack. It has been a long night, after all. Besides, the young are attracted to power, no matter how impractical." "Tell you what, Fuchsia," Mr. Tongue continued, "why don't you go home early. We'll finish up so you can get a good night's rest". Silver's laughter and tone made it seem like a request, but the fact that he opened the door for her told a different story.

@ExplosionMare @Starforce OOC Radiant Hope strode into the palace. The guards vainly stood at attention only for Radiant to apathetically continue his stride into his office. He bearly nodded in Magloria's direction. That, however, wasn't a product of apply. In fact, it was his love that prevented him. He knew he was failing his wife, and by extension, Magloria. Radiant simply couldn't bear to look his daughter in the eyes. He could avoid that, for now. What he couldn't avoid was Sombra's weakened state. "How are you feeling today?" He asked. Once upon a time, that phrase would be a standard form of concern. Now, Radiant couldn't contain the fear he felt. Every day was a coin toss. Would Sombra be worse off today than yesterday? Would Radiant have even less time to figure out his cure? Radiant was startled when he finally realized another mare was in the room. It was a pleasant surprise. Limbo Pass was good company, and the fact that she was here to keep Sombra company reassured him. Missis Pass adjusted her ocean-blue hair and fidgetted, as she often does, before excusing herself, "I'll take Magloria to Jr. now. I don't want to cut in on your alone time." With the swift vigor she always exuded, the green mare lept out of the room and skipped over to Magloria, "Are you ready to see Jr.?"

King Sombra, or as his family named him: Radiant Hope, has become more reclusive. His bedridden wife is his only companion in the long hours of his research. His doughtier, Magloria, isn't taking it well. Magloria doesn't know a lot of things. Why is her mother Sombra ill? What is happening to Radiant? Why is the air so tense? Maybe her friend Limbo Dreams could help. This is Magloria's story. To what extent can she write it? A prequel to Ambition for Ascension, hosted by Loud Opinion; co-written by @Starforce and @ExplosionMare. In Character

@Starforce Approved! Though, it will be some time before her introduction is ready. We'll just have this in our back pockets until then.

@abrony-mouse "Oh, my," Limbo's ears lower then flinch slightly when they meet her horns, "We did get a cursed key. I think I see why you would mistake it for a nail file. I suppose nothing's stopping you from using it as a nail file if you want. Just don't open any doors with it, or you'll unlock a cage in Tartarus. Mr. Tongue tried to remove the curse, but it's linked to Elysium, and we haven't figured out how to get there." Limbo snorts at the 'lame' comment. She hadn't built it, nor was it her property, but she always admired the architecture. "We-" Limbo starts before correcting herself, "I was hoping to undo the binding before Octavia developed as a personality at all. Now that she has been 'born,' so to speak, I can't bring myself to put an end to it. I will miss Vinal and her music, but," She sighs, "her life is better as Octavia. Vinal never had friends, let alone ones that would risk their lives for her. You see, Vinal was troubled. I don't know much about Equestrian schooling, but it didn't resonate with Vinal. She was too alien. She had her strange music, and that was it. No subject gripped her, and no pony, her age or otherwise, could relate to her." "It didn't take long for her to start lashing out. Vandalism, arson, -she even mugged Mr. Tongue before I had met him. If only I could be there. I could have shown her a better way. I'm sorry for my rude outburst. Her music comforted me at the peak of my misery, and I just..." Limbo cradles the side of her crown in her hoof, "need some time to process this. You may call her whatever you want. You're a better friend to her than I was." Limbo looks like she's about to dismiss Fuchsia but remembers she hadn't answered one of her questions. "If we used Celestia's method of ascension, then it would take at least three years per pony. Even then, only one in six would be given a mantel" Limbo said, still cradling her forehead, "We have found an alternative that allows us to uplift everypony at once. It needs time and careful set up though. Have patience, Fuchsia. You will sore through the sky yet." As Limbo finished, she gestured to some still-lit candles.

I lost it at 'For it is Toned!'!