Blitz Boom

@Catpone Cerberus Tiger were nervous and leaned back some at first, when Asildae came in to examine her closer. Thankfully that uncomfortable moment were soon halted, by the chest flying out to them, though that did make her almost jump off the ground from the shock. When Asildae looked at her afterwards though, and proclaimed her dissatisfaction about not being able to eat her, Tiger did gulp down what felt like a golf ball, and internally praying to the princesses with all her heart, that she might survive this encounter, and run off somewhere that they'd never meet again. Tiger sadly got a face full of the process of Asildae's eating habits. Her attention had not been much on the sight of Glutton eating away, as she both had unfortunate personal experience with the things draconequui could do previously, as well as some stories about what Glutton did. It was hard not to, when so much of Equestria's trash were sent here, specifically for her to devour, leaving the nation in a mutually beneficial relationship with the ancient being. An asset for sure, but not something she had to watch. Seeing Asildae were seemingly some sort of spider though? That she wanted to see even less. Small spiders were fine. They caught insects, and just followed their instincts, mulling about, rarely being a threat to anything larger than them. But Asildae were big. Really big, compared to them, and the way she were presenting this, made it ominously clear that yes, she could indeed do this very same thing to her, as she did to these rats. This were an imagery that was going to haunt er nightmares for years to come, alongside with what that other draconequui had done to her. What had she done, to deserve this? "W-Wild Rider's Outdoor Store! D-Down Citrus Lane." She'd take a few steps back, away from the dying rat pointed towards her face, as she desperately answered, which would make her bump into Glutton. And she couldn't believe she'd actually think this, but right now, the draconequui were far more comforting presence that Asildae. At least Glutton didn't outright say that she wanted to eat her, nor seemed to care now, as she scratched her jaw, and looked briefly thoughtful. "Wild Rider... I think I know 'im. Might be a map there, yeah. Aight, seems we're done with you then, lil' pony. Take these things to whatever local guard you wanna, and let 'em know that I'll be out for a time. Oh right, and I suppose I did say I'd fix you up first." She'd snap her fingers, and Tiger's scars and wounds would vaporize, leaving her perfectly pristine afterwards, though with a *kick me* sign attached to her tail. Glutton had healed her, but that didn't mean she wasn't gonna have her fun regardless. "Now go on then, shoo." Tiger would not need to be told twice, ad just grabbed the box, which seemed to be a lot lighter than it looked, and sped off, like she were being chased by a wild animal. "Heh, seems like the two of you had a bit of quality time together, huh? I ain't Fright, but I know fear when I see it, and I get the feeling it ain't on me for once." ========================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "I can't say I disagree with the sentiment. Her final moments did seem rather horrendous, to put it mildly. Not the worst I have seen, but it is in the higher echelon for certain. in regards to the report that you want for the princesses, sir, I will make sure that the relevant paperwork there will be my top priority, before I write down our own reports, and the copies needed for the other, relevant parties. It should not take too long to do so, so I can return to my other duties at some point tomorrow. Lest there is other pressing matters, might I assume that would be to scout out potential recruits, as we have previously discussed? After the paperwork I mean, of course. I assure you sir, things will be orderly in the office, first and foremost." She were hired on to be a secretary, and provide her expertise in sorting out the paperwork, among other things, and she were intending on doing her job well. Her options these days were rather limiting as it were, and Solar had been kind to her. Ideally, she'd wish to stay in her position, and do a good job here, rather than think of where else she might be useful. Wasn't as if she would have much of a future in a lab any time soon again. Not properly. She'd need years to be completely in control, then reestablish herself, and even then, she did not feel the urge to return to a lab. Not full time, anyway. Might be a good side hobby, to spend free time on eventually. As for the current predicament, if Solar agreed that her course of action were as she presumed, she would do so when they returned, and then bright and early in two days, when he showed up, she would have several folders of potential recruits. Some including those she had mentioned previously, but also some new faces, that had come by in her following inquiries, that she thought might interest Solar. ============================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "Heh, I'm a half-breed of sorts, so there's not a whole lot of precedent on what I'm supposed to be. Especially magic-wise. So I mostly just try and see what I can do with it all, even if it might seem silly or pointless to some. It gives me something to do when things are dull too, and perhaps something to pass on if I ever meet others who can control these sorts of things the same way I do. It'd be nice to know that others wouldn't have to learn mostly everything from scratch, like I had. Though I'll admit, I do also like to just show off with the finesse and control I got too. The looks I get, makes the effort feel worth it." It did also do great for distractions if she were off stealing stuff, but she should probably not mention that. She were not meant to be a bad influence on the younglings like that. "You have a dragon lich? Well that's nasty sounding. Thankfully nothing like that back where I'm from, far as I know, but since both your sides have a story about this one, it sounds like you got a nasty problem out there somewhere." Sure she knew of, and had encountered undead, but not a draconic version. Not personally, anyway. And even the stories she had heard, she had never heard of one like this before. Dragons didn't tend to be necromancers, where she were from. Heck, she didn't even know more than two at most, who might have the sort of power to be one, and neither seemed the type to engage in that sort. Well, maybe Le Perinne, in a tough spot. As the smallest elder dragon, she used her superior magical advantage as much as possible, to stay strong among her peers. Might be against her pride, but if options were limited, she might. Hard to say really, but Leviathan wouldn't put it past her at least. "That nasty bit of business aside, I'm impressed with all the varied breath attacks that you got in this place. I thought maybe there'd be a few more than what I'd seen, but the variety is way bigger than I had imagined. Makes me kinda wonder... Say, with all the kinds, have you ever heard of dragons that breath a glittering, white fire, that makes those it hit not burned, but confused and seeing things? A sort who also eat the color out of gemstones? I never really thought of where Refractions came from, but with all the variety here, I'm wondering if maybe they have their origin from these lands." Refractions where what they called them where she were from anyway. Looked like elongated, snake-like dragons, rather than the more regular kind they had in Equestria, and she did see some that had that elongated look, so it could be. Very strange back home though, especially as since she said, they ate the color out of gems. No idea how it worked, but like, they could eat all the blue out of a sapphire, than tended to discard the otherwise perfectly fine, clear gem afterwards. Not a wide spread one, and they tended to keep for themselves, but she had run into a few, over the years. Nice enough sorts really. ======================================================================== @EQ_Theta "...I do not understand it, but I will try and think about it, the next time I can. Doing desperate things, the closest I could think, were when trying to find my master, but I just looked. I had time, and much to see. And when I did not, I waited, until Mother told me to go and find a new way forward. I do things that get me trapped, like the time in the crystal, but I do not think that was desperate. It was... I heard a word for it somewhere... Gullible, yes? I think that was it? I am not sure. Maybe it is best if I do not ask more about this, until I can think about what you already said. There is already a lot that I will need to try and understand." Maybe there were some desperation, in how it were, when they were trying to help Lin? There were several things that she could pull from her history, that she thought were maybe the same, but she needed time to ponder over this, and try to understand what she had been told. Perhaps after pondering it all, she might find that it provided her more insight and context, to grasp it all a little better. It tended to work like that for her anyway, even if sometimes, she had to stand and think for many, many sunrises. "So do not talk to anyone first, and stay with you? Okay, I can do that." This seemed straight forward and understandable at least. Stay with them, so the other hunters would see she were with them, and then let the elder introduce them, so they knew she wasn't a threat, before talking to them. A simple approach, that would work well then, she would assume. Maybe best she also did not open gates around them, unless she had to? It seemed wise to, unless she had to try and defend herself, or others. maybe them too, if say a big bear would come for them. She could make that one go away a little. It would not be the first time she had done so, though she tended to find that the ponies she saved from said bears, were more strange acting than the bears were, when they would pop back out again. They mostly just seemed briefly confused, before leaving the area. The ponies tended to yell and run instead. "I have been yelled at, had things thrown at me, others trying to grab me, and saying I should leave, many times. Towns, buildings, the wild- I tried to talk to many to understand things, but a lot just wanted me to go away. I do not understand, but I see the looks in their eyes, and how they try to avoid me, yes. It is not as much now anymore, but especially in the time of my master, and the years after, it happened a lot. Especially the yelling." It might be that Omen never thought that she had done anything wrong, and just wanted someone to explain to her what had happened, and give her direction, but the commonfolk still knew who she were, and who had created her. She were seen as exactly what her name implied: An omen. A sign of Discord, that none of them wanted to be reminded of, as well as someone they feared would bring him back somehow, as she were his servant after all. Had she the chance, she would have done so, yes, but it were all she would know. Her master, and Mother, were the authorities in her life, and really all she had back then. Chances were high that she would have stood at his statue until he broke out, no matter how long it would have taken, if she knew that it were there in the first place. These days though, after Mother had asked her to return, no one remembered that, except for maybe the princesses, and she had yet to see them again. So these days it were more apprehension and fear, because she were weird, and could do weird things, that made others avoid her. Others still, managed to use her for their own means for a time, but it were only ever for a short time, and she learned basically nothing from it. She were just taking orders, from those who tolerated her presence for a time. It were better now, with Sen and Lin. Maybe because they were also different, she didn't stand out so much? Maybe it were because she learned more now, and as such didn't ask as many simple questions anymore? She weren't sure, but she liked the way things were now, over before. It were also less lonely, which were nice. "I see the same look sometimes here, but I understand that a little more. I am the stranger here. I do not look like anything they know. It makes more sense, than when I am around ponies." =========================================================================== @EQ_Theta "Had I had not intended for you to potentially wander the path of the kitsune, I would have never offered it, darling. Fret not. You will need to provide me a bit of time though. While I could wander in uninvited, as it were, it would be considered impolite, and not a good first impression for introducing you. I will make a formal request to their elders, and wait until they have approved it, then take you there myself. Worry not, I have sway with them, for previous services, so it is highly unlikely you will be denied. Yet they will want to deliberate likely. It could take a few days, but I will let you know when it have concluded. As for our arrangement, I have patience, to an extend. I still expect that our arrangement are honored, of course. Yet as you are wanting to gather things, as have been mentioned, I can imagine that the wealth of Neighpon will suit you in that endeavor too. Worry not, I will check up on you from time to time, and will provide you with a way to make contact in between, if required." Scarcity knew well the fruits of patience. Rushing along and not think things through, would not have gotten her to where she now were. Time were a resource, that could be used, just like anything else, and she had been good at knowing how to best use everything she could, to get to her own ends. Within reason, of course. She would not lower herself to things such as slavery, or needless punishment. She did have some morals, as well as common sense. It were why she were a lesser evil, in the grand scheme of things. A useful player, in the larger game. And she would remain so, for a long, long time, soon as her deal had gone through. And she understood they needed time, but all the same, she expected them to also understand that though she would give them time, her help did come with strings, and if they tried to play her a fool for too long, those strings might well begin to tighten rather uncomfortably. "I do expect that if there's any particularly rare material needed, that any of you cannot get hold of, that you will make contact with me, yes? Wouldn't want such a minor obstacle stand in our way."

@Illiad Easle (Null, Cherish, Crow, Ranger) Crow wouldn't be happy about it, but she'd back away, keeping her ears peeled, in case something that sounded dangerous would approach. Ideally she'd have Cherish with her, but it sounded like she had to be a little more patient, annoyingly enough. Hopefully her friend would be out soon though, so she could grasp her tight, and make sure she got home safe. Kozue let the illusion go, and gave a small, awkward wave towards Arcade. Seems like they were busted. It did bring up what he were doing here though, and if that meant he brought his little marefriend along too. Was he out monster hunting perchance? If so, they were kinda on the same wavelength there, yeah? Ranger and him just handled one themselves, and he might've cleared out some more. Though that might mean they wanted to turn around and handle the rest and he were sooooo not game for that. The one they got were weaker, compared to the horde of other faster, dangerous stuff they had gotten past. This singular one had been easy. Dealing with the rest? That was gonna be a potentially deadly endeavor. Okay, so there were a slight explanation of what Arcade were doing here, sort of. He were here with Null after all, and they had been after someone. A friend of theirs, he had to assume, as he had no idea who this Elef were, but he seemed to be known by them both. What really made his ears perk though, and a small chill tickle down his spine, were the notion that Grey Mare had made them come out here. Stories were very clear, that her predecessor were far worse, but he had yet heard stories about The Grey, and warnings of what might happen, if you impeded their efforts. If even half of those stories were true, it would be in their best interest to help, rather than hinder. Before Arcade took off, after telling them to essentially hurry up, Kozue would say something to him though. Nothing much though, just y'know, trying to be friendly and all, yeah? "Hey, I uh... Sorry. Just wanted to help. We'll be there soon." Not the best, but it were something. He would likely have to cover his tail a lot more, once his angry beloved got into things. She didn't seem the sort who liked when things didn't go according to plan. "Cherish!" "Crow!" When Crow saw her friend get outside, walking very closely to Null, as to avoid anything dangerous potentially grabbing her, Crow would widen her eyes, and move forward with haste. So would Cherish, soon as she heard Crow, and they'd meet up not far from Null. She'd focus on Elef for the time being, rather than her, as it seemed the filly had someone there to handle her now. Crow held Cherish tightly, wings wrapped around her, as she felt her smaller, fluffy friend clutching tightly to her as well. A few tears falling from her face, as relief washed over her, at the sight of her friend now finally in her grasp again, safe and sound. Mostly anyway. She felt something on her scales. Not tears, but thicker. Stickier, and so, she would take and hold her in front, to have a look at her, and saw her various scratches and bruises. "You're... Hurt." "I-It's just some scratches. It looks w-worse than it is." Crow did not seem convinced, and would take Cherish closer to have a better look, flipping her around to make sure that there weren't some gaping wound that she had missed. As for Void, she would have had her hammer on the ready, as they departed, but seeing Null bringing Elef outside filled her too with relief, and she'd put it down, as she walked forward, and scooped up the young stallion into her grip, holding him in a tight hug. Her heartbeat were racing, even if it were slowly calming, as she saw him being safe. Just like the others were too, though her focus were on Elef, as she stroke his mane, and talked lowly to him. "Thank the ancestors. I was so worried something had happened to you." It had been a long trek, and she had multiple scenarios in mind, for how things would be, but it had thankfully been good, and now he were back in her grasp. Her sweet, confused little colt. Null meanwhile, would look over everything, making sure that it looked fine, then nod, and address the white changeling - a peculiar sight for sure - and the rest of the entourage. "Hey. Everything's fine here it seems, but there's some activity inside. Once everyone's out, we could use some help collapse the entrances again proper, so nothing gets out. unless you folks have any reason we'd need to go inside again?" ====================================================================== (Ranger) Looking around, he smelled the blood, and became a little worried, since he'd assume any of the monsters in this place might too. Best that they got a move on, and finished what they came for. The third and seemingly final test. So he'd focus, and send out the spell once more, assuming he'd once again get nothing, but hooh boy, that wasn't the case. The whole room had spots of spiritual activity there, and fresh ones at that too. Yet, there weren't any spirit here. Even if it looked like something could've been here within the last... He'd guess few hours? He wasn't a professional at this, even if he knew what to do, to a certain extend. Wasn't for him to nail it down to the minute, but if he didn't know better, he'd say something had been here, more or less before they showed up. And the clues showed so too, as a minty-green trail, would flow out of the room, towards the direction that probably whoever Elef and the others went. "So uh... Good news and bad news. Bad news is that your friend probably were stuck here, cause there's a lot of pretty recent signs, and I dunno who else it could be. Good news... Well, sorta good news anyway, is that it seems like she's moved out of here. And judging by the trail, I'm kinda thinking that she might be haunting one of the others. Maybe that Elef... pony? I don't really know enough about him to guess, sorry. But if he's one of your friend group, it could be that she latched on to him. Familiarity and stuff. Or she's latched on to Null. From what he said, she might be aware of the spirit too somehow, and that could've made her haunt Null instead, to try and get through to others. Either way, we should probably get a move on." Though to be sure, he'd do the spell again in the hall, and rightly so, the trail kept going the same way, towards the smell of fresh air. It weren't a lot, but with how things were in here otherwise, any change in the air being fresher would probably be notable. Kozue would get them camouflaged again, just to be sure, and would have them get on their way, though he'd drop it once they got outside. Quite a large gathering here it seemed. Pale changelings, a dragon, armed folks, and a pony that looked like Null, but big. Well weren't that something? He'd hold up a paw, a sheepish, nervous grin on his face. "Hi there. I'm with them." Kitsune had a reputation, so the sight of him might not be the most calming for some folks. They'd hopefully be more amicable, if they knew he were with the others. Or at least they'd only restrain him, ad not like, try and stab him. He'd reaaaally prefer not to get stabbed. Or cut, beaten up, kicked- Any sort of damage? No fun. =============================================================================== (Craven) While on the outside he seemed calm, he were already whipping himself on the inside for this mistake. He couldn't tell if those in there could come back at this time, but even then, he had dropped one in there, and it were not something he had wanted. Yet he had misjudged the gateway, and so, an accident had happened. Hopefully that one would come back up... He hadn't dislocated a wing or anything, so there were hope. Sure the thought had crossed his mind, but... He just didn't have it in him to torture. This had been meant purely to scare them. Granted, it had definitely scared the other one, but it had still gone further than he had wanted it to. Since it seemed the guard didn't know anything more of value, Craven would knock him out with magic, then have a look, to see if there were more guards. it didn't seem so, but if there were, he'd try and question them, or knock them out, until the only issue would be the DJ. And quite the issue this one were. If the guard were right, then he couldn't realistically do anything to the DJ, without this gateway or whatever it were, likely collapsing, trapping everyone on the other side. This were of course just a guess, as this were so far above his paygrade, that he couldn't even fully describe it, but it were what made the most logical sense to him. As were it that the guards were likely also meant to make sure that no one - especially The Host - got any funny ideas about making their way out of there. Unless The Grey informed him otherwise, he would do what seemed to make the most sense to him, and both keep others away from the rift and dance floor, as well as the DJ uninterrupted. It were not lost him that there were a certain degree of irony in him getting this far, just to replace the guards already stationed here, but at least he would help others escape if possible. including the guard who accidentally got dropped in there. ================================================================ (Yannit) So it seemed she had gotten Red's attention. Not as planned, but she could still turn this to her advantage. Her help would be arriving soon, and if she could hold Red's attention, and even damage her some, it would help to then overwhelm her. She also seemed to have some weak spots currently. Probably because she weren't used to her new body yet, which meant she wasn't as good at protecting her wings. There might be something she could do there to handle the situation. It would be less than elegant, but they were far up. if she fell from up here, she would not make it. Though she assumed that ideally, The Grey would perhaps want her in for questioning and testing at this point, this were not of her concern. Survival, and completing the mission were. It would also potentially be possible to make usage of magic here, but she needed to test that. Wasn't time to answer, and act at the same time, so Yannit would remain silent, and fly to the side, then toss another dagger, aiming at the torso of Red. She were assuming Red would avoid it, or deflect it, which then brough up her plan: To take control of the dagger as it would miss, with telekinesis, and try to ram it into her torso, or whatever other part of her she could. Cutting a wing could work too, but she's see what she hit. Regardless, she were fully prepared and willing, to use dirty tactics. Honor was a nice ideal, but she found it stifling. Why bother with something so... Meaningless, in essence, if it made you lose? Especially in battles to the death, such as this one. It had some value if it meant dying for a greater cause, but this were not it. Not grand enough. ============================================================ (Mongoose) Ah glorious deity, noticed him once again, directly above all others it felt. It made his heart skip a small beat. Perhaps he saw the potential in his tiny, equine form? Perhaps he could gaze into his mind, and saw the thoughts in his head. Share in his vision of blood and art, and were intrigued? Curious even? Wondering if Mongoose would present an offering after all? Or.. Might he be finding the idea lacking? Was it not enough, for his muse of madness, to be given a canvas, wrought in warped flesh, to adorn his glorious dance hall? So many questions, so very few answers. As if the deity were taunting him to come to him. To find those answers, under his patronage. The promise of meaning beyond simply The Grey, and cleaning floors? Acceptance of his true talents, where none others had, even himself? His mind swirled with questions, all so horrifying and beautiful, that a tear shed from his eye. The other lords, deities in their own right perhaps, or just residents beyond comprehension? So vast, so strange. What canvasses he could not make of them, if only he had the time to observe them more. To glean and understand, what potential they held for art, and how to approach the task of painting them with steel and magic. And then, his eyes fell on a blemish. An anomaly, who did not belong. A minotaur, or perhaps diamond dog? Either way, it were a pitiful sight, with a pitiful sound. A husk of a familiar creature, playing an instrument poorly, amidst t he glorious music of all others. A... A follower, who had joined? Were this the fate of those who stayed? Or... Those who failed to impress? Though his mind wavered for a moment, he felt his hoof draw towards his knife, finding instead the bat. A blunt instrument, that greatly displeased him to find. It did not create art. It were nothing. A blunt instrument that made splatters, and not the precise, beautiful strokes of a knife. He looked around, searching for a knife. His or any others, it mattered not to him in the slightest. He didn't want to go home. He felt this place so much better. So much more fitting. Free of the judgements of others, and himself, for the things he had done. A free world, where he could create art in potential perpetuity, for the muse of madness. A deity who would appreciate his art, where no one else had, yet he needed a tool. A knife, as essential to him as a painter's brush. This bat were useless for what he wanted to do. It were just murder, and nothing else, and the deity deserved so much more than that. (In case he does find a knife, he will go and kill the minotaur, releasing him with a quick stab to the chest, then begin to carve with glee. If not, he will proceed to the next point= He would discard the bat, feeling frustrated. The deity had gone, likely towards the light he could eye, which pulled him ever so slowly towards it. him and others too, but it was not what he wanted. He wanted the deity's attention again, and it had been stolen from him, by the theft of his knife! Andnow others might take it from him, as they wafted there. A mixture of selfishness, and the notion that he were meant to save others, made him head towards the rift, avoiding the light, and using his magic to draw others in. And if that did not work, dive for them, and toss them through. He would not allow another to go there if he could help it. He would get them out of here, and then... Then he'd follow, and find a knife. Yes he could do that, right? A knife, before the place closed again, it should be... That was right, wasn't it? Yes, he just needed his competition out first.

I will get to writing here on Wednesday. Christmas workload is bonkers, so it's just drained me. I was meant to write this a few days ago, but I forgot... My bad.

@Stancet It is indeed. It's a big sandbox, so I tend to just, slot people in where they might fit, and then build around them, in their own section of said world, more or less. So let's start from the basics: Who and what is your character? Let's see who our new neighbor is gonna be.

@Illiad Easle I struggled a little with the Mongoose one, but I am satisfied somewhat with how I got it down in the end. The madness of that place, seems like it would break him, but in an inspirational way. I am not planning on making him carve anyone up... Per se, but I like how it shows the three being each their own on the matter. Mongoose is inspired, disturbingly giddy, and somewhat in awe of the god, his Muse of Madness, as he thinks of the god. Craven wants to help, but cannot bring himself to become cruel to do so, even if it would likely be the best way to do things. Yannit meanwhile, gets ready to do what must be done, feeling no remorse over their quarry. That said, if something is off, lemme know. I tried, but that doesn't mean I succeeded.

@Illiad Easle (Null and Cherish) It were an odd feeling for Cherish, these tendrils. Reminded her less of a pony, and more of Crow, in the places where she weren't damaged, that were. Her branding especially, were a place that she assumed were not as smooth as this, though she didn't know really. Crow were very cagey about what that meant, and wouldn't let anyone touch it. Not even her. Only thing she really did know, were that Crow sometimes mumbled that she were looking forward to the day when she grew out of the afflicted scales, so Cherish just assumed it were something very bad. She could understand that. After the war, they all had scars. Some more physical than others. "I hope so too." If Null were honest, she only had an idea where to start: Speaking with that vampire guard, whose name she couldn't remember right now, and then maybe set the kid up for some therapy. It wasn't easy to accept sometimes, but stubborn and reluctant as she had been, Null could affirm that it were good to talk to someone, and maybe try and straighten out some of the mental issues at the same time, if you were lucky. Facing trauma were a hard one, as it were so easy to just... Burry it all, and not think about it. Just grief, and self-hatred, regardless of your own, actual fault. An all too familiar feeling... But it seemed like he might be innocent in everything. He hadn't hurt Cherish at least, and rude as it might sound, the filly were ideal prey. Smaller and weaker than most pegasi her age, in a cave - so she couldn't fly away - and alone. If he had any semblance of a want, she would be done before they got here, but he hadn't as much as licked a droplet of blood off of her, and she clung to him, like he were a close friend. Still, convincing her and Arcade were one thing. Convincing Elef himself... Now that were going to prove difficult, unless they could have this lingering spirit and him, have a face to face later. "Y'know, sometimes you make it hard to try and be grateful, you know that?" Inwardly she smirked, her inner tone having a small bit of amusement to it. Some might say that considering what they were doing, and the way she were trying to be appreciative and open with him, he were being a bit of a flank right now. But in fairness, she hadn't always been easy to work with either, so it were probably evening out over time. *sigh* Thought he more pressing matter of Elef's judgement... She did not look forward to that, but it did not get better, by her avoiding it. Though still, she wanted to hear what this soul had to say, and ask Arcade some more questions, about him specifically. She didn't want to be too harsh, if it turned out things were a good deal less punishment-worthy than it seemed. Null would make her way towards the T, preparing herself mentally for a fight, just in case. A shame she hadn't put on the wing blades, but they were still in Troy. She hadn't thought she were good enough with them yet, to bring over a solid blade. Might be something she had to reevaluate, as well as up her training with them. They were very practical for travel, and on the spot fighting. ============================================================= (Crow) Her heart shipped a beat, then raced ahead, as she felt the hilt at the back of her neck. She were not in a good position here, for any fight, and she had been careless in thinking it would be easy. Or that she could just push through it. But she had to, or... Or Cherish might... She'd find she had held her breath, after he told her that Cherish was okay - the description fit - and she'd let out the withheld air, in a shaky breath. Some relief letting itself into her chest, followed by worry, as something were approaching. Something with the smell of death above it, though from the sound, not a pony. Maybe a griffon? It sounded like claws at least, but regardless of what it were, it would be dangerous, and it could end up hurting Cherish too... "Wh- What I should do?" She'd let the pony tell her what to do here, as it seemed likely to be the best chance she'd have, of helping Cherish right now. If she had to get out of the way, back where they came from, she'd back off/turn and wander out (depending on how maneuverable the tunnel would be), towards the entrance she had made, though her gaze kept onwards, looking for the enemy, as well as Cherish. If instead he told her to get ready to fight, she'd prepare,. arching her back, and getting ready to use any dragon's first response to most things: Fire. Might be all dragons couldn't use magic - herself included, since as she far as she knew, didn't have any - but most could breathe fire, as it were a natural, biological process, rather than a magic one. Though of course, those possessing fire magic, could make a much stronger breath attack. (if I misunderstood, and the monster is coming from the direction of where she came from herself, adjust accordingly) ================================================================= (Ranger) Since he looked through the eyes of the imaginary prey, Kozue wasn't gonna lie, he did almost feel his fur grow white, when the things jumped his illusion in seconds, rather than taking time. He had clearly, woefully underestimated how dangerous these things were. Thankfully, they then settled on one of the fast ones, as the target of their frenzy, so that worked out fine, and the illusion was dispersed. Though he still were shaken from the experience. Still cloaked, as he didn't trust things that much, he'd slip through the entrance, and join up with his comrades again. It seemed they were in the clear. That were until it were brought up, that there were one between where they had to go, and here. That were going to be... Annoying to deal with. Especially as this were a closed area, so they also had to think of how to move past it afterwards. "Open spaces is easier. Could lure it off a cliff there. Cramped spaces, and us needing to go past after... I think I can manage something, but we have to be quick. If it starts making noise, we could be in real trouble." Was it the best plan? Maybe not, but there weren't much of an area advantage to work with here. The ground were strange, and not as lively as one could want, and there were limited space to work with. So instead of a larger area, where he could mess with the thing, until he could get a solid strike in when the time was right, they had to try and strike fast and hard. "Be ready to shoot." Once she were ready, he'd move ahead, mentally preparing himself, as well as magically, as both of his front paws began to glow slightly. Once he had a visual, he's stop up, swirl around 360 degrees, and then extend his front paws. The magic springing from them, forming into flexible green cables, that would shoot ahead, attempting to hit the monster, and once it did, it would begin to try to spread and restrain it. Around like rope, or through any decayed holes- Whatever he could see might work to tie it up. It wasn't the best way to actually kill something, but he lacked space here! Anything too destructive, would take time to be more refined, or it might potentially cause a cave in. If he could hold it though, and Ranger give it a bolt through the head? Might work. If this didn't, he had to chance something more dangerous. Long as it didn't include him getting within range to touch it, should be okay. He wasn't sure what the things in here could do, so he'd like to avoid close combat as much as possible. Who knew what could happen otherwise? He might melt, or get possessed, or have his skeleton sucked out through his skin. The last of those being an actual nightmare he had, that he really didn't want to become reality. ======================================================================== (Mongoose) Mongoose felt his jaw slacking, at the strange sight that beheld him. A giant dance floor, with creatures defying logic inhabiting it. Yet before he could comprehend what he were seeing, or even react to noticing The Host, close to where he were, a voice came out of everywhere. It were very disorienting, but so were everything in here. What kind of crazed place had he fallen into? He got the urge to grab for his knife, rising in his chest, as the strangeness of this place began to mess with his nervousness. The *announcer* were a great part of this, though he could hardly imagine how to even begin carving this up. Considering they might be able to read thoughts, maybe it were good that things got a lot weirder, before he even got the chance to think further than his knife feeling like it would be nice to hold right now. He could honestly say he had never been this confused in his entire life. Not even when he had his artistic hallucinations, though thinking over it, there were some similarities. Were it not because the faces were so un-equine, this would be slightly less weird, but the strange ones, that he could not give name to, made this worse, and he had the feeling that it would only get worse. By some miracle, he managed to get over to The Host, still without grabbing his knife, though his eyes were jittering from side to side, nervous about what might next come at them. He'd try to open his mouth, though The Host hardly even had to shush him, as frankly, Mongoose wasn't sure what words to even bring up here. What could he even say? At best, he could just slowly close his mouth again, and do a small nod, though his eyes still went around, as old urges began to come to mind. To the point where he were fumbling to grab something in his pocket. Mongoose were thrown along, his mind feeling like it were about to crack, as the various movements stopped him from getting what he were looking for, as he were yoinked around: The half pack of gum he had on him, for emergency cases. It weren't as effective of a hampering effect for his urges, but in a pinch, it helped to take the top off. Yet as he were pulled closer to the strange entity, and made to watch face to face a strange smile began slowly spreading on his face. His eyes glazing over slightly, as it seemed Mongoose were slipping away, mentally. He gazed upon this copy of himself, with a small, slow laugh escaping him. Images of himself going through his head, skin peeled back, the eyes, strung far, upon pillars of leg bones and teeth. The beautiful swivel of inner organs, stretched far and revealing the inner beauty. The one which rested deep inside, beneath the hide, the flesh, and even the ribs. The beat of a heart, engrossed in music, dancing upon a stage of bones, draped in the finest skin. The look of faces without a body, were not helping his delusions. Nor did it, that he were grabbed again, shown such deprived sights, like the very flesh scraped back from himself, exposing the pure bone beneath. Art and music, in glorious harmony... He almost felt like singing, as this muse of madness made a toy of an already unstable mind. The Host would find Mongoose in a haze for a few seconds as he talked to him, before the stallion turned to look at him. He seemed to slowly become more aware, but a creepy smile were spread wide on his face, and his eyes briefly spoke of inspiration, and dark thoughts, that would scare a lesser being. With a shaky hoof, he'd rise his hoof, and fumble the package of gum from his pocket, and look at it, giggling like a mad pony for a few second, before tossing the entire thing into his mouth, paper and all. The Host would have to give him a few more seconds, as he tried to get himself under control. It were... Marginally successful. He still looked somewhat crazed, and if The Host knew others well, he should be able to tell that less than sane thoughts were going through his mind, but he were present to speak at least, as his jaws went crazed on the strawberry-flavored gum. "Gather them, not... Hehe... Get them ready, yes. I can do that. But heh... What about you then? Will you end here forever, stuck with this god, my- This, Muse of Madness?" It would be glorious, would it not? Bring one down, tear them apart, and make a display worthy of a god, out of the carcass of such lesser beings? These crazed creatures, dancing eternity away, ignorant of what art this god could inspire? What wonders he were deserving of? It were... It were wrong, wasn't it? To think this? To want such things. He knew that. He had been told that, for so, so long. But that were in the other world. This were a world of madness, were music were king, and reality a fleeting memory. Was it not okay, to listen to that voice? To dance and carve, sing and create, upon an endless stage? "Hehe... Heh... Dance? I am not a dancer. I'm... An artist, yes. Not dancer. But I can follow the melody, yes. Move my body. Try to... Help, yes. I were sent to help. I can try to dance, for that. That should be fine." He'd begin to look around, see what ponies were in line with them, and would try to wander off to gather them, if nothing were said. He would not brandish his knife currently, but if he did at any point, it were not going to be pretty. The Host might want to consider the options of either shaking him out of his crazed state, or consider an... Alternative way to create a distraction, than he had intended. ========================================================================== (Craven) Craven had handled the ones outside, and headed towards the dance floor, new orders in mind. To shut down the party, and find out about The Host, to figure out how compromised he might be. It sounded like he could not shut down the party, or the rift would close, and everyone who had fallen through - including The Host - would be stuck in whatever pocket dimension was there. So he approached the DJ booth, as clearly that is where everything happened, but he were halted, before getting up there. More lackeys, it seemed, pulled into something that were rapidly getting worse than he could have believed. Being told that stopping the music would trap them all, made him halt, but he did not step back. He would face these two, wanting for answers. "Tell me what's going on, or I'm tossing you into that rift." It were really an empty threat. He would at worst, dangle them near it, with some basic levitation magic, but he wouldn't be able to actually throw someone through. He would just at most scare them, as he wanted answers here. Without answers, he couldn't really do anything, but he also wasn't gonna torture, or banish someone for them. He were... He were not a Good changeling, but he were better than that. He had to believe that, or else... What were the point of his grief? His remorse? What were it all worth, if he could callously take life, without it being absolutely necessary? So he'd try this, and keep his game face on, even if he internally knew he did not have it in him, to throw anyone in there. He just wanted to know what to do here, and he needed information for that. ================================================================== (Yannit) Seems she had her orders to be more direct now. She could not wait for any others. Not that she assumed she could leave it to others. Mongoose were not here, and Craven... He were doing his best, but he were soft. She knew he would hesitate. That's why she volunteered to take the last stab, if it came to it. She could do what he couldn't. She would request some help, as she needed more to attack Red at the same time. Ideally with some weaponry, and an extra blade for her. Something with a longer blade than the daggers she had with her. She also requested that they were made aware of what magic she had seen being used earlier. Yannit would keep Red occupied until then. Until more would arrive, she would circle, looking for an opening to strike, and if she saw some, would then throw a dagger towards Red. She assumed this would be deflected, which were why she were prepared to use telekinesis to grab it, and change directions into a surprise strike. It would be ideal if she could get a good stab in her chest, stomach, or throat, but they'd see what were possible. Which also included the dagger might be grabbed. It were not the anti-magic one. Even though Red hadn't followed them, she had left that covered near the dumpster regardless. It seemed too big a risk, now that Red were no longer a changeling, as that could be turned on her, or Craven, and take them down far too easily.

@Illiad Easle Response will come tomorrow. Work have drained me too much the last few days.

@Catpone Cerberus I figure if we play around with new, potential hires, we'll maybe figure something out they can do sooner or later. I have a few ideas, but I'm malleable on the whole thing.

@Catpone Cerberus The pony whimpered when the notion that she were gonna get eaten came up, and she saw the pinchers of the insectoid who were saying those words. Her whole body shivering, as she were on the verge of tears. Something not helped, by Glutton laughing at this, though she moved on all the same. "Oh, that's a good one! But nawh, we ain't gonna eat you, little pony. Just need a guard to pick up the anti-magic stuff from my dumpster when I'm clearing it, and I ain't gonna wait around for the next regular pickup. So you've been suckered into it. Besides, you ponies get all annoying when I eat one of you. Not worth the hassle. Oh yeah, and Naval Nerd ain't her name, Asildae. Probably. Ponies have some funny names.. Actually, what's your name, little pony?" "T-Tiger Lily. P-Please, I beg of you, d-don't eat me, or t-tear me apart... N-Not again... *sob*" She'd actually start crying now, something that made Glutton roll her eyes, stop up, and snap her fingers, making the pony instead float up in front of her. "Hey, no crying on my coat, fuzzy. And what you mean again? I ain't... Aaaah, I get it. Had a little run in with my kin before, huh? That what gave you these?" She ran the dull part of a claw down one of her scars, the pony whimpering, but nodding. "Guess I could heal you up, if you stop crying, and do what I'm asking." She'd twirl her paw, and the pony - now trying her best to not actually cry harder, and slowly wiping the tears from her eyes - would start floating besides her right shoulder, as they kept moving, the city life beginning to grow more scarce now, as they were headed away from the main part, and towards one of the uninhabited areas. "What was I saying... Oh right, they call themselves Coastal Guards. I just like calling 'em Naval Nerds, because it really gets to some of 'em, heh. Gotta have whatever fun you can sometimes." The area would rapidly become less traversed by others, as something would eventually be seen in the distance, past the vast amount of shipping containers, warehouses, and the few, sparse workers who went around, doing their thing in the area, and doing theirs to just be out of their way, and not get involved with whatever were going on. Wouldnt be too long, until they got to see it: A massive area, at the edge of town, near the water's edge, to allow for ships to deliver their cargo. As one did now, where a machine lifted tons upon tons of varied garbage from the ship, and deposited it into the heaps in front of them. There were roads around the area, for beings to wander, if they had need for it. Mostly some looking for things, scavengers, that sort. After Glutton had settled down here, there weren't many actual workers. Only those who made sure the garbage from carts, ships, etc. got deposited the right places, within the various*sectors* that made it so the heaps didn't start to crash down everywhere. Wouldn't be safe. It were upheld with steel and magic, like the near invisible barrier around the place were too, that seemed to keep the smell in, which must definitely be quite pungent in there. From this side, some smaller roads were there to get in and out from, for carts, and other vehicles, as well as 1 pathway, for visitors and Glutton alike. Something rather obvious for the latter, as the gate were twisted in metal, to look like the draconequui, teeth and all. "Aah, home sweet home. Tell you what, stay here with the pony, and try not to eat her. I'll go clean out the joint." She'd levitate the pony over near Asildae, and be on her way. The pony not comfortable, but trying not to scream or cry at the least. Neither were fitting for a guard, but in her defense, she were dealing with an unknown, and a draconequui, and she had sustained injuries from a draconequui before. She could be forgiven for being scared. Meanwhile, inside, a loud whistling would be heard from Glutton, followed shortly after by some things being tossed out. Namely three ponies in work outfits, that were thrown into a suddenly appearing, large pillow, and soon after, a treasure chest, that clattered across the ground, and opened up at the end, just before Asildae. It had some things in there, mostly metal, but the things within looked unusually small. Likely the inside were more expansive that the chest - which would be of a size were a pony could carry it on their back - would appear to, to allow for more metal. Not long after, a rumbling would come through the earth they stood upon, as if a small earthquake were happening. And then, from one edge of the yard to another, would come massive canines, followed by the giant, open maw of Glutton, that engulfed everything, and closed around at the top, like a giant dome, which could have contained Canterlot Castle itself. The mouth now closed, would then lower towards the ground, rapidly shrinking as it went on, and soon after, the yard would be clean. Not a single shred of trash, but with everything oddly enough still int he right place, when it came to the barriers, required machines, and even the dirt itself. She'd then run out, slithering on her snake-like lower half, as well as the knuckles of her large paws, like some odd, half-gorilla, before she were finally out near them, with a mischievous grin on her face. She'd then lower her jaw to the ground, and a myriad of confused cats, raccoons, rats and even some birds, would escape her maw, and as best as they were able, run into the nearly uncrowded area of town they were in, to scatter around. She'd also spit one very confused, scruffy looking pony out, that were carrying some bronze metal. Likely someone who had just come in to grab some unused metal, and Glutton felt generous enough to let him have some solid bars she had crunched together of the sort spread around the garbage dump. Seeing those around him, he'd just hold them tight, and run off, not wanting to get more involved with this than he already have. She'd then go over to the treasure chest, and spit a steady stream of various metal bits into it, with them getting smaller as they rammed into the chest, until she were finally done, and she'd slam it shut, then snap her fingers, and put a nice, glittery bowtie around it, like a present. The pony would not be allowed to fall to the ground yet. Though Glutton would snap her fingers again, and the mare's wounds would instantly heal, making her look as if nothing had ever happened to her in the first place. "Aah, now that was a good meal. Heh, a fair bit of diamonds in there this time though. Gonna save those in my twentieth stomach for something else. You got any question to the little pony here, or should I let her off her leash, and go ahead doing deliveries?" ================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus Magma would be sure to draw the symbol, down to the last detail, along with the words Vaz spoke in regards to how to use it. it were an unconventional way of contacting and speaking to another, but it weren't too unlike the way that they had to transport messages back at Center Zero. Wasn't like a secret scientist base would be any good, if they had the post office regularly around? Nono, that wouldn't do now, would it? They had instead primarily relied on magical transference. A contraption in the main office, would transfer messages and paperwork, to a similar contraption in the Canterlot castle. A thing made by Ingenious Boom, one of the founders of Center Zero. Of course, sometimes paperwork did not suffice, and they did need food and materials, but those were handled otherwise, via military channels, to keep things on a need to know basis. Though in her opinion, while the location had to be kept somewhat secret, she saw no issues with sharing knowledge from there. Especially after it had been ransacked, and she were no longer technically part of it. Though she would assume her credentials still worked. Shed find out soon enough about that, she supposed. "I have nothing further to add, or ask, no." Magma closed the notebook, and put it back in the bag. A wealth of information, that would need to be written more concise and professional, when it came to adding it to a report, but there were certainly useful information here, that would be needed to be written into a digestible report. "It have been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Vaz. Our meeting have been quite informative, and I hope the next we hear from one another, will not include a mention of your less than pleasant other self, having found himself in our world. Until next, safe travels." She'd make a cordial bow towards Vaz. It were an odd meeting, but she were not lying, when she said it had been informative. They now knew certain things that could well come in handy, if worst came to worst, including the newest revelation, that his counterpart used necromancy. Certainly something to add to the file, as that would dictate how one were to deal with that menace. Likely would not work on Vaz's evil alternate himself, but dealing with his forces, if he could raise an undead army, were also of importance, and the undead could not be dealt with, in the same manner as regular ponies. Well, generally speaking. ======================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus How nice and informative, this meeting with the younglings were. Apparently, the way Charir could absorb electricity like he did, were unusual among their kind... Likely related to him being a half and half, between the various kinds of dragons. Mixing up like that, could cause weird effects, though it at least didn't seem to frighten them too much. It would likely have been a lot worse, if Charir could literally pull all the electricity out of you, just by touching you, active or not. For now they seemed more curious than frightened, so that were good. A rundown of some of what they could do, were useful too. And magic breath? Now that one were new. Electricity breath were something she had seen before. Heck, she could do it herself, if she used magic, but pure mana? Now that were something highly unusual. A great deal of potential in that, if refined and harnessed properly, she'd guess, though she would likely need to see an adult do it, to get a better idea of how it could end up being used. As the others began having a bit of a go at Vulri, she'd begin to say something, as it wasn't fair to the kid, to tease him just cause he didn't do anything yet. "Hey now, doing magic properly ain't easy. Took me a long time to learn how to do it myself, since there's not a lot of dragons where I'm from, that have, or use magic. Most of what I can do, had to be self taught because of it, and I'm still learning more ways to use it, as time goes. That's the beauty of magic. There's no limit, except for the time and effort you're willing to put into it. You have some good teachers here, so I'm sure you'll be able to show off something impressive much sooner than I could, Vulri." She'd grin a little wider at him, trying to be encouraging. "Your different breaths are pretty cool, if I'm honest. Where I'm from, we only really have fire breath, as that's natural to us. The other sorts I can do, I have to use magic to influence." She'd take a deep breath, and arch her head upwards a little, then breath a small, controlled stream of fire, then water, then ice, then clouds, and electricity to finish it off. All coming one after each other, in a single, uninterrupted line, making a twirl before it dissipated. "Can't do pure magic though. I'm more of a... Well, I call myself a Storm Dragon. Anything weather related, I can use. Water, electricity, forming clouds, tornadoes, that sorta thing. Plenty destructive uses, but it's so dull to only use it that way. Refining and being creative, is a great deal more interesting, and being subtle is definitely useful. Plus,. that whole butterfly thing? Great party trick, and a fine distraction. Mind if I ask you something by the way? So you have varied breath attacks, more or less, from the sounds of it? Electricity, fire, and pure, raw mana? Is there other variants here? Not saying I don't find what you can do nice - kinda jealous of the mana breath - but like I said, I don't run into a lot of magic using dragons, and I'm very curious about what sorta stuff I can run into here. Halfway expecting there to be someone with petrifying powers at this point, heh." Yes yes, she knew, there were other dragons to talk to as well, but it were important to talk to the kids here too. Charir were mingling, and learning stuff via this encounter too, and the more chances he had to talk, the less spooked about him they'd probably be. ========================================================================== @EQ_Theta "I do not know you mean. Do you mean desperate to eat? I do not have to, so I do not think I can be. I eat things to try tastes, and because it is what I see normal ponies do. But I can go a long time without eating, and nothing happens. I remember one time I looked at a grave, waiting to see if the pony would grow back. I do not know how long I was there, but there were many different weathers, and I had plants growing on me, when a pony came to the same stone. I tried asking him if he were there to wait too, but he started to scream and ran away. I left later. The pony did not grow back again. I learned they do not normally do that, later." Understanding death to even somewhat of an extend, were fairly new to her. back when this occurred, she had thought that ponies would grow like plants, since she had seen seeds being buried too. Yet she understood better these days, that it usually wouldn't happen, unless strange magic were used. Omen would nod, but had little to say. She wasn't sure if there were such as spicy pie, but it made her curious enough to ask now, when next they ran into the baker. Ideally before visiting Rosa again, who - now that she focused on him - seemed to be on the move, yet still in Canterlot. He were likely just looking around the library, or some other place like it. She wasn't completely sure, but it wasn't important right now either, and so, she stopped focusing on him soon after. Omen went over, leaning down, and looked at the picture as it were scrawled into the dirt. She didn't really know how to read a map properly, but still, she were trying to learn, and listened in on what Ghilan had to say of the route too. Sounded like it were a simple matter of her following them, and just wait to see that guard post, that they were supposed to rest at for the evening, before they went on the next day. Usually she would use time like tat to think, to wander around, or to watch someone, when they were sleeping. But if she had to be like others when around the guards there... What then were she to do? Or rather, what were she not to do? Something told her that some of the things she did were the cause of this unnerving, that Ghilan spoke of, but she could not point hoof at what exactly, beyond her gates, and sticking her tongue into another's ear. "So stay close to you then, yes? I am not sure what it means to unnerve others, but how do I not do that to your guards then?" Shrimp remained oblivious to it all, resting as he were, on Omen's neck, yet he would need to be set into the house when the others went to rest. The outdoors all night, were not good for him, as it were for Omen, and she intended to stay out there again, as she had the last time. It gave her time to think over what were ahead of them. The fact that her standing still, covered slowly in morning dew, while not moving a muscle, might be unnerving to some, did not cross her mind. To her, she were standing still. As such, how could she be doing anything she wasn't meant to? Made sense to her anyway. ======================================================================================== @EQ_Theta Scarcity smirked slightly, and wandered a little around the kitchen table, building up somewhat of a degree of suspense, before speaking. Sometimes the mood struck her to be a little theatrical, and sometimes, such as now, she even indulged this little want of hers. A small treat if you would, even if it only lasted for but a minute or so, before she stood, facing them again, now on the other side of the counter. "There are two paths of unconventional avenues for you, dear. The simplest is why I asked of you, if those deities of yours were considered nature spirits, which from what I am given to understand, is correct in at least a certain context. Belief and understanding of the very beings that spawns of the world, as seen from ancient eyes? The Kitsune would be highly interested in learning of that, and compare with what they know and belief. They are a very spiritual people. Worship of tradition, of nature, and the spirits within, are integral to them. The harmony of the elements, important and something which they seek ever more understanding of. Though your customs are different from theirs, in many ways, you can connect. They can teach, as well as being taught. Though I admit, that it will not be the most lucrative effort. Passable, but hardly lucrative. As for the other option, I speak of lending a hand, to fear itself. Ah, but my word are true. What I think of, does not involve hurting others. Fright have little want for that regardless, and haven't for centuries. But what she could use, were for some to help spread her shrines. It is fascinating really. There is but a few entryways into her domain, in which her temple of meditation and peace lies, yet there are many who can use her services. To that end, she places small shrines, that will transport those in need to the nearest of those entryways, and help bring calm in its general vicinity. I know that she is willing to pay for others to go in her stead, and place these small shrines of hers, as well as see to those already placed, to see to it that they are not overgrown, hidden, or perhaps stolen. A wandering scholar with an understanding of waystones already, might better appreciate, and understand the work. There may even be something for you to learn. Perhaps the travel might even be good for you, as you could find what materials you'd want for trinkets, and some assistance, as well as see Equestria for yourself, rather than simply hearing, or reading of it. And in case you do worry, neither faction would require you to worship as they do. Only that you respect their ways. I hardly think that would be an issue, hm?" It seemed a good time to let a question hang in the air, and see what he would do with the knowledge. Perhaps neither would hold interest, but she were a mare who saw opportunities, where many others saw challenges. So she would lay out things that came to mind here, and then let Vates decide for himself, what to do with them. She saw little reason to force any of them to do something, beyond of course, upholding their end of their bargain. Something which would take time yes, but hopefully not too long. A few years at most, she would grant them, before it seemed prudent to impress upon them, the limited scope of her lifespan, next to theirs. ==================================================================== @Ionic Sunset They looked upon this peculiar creature with great interest, as they saw her eyes change. They knew well, the look of real gems, and this were so, yet not in a fashion that they had expected to see, after finding freedom once more. Had perhaps their forgotten kin, had in their own way, yet inspired the races that came after them? Even hidden away, as they had been? It would potentially be something which warmed their hearts, yet could also be reason for worry, depending on how this creature might act. They should like to know more. Queen Dia'thiz smiled as they were told this, and their horns glowed, with a swirling energy dancing upon all three. A stream of what seemed like liquid gems would spread from them all, weave and twisted until they took shape of a necklace, elegant and dangling with a figure which hardened into the familiar shape of a miniature version, of Queen Dia'thiz themselves. The necklace would float towards Dragonfly, lifted on a glittering aura. Everything from the necklace to the symbol, were in pure, polished diamond, with not an edge to find upon it, that she might hurt herself on. It would not be big enough to weigh the world, and the crystal chain, were as nimble and fitting as any gold chain, fitted by a master jeweler. "A gift then, to commemorate our meeting, Dragonfly. Diamonds are our domain, and have been, since we once sprung from the first cluster. Though we are different from then, we are not weaker for it. No, apart we were weak, but together we are perfect. Yet we find ourselves curious of you and yours, Dragonfly. You gaze upon us, with eyes of purest amethyst, and the visage of earthly metals, even if they are not as they seem. Are you and yours, of crystallin heritage? Perhaps, you have sprung from one of ours? Radiant essence from one of our resting brethren, if naught else?" They would be hopeful, that it were not simply them. Even if some of their brethren were best left to endless sleep, their essence could still spawn wonders. Perhaps, even life? They would scarcely believe it before, yet Dragonfly made them think much were possible, that they had not fought were. Even if not fully, did she not seem to be touched upon by crystals herself?

Sorry for more delays. My PC have been acting up, and things have been hectic... I don't have work or any family obligations tomorrow so I can get it all out there. Again, sorry for the massive delays.

Aight, giving @Ionic Sunset until Tuesday to answer, and then I'll get a post out. Need to keep things going here.

@Illiad Easle Took a bit, but I managed to finally wrangle a post from my mind. I dunno what will happen with the rift, but I am giving you permission to do what you think is right, with Mongoose here. Not sure if he'll live, die, get banished, or something else, but that's for you to decide. Also as I had little to really respond to, I added a bit more background on him, and his uh... Well, the sort of things going through his head, which added to why he were not so gently *volunteered* to The Grey.

@Illiad Easle (Null and Cherish) She did a good effort, but Elef were a slippery sort. Avoided her grasp and heading right for Arcade, likely wanting to force an attack out of him, judging by the way he acted before. A moment that once again, proved that she really didn't have much in the way of a career in motivational speaking, in case this whole *Vengeance upon the deserving* thing turned out to be a fad. Thankfully, nine were even faster, and got him wrapped up nice and tightly, thankfully without Arcade stabbing him per instinct, or something similar. The look she got from Cherish though were... Familiar, and she'd probably be spooked of her for quite a while, after seeing her literally sprouting tendrils from her wing. Or maybe Null could feed her some vague statement, and she'd be frazzled enough for now, to buy it. At least for the time being, when her choice in allies were fairly limited. Cherish would get her attention back on Elef, grabbing him once he started to thrash around, unsure what to do, but being very, very concerned about him. She'd seen others act like this, after the war. It'd be a lie if she said the thought hadn't passed her mind too, every once in a while. But she had gotten help, and Elef needed that too, once they got back to Troy. Now she wasn't gonna tattle on him to anypony, but she'd definitely encourage him to have some talks with her mom. He could use a psychologist to help him through his grief, and self-loathing. "*sigh* I ain't smart enough to tell what's different between 'em, but I know who we're outta talk to. I think it's best if we get them back to Troy, and keep him isolated from the others until we got everything sorted. I don't think he'll turn, but if it happens, Nine and I will handle him." She'd respond back in a low voice too. This were not good for either of the kids to hear right now, as thing were already messy enough, and Cherish clearly cared a lot about him. She'd likely be less agreeable, if it sounded like they were preparing to snap Elef's neck, or something of the sort. "Hey, be careful, alright? I want you to come home too." She got his point, and knew he were durable, so to speak, but she still worried about him, going and dealing with monsters by himself. She well remembered how that went the last time they were here, and she had not taken it well, to see him perish. Sure she knew that wasn't the end for him anymore, but that still didn't mean she enjoyed him getting killed. "If you can, take her with us. Ain't anyone that deserves to be stuck in this place, and I doubt Elef would listen right now. Best we sort this out later, if we can even find a necromancer. I'd have suggested that zebra that used to hang around the markets, but he'd working in the big city now, and we're better off going straight for Troy. And Nine? Well done on grabbing the kid, before he got himself into more trouble. It's good I got you to count on." With that, she'd go over and poke at Cherish some more, who'd sniffle, and look towards her, clearly still spooked, but less terrified, and more just severely conflicted. "Hey, you ain't got nothing to worry about from me, okay? It's just a weird spell. Come on, let's get you two home, okay?" Cherish would slowly nod, and let go of Elef, then stick close, as Null would be faced with a choice: Where to go, that seemed the safest to exit this place? ========================================================== (Crow) Crow would audibly growl at the shrimp of a pony, that dared to stand in her way. Her eyes angry, as adrenaline still pumped through her veins, from getting herself so hyped up on worry and panic, about needing to save Cherish. "I am not leaving, without my friend." She'd sniff the air deeply, and narrow her eyes towards the pony, and his jagged knife, which thankfully for him, were not currently coated in blood. She might well have gotten some idea about why that were, if it were stained crimson right now. Yet even if the sight of Cherish's blood were not on it, she still smelled her friend's blood and sweat. Vague, as if the pony had been near her some time ago, or only around her, rather than touching her, but the smell were clear, and the sudden panic that entered her eyes, betrayed her otherwise angry, pumped up look, of someone ready to bash things, that were standing in the way. "I smell... Blood, sweat. What did you do? Where is Cherish?!" Panic entered her tone too now, though she took a step forth, towards this pony, eyeing the path behind him. It had to be where Cherish were, right? And... And she might be hurt! In a place with monsters! She had to get her out of here. She swore, if this pony had hurt her, he were going to live to regret it. Briefly as that might be. Her tone also rose a few octaves, as she were now angry and scared at the same time. Not a yell, but a cave system like this? A voice could still carry far, if you were unlucky. ===================================================================== (Ranger) A proper kitsune camouflage spell, would make you fully visible to whoever you wanted to see you, down to even the small details. As Kozue were still young though, his skills were not as fantastic as his teachers had been, so while they could see one another, it were more like they were made somewhat of water, lacking in the finer details, even if their form were still well represented. So he could unfortunately not see her facial expressions proper. Nor could she see his well, which were somewhat looking like he wanted to take a biiiiig step in another direction, seeing what they were now up against. A monster were somewhat simple. A flock of monsters? That were less ideal. The sort that normally, he'd suggest they simply avoided. But since she asked, he gave it some thought... And soon after smirked. Which sadly were not visible either, beyond his mouth clearly moving in some fashion. "Wanting a distraction, rather than a fight? Heh, now you're thinking like a kitsune. Lemme see..." He'd hold a paw up, and in it, would slowly rise glittering streams of magic, mingling and intertwining, until it formed a pony, wearing a lab coat. Brown coat, barely-healed head wound, looking rather scruffy, dirty, and spooked. A miniature of what she wanted, but he had to work from not knowing what were beyond here, so she had to bear with him for a bit. He'd sit down, close his eyes, and place his other front paw in front of his eyes. With that, the figure would slowly fade out on his paw, and then, on the other wise, he'd make it reappear on a pathway. Least he hoped it were He were aiming for a surface in roughly the same height they were, and not into anything solid. This was the hardest part. Once he had that though, he'd grin, as the figure would wander on, and towards the opening, on the other side. The sounds and smells lingering, would be as if it were a pony, with a faint smell of blood hanging on to him, and the sound of gasping for air, and hoofprints. She'd be able to see the whole thing, as the figure emulated the movement of what were n his paw, and he'd see through the eyes of his illusion. Now, it wouldn't fool say, a vampire, probably. Though he could fake the smell of blood, faking bloom pumping through someone, were a whole other level, and he wasn't sure f he could do that right. But he could do as good a job as he were able, and would have the pony-sized illusion wander forward, on the other wise, until it got the attention of the monsters. At which point *he* would turn tail, and stagger down the path he had come from, running if the monsters gave chase too. "It won't... Last forever, but... I can hold it for maybe ten meters. Go, I'll... Catch up." He couldn't move right now, and sadly, it would also mean she'd get out of his field. Which Speck knew was its queue, to unfold, clamper on to Ranger, and then take over, getting her properly camouflaged even after moving out of said field. Of course, if the monsters didn't actually clear out, this was not gonna help, but he were trying, okay? This would be a lot easier, if he were on the other side. ========================================================================= (Mongoose) The pegasus didn't even have the chance to say anything. once The Host was kicked in, Mongoose would jump in after him, not really thinking about what might be happening right now, with the rift and things. He were just jumping after to get hold of The Host, as his instinct were somewhat *The Host keeps up the shield. You were sent to save The Host. The Host have just been kicked of stage. Grab him.*. The fact there were a rift had not registered with him until after he had already jumped, nor had the thought that it would probably have been way easier to use a spell, rather than to toss himself down to try and maybe give him something to land on, so his focus wasn't broken. Yannit would've done that She were great in pressured situations like this. Not him though. He were less... Certain of things, though considering his other potential reaction, it were maybe best that he had jumped before listening. He still had his knife on him, and he knew where to use it on a pegasus, to make sure that it hurt. Hurt so very, very much, as he could cut, and carve, tear and rip, without killing. Pain, raw and exposed, making for macabre art. He hadn't yet kept one alive like that. He were not evil enough for that, but he had thought about it, several times. long and hard, as he glanced at others, seeing before his inner eye, how easy it would be. How beautiful art would bloom from the maddening pain, spread across the area like a natural canvas. Things were more manageable these days, and he didn't get these visuals as often as he used to. But they were still there. Especially when it came to some that he didn't like. Some whom might even deserve such grotesque pain. But he didn't act on it! He hadn't even been uh... Artful, ever since he got here, to New Las Pegasus. Though he knew that those who were aware of his story, were worried. If he fell back into things, what could it not mean for the reputation of all of them? Sure The Grey had been vile in their own ways, but to an extend, you expected The Grey to sometimes handle things harshly. The old Grey at least. It had often worried Bling, and she had made sure to have someone keep an eye on him at most times, while trying to figure out what to do. When the call came, she had thought about sending him, assuming They Grey could keep him better in check than she could, but she did not want to force any to this duty. Thankfully, others had been less considerate of that, and dragged Mongoose into service. Something that had overall, been good for him, if you had to look at it objectively. And now he were jumping into a rift, trying to save The Host... If he survived this, he would definitely think this situation over quite a lot. If not... Well, guess he wouldn't be able to worry about it then. =============================================================== (Yannit and Craven) Yannit weren't close enough, but of course, in his infinite luck, Craven had been bashing towards the shield, when a hole had decided to briefly open, leaving him in the inner circle. Nothing Yannit could do about that, nor give him any orders, so he would need to think on what to do here himself, and quick. Not that there were much of a choice in reality, were there? There were now several hostile pegasi that had gotten through, and they seemingly had agents inside. So he would work on incapacitating them, knocking them out, hitting them downwards, or use magic to make them sleep, or stun their wings, to make them fall downwards. He figured they'd either be trapped by the shield, keeping them in like they were on te inside of a fish bauble, or they'd pass through, as this barrier were more meant to keep things out, than in, and then the changelings below would snatch them up. Which they would, in case any fell down, as that were already their tactic. Of course, if it turned out hitting the shield from the inside would kill them, he'd need to think of something else, after the first showing of that, as he wasn't a heartless murderer.

@Illiad Easle (Null and Cherish) "Look at her. Both of you. The kid were was cut on the rocks, she even said so. And if she'd been unlucky, those wounds could've gotten a lot worse. Like it did with Rare. Elef, I've been there, and it's easy to blame yourself, and think that it's all your fault, when someone you care about gets hurt. But this wasn't you. Not then, not now. It were an accident, just like it were now. You haven't hurt her, even if you had the chance, have you? She's bleeding, but you're not going in to do anything. You're not a monster, Elef." Cherish would get up on her hooves, and get closer to Elef, trying to see if she could give him a hug, or if not that, stand next to him, eyes closed, and her head leaning on his shoulder, to show that she trusted him, and wasn't going to leave him. Bad things had happened here, and if she were unlucky, she could've ended by these rocks too, but she were more lucky than his friend had been, and she didn't blame him. She felt bad for Elef. Her friend, who hadn't hurt her, and she believed Rare when she said, that it hadn't been him either back then. She wanted to go home, but she wanted him with them. He hadn't done anything wrong, and shouldn't be punished for that. Especially not by the stallion with the knife. If only they had some way of proving what had happened, like how it seemed Rare had talked to both herself and Null. ==================================================================== (Void) Sound ahead, either meant an enemy, or her friend and the other pony. Either way, it meant that she needed to get in there, but the hole were still too small, so she would dig, and wouldn't stop, until eventually she'd be able to get through herself. Even if that meant she'd be the last to enter, after the rest made entry. It might well get a bit more loud, the more effort she put into digging through, but she were completely unaware of how it were perceived by those inside. ===================================================================== (Ranger) Kozue were going to say something. Words that later on, he'd definitely regret, if they were anything like the words in his head right now. Yet, those very words brought him pause, and made him question what were wrong here. While yes, it were hard for others to truly understand the kitsune - mostly that were intentional, as the secrecy were safer for them - he had come to enjoy educating about that, rather than exclude others, and look down upon them for not understanding. And those last words? For Ranger? That wasn't him. Or it was, but it wasn't like he should be thinking, and he knew it. It was vile and hateful, for no other reason than she were talking poorly about a picture. The very picture they were now fighting over. A mere photo, and they were acting like this... No, it wasn't right. "I... No, you're right. This isn't how I am supposed to act, or think. I'm sorry. Both of you. I should've listened." His ears and tail drooped somewhat, as he felt shame. He had fallen for a trap, and gotten engrossed fully by it. Something that had clearly been stuck in that room with a purpose, but he had been a fool thinking of easy ways out of the reality that they lived in. The kitsune wouldn't get a blessed savior, to pull them from the ashes. They had to do it themselves. The thoughts were likely to pester him for a time more, but being aware, at least he could probably reason against the horrid ways his mind had gone down. To think he had actually thought such vile things about Ranger, and threatened to unmake Speck. That was horrid. Speck's mind was smaller, and not as capable as Kozue's, but it still felt shame, being scolded like this. Maybe it should think more before it acted another time... Even though, if the picture were bad, it seemed a good thing it had stored it somewhere else, yes? ==================================================================== (Grey) Well, the plan to burst through a window wasn't gonna work, which were good in one aspect, he supposed. Sure it kept them outside, but so were Red and her followers. Though judging from the look of the inside, she had some in there already, that were likely looking for a way to shut this down. Maybe it wasn't as unplanned and rash, as Yannit had thought? They seemed to have agents inside too, so at least The Grey weren't defenseless on this, but it did leave them with the unenviable task of dealing with Red. Which considering she were surrounded by her minions, and stronger than before, seemed like it were bound to go poorly, if they just rushed in. They had to try and find an opening, right? Well, he wasn't the one in charge right now, Yannit were, and she had told him to follow his lead, as well as what to do in case a few scenarios might play out, where she needed him to take action fast. For now, they were circling the dome, seemingly aiding in the attacks, as later arrivals. But Yannit did observe what happened with the changelings with interest. The followers were seemingly told to attack them, but the effort weren't intent on killing so far, more intercepting and shooing off. Which did work really, as though the changelings here had volunteered to aid, they weren't keen on dying for nothing, and would rather pester at the edges, and wait for more reinforcements, than to go in and get team diffed. Though if they could get someone a bit away, to where they could snatch them up, and put them to sleep, before carrying them off, they would. But as they were apparently ordered to stay close, that wasn't gonna work as well, or efficient yet. Others still, would realize who they were up against, and left. Red had a certain... Reputation, and though she had changed, some would know her enough to figure it were her, or at least be concerned it might be. For them specifically, that'd be enough. An opening would come, sooner or later. Either when they had bigger numbers and could begin to whittle down the enemy forces properly, or when Red messed up, and got inattentive. Though right now, she seemed all too focused on her troops, and thus, too difficult to go after. Too well protected too, as if she needed it. Mongoose wasn't really the sort to be invited to parties, or seek them out, so the only time he had been here before, were when his business with The Grey sent him here the last time. He heard stories of course, and did see some last time, but thankfully, things were calmer than that this time. At least the weird dance floor wasn't being active right now it seemed, as he tentatively went near it, to get towards The Host, who had been surprisingly easy to find. Though he didn't look to be at his full senses... Well, someone near him might answer, that were more at it than him, if he approached, yes? So he'd go towards The Host, trying to get his attention. Though the crowd were not the best for that, so he likely had to get past that to get to that. And to make him hear him too, of course. So he'd ideally move past the crowd as fast as he could, which might mean going around it instead, or above, worst case. Either way, he'd keep going until he were near The Host, or managed to get the attention of a bodyguard of his. Likely Ninja, whom he had not seen yet, but that were well in line with his usual reputation. "Uhm... Excuse me? M-Mr Host, sir? There's a small army, attacking your hotel, and I think they're aiming to kill you. Probably your guests too. I've been sent to try and help. You, I mean, not them. I'm not with the murdering army." In fairness to Mongoose, there were a reason why Yannit generally spoke for him, as he didn't adapt well to situations being suddenly abnormal like this, and him having no one to rely on to make him shut up, before he said something dumb. So he were confused, in a rush, somewhat scared, and so far out of his depth, that the ocean beneath him seemed bottomless. So unless They Grey intervened in his head, he'd just truthful and blunt. An improvement in his mind, as he barely stuttered, and actually did something social on his own, which he hadn't always been that good at. Though if Yannit were here, she'd have smacked him in the back of the head.

@Illiad Easle No, I got the flu, lucky me. xD But the post should be done within the next 15 minutes

@Ionic Sunset "We know you are there. Curious about us perhaps? Or seeking the riches of diamond? We remember those being thought of quite fondly by others, before our latest rest. How things change... To think there were a time, when the sight of gemstone wrought fear into mortal hearts, and now they are seen as precious. Sought, and highly wanted... A different time, yes?" They would turn around slowly, giving a good look further over how they looked, though the only thing that wouldn't have been obvious from the first sight, would be that regardless of the angle, and the sun shinning upon them, you wouldn't be blinded by the shine. Like with crystal ponies, it did not reflect sharply off, as you might think with gems. Perhaps because of a magical aspect? Due to an inherent biological trait? Perchance because of the slight blue hue? Hard to say, but regardless, it were still a pretty sight, though not entirely like with crystal ponies. Though a slight glitter were there, it were not fractal from various angles, like with the ponies. It were flawless, pure gem, as if this being were not so much carved from diamond, but had stepped forth from it. Their gaze would land on the curious guest soon. The light in the deer's eyes, perfectly overlaying that of the changeling queen beneath, yet their gaze carried the same emotions. Curiosity. A hint of amusement. Even some warmth, as they were not interested in a fight, even if this one had come to look for diamonds. "If it is diamonds you seek, you are free to take of our pillar. Consider it a gift, and worry not. We can always make more, as needed. We are Queen Dia'thiz. Ruler of the Gemlings, and you needn't worry, little one. We wander in peace, basking in light that were us long denied." They would take a step closer, eyeing the ruby-colored mane of their new guest. Or the owner of this forest, perhaps? They had just arrived, and were unaware of any ownership to this wilderness. "Such a fiery hue... It reminds us of our brother. Although we do not see his matching temper in your eyes. All for the better, we suppose. Rubycon were never the most approachable. Even among his own." ==================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "We used to think like that. No need to respect the mortals, since we were way above them and they couldn't do anything to us anyway. Then Discord went and got himself trapped in stone, and everyone woke up. We had to accept that the mortals did have some tools against us, and they realized they weren't so powerless as they thought. Emboldened them, and scared us. It's the main reason most of us just high-tailed out of Equestria. Not worth dealing with that, though even out there, it didn't change much. The world had changed now, and we had to adapt. None better than Fright honestly. Lil' sister weren't the one I figured would be the one to buck the trend, but that pony that beat her got into her head. Changed her outlook on things, even before Discord fell. Most of us figured she were a bit weird, but when it all came tumbling down, just look at who were welcome to stay. Even if she had to stay in that pocket dimension of hers, most of the time, while things got stable and boring in Equestria. And then suddenly, she comes out looking for others, to see if she can convince a few to change. Avarice were always a pushover. Not surprised he caved. I wouldn't have though, if it wasn't my sister. But I heard her out, and she made sense. Took a hit to my pride at first, but heh, never had it more cozy than now." "Heh, yeah. I like their innocence and curiosity. Especially some like Crank there. Pure joy and happiness, as it outta be. Got myself a place where i stash things that matters to me. Drawings and small gifts from all sorts of kids are most of it. But drawings like this? Now that right there's art, so that's going on the fur. The likeness is uncanny, eh?" She'd lean down, and flex her biceps at Alisaide. Something that made the drawing she had embedded on her fur, seemingly come alive, and the drawn her, were eating the various fruits tossed into her waiting maw, with new, identical ones spawning behind. Glutton would do this for a few seconds, before easing up, and the picture returning to how it had been at first, while she snickered. "Ah, ain't nothing like it. Anyway, ain't too long. Let's keep moving." They'd cross the park soon enough, and get into the massive city proper. A sight to behold for sure, which were also the opinion of various creatures, from ponies to minotaurs, that passed by, their eyes drawn towards the curious, insectoid being. They wouldn't approach however, as the draconequus made them wary of it. Though they'd pass several that greeted Glutton. Mostly with head nods, that's get the same response back, from the adults. Kids tended to either be rushed along, looking spooked, shy, or waved. No crying or trying to run away, so much as Glutton were clearly still a peculiar sight here, she were known enough to not cause panic. Well, there were a few tourists that seemed to be about to panic, but the locals would drag them aside and explain. best to not give Glutton a target for her own bemusement. Which she might still have done, if it weren't for her having a guest, and a goal. Though she would randomly go and grab hold of a pony in blue armor, and sling her over her shoulder, much to the surprised meep of the mare in question. "Yeah, you'll do." "I-I-I w-what? P-Put m-" "Need a guard for pick-up duty, so buckle up, naval nerd." The mare looked confused, actually scared, and her eyes darted around, while her heart pumped hard in her chest. A peculiar sign in her own right too, as she seemed to have gotten through quite the ordeal. The various stitches and scars made it seem almost as if she'd been torn apart, and sewn back together, but she were alive and breathing. Not a zombie. Must've been quite the violent fight she'd been through. "And say hi to my new pal here. Asildae, this here's a naval nerd. They're usually fun to brawl with." The mare didn't really notice Asildae before now, but as she did, her eyes would lock on her, with a weird look of slight relief? Seems like there were one at least, that were more afraid of Glutton than this new sight, as she wriggled around, unable to escape Glutton, who seemed to have latched the pony unto her fur somehow. As if she were covered in special velcro. "H-Hi. I mean, h-help. P-Please?" Gluttons mentioned respect for ponies, might have been somewhat overstated. ======================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "That would be Lieutenant Dusk Mourner. I'll make sure that he's informed, soon as we have returned, and I have written a report on what he'd need to know. Consider it done within the hour of our return." Dusk Mourner were one of the few guards in Canterlot, that were affiliated equally with both the Night and Solar guards. The neutrality were needed, to best evaluate these sorts of things, and direct the efforts in handling environmental issues of any kind, big or small, without any kind of bias. Oftentimes, the guard were not needed to actually do this, unless it were the aftermath of a skirmish including the Trojan, or a powerful entity, but it were enough that the role of leader of these efforts, had to be affiliated with the guards, and hold an officer position, however minute. Due to the need for neutrality, and the fact you needed insight to evaluate these things properly though, it were exceedingly rare that the position were filled by a guard, and instead were usually filled by an academic, that possessed the right qualifications for the job. Such were the case with Dusk Mourner, who only had a few years to his name in this role, after Lieutenant Harbor Whey made him his successor, and finally managed to retire. Which mostly meant speaking engagements at various colleges. Scholars would be scholars, armor or not. "I admit, my knowledge of souls are vastly inferior to a subject like this. Though I would think that the uniqueness of your situation, would also mean that there wouldn't be much precedence to go by, and due to the inherent risk of trying to meddle with a collaboration of souls - soul removal, destruction, or absorption of some sort, among others - it makes it highly risky to even attempt anything against your other self. A concerning thought, but one have to be realistic. Still, I find it a subject worth pondering, and if I get the chance, I will ask the Macabre' clan if they have encountered anything of the sort. It is less scientific, than I would normally aim for, but when facing an unusual situation, I suppose it is best to address unusual professionals. Still, I thank you for what insight you have been able to provide, Mr. Vaz. The more known, the better." Magma would briefly wonder if perhaps she would have found an answer to her own predicament, if she had been open-minded on her sources earlier, but dismissed the thought. She knew the answer already, and had to accept that her stubbornness on the matter were not only illogical, but also arrogant. If what happened to her, had precedent, there'd hardly be a need to examine her as much as there had been, and as such, relying solely on science for answers were foolhardy. "An unconventional use of magic, but not unheard of. At least visually, that is. Fascinating to see it in person, rather than reading of it though. Ah, before we part ways, I would think it prudent that we know how to get in contact with one another. For instance, in case we need to rendezvous about this subject, or something related to it. Our card, Mr. Vaz." She'd rummage through the bag, and pull out a hoof-written business card of sorts. It were nothing special, just the address, their agency's name, and the name of her boss, of course, all written on a perfectly cut out piece of thick paper. With her own written in smaller letters further down, as Secretary Del Ray. (In case she had been told it were best the agency's headquarters not be shared, she would instead add the address to a PO box, where one could send mail) Not one of the things she had shared with her new boss, but she assumed he would think this part of her duties regardless, as they'd need to be able to do better than scribbling on pieces of paper, in case they needed someone to contact them for various reasons, such as if they were awaiting a shipment of things, or they wanted a meeting. "Please excuse the less than official look. I still need to go over designs and such, before moving forward with some ideas, but these does have the most prudent information. And how might we find you then, in case it is required, Mr. Vaz? Even if we are done now, things could still rapidly change, such as us finding more that connects with your alternative self." She had a notebook ready to scribble down into, pen sharp and ready to scribble down what were needed. Might be she were new at this job, but there honestly weren't too many differences between being a secretary, and the assistant to a professor at times. Well, there were more dignity involved, with being a secretary. She had so far not been sent out for frivolous duties, that she were only assigned due to her superiors laziness. ================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "Well, mine did it because water aligned dragons, are insanely committed to those they let into their lives, in general. My dad somehow managed to make her love him, and convince a clutch of eggs, that she cherished. But air aligned dragons can be too carefree and don't think of commitment as that important, so when she learned he cheated on her, she went into a rage. Frankly I think that's partially why she didn't hunt for Dimma all that far. She hated my father, and what he did, and she thought a diamond dog would just eat my egg. I ain't saying it's been easy for us to see eye to eye, but it helps that I've always taken her side, because I understand where she's coming from. Especially after my dad taunted her, when she confronted him. Death by pure stupidity. Take that as some good life advice. Don't mock someone that's twice your size, already angry at you, and hungry." As she told her mom, when she were told what had happened to her dad, after their initial meeting's little... Physical disagreement, it helped calm her mother down somewhat, to hear Leviathan say that her dad had asked for that himself. Still several years of tussling, growling, and all the other fun, family stuff you could imagine, but these days? They were fairly neutral, and could have a talk. If her mother felt like it, of course. Which tended to depend on how long it had been since the last time. A longer delay, meant a higher chance. Been like... 20 years or so at this point, so it were likely about time soon. Oooh, a marine dragon of sorts. Excellent. That was gonna be a fun meeting later, after they were done talking with the younglings here. Least she assumed them to be so. They didn't look all that old. Granted, neither did she, but she were stunted, so you couldn't judge her on size, as you often could with dragons. And she didn't know if any of these were runts, or their sizes were normal for their variants... Eh, they'd see soon enough, she supposed. Oh yeah, definitely younglings. Older ones didn't tend to argue in this manner, and it fit the voices and everything else. So that was good to know. Though she had to try and keep from going over and squishing their cheeks or the like. She were still a guest, and had to try and not do something that'd cause the locals to be embarrassed. Though she'd mostly do things like that to real small whelps anyway. Against older kids, it were mostly just when she made fun of them. Though she did find it adorable to see the kids interact. Not just in their own group, but with Charir's input too. Though the direct , were smirking, and way he addressed them, seemed to bring them a bit out of it. Leviathan on the other hand, were smirking, and doing her best not to laugh, since it were so adorable and awkward, that she almost let out a snicker. "I remember when I were young, and first found out I could do magic. You're not alone in accidentally zapping your friends, Ereo. Didn't have anyone around me that could teach me either, but sometimes, you learn through trial and error. Preferably without harming your friends, heh. It's fun to explore and see what you can make of it, once you get the hang of how to wield and shape it though. And I love that natural camouflage, Oreon. You're gonna have so much fun just scaring the tar out of your friends, once you get the hang of it. Where I'm from, we just have to hope our scales match something we can e around, or that we can dig deep enough, or hide in a volcano, or something more habitat based. Yours is more interesting than what I'm used to for sure. I'm curious what sorta things your magic can do. Like with electricity. Can you just conjure it?" She'd raise her hand, and let a spark dance between her fingers. "Harness it?" The spark increased in size, and began covering her hand like a web. "Maybe mold it?" Leviathan closed her hand, the electricity gathering in her palm, then opened it to reveal a delicate butterfly, made of electricity. Small strings even making a pretty pattern on its wings, as it rose up and flew from her hand, and flickered around. They could touch it if they wanted to, without getting electrocuted. Though after a bit, she'd let it land on Charir, in case he wanted to show how he could use electricity, even though he didn't know how to make it yet. It'd have a low voltage, so it wasn't harmful. "Haven't really seen anything local, so I don't really know what to expect." =================================================================== @EQ_Theta "Mother is good at helping her children. We listen to her, but she also listens to us." A lot of the same questions did come around, but Mother were patient, loving, and understanding. She would help her children, unformed or not, best she could, within her limitations. It were why almost all of them, knew that much as they loved Mother, it could not compare to how much she loved them. And that also counted for Sen and Lin, even if they were different from the rest of the Ki'nathar. They still deserved Mother's love, like any other of her children. Just as their enemies drew her ire, as if they had gone for Omen. "Everything is just tastes for me. I do not see trash as being bad to eat. It is there, no one else wants it, and I do not get sick, or hurt by it. Sometimes, I find strange things there too, like rings. I cannot read what is on some of them, but I saw others put shiny things like that in in the guard box, so I did that. I tried asking if it was right once, and the mare tried to hit me with a stick. I think she did not expect me to show up when I did." Omen were a weird one, even among her kin, and that all came down to her master. So even if she ate actual toxic waste, she wouldn't be hurt by it. Kind of like with Glutton, though more restricted, and not able to taste everything as vividly as her. Discord had mentioned changing things at some point, to make her more sensitive to things, but he never got around to it, and had long since forgotten by now. "And I want to buy a pie, because I thought I could take it back here, or have it when we meet with Rosa again. I have heard that you can bring pie to see friends." Se were likely to simply eat the tray, if present too, but she'd try some pie too. It were just best in her mind, that it went to those who could appreciate it more than she could. She would enjoy chili herself. It sounded like that were bad for others. At least the one she got from the dragon. "I do not understand, so I will just keep us away from him then, yes? I will do something else, if any of you tell me to do different while we are away then. Is that okay?" Omen had no idea how proof looked at him, trying to aggravate them. Partially because she wasn't sure what that meant, though even if they told her it were essentially taunting, she still wasn't sure. Trying to attack Sen and Lin were about the only one she would be able to think about, as his words and actions towards herself, meant nothing. He could not hurt her, he could not make her speak. Even if she could fear, she would have nothing to fear from him. Only way he could hurt her, were through her friends, and she would take them away, if things happened. Even if he had his hunters lie on top of them. They would just have to come along too then. That were their own choice. Beyond that, she got the gist that she were supposed to use her gates close around, so like when they played ball with Shrimp. And speaking of her pet... Omen poked the cage a few times. "No, Shrimp will not go into the cage. I do not think he would like that, and he can burn through things. I think he would just destroy this." Even if not, she did not want Shrimp to feel bad, and he did not seem to like being inside closed spaces that much, compared to wrapping himself around them, like with his playtower. "We have a safe space, away from here. I have had him there, playing sometimes. I will take him there, before the meeting, and leave his toys and food there. It should be okay. I do not know if he would act nice during the meeting, so it is what I can think of. I know he does not like it, when others are being mean to Sen, Lin, or me. He makes faces, and growls. Same if strangers come too close, that he does not like. Or if they are cats. Better to leave him to play, yes?" They had left him in that safe space that Sen had shown her, a few hours before. Her doll from the carnival were there right now, along with a few other things, and she could make sure her ball and tower were there too, when they had to go to the meeting. It were quiet and safe, so it would be good. Worst case, she would leave him int he dark realm with her unformed siblings. Mother would make sure they did not accidentally hurt him, and he'd be safe. It were also familiar to him. Maybe they could even leave him with Mother. he seemed to like her too, though she might have other things to do. ======================================================================= @EQ_Theta "I think my goals are too materialistic, and my methods too questionable, to suit the life of a priestess." Scarcity smirked a little more for a moment, as she imagined herself in such a life. Wearing the robe of a priestess, humble, bereft of fame or fortune. A simple life, yet also one where she did not have as much of a say in her own fate, as the life she had now, and she had gone through years of planning and execution, to free both herself, and her sister, from a life where they needed to be subservient to others, and do as they were told. No, she would not be a trophy wife for some noble with influence, nor would she be a priestess. Though some would question the morality of what she did, she were perfectly comfortable being who and what she were. Though of course, the added benefit of being an alicorn were a nice addition. "Still, I can see the allure, and the reason one might go such a path. I judge them not, long as they find purpose in that, which I know many religious types can. For instance our dear Stone Matron, a priestess herself." "An archivist, and a scholar, can always find work, long as one direct their attention towards the correct avenues. Considering your long history too, I can think of several that would be thrilled for the mere chance to offer employment in some regard. Getting to be an ambassador is likely not an easy prospect. Too many threads to cross there to make it even somewhat viable, and it would raise questions. Though that said, neutral negotiators have their uses, for both military and private usage. You're not intimidating enough for the... Shall we say, *Private sector*, but I may have a few ideas how to utilize this towards something useful. Without requiring physical force too. As a matter of fact, I can think of an avenue where refusal to harm might be an asset, rather than a detriment. let me look into that after handling with your papers dear, and I will return to you about that. As for the last, I would think the title of Mystic most fitting. Many have gotten used to that being the title for the religious and magically specialized, when it comes to the zebra, and other of the more recently contacted races. The minotaur prefers shamans, but the overarching title are still present. That said, as you have been so for spirits that are now unknown... Yes, it will be tricky, but I may have some ideas. However, I do require more information from you then, darling. So, to begin with, you spoke of those spirits another time. Would you think of them as Nature spirits? The way you have talked of them, made it sound as if they are, or were, responsible in great part to natural disasters potentially happening, among other things. Is that correct? Furthermore, I will have to ask if you would think yourself above serving towards the religious beliefs of others? And in that regard, how might you think about observing and catalogue several, from the perspective of someone that knows the respect and devotion that being one causes? I would think it somewhat prudent to also ask, if you think of temple maintenance, would you have any sort of reservations, about who you would work for, and how are your mind set, in regards to being... Open-minded, about who, or what, might be the center of praise? I may know of an... Unconventional way, that your skills could be put to use. Nothing which harms anypony, I assure you." There were some ideas floating around her head, but she needed to know more. There were work to find, for the religiously minded, even if he could not simply make potions or charms, and sell them, like the zebra often did. ...Actually, she had not asked about that part, had she? ions. "While I remember it, are you capable of making anything that might be of interest to others? Peculiar charms? Potions or elixirs? Magical trinkets, perhaps? You'd be surprised the market there is for homemade peculiarities, with a cultural significance. Especially if they are magical in nature. Even something as minute as a feeling of warmth emanating, or a good luck charm of sorts, can have value to tourists and the like."

Sorry for the delay again folks. I have had to go help family for a bit. I should be back and at it within a few days though, and hope to speed up my replies in general.

@ZiggWheelsManning @Randimaxis Okay, after trying to blow up this gate for months, I think I've made some dents in it. Just you wait, I'll blow this thing up so hard! Hmm, or maybe blowing up the wall Around it would be easier... Hol up, I'm gonna go find myself some fun toys.

@Illiad Easle Hah! Early reply in ya faaaace.

@Illiad Easle (Null and Cherish) Null ha halted, as she heard the voice of Elef. This wasn't the sound of some beast that were struggling with bloodthirst. This were an all too familiar sound, of someone who had just about given up, and just wanted it to be over. Something that she had known well in her time, even if she hadn't given in... Too far, anyway. Elef however, seemed about ready for it. And of course, this were the point when Arcade came in. Not in a state where it looked like he wanted this, but prepared to do it, as he gazed upon the same scene that she had. One that didn't look good. And yet, it actually looked better than it should have, didn't it? She had the eye of Vengeance on right now. If he had hurt her, why wasn't his vengeance score or whatever it were, increased? Why was she covering behind him, instead of trying to hide? This wasn't adding up to an attack from him. Not when she actually used a few braincells, over just initial assumptions. Cherish meanwhile, were struggling in her own way. The ghost were oddly enough, helping her thoughts right now, as the spirit went through the same situation as she just had. A flailing of stone, cuts and bruises, staining pale fur with blood, and Elef standing over... yes, not a monster. Not a monster in this room at all right now, even. Just him, and - as she noticed when the voice escaped her muzzle, and she looked up, still covering somewhat behind Elef - two other ponies. Void's sister, and- Wait, why did he have a knife? She were about to say more, but Null were already over, blocking Arcade from getting close to Elef. "Wait! I don't think it was him." "P-Please don't hurt him." Having cleared her throat, Cherish would speak up, her voice desperate and afraid, as she opened her eyes, and looked up towards Arcade. "I t-thought you were monsters, and I panicked. Elef didn't hurt me. Not the g-ghost either. P-Please, just put the knife down, and take us home? It's scary here." If Arcade had tried to push past Null while/before she had explained, Null would have blocked him physically if need be, before he were going to end up making a mistake that were gonna haunt him for the rest of his life. Though something she said were going to make her confused, and wanting answers. What ghost was she talking about? ======================================================== (Void) Crow wouldn't care about the noise, and just dig. If anything would try and come at her, she'd torch it, or burn it. Though more than likely, she'd just cause a ruckus, while she worked, and the others approached. ========================================================== (Ranger) He were too slow to notice before the paper fox stole it, but after that, he knew that it was that one. Who else would it be? No one else had been anywhere near his tail, and now, the picture were gone! Sure he believed he were not an idiot, but he also knew he wasn't perfect, and had his limitations. Knowing that sort of thing, kept one alive, rather than being so cocky that you ended up getting stabbed by a smarter predator. Speck on the other paw, did find the picture somewhat weirdly enticing, but it couldn't carry something so big in itself without unfolding to a point that would take enough time, for Kozue to notice, and take it back. No, the smart move were to hide it. It were small, nimble and could fly! It could easily go over to the hiding spot, and take it before they were done here. Hay, even if they went out from another route, it still could. it knew where the entry were, and any monsters? It could sneak past them. Big, heavy things anyway, more than likely. No big issue at all. It wasn't in need of feeding right now though, so storing the food for later was better. It had napped and stocked up before they left the hotel. It were as topped up as it could be at the moment, and gorging did nothing. Nice knowing where there were a little power boost if it needed it now though too, in case Ranger needed it to charge up. Or well... Was the picture even good for that? Sure it could eat it for the colors, and making sure it wasn't enticing as a possible replacement for itself, but it ate letters, more than images. Big area with lots of color? It didn't really do that much for it. But it might be a cool new color it could work with? It would think about it. Might be it needed it to patch itself up too, in case something bad happened. Anyway, when it waltzed back, Kozue would look at it with a small sneer, and narrowed eyes. "I give you a lot of leeway here, Speck, but there's a limit. Give it back." Speck would shake it's head. "I said, give it back! I need that picture, or I can't find the divine one." Speck would still shake its head, then dodge to the side as Kozue tried to use magic to grab hold of it. He wasn't focused enough right now to be accurate, with this nimble little thing, that kept jumping around, behind objects, using Ranger as a shield, etc. Honestly, it were amazing that they didn't somehow interfere with the battle, but she would be able to handle it nice and easily on her own, without getting interrupted, or have anything on her/herself, getting tucked at. "I swear, I made you, and I can darn well unmake you too! I want that picture!" This were - maybe surprisingly - more boast than reality. While yes, normally he would be able to unmake one of these, the extra magic it got from that weird metal, that it had in itself now, would actually be able to shield it from him trying to. He couldn't snuff it out, and at worst, he could forcefully unfold it, burn it, etc. But he couldn't just snap a finger, and remove the magic that kept it going. Not that Speck knew that, so when it heard that part, it would jolt over to Ranger, hiding behind her, whilst letting out a rustling sound, that did still carry the notion that it were spooked. In case it hiding behind Ranger, wasn't clue enough to that. She might have to step in here, before these two fools messed everything up for them. ============================================================================ (Grey) Neither had much experience, in how things went on around here, but free entry like this? That was about as unbelievable as the city getting hit by a tidal wave. It went against the usual exclusivity of the place, and the passed out bouncer didn't exactly make for a very convincing sight either. Yet it wasn't something they could sort out by handling the potential interloper. Creatures were still pushing in, making the elevator useless. They'd had to find another way, and there really were only one. "I'm afraid to ask, but-" Yannit changed disguise to add wings to her current disguise of a high end mare. The very same she used to have, back in Canterlot, before the war caused the world to go downriver. One that no one around here should know. "We'll go up." She took flight, with him - using a disguise that he thought complimented hers, but were already a pegasi - letting out a sigh. "Here we go." And with that, he'd follow her, as they flew upwards. The plan? They'd get to the right height, and smash their way in through a window if needed. Yannit had seen others smash their way out, so it should be possible. If not, then maybe they could convince someone on the inside to do so. Well, he'd gotten in then... *gulp* It was a lot easier last time. Yannit and Craven were there, giving him orders, keeping him in check... It was a simpler time. But nope, not this time. This time, he had been yoinked away from his regular duty, and had to rush here, in disguise, to try and help stop a full fledged attack. Though how he were supposed to do that, he wasn't sure. Thoughts went back towards the floors he still had to clean up, before he had to pretend to have a stomach virus and rush off to find a toilet. Not the most glamorous exit, but he panicked! And the bosses had told him to go instantly. It was the first non-violent idea he had. WHich were amazing in itself, as sometimes in the past when he panicked, he uh... Went down darker paths. Maybe that is what they wanted him to do here? Make... Make a mess? Nonono, that was silly. He were just close, that made a lot more sense... Right? Uh... M-Maybe he should try to find someone, before he got ideas... But who? There were not a lot here he knew. Sure there were some important looking ones, but how did he know that they'd listen, or were in charge? The only ones he knew that had authority here, were The Host himself, and uh... And uh... Oh bother, he'd h-have to find Ninja, didn't he? Well, maybe if he were lucky, he'd run into The Host first, but either one of those had to be his target. Hopefully he'd find them soon... With that in his head, he'd strike out, looking for The Host, or Ninja. The latter would probably take him more serious, but scared him more. Maybe that'd give him some credence though? Hard to say. It'd be frustrating, but they couldn't do anything else. Though some would take the same choice as Yannit had, and fly upwards, looking to see if the spectacle up there were part of what they had to help with. All changelings helping in this capacity in the air, would pop in every once in a while, only a few at a time, and none would be in disguise.

@Ionic Sunset Did it work well as an intro? (edit) I just noticed that I forgot to tag you in the post. Dang it! xD

@Illiad Easle I just wrote some things at the parts with the Grey, and with Ranger, that I figured made sense. I dunno how the picture, or Red will really react to things, but this is my best guess on how things can go, but it is open to interruption, of course. And yes, Speck is more worried about the picture being used to make a new one like it, than it is about Kozue. I have decided it doesn't wanna share attention that easily.

@Illiad Easle Have to catch a bus, but I will work on the rest of the post whilst on said bus.

@Illiad Easle (Null) Dig, dig, dig... Finally! Time to get going. She'd squeeze through, and be on her way, on high alert, as she assumed that sooner or later, she'd be needing to attack something. ======================================================== (Null and Cherish) Cherish weren't dealing with things well here, but she were alive, and Elef putting himself between her and the cave, did give her a bit of comfort, though she would be closing her eyes, trying to get herself calmer, and thus missed it when Null came in, and saw the scene that were definitely not in Elef's favor. Wasn't his fault, but how were Null to know otherwise? She just came in to the light glistening in Elef's fangs, as he stood over a bloodied and shaking filly. Sure she wasn't dead, but it still didn't look all that great. "Elef! Get away from her, before I make you." Null would go forward, muscles tensing, and look at Elef with narrowed eyes. She wasn't gonna just outright attack him and try to snap his neck. That would be crazy. But she were ready to toss hooves, if he did something stupid. Might be Cherish didn't look the best, but she were alive. They could still stop this from escalating too much. Maybe her choice of words could've been better, if that were the goal, but again... It did really look like he had already had a snack, and were about to go in for his next bite. How were she to know better, at fist glance? ======================================================== (Void) Crow would ask where the tunnel were, so she could go there and begin to dig right away. She were the best equipped to dig out of them all, barring any equipment, due to her claws, durable hide, and strong limbs. She could go get a head start, so they could get in as soon as possible. Both her and Void, would need an entrance size that would likely mean others could go in first though, but she didn't care. Crow just wanted to do anything she could to help Cherish. Even if it were mostly to dig through sand like a common animal. It were irrelevant, when it came to the possibility of losing her friend. ========================================================== (Ranger) As she were working on the damaged door, Kozue's thoughts were on the picture, and some links that he could already make in his head. To think they had been so close, and yet they had completely misinterpreted everything! But he, he were kitsune. He knew them, and would be able to find the divine one. He just needed some peace and quiet to work through things. Starting with that picture, that were stashed in his tail. Couldn't risk it falling out of his bag, or losing that, no. It were too important. He'd feel ticklish for a moment, as he felt Speck jump over on him, and fiddle around on his back, then poke his ears, before jumping down and nibbling on his tail. It were probably feeling bored, so he just ignored it, and focused on the door, his thoughts, and the noises from a distance. While another sound that definitely did not sound comforting would next come, he'd jump slightly, and that's when Speck would pounce, grab the picture, and then take off, while he were too distracted to notice. Speck might not be the smartest creature int he world, but it had seen how odd Kozue had acted, after getting hold of that, and didn't want him to keep it. It figured that it was one of two things, since he didn't want to share it. Something bad, or something he intended to make into another like itself. Either were unacceptable, as Speck wanted to grt all the attention from these, not some upstart made from a picture. And if it were bad for Kozue it'd suck too, or something. That too, right... After it nicked the picture - the image turned away from itself - it would dash away from him, and go hide the photo under some rubble, while the others finished their thing. Speck would return before long though, yet even if Kozue would notice the picture being gone (I don't know how it affects his mind if it's taken from him) Speck wouldn't give it back. Regardless, there were hardly any time for it, as Kozue would have to focua on putting up the camouflage spell again, and prepare for whatever creepy things were in there. Speck could cast its own, as evident when it had done so to Ranger yesterday, so it weren't in danger, even if away for a bit. "I can fight. Just don't complain about me using dirty tricks." Fighting headon were often not the smartest for his kin, as they were more agile than brawny, so they tended to mostly make use of that agility, and their magic, to fight their enemies. Might be a minotaur could punch them several meters away in one swing, but good luck connecting in the first place. Seeing the first abnormality, made Kozue raise his eyebrows in shock, while a shover went down his spine, and his tail poofed up briefly. This were a nasty creature that were shambling towards them. Hopefully it couldn't make them out, and they could simply sneak past it. Just had to make sure not to touch it. Might be he could cloak them, but being invisible, were not the same as being intangible. They'd still need to watch where they walked. Eslecially when facing things like this, where he really didn't want to know what would happen, if it got hold of them. Nothing good, that much were certain. ================================================= (Grey) Under better circumstances, Craven would've been happy to spend some time debating that he hadn't been praying, like Watch had said. He had been begging for orders. Not like one speaking to a deity, but more a very confused peon out of his depth, needing orders. Or like a cultist, asking for direction from the cultmaster. Either way, he did not see Grey Mare as a deity. She were an imposing mortal, who carried a heavy burden, that were important for order to be maintained. She were one to admire. Not pray to. But right now, were not good circumstances, so he'd just accept and then read the expanded orders they got afterwards. Especially after they had seemingly been spotted by Red. Wasn't all else that had acted cultish, so it had seemed fine for them to not follow that, but regardless if it were that or not, she had seen them, and adter making some childish theatrics, she came directly to them, spewing threats. Now, threats to them were one thing. Frankly, being picked out here, one expected it. But to threaten Bling the way she had, made Craven's spooked face harden. "And we will all defend her with our lives if you try, you hiveless fool." Wasn't much time to do or say that much more, lest Red had some sort of retort first, before she dispersed the clouds beneath their hooves. Yannit sure hadn't a word to spare on the matter, as she were too busy analyzing the situation and thinking on how they could strike her down, to have time to waste her breath on Red's taunts. As they were sent tumbling down, she would act fast, and grab hold of Craven, before steering them downwards to the streets, then between buildings, tossing the gear on her, and telling him to do the same until they hit a container. Well their gear did. The two of them would have transformed into cats when they were in a blind angle, and be running away, seemingly from the noise, along a half dozen others that had hung around the dumpster at the time. Craven had sometimes questioned her on why she had Mongoose and him run through escape drills with harsh judgement, if they weren't smart enough to do so properly, but right now he were thankful for her demand that they could act fast, if the situation demanded it. It did mean they'd lose the knife, but they could come back for it later, and regardless, it wouldn't work right now either. Red were no longer a changeling, so it likely wouldn't kill her any better than any other blade could. When they were sure Red were gone though, they'd return as disguised ponies, grab the weapons, and be on their way. They didn't have time to resupply, so they needed to use what they had. Yannut did have her tools stashed behind the dumpster though, so there were a chance they'd be there when she returned. No need to let good tools go to waste. After that, they'd be on their way to the Stacked Decks. Lest something had happened otherwise, they still had a job to do, though Yannit would take over command now. Craven had done well, but this had spiralled beyond what were reasonable to expect from him, at this early stage of leadership attempt. It were best for them all if he fell in line. If they informed him of this, Mongoose would also join them at the Stacked Decks, but it depended on if The Grey wanted to have him leave his current assigenment for a bit to assist in this. He wasn't too far away, and had experience in drawing blood, so he might come in handy here. As for Bling, she would respond to the information by sending out a call for those willing to fight, to go and help defend the Stacked Decks, as well as medical staff, to tend to wounded. Though they were told to ideally not kill anyone, but focus on subduing enemies instead, if it were feasible It might not be their hotel, but she were part of their circle of leadership, and if The Host fell, it would disrupt the town substantially. Not to mention that he might only be the first casino head to roll. Might be that they would come for all of them, one by one. Bling didn't like fighting, and she wouldn't partake herself because of it, and Bruce's insistence that she stayed here, along with a personal guard regiment he would summon to keep her safe, just in case. She might well have gone and helped the medical staff if he hadn't, but he were right. She couldn't go and endganger herself so foolishly, when so many relied on her. It did make her feel uneasy, to have given her first order of aggression essentially, though at least, she had tried to do so the best way she could. Asking, instead of demanding for figthers - several dozen would show bit by bit, as word spread through the changeling "Hive-vine" - sending healers to save lives too, and asking for pacifying, rather than killing rhe enemies, if possible. Bling hoped that when her mother would one day return, she'd understand the decision that she had to make today. Things were sadly not as small scale, calm, and simple as they had been, when she were still with them. Cheshire... Where in the world had you gone off to?

@Illiad Easle I assumed as much, and have been pondering what to do about it. Which will be handled mostly in the next post. Gonna take advantage of the fact that I have a little chaos goblin in paper form to my advantage. :3