Blitz Boom
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Posts posted by Blitz Boom
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"You wouldn't believe the things I could tell you."
This were all that Tidal said as they went on their way, through a few more halls, up and down stairs, though generally going downwards, enough times to bring into question how vast this place actually were. Eventually they'd be at a large, wooden door marked as the underwater training hall.
Tidal knocked on the door and a feminine voice behind it called out "Yes?".
"Somepony's got a mermaid in their family. You got time?"
"Sure, come on in."
Opening the door would show a room halfway covered in water, seemingly held back in that half of the room via magical means. Both sides had varied training equipment, weapons, et. with the watery side also showing several tunnels going to somewhere. The one talking were not seen.
"Boo."
From above them, the voice came out, which turned out to belong to a large female, carrying several old scars, a sort of watery, puff bubble around her neck, who looked at them with big, seaweed colored eyes. She seemed to be hanging on to a wooden pole of some kind via her tail, and carried a mischievous smile on her face.
It were a mermaid, and as she got into view, Tidal rose a hoof to her muzzle, and started to laugh behind it, whilst looking at Thunder. It appeared as if she'd been yanking his chain, and got him good.
"The general told you scary things about mermaids, didn't she? She often tries to rattle new recruits like that, since there's not enough that've seen our kind, and the stories are blown waaaaay out of proportions. You'd think we were sirens from how some of those goes.."
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"I wanna help!"
Ziggy would be there in an instant, and bounce around as she followed, focusing on avoiding accidentally hitting one of the foals as they went on their way towards... Something. She had no idea what it were that Harmony wanted their help with, but did it matter? She wanted some assistance, and there were the foalsies there too! How couldn't it be like, seventeen times better when that were the case?
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17 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:“Maybe it’s better if I don’t ask anymore about what happened. You’ve had a long day and you’ll need rest. If it helps, we’ll show up at the grand hearing, even vouch for you if it comes to that.”
Though he waited until they were fully done speaking, after they had all settled down at the fire, before giving his own responses to things, Rosa would start by offering his take on this first thing. It were important to clarify a few things, as well as show thanks for what were no doubt a difficult thing to offer, considering the longma were strangers to most of pony society, and associated with an outside spy. It would surely give some worries about ones own safety, no matter how efficient they were at escaping, due to those gates that both Lin and Omen were proficient in making.
"The attendance offer is appreciated. And for the record, none of you have to worry. You're not in trouble.
In situations like this, the courts will steer on the side of caution, so even if I were condemned for high treason, or some other charge, you would at worst be seen as unfortunate bystanders who got manipulated into assisting me in varied tasks. Spies have a bad reputation for a reason, and taking advantage of the ignorant is a depressingly common trait to point hooves at. I won't lie and say that I have never partaken in such things myself either. Just kept telling myself it were all part of the job..."
He took a half hearted bite out of the fruit he were holding as he said this, and certain memories flooded by. *sigh* Did he even have enough years left hin his life, to atone for all the rotten things he had done to others? It seemed unlikely, but who knew? Perhaps in time, others would be able to forgive him for small transgressions like this, if not the larger, more destructive ones that he inadvertently caused.
17 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:“We spoke with Amethyst about what to do with the beast heart we got from Filigree. Had to stop by the quarry and get a chunk of diamond from the forepony Gem Stud. After that, Shrimp started purifying the gem before we could use it.”
“We don’t know how long we’d have to wait until we can start going after Filigree again,” Lin added, joining the rest of the group and eating her dinner with them. “So we used what time we had to figure out how to dispose of the beast heart, or at least keep anypony else from finding it again. Omen’s got a place in mind. Noxious gas and pools of… something terrible to senses will stop explorers from thinking of ever going there. That will be one less thing to worry about.”
"In any case, it sounds as if you have been productive with your time. Finding a good hiding space and some way of containing this thing should be a top priority until Filigree one day poke her head forth again. I imagine it may be months, even years before there is anything to follow though. She knows that she is being followed now, and that one rather influential nation in particular would want for her capture. Whatever care she took to go unnoticed before will be nothing compared to what she does now, but sooner or later, she will make a mistake.
My concern is more with her benefactor. I never found any proof that she had contact with the diamond dog gang that bailed her out, and them running such a clean grab and run, reeks of being prepared in advance by someone. Filigree did not expect to be caught, and had no visitors whilst in prison, so it leads one to think that she have gotten some support now. By whom or what the reasons are, I don't know, but as it may involve this beast heart, it seems wise that you- *yawn* are dealing..."
Much as he tried to remain awake, Rosa hadn't more to give, and slumped down on the floor, fast asleep. Hopefully his drained state would keep the nightmares at bay, though they'd see. It were probably best that Sen and Shrimp took some rest too, whilst Lin and Omen sat around or something. It had been a long day, and tomorrow likely had several things in store for them.
As for Shrimp, he would still look around to see if there were cats now and again, but being near his larger-than-cats caretakers helped sooth him, as well as the offered food. Though he did drag the pile of berries with him over to the nearest caregiver, whatever that were Sen or Lin, and would start to eat once he were comfortably close to whichever one it were. A few berries rolled off as he moved around, but he's snap those up, or use his tail to bash them back as he went along, which were a bit clumsy looking, yet he didn't feel safe being out in the open right now. Too much potential for falling cats.
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"Huh, sounds like you've run into a low rung draconequus.
Now, I personally dounno the one you're off about, but their sort tend to be all sorts of mixed up. It ain't all Discord levels though. He's one of the high ranking, big kahunas among their kind, but there's a bunch of 'em around, either from the olden times, or more new ones, or even hybrids. Can you imagine that? Somepony mingling it with a draconequus? Gives some real messed up looking kids from what I've heard.
Anyway, same as there's them higher ups, there's the more mundane sorts that's less spirit of chaos, and more master of juggling, or some other self proclaimed title. Hay, I've run into one calling himself *Lord of the Flute*. Granted, he were pretty great, but it should give you some sorta context on what we're dealing with here. For all I know, you've run into the king of cats or something.
Power varies a great deal too, but y'know, some basics are always there. Including that lil' pesky business of being able to somehow know stuff that they shouldn't. Ain't all that're good at it, far as the stories goes, but the ones I and others I've talked with know off, can see behind the curtain even a bit. This one might've seen some of those stories you're hiding, and don't want ya to make a ruckus in this area. Probably because he wanted to it himself. Weird creatures the lot of 'em."
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Berry bonked herself slightly on the head as the matter of the books were brought up.
"Gosh darn it, I forgot all about the books! Alright, alright, still time to sort this out. I don't really have something more to chat about this instant, so hows about I just go fetch, before it slides out of my head again? Back in ten. Or fifteen perhaps."
The mare would scurry out of the door and head towards her home fast as she could, whilst mentally berating herself for forgetting this dang simple thing. She were gonna have to keep a note pad on her if this sort kept on, and frankly, perhaps she should look into that whilst she were at home anyway. She had tons of 'em, and not all of them were in use right now. Pretty sure she could spare one for travel purposes.
(thirteen minutes later, there's be a knock at the door, and a panting Berry would be heard trying to get her breath under control behind it.
"I'm getting way outta shape if this is taking it out of me. Open up please? I got them books."
Three of them in fact, which were rather big and heavy. Not the grandest thing to be lugging around whilst also running, and she were certainly feeling that now, but she wanted to see if she could make it back here in time. If she had counted right, she should be, but things had gone all hectic, so she weren't entirely sure anymore.
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After a few knocks, the door would slowly creak open, and Briar would step into view, and greet Velvet with a large, toothy smile. Considering there were a fish scale stuck in the upper row of sharp teeth, it appeared as if Briar had already taken care of breakfast, or lunch. Depending on the time of day. Didn't mean that his sense of smell were impaired however, as were evident in him knowing that this were Velvet, even without opening his eyes. The pony had a rather unique blend of flowery scents to him that made him stand out in this place rather substantially.
"Ah, Mr. Velvet, how lovely to see you here. We were starting to wonder if we were to find you, rather than the other way around. Please, come in."
The entrance were small and sort of beaten up, but it were what one could expect from these places, and they didn't care much about it. Their usual residence were a cave, so this were still a step up. Not a big one mind you.
Going to the actual main room itself, there were some furniture, a bed, and a couple of saddlebags against the wall in the corner. Beyond that, it were rather barren, with no artwork or personal touch of any kind. Just a dingy room in a shoddy area, like all the rest of them in this place. Beyond the luxury room though that were. That one got cleaned more often, and actually had a window with a nice'ish view. Important guests only though.
Briar waved Velvet towards the chairs, to indicate where he could sit. Were he to look for Brittle, he'd find her over at the bed, sending a nervous glance towards him, but otherwise keep to her work of making the bed. It might be sort of pointless in this place, but Briar insisted that they showed some degree of civility.
"Now then, what troubles your mind?"
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"I don't think you're insane. It can be really hard to talk with others, and you're doing better than I do most of the time. I'm still having a hard time trying to interact with Equestrians. You're nice ponies. R-Really, I mean that, but... Your culture is sort of strange. Very happy and carefree."
Oh Viz'nay, were he insulting Equestria now? Insulting Eventide even?! Nonono, he had to... He had to get out of that. Yes. Somehow. Apologies first, clearly.
"N-Nothing wrong with you at all. I would never insult you, i mean that. Just cultures and stuff and... Other stuff. I don't want to make it sound as if..."
Cover closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to get himself in check again, whilst mentally kicking himself for sounding like a raving street lunatic.
"No wonder I failed at friendship school... Look, could we uhm... I-I mean, if it's not an issue, could we go s-somewhere else and talk? I think all the others here are m-making me more nervous. Uhm... Perhaps you too? A-Again, I am not saying anything bad about you. You're smart, artistic, and pre- Yes, artistic. Just saying that it sort of sounds like we're both h-having a d-difficult time with this? Unless it's not Other ponies that bother you? I could uhm... Go then. I guess."
He didn't want to whatsoever - even though after he almost said she were pretty, he really wanted to go out and find a mouse hole to bury himself in - yet if this were awkward because of him, then it weren't going to get better, and it would sadly be best if he just went off and bashed his head into a wall a few times, whilst belittling himself about not even being able to talk to a single pony that he actually wanted to communicate with.
If she did agree though, there were smaller alleys, the edge of town, a small park area not too used right now as some debris from the construction were stored in the square there for now, etc. He were game for wherever, long as it weren't so crowded. It weren't helping things with all of them around.
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"A stallion with standards and a want to succeed on his own merit, is quite a rare, yet delightful sight. I sincerely wish you luck with your efforts Mr Tock, and hope that you keep in mind that my offer still stands, are you ever to need if not a tutor, then perhaps some pointers. Of course, if you wished to talk about other things, I'm sure I could clear some space in my work schedule for that too."
So Tick Tock were a stallion with a want to go through and learn from his own mistakes? An attitude that she could respect, if not find somewhat narrow-minded. There were much to learn from seeing how others had done things, and then perfect their failures, but one had to spend a long time doing such a thing, and she did not fault him for not having the drive to go those steps beyond. It were more prudent for her sort of work regardless.
In any case, she had said her piece - after he and Penny were done speaking of course, as she did not want to appear rude - and placed herself as asked, with Brick going straight into his place too, whilst keeping a near unblinking gaze on Tick Tock. Considering how it seemed things were going, he considered it important to have a good, long look at this one, and ensure that he wouldn't miss any obvious details. You never knew who were an undercover agent or rogue assassin of some kind, so when somepony tried to get close, it were up to him to be ready, just in case.
That, and he were judging the stallion under other criteria, as he had somewhat of a vested interest in whoever might date Scarcity for his own, personal reasons.
Both he and Scarcity grabbed hold of the chocolate levitated towards them, with Scarcity using her horn, and Brick his right front hoof, and they prepared for the countdown.
"Brick? Once we arrive, do be a dear and ensure the safety of our cargo, until it is delivered."
The bodyguard would nod slightly in response to this.
"It seems we are ready then. Until we meet again, Mr. Tock."
Scarcity would send the stallion a pleased, closed-mouthed smile, which were likely to be one of the last things before they were to take off. How fun it would be when her contacts had collected all the information they could on this stallion, for her to read through another time. With some luck, there would be no... Unsavory details in there, and things could proceed somewhat naturally. For better, or for worse.
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Good to read that things seems to be going better for ya, and sorry that your old car burned out. Had to majorly suck. :/
And Brick are with them. He wouldn't be much of a bodyguard if he weren't. He just doesn't do much else than follow, and observe. Not big on the whole *talking* thing that one.
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On 9/7/2019 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:
There was a tear in their father's eye as he cautiously, then firmly drew Null into a hug. "Your mother and I... we were so worried when you were all..."
Null desperately clung to her father after he pulled her in, and he'd feel tears roll down the fur of his neck, as the emotional mare were unable to hold it back. It were not something she had allowed herself to do for years on end - discounting rage-fueled episodes where her emotions got erratic and tears sometimes fell - yet her stubborn attitude weren't trying to toughen through it this time. She couldn't muster the strength to even try. She just clung to her father, head on his shoulder, and continuously whispered "I'm sorry." over and over again, until he eventually moved to let go of her.
She didn't want to let go off him. Not after all this time thinking that she had felt his touch the last time, on the sandy hills on the day of their escape, as he pulled her from the sands and halfway threw her along to make sure she had a chance to get out of reach of the incoming Grey.
Yet, even though she could probably keep him in her grip, as she slid back, he'd find that she didn't even attempt, and made no movement to either restrain him, nor clear the tears from her eyes as he began to talk to them. She just looked at him with a desperate mixture of grief and longing in her tear-filled eyes, and a facial exepression that got progressively more pained.
On 9/7/2019 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:He sat down, "I... hadn't really thought you'd make it, I know you're strong of course but when we saw you like that..." he sighed "We've seen so many who didn't have it half as bad who've yet to make even half the progress you have. It's a miracle to say the least."
"...I don't deserve this. I've done too many things, and hurt... No, Failed you. All of you."
"Null, please d-"
"If I hadn't been so weak, you would've gotten away from all of this. How can you not look at me with anger over that? Yell at me? Thrown me out in the dirt? I am the reason you were stuck here in the first place, and I almost left Void alone when it got too hard. I broke my promises and ruined our family. Why don't you hate me?"
Null's voice were surprisingly low as she went on her guilt ridden tangent, which Void silently thanked whatever deity cared to listen to her words. She had spoken earlier on how she were sure that their parents wouldn't accept them, soon as they knew all the horrible things they'd done in the past, but right now, in the moment, all her logic - All those tiny things she had mustered up to try and be ready for dismissal - just crumbled, as she laid bare her argument in the most basic of forms: That she didn't deserve to be welcomed here, because as far as she were concerned, all of it were her fault. How couldn't she think that, seeing as several situations could have been avoided, if only she hadn't been part of things.
From their parents stopping on their escape to help her out of the sand bank her leg had gotten stuck in, to her denial of Void's future, when she scurried them from the town where she could have been adopted and find some stability she sorely needed, plus many other things throughout their tumultuous years. Null perceived her own weakness and selfishness to be the reason for most of the bad things that had happened to them, and while Void had the excuse of not knowing better, as Null had hidden several situations where she acted in her own best interest, instead of Void's, their father wouldn't be the same.
He knew what happened that day, and she didn't understand how she weren't blamed for that, or outright just shunned.
She weren't an idiot. In her heart, she knew that they wouldn't hate and shun her for this, but her emotional instability were not playing off logic. It were roller-coasting around her guilt, and on that ride, their father was a main figure, as feeling like she had been the cause for what happened to their parents all those years back, were the most fundamental part of her guilt, and she felt like she deserved to be punished for that, as well as many, many other things.
Thankfully this weren't their mother though. Considering how close Null had been to her when they grew up, she would've likely just ran out of the house whilst crying, unable to get a word out, and just wishing to not pollute her life anymore.
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On 9/7/2019 at 3:19 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“How did it go with Stargazer, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Rosa sat down heavily where he stood, after the smoke had cleared from his system, unaware or uncaring about whatever or not there were a bed roll.
"It went about as well as expected. Stargazer called in another to conduct the interview, citing that family ties meant that he could not take it himself, to ensure there were no perceived bias o chance of evidence contamination. It put him in quite the spot, but it was a smart move for him. If that had been discovered later, everything would have been looked over with a fine tooth comb, and he might get into trouble.
He remained near though, as interviewer after interviewer went through. Only times he didn't keep silent where whenever something needed to be brought forth for whatever reason, or when anyone seemed like they were about to go beyond what they were legally allowed to do to prisoners. I think that after the third time, they would have removed him to get their privacy, if the general hadn't showed up to take over..."
He visibly shook, as the memory of that particular bat pony came into mind. Though he had seen General Screecher before at a distance, and knew some basic information, he had not counted on how efficient she were at hiding in public what an intimidating presence she could be, if she truly wanted to. Rosa had training to ensure that he would not easily be intimidated, but the general were smart. Had waited until the right time when he were worn down by questions, and entered whilst making her presence well known. She had not needed to lay a single hoof on him to make the former spy feel small and insignificant in her presence within a few minutes.
"General Screecher is a far cleverer mare than I had given her credit for, and I will be loathe to underestimate her again.
*sigh* As for the whole process, let it be sufficient to say that it were mainly the same twenty or so questions asked constantly, at varied angles and times to see if I remained steadfast, or would change statements, while they had several branches check and double check the information I gave them, until around fifteen minutes ago. I don't know exactly what the general were told, yet my best assumption would be that she got word from King Thorax, along with some more of the information I have told him to give to Equestria over time, which would prove my intent to some degree.
Currently, I am considered to be free, yet under heavy scrutiny, and I will need to appear in three days for a grand hearing, where a proper judgement will drop. If I am not there, I will be considered a high value enemy of Equestria, and when found, will likely spend the next sixty or so years behind bars, at a minimum."
The general had made sure that he got the message, though she wouldn't have to worry. He did not intend to run from this anymore. Not that he could either. As the silver ring around his right back leg would attest, he had been marked. Long as this were on, he could be found, and if he tried to remove it, he'd get instantly teleported, apprehended, and sent into a high security isolation cell, until the hearing.
"I am well aware that the only reason I am even allowed to have this small degree of freedom, is to show some good will towards an envoy of a new ally of Equestria, but I'll take what I can get.
In regards to my brother... He didn't say much to me. After we were all done, he said that he had heard enough, before being called in to be debriefed on things himself. I assume this means that he will need time to think."
Rosa let out a large sigh, whilst he felt how deflated after this long, draining day he actually were. This whole ordeal were both mentally and physically draining, though at least he hadn't been starved or anything. Sure the meal and liquid had been modest, but the guards had been legally obligated to ensure that during this long interview, they could not do such a thing, and they had complied. Sometimes late and needing some coercion by another, like Stargazer, but still.
"As for why Omen were eating fire, I stumbled into an unstable brazier as I wandered out of the halls, and though the stray lump that fell fromit would have missed me, Omen for reasons unknown, decided that once she showed up, she wanted to eat it. The whole incident seemed to scare a cat that wandered above us for some reason though, which fell on Omen and caused quite a ruckus before it ran off. I think it may have spooked Shrimp."
As he finally bit notice in the offered food and water, Rosa would give a weak smile and thankfully take a small fruit, as well as a couple of sips of water. He were too exhausted to feel much else than a want to sleep right now, but he knew that it were best to have something in his stomach, if possible, and appreciated that they cared for his well being this much.
"Thank you. May I ask, if anything happened here, in the time I've been away?"
Shrimp in the meantime, would try to cling to Omen, whilst still latching out with one of his short arms to get the offered berry, then cling to her whilst snapping after it, yet once both of those failed, he reluctantly let go, and would go over to the offered treat, whilst looking around to see if there were any cats. He'd likely not have good interactions with that sort of creature the next time he met one again.
As for Omen, she just stood where she were, and ate her flaming coal, without moving towards any of the other food or the water. As with so many other times, she would just be observing whilst crunching through this meal of hers, which sadly did not smoke anymore, as the coal were broken more and more down by her constant chewing. At least it were still warm, which were evident by a small flame that licked across her lower lip for a moment, as she cracked through to the core of the coal.
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The foals weren't the only ones who giggled as Serenade fell asleep at the table. Ziggy did too, and held a hoof in front of her muzzle to stop herself from outright laughing. Perhaps it weren't the kindest thing to have done if it were, but come on, this were funny!
Beyond that, she'd just focus on finishing her meal, which at this point were a race between who were done first: Her, or Fah'lina. As it turned out, that would be Ziggy, as the mimic wanted to savor the crab pieces more, and as such, chewed slowly through the last couple of pawfuls on her plate, whilst the zegasus sat and shook a little from side to side, looking like she were about to explode. It were a matter of seconds now before she'd just vanish from the room, leaving little more than a pink blue, and the constant scent of peppermint that tended to hang over her, partially due to her strange choice in perfume. If Harmony had a plan, he'd have to put in into action, and fast. Otherwise, he'd soon have a laughing zegasus speed around his telescope and over town for the next half to whole hour.
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The expression on Tidal's face froze as she heard the comment and question about mermaids, and she turned to Thunder, looking for some kind of sign that he were just pulling her leg on this. Which sadly, she didn't find.
"You'd want to talk to Sergeant Kelp. Come on."
Going back inside, Tidal would be unusually quiet as she'd lead them towards a part of the large base that they hadn't been in before, which started with them taking a right turn, down a hallway similar to the one they had been on when heading for the entrance.
"Look, I'm doing my best to keep an open mind here, and not judge too harshly, but anypony who trust a mermaid's a fool. What seems like love of friendship now, is just an act, before they suddenly get bored with you, or get pregnant, at which point they're also done with you. Result's the same. Dragging their victim to the ocean, never to be seen again.
Sergeant Kelp knows the deep, dark horrors their kind's capable off. Trust me, you'll want to hear her out."
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On 9/8/2019 at 1:14 PM, Rising Dusk said:"Does Harrowmark celebrate one gaining a cutie mark, darling?"
"Why, yes of course. It is seen as a great thing, and families will come together to celebrate the event, and discuss how best to nurture this discovered talent. Though, as you can likely guess, at times said talent can be something that is... Diverted away from, as to lessen the chance of Twisted finding fascination with the individual. It will be a good thing to hear for many, that they now do not have to fear their practices will gain that kind of attention anymore, though of course, there is still the ones who find their talents in dark, twisted magics that may have some issues. Then again, there are great usage in dark, twisted magic if only you look in the right areas.
A friend of mine from long ago as an example, discovered his talent when he stumbled and fell down a hill whilst travelling with his parents. He were besieged by wicker creatures almost as soon as he hit the ground, and his family could do nothing else but watch in horror as they closed in. Yet, in his moment of fear, he called out for them to halt, with a pressure that should not be found in such a young voice. And lo and behold, they stopped their movements, and his father managed to cast a spell to withdraw the colt, who then found that he carried the cutie mark, of thorned branches intertwined, around a simple music note.
It was quite the moment for him to find that he were a Thorn Speaker, but fortunate, and he were useful for his town many years, until eventually he would be taken by old age.
Aaah, but I wish not to cause a depressing mood here. It have been a long time since his passing, and we were speaking of more fortunate things, such as your cutie mark acquisition. It sounds like quite a dangerous situation, if you gained this whilst setting something on fire. It is reminiscent of Will-O Wisp, though I hope that like with her, someone were there to help extinguish the fire you set. Dreadful business if that is allowed to spread."
It were hard not to remember that time, though Wisp had not meant for something horrid to happen. She were just trying to cast some form of magic and had somehow caused a swarm of small wisps to fly from her horn and set small fires in the area around her. How she had been distressed on that day... Oh well, she had learned from her mistake, and gotten better. And with Twisted removed, and access to the world around them, Caramel were sure that the young mare would only get gradually more powerful. If she still lived in say, twenty years or so, it may be prudent to teach her a few things, to ensure that such talents did not go to waste. All in due time though.
"Ah, and before I forget, it is only fair that I share how I got my own cutie mark. It is simple enough really: I mixed a potion for one in my olden town that had rot spread within them, from a most grizzly attack. I had made potions and small things for most of my foalhood before that too, but crafting this cure earned me my cutie mark. Perhaps because of the severity? I cannot say for sure. It were such a long time ago, and these things can appear at the most curious of times."
On 9/8/2019 at 1:14 PM, Rising Dusk said:"Is teleportation not a common spell in Harrowmark?"
"𝕀𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕕𝕒𝕪, 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕕𝕚𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕘𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕠𝕞 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕨 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤. ℍ𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣, 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕥 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕕𝕠. 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕠𝕗 𝕧𝕒𝕣𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕕𝕖𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖, 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕦𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕓𝕪 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕖. ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕥? 𝕀 𝕕𝕠 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨, 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣, 𝕍𝕚𝕫'𝕟𝕒𝕪 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕗𝕦𝕝."
"These days, we do have some that does it, but Twisted heavily regulated who were allowed to do that. From what I know, usually only a few at best in every town had access, and were just supposed to use it for transporting necessities, or random beings of his choosing. I were trying to practice when I were small, but we already had a local who were the only one he allowed to do it, and after we got more self sufficient, the few who have tried were... W-Well, I don't think it's important to cover what he did to them.
I think he were afraid that if too many could teleport, we would get hope of escaping him, or call in outside help. A lot practice things in hiding though, so I'm sure that it won't be long before a lot starts to do this again. I think Mad Symphony have been using it actually?"
"He have, and gotten a few books and such in for the mayor over the years. He's a sneaky young pegasus. Somehow always knew when he were being watched, and when it were safe."
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"I dunno, but I figure enough to be the reason for the doors being shut real tight soon as it leaves the ground. Probably some low rung, shady ones that doesn't go with that. Always some bottom feeders in any industry, casting a dark shade on the rest.
Still, these're great. Especially those times I'm too sloshed to be on a train, and the guards haven't gotten hold of me. Heh, the amount of things these poor sods have to hear from me sometimes is staggering, but I'm a repeat customer, so they don't complain all that much. Though for the record, I never pay full price. One of the guys starting up this business borrowed a hefty sum from me to get it off the ground, and in a tough time, he weren't able to keep up payments. So we made a deal that I'd lay off him until capital started to roll in, in exchange for lifetime cheap travel. A win-win situation for him short term, and me in the long run.
Now come on. Nopony can hear us in here, what with the winds and all, along with this being all shut off from sound. So, why don't cha tell me a lil' tale of your own? You know so much 'bout us, but yer a dang mystery. I respect that, don't get me wrong, but it'd be nice getting a peek. Don't even have to be 'bout yourself if it is. You've been around the place, right? Got any strange stories from your homeland, or wherever you planted your flank the last bundle of years?."
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After Berry were done with her investigative work/clean up (she sadly didn't find anything fun) she'd get back to the table and sat her flank down again. It were tempting to run through the rest of the house to see if there were anything interesting, but there was no sign that Serenade were the sort to require a full check, just to make sure she weren't stockpiling information for The Conspiracy, or something else with malicious intent. 'Sides, Nada were like, Right there. She'd never get away with it.
"So, you got something else to say about today, or something you'd wanna ask/discuss? I don't wanna intrude on you needing some rest if it is y'know. Been a bit hectic, especially around you. Heh, lil miss siren, all tangled up in politics and peace negotiations, and she didn't sign up for any of it. Twisted world sometimes, ain't it?"
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I think that you should keep going what you have with Cerberus and Sekel, as it seems like it could go somewhere, but you do need a creative output. If you would prefer to do that with Ambie, and end what were set up elsewhere, that's no skin off my back. I can adapt things easily.
.png ":)")
I am merely offering you a suggestion, not forcing anything down on you after all.
If you do wish to just clean the slate and move on to something fresh, that you can have molded from the bottom and really go at, then lay out a rough idea/plan, (or who Ambie is, as I can't remember any more xD ) and we can start getting ready for something potentially epic.
I got tons of chars to use, and several more I can pull out of the nether like it were nothing, to suit the need.
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16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:
"Whatzit now Ceder, ya know she-s sleep...ing."
Void kept her breath, but nothing came from Null. No bursts of anger, no shouting (thankfully) and sadly too, no happy outbursts. She didn't need to look up to get what were going on either, with this meaning that Null had more than likely just lost her words, and just sat with her muzzle hanging.
It were not entirely correct, as her jaw were not slacking, yet Null had indeed lost her breath as she saw the aged up, yet obvious form of her father in front of her, and her mind had just drawn a complete blank. Even if she had tried to prepare for this meeting, actually being in the situation, and seeing that he was indeed alive, were something that she had a very tough time to process.
Nit a word were said as they entered by her, as she just sat atop of Void, with eyes speaking of conflicting disbelief, yet otherwise as neutral in her face as their father had been privy to seeing earlier.
16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:I thought you'd be staying with the Consul... did something happen?"
"A lot happened, but we can talk about that after you've slept, okay? We... Kind of have things to do, so it won't be long anyway. Just uhm... Bear with me, please, and you'll understand why we're here."
Their dad were clearly in need of sleep, as much as their mother were, and though the original plan had been to come here and truly have time together, Void could tell that it were best that they didn't linger for now. Besides, it were true that Null and her had something else to do. A certain shadow that had approached earlier, who might still linger nearby, had entered her mind again as they wandered here, and considering what went on here, it were perhaps for the best to go and try to use this downtime not to sleep, but to see what it - and by extension Pen - needed.
Still, before anything, Null needed to know that this were real. So Void took a step forward as she spoke, and gently put a hoof on their father. A strange move to him perhaps, but she had to do this to make Null believe, and see that this weren't some sort of illusion, or changeling. She had to know that this were, without a shadow of a doubt, their father. Or uhm... No, covering that would have to be another time. When things had calmed down.
"...Dad?"
The weak, breaking voice of Null finally broke through as she got up, and wandered further along on her sisters back, so that she could lean in and get closer to the old stallion herself. Now her face were more full of expression, yet again, it were conflicted between several emotions, like fear, desperation, joy, and guilt. Her emotions were fighting that voice in her head that would always tell her that nothing good happened for Void and her, which were a dash of self-deprecating logic that clashed radically with seeing that their parents were actually, truly alive, with their dad being right in front of her.
Meanwhile, Void would smile at the aging stallion, as she heard and felt Null finally go into some degree of action.
"We found her again."
What more did she really ned to say now? Well, a lot honestly, but that were history time for another encounter. Right now, it were all a matter of sharing the news with their father, and instilling some actual hope in Null. She wouldn't be able to deny they were really here anymore at least, and if that didn't do something, then Void didn't know what would.
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It's good that things are getting on track again for you mate.
As for your situation, I admit to have played with you as a catalyst indeed, as the random, strange nature of Widdershins seems to be one which are hard to not divert focus from whatever story takes place. I apologize for this. I sorta figured you enjoyed a role such as that, and it is my failure to have not asked further on the subject.
In regards to the Tatzelpony, I fully expect you to have it follow them. I am just trying to establish connections first, then currently, harvesting some of the sap. As I am not sure whatever or not doing so will cause a reaction, I have shown hesitation in pushing things along, but I assure you that they will be on their way shortly, and you can have this strange creature lug along and cause the hijinx you refer to.
If I may come with a suggestion, you could take advantage of Last carrying a blade that even through the scabbard, have a very clear, magical flame burning on it. A light source if you would, which might be something that would initially entice the tatzelpony to walk with them? Or perhaps Cherish's prodding into is mind have made it feel somewhat connected, and want to follow her, which then also means the group as a whole?
Also, Twilight seems content with having the sap from the creature be what they need, and if she says that it is, Last will follow troop. Cherish will just follow, as she's tethered to something Twilight carries.
So the solution is at hoof. Long as @Sekel is on the same page, and aware of why we are trying to steer things along.
I assure you, next post on the matter will push things along on my side at least, though if you prefer, I can also edit my last post to have the harvesting be successful, then have them start to wander away? With your permission, of course, to avoid godmodding.
Now, regarding @Catpone Cerberus, I can't say what his plans may be. The whole premise of this thread is less of an overarching storyline, and more me trying to accomodate and add to the sort of story that others may have in mind, then see where things goes. It is a Casual Stroll, so to speak.
So in this situation, you'd have to bring it up with Cerberus himself.
Although if you wish, I could.. Interfere, and insert some things to get you down a less calm and collected path.
That being said, I could arrange for something with Widders that would make him more of a creature to follow a story, rather than being the focus of anything that would require action? Now, even without @Scar having mysteriously vanished, we do have the setting, the statue could cause all sorts of issues once Widders got gathered up and potentially shattered it, and Smokey both have a tale to tell, as well as a desperate want for something to distract him from his heartache. Hell, Sorrow too have a tale worth exploring, with the mentions I have made to their family being a long line of spirit guides, with connections to others of my OC's.
So here's a thought: Why don't the two of us have a grand ol'adventure? We leap straight to the pieces of Widders soul having been collected, with them quickly having gotten the statue from Sorrow and let her run the energy out of her system in peace, to avoid further damage. Then, as Widders collects himself, he will manage to break the unbreakable statue he is trapped in, which releases a small part of Anomaly, from back when she were the Spirit of Destruction, that have been dormant and forgotten within it.
They'd then have to go on a grand adventure to find and likely stop this piece, before it grows too strong and begins to wreck havoc again. They'd likely need some help with spirits, so swinging around Sorrow's familys main stronghold so to say, could be a part of that, whilst the trio would have to go out and try to adventure their way to save the world.
It might pass along with other stories as they travel, you would not be leading it, it be a simple catalyst, but rather a follower, and it might help getting you outta tye rut so to speak. Something like that tickle the ol' Draconequus bone of mayhem and fun? 
Heh, thinking on it, it could interfere with you and @Catpone Cerberus's playdate honestly, as the spirit steals one or several of his cats on it's way, or something. Not my decision if anything further would come from that, just putting it out there.
Anyway, please do tell if any of this sounds good to you, or if I totally missed the entire point by a mile. Would not be the first time, and it's not gonna be the last either. :)
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And that were reply number 9000. So far so good everyone.
Now, for a more RP related message, @Widdershins we'll stall until you're ready to have some sort of reaction to things. Hope the new job's settling in by now, and that your stress isn't as bad.
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Caramel chuckled at the notion that the members of the O.M.I. - such as Rising - were her metaphorical children, that needed her guidance and nurture. She could see such a thing being true for a mare as peculiar as Minty, yet she wouldn't mark it as a bad feeling. Simply seeing yourself as their boss, she might have felt less attached and ruthless when it came to ordering her subjects around, but seeing them as her own to both send to deal with dangerous things, and as offspring? The world knew no fury greater, than that of a mother scorned. Caramel already felt sorry for whatever fool would dare to even try and hurt Rising and his colleagues, seeing how immensely powerful Minty had already shown to be at a more casual, theatrical state. Combine that with unbridled fury, and whoever were her target were would know true fear, for whatever time they had left on this earth.
"I envy your bond, Minty, and pity whoever scorn your family. Emotional links can truly bring out some great teamwork, strength and trust that can make quite a difference, when things goes south. I have seen this same thing among others who were close, or even truly related, and it is a strange, yet beautiful sight to behold.
As for blood relatives, you're still young, so there is no hurry to find one whom you wish to share your natural life with, though I will word my hopes on you finding one whom can indeed help your blood line prevail, rather than a mare, or some other species. Far be it from me to judge whatever choice one makes in this manner, but I do think it would be a pity if you never sired anyone, no matter if they would inherit your strength or not.
But you are right, of course. We never know what our destiny may bring, or what path life could take us. Even if it could be a road traversed as a powerful being with a great ancestry, ones interest may be more mundane, such as finding joy in dealing with drapes, and truly, what is wrong with that? My current incarnation are one with a great love for cooking, and I have adapted to that, and find great pleasure in such a menial task too, regardless of my fascination for alchemy. There is something special about seeing the lights in otherwise gloomy eyes just flare up, once they gain something that dances on the taste buds.
Heh, but I'm sure you don't wish for me to dabble on and on about myself. It's rather trite, and I'm fairly certain it would bore you.
No, I would much rather ask in about cutie marks. We have those too here in Harrowmark, but I wonder if they are acting the same in your land, as it does here? Here we gain them once completing a task that seems to spark with our hidden potential, and the mark gives us guidance as to what we may do best. Do they function the same where you are from, or are they somehow gained through age, or a process of your princesses perhaps?"
Caramel were a curious mare, who wished to know about the world out there, and fortune be that some outsiders from a fairly interesting sounding country had come to theirs, and liberated them, which would also open the chance for them to traverse outside of Harrowmark. The opportunity to learn of the country of their saviors, and this impressive mare, were one that Caramel fully intended to take, yet it didn't hurt to know some things in advance. And really, soon as Minty might have questions of their lands, she would be pleased to share them too, regardless of how she had seemingly glossed over herself.
Perhaps Minty would find some release in knowing that at least something here were the same as it were in Equestria.
48 minutes ago, Rising Dusk said:"And your place Thistle? Will you remain here or return to the capital?"
"𝕄𝕪 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕝. 𝕐𝕖𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕍𝕚𝕫'𝕟𝕒𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕, 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕟𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟. 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕠𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞, 𝕚𝕟 𝕔𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕖𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖."
It were a sort of teleportation that were not possible for one such as Rising, as it required to traverse along the power line of the goddess, so to speak, and for that you had to have given up your mortal coil, and hold her favor. Usually something reserved only for the higher ranking priests and priestesses, as they were the only ones to have gone through the process to end in the same state as Thistle were. The devotion taken to go this far, were proof to Viz'nay that you were truly worthy of her favor, as as such, certain things were possible. In this case, quick travel between established temples, or particularly strong holy sites, though those things not having temples built on them already were rare, even if only ruins remained.
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23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:“Stargazer can be a reasonable sort. I’m sure Rosa would be someplace safe, even if the Canterlot guards would have to watch him. Either that or they’d let him leave and he’d find some place else to stay, maybe find his way back here. We’ll be waiting for him if that is the case.”
"..."
Omen looked on as Sen of them exclaimed his opinions on what the deal were with Rosa. However, soon as he had finished and turned to do something else, she would silently wander through a small gate that closed behind her, as she had a thought that it seemed had not crossed Sen's mind: Rosa did not know where they were.
He could not use the gates like Lin and Omen, didn't have any sort of psychic link, or had been shown this place. For all he knew, they were currently sitting in a volcano. So if he didn't know where they were, and he had moved from his old position, that meant that it would be fine to go see if he wanted to be transported then, yes? It had looked as if Sen and Lin were busy setting up the camp site, so it should not matter if she left for a little, to see if Rosa needed her help to find his way. Considering how the others had spoken of him now and again, it made sense to her at least that they did not want him to just be left somewhere, after a long day being interrogated.
23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:“Ha! There it is!” Sen exclaimed, excitedly bringing the jewel to Omen and showing her exactly what he sees. “The special property of a fire ruby, held to the light of a fire and the jewel’s color will match that of the fire itself.”
“You know with nightfall approaching, I’m wondering what mine will look like. Once we’re done, how about we pass the time like we do back home? Telling stories around the campfire. You probably have some things to process after today, Omen, and I think we can skip a lesson tonight.”
Frankly
Sen would find that Omen were still not back once he came around where she had stood, and therefor could not see the gem's properties. However, just as he had finished, the whirling, dark dot in the air that signalled her coming showed up not far from where she had left, and expanded into a pony-sized gate.
The first thing that came through, were smoke. Then afterwards, Rosa staggered out of there, holding his mask in front of his muzzle and couching. He looked pretty drained of energy, and about ready to collapse but he weren't in chains, so that were a good thing at least. So were it that he didn't seem to have any new scars or wounds, that would signal the guards having given him a less than pleasant interrogation. Not that such a thing were allowed in the guards, and anypony found doing so would be disgraced and barred from service immediately, however that did not mean that some didn't try to make it seem like some unfortunate accidents happened. A little *trip* some *resisting arrest* and so forth. It were a disgusting abuse of authority, but sadly, hard to cull out entirely.
Right behind him, would come to source of the smoke. Omen, who were currently holding a rather large piece of scorching coal in her muzzle. From the smoking it seemed to have been taken from some sort of brazier, or were the top piece of some sort of torch.
"*coff* *coff* Every time I think I've seen everything, she goes that step further. *coff*"
Omen opened her muzzle more, to allow the full piece of burning coal to enter her muzzle, at which point she'd slowly chomp down, and begin to chew, with smoke puffing out of her muzzle every now and again.
"I think I like fire. It tastes funny."
As for Shrimp, he was hanging on to Omen's underbelly, apparently either searching her again, or seeking shelter for something.
Omen would not set fire to anything in the area, though the brief smoke might irritate them for a few seconds before Omen finally got her spicy snack chomped down on.
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Ziggy looks up as Serenade wanders in, with a muzzle full of maple syrup and delicious toast, and starts waving a hoof at the siren in disguise, with a speed resembling a hummingbirds wing. Feeding her with all the sugar that were on the plate she were presented with were delicious, and she were totally gonna eat it all up, as delicious food should not go to waste- But it were gonna clash heavily with her increased energy level already, and she'd more or less seem like a frantic crazy pony for a time, until she could get the worst out of her system. The look she gave Serenade already were a bit mental and full of enough joy to make it seem as if she were about ready to explode. And she hadn't even gotten to the hay fries yet!
"Hihi Serenade, happy day to you! Eateateat, and gets lots of energy! Ehehehe."
Fah'lina essentially ignored the arrival of Serenade, only lifting her head to glance once and make sure who had entered, before going back to her plate. The greens mixed in were not an issue to her, as she were an omnivore, and needed her greens as much as meat. That they added some crunch were frankly a bonus too, as she were starting to like that consistency in her food after yesterday.
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Enzo wafted the torch around slowly to see the light flickering in the gemstones. Perhaps they were nearing the end of where this tunnel had been dug to, as these had not been harvested? It seemed plausible, as Atzy had already surmised.
"Good. Once we have one of a sufficient size, we have gotten one step closer to your rebirth. If you see one, inform me, and I will extract it."
He'd move on and look himself of course, but he were not perfect. He may well miss it, and then they'd waste time. So if Atzy saw what he did not, he would be receptive of the help, and begin on hopefully extracting it without incident. It would be preferable if they did not start a cave-in.
He did wonder though, if she'd see more, as they neared the end of this path? If not, and they wished to leave, they could always return here another time if need be. Enzo would lie if he said that he were not curious what information this place might hold, seeing as Atzy had memories sparking from this place, or at least shared in Karmic's visions. He weren't entirely sure which.
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"Can't blame ya folks for being nervous. It's apparently pretty recent that changelings have gotten any sort of acceptance, so being caught out somewhere, without any sort of backup, and no fighting training? If you were my kid, I'd have gotten shaky about having you leave too.
Still, it sure is nice to travel and experience things. I've been seeing all sorts too, before I even got sent to Equestria by my queen, to see what were going on with Chrysalis, after she got her flank handed to her in Canterlot. Color me surprised when I get here and hear about how she got toppled, and there's a new breed of changelings wandering 'round, making connections with ponies.
I'll admit, I weren't a fan. Thinking they'd gone and betrayed their own kind. Now though... Gotten some important perspective here, but now I'm worried that they won't accept us. A lot of bad blood going on between my queen and Thorax it sounded like."
Happy got a bit of a grizzled cringe on his face for a bit, as he thought on how there were like, 600 ways this could go totally wrong, but it were hard to stay down and serious when you looked at how happy Aurora were right now. Heh, she was darn near infectious with that sunshine mood of hers. They'd see how long it'd last though, as they were just about to hit the edge of the forest now.
"Say, have I told ya yet why I've been travelling actually? It ain't a nice story, but since you ain't a hive based changeling, I figure you might be wondering."
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"All the more reason to get it now. Though you wanted a real flower, so I'm still gonna find one. Consequences be damned."
The princess wanted a real Tatzelflower for the ritual, so if Last had to go through this dump for three days straight, and/or get severely injured again, that weren't important. Long as she managed to get the princess the materials that she wanted, that were all that mattered. A princess should get what they wanted, provided it were not the tyrannical control over Equestria.
Much as Last had been raised to be essentially a fanatic, that served the princess unquestionable, all the Shrine Maidens were imprinted with the knowledge that if Luna had returned to them as Nightmare Moon, and were beyond redemption, they were bound to fulfill her ultimate wish, and release her from her torment. And if she could see herself cutting down one fallen tyrant, Twilight would be no different, and if this topic were ever brought up to her, Last hoped that the princess would understand the kindness this actually were. Surely, Twilight would not wish to be the reason for her peoples torment, any more than Luna once had. To know that you had somepony ready to do what had to be done, were the worst to happen, should not be a worry, but a comfort.
She wondered if Twilight gathered any of this so far though. The princess seemed wise beyond her years, yet she were still oblivious to certain things, and appeared somewhat easy to distract, if something else happened she deemed more interesting. Perhaps she didn't realize what she had near her, or she did, but simply did not find it good to bring up.
Hmm... Something to ponder about later, though for now, they had to be ready, in case the collection of sap or whatever it were, did not go well for Cherish.
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"Yeah, Princess Luna had some readjustment to get used to, far as I heard. It sorta helped on things though, that Screecher's a big ol' stick in the mud too sometimes, and a real rule rider. Out of all the generals that're on right now, she's the most *by the books* sort we got, though she knows how to think outside the box at times. A good gal when it comes to adapting too, but I swear, just ain't no fun there. Now Dew on the other hoof. Hoooboy, the stuff that lad's been game for sometimes, would make his wife roll her eyes, and his kids blush to dust.
...Naaah, just kidding. Ol' Dew's the nicest lad you'll ever run into, as well as a good sport, open minded, and game for a bit of wrestling too. Never gotten Screecher out to see me perform, but Dew's been a good sport about it a few times. Had to promise his wife to keep him outta the ring though. She didn't wanna risk anything. Seemed fair, and it wasn't like he ever had the want for it.
Now his son on the other hoof... Heh, y'know what? Not gonna share. You'll just have to wait and see for yourself, whenever you meet 'im."
She chuckled to herself, and lead Thunder to the side down what were clear a pretty big, wide entrance hall, leading to a massive, open gate. Might be the Coastal Guard weren't the most fancy guards, but they sure got themselves a big base here. Tall as all hay too, but that'd be for Thunder to see later. First off, they had to step outside, and even from this distance, and with wandering guards going in and out of here, he should be able to see that it were a pretty big, sunny place they were going into.
Going outside, they'd find a large area populated mostly by canals and wooden paths swings above and around 'em, which would go all around the start point of the base they were in, but stopping before the large, sprawling coastal town in front of them as well. It helped them traverse a bit better, and get ready for action here at the base, even though it had been a pain in the flank to get this sorted in the first place. There were also a few underwater paths, but those weren't known to civilians. Some hush hush going on there to ensure they had some ambush and/or escape routes on the ready.
It should be clear that this were more of a fishing town than a beach town, if you looked at how things were at the ocean itself, with docks, boats, and the majority of the stores this close to the water being places here you could get something to eat, get fishing supplies, or the large dock yard, where folks could go and get their boats fixed up. Pretty hard to miss that one on the right, but it weren't all that bad looking. And it were mighty important.
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Seemed like they had come off as odd, or suspicious at the very least after all, judging by the way the buck acted around them. She supposed it couldn't be helped, right? Null had a certain way of meeting others, even when not speaking, that were off putting of shunned others, and whilst she couldn't see her, Void were certain that Null were doing something. This were a buck after all. She hadn't expected kindness from her big sis.
Still, she weren't innocent here herself. False leg, carrying around a smaller pony, nervous and physically standing out like a sore thumb. Even if she were trying her best to be friendly, an odd glance or suspicion of someone like her were understandable. Something she were more or less used to, though it were still discouraging. A reminder of how far they still had to go to find acceptance, and to let go of old grudges themselves. *sigh* Perhaps in due time, things would work out.
As for now however, the buck at least helped them, and informed them of how to get to the address he had jolted down. Considering they had nothing else to work with, Void would thank him and get out of there in a healthy walking speed, wanting to get out before she either messed up royally, or Null spouted off something.
As they went on their way, Void would eventually let out a shaking sigh, and shake her head a little.
"B-Bucks and c-changelings... We h-have a lot to get used t-to, but at l-least we didn't get into a f-fight with this one."
Null gave a small snort in response to this, and looked around her, seeing the occasional other creature out in the streets, as well as the seemingly cobbled together additions to provide some more space to the buildings. Sure didn't look like the shining jewel of the desert they'd once been told stood proudly in the middle of Troy. Might be they were in the slums, or the time after Discord went rampant had really done a number on this place too. Somehow, the later sounded more realistic.
"I could've taken him. Just wasn't worth the hassle."
"I think w-we have to try and g-get along with them e-eventually, but not s-starting fights is a s-start. Second we s-start doing that..."
"We'd be put in a cell until we've gotten done what they wanted us to, and then booted out into the desert."
The two did not speak more after that as they went on their way, both having this grim thought of the aftermath of the Hercules situation in their heads now.
On 9/4/2019 at 5:53 AM, Illiad Easle said:The streets were still quite vacant, making the trek easy. The buildings got taller the further they got from the oasis, some of the ones they passed looked like they had been added on to vertically, somewhat makeshift tents erected on the roofs of the buildings. They'd be able to find #200 without much difficulty, and the door labeled #13 was on the close corner to them. There was a window next to the door, and it was dark inside.
"...Big sis, I-"
"I'm not gonna yell at them. I have a lot of things I want off my chest - Celestia knows there's plenty of everything I can throw at them right now to fill the time - but I'm aiming to start off that way."
"You sound a little unsure."
"I don't know what I feel anymore, Void. It's usually do simple, but with everything that happened after they died, and now learning they're still alive... I want to be happy, but I just don't know. I'm all messed up lil' sis."
"I've seen what haunts you, big sis. I don't blame you for this.
*sigh* I just hope that you'll find it in yourself to be happy to see them again."
Though it were dark, they attributed that somewhat to the six hours until their mom had to go to work thing, and though it were not kind to disturb her rest - especially since she were pregnant - they had nowhere else to be right now. Hence, Void took the last few steps, and knocked thrice on the door, then stepped back and held her breath. This might be a pretty intense moment.
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On 9/3/2019 at 8:27 AM, EQ_Theta said:
“No, I don’t think that’s pain. It’s more like discomfort, comes sharp and fast but it either fades or stays. That pressure though, I suppose that is normal, hitting something would be like having one thing pushing against another.”
“Discord made sure you wouldn’t feel pain when he formed you. It would be much worse if you felt the crash. Then we surely had to take you back to Arenaria so she could give you something to dull the pain. Her remedies work wonders but they sometimes taste bad.”
"Master Discord is smart. Does not look like it, but I have seen many things. He says not to talk about most of them. Personal."
Discord had far more layers to him than others would normally see, which Omen had gotten a long, hard stare at after she had been serving him for years, and been there for the good and bad times. Even if she didn't understand much of it at the time, her simple view on things sometimes did help look through some of his trickery and deception, though mostly, him explaining things or the thousands of years she had to think over it, had helped her to grasp certain things about him a little better.
Still, she wouldn't speak a word about it. He had given her very direct orders, to never share the majority of the things she had seen. Rarely had there been a time where he were okay with it, or simply forgot about the situation as it seemed less important to him than something else, especially after he had told her to never lie. He had tried to tell her that some things were okay to lie about after that, but gotten nowhere in making Omen's very baseline understanding at the time grasp that, so instead it just seemed easier to ban her from sharing things.
There were only two situations where she might share them. That being if Discord himself told her that it were okay for whatever reason, or if he eventually perished, and she were still alive. In that case, he had wanted her to tell all the stories that she could, to as many as would listen, so that he would not be forgotten. Just like loneliness, this were a thing that he secretly feared more than most things, which were also one of the reasons why he had ensured that Omen were build to last. It made him feel more comfortable about being remembered, when he had one who had seen him for thousands upon thousands of years, and could store the information in her head.
That he had then been defeated and turned into stone however, had not been part of those calculations. Though he were still mostly getting what he wished for. Somepony who would remember him, just not one who had as massive of a span of memories as he would've liked. She instead carried the memories of his wilder past, whilst others such as Fluttershy and her friends, were now the ones to remember his current years. Unless he would perish relatively soon, it would likely only be Twilight who were left to remember, as time went on, but he would rather not think of such a situation.
To get back to the situation at hoof here though, with nothing more seemingly happening, the unformed ones would quickly get bored and move away from the gates again. The colors and items were fun to see, but just watching things mainly standing still were not all that stimulating for them, so when the ball were no longer played with, there just wasn't all that much to entertain them. And with them gone, Omen would close up the gates that were empty, and eventually close the final three too, as the last stragglers moved on to do something else as well.
On 9/3/2019 at 8:27 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Looks like it’s my turn to get the camp set up. Wonder if Rosa’s interrogation is done; it’s taking an awfully long time….”
Omen started to slowly turn around herself as Lin said this, as if looking for something, for several minutes. Eventually, she would settle down, and nod to herself, before turning to the longmas and share what she could of the inquiry.
"Rosa have moved. I am not sure where. Not the same place as before."
Whilst she couldn't say for sure where the bat pony were right now, she could at least tell that it weren't where she had last seen him. That counted for something, yes? She couldn't however, say if he were currently moving, or just in another room or something. Tracking him were more of a snapshot thing, rather than a constant feedback.
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Thunder wasn't the only one who'd laugh. Soon as he said that the royal guards didn't have gambling, Tidal would give off a hearty laughter herself, but not explain further until they were starting to go down a hallway, where the walls were sparsely decorated with some weapons and armor, carrying the logo of the Coastal Guards: A wave. It had once been considered to change it into a shark jumping over a trident, but they had figured that since the other guards went with more simple, representative symbols too, they didn't have to try and outshine them.
As for the weapons and armor in the halls, they were there on their respective stands as spares, just in case they got a surprise attack and needed them. Sometimes their current ones could get lost or destroyed, the blacksmith weren't done fixing the already broken ones, etc. Tidal could fit into some of 'em too if need be, though as a general, she were allowed a specialized suit of armor, which might not look like much to Thunder, but were crafted to be both durable, and very light, to not impede her in the ocean. Plus the sort of helmet that had been made for it, had a nifty little thing to help her breathe underwater, though she didn't carry that much on land. Looked a bit dumb in her opinion, and it hardly protected as it were, so what were the point?
"Heh, oh man. Sorry for the laughing there before, but that were outright funny. See, you might not see anything as civilian, but lemme tell ya, the Night Guard are huuuge on cards, and dice. Guards gets bored on duty, and need something to do to get by with. Over the ages, that've been anything from brewing moonshine to herbal abuse, and trust me on this, a smart general know what vice to let 'em have. A bit of gambling ain't anything compared to hitting the booze, and even the princesses gets that. You should've seen the trouble that were about to stir once Princess Luna returned, and Screecher had to go into a lengthy talk on why it were for the best to just let it happen, citing some examples of how it could otherwise be. She sure weren't happy about it, but she got the big picture eventually.
And before you ask, all the guard branches have a fondness for cards, but we each got something that draws in about as much beyond that. Night Guards have dice, Solar Guards like a bit of the ol' roulette, and us Coastal Guards got our betting. With the shark wrestling matches we have going, that ain't a wonder really.
Only rule that covers everypony is that these sorts of things stays internal. Going out and gambling in Las Pegasus for example, and you're getting trouble. These sorts of things are only supposed to be between the guards.
And in case you're wondering why they got nervous, even though they're allowed this, those two served under my predecessor, who had a habit of putting some extra rules up about how whatever were won, part of it had to go into a savings account for the entire guard. I mean, I understand his logic in trying to get some extra revenue going, but it were wildly unpopular, and some of 'em fear that I'm gonna reinstate that. Which I ain't. I'll just win the bits and put it in there myself if I have to, heh.
You'd think that after four years running this joint, they'd be trusting me to not muck things up. Guess they're afraid that the next in line is gonna be the same I beat out or something."
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Fah'Lina didn't even wait to be told she could dig in before she jumped her plate and started to chow through everything there. She were more restrained than yesterday though, and kept her mouth small most of the time, to give herself some real time to chew and savor the tastes, since this food were real great. If there were any crab on the plate, she'd save that for last, as she truly enjoyed that taste, and had plans to go out and hunt some herself later today. Smaller ones though, like a rainbow trout sort of size. Pony-sized were far too big for her.
As for Ziggy, she would eat what were presented with great delight, whilst looking around on the cute little foalsies.
Actually, now that she were thinking about it... Where did all of these come from? Serenade had never mentioned that her family was this enourmous, and surely she had been home within the last six years or so, right? Strange... Eh, whatever, feeding time now, questions later.
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"Alright, so I'm thinking we'll get on a carriage to Las Pegasus, and start there. Might as well make it a real trip."
It wouldn't be a long way to find the carriage service in town, which were essentially a group og strong pegasi who had grouped up with some unicorns to make for private carriages, that could soar through the air. Usually only something that the nobles or princesses could afford, but this were a more down to earth, lower budget sort of thing. Still as safe, just less pompous. It were still somewhat expensive though, so most still went for the train.
After paying their fee - Spicy got a bit of a discount since she made a deal with one of the company's leaders after an overdue payment on a loan some years back - the two of them would be flown off, towards Las Pegasus.
"Half an hour or so, and we should be there. These folks are quick pretty quick, unless there're others in the air, in which case we'd have to slow down. Might be upwards of an hour, which is still not too shabby. The train could've taken up to five."
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"Nope. Just saying that when you wanna take the jump, there ain't no better place to start than at Sloppy Joe's. Just gimme a head's up so I can tell Chop to expect ya. The local griffons tend to make sure we run outta fish in the evening, and it'll give him some time to prep some more up."
Weird clientele they had at times, but hey, all were welcome, long as they were acting kind. Same would go for that dragon scholar, soon as one of 'em had a chance to tell her of the place, and that it'd be welcome for her, in case she wasn't just a gem eater. It hadn't looked like it, but you never knew, right?
Anyway, as they had talked, the food and drinks had been handled well enough so that Berry could go over and start to throw a few things out in the trash, making sure to tear some things a little first, whilst also having a bit of a looksie at what were already in there. You could learn a lot from a beings trash after all. She sure did, though usually it were at night, outside. It were pretty rare for her to have this sorta chance on the inside.
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On 9/2/2019 at 7:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:
"Bunsen..." she thought for a moment. "He's a medic right? They're typically housed near the hospital, and the hospital staff would have a directory." She pointed to a road about half way to the far side of the central oasis, "Head around to 5π/4th road, hospital's on the corner between 2nd and 3rd. They can tell you where to find them. Plus most of the injured that came in from the last desert convoy are there, at least those that aren't still out with the field medics on the air strip."
Void bowed her neck respectfully at the guard, after she had provided an answer to their question, which had frankly included far more information than she had expected.
"T-Thank you for your help."
Null just ignored them, not wanting to make contact with the guards if she could help it. Partially because the idea of being friendly with officials of Troy were still feeling dirty to her, but mainly because she had other, more important things to think about. Such as how to interact with her parents once they had found them.
To think that they were alive... If Void hadn't assured her off it, she would have never believed it, and even then, it were hard to fight the stubborn urge to just think it were a lie she had been fed, to mislead the both of them. Still, the things she had seen, and how insistent Void had been about it, made it so that she had a hard time not imagining that she were indeed going to be seeing them again soon, after having only had a visual of them as shriveled up corpses for the past twenty years, haunting her mind.
It annoyed her how she couldn't just feel happy, or excited about this. The best news there could possibly be, which she had once dreamed of fervently, and yet she were more conflicted than anything. She felt nervousness certainly. Anger over feeling like she had mourned them for nothing as well. Joy, apathy, guilt, etc. It were a confused mess, and she weren't sure what to do with it all. Much as she tried to think of how she would react, and how best to present things, it just didn't lead to anything tangible, nor consistent.
On 9/2/2019 at 7:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:The reception area was surprisingly crowded given the vacancy of the streets, though most of the occupation was temporary beds and dividers set up to house extra patients, most of which were asleep. There was plenty of room for them to pass to the reception desk without their aura affecting the patients. Stationed at the desk was a buck, dressed in medical garb, typing out paperwork on a sophisticated looking typewriter. He would look up as they entered but would not address them unless they either spoke up, or loitered at the counter long enough. By the points on his antlers he wasn't very old.
it were probably for the best that she were caught up in her own thoughts about this, as well as the prospect of vengeance, as they entered the hospital, and they got addressed by of all things, a buck. It weren't a changeling granted, but as could be seen on Void, it still caused a reaction. In her case, her right eye twitching as he initially addressed them, and a few seconds to mentally get herself in line, before she started to whimper, or act foolish.
As for Null... Well, she sent a glance at the buck, and tensed up, with a sneer on her face, but she were still mostly focused on other things, rather than trying to be concerned about this one. Up front he looked like a pushover too, so worst came to worst, she could take him. If she had more of a mind set on this, she would've then gone on to think what would happen if she were to attack him, and how there might be other, more buff ones of his kind somewhere nearby, but she had better things to think about.
He'd likely not be too afraid of Void, despite how she seemed to tense up in his presence. She were a tiny pegasus with one wing, sitting atop a larger than usual earth pony. She'd seem more like a filly being dragged around by her mom, or some sort of pet, rather than a threat.
"O-Oh dear... Uhm, e-excuse me? We're l-looking for Septicity B-Bunsen. The g-guards told us s-she might be here, along w-with da- I mean, E-Exquisite Calligraphy. If t-they're busy, we c-can wait somewhere, but i-it's kind of i-important that we f-find them.
..."
She almost asked about the mechanical doe that were perhaps here, but considered it sort of moot. Even if she were in this place, she'd be heavily guarded, and them asking were probably just gonna cause a lot of suspicion, and potentially make anyone here unwilling to lead them towards their parents.
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"I mostly just paint. I used to use flat objects the most when I was small, but that got easy, so i went on to more three dimensional things. Vases, statues, and uhm... W-Well, ponies, and other living creatures. I mostly make due doing that, depending on the town I'm not. Not a big demand around here, but the Courier Guild had some who wanted to try. The uhm... Dragon, were a terrifying experience. We don't have them where I'm from, and I'm still not used to seeing them. The big ones anyway. They make me nervous."
He hadn't been asked by the real big one who ran those workers thankfully, nor one of the other rather large ones who had come in along with him, as he'd likely have just passed out from nervousness over being eaten or something else like that, but Cover Up did work on one of the other ones that had some size to it. It going well were probably going to help him the next time he were asked to paint scales like this, but he'd see. This one hadn't been all that aggressive, all things considered, but he knew that wasn't true for all of them. His road to Ponyville had meant he encountered a few that were... Less than thrilled to meet him. Nothing serious though, just boasting and showing off far as he could tell, as they hadn't chased him. Didn't mean it weren't scary, regardless of whatever or not they were just being jerks.
"I liked the minotaurs more, b-but anyway, I guess that's not all that important. Basically, I just like to paint, and between my abilities and this brush that my parents gifted me before the... *cough* I-I can paint in many sorts of lines. Thick, thin, vague, etc. Since I can remove it if I do wrong, it's easy to fix mistakes too. I tend to repaint the ones on myself too, at least once a week, to try something new. It helps cover... U-Uhm..."
Cover visibly squirmed both when he cut himself off regarding something with his parents, and now when he couldn't finish a sentence regarding covering something. It were a couple of sensitive topics for him, and usually he didn't even get this close to speaking about them. Perhaps he were starting to sort of relax around Eventide, since it got that far? He weren't sure. The only others he had told about this were pretty weird and had tried to help him, so that were special. This weren't like that, so what the reason were, he couldn't say for sure.
"...Adding colors in layers sounds like it could make for some pretty color schemes. I think I've seen it a few other places here in Equestria, around some clothing stores. I think. It had a kind of rainbow effect, depending on the angle? It was... Strange."
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"For the record, sting rays are off limits for anypony below sergeant rank, or who have at least seven years in the Coastal Guards, and even then they're gonna be reviewed before they're allowed a stab at it. They're tamable, but too dangerous and tend to carry grudges. One careless rookie messing up whilst they're in their resting area, messing with their food, shocking them, etc. and that rookie's gonna be at the bottom of the ocean. The sharks are more forgiving. Chop's gonna see that too, when he returns to the bay and confronts Chompy again.
Anyway, since you're set, I might as well call for the transport."
It were pretty easy actually. She just retrieved a small, bound scroll from her uniform, unfolded it, and pressed it against her forehead, whilst sending her lieutenant the message about herself and one extra needing to be teleported. It were a pretty nifty piece of work, and one of several reasons why this unicorn had risen so far in their ranks as he had thus far, with likely several more promotions to come in his time. Not to general though. The way that role were handled in the Coastal Guards, meant that he'd never have a chance.
After a few seconds, Tidal would wander over and grab hold of Thunder, before looking up at him with a big grin on her face. She would've said something, but they'd get teleported too quickly for that, and would fins themselves in a meeting room of sorts, surrounded by a few guards polishing their weapons, a couple playing cards on the big, wooden table that seemed to have been through better days, and the lieutenant with a toothbrush in his muzzle and a fresh glimmer of pale blue flickering off his horn.
"Welcome back general. I'm sorry for the location, but you said it would be days, and it seemed urgent since you already took contact, so-"
"Hey, take a breather lieutenant. You did good. Now go back to brushing those pearly whites, and as for you two-"
The guards playing cards would stop moving and look directly at the general as she addressed them.
"- You better not misplace those cards. You know how sad it makes Peddle Hopper when she can't host her poker nights. Yeah, don't think I don't know about what's going on when ya'll think I'm not around."
The two guards gave some nervous laughs and agreed to making sure the cards were in their rightful spots when they were done with them. They weren't nervous because Tidal had seemed angry about this though. She frankly looked like it were entertaining her. They just figured that she didn't know about these sorts of things.
"Heh, always fun to keep 'em on their hooves. You doing alright there Thunder? Some ponies can get a bit queasy the first few times they try long distance teleports."
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Ziggy flailed to the ground with a low thud as suddenly, there were no longer a huge siren grabbing hold of her like she were a plushie, but just lil 'ol pegasus Serenade, which were now the small one.
Getting up again and shaking herself to get the last bit of sleep out of her system, Ziggy beamed down at Harmony with a big, energized smile. Looked like she were about two seconds away from tackling this mare and repay the hugs she had been given to the first unlucky soul that had fallen over her, after her captor had let her go.
She wouldn't though. It was just a funny thought for her.
As this went on, Fah'lina slapped down and landed on Ziggy's head, ready to move on to more food. The stuff from last night were well devoured by now, and the ravenous little critter were perking up at the sound and smell of breakfast. The smells touching her sensitive nose were mostly pretty good from what she could tell, even if it were only weak wafts that came near her right now.
"Hehe, seems like we're ready to go. Sure we shouldn't take Serenade with us? She's way easier to carry when she'd a pegasus."
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On 9/1/2019 at 8:45 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Are you alright?” Sen asked, the sound of concern and worry grew as he looked for visible scrapes or bumps. “That crash looked like it hurt a lot.”
“She could stand still in a fire and not feel anything but I don’t know if Discord made it so she wouldn’t feel any kind of pain, regardless of what is causing it.”
“Goes to show how much we don’t know about you, Omen. We appreciate you giving your trick a shot but maybe we should play lightly for a while. Or rest. Whichever you prefer.”
Omen got up from the floor as they picked her up, and didn't show any physical signs of having sustained damage. She would've answered the inquiry about her physical state early on, but with Sen and Lin examining her and having a back and forth, Omen elected to just stand still, and follow their movements with only her head moving.
She'd comply fully with their examination, and wouldn't resist if they wanted to check her closer, have her lift a leg, etc. She'd do so in complete silence though, as she too were observing them in turn. There might be something to learn in case she ran into others who might have been damaged, and she had to check up on them. Most creatures she met in her life were ponies, or otherwise equine in nature, so the way they looked at her could well be used on them, even if they were more squishy and prone to cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
Once she were certain they were done speaking, she would finally start to speak up herself, which should be a nice break from the sound of the unformed ones, who appeared to find the situation with Omen funny. No outright laughter, but a good deal of giggling and assorted sounds of joy remained, though this may well too have something to do with the show that Shrimp put on. They were rather easily amused and amazed after all.
"Master Discord's world had many holes, and strange things in the air. He said it was important I could take a hit. Fallen from higher places, and no blood.
Feel... Something though. A pressure. Weak. Fading. I do not know if that is wrong. It does not feel bad. Like the thing you called anger. It is just there.
Is this pain? I thought it were worse. Would make me scream, like ponies does. Cry perhaps? Never tried that. It looks strange."
On 9/1/2019 at 8:45 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Look at you, little Shrimp! Small in size but big on attitude. Don’t worry, you’ll grow up big and strong! Let’s go see if Omen is alright.”
Shrimp gave a small chip and open-mouthed grin in response to the happy face and tone that Sen used when talking to him. The words were good too, but the presentation were important too when the creature in question didn't understand all the words going his way, and had to rely on facial expressions to some degree to understand if this were good or bad.
As the request to move over to Omen, Shrimp would follow and slither up Sen's leg, jump to Lin's shoulder, and then crawl her until he ended up as close to Omen as he could. He'd then take a step back, wriggle himself into position, and rush forward, getting some momentum in the air as he jumped over and lande don her shoulder. He'd then go up to his place on her head, and mimic Sen and Lin, by looking through her mane. He figured this were something that were important, and wanted to do his part too. And like Sen and Lin, he'd find nothing. Omen were molded to be sturdy.
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57 minutes ago, Rising Dusk said:"Come now darling, let us return to the celebration. You can report of your High Priestess and this performer needs some refreshment," the diva chuckled and turned to head back to the town.
"Yes, it seems like our job here is done regardless.
As you said, it is quite strange what went on. Whoever that were could easily have set the helhests upon the town if it wanted some actual destruction done, or make an example, to make a force of power. Hmm... Perhaps it cannot be ruled out that this one were mainly there to observe us. The pack leader of those dreadful creatures seemed to hold the real control over its underlings, so it may simply be a roaming band of risen. Somewhat unusual, but not unheard of.
The high priestess is not going to be pleased with this uncertainty I can imagine, but at least we seem to be left alone for now, and none of these drew enough attention to concern the town. Considering there is nothing they could do about the helhests, and us already dealing with the diamond dogs - though of course, you have a far greater part in that than I - they are better off being blissfully unaware for the time being. No need to hamper their fun."
Caramel appreciated being given a hoof cleaning up after she had done a less than dignified slump unto the dirt before, and that Minty seemed mainly receptive to the praise that she got. However, she were well aware that not everything had landed pleasantly with the tall mare, considering her response to the comments that she had made about the Equestrian's future offspring. A curious thing to not seem receptive off she'd say. Did no one in Equestria wish for their offspring to be powerful, and potentially surpass them?
Hm, or perhaps it were the notion of a stallion that got to Minty? That may be it.
Now, Caramel were not one to judge. Gods knew that she were in no position to judge others for much really, but she would find it a shame if Minty truly were more interested in mares than stallions. A powerful pony such as her, should gift the world with offspring that might be of comparable or further power. There were plenty of evils in the world that could use someone with a degree of power to come by and sort things out, surely. And in case the worst happened, there were usually some gain for others regardless. If her life had taught Caramel anything, it were that death were never as simple as one might think, and that a corpse to some, were little more than an opportunity for others.
But there were no reason to think in such dark terms straight off the bat, and especially not if Minty were uninterested in offspring. Considering that they still had a bit of a walk to go through to get to the others, perhaps this were the ideal time to find out some details regarding this actually. Could scarcely hurt to attempt at least, no?
"Do tell me if I am being too noisy, but you seemed to be less than thrilled about one of my compliments before. Equestria are not a place where one wishes power upon their offspring? That is, if one is even looking for a Stallion in the first place, hmm?"
About as subtle as a brick to the face, but she did not intent for this to be a guessing game either.
Meanwhile, Thistle, Sickle, and Wisp would have listened in silence at what Rising had been telling them about Equestria.
Sickle seemed concerned with what she heard, focusing on the dangers of his stories, and how it seemed that their country too had issues with monsters who could come attack them at any moment.
Thistle were intrigued by the stories of the powers that they seemingly had to juggle with, both in regards to their leadership, the manner of ascension, and how they dealt with demigods. It were something that she considered important when they would eventually have to deal with others from Equestria. The manner of demigods being reformed especially were something she would have to ask in to at a later date, as it seemed absurd, and she wondered what the actual god of chaos would be doing to retaliate against such a thing. Demigods were but offspring of something far greater after all, unless Equestria used the term differently.
Wisp however, were mainly enthralled by the stories and wonder nearly danced in her eyes the more she heard of it. Sure there were dangers, and many powerful creatures to deal with, but the stories were the things of legends, and made the rulers of Equestria somepony whom she would most certainly wish to meet and get a face to. Especially Twilight, as ascension to an alicorn, as well as all that she seemingly had done for her country, in just a hoofful of short years, would make her quite the living legend in the making herself. And this was not even speaking off how the country itself were spoken about, which sounded warm, kind, and free of much of the lurking terrors that they had to deal with here in Harrowmark. It sounded... Well, perhaps not ideal in Every conceivable way, but it certainly sounded pleasant.
1 hour ago, Rising Dusk said:"Is your queen over six hundred years old?"
"Wha- Uhm... No. She's sixty-three. And when her time is over, it will be her oldest son who will take over, unless something happens to him, and it goes down the line of succession. We sadly don't have the sort of immortal, powerful rulers that you have. Just a regular pony and her extended family."
"Well, we did once have one who ruled for a few centuries. Old King Bells turned lich, who eventually ended up going insane. After he were defeated, the laws got changed so that be it self inflicted or natural, death meant that you forfeited any claim on the crown. That sort of thing haven't happened since. At least not among the rulers."
"I heard they have his bones in an urn somewhere in the castle."
"That part is just a story, but who knows, it might be true. I just know of the old king from some history books. It doesn't talk all that much about the aftermath."
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"Nah, I'll just wait until he eventually spills the beans himself. He can't help but boast."
"Excuse me for trying to educate you."
"Not caring then, not caring now. See you around feather-brain. We're going drinking."
Marley let out a sigh and shook his head, before picking up a small satchel from a shelf, and beginning to count some coins from Spicy's collection. He had not been joking about having to prepare her bail, and considering that Ruby were with her, he should probably prepare an extra amount, just in case. It were better to be safe than having to explain why one pony turned into a dragon and ate a guard. Sure the dragons Equestria usually dealt with were forbidden by their own and pony law to eat ponies, but Ruby were from another place, and he doubted she had the same restrictions.
Spicy would grab a satchel herself and load it up with a few neatly rolled up stacks of bits. As a player and a loan shark, she liked to have the right amount at hoof at any time, so pulling a drawer and getting a few rolls to load 'em up with around three hundred bits should do well. She'd been on a massive bender for far less than this. Though she weren't on her own, and she didn't know Ruby's tolerance... Yeah, better grab a couple hundred more, just in case.
After that, she'd make her way wards the door, whistling. Marley would give Ruby a look as her back were turned that signalled a certain amount of pity for what she were about to go through, yet remained silent on the matter. She'd see soon enough.
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"Slow and steady approach. Good choice. Folks 'round here are getting more open-minded, but the sort of bombastic additions that are hard to ignore, like Discord, tests that a whole bunch. Learning of the story means you'll be spending time in the castle, so they know the princess got an eye on you, and then floating around and trying to slowly make connections, rather than swimming straight into the town square and sing your lungs out, gives 'em time to get used to your presence. Honestly thinking you're going at this the right way.
And y'know, in case you're looking for something to drink and eat alongside folks, without necessarily having to chat 'em up, Sloppy Joe's a pretty welcoming place too. Boss never tossed anypony out for what they were, the ceiling's high up, and we're the only place in Ponyville where the chef's perfectly happy cooking meat. He used to be a Coastal Guard, so he knows his way 'round fish dishes."
Yeah yeah, shameless plug for her work place, but it were true. They'd welcome anypony, as unusual as they might be, and they had the highest ceiling of any food establishment in Ponyville. Plus again, Chop Chop, who long as Nada didn't try to stir a ruckus, wouldn't care much who he were serving. Alright, she might get a bit of a warning glance at first, considering some of the stories he'd been sharing in the rare moods where he felt like it, but he wouldn't strike first. She might warn him in advance though, just to sort of give him a heads up if she heard Nada wanted to try swinging by, and time to think it over, just to be on the safe side.
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After the two of them returned to the hostel, Briar would lead them into their room in silence, and after making sure the lock were set, would finally open his muzzle up to Brittle. He knew well that she wouldn't wish to talk in this place before they were safe, and he did not blame her. This place did not have much of a homely charm, among other issues. Yet at least they were left alone, which were again the most important thing when it came to Brittle. The less attention she'd get, the better, and after a day like today, he knew that she needed to be away from others for a time.
"Quite the eventful day, were it not?"
"Yes. It's a big, scary town."
Being alone with Briar made Brittle feel safer, which tended to stop her stuttering, even though her voice were still low. There were times when she were still afraid of Briar sadly, which he hoped would stop, but it were getting rarer as far as he had seen, as she had gotten more used to the fact that he were not her enemy, but her protector. Her guardian if you would.
"Yes, it is rather large in scale. Again, I apologize for bringing you into a place like this so abruptly, but I were confident that you could do it, and would you look at yourself? Only one minor, scare-induced transformation during this entire day. You are exceeding expectations already."
"Would be more impressive if I had talked to somepony..."
"Ah, but you did. The florist. Not with many words perhaps, but he were a new face who showed you kindness, and you did respond to that surprisingly fast. Do believe me when I say that I am proud of you Brittle. It could not have been easy."
"It wasn't.
...Do you think he will do it? Go on an adventure?"
"I cannot say for sure, but I sensed that his curiosity were at least piqued. We will see if his nervousness will defeat this spark, or if he will embrace a minor expedition into the world, and learn from it. I do hope the later. It would likely be good for him.
If he does though, I hope that he will pick a non-pony travel companion."
"Wouldn't he feel safer with another pony?"
"Yes, and that is precisely the issue. If he are to evolve and educate himself on things such as the potential of his ability, it is best if he wanders out of his comfort zone. I will say as much to him as well, if he asks for advice on who to pick.
In any case, it have been a long day. You should get some rest, and dream of better days. Hopefully tomorrow will be one of those, and if not, we will have many more to come."
Brittle would go to sleep a little after that, whilst Briar would remain awake for another half hour to make sure she had indeed gone to sleep, then wandered over to the smaller bed in the corner and prepared to rest himself. Something told him that there would be plenty enough to do, for him to need his energy replenished.
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On 8/21/2019 at 2:32 PM, Randimaxis said:
"Good. I am pleased that you are prompt. We will go to the eastern peak; explosions there should be safe for the quarry. It is not far."
"I were done an hour ago I think, but then we started talking about fun things, then Silver put a magic thing on my wings, and then I took a fun ride on them as they went all bouncy. Hehehe, it was so much Fun! Like clinging to the tail of a running timberwolf."
Although the timberwolves refused to deal with her anymore, after her repeated exploding of them made it clear that she were far too dangerous to be worth the trouble, it hadn't always been like that, and in one situation, one of them had avoided an explosion by falling into some experimental crackling powder she were toying around with, which caused it to run around, yipping whilst shedding the affected bark that were feeling like someone had rolled it in a mixture of high grade chili, and itching powder.
At that time, Blitz had been clinging to its tail with her hooves, and her teeth down on a part of the looser bark, so she got bounced around a lot as it ran around in a confused, uncomfortable state.
Why she had done it? They had asked that same question at the hospital, when she came in to get some splinters taken out of her muzzle, but they didn't seem to accept *It looked like it'd be fun* as an answer. Stormy hadn't been all that thrilled either, but it wasn't like she had done it since then. They wood puppies didn't want to play with her, and splinters in the tongue hurt.
"And you got your own explosions area? I did too in the Everfree Forest. A place with lots of gravel. Real safe place with lotsa open room, and nothing to set on fire. A peak sounds more fun though. All flat terrain's booooooring."
Granted, that place used to be filled with big rocks, but a certain filly had done short work of that, so... Gravel grounds.Had to be real careful to not get debris flinging at you there, when testing a new explosive.
On 8/21/2019 at 2:32 PM, Randimaxis said:"Tell me of your work - what power levels do you have to show me?"
Ooooh, Now came a really fun subject. Second only to eventually showing off what the explosions would do in practice, once they had gotten to the peak that Luther talked about. Seemed like he'd want them to talk about this as they moved? That was line with her. The faster they could make things go BOOM! the better.
"I think you're gonna find it reeeeal fun, Dax-Dad. Not sure what the force-thingies and stuff that smarty ponies like Silver knows all about, but I judge on what it does to rocks. Big ones, like a boulder the size of three of you, just one standing on the other."
So a big, intimidating piece of rock essentially. Just that she were sure what her explosions did to rocks, but she weren't entirely sure about Luther. He had this real nasty stare that she bet were going to scare the fire right off the fuse, in case anything happened that'd but it near her. Sure that didn't make logical sense, but neither did Pinkie, so hah! Logic didn't always win.
And no, she wasn't gonna test it. Trying to explode ponies were insanely evil.
"Small dynamite explodes the rock. Medium one should be strong enough to pulverize it. And the big one... I dunno. I never made one that full of really good kaboom before. Sorta guessing it'll leave a crater. Or a cave. I gots some fun things in my workshop back in the forest that I used to make caves into mountains with. Then Mayor Mare asked for them. Said it were reeeeally important. Dunno what she's doing with them, but I haven't seen new craters anywhere. Perhaps she sent them off to another place?"
She'd bounce around joyfully as she explained this, following Luther if he were indeed walking, and otherwise just trying to bounce around him. She didn't do well in just standing still for prolonged periods of time. Though on the bright side, she wouldn't care all that much about what were going on in the manor as this went on. Her mind were more focused on the inevitable fun parts, that'd come with testing the explosions.
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As they wandered through the halls, Void filled Null up on some details on what had happened in her absence, as well as what were expected from them in regards to Hercules, and the importance of doing so.
"Saving the world, huh? Never thought we'd be called in for that."
"Me neither, big sis, but I think it's a good thing. Gives us a chance to repay Celestia."
"A bit of vengeance..."
Null seemed thoughtful as she said this, but still didn't share her thoughts on this whole matter with Void. It wasn't the time.
"I guess we can look on it like that. The consul would probably put it like that too."
"Why's that?"
"He says that he's the keeper of vengeance, and that he's somehow related to Celestia, through the house of Rose? I'm not sure how it works. I didn't think to ask."
So that were Nine, and now the consul too, who were connected to vengeance? Null certainly needed to have a talk with that one, that were for sure. Not about the lineage things that much though. She honestly didn't care, as considering how long Celestia had lived, it weren't a surprise that she had some blood relatives somewhere. That were the sort of small talk thing that could be taken up if there ever came a time when there weren't important things to deal with.
"Might be important. Anyway, how long is it until we get there?"
"To mom and dad? I uh... I'm not entirely sure. I know they left this place, but I can't remember an address. I'm sure if we ask around though, we'll find something."
Null grumbled, but said nothing, as Void came to the front door and wandered outside. Once there, she'd turn and try to get the attention of the guard to her left, though not touching him/her. Some guards got very... Aggressive about civilians making physical contact.
"Uhm, e-excuse me? Do you k-know where we c-could find Septicity Bunsen, and Exquisite C-Calligraphy? Or p-perhaps the injured who g-got in from the desert e-earlier?"
She figured that if these didn't know where their parents were, perhaps they at least knew where the patients were. Sounded like as good a place as any to start looking if it were.
If they were told where to go, they'd follow, but if not, Void would sigh, and start going in the direction of the gates to the outside, where she remembered there being some injured when she had run into Pen and the doe. As good a place to start as any too, right?
...Perhaps she should tell Null that Pen and the doe had made it out actually. It might be important.
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"The harvest mage in my village said that no power in inherently evil. It's all about who uses it. And w-well, I mean, you sound like you're moral about it, so long as you don't misuse it too often, it should be fine, right?"
Granted, where his village of settlers had come from were teeming with dark magic, and as such, even the well intended harvest mage were a user of such energy. It gave some perspective to see that everything that were perceived as bad, could still be used for something good. Even the darkest of them all, sacrificial magic, could have some positive applications. You just had to be careful, lest the temptation to gain more powerful made you abandon your morals, and veer off the path. Sadly not an uncommon fate for anyone who meddled with any variant of the dark arts for too long.
"A-Anyway... Eventide Melody? It's a pretty name. Suits an artistic pony like yourself."
Mentally, Cover scratched the back of his head, trying to figure out where to go from this. Hence why he were silent for a few seconds and seemed sorta extra fidgety.
"Though uhm, if it's okay that I ask, w-what's a visual artist? I don't think I've heard about that before. Sounds like a painter. Or dancer, maybe? Something else?"
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"I ain't gonna lie, being a guard can be dangerous, but with proper training and a good team you know you can trust, you'll be fine. Listening to warnings and not getting cocky 'round the sharks are about as important too though. The stallion I went here to talk with? Former Lieutenant Chop Chop, got a bit too careless during mating season, and ended up getting used as a chew toy. I know you saw 'im. since I ain't blind, so you've seen the scars. Long as you follow procedure, something like that's not likely to happen to you.
Which reminds me, I dunno if I mentioned it yet, but if you join up, we're encouraging you to keep some sorta sea animal as a companion from an early age, and raise it up right to give a strong bond. Really helps in aquatic battles, getting out to ships in danger faster, dealing with the tides when somepony's near drowning, etc. Usually we're promoting sharks over anything else, but we do have a couple of options, and one new, weird alternative. Just ain't for everypony, since connecting with these buggers aren't something that just anypony can do, but you'll see in time. We'll swing by the hatchery and have a gander eventually.
And speaking of that, you ready to take off, or are there somethin' else ya need to get done?"
The general weren't impatient, but she did wish for things to move along somewhat, rather than just standing here and grow roots. So unless Thunder had more things he needed to get sorted, she were about ready to take off, and show him what sorta thing the Coastal Guards could offer.
======================================================================
After rummaging around some more and not finding anything new, Cherish would disengage from the plant creature and float backwards a little, distraught at what she had learned.
"...It wasn't born like this. I couldn't get a clear view, but deep, deep down, it held a hazy memory of somepony who created it, and I... I don't know what it were before this. It might have just been a plant, but I'm not sure. It felt like it knew friendship, at least at some point. Plants don't feel that, r-right?"
Cherish gulped nervously, and flickered a little in the air. To think that some creature would take a plant and make it into this were perhaps okay, as it could be seen as a kind of evolution, and attempt to give something a better life. But if it had been say, a pony at some point... What sort of monster would do something like that?
"We had a saying where I'm from. Expect the worst, and act on it."
That saying had been more meaningful when you considered that they lived in a near constant warzone, since so many varied creatures wanted to take them, or what they were protecting, but she considered it good advise in general. Prepare for the worst, and the most that'd happen were that you could be pleasantly surprised by things going better, or prepared in case things went horrid. Could apply here too, where until she knew better, Last would assume that yes, this used to be a pony or some other creature like it once upon a time. A pitiful fate it had gotten in that case, but perhaps the princess had some idea what to do. Her though, she wanted to think on other things, such as how the liquid were still dripping from the wound the creature had gotten from her blade.
She hadn't thought much on it as more important things regarding Twilight's safety had been first priority, but perhaps if this did have some sort of connection to the Tatzlewurms, this liquid were useful to the ritual? Even if it wasn't, the princess were a wise, curious mare from what she had heard. She might want to study this for some reason. For example if she wanted to try and turn this creature back into whatever it used to be.
Withdrawing a flask from her saddlebag, Last would take a gulp of the water within, and then pour the rest out on the ground. She'd shake it a few times to make sure it were clean after that, and if nothing happened, give it to Cherish.
"Try and fill this with whatever its leaking, before it closes up. Might be important."
Cherish didn't seem to cause the creature to react, so she seemed like a safe option to do this, and she would too, provided that nothing suddenly happened to complicate things.
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Ziggy wrinkled her nose as she were booped. She must remember to inflict vengeance upon Harmony later for this! As it were written (in her diary): A hug for a hug, a boop for a boop. It then went on to discuss ice cream flavors, but that wasn't important right now. Although, strawberry sundae... No, later. Real food first. After she had gotten released that were. No way she were getting away from Serenade's grip with any ease, so for the time being, she were a striped pillow for the large, oceanic equine.
Honestly, this were starting out as one of her best days ever.
========================================================================================
If the unformed ones had been enthralled before, they were absolutely mesmerized now, as they saw the incredible stunt that Lin did with the ball. They weren't used to seeing creatures with solid mass being able to do something like this, and the varied volumes of giggling, *oooh*s and excited, incomprehensible whispering that mixed together from all of them, should well tell that she had them completely under her spell. Like a star attraction at a circus, or the best street performer on a busy road, during tourist season.
There were less excitement as the ball were eventually passed on to Omen however, as the unformed ones rightly so knew that she weren't as impressive to anything regarding this as Sen, or especially - from what they had seen so far - Lin had been. Still, they followed it, and watched as Omen opened her maw, shot out her tongue, and wrapped up the ball. Afterwards, she'd ring it back to her muzzle and place as much of it in there as she could without trying to eat it, then just stand still for a few seconds as she tried to think.
Going with the only idea that she could then, suddenly, the air around them would be filled with even more gates, and she's shoot out the ball - with her tongue still wraped around it - through one with the speed of a strongly kicked stone.
It would go through gate after gate, some closer then others, and wouldn't stop until she didn't have more of her tongue to give. At that point, the ball would be dangling in front of Sen, from a gate above him, at least if he hadn't moved. He might have though, considering some of the paths Omen's three meter long, prehensile tongue would travel, included some of the gates near him.
Regardless, she'd then do the only thing she could think off, and pulled herself towards the end of her tongue, rather than pulling that back. A pretty weird sight, since she would be essentially dragged, dropped, and tossed up into the air, until she were at the same place as the ball, and when her head were through that final gate, she'd let go of it, and see it roll towards Shrimp, whilst she herself would crash down and land on her face. If she were able to understand pain properly, or really feel a lot of discomfort in general, this might have actually hurt.
"...Tadaa?"
A phrase she had heard ponies use before when presenting something, like tricks, performances, or sometimes, just random items. Honestly she weren't sure what it covered in its entirety, but she'd attempt to use it here.
As for Shrimp... Well, he'd jump the ball, wrap himself around it best he could, and when it finally stopped moving, would rise over the top of it and give off a tiny roar, as well as a small pillar of glittery flames towards the ceiling. The unformed ones liked the look of that stuff for sure, but Lin were still the main attraction in their eyes. This were just... Pretty, and about the entire opposite of everything they knew from their realm.
He'd be nice and use his snout to push it over to Sen once he were done showing off though. He just wanted to show that he were a mighty, intimidating creature, whilst also having no insight into the fact that he were much too small to be considered an intimidating presence by anything except perhaps insects, and really small critters.
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On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:
"I've seen a mare rip her own soul in half in order to achieve what she thought was necessary. So you could say I've seen a few extraordinary feats. Given what I've seen... it's not impossible. Give me a minute, I'll scry the future and see what comes up."
Meddling with your own soul. Null would like to say that she were surprised about that, but it were unfortunately not as unusual as one may hope to find stuff that meddled with your soul, and she had sadly run into those who had damaged their own in pursuit of power before. Rarely granted, and mostly it seemed to be by accident, but it rarely looked pretty regardless of the circumstances.
On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:He waved a hoof dismissively as he started to fade away, "Think on it. The scepter in your head once served Vengeance, it can answer your questions. When you choose to 'join' as you say, we'll speak again."
Throughout the explanation given by Vengeance, Null remained silent, and try as she might to not be, she were clearly showing interest in the sales pitch she were given. And how couldn't she? There were no sugarcoating things, or making it seem like she would get a wonderful life if she chose to accept this offer. It would be sacrificing what life she might've had here, to wander the world and doing what Karma wanted her to do instead. It sure didn't sound like there were any happy ending in that sales pitch at least, which at least seemed more honest than many of the other *everything will be alright* alternatives that seemed to be further and further away from her every day.
It were certainly a tempting position to be offered too. A promise of vengeance upon all that had wronged her and her sister, and then on to find others who had escaped justice after their action, and made sure that they paid their dues too? It would likely make her a hated outcast or criminal in most places, as taking the law into your own hooves like that were rarely looked fondly upon, but were that really different from how her life had already been? Hardly any being liked her as it were now, and public perception might well be in her favor in some places, depending on who were being dealt with.
The offer of power to do this job were something that caught her ears too, yet it didn't run through her mind as much as what the job would entail, and so far, she could not find much of a downside. Murder perhaps, yet whilst she carried the memories of those she had caused to die that did not deserve it on her shoulders, any creature who did deserve it, she could care less about anymore. They were but trash that were crumbled up and tossed aside, and she could always sleep soundly with their blood on her hooves, as she knew that they had just gotten exactly what they deserved. With added power, it would just be easier to do too, rather than having to rely on cursed items to give her an advantage in a tough spot, which could also hurt innocents if she wasn't extremely careful.
"Vengeance..."
She let the word roll off her tongue, as she listened to how it sounded. Somehow, it felt right, didn't it? Null didn't think herself as one who had a future, or much of a chance for peace as it were, yet like this, she could have a sort of life. One who had to be far from her family likely, yet, hadn't she just been thinking on the fact that soon, Void wouldn't need her there to protect her anymore? Void would be able to grow strong and find a calm, normal life in Troy of all places, long as her sister were not there to mess things up for her. So Null could leave her behind with their parents, and who else would be part of her life, and go find others who needed her protection instead. She'd be giving them hope... And all she had to sacrifice, were herself. A broken mare with no future, given in exchange for a worthwhile purpose. Were that really such a bad trade off?
Yet, as Null had told the memory of her parents, that Void and Selena had used to drag her out of her slump, she were tired. Running, struggling to stay alive, protecting her family- Just everything. She were tired of fighting the world, and knowing that she couldn't win. It had already broken her on a fundamental level, and going through it all again were a burden she weren't sure she could handle again.
The same feeling that others out there must also have...
On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:It was a moment or two after the silhouette had dispersed that Nine's voice was back in her head, "Alright, I checked the immediate future and signs point to yes on the wing being possible."
"...Alright, thanks."
Null's response were absentminded, though she did appreciate this information, even if it did come from an unreliable source. She had a lot to think of before she made her decision, and something told her that for once, this wasn't something she could just keep to herself, like she had when Void had the chance of being adopted the first time. And much like then, there were no going back once she made her decision.
Speaking of Void, she'd get to them within a minute or so after this, and poke her head around the corner to see Null, looking surprisingly calm all things considered.
"Big sis? Are you feeling better? I'm so-"
"No, I'm sorry, lil sis. You were right."
Void were surprised with this response, as Null got back on her hooves and started to move slowly towards her, with her gaze directed towards either the ceiling or floor, rather than keeping focus on her sister. It seemed like she had something on her mind.
"Are you okay? Anything I can do to help?"
"I want to see them"
Ah, their parents. That made a lot of sense. Surely Null wanted to see them for herself, and especially their mom. The relationship the two of them had when they were small were close, so of course now that she were calmer, she'd want to go see them. Void truly hoped that seeing them, interacting with, and clearing up the misconception that she were at fault for their deaths, were going to mean a whole lot in both mending her big sisters mental wounds, as well as giving her some more hope. She were going to need that.
"Of course. I'll get us there.
You're okay though, right?"
Null nodded slowly at the question, jumped up on her sisters back, and laid there as Void started to move.
"Just got a lot on my mind. Nothing you need to worry about right now."
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"Food is what? Delicious? A lie? *gasp* Food is real, right? Noooo, the poor foalsies needs their munchies!"
Ziggy had no idea why Harmony had given off some an unfinished sentence to the sleepy siren still using her as a plushie, but she tried her best to finish it herself then, since he didn't, eventually getting to a horrendous possibility. Surely it couldn't be something that dreaded, right?
In all seriousness, she knew it wasn't that, since she could smell the food, but did that mean she couldn't have a bit of fun? Not in her book it didn't.
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Sloppy Joe's were pretty much as per usual. The owner, Single Straw, were in the back dealing with paperwork, the pompous earth pony Alonsus were helping at the desk, as it seemed like the usual cheery conspiracy nut Berry wasn't there right now, and from the kitchen, a sound of a hammer or knife being slammed into a chopping board would show that the resident cook, Chop Chop, were hard at work himself, making sure that those who ordered warm meals were taken care off.
Tidal Wave wasn't immediately obvious to see anywhere, but not long after Thunder had settled down with his shake, the door to the kitchen would open up, and she'd wander out of there, along with a stallion with several disfiguring scars over his face and neck, with a large one around his stomach. All seemed to be bite marks from something big, with rather sharp teeth, though he appeared to be fine all things considered, which thinking on how close a few of those marks were to his left eye, were a minor miracle. The marks on his throat would account for his coarse voice too.
"- still don't get how you managed that one Chop."
The two of them seemed to be finishing up a conversation about something, before she leaned in and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"The guys are really missing having you around, y'know? The real you."
"One month."
"Wish I could be more lenient on you, and let it slide already considering you're staying the course, but rules are rules, and I already let you go with a slap on the ankles for that whole thing. I know you'll be able to get through it though. You've always been a tough cookie, you just ended up in a bad situation."
"Tell Downstream to take good care of Crunchy."
"You know he will. Doesn't have it in him to disappoint you. Anyway, been good seeing ya Chop. One month, and then you better get to Shark Bay, before I personally come 'round here and drag you there myself."
Chop saluted the general, who chuckled before returning one to him, and turning around. It were about then she'd see Thunder and wander over to him whilst Chop went back to the kitchen.
"Heeeeey, there's our fresh youngling. Had a good time with your lil' sis?"
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Seemed like she were finding this mighty awkward too, perhaps he should just try to talk, and not think about... Well, anything, really. How did the teachers say at that school before? Approach with kindness and a smile, before introducing yourself. Actually... He hadn't done that, had he? He were failing pretty hard at even the basics right now it seemed.
"I'm uhm... S-Sorry for this. I'm still not used to talking with Equestrians all that much. Can I try over, p-please?
So... H-Hello? My name is Cover Up. I'm a tattoo artist and painter of sorts. I can uhm... manipulate colors. Or well, color. I think I can handle other things than black when I get better. Maybe."
Not perfect, but it were feeling a little less forced, and more natural. Perhaps he could run with this and just show what he meant with his skill set? It were easier to show than explain.
His horn glowed with a translucent grey, as he used his magic to take the cork out of the large ink well, and direct the sizable paint brush on his back to dip the tip within it. Once it were covered in this liquid, he would direct it to the ground in front of him, where he would cause it to flow across the ground, and paint an elegant flower with a butterfly on it, letting it linger for a little, and then had the brush paint over it again, yet this time, the tip didn't paint, but take back the color, where it would stay until he directed it back to the ink well, and let it float back into the container. At no point during this presentation did any of said color drip from the brush.
"So t-that's the sort of thing I do. Can... I mean, would it be o-okay to ask who you are?"
He'd look at her a little hopeful, internally sending a prayer to gods far beyond these shores, that they would bless this moment and not have her just take off. He could really use someone to talk with, and doubly so one who understood what it were like to stand out, and apparently feeling somewhat awkward about things. She seemed to be the first pony outside of his village he'd met, who he might be able to understand and connect with.
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Soon as Briar couldn't hear the pen wander across paper anymore, he would go into a big, friendly smile aimed at this strange florist they had stumbled upon.
"You must have much to think about, so we will bother you no further for the time being. If you make a decision or need further help before we make our way out of town, please, do find us at the Hayfield Hostel. We are situated in room six."
Velvet would potentially know said inn as one of the more low rung in the entire city, situated at the edge and rarely used by anyone but low income travellers and adventurers who didn't want to cause a stir. It had a certain reputation of being a place where you could lay low, in case you needed time for whatever reason, which wouldn't be asked about. It were a bit... Rough around the edges, but it were a simple place where the two of them were left in peace, with a reasonable amount of comfort and lack of judgement or noisy folks. It suited them well in Briar's mind, since it meant that Brittle would be less scrutinized or looked at mistrustfully. Changelings still tended to have a bad rep, though lesser so for the reformed variety. If only Brittle knew how to do that, perhaps it would be simpler, but alas, so far, no luck in such an endeavor.
"If there is nothing else, I will bid you farewell, and wish you many a restful night."
He'd bow courtly before Velvet, and if nothing else happened, he and Brittle would take their leave.
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On 8/27/2019 at 1:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Looks like we got ourselves an audience.”
“Wouldn’t want to disappoint them,” Sen stroked his chin as he observed them for a minute. “How about we give them a show?”
This interactions caused a myriad of happy sounds to emerge from the varied unformed ones, and send into the heads of those close enough to them. The siblings learned new languages from their formed siblings going to varied lands and returning with information, which Mother then read and took part in, before taking what she shared in, and take such essentials to her children. Mixed among them were around five hundred and nineteen languages currently, and whenever a new unformed came to life, their siblings would teach them too, as they played around for anything from a few minutes to eons, all whilst waiting for a master to arrive that they could plead their case towards. This were why learning of the language of the outsiders were so important in Mother's eyes, where she saw the rest as being unimportant, and left the formed siblings to tell their unformed brethren of these tales and things. They enjoyed stories like that to pass time, amidst playing and patiently awaiting some creature to come through and proclaim a want for one of them.
The one who had waited the longest had been there since the very start, even if it did not remember that far back anymore, and counted as a sort of elder for the unformed to look to for basic information, when Mother could or would not answer them. It were rather simple things, and it didn't get everything right by a long shot, but it were seen as high end by the standards of the others, and it allowed Mother some time to rest herself now and again.
That one too were looking on now as the ball were being thrown around, and would get a nod from Omen. A discernible one among the rest, as he had six, slit eyes, placed in a circle. It generally did not help it get sought after by masters.
None of them thought over things such as this however, as they excitedly watched Sen and Lin show off a little, and especially seemed to like the more special moves, such as Sen balancing the ball down his wings. That one had gotten quite the spectacle among the unformed ones, though they got even more excited as the ball got rolled towards Omen. Not because of something she did, but rather because Shrimp let out a low battle roar, charged into the ball, and rolled with it through one of the gates into the shadowy realm.
The unformed ones loved colors and light of any sorts, as their own world were so devoid of it, so seeing this little white and gold creature roll in, look around,a nd spewing out some small, glittering embers, got a lot of attention int he few seconds there went before he fell with the ball through a gate with a yelp, and end up in front of Omen, who'd grab him with her tongue, whilst kicking the ball up into the air. With Shrimp squirming in her grip to get loose as she lowered him to the ground, her focus weren't top notch, so she'd end up having the ball hit her snout, then bounce up and down there a few more times, as she tried to push back at the same angle it came down, and finding that it worked right here. At least for about four times, before it then got slightly altered, bounced unto the ground, and right up towards Sen's right front knee.
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"I respect your want for privacy, and assure you that I do not intent to meddle with what is rightfully yours. Still, I appreciate the warning. I will keep it in mind and handle myself with care around your earnings."
Be it magic or the fact that she'd likely try to burn and/or eat him, Marley had no intention of getting on Ruby's bad side. He were still confident that he could put up a fair fight in case she did start to go on the offense, but he had not enough confidence in a guaranteed win for him to try anything. Besides, he enjoyed her company, and wouldn't wish for things to sour because he got curious.
He'd go on to place his items down, which included folding out what he had purchased, to reveal a long, folded cape of varied soft, malleable feathers in a multitude of colors.
"Is that from some sorta endangered bird?"
"No, it is simply a special design that are nearly impossible to gain for... Varied legal and spiritual reasons."
"And you wanna dress up as a fancy lad because?"
"It's a griffon thing. You wouldn't understand the intricacies of our traditions."
"Alright, taking a shot as mating plumage then."
Marley did not give an answer to that suggestion, thinking it best to not play along with her tease. He knew where it could end.
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"Best to be sure anyway. If you ever wanna find out what sorta drunk you are, be with friends that can look for ya, and make sure you don't make too much of a flank outta yourself. Trust me, you don't wanna be thinking that as a hindsight after the fact. The stories I could tell ya."
Not just her own either. In her line of work, you heard all sorts of things, and hangover folks coming in for some coffee to help with it? They got talkative sometimes for sure, and man, the stories some of them could tell.
"Personally, I'd advise just to have a lil' mellowing sip on a real bad day. Half a glass at most. And I'm talking pony sized ones, nor siren sized. You'd probably get plastered just from looking at a barrel that size, heh.
So... I'm thinking that it's about time asking you what's next? The approval meeting's on track, the princesses seems to like ya, you got locals that have your back, and soon enough, you'll be free to float around to your hearts content. What's the next big scoop? Finding a singing avenue whilst the forest one gets fixed up, in case you'd want to return there? Trying to connect to folks in town perhaps? Or hay, just lay low for a while and think?"
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Caramel shook her head and rose up from her position. Despite their victory she looked defeated in a way, as she glanced at Minty, ready to try and make the outsider understand the severity of this situation a little more.
"It isn't that simple. You can see the risen that they took, yes? That is what a helhest leaves behind. A dried up, empty corpse, ridden of all life. The rare few have been touched, but only left with a mark, or even entirely safe, and what differentiates any of this? No one knows.
We don't know anything about them. What guides them, what purpose they serve, who they chose to harm or leave be. Nothing. They just show sometimes, and the best any of us can do is to stay clear and pray that we are not their targets. If you are, there's no stopping them. We can't fight them. Physical weapons does nothing, magic goes right through them, and it is as if wards have no effect. Even necromancy holds no effect, even though they are clearly not living.
I've have seen many things in my time, and best I can tell, they do seem to have some inkling to chase beings of importance, as if they are watching and judging us, by some rules or standards we don't know about.
You see why they are dangerous? They function on a plane we cannot interact with, nor understand, and they can leave you a drained husk faster than the eye can spot.
And that cloaked figure just made contact with them, and made them ensure that he or her escaped. Because I see no corpse where that one stood before. We just got a huge power vacuum open up after Twisted's downfall, and be it for or against us, someone will seek to fill that vacancy sooner or later. Seeing this, and thinking what might be happening here, I am still not certain of this, but If this one actually can control the helhests, or are communicating with them in some sort of friendly fashion, we have a contender for that vacuum that could be far more dangerous than Twisted were."
Hopefully she had gotten through why she were this worried, rather than happy that they had just defeated an admittedly easy force to face up against. The helhests were essentially a natural force in Harrowmark, and even the notion that there were a creature who were able to guide them in a direction one way or another, would be akin to someone in Equestria being able to take the sun from the sky at any given moment, and instantly slam it into your face wherever you were trying to hide. Impossible to stop, and would cause worried that a mere whim could mean the difference between the destruction of you and most others you knew, or a regular old day.
"Still, I hope that I am wrong, and that I have just never heard of them taking the corpse with them, as unlikely it may be considering my... Situation. Perhaps I should simply try and remain neutral and ask the high priestess for guidance on this. Viz'nay may well know the answer.
...Late as it may be then, can I praise your handy work in the fight? It is quite the impressive, and yet dignified combat style you have. And such power you posses. I could almost taste it ripple through the air. When you one day have foals, I hope they will inherit this strength from you, and that they may know how to use it well. Also that whoever you end up with, appreciates how lucky he have gotten, to be deigned worthy by a mare of your flair and talents. I couldn't imagine it being anything but an honor at least."
As she had tried to push the shaky thoughts and half rambling explanations to the back of her mind, Caramel returned to praising the outsider, and give her best wishes to what she assumed were yet to be conceived offspring of Minty. Those who had foals tended to have a certain look over them that she couldn't see here, hence she doubted that Minty had any. If she did, she most certainly looked even better than she should be able to, and that already seemed nearly impossible.
*sigh* If only she had a vessel like that... The captain truly were blessed.
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"I gave my word that I would separate you, and when your word is the only thing have, you do not throw that around lightly. Not among my kind at least."
Promises were important to sphinxes, to varying degrees, yet overall, they were bound to act upon what they had given their words on. This were why many of his kind worded the things they said in such a way as to have themselves some wriggle room to get out of a deal they made, just in case. Enzo however, did not have the lust for such deception, and he had given his sworn word that he would help these strangers who shared the same vessel. Wherever this might take them, he fully intended to keep his promise to them, as he would any other.
"Come then. Let us follow this path, and see what it may lead us to. And try not to harm Karmic's body. You both need it to function to get through this."
With that, he would wander further down this path, unless Anzy had already begun to move. IN that case, he would follow, and light the path from behind the mare..
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"Never seem 'im either. Heard things about how he was green in ruling, and needed some help to get things sorted, but I wasn't assigned to look into this whole mess, so I just stayed clear of any sorta area I heard they got in. Wouldn't know what to do there, and well, figured it smarter not to risk it either. Some changelings are real good at spotting others, and soon as they'd look beneath my disguises, they'd know where I were from. Bad mojo right there, but here's hoping he's more open minded now."
Happy sorta figured that the changeling kind would at best be willing to let them go after that, instead of entertaining trying to make contact, but he'd have to wait and see what the king said. He really had nothing to go on here but scarce rumors and guesswork.
"On a lighter note, how come you left home, if that were all you knew? Got caught?"
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On 8/26/2019 at 6:57 PM, Illiad Easle said:
"Still, you should know that I didn't care in the slightest about the Summer War and how it'd turn out. I just knew that if you died in there I'd be just as trapped as before, only with less interesting things going on. I wanted you to die where I could escape, and the lab wasn't it. I tried to get you to attack the Consul, that would've been a swift end for you. I nearly got you to kill yourself..."
"Again, not that I don't appreciate being spared, I just find it hard to understand mercy after having served vengeance for so long."
Null growled ever so slightly as she heard some more details of Nine's work.
"If I knew that, I would've told her to light you up. Peh, whatever. Done's done. I got other fish to fry, like that... Consul, and his irritating words.
...You've been around the block, right? Y'know if what he's claiming is possible? Could I get a new wing?"
Asking advice from the dark ball stuck in her mind, who had just admitted wanted to kill her for some petty reasons. She had got to be pretty desperate for any sort of outside opinion on this to even try... But again, Nine had been around for a time, and had seemingly been able to, or were still able to, see the future. If he'd have a shred of decency, he'd give it to her straight, just like he had about wanting to make her die. She really should be more furious about that, but she'd been wanting to kill herself for twelve years. The idea wasn't new, and she honestly couldn't get herself to be as furious as she tended to be for some reason. Perhaps it were just everything else going on, or it had something to do with how it just wasn't as easy without the thing getting to her having a physical presence she could attack.
As she looked around whilst speaking as, y'know, there weren't a Nine to physically focus on, she'd eventually get to a point where she bit notice in a another presence. One who were looking a bit weird, as it were pretty much just an outline of a lanky pegasus by the looks of things. How lowly, more freaky types in shadows... She should perhaps be more surprised at this, but she had seen three different shadowy things in the last two days. It didn't feel as impressive anymore, even if this one were less complete, if you could say that.
That she saw well i the shadows she didn't think on. She had some more important things on her mind, along with the question she had asked Nine before seeing this wonky one, and then again, y'know, said beanstalk. That the darkness seemed less dark were not a high priority.
On 8/26/2019 at 6:57 PM, Illiad Easle said:"You've managed to intrigue Karma herself, not a task lightly accomplished." When it spoke it was a deep quiet voice, but still it did not move. "You could serve Vengeance well, if you are so inclined."
"What am I, a magnet to you weirdos? Why does everything that likes lurking in shadows here in Troy wanna come chum with me?
And what's your deal then? Another one of those balance creatures? Gods above, this is juuuust, bloody, perfect.
Whatever. Fire off your sales pitch. What sort of thing are you trying to rope me into, and what's in it for me, If I joined your little gang?"
Vengeance were something Null understood. Had inklings towards too for certain, but this weirdo were trying to make her say yes to what, be a follower to some mysterious being she hadn't heard off? Yeah, that wasn't a purpose or a job offer, that were literally how cults operated, and she wasn't gonna join a cult. Too many sacrifices and rules for her taste.
Frankly, being accosted by weird creatures trying to rope her into things were also not to her taste, but she just didn't have it in her to go furious and fight it right now. She were just done caring that much about these sorts of creatures right now. Guess everything weighing on her shoulders were making it hard to even fall back on anything but her natural snark and semi-hostile curiosity.
That, or she just wanted to not think about things right now, and were willing to listen to any random schmuck who came along and tossed her a bone. Just another part of her life where she ran away from the hard things, rather than confronting them, and settled on focusing on something simpler, and right in her face.
Third option could also be related to her fear that had just presented itself, about the lack of Void needing her, meant that she had no purpose anymore. Someone coming along and offering her some degree of purpose to desperately cling to afterwards, could well be drawing her in to be willing to listen.
Void would probably say that it were all three things to some degree, but she were currently making her way, and wouldn't be there for another four minutes or so. She knew the sort of area Null would go for when she sought peace, so it weren't hard to guess where she needed to go to find her. She just went a bit slowly in it to give her sis a bit more time to cool off.
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While I remember it, I won't be posting tomorrow. Visting some family, so the earliest I can get back to writing is Thursday. Might stretch to Friday if it gets busy there, but it looks to be a fairly relaxed day there overall, so it shouldn't.
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On 8/25/2019 at 3:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:
"I know you have no reason to trust us, but I appreciate that you do. Go, find your sister. I get the feeling she doesn't remember where the two of you are sleeping."
"I'll t-try and do w-what I can to c-convince Null, and m-make her ready f-for the mission. S-Sleep well consul."
Void did not think that she were going to get smithed, or disappear, or anything like that if she accidentally insulted the consul. It were more that she didn't like to insult others, and with everything that him and those around him had done so far, she didn't want to seem ungrateful either. With how Null reacted and how Void then made it sound afterwards, she had felt awkward, rather than scared, and wanted to try and take some steps back when the consul had stayed silent and more worries began to rise about whatever or not he might feel insulted or hurt over her still having doubts.
The doubts would never end, but she'd try to take his words to heart, and act upon those, rather than her basic emotions in this matter. What did she have to lose in trying to put a bit of hope in this after all, right? Convincing Null though... *sigh* That was going to be an uphill battle, but she'd start by finding her, and seeing if perhaps she had cooled down yet. If not, at least she'd know where Null were. Her big sis normally liked to remain in a place when she had to vent, rather than wander.
SO Void would say her goodbyes, and wish for the consul to get a good rest, then bow her head towards him and be on her way. She did bite notice in the shadowy limbs not being there anymore, but neither that, nor his seemingly spontaneous extra wings now and again were something she understood anything off, and there just didn't seem to be a time to ask about it yet. So many other things to do, and worry about.
On 8/25/2019 at 3:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:Null would hear a voice, but without a discernible source, as though it were coming from inside her head. "Not that I'm ungrateful, why did you spare me? I was actively trying to get you killed" For whatever reason, she felt like the voice was coming from the ball of dark tendrils that Selena had tied up in her head.
"You and half of all the other creatures I've ever met. Join the dang club."
When the voice popped up seemingly in her head, Null had found a small room with no light in, went inside, and closed the door behind her/gone into a corner where the shadows covered her, and she could just sit still and take some time to think. She didn't like the parting words that had come out of her muzzle towards her sister, yet with everything just stacking on top of one another, she had lashed out at her. Thankfully just verbally this time, though she still felt horrible about that, and hated herself for not being able to control herself in that situation.
Honestly, whilst she should be annoyed that Nine apparently were still in her head for some reason, the voice were a welcome distraction in this moment.
"Difference is that at least you pushed us through that for a reason I get. Just a couple of pawns that might get axed, for the sake of the bigger picture. Nothing I wouldn't have done myself.
I'd still pummel you senseless if you ever get in front of me though, for dragging Void through this too. If you're lucky, I'll spare your face."
Null still thought little of her own worth, and it would likely take a lot of time and support to truly change that, but she were certain of Void's worth. She had chances at life, and a lot to give to the world. She just needed to find that calm, peaceful place where she could settle down, far from all the fighting and everything else that dragged her down.
*sigh* Guess she had to settle with Troy instead, no matter how lousy that sounded, but at least she'd have their parents to lean against for support now. The very thing she had always needed, but had been denied her for twenty long, miserable years, where she had to settle on an unstable wreck of a sister instead.
...Was Void even going to need her now? And if not her, then who? What purpose did she have left if her little sister didn't need her there anymore? Whatever Troy decided she were good for? Like that whole Hercules thing that Void and the consul had briefly mentioned? And then what, groveling at their hooves and go on their other errands?
Urgh, being alive just because Troy needed her, and actually briefly thinking that it didn't sound as bad as it could be. Now There was a depressive thought.
Maybe she should have listened to Void, and heard them out about the wing thing. It were through that they did get past their curse after all, were it really beyond reason to think that something could be done? Her stubbornness and mind said yes, and that it were just a carrot dangled in front of her to lead her along and be an obedient little servant, but a small flutter in her chest refused to just accept that, and she hated how she could understand that part of her more.
What did she have to lose after all? Go along, give it a few weeks or so, and see whatever something happened. If it didn't, she'd just be exactly where she already were, just with another lie weighing her down and rushing the inevitable a tiny bit closer. And if it worked... It seemed too foolish to think that it would, though she'd literally do anything for that to happen, up to, but not including, killing members of her own family. Other creatures were fair game though.
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Ziggy were going to need several syringes of insulin if she kept getting bombarded with this much cuteness. It was like a massive sugar rush, except right now, she couldn't fly around to burn off all the excitement and energy she felt, without disturbing the foals, and that wasn't an option. It were making her all jittery on the inside, but she managed to keep it in control with a sort of determination she rarely showed when it didn't involve a patient, or somepony new who needed a hug.
Thankfully, the tiny ones eventually started to get off and make their way down towards the smell of food. Or they'd get up at least. The smell following likely wouldn't come until they notice that the door were open, and Harmony stood within, ready to call the breakfast bell on the ravenous creatures. If they were anything like her at least, the cost of tremendous energy output like when they were pretty good at keeping themselves out of her grip with their speed and reflexes - though if she went all in rather than play along and be somewhat cautious, she could have totally caught them - came at an increased need for energy intake. AKA, they would get huuuuuuungry!
If her front hooves were free, Ziggy would wave at Harmony. If not, she'd just nod with a big smile on her face. The negotiator had arrived to free the hostage.
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"Sounds grand. How about say, an hour, and we meet up at that coffee place, Sloppy Joe's? I'll be there for about that long anyway, and it'll give you some good time in giving some talky time to your sis. Give her a greeting from the Coastal Guards by the way, will ya? She's been doing some good work the last couple of years."
So this were the brother of one of the elements of harmony? Oh, she were definitely going to grab this one. Would be a good feather in her hat if he got in to the Coastal Guards, and would show some pretty snooty Solar Guards that just 'cause their captain were related to royalty, they weren't the only ones who could stake that claim.
Of course, Thunder would still have to prove his worth through the ranks like everypony else. Didn't matter if it were a regular stallion off the streets, a drunkard getting a last chance to sober up and get his life on track, or even a darn foal of one of the princesses. No special treatment for any of 'em, and if that were an issue, then well, the Coastal Guards were not for you. You earned your rank among them, from grunt to general. How it had always been, and she weren't gonna be the general to buckle that trend.
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Guess... Guess he wasn't the only one who were gawking a little.
Cover Up wasn't blind. He saw how her eyes had wandered too, just like his had. Likely trying to judge on what sort of pony would wander around looking like this, and especially at this age. Ponies in this sort of area were not often the kind who went for tattoos, and he would admit that the bits he earned here and there to get by with, mostly came from helping out where there were a need and painting, as it were a thing of interest to some that he could remove black coloring on for example walls, where a dropped bucket or such could really mess up a long days work. That and he were good at painting corners pretty accurately, which were a hassle for some.
It didn't earn him much, but long as he were aware of what he spent, he managed to get by on it, and have some meals and a roof over his head at the local inn. Not warm meals all that often, but again, the sort of clientele he normally could earn some more on via tattoos, were not found in this area, so he had to save where he could. Although with the Courier's Guild who came in for work on the town repairs over the last few days, he had managed to get some customers from that, so he were well set for a time. The minotaurs had been especially fascinated by this, and had wanted to outdo one another, though that one dragon who wanted a discreet one done on the inside of his wing had been an... Experience. It played on your nerves to work on a creature who were several times larger than you, and could burn you if you messed up.
Thinking on this for a moment helped him to sort of remove himself from this situation, and get his nerves a little under control. The mare had looked, and didn't run off or growl at him, so... Perhaps he should try and talk to her? *gulp* Here went nothing he supposed...
"So u-uhm... You have a p-pretty color scheme. I don't see odd color mashing like that a lo- Oh! Oh... I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply you l-looked weird or anything, just uhm... Unique! Yes, that's the word..."
His voice lowered as he tried to unclog the hoof he had just metaphorically shoved into his muzzle.
Why was this so much harder than speaking to others right now? Were it really that rattling to speak with another who stood out so much, that he couldn't get his thoughts properly aligned and just speak like he would to anyone else? It... Actually sounded about right, actually.
By the gods, why couldn't he just try and look past how much he really wanted to speak with this one and not have her run off? Perhaps it weren't a friendship school he needed, but a bonk on the head with a mallet to see if he'd get his idiocy rattled loose.
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Shrimp wriggled joyfully under the pets he were receiving from saying Lin's name well enough to be understood. Positive feedback like this were gonna help him understand that he should try speaking some more, so while it might be several days or weeks again before he tried something new, he were bound to give something else a try too now, soon as he thought he could do it well enough.
As the ball went in through a gate, pummeled on by Lin, it would pop out just in front of omen, who got hit in the snout, before awkwardly trying to push it back in the same gate via her head, which missed, and went through another gate instead. Which then ended up hitting her in the back of the head.
As the ball then dropped towards the floor, she'd open a gate beneath it, where it would fall into, and this time, bounce out just behind Sen, where it should land pretty softly on his neck, as the impacts on Null had slowed the recent momentum it had gotten.
They might also start to notice they had gotten an audience, as some of the unformed siblings started to gather up around the gates and look out at what were going on, and followed the ball moving with their pale eyes, as their gooey forms blended in and out of one another. They couldn't pass through with bodies of their own - a few tried, but seemed like they were pushing on glass as they reached the opening - but they'd enjoy watching what were going on, along with the light and colors, and would move out of the way as the ball bounced through, and follow it as it rolled in their home, before getting through another gate, rinse and repeat.
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"Alright! Then let's b-"
"Hmhm. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
Ruby would have heard, sensed, or smelled him before he entered the vault, but for Spicy, Marley had snuck in and leaned against the wall with his gold on his back, and a smaller satchel next to it that seemed to be fortified with some pretty tough leather. Whatever were in there, were not shiny or made of precious metal.
"You are and you know it. Darn it, and just as I had looked forward to a good ol' mare's night."
"Pish posh. If you wish to go and enjoy yourself, then by all means, feel free to. I have several things I can do here, such as preparing to come pay for your bail again."
"Something tells me you're gonna need to prep extra then. Been a good day, and I feel like celebrating. You're still game for it at least, right Ruby?"
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"It sorta varies from being to being. I for example, goes wandering around in a daze and start nibbling ears, which is why I haven't gone for enough booze for that state since my graduation. It makes things weird.
Others are weirder. Some dragons starts burping up fire bubbles, griffons sometimes claws at trees with their beaks looking for worms, a couple of ponies I know off begin getting violent, whilst a few others just gets rambly and falls into things.
But y'know, that's behavior. For the general feel on how it is, I'd say... Kinda like putting a warm blanket over your brain. The more you drink, the more it makes you feel good, but also takes away all those regular things like logic and restrictions. Most I know that gets way plastered have basically no filter between thinking they wanna do something, and just doing it. Might not sound too bad, but y'know, A lot of those spur of the moment thoughts can get mighty awkward, and sometimes dangerous for yourself or others.
Honestly, I'd advise to only take a bit, and enjoy a bit of a fuzzy buss that keeps your mind pretty sharp, but also makes you feel warm and relaxed. Sometimes I pour burbon in my coffee after a stressful day to get that, and just mellow out.
Keep in mind to drink some water afterwards though, or you'll likely get a hangover. Alcohol dries out ya head, so if you don't hydrate, it's gonna start pounding like a group of loggers are chopping away inside your scalp."
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Null would indeed say something to the consul before he left, even though her first want were to talk over what the hay he were yapping on about with Void, as it seems like her sister had made bargains she wasn't aware off. However, this one had also poked at a touchy subject, and once more at a pretty bad time, which were also why her first action were to stomp hard into the floor a few times, to get the want to hit him directly in his face out of her system, before she'd try and have Void hold her back again. Her sister were looming over her too much right now to not be able to get her, exactly because she feared that Null were going to do something.
"Stop. Teasing me. About. My wing! I lost it because of Troy, and you poking me about it is making it real hard to not go over and-"
"Stop it! Just... Stop. P-Please."
Void raising her voice and booming out a slightly sobbing protest made Null flinch, as if she had just been whipped, and halted her words and actions.
"They're t-trying to make things b-better big sis. And you've s-seen in the p-place, and with the m-magic used here that t-they know things can w-work on us. Try and t-trust that someone w-wants to do something g-good for us for a change, and don't h-hate every being that t-tries to give you some h-hope."
Null turned slowly and faced her sister, who now were the one to flinch from the look in Null's eyes.
"That's easy for you to say. You could still live with it if they lied about your leg."
Null stormed out of the room after that, and would wander throughout the place until she found a quiet place to sit alone and get herself under control again, and would either do that, or potentially run into her parents as she looked for said place. She'd pretty much freeze in place if that ended up being the case.
Void would stand back, and not feel too good about this whole thing, but not chasing after Null either. When she got angry enough to actually begin a fight with her, she knew that her big sister were in a very foul mood, and needed some time for herself before she did something she'd regret.
"I'm s-sorry consul. I k-know that she w-wants help, but s-she doesn't know h-how to ask, or a-accept it. I'll t-talk to her when s-she calms down, and g-get her informed a-about everything, b-but... Please, if y-you are l-leading her along to g-get out help with H-Hercules, or n-neither you or S-Selena are sure the p-process will work, just t-tell her the truth. I d-don't think she can s-survive having her hope c-crushed much m-more, and w-we'll still help a-anyway."
She stood in awkward silence for a little after that, averting her gaze from the consul, and bowing her head somewhat in shame for questioning him. She wished to think the best, but things lately had made her doubt the sincerity in everything they said, and honestly, she would not put it past anyone to lead others along, if it meant saving the world from the Tartarus monsters. But they didn't need to lie to get that, if that were indeed the case. Null and her would do it anyway. If for nothing else, then to leave a livable world for their parents and new little brother or sister, and for Celestia. Illiad may have dealt with Discord, and gotten some vengeance for her by defeating the lord of chaos, but she would wish for the creatures he unleashed to be thrown back to where they came from, and the gateway sealed shut. If they could fulfill that wish, they would.
Hopefully if Illiad and Selena did indeed have the ability to fix Null's wing, they would somehow find it in themselves to understand her predicament and forgive her big sister, as well as Void for doubting them. She truly had hope that the two could help Null, yet at the same time, she had doubts, like most beings did.
In case he didn't say anything over the next ten seconds or so, Void would awkwardly talk again, in a regretful voice befitting her embarrassed and apologetic stance.
"S-Sorry, I didn't mean..."
Who only had a mouse hole to crawl into right about now.
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1
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"Wish I were joking, but no, those things were real. Haven't seen or heard about 'em for years, but mark my word, one day I'll figure out what sorta wacko made them, and I'll throw his flank in the cage right over the sharks breeding grounds, until he can be properly processed. Considering what sorta trouble that one caused, I ain't gonna rush to get him outta there either."
The hanging cages were something the other guards considered somewhat barbaric, but like most other generals before her, Tidal didn't see an issue, long as they were used as the short term scare tactic they were. Throw somepony up there, let 'em swing above the sharks who liked to swim upwards and make biting motions at whoever were lounging up there for a few hours, and all of a sudden they'd be nice and ready to talk. The things were safe, and they didn't have any above any actual dangerous, out of control sharks, but it functioned well as a psychological tool.
Except for the one she had in mind. That were the last one they had that were above dangerous ground, and that one only got used to the real nasty cases that didn't deserve any sorta pity. It were too high up for anything to reach whoever got trapped there, but the few times it had been used - last time being before she took over as general - it had proven itself to still be a miserable, nerve wracking experience, which no creature wished to go through again.
"Anyway, it's good that we still got your attention, though you shouldn't scoff too much at the regular royal guards. They're doing good work inland, just that some of 'em think they're all grand and mighty just because they work for a princess, and we're more ruled by tradition and law.
Now, quick question for ya: Are you interested in seeing how it looks like where I'm from? I can call on Lieutenant Haze anytime and get a teleport back to Shark Bay. Wouldn't be too big a hassle to take a passenger along for a lil' visit. Though speaking of visit, I do have somepony here in town I gotta go say hi to before leaving actually. What ya say we swing by him, then go to my turf for a visit? I'll make sure you get back without a hitch soon as you're ready if it is."
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On 8/22/2019 at 2:33 AM, EcstaticWind said:"How long will you be in Vanhoover, Mr. Briar?"
"Three days. Unless something troubling happens in town, that will be the maximum amount of time I thought it best to be in a new area for Brittle. It can be damaging to jump too much out of your comfort zone at once."
As the paper and pen were offered to Briar, the evergrown would chuckle and point at his closed eyes with a kind smile on his face.
"As I am sure you can understand, I have never been a reader or writer, due to my lack of vision. If you would like to though, I can tell you of five beings that would suit you well, and you can write them down."
The names listed would be:
Trail Tracker: Male Pony.
Duster: Female Griffon.
Flaxy: Female Diamond Dog.
Raven Eye: Male Bat Pony.
Lulu Leila: Female Changeling.
He knew of a few more, but these seemed to give the best variety, and were the ones he knew of that had the best sort of reputation on working with others. Contact information and where their home towns were located were also included in the information Briar would give alongside the rest.
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Mmmm, ir smelled good.
Ziggy sniffed the air as the smell of breakfast wafted up towards her, waking her up.
Sadly, she were still a prisoner of war here it seemed, with several guards pinning her down, and a big squishy one with a mane like a wilderbeast ensuring her imprisonment behind her. It were truly a grim situation, devoid of any hope. Might as well just lay here and surrender to these merciless creatures then.
As her eyes wandered over things, she'd see Fah'Lina on a ledge or clinging to a part of the ceiling, looking down on the lot of them, and smirking behind her little paws. Something told the zegasus that this one were planning to do something, or perhaps already had? What horrors could have happened during Ziggy's capture? Potentially another bucket of water above a door. The little critter had found that funny a few times before, though as they'd eventually learn when at some point they'd have to wake up and leave the room, that wasn't it.
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Being a bit spaced out for a moment, as he were examining a blotch of dark paint that had seemingly been dropped on a nearby wall, staining the white paint that otherwise made up for the exterior, Cover hadn't taken notice of much around him, which accidentally meant that he bumped into someone else a few seconds later.
"Uhm, sorry. I were just looking at... Something..."
As he turned to look at who had had accidentally wandered into the side of, he'd more or less get blown away and look with a slightly slacking jaw and eyes open in surprise, at the sight of the mare who stood in front of him.
How could he have not seen this one, or heard of her for that matter? Her coat with that combination of colors in her mane and tail... She stood out like no one else he had seen since leaving the ruins of Ormenthal. No, his entire life. Not even back then could anyone compare with this mare's looks, and the one three houses down had been plenty special looking. Yet this were another league entirely.
He suddenly bit notice in how it must look like, that some random stallion were gawking at you like this, and with a blush on his cheeks, he lowered his gaze and his head a little. Embarrassed at himself for how he reacted, considering he knew full well that being looked upon that way himself, did not feel good. It made him feel like some sort of attraction in a freak show.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to uhm... Gawk. Just never seen another pony quite like you. And I mean that in the best way. O-Of course."
Oh smooth there Cover. Sound like a complete tool right off the bat. *sigh* No wonder he had no friends when he couldn't even approach anyone without coming off like a fool.
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"Guessing. Okay."
The next time the ball came in her direction, Omen would open a gate in front of it, and around two dozen other small ones scattered around the area where Sen and Lin stood, as well as having one down near Shrimp.
The refraction of course, went over to have a look into said portal, but didn't even get his head stuck through before the ball rolled out towards him, and he intercepted it, which ended with him rolling with it all the way over to where Lin stood, as the ball had not lost momentum from entering the gate.
As for the gates in question, Omen kept most of the open, except for the one she had used to grab the ball with. She would open new ones for that, and then it would pop out through one of the other gates at random. She didn't even know which one for sure. It were harder with this many exit points, and she understood the idea of the ball's positioning being a surprise, as meaning that she couldn't know where it were either.
Sen and Lin could also throw the ball through one of these and have it end through any opening as well, if they so chose to try.
In the meantime, Shrimp would unwrap from the ball and push it up against Lin's leg with his head.
"Lihm!"
He tried to say *ball* after that, but the closest he got after about a dozen attempts, were *Bwarl*, before he gave up for now and just randomly switched between chirping and saying Lin's name as best he could. It seemed one of his big hurdles were the letter N, which were heard in his inability to say that in either name of his three caretakers, but Lin might be happy that he at least now tried to say her name too, and seemed content with how close he got it.
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Spicy snickered a little to herself after what Ruby had said, thinking a few things from what she had heard that weren't to be mentioned around decent folks, and likely not Ruby either, as it did involve her. She just had to let this thought finish and get the laugh out of her system, even if it were low.
"Sounds like you're hustling. Fair way to earn a bit of pocket change on the gullible, and I gotta agree, it's pretty fun. Learned a lot from the pool hustlers back near where I grew up on how to read folks, pick out the biggest suckers, and then play 'em good. Heh, I think you would've gotten along great in my old neighborhood, and y'know, if you feel like tricking some dirt heads for a good laugh, we can head out for one of those. It's in a bar too, so I can go put my liver through the test at the same time."
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"Alright, good to know that. I'll make sure to not bring stuff tasting like a farm for the next time, and focus on some good, fruity drinks when I go through the coffee samplers at work. Got some good ones there, like a specialty of mine: The Seven Berry Bonanza. I know it sounds cheesy, but I miiiight've been a tiny bit drunk at the time, and the boss liked it, so that's what's on the menu. It got a pretty rich layer of berry tastes that keeps shifting as you drink it."
And a shot of a whole bunch of other things, which again, had been connected to her being a bit under the weather at the time, and just goofing around. Been real lucky that Stare had kept her eyes on her throughout the whole thing and remembered how it were made, or she'd be unable to recreate this, because she had no real recollection of the event. Truth be told, she'd been way more plastered than she cared to admit.
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"Shiny beetles. Crunchy. Easy prey."
He were referring to a red and green, glistening beetle that were found in the Everfree Forest, normally around any sort of area that had a large collection of many.colored flowers where they could hide. They were pretty slow and lazy, so they were easy to track down and eat, and they were too weak to fight back. Nature had skilled them with sheer numbers instead of survival tools, which kept the ecosystem going at least, whilst giving them an integral part in the delicate balance.
Honestly, it were a buffet to run into them for any insect eater, or others who liked things like shiny powder for whatever, as their shells could be ground into that and used in stuff like fireworks or just glitter for school use.
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The pack leader were furiously enraged at the opposition it were getting right now. First the big one were crushed by the massive patch of dirt, right after its own attack had missed, then the small ones had almost all been burned to a cinder, making them essentially useless and unable to be reassembled in any sort of way, and now this one were gearing up to attack it? This outsider would pay for her transgressions!
Sadly for it, it did not have the speed needed to avoid the spears, and not enough foresight to hide underground again before they were fired off, so it would be impaled and slung back, pulled out of the ground and slammed into a nearby tree from the force of the spears. It were still clinging on it seemed, and rose a paw towards Minty with black goo pulsing out of its broken maw, but before anything were done, it were finished off.
Not by Caramel though. She had meant it when she said that she'd leave this to Minty. The unknown, hooded being however, had made no such promise, and had suddenly been standing next to the creature, before touching it with completely cloaked leg or arm of some kind.
As that happened, the pack leader would let out a guttural sound, before a ghastly energy would float out of every opening in the creature and towards the hooded being. The more floated down, the more shrunken in and shriveled the creature became, until five seconds later when the last energy ran down, the energy shut off in the pack leaders eyes, and it fell apart right there on the spot.
Around them, the remaining diamond dog risen were in disarray from the lack of leadership, and scrambled to get to the openings in the ground to make a retreat.
Quickly though, they suddenly found themselves engulfed in pale, see through mist and fell apart, shriveled and with the light shut off in their eyes as well. This would happen so quickly that it were hard to discern what were going on exactly, but it seemed like the Helhests were moving at speeds high enough to more or less be counted as short range teleportation, ran through them, and that somehow seemed to harvest the creatures of whatever energy they had with them. The trail of the wispy mist that followed the skeletal equines, and ran throughout the paths where they had intercepted the diamond dogs seemed to heavily suggest that at least, but considering that no impact damage of hoof prints were seen, they seemed to have some control over whatever or not they were going corporeal, as they did leave hoof prints whilst wandering slowly again, towards the hooded figure.
Soon as they got over to the creature, it would lay a limp on the closest, and with an echoing whinny, they were all suddenly gone, with the fading, wispy trail leading away from the town.
"...We are in so much trouble."
Caramel looked mortified. Had this not included what she had just seen, she could likely have just focused on the brilliant show that Minty made of this, but with the subject at hoof being what it were, she instead found herself sitting on the ground and looking in grim disbelief towards where the other ones had run off towards, whilst the realization of what she had just witnessed dawned more and more on her.
As Minty were not local, and would likely not grasp the full context of this issue, this would be a good time to ask questions. if she decided to give chase though, she'd find that the trail would quickly vanish too much to follow, and she'd be no closer to finding whoever the figure were. The mysterious challenger had escaped.
Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom
in 1x1 RP
@Illiad Easle
If physical contact were what he wanted, he'd get it, as Null lounged forward and rose up, so that she could hold him around the neck in a tight hug. A pretty unusual sight as far as Void were concerned, but this weren't the usual sort of situation. This were their dad, and there were a lot of emotions going off in this moment, with Null finally getting a direct answer to something she had beaten herself over the head with for the majority of her life. She'd say something to that regard too if she could, but she weren't talking, as much as just silently crying, and trying her best to not start sobbing. She had moderate success with that at best, if their father listened to her breathing, yet Void couldn't hear it from her distance.
"Big sis haven't done well in a long, long time, dad. And with what Selena and I saw... Well, I think she really needed to hear that."
She'd be happy to explain another time, but they had to move on soon. Both their father and their mother needed their rest, and not be disturbed by the two of them, who were going to have to go and deal with other things. Still, Void were certain now that this had been the right thing for them to do now. They might have a lot of things to talk about still, and some things could go wrong, but Null were in a very vulnerable state, even after she had been taken out of her own pit of despair. The damage in her mind weren't just vanished because they had dragged her out after all, and were going to need a lot of things to get right again. Yet, this forgiveness, and understanding that she would have still needed to carry the burden of caring for Void, were probably going to do a whole lot for her ailing big sister's mind. Perhaps not right away, but in due time, it might work on making her forgive herself, and try to collect the scattered pieces that she left of herself, because it pained her too much to carry them.
*sigh* Well, she'd hope for that at least, but it were time for them to leave. Just a few seconds more, and if Null hadn't dragged herself off, or their dad taken her away from him, she'd have to gently, but insistently do it herself. Callous as it may sound, they had work to do.