Blitz Boom

@@Krystalalchemist,

"Meep!"

The word burst out of her muzzle before she could think about it when the pile of goo suddenly went splat next to her. Seriously, who were playing with goo out here? Daddy had told her the forest was dangerous if you weren't prepared, and goo was really something for foals her age or less, so either the locals raised the foals to be ready to run fast if it came to it, or somepony had disregarded a warning from their parents.

Or... Could it be that somepony had made this? Ooooh, that'd be so cool! Ponies had all sorts of magic bumbling around, but being able to make goo, or jelly like her, wasn't something she had seen since... Well, last time she looked in a mirror really. It was a rather weird thing to be able to do.

Considering the scream though, would it really be good if somepony had made this? Might mean that whoever it were had gotten hurt.

She checked her belt to make sure she still had the small package of bandages her mum insisted she kept on her, just in case. Perhaps she'd end up needing thi-

The line of thought melted as she got a better look at the so-called pile of goo in front of her and saw that actually, it seemed to move, And had a shape of a pony! Well, somewhat. It looked a little strange right now, but it might be the fall that had made things a little wonky. Or she just looked at a wrong angle, might be it.

Still, the more important part really were that if this ws a living creature, and it thus far hadn't tried to eat her, she had something she had to do first. Just like daddy had taught her, she gave a small salute to the stranger before her, and grinned at it with a happy smile.

"Hello."

_________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

Omen hadn't said much when the others awakened. Mostly just a questioning goodmorning, before they began to go through what they were to do today and they got on their way.

From the sound of things, it were going to be a bit of a hunt to find some tracks, guards and watch out for traps for a while now, as they got closer to the elusive longma clan, though they didn't have to walk long for the first clue at least. A symbol that seemed strange though, as from what she had seen with the three longma in her company, gems and thunder wasn't things that seemed to have much, if anything, to do with them.

Perhaps it was a symbolism thing instead, but it was probably better to just store this for the time being and see if it meant something when they eventually would come to the longma village. Unless they got stopped or something first, but one thing to consider at a time.

There wasn't too much time to linger here, as they had to keep on, but it was something of interest at least. Such as Lin's current mood would be to her if she knew her like Sen did and realized that something might be weighing her down. Currently she didn't, and only thought it slightly weird that she were pretty quiet in it right now, but she just figured that perhaps she were looking for more clues. Might be Xin led them onward right now, but who were to say that he had all the way mapped out already?

"You say there are traps, yes? What kind of traps?"

Answered or not, within the next few seconds the question would be answered one way or another. Either through this inquiry she slung out currently, or in case the slight noise that came after she stepped on a pile small pile of leaves, as that might be one of the traps. Hopefully not a bear one, but they'd see what would happen, if anything. Might have just been a pile of twigs after all.

@everypony

Sorry for this, once again, but I need to push back some replies a day... Sometimes, I really think I need to put a timer on my friends when it comes to how much of my spare time they get to occupy so stuff like this won't happen. :/ But I will have lots of time tomorrow to make th replies.

___________________________________________________________________________

@@Hazard Time,

Thank you for letting us know mate, and good luck with the illness and report. ^^

__________________________________________________________________

@@~Phoenix~,

I'll have a look tomorrow and we'll see if you pass then. If you do (Only once someone haven't passed in 2 years) you can put a post up and I'll just roll with it if it is. Could be fun.

@@Seamore Sandwich,

Yeeeeeey. Good to hear you're feeling better mate.

_________________________________________________________________

@@~Phoenix~,

Nah, we have a pretty fluid system going here with the story. Heck, you don't even need to be part of the main one if you want. We have all sorts of side things, and the option to make a new one fitting for your needs. ^^ I could make up all sorts of technical reasons for this, but to be honest, I was just too lazy to think of a plot, so I went with the people steering things and then support that.

Let's start at the beginning though: What character(s) do you want to join in with? Good place to start is with that.

@@EQ_Theta,

"Sometimes it's better to be wrong."

Omen didn't say more, and instead turned her head to the sky to look at the starry night that was visible between the tree crowns. It helped her think, though there were far too much to think about in the little time they now had before the others would wake up, so some had to be taken another day. It were not something she had gotten used to yet, and something told her that it would be a long, long time before she would, but much happened with Sen and Lin that took much of the time she used to have to stand alone and let her thoughts fester.

It was something that she didn't know if she missed, or would think better to keep in the past and move on. There had been a certain comfort in the known and calm, but at the same time, it had also been mostly the same, repedetive things that she had to think over. With Sen and Lin, it had hardly been the same several days in a row, just as it wasn't this night, where her thoughts were on Lin.

It had been before, when she had gone to the well for example, but back then the thoughts had been about other things, such as if she would survive the coming days, Now, it revolved mostly around how the day would go when they reached the village she had grown up in, and how she might handle her new form's advantages and disadvantages.

The lack of sleep were one that she assumed Lin would need time to get used to. She might have said that there was a chance that it would not be like this for Lin, as she had already shown to not work exactly like Omen and her other siblings, but odds were that yes, the realm of dreams were now closed for her.

Beyond that, there were of course how she looked. More than Omen, Lin were now a unique creature to gaze upon, and being a unique snowflake in many ways wasn't something that many were used to. Not in this way at least.

There were several more, but most things would show with time. For example, whatever or not her life span had been increased. Far as Omen knew, it depended on the magic that was added how that went, but again, with Lin it were hard to say for sure, and she wasn't even entirely certain about herself. She just believed Mother when she had said that it was because of her master's energy that she kept living for as long as she had thus far, and best she could guess, if this were a truth... Lin might live milenia too? Her extra energy had mostly come from a pool of pure magic after all, yes? Didn't it then stand to reason that that affected things somewhat?

She were thinking on this, and forgetting most on what she were supposed to in regards to how the meeting with the longma clan would go when Sen and Xin woke up as a result, and when the light broke the night sky, she still hadn't even thought the small, few things about Lin through. Some of them yes, but she were not much closer to understanding things yet, nor know what to say to her if she had questions.

Unprepared or not though, day had broken and most beings she knew woke up when that happened, so she stopped her impression of a statue and directed her gaze away from the sky and towards Lin, wherever she might be stationed at this point - unless she had gone to try and rest again, in which case she'd walk over to where they all were before talking - though she lingered on the sun for a little before doing anything else. She liked the light.

"The night's gone. What shall we do now?"

@@P-Jay,

Vivid had seen many things in her long years. Some were horrid things that most wouldn't be able to get out of their heads again if they ever had to witness it, and others strange happenings which most in even the magical kingdom of Equestria would consider more than fantasy tales. And yet, she could safely say when she laid her eyes upon the weird, clearly outside influence in her dream, that this was pretty out there.

"...My childhood? I suppose you could call it that."

She weren't sure how to approach this floating, singing pony honestly, so she went with talking for now, though being prepared to go hostile if it was needed. Usually the only ones she found in her dreams that wasn't meant to be here were Princess Luna and the one time with Briar and Charlie not too long ago, but those two were with purpose. This however, she couldn't see the purpose in. Not unless he were another everfree spirit, in which case she frankly didn't know either. What a tree could want were a question that were as strange to answer as it were to ask.

"Now then, my name is Vivid Loss, and know that this have not been a good day thus far, which have left me somewhat on edge. So how about we skip to the point where you tell me who you are, and why you invade my dreams? I hope it is not to spread a nightmare. I do not take lightly to those that tries to taint some of the few good memories I have."

Her eyes narrows further at the outsider as she waited for his response. From the looks of how her body posture were, she would be ready to strike at him if he refused, or actually tried to turn her dream into a nightmare, which would be a grave mistake by him. Even if she were dead and drained in reality, in the dream her powers weren't as limited as that, and she would use it, along with her demonic forms greater physique than what she could normally boast, to make him regret it if he were there for trouble.

But, there wasn't a reason to get hasty yet. Even if she were a little testy, her rational side hadn't decided to take a hike, and as long as this one wasn't here to make trouble, she'd be civil, even if she might not look all that civil in her current state, and more like something that would raze Equestria.

____________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

For a brief moment, Zinthar looked shocked, as the hoof had been slammed down next to him and Crescent began on his threat, but it didn't last through the warning, and instead went into a satisfied smile.

"Is that so? I seem to recall our deal just being to get me out, not that I had to be alive when that were."

He chuckled slightly again, not seeing the look in Crescent's eyes, but only hearing what depths his voice had gone to. The faint light in one of his eyes were still not enough so that he could see something clearly, even this close, so some of the impact from the bat pony were lessened. It were still registered though, and something that Zinthar would keep in mind, but ever the cat he just had to poke at things.

"You can present yourself to be as tough as you want to Crescent, but you and I both know this goes beyond a deal. I've faced enough heroic types to catch a trend in how you work, and your actions carries the all too familiar scent..

But consider your *encouragement* aknowledged. I have my doubts it would be something to worry about regardless though, but you never know. I will add though, that if they attack me without reason, I reserve the right to defend myself I didn't get this far to be turned away again. Not now.."

Meanwhile, Cover-up had slowly drunk his tea. He usually drank a lot of this stuff, as it helped to calm his nerves at times, but the taste of this had taken a few sips to get used to enough for him to take bigger gulps. Not that it was bad, but it was certainly different, which also showed when the otherwise dormant crystal ball suddenly started to have pictures in it. Usually he wouldn't think a drink could make this happen, but Zecora made it pretty clear it was connected, and who were he to question a zebra when it came to magic? Unicorn or not, he wasn't anywhere near a class like zebras, if even half of what he had heard were true.

"I... Don't see much. There's a few houses from above, a garden I played in once with a neighbor before they moved away, but nothin- Wait."

He got a tiny bit closer and took another sip of his drink, as a certain dingy little shed came into view.

"This is my home. I-I mean, behind it anyway. The shed never got used before I set up my paint tools in there, along with some finished pictures. Dad never liked that I spent my time on this, but mum encouraged it a lot. She said I did well, and should keep it going. She... She always had my back, when nopony else did..."

A tear fell down his left eye, thinking about the last times when he had spoken to her about this. Just a regular, boring day in a small town where nothing happened.

By Celestia how he missed those days.

"There's a picture outside it right now. I can't see it clearly, but I know it. It was the last one I got made before everything went bad. I put it out to dry a little and went inside to find something to drink..."

His voice failed and a tear ran down his other eye as well, as he realized what he were looking at.

"I never even got to the sink."

@@Randimaxis,

The interloper hadn't the faintest idea about what had happened behind her. For all she knew, the rocket had fired off exactly as she had planned, instead of getting somewhat deflected and bounce through an open window, so it was still just a harmless distraction in her mind. One that she didn't pay much notice off as she went along the path that she had seen Dax run down. Or well, she had seen a split second of his hind legs as he went on this path to begin with, but still, it seemed pretty one way, so it had to be easy enough, right?

It was a little distracting what she eventually found though, as she pushed through a section eventually and got face to face with what looked like a graveyard. A small one too, but that just made her more curious. Was this for the family? The workers that had died on the job? Something before this house? Perhaps she could have a look later and see what the stones said. Perhaps that would tell something.

But, not important right now. What were, was the figure that she saw further inside: Dax Blackwater, the heir to the tainted family name, and a pony that she had traveled far to finally get her hooves on. It wasn't like she had expected it would happen, but it was still pretty lonely, so that was good at least. She wanted to let as few ponies as possible know she was there after all, and this could scarcely be any more isolated from the looks of things.

With small, silent steppes she crept nearer and nearer to the stallion whose back where turned to her, inching closer and closer before finally, she reached out and grabbed hold of him!

"Hehe, gotcha Dax."

How Dax would react on the hopefully familiar voice from the filly that were now wrapped around his leg in a tight hug were anypony's guess, especially in his current state, though Blitz hoped it might cheer him up a bit. She didn't want her friend to be all sad face.

Sure, it had been three months or so since she had last seen him, which - far as she remembered - wasn't long after the first day she met the shy Blackwater in the first place, but hopefully he'd still remember her, right? It would be kinda awkward if he didn't, since she had to go through a lot of things to find out where exactly he lived, how to get there, and prepare things to sneak in when it were so she could surprise him, but she were sure it was fine. She were still the same, explodey-looking filly as then, and he were still her lonely, strange friends from the mine. Or well, she had modified the wings on her back a bit to be more in line with regular pegasi wings, and had grown an inch or so, but that wasn't something that would make a difference, surely.

There were one noticeable difference that may honestly be a case for alarm though: The tip of her horn had grown out again.

To most this wasn't a bad thing, but Blitz had already been kind of a crazy unicorn when they had met, and were only sort of limited from going full on bonkers with the more dangerous things she could think of because she weren't able to use her magic, and with that bump in the road gone... The quarry might have much more to worry about than a weak, stray rocket.

_________________________________________________________________________________

@@Randimaxis,

@@Mentis Soliloquy,

Outside the mines - Kitchen.

Meanwhile, Ziggy had landed over at the kitchen and where about to open up and see if there were something left there to eat when the whole *rocket whiffing about and exploding int he manor* thing happened, and her jaw almost fell to the ground. Of all the things she had imagined would happen today, something like this was not it, and frankly, she couldn't think of food anymore as she took to the sky and headed towards the balcony as well, though she'd get there later than Taps for sure.

It wasn't good that she didn't have her doctor's bag with her right now, but if this were serious, she wouldn't have the time for it either. Sure, there were glitter outside the room that looked rather pretty, but there had still been the rocket and the zoom and the boom! So there could be plenty of things wrong. She prayed to Celestia that it wasn't though. Luther Blackwater might be a bit of a... Hard pony at times, but she were sure that beneath it all were a good pony, and he certainly didn't deserve some of the horrible things that could happen if you stood near explosives.

"Is he okay? Sweet muffin above, tell me it didn't hurt him badly?"

She were directing the question to Taps, forgetting in the heat of the moment that the small mare didn't speak. She had tried some times to see if she could trick her into it, and a few times she had even tried tickling her with a feather on a stick to see if that'd do it, but so far she'd been as shut as a clam, and likely would be now too, though to be fair, she should be able to see the damage soon as she were close to the balcony and could soon glance in and see what damage were there. Unless the doors were shut, or did get shut pretty fast that were, then she'd see nothing. But that'd be a good sign then though, right? Like... Her had to be okay, if nopony were to see him. Well, beyond Taps, but who were she gonna tell?

Hehe... Wait, this was a bad time for jokes. A pony might be hurt. Focus Ziggy!

You both got your replies. :3

@@cwhip9,

Cover-up had no idea what was going on right now, but considering that it seemed like the bat pony was feeding the monster cat blood, and Zecora warned said bat pony about not feeding the seemingly evil thing too much, he had the distinct impression that it would be for the best if he didn't ask about it either. Which got substantially easier when the zebra led him further away from this and towards a crystal ball.

"Tea? I guess... Yeah, that sound okay, if it's not a problem that is. I..."

He closed his eyes and took a few long, deep breathes, trying to get his mind away from what was going on near them and calm his nerves a little. He wouldn't be able to get through what he wanted to ask like this, so he had to get himself at least a little under control. It took a minute or so before that happened, but he felt a bit better with himself and slowly opened his eyes again.

"5 years ago, my town got destroyed by some kind of attack. I don't know who or what did it, all I know were that from one minute to the next, I had a house collapse on me, and when I finally woke up I was in another town, in a full body casket and told how lucky I were to be alive. According to them, I were the only one they managed to pull out of there, the others..."

He looked downwards, not wanting to say what they had told him, and hoping that Zecora knew what he would mean with this, rather than have him explain his position as the last survivor.

"They kept saying I was lucky, but I don't know... My home were gone, same with my family, and I had all the damaged from the house that fell on me to deal with. Some of them for life..."

He clutched himself around the stomach, where his tattoos ran most rampant, even though the lines went greatly all over his body. If they all covered scars, it was quite a severe aftermath he had to deal with, though considering a house had fallen on him, were he not lucky that it wasn't worse? Some days he thought yes, then other times, when he got weird looks from this, he wasn't as sure anymore.

"A-Anyway, I left the town after a few years and went on the road, wanting to get as far away as possible from the whole place and everything that reminded me of it. Then about a year ago, I pass through a town when I overhear that somepony went through it some months before, and were mumbling something about my town. I asked how the ponies looked and... Well, they description fitted my parents and my older sister. Down to the names even.

I don't know why they're still alive, where they went or why they left me behind, but I want to know, so I have tried to find them. I guess you can say I haven't had any luck yet, though I hope that perhaps you can help? I don't really know much about zebra magic or mystics, but the ponies in town said that you might be able to help. If not to help me find where they are, then perhaps to find why they went to begin with? If you can't it's okay, I just... Had to try at least."

It was about that time that it dawned on him how much he had rambled on and fell silent again with a slight blush going over his cheeks. He didn't deal well with awkward, social interactions when he were already flustered, and though he had gotten over the worst of it, the ground were still shaky, so to speak.

So it were too for Zinthar, though it was more nausea and pain than anything else that made the ground feel shaky for him.

After the first amount of blood had been given him, the bleeding him hid sockets had stopped, and as the feeding had gone on for a bit longer, the twitching also seized, and his breath became easier. His heart began to beat more regularly and eventually, he had started to regain consciousness, though he honestly felt rather poorly right now. Like a deflated balloon, though at least this time around that feeling didn't include the pressure that had kept him from speaking right as before. Less broken and bend bones did wonders really.

"Ngghh..."

Slowly, the feline opened his eyes and revealed that they weren't completely empty anymore. Deep within the sockets, a faint light resided in each of them, and though it seemed weak, it didn't flicker or deteriorate as things had before. There wasn't this light anywhere else though, He had escaped death's grip, but he were gravely weakened still to a point where all the energy he had gotten had gone to maintaining his life, and not his magic. The tank were now completely empty.

"..:Hell seems nicer than I had anticipated."

He let out a weak chuckle, but he didn't make any effort to move around yet. As weak as he felt now, he were cautious about taking the chance, even though the smell that wafted into his nostrils almost made him want to give caution to the wind and attempt to find it anyway, even if he could barely see anything right now.

"Crescent? It haves to be you, right? Who else would know what to feed me with, and actually try and save me? Heh, you're such a goodie two-shoes, you know that? Can't stop playing the hero, even when you don't know what evil you could be helping. Gonna end you in trouble one day."

The images around him were blurry, and even looking directly at Crescent he wouldn't be able to tell that it was him right now. He needed more before that, though how much more he didn't know. A drop? A gallon? An ocean? He had never been this drained before, so even he hadn't the faintest idea. Something which wasn't helped by the fact that he had been alone for so long that he likely wouldn't even know if he had been near full power anymore. He hadn't been fed for a long time, likely generations, and without the stimuli, it had gotten lost to the ages.

It were not something he really thought off as he toyed with Crescent a little, as much as the thoughts about where he were, what had happened and so on, including the blood that he could still smell somewhere near. Where did it come from though? And perhaps as importantly, from whom?

____________________________________________________________________

@,

"I wouldn't worry 'bout that. Canterlot might be the capitol, but I think you'd be surprised how much space is actually to pick from for newcomers. They get a lot moving now and again for all sorts of reasons. From the ones who want a more calm, down to earth home in a smaller town like Ponyville, to the ones who can't afford to stay in town anymore for various reasons, want a better environment for their kids, doesn't trust the security after the changeling attack, gets better job offerings another place and yada yada. Point is, there's always some places one can go.

Reminds me, what Misty said 'bout you being able to transmute gold, is likely something you'd want to think about before we hit the town. Something tells me it wouldn't be a thing you'd want to show in public, and to get a housing, you'd have to be able to pay for it somehow. I can help you as much as I can with it, if you need some stuff to make into it, but I'd suggest we wait to set something up regardless until we reach the big tree over there at least. It should be a fine place to halt for a bit."

He pointed towards a tree some way from them with crowns that spread high and wide. It was one of the more noticeable things in this place, and what was more importantly to him, also acted as a marker towards the way that the train tracks were. It'd be close enough so that they didn't have to wander much more, but far away enough to not give them gawkers who'd look in on whatever they were doing.

"If it's like in the old stories, I guess you'd need... Was it lead? Iron perhaps? Some kind of metal at least."

___________________________________________________________________________

@@Frosty Frost,

Strange dragon that one.

Nerzhei watched as *Spikey* ran off, but didn't attempt to follow. She still had to *furnish* the cave a bit whilst she had the chance, and the peace would give her time to mentally prepare what could potentially be an attack by a flock of dragons.

It wasn't so much from how positive the dragon had sounded when the mention of ponies came into things, though she did consider that strange. No, it was more in regards to what was with 87% certainly a false name, the notion of just being between camps - which seemed unlikely considering she had said her home was out here - and a few other, minor things that made her think that at the absolute minimum, this were an exiled or hermit dragon that had started to go a little bonkers from the isolation, or she were a scout for more powerful and/or numerous dragons. Highwaymen, if you'd prefer to call them that.

Troublemakers no matter how you looked at it anyway, and if this were the case going on right now... Perhaps it was better that she listened up and made sure to cast frequent glances towards the beach, just in case something happened. She might not be able to see or hear much from here, but if there was anything, she'd get it sorted. That is, if the dryad wouldn't before she got the chance. Lyriel had come to see the ponies as her friends, and as nice and calm as she might seem, Nerzhei knew what happened when someone tried to hurt one of their close ones, even before the corruption.

Heh, would be interesting to see if this would be something that would come to pass soon, but hopefully it was just paranoia regardless. The less waves they made whilst getting out of dragon country the better.

______________________________________________________________________

@@P-Jay,

"Interesting. I hadn't thought that this would happen in my current situation..."

Vivid looked around her in the dream of one of her old homes, back from when she were a normal pony. The windows showed her as the regular mare she had been then, the ponies around greeted her as if she were simply that again - which meant everything from a warm smile to a few words of unpleasantries, depending on what the individual's opinion of her was - and overall it was simply just a calm, for-some-boring dream. Which were rather interesting considering that she were dead.

She wouldn't get actually *this is the end* killed that easy, but still, her spirit was loose, and this alive/dead state she were in wasn't something she had considered opened the room for dreams. She had thought it'd be like with regular dead, but it seemed she had learned another lesson for the ages.

She looked down on her legs though, and could see that the visage of herself that she saw, was influenced by her not being in a body anymore. Beyond having the looks of her more demonic soul - none of the clothes on her, spikes down her spine and tail, more glowing symbols, sharp teeth, reptilian eyes, large bat-wings and an increased size - she also appeared to be slightly see-through, though not by much, and it didn't really matter much she supposed. The memories of ponies in her dream that saw her as she were back then wouldn't take notice of anything else than the soul collector mare that had once upon a time wandered the lands.

It was not like they were sentient or anything after all.

________________________________________________________________

@@Krystalalchemist,

*giggle* "Daddy's gonna be happy about this."

The voice came from above the Everfree Forest, but didn't stay that way long before hte originator came down from the tree crowns, descending on a deep-red cloud until she hit the ground and jumped off it. It didn't look right, but then again, neither did the foal that had jumped off it considering everything.

Not because she were a bat pony. A few of them came around here at times, so there wasn't a complete lack of something like her, but half-breeds on the other hoof... Not so much. And there wasn't a way she could be a pure-blood bat pony, that was for sure. Those were always dark in their colors in some regard, and she weren't. Darkest on her were the scar-like patterns on her body here and there, but even they were rather light in it.

She were dressed strangely too. Tinted glasses, a small jacket, a utility belt of sorts... It screamed more *city* than the rural area in and around Ponyville, especially as the most fashion they had around these parts were Rarity, and her creations were usually quite a bit less practical and more frilly in it, so to say.

"I wonder what sort of taste it will have this time though. Looks like strawberry, but could be something else?"

Jelly poked at the cloud, but didn't open it up yet, though she were curious. It 'd be better to wait for the right time to do that. AKA: When she were around some jars or things akin to that. Besides, if she opened it right now, Gary might get curious and fall down into it again, and that was bad both for her pet and for daddy. Neither of them liked to have him in sticky food like this.

________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

"I said much the same when I was looking for Discord. I too didn't know what I would do when it actually happened. No, if it actually happened. It had been so long that at times, I wasn't sure if there would be anything, but then all of a sudden things changed. You say they won't take you back Lin, but sometimes, things can still happen you don't think will. And sometimes, you don't know the answer until you're there. I for one didn't."

She had listened to what Lin said of her clan, but it were the last part that she bit more notice in first as it resonated more with her. It was something that she could understand, as opposed to what little she knew of the longma clan, and were therefor something she could answer easier. Yet, as it stood, she also had to address the other thing, though this were a different dish entirely, so to speak.

"And I don't know if your clan haves good ways. Sen only told me a little of it, and things have moved too fast to find out much more. Your rules, how your people are, live... It is nothing I know. All I know is that there were rules that deleted you from their stories, and ended having Sen leaving, and for all I know this isn't rare.

It sounds like it's not, and that is something new learned. Makes it seem better, but still, I know little that haven't been put as the rules being bad. To me, that makes their ways seem mostly harmful and illogical. And until I know better, I can't see it many other ways.

I suppose that is a flaw in me. But I don't know. All I know is what I see, and the few things I hear from you and Sen. EVerything else, I don't even know if I can trust."

Omen trailed off after this last part, and gave another of the dried fruits to the drake on her head, who mercilessly began gnawing in it's new treat with little care in the world. At least it had it simple for the time being. It was simply to live and learn, eat and sleep. It didn't have to deal with all the strangeness of the shadow creature from another dimension, or the halfling of the same species, combined with a dragon'ish, reclusive race.

They really were a strange pair when you thought about it.

@@P-Jay,

On it then. Will be a bit though, as I have a good deal to reply to here.

@@Krystalalchemist,

Roger that, both about the net and the setup wish. I'll get started on it now, along with the other posts, and you'll see it at some point later today when I have it all written in the RP itself. Looking forward to this.

___________________________________________________________________________________

@@P-Jay,

Might be simpler to just have the dream setup done we discussed to begin with mate, and then we'll have you rushed back along with her when Vivid is resurrected later on. Should provide you with a door to the real world, though how you'll handle things after that we'll see. Or who knows? Things might work towards another way he comes through. We shall see.

Want me to set the dream up?

@@Krystalalchemist,

Neat then. ^^ And thank you for the compliment.

I have an idea for the forest if it is, with Jelly falling from the sky with a jelly-fied cloud. It's a pretty easy start on things, though would you prefer to set the scene in the forest yourself, with me then dropping in, or shall I set the scene? Either way works for me.

@@Wolves,

Happy feigned a slight look of offense as he were told that he had deceived them. He totally had, it wasn't that, but it wasn't in ways that the two of them would know about. They had just heard him talk about home and his business etc. and not about his motives. There he'd lie. The rest was just... Formulated to make it sound better.

"Hey now, I've done a lot of things, but I haven't deceived you. Yeah, I hid what I am, but I didn't lie, and I don't really have a choice other than go 'round in disguise these days. Before Canterlot I might've had a shot at it, but ever since Chrysalis and her dingbat hive did their idiot attack, I would've been slipped to some dank cellar and left there until I had to be scraped off the floor.

And I ain't asking 'bout Canterlot to get a foothold or anything. I just wanted to hear if the attacks had made you up your defenses a bit because frankly, if the old hag sees a dent in your armor she might try again, and my kind's reputation are already in the toilet for her last go. Well, that, and I were starting to think that you'd noticed what I was and wanted to be sure, so I worded it a bit strange to see if it let off some ticks. Got plenty, that's fer sure."

He grinned at them both, regardless of whatever or not they were even still looking at him at this point. It wasn't important that they saw this as much as him keeping his personality going of being a nice changeling, that didn't want any trouble. Being forthcoming would help that a tad, though considering that now he had begun lying, it wasn't really genuine anymore. But eh, being a phony came with the exoskeleton.

"Plus, I wanted to be sure if the security's too tight before I tried to get there to sell some of my wares. I didn't want to waste the time if I didn't have a chance at getting in the town. Sounds like it's a no-go really from what you've told Golden, so you needn't worry 'bout me and Canterlot. Revenue ain't worth the chance of getting squashed for nothing.

I know my word ain't gonna mean much right now, stereotypes or not, but I'm not an invader, and I got no interest at all in seeing your capitol suffer another attack. I'm just a traveling vendor, and frankly if it stood to me, Chrysalis should've been put in a cage for her actions. You wouldn't believe the sort of damage she have done to our race by her bone-head attempt."

He spat as he mentioned Chrysalis' name, but not just for effect this time. He frankly couldn't stand the thought of that old hag and her idiotic, poorly thought out attack that had doomed plenty of their kin, and would doom far more before they had a chance at getting heard out. If he had the chance, he'd take her down a peg or two, but he hadn't even an idea where her hive were at this point, or if she were even still alive after getting tossed away from Canterlot, so unfortunately, that wasn't an option.

Sure, he would also like to see Canterlot burn for what they had done towards his kin in this country afterwards, even if they did not have anything to do with Chrysalis and just tried to live normal lives, but all in due time. Eventually, the capitol would fall from some kind of attack by either more powerful beings or by an army led by a competent queen that wouldn't toy around with plots and half-baked schemes as much as a quick, merciless approach, and when that day came he hoped he could stand amongst them, but for the time being the city could stay for all he cared. Wasn't the time for anything there yet.

He took notice of Cyan seemingly looking away as much as she could from him, though, perhaps she wasn't just looking away from him, but also looking for... Oh right, he hadn't mentioned that.

"You don't need to worry about my hive being here for the record. They're in a whole 'nother country, doing their own somewhat good and/or bad thing. Morals needs to be a little flexible as a changeling, so what's bad and what's survival can sometimes end up being the same. Especially when new eggs are about to hatch. Those lil' nymphs are more needy for love than a fish are for water.

Besides, not like I haven't told you I wasn't 'round my hive before this. As I told you, they were some nice folks that helped me get back on my hooves after I got taken from my home by the wonky portal. Well, besides the whole *turning me into a changeling* business, but eh, can't win 'em all. And to be fair, it's kinda neat to have wings and magic, even if they do come with a faulty battery pack, if you know what I mean?"

The trick often when you were revealed were how to speak to others. With angry ones you could go with begging for mercy and explaining that what you were wasn't your fault. That you just had to try and survive when you went 'round and eating love, because that was part of you now.

Others you had to be stern with, and boast in front of with your power. The fragile of mind and herds could be swayed with this, and it was good when he had to fight others. Playing the *I'm so tormented* emo yipping wasn't really nailing it when you were beating up others. This sort of approach did tend to leave him with some bad company though, but it was more to put some fear into others anyway, so that wasn't too important in his mind.

Countless other ways came to mind, amongst them how he had goner with these: Keep acting the same, and be nonthreatening whilst doing so. It was one of the reasons why he had rolled around and leand up against a tree behind him. It showed he didn't have have anything on him - he had put down the golden sickles besides him - and that if he did try something, it'd take him time to get up. A bad attack position, but good if you wanted to look like you wanted to work with others, instead of causing any trouble.

It wasn't an approach that always worked, but he had acted his persona towards these for so long that if he changed that, they'd have no idea how deep the phony stuff went, and where the real stuff began. Call it truth in consistency if you would. That's what he tended to go with anyway.

Heh, and then his mother had told him that he'd never have the brains to save his own life.

"And think about it mates, if I wanted to do something bad, then why aren't you ill now? A changeling who'd want to do bad stuff would've surely poisoned your drinks and feasted on you, right? Feeling any worse for the wear since that cider yet sunshine?"

_____________________________________________________________________________

@@Frosty Frost,

"Most dragons in my former camp are also barely able to spell their own name. Want me to write you an essay to set myself more aside from them?"

The sarcastic answer came from Nerzhei as she stopped the magic rolling on her hand, saw the rocks she had used to form hands before sink into the ground, pulled up her bag to make it fit more comfortably on her shoulder again rather than bore into her neck, and then finally, turned around to face the little spiky local. Though why a dragon would live here was anyone's guess. Not exactly a prime location for much, beyond the gems she came by to harvest now and again.

"I'm out of there. Got orders to get a bunch of ponies and a miscellaneous back to Equestria, and they got tired, do had to set up a place. Geomancy makes a cave easier to make than a hut, so I went with that for shelter for the night, but we'll be gone somewhat early tomorrow. I just need to harvest something first, and I'm putting this place behind me too."

She looiked like she sort of wanted there to be a problem, though that was more just Nerzhei's overall look. She had a hard time turning that off, and especially around other dragons, since they tended to only respect her enough to listen if she didn't seem weak. Plus, years upon years of beating up her more idiotic kind made her mentally preparing for a fight most of the time she were around them.

"I'm guessing you've been recently exiled or something then? Cause I've been here before, and there wasn't anyone here, so if you're not part of a group, you must've gotten here recently."

Lotus poked the side of her face rapidly and made her look away from the other dragon for a little to instead look over the bunny that seemed to signal towards the beach.

"Yeah yeah, go down there to 'em if you want. What am I, your babysitter?"

That comment cost her a small kick on her face before Lotus pulled her tongue at the dragoness and jumped down, heading towards the beach. Seemed like she were curious as what the others were doing.

"Anyway. Name's Nerzhei. Who're you?"

________________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

"I didn't, but I have never slept, so I wouldn't know. Master tried to make me understand once, so he put me in a warm, quiet lake, and spread chaos around showing strange images. He said this was what dreams were. Just small bits and pieces, combined in some strange way. If what I felt then is what dreams and sleeping are like, then I'm... Sorry, that you can't do it anymore."

She hesitated for a second near the end, trying to find a way to say how she thought she should feel about Lin being without sleep now. It wasn't something that really bothered her, so she didn't see it as something bad, but her friend likely did, at least if she had to judge by what she had heard her say a few times before, including now.

"At least, I don't think you can. But you already do things none of us can, so perhaps? We can't open gates without it getting to home first, but you did. Twice. It is something that perhaps Mother can, but not any of us, so perhaps you being half of us changes other things? I don't know, but it might be why Mother said she wished to have some time with you at a point, to inspect your new self.

We will see what answers can come sister, but I don't know how many even Mother can give you. Hopefully the ones you need."

Omen hadn't referred to Lin as sister more than perhaps once earlier, and back then it had been with a message that Mother had asked her to bring along, so it might be kinda strange to hear her say this. Still, perhaps not? Lin and her reactions were hard to predict, and unlike some ponies Omen had met, neither her, nor Sen, seemed to be the kind that she'd ever fully know how would act.

"And I don't mind there not being a place for me near your people. I like you, and Sen, but I don't like what I have heard about your elders. They sound illogical. Binds others by strange, meaningless rules that hurts others. Like you and Sen..

What if they still offered you a home though, Lin? Would you take it, along with Sen, if it was an option?"

___________________________________________________________________________

@,

"Hey, I could go faster with this thing, but then we'd have to stop up constantly. Pacing's important when you're dealing with a truckload of books and assorted wonky stuff."

He didn't look hurt or anything whilst he replied to the stab at his prowess, just grinned a little wider. There'd be a time and a place for him to show these two what he could really get away with, but unless they had to haul flank for some reason it wasn't yet. Showing off might be all fine and dandy after all - and growing up around griffins he really liked to do that - but it'd become a lot less impressive when he'd keel over, fighting for his breath. That'd be a beating to his ego for sure.

At least the two of 'em went on to speak about the nature around them afterwards instead of poking at him further. A good chatter really, though he did want to point out that the plains were actually getting more reclaimed by the forest than the other way around these days, it was just vast to begin with. Yet, he didn't get much of a chance before a question got hurled his way that was a bit more important to address than discussions on foliage.

"Well, that's a trickery one to answer. I have a few places in mind, but I gotta see which of the places are still vacant, and if none of 'em are, ask my old contacts in town where else to find a nice place with a bit of peace. Preferably with a basement I'm thinking, considering all your stuff that you likely don't want everypony to have a glance at.

You need not worry though. I swear on my mothers claws that I'll help you find a place, get settled in, and stick 'round town again for awhile to help out. Ponyville's gonna be tricky to sell stuff at after this attack I think, at least for awhile, so I might as well get set up in the capitol again anyway. If I know the contacts I spoke of correctly, they'll likely keep insisting I do that regardless if they are to help, so two stones with one throw. Pesky buggers at times, but eh, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to company, y'know?"

@@Frosty Frost,

Nerzhei didn't even turn her head at the noise from the smaller dragon, but just kept at her work. Which currently meant using hands formed from the crushed stone around her to dig out the rubble inside the newly-formed cave. The loud noise from before had been a result of her making this hole, which normally wasn't something she needed to clear rubble from. Yet, as she stood right in front of it - a mistake looking back on it, but hindsight stung like that - she couldn't just blast it from the inside out and let the rocks fly around. She had to collapse some of it instead so she wouldn't get an explosions of rocks in her face, which in turn meant that there were a lot of cleaning work to do here.

"Unless you want me to tie you to a stalagmite and use you as a shovel, you'll calm down and step aside. You're in my way."

The dragoness had beaten up dragons larger than her for a good chunk of years at this point, and the glance that she then gave towards the other dragon just confirmed what the voice had told her: That it was lower towards the ground than her, which made her even less terrified of this so-called *Fearsome dragon*. The spikes were an interesting touch, but she wasn't scared because of that, and neither were Lotus, who looked down on the dragon from Nerzhei's shoulder with a look of clear boredom, though her paws were too occupied holding against her ears to keep the sound of rocks rumbling around them and dumping rubble to the sides of the cave to also make a gesture along with it.

"If you want something, then wait until I'm done."

It wasn't far off from the looks of things. Perhaps 20-30 seconds more of this before she'd stop using the magic that rolled on her right hand and the rocks would fall silent and it'd be done. If the other dragon was impatient and wanted to try something though... She still had a free hand, and were more than ready to use that, along with some spare magic, to handle this minor annoyance whilst she got her task done, though she hoped the smaller dragon didn't try. She wasn't really in the mood to beat up more of her kin right now.

_____________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

Cover-up nearly went out of his good coat when he heard somepony behind him. Something which didn't get less from turning around and seeing the bat pony with the... Thing on his back, that looked like a monster cat bleeding from three, empty eyes. What was this?

"..."

He tried to say something, but words left him as the bat pony and his kill - no wait, it was still twitching, so still alive - went directly for him... And then passed, going towards the door of Zecora and knocking on it.

It made sense considering what the bat pony had said, sure, but he had started to think that a lot of bad things would still happen from this monster hunter regardless, considering what he was carrying around. That it hadn't still didn't leave him with a lot of confidence or bravery, and he simply stood still as the door opened and the mysterious Zecora opened the door.

He had never seen a zebra before in his life, only heard about them, and from where he stood it all seemed so... Exaggerated. It had been painted to him like they were only somewhat pony-like, and that even trying to explain what they were like were hard, and yet here stood what he'd consider a perfectly normal mare, just with some stripes, funny garments and her mane rising upwards in a way that made it seem as if it was defiantly battling gravity, and winning.

It helped calm things a bit, but he still didn't move until the mare looked directly at him and offered him to step inside.

"I uhm... S-Sure."

He gulped, feeling something akin to a spiked golf-ball traveling down his throat from sheer nervousness, but he went inside at least now, and closed the door behind him.

There were plenty of things that drew the eyes inside. The large cauldron, the vials of unspecified liquid lining the shelves, the cat monster that were laid out on a table and still slowly bleeding from the empty eyes... That last one were hard to look away from really. And not just because of the bleeding, but also because of how this thing looked. Somewhat like a cat, but normal cats were bigger than him, had nine tails, three eyes and were a shade of shiny black that made it look almost like it was cut from a polished, onyx gem.

"I'm sorry for taking your time when it uhm... W-Well, it sorta seems like your busy. Perhaps I should just... Yeah, I'll stand to the side a little, and just let you get done. That's probably the best thing I could do..."

He trailed off a bit at the end and went to a corner so he didn't get in the way. He didn't say anything, but from how his eyes followed the three beings in the room, you could tell that he were not ignoring them at least. There was also one other thing that could be told though, and that were that seemingly, the wide array of tattoo patterns on his body extended to his face too, over his right eyes, and as a matter fact, even inside it. You could see the pitch-black pupil and a vague line going over the whites near it as proof, along with the left eye being a very sharp contrast to it, with it being blue and all.

____________________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

Hearing that Sen's dreams were better felt somewhat good to Omen. The emotions were still vague, as some tended to be, but she recalled seeing how he twitched and turned in his sleep before, and the difference that came when she now thought of him as laying silent and resting were quite noticeable. Pleasant even.

A small smile spread briefly on her face before it returned to the neutral mask around the same time that some things were being said about the clan. Mostly about expanding in both territory and leaders, though the first things that Xin had said were something she bit particular notice of, considering how he looked when he spoke ill of their elders. He looked uncomfortable somehow, but why? Because he were talking badly about some that could send him away on a limb too? Because he didn't want to speak ill of a few things when overall he thought they were good? Or did he just not like speaking behind somepony's back?

Others options were there too of course, but these were the ones that came to her first, though again, she didn't know if she read him right, so it likely wouldn't lead to much. It passed a bit of time though, until he left and her and Lin were now the only ones left.

"New elder, same rules, yes? I won't trust things will be good even if it's not like this. Seems wrong.

About feeling. How are you feeling with your new self? My other siblings and I, we never remember what it was like to not be like this, so we can't compare, but you do. And I don't think it would be easy to get used to. Right?"

________________________________________________________________

@@Wolves,

Happy just stood there, cheery smile still on his face for a while before he let out a chuckle.

"You know, don't you?"

It wouldn't take one who were good at reading others to notice the way the other two responded to his question were a red flag. They Shaking, pausing and being cautious with your words, etc There was just so many ways that you could tell that, perhaps individually, it wouldn't mean anything. But when it was all put together, the bird began to sing, and there wasn't a way around it now. They know what he were.

Heh. Or rather, they know some of what he were.

Regardless, in situations like these, he had two options: Remove the witnesses, or try and be a little up front and play it off as him being not as bad as his race might make him look. Usually there'd also be a third option, but trying to pretend not to be a changeling wasn't going to work anymore.

Removing the witnesses would be the simpler solution of the two remaining really, and would be easier to cover up considering what were attacking the town, but it would also rob him off a chance, in case he got near Canterlot at some point. Golden could be used as a ticket of sorts - or an excuse, depending on how you looked at it - to inspect the town, but if he were dead, that wasn't going to fly. No, he had to take a chance here, and play it off. With some luck, he could score a bit of leeway, and potentially some sympathy if he played this off right instead of being nailed to a tree trunk. Though, if he saw even a hint that they might try to restrain him, it was back to removing the witnesses. Aggression often meant he couldn't get anything from them.

"Usually, I'm so careful not to give it away. but I can see that I apparently missed something around you two. A right ol' shame really, that that's gonna taint the outlook on me, but what's done is done."

Happy sat down in the grass and let out a small sigh, as a green glow briefly went over his eyes to signal what he meant, just in case it wasn't already obvious.

"I don't suppose you could give me the benefit of the doubt here and hear me out instead of calling the guards on me, could you? For ol' times sake?"

@@Krystalalchemist,

Not at all. I welcome the chance to help, and having them use what I suggest is an honor really. Gives me my jollies. :3

Now then, with that sorted, shall we find you a setting then? I'm thinking that perhaps a fresh setting would work for you, at least for now, and there are several options for what way to go. Depends on if you want to be in the city for example, in the forest, in a lake, etc.Whatever's your preference really. ^^

I have a bunch of different characters to run around and use, but for ones who would clash well with you... Well, Jelly Drop is an option, she'd like the gelatinous Krystal. Briar would be mighty interested as well, as he is curious about species he have never met before, and as an oddity himself, he can relate well. Same can Brittle, though she'd be far more cautious about him. I think that perhaps Vivid could have some interest as well, as she'd wonder how Krystal worked and where he came from, but that's likely the ones who'll clash well. I would've suggested my zegasus, but she'd likely hug you in half.

You can see the  ones I talk about in my signature. Just press the google doc, then follow whatever link of the named ones (and unnamed if you want to) to see more details. Putting the link to your chars in the siggy makes it a whole deal simpler when others have to see it.

As for a setting, I'll let that be up to you. First, we should fine you one or more playmates.

__________________________________________________________________________

@@Seamore Sandwich,

Ooof. I've had that as well. :/ It's horrible.

Get to your treatment and let us know how it goes, alright mate? Better you use your energy getting healthier again when dealing with something like that.

@,

@@Frosty Frost,

"Not... Ngggh... Fair..."

The somewhat muffled voice were heard from the pile of sand that was moving at the speed of moss growing on the sidewalk. Much as Blitz tried to move just a little bit faster than this in her makeshift disguise, she couldn't, no matter how much she pressed on. She might've had a chance if she could use some magic against whatever was pressing on her, but with the tip of her horn still broken that wasn't a feasible option, and as for physical strength... well, she were a bit wimpy in that department compared to others her age, though even a normal filly would likley not have an easy time pressing through this.

She hadn't any idea what was pressing on though. She couldn't really see much right now, and having no idea that Frosty and Lyriel had even shown up yet - the packed sand was a great sound insulator too - she didn't suspect magic in the slightest. She had at first just thought it was the sand that just got into a tall pile the way she walked and were starting to block her off, but it didn't feel like that anymore, which, in her mind, only left one option.

Slowly, the tip of her hoof exited the pile of sand and flailed around in front of her, trying to see if she could get hold of Summer, whom she thought were standing right in front of her and having a laugh with seeing how long it'd be before Blitz noticed. It'd get her exposed pretty easy, but since she thought she were already, it wasn't much of a consideration.

One that did notice what really happened though, were Lyriel. She hadn't much experience with magic of the equine variety yet - in fact, this marked the first time far as she recalled - but it wasn't hard to connect Frosty's horn glowing at the tip with the issues facing Blitz's disguise. It were something she'd have to ask about later, but for now, she figured that if he could tilt the playing field like this, then surely, she could do a little something as well.

So, whilst she raised one hand to wave at Summer, whom had done much the same a little while ago, the other hand remained firmly in the sand next to her, and guided the vine she were playing with to reach up again and wrap quickly around Summer's leg, giving her a yank down and doing well in staying around her leg, slowing her.

She'd know who were playing with her now, no doubt, but it just seemed fair that if Blitz was delayed, then so should she. Plus, it was fun. More fun than she recalled having in years in fact, even if it was such a simple little prank. Silliness such as this had been scarcely missing in her life.

She did get distracted by a rumbling sound being heard from the path further up though, near where Nerzhei had been last they saw her. It was vague, but they were in a different wind direction and a fair distance from them regardless, so might actually have been quite loud.

There were no problem up at the dragoness though. It was just the sort of sound that came when you bored a cave out of a mountain. Much as she could control rock and could make this sort of thing, making it subtle wasn't a concern of hers. If something local wanted to try something with her, it was welcome to try. She wouldn't delay this just to stop alarming what she'd consider a sparring partner at best.

__________________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

If Zinthar could respond, he'd likely make some comment about how it was smaller than he remembered, or a quip about the jarring pain he was in, but he couldn't say anything. Nor could the pony-sized feline move on his own, as all his energy were now being spent keeping his vague breathing going and his heart beating. There wasn't anything left for consciousness, which could make moving him somewhat difficult - imagine the issues moving a regular sized, floppy cat usually were and make it worse - though not impossible. He wasn't bleeding out through the patches of fur he still had here and there on the onyx body, nor had any broken bones, so there wasn't a chance that holding him of flying hi off strangely would be an issue. Long as his chest wasn't squeezed too hard. That were the ground zero for the time being.

Meanwhile, a bit of way from here and a little ahead of the events with Crescent and Zinthar, a nervous, 15 year old colt slowly took another step towards the door of the local zebra, Zecora. His coat were a pale yellow, like an old papyrus, and the mane hanging down the right side of his head and tail were white and long with tar-black endings, tied up and making both looking like paint brushes. Much like the large one that he were carrying on his back, that was roughly the same length as himself, and at it's thickest point, the diameter of half his hoof. On his back, he carried a saddlebag to the left side of him, and down the right, a large quill with a large cork in it.

The strangest thing about his looks though, were really the elaborate, swirling patterns of black on his coat and skin that made for a beautiful, intricate pattern, but were still a bit strange to look at perhaps. Though, for the young unicorn, it wasn't really something he thought about much anymore, unless he got nervous such as now. He knew that it was there for a reason, just as with him and this place, but times like this made him a little self-consciousness about his tattoos.

Still, once Cover-up had heard about the zebra mystic in town, he had to come around and see her, regardless of how much he felt like perhaps it wasn't the best idea right now. And not just because the sun had just set, but also because of a myriad of small, insignificant and made up reasons he told himself in his nervous state.

He weren't like this that often anymore, and tried to be happy and get past it, but when it was something important, and especially meeting somepony important, it could flare up again. Or if he ended up making a social awkward situation, which could ebgin to bury his confidence as well.

So he stopped, about a meter from the door to the pretty home that she seemed to have, and began taking a few deep breaths, gathering himself mentally as much as possible. He just needed a few moments of calm before he could gather himself and knock on the door, then hear out if he should return tomorrow or if perhaps he could see her now. Just a minute or two without anything suddenly happening out here, though that shouldn't be hard, right? What would happened out here int he middle of the night?

____________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

(before Lin showed up)

"I don't know if he trusts me. I like to think he does, but I don't understand him enough to be sure. Him, Lin, you... So many beings to have met within the last few days, and I understand so little about how any of you work. Especially you three, and the home you come from. At least the ponies make a little sense to me, but longma are very different. I don't even know if your emotions work the same as theirs.

Still, I know that I trust them, and if they do me as well, then it is yet another thing that I have hardly ever been given that they brought me. Another minor thing for most, but for me, a valuable gift."

Omen were quite certain that longma emotions were somewhat similar to ponies, and showed in the same ways, but she hadn't been around enough to be completely certain yet, so there'd always be that question on if she read them right or not hanging in the air until she had more time observing them. She didn't suspect them of being malevolent though. She just wasn't sure if they trusted her fully, or if their other emotions were as she supposed thus far. That would require time, and situations like these where she could see how they showed off emotions. The meeting with the elders should likely show her a good deal of those. Or at least the more negative ones, from what she had been told of them.

"I don't know if I can trust you, or the words you say about Sen though. They seem okay with you around, but I haven't seen much yet, so I don't know how much is genuine. Though if your words can be trusted, and you tell the truth about Sen, then I feel... Sad, that he have lost something of himself like that. Being taken away from your home and loosing everypony you know is a pain I wouldn't want for anypony."

Omen went silent for a little and remembered the time when she had been *exiled* in a way from Equestria, when Discord had been imprisoned and she were shunned by the ponies who remembered whom she worked for. And then along came Lin, who were seemingly unable to sleep. Perhaps as a result of being half of her kind? They hardly ever slept. Only if they were very low on energy, and she had been rather beaten up there, so to speak. Might explain a few things, but she'd have to ask to be sure.

"Hello Lin. You can't sleep? And we're not talking about much. Xin just told me a little about how Sen used to be, and how your elders would react strangely to me being there, and I were about to say how I don't trust them. Or like them. Not after what they have done at least."

@@Krystalalchemist,

Aaah, a goo creature, interesting.

Do you think that perhaps you could explain a bit more what that entails? Didn't really say in the bios, and wondering what it means for Krystal to be made of goo. For example, is his form changeable by will, like a less flashy changeling? Does he drip little chunks of goo here and there when he walks? Is he often-to-always covered in a thin hide of slime, like Goodra?

Also, does he have any special powers because of his creature type? If his form can be changed at will I could imagine that could be it, as changing into a giant hand and grabbing another (for example) would be a cool and effective thing to do without making it overpowering, but if that ain't the case, I wonder what else could be it.

I think that when we get sorted what beng a goo creature entails, that we're good to go on finding some angle to work with. ^^ The rest seems fine so i have no issue there. I just need a bit more info on this particular side of your character.

May I join? I just made my first pony oc and could really use a place to play him and flesh him out.

https://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/krystal-r9754

May I join? I just made my first pony oc and could really use a place to play him and flesh him out.

https://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/krystal-r9754

May I join? I just made my first pony oc and could really use a place to play him and flesh him out.

https://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/krystal-r9754

Omg, my phone flipped out sorry it posted three times XD

Jeez, I heard you the first time. hehe.

Seriously though, going to sleep atm, but I can have a look tomorrow and we can see what's what. ^^ Take care.

@@Frosty Frost,

Heh, this'll be good then. ^^ A pity Blitz doesn't have any explosives on her right now. :3

@@Randimaxis,

@@Hazard Time,

The interloper had managed to stay somewhat out of sight until the manor. Both because the workers seemed to be more focused on the running Blackwater heir, and because she ran behind the sheds and such that were passed. She were used to running the small streets and alley's to get to what she wanted, so it was no bother, and it was still very easy to follow Dax from this angle. Until they reached the manor that is, and he dove into some bushes. That wasn't the issue though. No, the issue were the trio of ponies that were nearby that looked towards where he had gone.

She had slowed down and managed to hide herself a little before she'd be in the open, but she didn't have much time to work with here unless she wanted Dax to get away from her, so once again, she put a hoof into her little *travel pack* and rummaged around there, pulling out the last of her smoke bombs with a sigh. She had planned on saving this so that she could make an easy escape later if it were, but what other choice did she have but this? Unless...

She put it back and rummaged around a little more, eventually pulling out a small rocket. Then she put it on the ground, set fire to the fuse, and turned it towards a spot to the side of the trio.

It wouldn't be many seconds before it would fire off and come crashing towards a spot to their side before getting stuck in the ground and exploding into glitter. A lot of it in fact. Said glitter might end up getting caught in their fur if they were still close enough by it at that point, but unless they were literally touching the rocket, te explosions shouldn't do anything. And if they did... Well, the burn could be treated. It wasn't strong enough to rip a hoof of or something mad like that. It was designed to just be enough to fuel the travel upwards - or in this case to the side - for a bit, and then have enough push to spread out the glitter into a pretty, rainy effect. Or in this case, cover a small area of dirt with the substance, and potentially a little of the three ponies as well.

Whatever or not this would work in getting their attention - though she guessed it would. Who wouldn't look at a rocket coming towards them after all? - she'd make a break for the bushes and down what would turn out to be a secret path. It was up to debate if, during the chaos of the rocket launching, the others would take note of the strange little pony that ran by them who looked like her mane was on fire and her tail stopped halfway through a dozen or so explosions. They'd likely see the bag she were halfway levitating, halfway carrying on her back too if it were, which is where she had pulled the small rocket from. It wasn't the biggest - and especially not now that the only thing that had a stick attached to it were out of there. Even if it was a smallish stick - but it seemed to still have some stuff rolling around in there.

She were a quick one though, so regardless of if they saw her or not, her small hooves would get her to the bushes fast and towards Dax Blackwater. Hopefully, she'd get to him before anypony else had the chance to beat her there or stop her. Though, seeing as the closest had gotten a little *present* to deal with. she should have gotten some head start to getting there at least.

@@cwhip9,

The plan had seemingly worked then, but there was a small issue: Zinthar wasn't there. Whatever plan Crescent had, seemingly hadn't worked on getting the strange feline out of there. An unfortunate turn of events, but perhaps some were just doomed to wander around aimlessly like that.

"I... Refuse.."

Then suddenly, a low, hollow voice would emerge somewhere in the room, though much as Crescent might look around, he wouldn't be able to find out where it came from.

"I won't be denied! Not again!"

The voice became a little clearer, and the tone of it began to resemble the feline that Crescent had run into, but where did it come from? It was somewhere closer, but exactly where wasn't all that obvious.

Not until the pointy tip of one of Zinthar's tails reached a few inches out of the bat pony's shadow and bored into the floor, ankering itself there. It was glowing with the ghostly glare that had been shown before when Zinthar used whatever magic he had going for him, but stronger, whilst a little by little, the other eight tails reached up and did the same.

"I will be free!"

The voice rose as Zinthar did as well, yanking himself out of there by his tails and hurling a little away from his point of entry into a piece of furniture or pile of books. The tip of his tails showed not to be the only thing glowing now, as his teeth, claws, usually empty-looking eye-sockets and random lines on his otherwise black body had traces of it as well, though they seemed to be diminishing rapidly after he had gotten up, which were but one of the signs that things weren't too good for him.

Others became more obvious, as the large feline wasn't moving, unless you counted him twitching whilst the last droplets of magic flickered out of his system, leaving no light left whatsoever upon his form. His breathing, which had already been bad, had suddenly gone to worse, with rapid, small gasps being the only thing escaping his mouth.

If Crescent remembered some of the things that he would have seen with Zinthar before this, he'd likely be able to tell that this was the beginning of the end for the feline, unless he got help. Long years of being trapped in the dream world without sustenance or a chance to regain anything had taken its toll, but had been slowly as his powers had barely been used. That is, until he met Crescent, and needed to use some to escape. Which were already seen on his encounter with the collapsing dream earlier, as the usage of reserved he barely had left to use of showed its side effects. And with the way Crescent had left? Why, Zinthar must have used quite a bit more to escape this as well. Far too much in fact.

To help Zinthar, the only way forth now then would be to help him regain some of his reserves so that he could be stabilized, but what would do such a thing? He wouldn't really be able to ask the feline himself, as he were trying all he could just to cling on at this point, but perhaps if Crescent remembered back to when they first met, he'd know what he needed.

Hopefully, there'd be some mice, birds or other pests/critters in this place that would suffice in giving him the sustenance he needed. But could Crescent find out that he had to do this in time? And if so, could he find one or more of those things before it became too late?

It would be interesting to see.

______________________________________________________________________________

@,

Chow gave the mare a bit of a funny look when she looked over at the wagon he were dragging along and chuckled. Were there something funny about this? Had something fallen off, or did one of them glue a *Kick me* sign on his flank or something? He had a feel just to make sure, but it didn't seem the case, though in that case he hadn't the faintest about what were the issue then. Perhaps he had just said somethin' weird the last time 'round without noticing it? Happened more often than he'd like to think about, and usually it led to nowhere when he tried to confront it.

So, without going much more on about it, he just shrugged it off and listened in as the other two talked about not having to have much to talk about and then what he assumed was a comment on how moving wasn't a fun thing to discuss. Something he wouldn't argue against, though he'd say that those two were on the good side of things still, Wasn't them hauling this stuff now, was it?

He were about to say something more to fill the gap of time - or explain that it went a bit slowly because he didn't want to keep taking breaks, hence paced his energy better - when the last of the trees began to come into his sight and he gave a big grin before just walking on, not wanting to stop up beforre they were out of the Everfree Forest.

"You want something to talk about? Alright, then let's talk about the view, eh?"

He went throught he last of the trees and gazed out upon the... Uhm... Well, plains, essentially. It was a bit on the hilly side and stretched for a long way, with only spotty trees and a few houses in the distance marking things, so there wasn't much to look at. Unless you enjoyed nature that was, in which case it was a good view.

"First step of the road's done with gals. Still gonna be a bit of way, but the forest's behind us, so that's the worst part. Only thing tending to roam out here's birds, mice and other small critters, and wild boar."

At the mention of the last animals that tended to make this place their home, he reached behind him and took a grip in his spear, just to make sure that he could reach it in case he needed it.

"In case of boars, just leave 'em to me. I'm used to wrangle with 'em, even though I can't take one down and grip along right now. Bit of a pity since I could use some for the pet food, but eh, there's always beasts to hunt wherever, so it can wait. 'sides, the buggers are poor in the food to begin with. Usually I just capture 'em if I have little other choice and need some filler meat, or to trade off to a griffin in exchange for fish. They love this stuff."

A few thoughts came 'round about the time he were hunting and selling his wares in Griffinstone, but it was another thing he shrugged off, not wanting to spent the time thinking on this. Not right now anyway. He'd rather focus on finding the right angle for them to go, which, considering the position of things from here would be...

"This way. let's go before we loose daylight, eh?"

Not that he stopped and waited for them to answer before he moved on, but still, it counted. Right?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Illusions. The part of magic that was the most perplexing and confusing of them all.

Omen could generally feel out that there were magic at play when it were, but in case of great illusions, she were clueless, and could wander in circles for days or weeks on end before realizing that something was wrong. And even then, what were she supposed to do? Knowing that there was something covered were one thing, but knowing how to get past it another, and she hadn't been able to do that thus far.

Perhaps it was easier for those who understood magic more in general, and could find a way to see past the layers, but to Omen, it all seemed real, which made situations like this were the barren fields around them got ripped away - literally - in favor of a lush forest, all that more mad to her. Also, it made her think about here perhaps being more layers to this than what they could see now, and there were actually in the village already, been watched like objects in a museum. Not a comforting thought as she helped the others setting up things for the night, but there didn't seem to happen more for the time being, so she became less sure that it was as such. Not completely, but a good deal at least.

Eventually, the thought began to diminish entirely, as did the energy of her friends that withdrew for the night to catch some sleep. She had assumed that Xin would too, but apparently, he stayed up to stand guard. Nothing that was needed as she could do that on her own, but it wasn't as if she had told him that she didn't sleep, so perhaps he thought that it was needed to have shifts. Or he just couldn't rest. Sleep patterns were different with from being to being.

"Sen wasn't difficult. Strange, yes, but nothing that made me want to leave."

She looked over at the drid fruit as she got nearer with silent steps, sniffing the air slightly before reaching out her prehensile tongue and grasping a few pieces with her soft, dry tongue. One she brought to her own mouth and started to chew on, whilst the other went up towards the drake that had returned to her head an hour ago or so, after having slept for a while on Lin, who grabbed hold of it and stared to slowly chew through the thing.

"Thanks you."

She went a little nearer, and kept chewing on her own piece a little more whilst looking at Xin with curious, unblinking eyes.

"What do you mean by sullen? Is something wrong with Sen?"

@@Frosty Frost,

Sounds workable. Not all changelings have to be alike after all, so that some aren't as reliant on love as others seems debatable  enough for a pass right now.

We'll get to her intor soon, right after Summer have written the next time. I'll set something up with Nerzhei at the same time when it is, in case you want to go for the lonely one first. Unless you count Lotus as a person, which she counts herself as at least. And you know what happens if you don't go along with her. Hehehehe.

@@Randimaxis,

Aha! I knew my trap would work.

*dances around singing* I caught a Raaaandi, I caught a Raaaandi.

(this goes on for about 15 minutes, ending with a full blown musical number, before the confetti gets brushed aside and things return to normal)

Hazard, Mentis and I all posted on the 14, a week ago. We tend to reply the day or so after you write, so technically, you have been waited on for a week. I have no idea about @@cwhip9, though. He might have fallen into a well and Lassie haven't been around with the help yet.

@@Inkie Winecrest,

I think he's around, as he is bro-hoofing things, but he might be busy with something. I don't know really, hence why I set up a trap. :3

@@Techno Universal,

I never thought I'd have to say this, as I have thus far been able to find a place for anyone who came here and looked for a place, but I... I can't accept your character for this RP thread.

I'm sure that you have your reasons for making it as it is, and I will not fault you for wanting to be powerful, but it is simply too much for this type of RP to put a character in that is, in your own lore, essentially Arceus. A god of creation that made everything and maintains it, able to do basically everything without issue and is the center of stability in the universe.

If you are to run with your character, I think the better way for you would be to make a thread of your own and then see who would join. You can have a usage of disciples/cult members, depending on the way you want to be perceived, some earth-shattering conflicts that you wish to delegate to others for some kind of growth experience or test, or something else like that. Basically, when you have made a god, it is easier to make your own sort of setting to control than it is to insert it anywhere else, as other places - such as this - it would throw too long shadows over a kind of setting not meant for that.

I can potentially help you make out a setting you could use if it were, but as for this thread in particular, I'm sorry to say that unless you have another character, I have to decline you. :/

_________________________________________________________________________

@@Frosty Frost,

I don't really know the deal with changelings per se, though I always assumed they needed love like it was some kind of vitamin. As if they don't get that, their health will worsen/test their sanity. Seen someone before mention that if the egg and nymphs aren't fed enough love too that they could end up as mindless shells, usable but without any real life to them. Puppets more or less.

But again, if love is a vitamin, then there could be other ways to get that sort of thing maybe? Certain plants, magic, or something else that could work as a substitute, though never be as good as the real thing. Like tofu essentially. It'll do the trick, but the longing for real love could still be there.

As for the written story about her, she seems fine, so there's just the question about the love thing that needs to be addressed in some sort of way and we're good to go. ^^ Though again, I think that if you want her off the love diet, that having a supplement would work the best, or have your OC being somewhat irrational and unable to maintain her disguise completely because of the lack of love to sustain her powers. In the second example, she'd get kinda weird too likely, but I'll let that be up to you.

(P.S. If you go with a plant supplement, Lyriel is perhaps someone that she'd be interested in befriending so that more can be grown there. Could be interestingly awkward to have her attempt to connect with the dryad. )

Hmmm... I wonder where they all are... Perhaps they're here now?

No, not yet. Gosh darn it. I wonder where they all went?

Hmmm... Perhaps if I made a trap?

Hehe, yes. Flawless. I'll get 'em this time for sure.