Blitz Boom

@@EQ_Theta,

Discord smirked, and chuckled lowly to himself when he heard that Lin did not know what he had put in front of them.

"What, don't you trust me?"

He sounded almost hurt for a moment, but you could see on him that he wasn't as he stretched his talon all the way over to them, lifted up one of the cookies, and flipped it back, catching it with his sharp tooth.

"It's just chocolate milk and some cookies. Oath variants really aren't my favorite, but you know how ponies are about their plants. I suppose I could ask if there was something else though. Oh, waiter!"

Discord snapped his fingers and a copy of himself, wearing a tacky waiter's outfit, opened the door of a nearby closet and wandered over to the table.

"You called?"

"Yes. My little new *friends* here wonders if we can spice the menu up a little. Oh, and I need my glass refilled."

Copy Discord took hold in the table and spun it around for a few seconds before stopping it dead in its tracks again. Nothing had fallen off, and nopony had gotten hit, including Omen who had wandered a step backwards when she saw the copy wandering over to the table.

On said table now, the things that Fluttershy had put there remained the same, but there were a more generous spread of things including warm blueberry cupcakes, cold milk, the chocolate milk from before, though now with taller glasses, the same cookies, and a variation of a few other things. Including a snack that Discord remembered seeing some longma eat before. Nothing that were, or used to be, alive, as he knew what sticklers ponies were about even seeing those kind of things, but beyond that it was free game.

All in all, it looked safe, abundant, and fresh. At which point the *waiter* wandered over and pulled out a fish from behind his head, turned it downwards at Discord's hand, and just watched as a glass was poured into thin air like there were invisible walls holding it to the form.

"I'd suggest trying the muffins before they try to run away. Tricky little things."

Afterwards, the copy ran a talon through his mustache before wandering into the closet again and closing behind him, vanishing out of sight.

"There, much better. And you don't need to worry about it being poisoned. After all, I have reformed, haven't you heard?"

He took the cookie still stuck to his tooth and started to gnaw it down, whilst Omen - who seemed to be rather indifferent to the weirdness of the situation - just returned to the glass of chocolate milk she had been at, and began drinking again in silence. For now, the others weren't trying to go for eachother's throats as much as before, and she wanted her friends and Discord to at least try to get along a little, so that it wouldn't be a weird situation of being around two sides that hated one another. And despite his big mouth, it seemed better to let Discord and them speak for now instead of playing mediator between the three, and then hope that things wouldn't turn into a battle. Literally.

___________________________________________________________________________


@@Summer Breeze,
@@Frosty Frost,

"Hey, I'm a unicorn, not an earth pony."

Blitz popped her head out of the small hole she were making in the ground and looked with joy-filled eyes towards Summer, still giggling and smiled as she clarified what sort of pony she actually were.

It was the first time she remembered that she had seen somepony mistake her for an earth pony actually. Even with the tip of her horn being currently broken and it meaning she hadn't access to an outlet for her magic, it still drew the eyes of most that dared near enough *The crazy fire-foal* as Silver Spoon had once called her.

Now, being thought of as a pegasus before, that she had tried a few times. The wings she had made looked rather convincing from a distance as the framework were detailed and the feathers on it plentiful, though unfortunately, looking the part was the only thing they did thus far. She really wished that she could find a way to make them, or another design of wings work, and soar through the sky like the pegasi, but without a light and durable material to make a new frame of, along with an energy source, it'd remain a dream for a long time. She might have an idea how to make it work with magic, but that wasn't gonna do it. She wanted to make something that anypony, even earth ponies, could use.

However, that'd be for the future. For now, she had a pegasi to catch.

Blitz got into position, wriggled her flank like a cat before it started the hunt, and then ran towards Summer as quick as she could. Like always when she had speed in her step, she had the movements of a rhino, in the sense that it took some to stop her momentum compared to some others who could seemingly turn on a dime. With that in mind, it might be she'd miss a lot of time, and leave some traces in the sand from her attempting to break, but she barely even registered it. She was far too focused on running and jumping around to try and catch Summer to really care about that.

@@Captain Whirlwind,

(sorry for the late response, suddenly got a lot to get done last night)

Well, seems like things are in order then. ^^ Welcome to the thread.

Now, we should think about where to place you. We could have you either in your own story, in your own story that leads towards the others eventually, or try to plunge you into things head first.

I don't really like throwing people in unprepared, as it can be a little daunting and make a mess of things, so if you anna be part of one of our ongoing things, it would likely be better to have a little.-.. Shall we say, *introduction* some way from it that leads closer.

The ones we have in shot terms are basically these:

Ponyville, monster attack. It would require you to read around 60 pages or more to get the whole point, but essentially, a large demonic monster is attacking town and are about to finally be taken care of. I can feed you some information about things (like how it looks in town currently) via another OC or NPC on the way there and when there, to make it more manageable, along with some story things via internal dialogue or PM's. As mentioned, the monster is about to be handled, so your entrance is likely better to be fitted in after it have been. Perhaps it can start with somepony flying to Cloudsdale to get help, and they find you? Could time up likely then.

Everfree forest, escapees. This one is simpler. Three vendors are outside in the forest, hiding out the attack. One of them is a changeling in disguise, two others are siblings controlled by @@Wolves, They will join in on what goes on in the city eventually (I think. We'll see how it goes) but not until the demon is gone. It is mostly talk at this point, and Wolves would have to give permission for you to join in as well (As I don't want to force anything on anypony) but could be interesting, and a more relaxed way to get into things.

I think those were the two ones really, now that I think about it. Some of the others are more reserved ones, or rather far away from Ponyville, so really, these are the two main ones, that technically still is part of the same thing, granted.

Again, it is also a welcome thiung to have your own thing going, and see if that spans into an epic adventure perhaps. ^^ Might be this could be the next big thing people attached themselves too. Or just some fun. ^^

What're your thoughts though? Lemme hear, and we'll see how we can get you fitted in right pretty soon then. Have a nice day.

@@Captain Whirlwind,

Hello there mate. Good to see that you've found interest in our thread.

We can get you started soon, but we just need to go through a few base things so that everyone can see who they're RP'ing with (OC wise) when things get started. Let us begin at the most direct thing and then work into how to add you in afterwards: Tell us a little about your OC.

I assume your OC is the one in your picture, and from all the Wonderbolt related hthings in your links, it seem like your OC is also part of them, but perhaps something a little more direct and concrete would help, if you would please? Name, Age, some story (it's okay to make that somewhat brief, so it can be explored more in the RP, but some basics at least would be appreciated) and a bit about the personality of your OC, would all be great.

I look forward hearing from you, and seeing if we can't get you into things here quickly, or make you a slice of your very own casual pie. ^^

@,

"Gonna be easier to stack things there with some boxes. Good thinking lass."

Chow smiled at Astral a little wider as he got a box in hoof and started to fold it, then carefully fill it, just in case one of these books turned out to be some kind of dangerous. When the first box were full, he'd haul it out to the wagon that were starting to get filled a little by little, then rinse and repeat as things went along, and trying to scout out how to place things the best. So far, if they weren't taking furniture, it seemed like it'd both fit in there and be possible to move around, though he might need a break now and again not to break his back. He might have some good strength to work with, but he wasn't Mr. Muscle himself here.

It was rather nice to be moving around things like this, not getting any weird looks or told to bugger off was a new experience, but one he liked for certain. Sure, the times he had been literally told to just leave weren't that many, but there were many ways you could end up being excluded from things beyond being literally told that nopony wanted you around. Unless there were trouble and there wasn't any guards around, in which case he was all of a sudden good to have around. Minor pro of having a weapon and knowing how to use it in a predominately farming community.

Another grand thing about this was seeing the usual family stuff up close. Sure, it sounded likt hese two were just friends, and that Astral were a caretaker of sorts for Misty from what he gathered, but it looked like a real family to him for sure. Like with Applejack and Apple Bloom sometimes. Carried the same vibes of *big sis, lil' sis* they had going when he saw the two of them wandering around together on occasion, down to the oldest of 'em toying a bit around in a good manner with the kiddo.

A box more went on the wagon and the line of thoughts broke off as he allowed himself to stand still for a bit and have a small breather, looking over the work they'd gotten done thus far.

"Man, almost forgot what a pain in the neck it is to move. But we're making good headway at least, right?"

_____________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

Zinthar put a paw on Crescent shoulder as he started to move forward, looking at both him and the colt with his back turned to them with narrowed eyes.

"Crescent, don't trust... Everything you see."

Perhaps he was just cranky and paranoid, but Zinthar hadn't felt the same sympathy for the colt with his back turned as Crescent seemed to have. After what happened before, it was abundantly clear that this wasn't just a dream apparition that was randomly in one dream for no reason, but rather a clue as to what were going on, and one they couldn't trust. No matter how heartbroken this might seem, and even if this really were a living pony's dream self, and not just a part of the dream realm, they should rather grab hold of the colt while they had the chance and make him speak rather than play into things this easy.

A little cold perhaps, but Zinthar were even further beyond caring than he usually were at this point. He were in pain, they were either lost or dragged through a maze of dreams - which one wasn't abundantly clear to him yet - and after having one dream implode on him already, not much in this world right now felt like something that he'd care just slashing his way through for the principle of it.

Personally, he'd let Crescent do what he meant he had to for now, and removed his paw shortly after touching him to begin with to let him, but as his claws were now showing, it was abundantly clear that he expected trouble, and were done running away from it.

________________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

"Master and servant is connected. We can hear them, and they can call us through a strange link. It doesn't work when we're home, but outside, in Equestria, I will be able to hear him. It is something like feeling energy."

Discord didn't say anything as the explanation went on, but he did put his talon behind his ear and rummaged around for a bit with some random things flying about before he pulled out a flute. It was build rather old fashioned and were in multiple colors, but that wasn't really as weird as when he put it to his mouth and started to play it, but no sound came.

Omen looked as if something were though. her ears vibrated slightly and she looked between the others and Discord until he stopped, and looked at her expectantly.

"...No, I don't think they'd want that."

It seemed like it did work, though Discord had hoped that Omen would voice out what he had said. She sometimes did before, but perhaps she had gotten smarter in the time that had gone since then? Or perhaps, he should just try to formulate it otherwise? Something to think about for the next time when it was, but not yet. Playing this thing made him thirsty, and he didn't want to use all his tricks on the first meeting. Otherwise, what fun would he be able to have on the behalf of Sen and Lin later?

Summoning up a big glass to drink, literally, Discord floated to the ground and summoned a comfortable couch beneath him to stretch out on. Usually this would be it, but since Fluttershy kept telling him to be nice to guests...

A snap of his fingers, and a tray of cookies making strange faces and four glasses of chocolate milk appeared on the table over at the others. It were standard oath cookies with some more sugar in, as most o the things he made were because of his sweet tooth, and though it may seem like something he'd so, nothing were poisoned. They'd be perfectly healthy touching these things. Such as were shown when Omen went over and stuffed her muzzle down into the nearest glass.

To put it in less strange terms, it seemed like she drank out of glasses like a cat would, and about as slowly. Considering how Mother were about wanting her children to move onwards in the world and fit in well, it wouldn't be hard to tell who had taught her to do something like that. Especially not as he sent a small glance and chuckle over towards the scene unfolding.

@@Illiad Easle,

@@Randimaxis,

Ziggy gorged on every word she heard when Dax started to talk about his own, zebra ancestry.

Prior to hearing it from Vylia, she had actually thought that the stripes that certain members of the Blackwater family had were just random coloring. It might sound weird to some, but it could be random with swirls, patches, pocks, etc. in your coat-pattern, so to say that somepony was a zebra solely from their stripes were hard to really back up. The odds were good, but it was impossible to say for certain unless you looked at other clues, such as the necklaces/rings around their hooves that the more traditional ones had, such as her dad, and to some degree, her.

Sure, she had a pearl necklace instead of the regular rings, but beyond that, she had the traditional ones, though colored pink by her own choice. Her siblings had some as well, because as much as dad caved in with things towards their mother, he had been very adamant about having them relate in at least some parts of tradition. Not that she really stopped him from teaching them either, as she wanted the triplets to learn about where they came from and what it entailed, as long as she wasn't excluded from things.

Anyway, Ziggy's overprotective mother aside, when it came to Dax there wasn't these traces of tradition. Nothing really did about the quarry far as she remembered right now, and to veer on the safe side, she had always just assumed it was a coat thing, until earlier, when Vylia had felt like talking. A lot.

The parts about his family legacy coming from an escaped slave hadn't come up at that point though, yet she understood why really. Sure, it had a happy ending, but the parts before that was not something you'd want to think on for too long considering it involved the darker side of the past, even if she knew that you couldn't, and shouldn't, ignore the past completely. The only thing you'd accomplish by forgetting the past, were to repeat the same mistakes.

She hadn't really focused on that either when Dax had spoken about things, and she were far more interested in hearing how it went with his ancestors, which seemed to also include some story about the other line of his family too! Well, until he remembered that Illiad were here and got focused on that instead, but at least that left some story for another time, right?

Besides, shortly after, Euler said that if he had the time he'd come around again, and she didn't know if she would've been able to listen properly with the glee that she felt over hearing that. She loved talking with fun, interesting ponies, and Euler certainly was. Perhaps she should prepare something if he turned out to have the time? She didn't exactly have food with her here, but she did have her hidden stash of candy, and her usual stock of herbs and spices that she used for tea or minor self-made aids to the medication - mostly something to prevent or remedy side effects - that might prove useful.

Not the candy that much, but the other things might prove workable, if she got hold of a few more herbs... Perhaps she could check up on what, if anything, she still needed when the others had left again? It looked like they would leave soon at least.

As she saw Euler start to move down from the bench and put his gear on again though, she had something else in mind as she as quietly as she could, sneaked up on him as he got geared up again. He would likely be able to tell that she were on her way considering how aware he seemed to be about things around him, but if he wasn't, or didn't think like he had to worry when she wasn't speeding towards him, she would nuzzle the side of his now-hidden face again, and try to give him a small side hug.

Even if it would work, she weren't gonna think this the surprise hug that she had planned for him. Nuh-uh, that one were gonna be better. like tackling better. And when it happened, she were going to get him. Mark her happy little words, he wasn't gonna be able to deflect her then. Hopefully.

"Hope to see you again then Euler. Take care, and good luck with Illiad."

She'd go for Dax afterwards, but considering how his head were likely still sore at the least - depended on whatever or not he took the pills with him how bad it could potentially be in the long run - she just smiled at him a lot and waved.

"And you take care too Dax. Remember to keep your head safe, and come back if it seems to get worse, okay?"

________________________________________________________________

The Quarry - Outside Silver's workshop.

The crate that the interloper hid in had slowly, but surely, crept more to the side and were near the front door to the workshop at this point. The one inside had been careful to only move when nopony were looking as she moved along to try and get a better point of view than there were behind the workshop. Sure, there were still ponies and such in sight there, but it was a little limited compared to where the hideout were stationed now.

It couldn't go further though, without more or less standing in the way of the door, and that wouldn't be good in case somepony tried to go out from there. It would ruin the cover, and the interloper coudn't risk being found. Not before the mission were complete.

Whoever was in there, felt a rising joy in imagining when it were done all of a sudden. To think of how the reactions would be, and how the Blackwater's would get a day they wouldn't soon forget... Hehehe, it was going to be glorious, and nopony here would see it coming.

@@Wolves,

"It was a bit at the start, but you learn to adapt."

A few images flew through Happy's mind of his former life. Before magic tore him away and made him into what he were now. Frankly, he detested the weakling he had once been, and didn't wish to switch the life he had now with the old, where he were nothing more than a hairless ape, focusing his life around money.

This world had taken everything from him, but it had given plenty enough to make him prefer it by lengths, even if he did miss certain technological aspects of his former home. That, and his brewery. Sometimes, the thought of once again having a piece of land where he could safely produce the finest drinks in the lands were tempting for several reasons, but in the end, it wasn't likely tho happen. His queen wanted him on the move, and so, he would, even if at times he stuck around places for some weeks if they were interesting enough.

Another urge entered his mind this time though, in wanting to tell his story. It didn't happen often, and usually he ignored it because, you know, he didn't want to share around that he was a freak of nature, but in the current setting... He'd have to obscure a few things, obviously, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to share a little? They seemed curious. Might make better contact with them if he tried this, and he could learn more about them too. Just in case he had to take roles prior to an invasion, of course. It wasn't like he suddenly cared, that'd be absurd.

"Had my own little brewery and a fair piece of land to grow my vineyard on once, in a country far, far away from here, where I made some of the best wines in the region. It prospered well and gave me a quiet, fulfilling life for a long time, and i was even in the process of expanding on the business. And then, ten years went down the drain in less than five minutes, all because of bloody magic.

Freak teleportation accident is what they told me when I finally woke up from wherever I landed. They didn't even know the name of where I was from, and I had no idea where I got stranded, so there wasn't much else to do than just try to adapt, and figure things out.

Made me sad for a while because I had to realize that I'd likely never get back, and that I'd lost not just my home, but everything in it. Only thing I could be somewhat joyous about were that I didn't have any family to leave behind, but that didn't really help, y'know?

But, it worked out okay in the end. I got slowly back on my hooves, scraped enough together to buy a wagon and fix it up so it could be used for business, and I began feeling better. The place I got to had some folks that gave me a chance when I was down, and they helped me integrate to the new customs and really, making me feel like I had a shot at life again. Perhaps even a better one, if I put my back into it.

Still, little place with a small population, so I took to the road and began touring the world. It's still where I think my home is, and I go back on occasion, but I needed to just get out there to really make a difference in my life. Been a bit strange, but life on the road's done me good really. I meet a lot of new ponies, make a difference here and there, and I begin to enjoy myself far more than I did stuck in a dusty brewery most of my day.

I've gotten to the point where I know that I'm likely never gonna get back to where I started, and frankly, I don't really want to either. Starting over was good for me, even if I miss a few objects, but what can one do, eh? Often, to gain something, you have to make some sacrifices after all."

Perhaps he rambled on a little too much there, but he had still made sure to not do so in a way that would give away what he really were. Not through lying, but just by being vague about a few things.

He did come from a little place with a small population - a changeling hive, where they didn't pride themselves in excessive numbers - and a freak teleportation had taken him from his home - tear in space that had teleported him between worlds - etc. so he'd say that he were actually quite honest about this. Within the limits of what he could safely share, that was.

"Sorry, being nervous gets me chatty at times. I hope it ain't a bother?"

________________________________________________________________________________

@@Seamore Sandwich,
@@GingerLightning,
@@Quinch,
@@Lonk Chase,
@@Denim&Venom,
@@Mentis Soliloquy,

There wasn't much to say about what Last did up at the Forgotten One's chest, or at least not something that would be good for any who would listen in later.

Trapped in her rage by Zhu, the mare were blinded to any reason or idea about the wounds that were opening on her side as she kept the assault on with the glowing sword, slashing powerful blows against the thing's chest and completely disregarding the ones around her. Which were one of the reasons why Ko still stood on the ready to find a fitting opening without loosing his limbs. Or well, that had been his plan, until he saw the first notion of the heart beneath and figured it better to wait until he could get a clear hit in on that.

When the chance arrived, he would plunge the poisoned clock hand into the heart with as much force as he could, then draw back before the crazed berserker over there would pin him to said heart, as she pinned the swords, tip first, into the target, than use her rage to try and force it upwards.

It was grizzly business, but it was what had to be done, which were the same that Zhu were thinking as he looked over things and did his to keep the bridge up. Beyond that, he were preparing to take her, and the three that were attacking with her, back from the ancient being when it seemed the battle would be over, as to protect them from being squashed like insects, or blown away by some sort of blast. He wasn't entirely certain how the old thing would perish really, but he were prepared for the two more obvious ones at least.

If he had more to share of his focus currently, he would have given some to the twitching Briar, or the flailing Penny, but unfortunately, he could not do much else until this were over. And when it would, he could see where he had to correct things. Beyond the demon mare that were, but at least with her, he had been prepared for a long, long time.

________________________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

"I understand his reason."

"Oh, goodies. Now then, Omen, what do you say we stop playing around for a tiny, little bit? I have some things you can do."

She looked between them. On one side, the life presented that she had once. Her master, though now with a friend of his own, offering her to get back to what she knew. What she had hunted for for millennia, but never gotten as he were hidden away from her senses. It would be everything she had looked for, and a return to at least some of the comfort she had once felt.

On the other side, stood Sen and Lin. Her friends and family, representing the new life that had started to blossom over the last few days. One with confusion, pain and horrible things happening, but also with joy, fun and experiences that she would remember for a long time. It were a life of uncertainty, where she couldn't count on what would happen, other than the fact that those two would hopefully be part of it.

It wasn't as easy a choice as she had thought, but she had never gotten the impression that it would go like this to begin with anyway. Not after it had been simple for so very long. Why, even after the stranger put doubt in her mind, her goal had simply still been to find master, see how he were, and more than likely join him, but then Sen and Lin had come...

As her eyes searched between them, it fell on something at her hooves, that had dropped when Discord had made her tongue roll out before. A glimmering scale, beautiful and full of colors that seemed to change depending on the way you gazed upon it.

Feeling it in her hooves, she remembered when Lin had given this to her. The moment when, after all that had happened, she gave this special memento to a being that she barely even knew, and told her what their kind usually did with this. An importance she hadn't thought much of then, but now...

"...No."

She lifted her head and looked at the surprised, chaotic being hovering over her. Her master, that had granted her this life and been the constant in her life that had been missed sorely ever since his first defeat, and whom she had now refused to serve as before.

"I wanted to, for so long Master Discord. I wished with every day that I was back where chaos reigned, and the world didn't need to make sense. For three millennia I searched for you, and everything that was gone, but I don't think I can go back anymore."

"But... I am... Why? Because of them? What are so important about them?"

Discord were not exactly taking this well. He were not much of a fan for sharing the few things he had willingly in his life, such as Fluttershy, and now once again, Omen.

"Because they're my friends."

The air seemed to go straight outta Discord, and he opened his mouth to say something... But he didn't really have something to counter that with. Not when he kept in mind everything that had gone on with himself and Fluttershy through the times since he had been released the first time.

Still... Perhaps he could say something that would let him have some of the proverbial cake, and be allowed to eat it too?

A sly smile went over Discord face and he moved closer to Omen, almost touching her with his own forehead.

"Then how about we strike a deal? Remember how you used to mostly be a messenger, hmm?"

"Yes?"

"How about you just keep doing that then? You can saunter around with your little friends, and then once in awhile, I'll call you to deliver something. That wouldn't be so bad, would it?"

Omen didn't know what exactly were going on. Back in the days, she would take this as a giant reed flag that Discord were trying to lure her into a trap, but... Would the reformed one do the same? Or was this genuine?

Guess there was only one way to really know.

"...Okay."

Discord chuckled slightly under his breath, then patted his little, somewhat-servant on her head with his paw.

"Good, good. I'm sure nopony is going to have a problem with that, would they? I can't imagine her friends would at least. Not when she gets everything she wanted."

Okay, he were planning something. It was impossible to say what exactly, but considering he poked to the siblings currently, potentially he were after them in some capacity. Though, what could they really do, when he hadn't exactly threatened them, and had, as he said, given Omen a chance to get both of the things she wanted to?

@@Randimaxis,

Might be an idea. looks a bit sleepy currently, and missing the interesting story.

@@Seamore Sandwich,

I will make a post that includes an answer to your post tomorrow, but I'm out of time for tonight. I'll get it done then though, promise.

@@EQ_Theta,

"Discarded? Who exactly do you think you're talking t-"

Fluttershy's voice breaking through things stopped Discord from going on, though he had the look in his now narrowed eyes like he wanted to do something bad. Specifically to Lin, whom he had leaned in closer towards when she started her wild accusations.

"Please stop yelling at Master Discord."

Omen cut in once the yellow mare had spoken out, looking between the gathered beings from her current position in Discord's grip. It had not looked like this were going well as soon as Sen had started to step forward, and when Lin spoke, then Discord and at last Fluttershy had added their parts, it had seemed like it would end in a ruffle at the very least.

Seemed like even if Discord had reformed and changed, his ability to stir an argument hadn't gone away.

"He never said he discarded me, and even if he doesn't show it like I have seen ponies do, I know when he's happy about something. Like now. He have yet done something wrong."

"At least somepony here talks sense."

"You are not without blame, master. I know your tricks. And when you try to poke to others. You wanted to see if they would react."

Discord looked in disbelief at Omen. Back when he had last seen her, she hadn't once said that he were wrong, or blamed him for anything. She had been loyal and on his side without question, and now she were questioning what he did? Why, he didn't know what was worse. That his little servant wasn't exactly who he remembered, or that she was right. He had tried to get a reaction because... well, not for much reason really. He could say it were to judge how the two outsiders would react on even the slightest things so he knew what he could get away with,, or try to set up a situation where he could 'defend himself* against two that had attacked him, but honestly, he had simply tried to spread a little social chaos.

"Fine, fine. I'll play along then."

He set Omen down again and moved himself further away from the siblings, not currently liking them all that much. A feeling that was obviously mutual, from what had happened thus far.

"I went on a little trip about three millennia ago and ended up teleporting to this dark, delightfully chaotic realm, full of shadows with eyes and nothing solid. If it had only had a little color it would have been perfect. A few pink clouds, some water, perhaps a river.

Really, it would be more fun if you all saw it. Ready for a movie?"

He didn't wait for an answer, but instead just snapped his fingers instantly, and before anypony would have a chance to do anything, they'd all be sharing a small illusion that would show them in the time that he had mentioned.

It showed the sight that Omen, Sen and Lin knew well, but might unnerve Fluttershy, at the very least: The shadowy realm where no sun ruled, and only the different shadows of black and grey gave any contrast in the ever-shifting world. Well, that, and the many different eyes that were seen here and there, belonging to the unformed.

Then out of nowhere, Discord suddenly appeared. Not the one they were sharing this vision with, as he were standing near them and eating popcorn, but the one of the past.

Past Discord looked around and talked to himself about what a fascinating place this were, before he were interrupted by a swarm of unformed ones gathering near him, and towering near his sides. It were like what had happened with Sen, but in a much larger magnitude. With him they had been curious,a nd had gathered well in numbers, but this were the matter of a potential master, and Discord's energy was so immensely strong to them that it beamed nearly every last shade near enough, trying to offer their services to him.

You couldn't hear the unformed ones speak, but omen knew what they said. This day was still well burned into her mind to such a degree that she could still pick herself out in the crowd. Just a speck amongst thousands of others, clinging near the ground and looking up at the chaotic being in their midst.

Discord seemed confused though, as he didn't understand what they were saying, until the voice of Mother rung through the place, though she didn't show herself in person. As mentioned, she did not like DIscord overly much, though considering what he could provide for one of her children, she would have to communicate with him.

"They are offering you a deal, outsider. To pick one, share in your magic, an form them, and in return, they will serve."

Past Discord looked intrigued by this idea and went around the place looking for one that he could bring back, going through pair of eyes after pair of eyes like he were a child at a candy store, not sure what to pick.

"It was too good of a deal to say no too. A willing servant would be fun, and getting to create them sounded even more intriguing. Besides, it would alleviate the boredom a little from all those strange ponies who tended to hide from me for no reason. Ah, here's the good part. Look look look."

The Discord they watched finally slowed down and went down a few inches from most others, down to the ground and picked up an unformed blob with eyes looking much like a pony's. It took a few times of him snapping his fingers without nothing changing permanently with this blob before he tried to just let the magic flow from his hands instead of this, and then finally, something happened.

The blob bubbled and stretched in many directions as shade mixed with a chaotic green, before it slowly began to take form into the pony that now stood in their midst, though her eyes were filled with even more questions and wonder than she had now.

"She was a good servant all the way to the end. And I taught her a lot of things about the glorious chaos world I brought her back to. Such good times."

"Until you vanished."

"I got trapped in stone, thank you very much. Three millennia in the most boring prison ever, reduced to little more than a lawn ornament, before I finally broke free and spread my glorious chaos around Equestria once more. At least until my fun was  stopped again."

He sent a sly look and a small smirk towards Fluttershy. He liked to think of that time after he had gotten loose the second time, refusing to spent much time thinking on the time before that, when he had played around with her like she were nothing. It tended to leave him depressed, as he cared a lot for Fluttershy, so he spent as little time to think on it as possible. Or the time with Tirek, though that one had been an eye-opener at least.

The scenario around them changed, as past Discord and Omen left, and with a snap of his fingers, Discord ended their vision, leaving them as they had been before all of this in Fluttershy's living room.

"Any questions?"

"Why did you think I was dead?"

"Because I designed you as a pony, and they really do live miserably short lives. I figured you had died of old age long before the first birds even sat on my statue, or vanished along with all my other improvements to the land."

He mumbled something about *accursed birds* to himself, before leaning back in mid air and cleansing his teeth with the tip of a claw. Omen was still thinking about things, and the answer she had been given that frankly sounded reasonable enough, so if anypony else had something to say, this would be a good time.

Hello. Just wondering what happened all of a sudden. Got very quiet in the RP. Is someone on vacation?

@@EQ_Theta,

"Something against me? But haven't you heard, I'm reformed. Put the old, boring things behind me and became one of the good ones."

Discord summoned a shining halo above his head and gave a silly look when it was mentioned that the two strangers had some issues with him. He were even about to make a comment about how he couldn't possibly be held accountable for past sins, as he had changed, when the one talking walked forward and mentioned a name that caught him off guard, judging by the look of somepony that had gotten something stuck in his throat. A look that shortly after went to amusement and a big, chuckling smile.

"Oh I get it, this is a joke, right? Did Celestia send you to get back at me for our adventure?"

He gave a healthy laughter and looked down on the... Longma? He wasn't entirely sure. Seemed like a strange mix of creatures, though not in his own league of course. A female of some kind at least.

"You can tell her that was a good one. Picking a name from the past like that was good, but she can do better than mentioning a long-dead mare like Omen."

"You thought I was dead?"

The voice rummaging through his mind made Discord look around in surprise before finally looking down and noticing Omen, standing still as a rock under his claw. At least until he swung his arms down and picked her up, facing towards him with the big, curious eyes that he vaguely started to remember i more details.

"Oh, this is simply too amusing! So many gifts today, and now this? is it my birthday already?"

He snapped with the hairs of his tail and a calendar suddenly floated next to his face, with the picture of the month being him riding a camel in a strange outfit. He looked down under it whilst still holding Omen in an outstretched grip, and just looking over the dates that seemed a little off. Like for example how the month were 47 days long, with no real order in it and small marks that moved around randomly, making it impossible to tell what day he had something written down in this thing. Or it might just be for looks really, as many things that Discord summoned ended up being.

"Doesn't seem lik- Uh, pancake Tuesday is coming up."

The calendar disappeared with a pop, and Discord, completely ignoring the two siblings for now, turned towards Fluttershy with Omen in his talon like she were a cat. Complete with holding her in her neck skin.

"I ever told you about Omen, Fluttershy? Made her out of shadows and chaos back when I ruled Equestria. The better of my servants."

"I was the only one."

"Well sure, if you want to get all technical about it."

He started to mumble to himself, then took the still, somewhat baffled Omen closer and put his paw on the left side of her head, then pushed down with his palm five times in rapid succession. Something which apparently triggered Omen to loose all control of her tongue, that rolled out of her face and gathered on the floor until no more of it could exit her head. She pulled it back in like it was a long spaghetti afterwards, but you could barely hear any sound from it when you compared it to deep laughter of Discord.

"Ahahaha, I never tire of doing that. Such a fun little flaw to add."

__________________________________________________________________

@,

Chow got a small laughter going when he saw and heard Misty trying to whistle. He really shouldn't, but it was just too funny to him to stop himself before it got out.

"Heh. You might need a bit more training there Misty, but it's a fine start. Frankly I wasn't much better when I were your age, and I can tell you that keeping up the practice will do wonders. Here, lemme show ya."

He put his hoof to his mouth and let out a loud, piercing whistle, like he had blown into a whistle.

"Growing up 'round griffins make you adapt well. So I made sure to train my own shriek, so to speak. Scars the feather of 'em sometimes."

The bit of info came along as he followed into the house that frankly, looked a whole lot less like he had thought. Sure, it was a bit messy here and there, and there were a good chunk of books, but overall, it was pretty normal. For some reason he had imagined it more like several cauldrons, walls lined with mysterious jars, spells written on the walls, a crow somewhere for some reason, and so on. This right here were a good deal away from that.

He were about to say something nice about the place, when the scene unfolded between Astral and Misty, and the words withered in his mouth.

Not because he were judging them on the usage of magic books that apparently wasn't doing anything good for others, nor felt like he should start asking questions about why she'd want to burn books that could perhaps have a usage in some kind of library. No, it was more that the mention about Astral's mother being dead made it all get swiped away by sympathy for the poor mare. As somepony who had lost their parents at a young age he could understand some of the pain she went through, though not all of it, as he hadn't been more than a year and a half when his parents had died, and he therefore couldn't place many memories about them in his mind. Even their faces went away now and again when he tried to get a grip on it.

For somepony that had been older, it would've had to be devastating, and he considered saying his condolences about this... But bitter experience had taught him that some wounds shouldn't be constantly picked at, even for a seemingly good reason, and considering what he knew about his big ol' mouth ratting off sometimes, the chances of adding salt to said injury were too great to take. It was better that he showed his respects for now, by not touching that subject. Another time perhaps, if it seemed like a more appropriate situation, but not now.

"...Yeah, it ain't a bother. I'll get started there right off."

He gave a sympathetic look towards Astral as she turned her back and started to move out tot he wagon with the big book, before he went over to the shelf and started to get to work himself.

Not the worst sort of thing he could carry really. The boars and such he hunted weighed a whole lot more than this, though they were more manageable to be honest, so he couldn't carry the exact same weight out in books at a time, though he still did a fair amount per time.

_______________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

Well, that answered that question at least. This wasn't Zinthar's memory after all, but Crescent's.

The ash had been one clue, as Zinthar's memory simply included a rather large, crude sort of chimney, and not something that made the ash rain down like it was snowflakes. Yet the more important clues where what Crescent were saying, the way he said it, and his reaction of storming towards whatever happened. It painted a picture, though considering his reaction and the ash falling from the sky, it couldn't be a picture of beauty that would end up being their next destination.

*sigh* He guessed he'd see soon enough what this were all about, though hopefully it wasn't as horrid as the look on Crescent made it out to be. Catching up to the bat pony were gonna be a bother to begin with already, and doing so whilst the end destination were not something to cheer about, would just make it worse. For him and the bat pony alike.

@@Hazard Time,
@@Seamore Sandwich,
@@Moonlit,

"Nono silly. I mean like, either a peppermint or something with lemon."

Ziggy giggled at the notion that she'd want the mixture between the sweet, refreshing smell of peppermint, and the more sour, richness of lemon. Perhaps there were a way to mix those, but the smells were both, as Succulent said, pretty strong. It'd be weird to try and mingle that without ruining either one, and she'd want the distinct smell of one or the other if possible.

When Succulent then went on to mention her coin frog though, Ziggy didn't focus on the past notion anymore. Not when there was a little bit of story to tell from back home.

"I know, right? Mom said I was silly for getting it, but I just couldn't help myself.

I've had it since I was 10. The hospital took me out on one of the rare walks I had the chance to go on and explore a little of our part of Las Pegasus. under supervision, granted, but I didn't care. it was just so good to be outside and see the big worlds beyond the walls again.

Anyway, going 'round, I stumble over this adorable little stand at the side of the road. It was filled to the brim with all sorts of homemade items, and were run by this really intimidating stallion. He had scars, missed an eye, was looking like it was a horrible day for him that he had a reason to be angry at, the works.

I was about to just take off again and follow along with the nurse who were looking at something across the street, when I set my eyes on this coin purse, and go to ask him how much it is, which seemed to really surprise him. More so when I kept talking to him after purchasing it, cause I was curious.

Turns out he really wasn't so bad after all. He had been off in some kind of war and wanted to do something else with his life, so he had turned to making trinkets and such as a hobby. It was something he liked, but not a lot really went over to his cart after he got all the things ready because they found him scary, and the few that did took off fast.

I didn't meet him again for a long time after that, but a few years later, he sent me a package in the hospital with a thank you letter and these."

She poked at the frames on her face, briefly finding a good deal of joy in the memory of when she had opened the package and received the gift. It was a precious memory, just like the frames were, and she kept them both in high regards. Even if some ponies said she looked weird with these on.

"They had some tinted glass in, but it always looked weird to me, so I just removed the glass and kept these. When I met him about five years later he didn't seem to mind, and actually got a kick out of it.

Oh right, Why he sent the gift. Well, he wrote that me having stopped up and given him a chance had apparently made others take notice and do the same, then the domino effect happened and suddenly he had a lot around him finally. He looks a lot more happy these days, and actually runs a pretty great store these days full of random things, or the possibility for ordering. I bet if it was, he'd sew up another like this. If he haven't already really. Some cute things like this get popular in Las Pegasus once in awhile and he tends to have his hoof on the pulse then."

It was so little that she really had the chance to share storied from back home that she few times she did, she could at times put a few extra layers of information on than needed. Not lies, or false information mind you, just more details than *I got this here, some time ago*.

She didn't know why so little wanted to ask things though. Best bet she had were that they heard her mention the hospital and thought it wasn't something that should be dug into, but why not? Was just a part of her life, not something that had to be hidden behind a wall of secrecy. She'd probably not mention the place if it made her uncomfortable or something, right?

___________________________________________________________________________


@,

"Huh, well that's practical."

Chow gave a close glance at the wards on the necklace and rock, impressed on how this were going. Back when he had mingled with magical energy to try and grow a pair of wings or, if things went better, make him into a griffon, he hadn't thought about protecting himself from potential backlash and had just gone for it.

Turned out that messing with cursed magic unprepared didn't go well, and would instead nearly tear your mind in half. An experience which had made him very reluctant towards trying something like that again, even if it made him look like what he had felt like being for most of his life by now, but perhaps if he got a better understanding about wards...

No. No. He wasn't gonna bother her with this sort of thing right now. There'd be plenty of time to talk later when they were waiting on the train, and it'd perhaps have made him learn a few things without bugging the lass about this, so it wouldn't get all sorts of weird early on. Better to just roll with things for now, get a move one, and then make a fool outta himself.

When they reached the house of the two he gave out a small, impressed whistle. It looked really homely and interesting for sure - at least on the outside - though how they had gotten this made without it being common knowledge in Ponyville was amazing. You'd think that somepony in town would've been talking about a place like this, or at least the one's who made their home out here.

Well, former home now. Dang, that got sorta depressing sounding at the end when that stuff came to mind.

"Wha- Oh, moving out some stuff? Sure thing. Just point me at something and I'll get it out here chief."

__________________________________________________________________________________


@@EQ_Theta,

The drake didn't really flinch from Lin moving, It were solidly placed on her shoulders still, and simply followed along when she did. It did clench the clear gem a bit closer though, but it was a minor thing at best, and shouldn't really inconvenience Lin.

As for Omen, she looked Lin in the eyes as she came over and tried to comfort her, but didn't know what to say. Usually she hadn't anypony caring about her problems, and she wasn't sure what to do about this now, nor about what Fluttershy were saying. Perhaps though, she could start by taking the outstretched claw, and tell what she could about how she were about this whole situation with Discord? It seemed like it was what she should at least.

Slowly, she extended her hoof towards Lin's claw, reaching ever closer to it-

"Hello, my little ponies!"

- and then suddenly Discord stood in the room, arms raised high and laughing maniacally.

He had a bag at each side of him and wore ridiculously big sunglasses under his sun hat, though his presence were no less impactful on Omen regardless of his touristy attire, as she were currently feeling the closest she ever had to a complete brain error in seeing him again after this long.

He didn't really notice for now, he just kept laughing, and when he were finally done, snapped his fingers to make the things he had with him disappear, then glided through the air over to Fluttershy and scratched her a little on her head. He had found a small point in her mane that she liked some time ago, and found it interesting to do so, especially when he tried to endear himself to her from, say, being away for a while when they usually had a schedule. A boring thing really, since it was so linear and with little room for spontaneity, but alas, what one didn't have to endure to keep somepony like her in your life.

"Good to see you again my dear. Did you miss me?"

Toying with her a little were far too tempting to stop with as well, though he hadn't planned at first to simply appear out of thin air such as this. Normally he would've knocked and waited, but he had taken notice of there being others in there, and thought he'd surprise them all. That, and he were a creature who liked to be bathed in the scene lights and be showered with attention, and who were he to stay away for longer from such a fun audience? Or well, at least a lot more fun after their distasteful little elements had fluttered away. The threat of being turned back into stone had really limited his potential for having some fun on their behalves.

As it tuned out now though, it wasn't the ponies like Twilight that were taking Fluttershy's time, but instead some rather strange creatures. One he could identify as a Longma. A rather old-school, boring race that he had tried to introduce to a little fun a long time ago, but like with so many others, they hadn't been all that thankful about it.

Why, sometimes he almost got the impression that nopony liked a little chaos in their lives. *snicker*

"Well, does somepony care to tell me what a Longma does here? Foolishly trying to go after the close associates of the Lord of chaos himself, perhaps?"

He looked at Sen like he were contemplating turning him into a platypus or something similar for being here, but he stayed his claw when he looked at Lin, and a laughter went over him again.

"Love the design by the way. The glowing parts make you look deliciously inharmonious."

It wasn't the only reason that he didn't do something about the Longma, but they didn't need to know that there was a certain pony that hadn't found it funny when he did exactly that to Applejack, and she had made him promise to refrain from doing that in her home. Not a promise he could always keep, but he didn't want to get on Fluttershy's bad side. She could be quite feisty when she wanted to be.

"Come on now, I'm all ears."

He leaned on the top of a chair and increased his right ear in size until it looked like he could use it to fly with, waiting for somepony to tell him what was going on before he started to act out a little too much. Perhaps something he already had by being near Fluttershy and seeming so defensive in both his stance and words, but this were nothing, if he truly wished to spice things up a little. Not in the slightest.

He hadn't really taken notice of Omen at this point, though the arm that he though leaned well on a chair did well on her head. Apparently, he hadn't really even taken notice that she were here yet, or that normally, a chair wouldn't be on the couch, or just didn't find it interesting compared to knowing what these two did in Fluttershy's house.

@,

"Back where I grew up, we had a saying. *If it ain't gonna hurt you, keep your beak clean.* and since you folks seem like you ain't gonna make trouble, I can't see how it's anypony's business other than your own."

He really missed life back then sometimes. Sure, living amongst the griffins wasn't easy, and Griffinstone certainly wasn't very pony friendly when you didn't have wings, but he had the best memories of his life there regardless. He had friends there that he had earned through a long time of proving that he wasn't a soft-skin, a foster family he held in high regards, along with a lot of griffins that respected him for how he did amongst them, and didn't give him much beef as long as he wasn't stirring something up without reason.

It was a place he fitted in, and ever since he moved to Equstria he could feel how he didn't anymore. Any friend he tried to make here found him weird, annoying, or a brute for hunting. His business was reduced mostly to dealing with pet food instead of having a straight up meat stall, and some ponies gave him a few chosen words because they thought it barbaric, not understanding that the towns' critters needed meat to thrive. And the low altitude air were still something that irked him at times. Felt heavy, compared to the fresh air of the high mountains.

Much as he tried to help and smile through things, he was a griffin in all but body, and he felt as much an outcast as any actual griffins that would come through town. Something which, at times, were close to making him just break down into depression. Frankly, if it wasn't because Giddon came 'round now and again so he had some company he could relate a little to, it was likely that he would've gone that route ages ago. And Giddon wasn't even that good of a conversationalist, as he didn't want to get into personal topics if he could help it.

*sigh* How he longed for the day when he had scraped enough bits together to move back again.

He suddenly got aware of hos silent he had all of a sudden gone for a while now and cleared his throat a little in embarrassment.

"My bad, sometimes the memories gets a hold of me. But anyway, you can count on me to keep it a secret. I just wanted to ask 'cause I was thinking that having some of those health potions on the ready might be a boon for the emergency kit in Ponyville. In case something tried to make a mess of town again, y'know? But if it's a right struggle finding the stuff for it that sounds like a sort of pipe dream."

Keeping his focus on the two this time 'round, he gave them both a grand, cheeky smile, and felt his mood rise a bit again in the process.

"But eh, no reason t' cry over spilled milk after all. We got ourselves somethin' more imminent on our hooves right now as it is anyway: Trying to see how much of your stuff we can hog unto the wagon without it breaking. It's solid enough, that ain't it, just saying that if you got a rock collection, it's not gonna do it any good.

What sorta things are we gonna be taking along though, If I might ask? And please tell me the quarry of rocks are just me being sarcastic, and not somethin' that's gonna be a real deal."

_____________________________________________________________________________

@@EQ_Theta,

Omen listened to every word that Fluttershy spoke when she began to recollect the events of what had happened with her master in recent years.

For the most part, it sounded like the master she knew. Toying, impossible to ignore, powerful and more than willing to show what he could do. That he acted to turn the friends against eachother wasn't surprising to her, as that would be much alike other games she had seen him do before, and this was self preservation, as it also helped him stay free, and out of his stone prison. It fitted well what he'd do, though from the sound of things, he had still gone easy on them. She had seen him truly mess with somepony before, and this were more of a beginning game than anything where he truly put his full might behind it.

Then came the part about the beginning of his reform, and things changed. From what were told, he attempted to hold back, and used his need for fun mostly on others that nopony mattered happened anything to. He sounded like he were changing... And then the mention of Tirek came in.

The Discord she heard of there were confusing. It sounded like him scheming, but teaming up with another? And letting his guard down enough to be drained of his own magic? This wasn't like the master she knew. This was more the sound of somepony that wasn't sure who he were, trying to cling to what was, whilst having part of what he now where interfere with his actions.

The story ended well, and the last parts about how he now did his to help, and had seemingly regretted what happened, were a good finish. Still, it made her even more sure that she needed to find him. She had to make sure what had happened with him to make him so erratic - in a different way than he usually were - and how he were now. Not through the words of others, but by seeing him herself, and asking him directly.

"The start sounded like when I knew him, but he changed much in your story. To something better for others it sounds like, but for himself too, if he now haves a friend.

At times, it were all he spoke about when he were sad, and felt alone. Him having somepony now... I don't know what to expect from him anymore. Master Discord will have changed more than I had first imagined. Perhaps enough to no longer need me..."

A tinge of sadness seemed to go briefly over her voice as her eye drew towards the drake that were currently having an interesting time it seemed.

When the small gems had been given near it, it hadn't at first been all too trustful of the small bag, nor of the gems that Fluttershy had laid out for it, but as Omen had taken the sapphire up and held it towards the drake, it had begun slowly moving down from Lin's shoulder again so it could get closer to the shiny gem.

It couldn't get over to her complete on it's own, being still on Lin, but as it had gotten close enough, Omen had handed it more towards the drake that quickly snatched it out of her hoof before slithering upwards to Lin's shoulder again.

She had lost track of what happened after that as there were then a story told by Fluttershy, but when she looked back, the drake were in full swing wrapping itself around the gem, and... Wait, weren't it a blue one she had given it?

What she hadn't seen where the drake examining the gem for a little before - about halfway through Fluttershy's tale - gnawing down on the thing and slowly starting to drain every aspect of colour from the stone, whilst his scales and fur seemed to crackle a little with energy.

At the end, when Omen had glanced at it, it had not only drained whatever it had hungered for from the stone, leaving it now looking like a clear diamond - albeit with a few teeth marks - but had seemingly also grown a few inches, and were treating the former piece of sapphire like it's hoard.

Strange creature, but it seemed satisfied and calmer for now, so that was something good at least.

Outside of Fluttershy's house, something began to approach on the sky. It wasn't obvious yet, but whatever it were, it would likely be at her door in a few minutes. Four at the absolute max unless it slowed down it's speed more.

@@EQ_Theta,

Omen were about to say something about Lin as well, when she interrupted things and made it clear that if something were to be explained, she would do so herself. It sounded reasonable, partially because, after all, she were the only one who could tell the whole story. Sen and her could only tell fragments, as none of them had gone int o the well where most of what had happened to her went down. 8 years of it in fact, of which they barely knew anything. Or well, Omen didn't, Sen might have been told something in the time she had left them alone.

Mainly though, it was simply just her own choice to make. Omen would be the first to admit that she still didn't know fully how to approach having friends, even if she had learned something from the strange place her and Lin had been to. Yet, much as there were a lot of holes to be filled with time and experience, she were still somewhat certain that she were supposed to respect the decisions of them, and until proven wrong, she would operate under that.

It wasn't long after that that the subject of the strange drake came up and stopped that line of thought, diverting it as they all began to look at her for answers as to what this creature were.

"I don't know. Nephew from another place gave me a rock, turned out to be an egg.It looks like some sort of dragon, and spews fire like one, so perhaps a dragon? Would drake fit? I don't know, and neither did my sister..

Animal, sentient being, origin or name, I don't know any of them. Nor if it really understands things."

A tiny, roar came from the drake on Lin's shoulder, and it seemed to nod slightly before it moved a few inches further up to get a better hold so it wouldn't fall down. It might have just looked like a nod, and it was actually feeling like it was starting to glide down slightly, but it still drew the eye of Omen, who thought the first more than the second.

"Peculiar. But still, I don't know much. It likes to bite, and I've seen it likes berries. Might be it bites because it's hungry?"

Outside, the sun were soon to be drawn from the sky and give way to the night, but still there was no sign of Discord. Still, he were likely to show either on time, or later, and not before. Not unless he wanted to surprise Fluttershy, which to be fair, wasn't an impossibility. It really depended on his mood, though he tried to at least keep himself a little more in check these days.

______________________________________________________________________

@,

"Energetic little lass, ain't she?"

Chow chuckled a little as he saw the excited foal going through the motions and start to lead them towards where they were going. he hadn't thought that he'd get any reason to smile today, since the attack began, but the simple joy of Misty was... How could one say it... A spot of normality and calmness in all this turmoil.

It was calming in a way, and it gave him a chance to really take a breath, which were greatly appreciated, but he couldn't stand around and think over things like this. He had some grunt work ahead of him, and waiting around wouldn't diminish that.

"Mind me asking you something, Astral? And don't worry, it ain't about what sounds like you mucking about with magic stuff. That ain't none of my business to stick my nose in and I'll keep that to myself. Just wondering about something Misty there said, about you two being able to make health potions? Is that true? I'd like to believe the lil' one, but I gotta make sure, or me asking in about it more in depth are gonna make me sound like a right ol' nutter."

He waited until Misty was out of earshot, and said this low as to trying to avoid the zebra from hearing them. He'd rather not that she heard him disbelieving her words, even if it was just him making triply sure, or this was gonna become one long, awkward move. It'd likely become that at some point regardless, as he were bound to sooner or later shove his big hoof down his even bigger mouth, but there wasn't any reason to start it off on that sort already. Not if it could be helped at least.

@@Illiad Easle,

@@Randimaxis,

"Whoa whoa, easy there Dax, you're gonna stir your headache."

Dax's rapid movements as he went through the motions from finding out Illiad were in the quarry worried her. Sure, he seemed fine, and he didn't stumble or anything, but it would still be like poking to a lion with a stick to rummage around like that when at least part of his head were still sore. He eased down with time, granted, but still, it was worrisome as he would likely get riled up again when he met Illiad, and his head wouldn't be likely to let him do that without a painful reminder.

She wish she could've kept the focus on answering the fascinating things that Euler told her first instead, or comment that cutesy little hint of a smile that had crossed his face, but the patients always came first, even when they were, overall, doing well. Really, long as they felt pain and were near her, they were still patients far as she were concerned, and Dax hadn't seemed free of pain. Not yet at least, though hopefully an ice pack and a bit of rest would do the trick.

After that, she couldn't really say something because it'd be rude to stop Dax and Euler from talking to one another, but at least it gave her a chance to fill out the form on her desk a little with some details on Dax's current condition, and to listen in to some more interesting things from the two of them. It wasn't like, the perfect situation, but hey, not everything could be a dance on roses, and she did have to get this done fr the job anyway, so it was fine. It could use more muffins though, but then again, what couldn't?

"You should've been there earlier Dax, and you could see he doesn't just look the part. I went heading for Illiad like *Yey, hugs!* and then he were all *Nope, gonna get you.* and then he got me. It was amazing!"

It was a really positive way to speak of one who had tackled you to the ground, but it really had been one of those things that'd be a treasured memory to her rather than an annoyance for sure. Not often she got her hooves swept away under her. And even less so when it was done in a literal sense.

"And before I forget, thank you for telling me about Thestrals Euler. I only ever really learned about anything bat pony related from Crescent, and I would've never guessed there was a pure-blood thing going on with bat ponies from that. I honestly thought that you might've been a dragon pony of some kind. Whoops?"

She giggled innocently, but she looked apologetic about it as se mentioned what she had thought at first when seeing the bodyguard without his helmet on. To be fair though, his rank included the word Dragon, so it wasn't totally off the mark to say that he were a dragon pony if you wanted to be technical about it.

"Now that I think about it, Illiad said that perhaps he'd spent the night. If he does, do you think you'd have some time I could spend with you? I'd love to learn more about you. bet it'd be all sorts of fun."

It was a bit vague in it if she meant in a medical way only, but it was unlikely. Ziggy was the kind that couldn't see others as just beings on a chart, and wanted to know more about them if she found the interesting, and she certainly found this one interesting. In what way? Hard to say, but perhaps that'd clear up eventually.

Oh hey, msde a rhyme. Bit of a strange one, but so were it that she formed one in her head. Usually she just blurted them out when something was happening. It was likely just a coincidence though.

@@EQ_Theta,

"I am Omen."

Though she answered Fluttershy, it did not mean that she looked at her whilst doing so. Instead, her eyes were drawn towards Lin, and her attempts to connect witht he animals in this home.

It was rather strange for her to think that there were this many all around, with places prepared for them, as beyond a few pets, she didn't think most liked having animals being as present as this. And these didn't look like pets as much as wild animals that had been allowed to make this place part of their own. No cages for the birds, no leashed on the dog she had passed, nor fences to attempt to keep any bunnies at bay, or anything like it.

They seemed oddly tame though, even if they did cover and run from Lin like a wolf were after them. A curious situation all in all, but it was likely not doing wonders for Lin. The ponies in town acting this way had made her sound down already, and now having animals do the same, would perhaps just make her more sad. Not something that should overcome her new sister, but what should she do? Grab a bunny and pull it closer perhaps?

She were about to do so, when a dim light flickered over her head, and she instead grabbed up with hr hoof to rustle through her mane. As she pulled it away, the white drake with the golden features had bit down into her hoof and wriggled around it, apparently not haven been too happy about being woken up, and still not understanding that this were, essentially, not doing anything.

"Trying something."

Omen put her hoof forth towards Lin and watched as the small thing uncurled from her a bit, sniffed the leg that it were put towards, then slithered over there and upwards, slowly headed for the shoulder if not stopped. Before, this would have likely not work, but it associated the smell of Omen and her kin to safety, and Lin smelled of them too. Enough to make the small creature think her a spot to place itself for the time being.

It was a little odd, but hey, at least there was one animal in here that didn't mind her at all. Though she might want to watch her claws a little around it's head, as it had seemed perfectly fine with biting even those it didn't mind. Then again, Omen had disturbed it whilst it was sleeping, so it might just be her right now.

"Careful. It bites."

There was no telling if this actually did something, but she wanted to try and help her new sister in what ways she could, and currently, this seemed like a reasonable help to lend. Though as always, she could always end up being wrong.

_____________________________________________________________________________

@@cwhip9,

Zinhar rose an eyebrow when he heard what Crescent were saying.

"You never mentioned... Any mind-reading. Never had it... Far as I know. Not when... Awake at least."

He utterly loathed mind-readers of any kind, so to think that he had perhaps been under the influence of one of those... Parasites, were irking him greatly. Granted, that he called somepony a parasite was rather ironic, everything considered, but at least his ways didn't involve scouring into the one bastion of privacy that everypony should have the right to keep. Even at his height - or low, depending on who looked at things - he wouldn't have done that.

"You better hope it... Is not my memory though. Only... One forest I remember with... Something burning, and I don't... Think you'd want to see that."

If it did turn out to be his memory, they would be able to see it if they went nearer to the smoke, and ended up seeing a crudely made temple. And if that turned out to be it, Crescent had good reason to be distressed. He had too, in a sense, but mostly because it would illuminate certain parts of his past he had hoped he could wait revealing until he got out of here. Namely, the exact answer to one of the first things Crescent asked him when they met: How long, were he willing to go?

Still, if it wasn't connected to him, it would likely still end up being a bad sign that smoke was rising. Nothing good tended to happen when that were part of the scenario. Though, Crescent did seem unusually on edge about this, compared to how he had reacted to things prior to this. More dread, you might say.

Perhaps, the questions wasn't related to the situation at hoof at much as he thought, and this would turn out to be one of the bat pony's memories instead? Intriguing, yet he'd have to see what happened next to be sure.

________________________________________________________________________________

@@Wolves,

"Well, there seemed to be all sots on the case. Question really seems to be if the ones on the case is some of the good guys, though considering the changeling queen I am going to remain tentatively worried."

It was a little vague, but you could hear the distaste that went over his tongue when he said *changeling queen*, as if the mere mention of that were something vile.

This wasn't an act like most other things though, he really didn't like opposing changeling queens. Far as he knew, it was not just him, but more of a broad thing for their kind to dislike other hives and in particular, their rulers, though the reasons tended to be mixed. Some didn't like them because they felt that one being near challenged the authority of their own queen, others - particular in his own hive - looked down on them and thought them as being unworthy to lead, and so on and so forth.

Him? Mainly paranoia about being caught and interrogated. He had been through that once, with his current hive, before he were converted, and he'd rather do anything else than go through that horrible experience again. Sure, it couldn't end like then, but it had shown him the creative ways a trained changeling interrogator could make you talk if they wanted to, and he had barely survived the first time around. A second time would likely spell a slow, painful end for him.

Granted, there were also some distaste in general because he thought opposing queens weak compared to his own, and in a hive where strength where the most important thing, that carried some weight on how he felt, but it wasn't the majority of the reason.

"But, like you said, we'd better wait it out and see what's what soon enough. Not thinking it'll be over in a jiffy, and especially not with the work that's gonna have to go into rebuilding whatever they're destroying right now, but hopefully the fighting is gonna end soon at least so it doesn't get worse.

Here's hoping they're too far from where you live at least, Cyan. Take it from one who've been there: Loosing your home is a pain in the flank, and I wouldn't wish that hassle on anypony."

_______________________________________________________________________________

@@Seamore Sandwich,
@@GingerLightning,
@@Quinch,
@@Lonk Chase,
@@Denim&Venom,
@@Mentis Soliloquy,

A piercing, pained scream were heard right before the explosions began, though thankfully they drowned out the majority of it.

There wasn't much the screamer felt thankful for right now though, as the waves of pain and the chaos around him battered his being equally. There was nothing but agony in many different ways, but how could you really blame him, considering what had happened?

There had been a moment when Briar had felt relieved, when he had been able to catch the falling pony with the vine wrapped more or less carefully around her, but as the mare had started to fire off her blasts all around in frustration and had blasted right through his vine, that had quickly turned.

While it were true that he could regrow this, if given enough time, it still had as many nerves in it as any other limb, and getting it exploded off were just as agonisingly painful as if it had happened to any other part of him. Hence the scream, as Penny would fall to the ground with the remnants of the vine twitching and ending still and lifeless on the ground around her.

Briar himself were close by as well, but even though he were also on the ground, he were very much alive, and clutching the remnant of his vine whilst letting out pained, sobbing sounds.

At least the vine had been cauterized in a sense, so his blood wouldn't start spilling everywhere and make the grass grow exponentially from either himself or the remnant of his vine near Penny and Lonk, but that was really a minor thing in his head compared to the pain that this unfortunate chain of events had led to.

______________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, over at the changeling queen and the kitsune, Zhu turned briefly to look at the scenario unfold as the ship in the air made its mark on the battlefield, leading the the final phase of the Forgotten One's impact on their world. At least, if things were taken advantage of before it was too late.

"The pah is once again walked with steady hooves. A great boon for the balance, and one I thank you for, yet there are still a step to take before the future returns."

With that, the winds around him started to blow once more and rush forward to grab the two pieces of his attack that he could see.

The first were Last, who had missed in the attack he had sent her in when the bombs started to fall and he had to quickly move her away from the action, but he would admit that she did not look in the best of states right now. The stitches were doing theirs to try and fall apart now as the shockwave from the explosions had hit her, and she were bleeding more than was safe from the wound. Even with the berserking stance he had put her in, it wouldn't be long before she'd collapse from this wound, along with the damage the shockwave had otherwise made, but for now she were still a workable piece, and as such, he forced her through the air once more, and towards a point not far from the Forgotten One.

The second piece were safer, as Ko had avoided the explosions, albeit loosing the webs he had just been starting to set up, because of the explosive shells. It irked him, but he had been in the process of getting past that and taking advantage of the overly weird, but open invitation that were presented in regards to the Ancient One, before the winds had suddenly picked him up and ent him - along with the poisoned clock hand - towards the same spot as Last.

As they hit the spot, he rose his voice slightly and uttered a spell in a rather old language. Not indecipherable, but it was a less circulated language, so to speak, and was likely not known by anypony near him. It was impossible to tell if the kitsune did though, as those beings were hard to predict and often had knowledge he didn't think they should. Still, even if she did, all it would tell her was that he had his roots in the older scrolls of magic instead of the more new age ones which tended to be less strained on the magic resources, but also limited from some beings or races.

And considering the bridge that rose out of the debris and such, leading upwards in a path towards the Forgotten One, the meaning of the spell would be easy to see too, regardless of whatever or not you knew what he were saying.

Ko and Last would end up there roughly at the same time, and without hesitation would move up the strange path that led towards the Forgotten one's chest. This were their - and others, if they wished to use this - chance to strike directly at the heart of the being, which they both did the second they got up to the end.

Thankfully for Ko, Last barely even took notice of him in the process, and kept her rage on Nemo/The Forgotten One as she plunged the flaming sword towards his heart, with Ko doing the same with the poisoned piece of metal in his hands.

If anything tried to stop them - be it more explosives or the ancient being trying to open another rift, Zhu would spend the extra energy and control them through the air towards the target again, or force the explosive rounds away in some capacity, though it would cost him a lot of energy, and would just redirect it, instead of outright remove it from the equation.

But the time to conserve had passed. Now, it was time to finish things, and in the final stretch one could spent that little more if needed, though he hoped that it would not be extremely taxing. He had use of some energy after this too so that he could right a few wrongs before he had to depart.

_________________________________________________________________________________

At the same time, over at Ginger, Meeko were... Well, he had gone back to the bucket. After the explosions it didn't feel safe out here anymore, so he had taken the little cover he had to work with there and now just kept under it, shivering and whimpering. So far, his impression of life outside the forest wasn't really a good one.

________________________________________________________________________________

@@Frosty Frost,

@@Summer Breeze,

"Oh, oh, wait for me!"

It hadn't taken more than Summer flying off towards the ocean before Blitz had wanted to do the same and had gone after her. Not flying, as she wasn't able to make her mechanical wings work, but she still had a bundle of energy to use to run.

Nerzhei considered stopping the little thing, but it was a straight road to the shore without any worthwhile places for potential attackers to hide, and the place looked - as usual - abandoned. Seemed safe enough to just let her run off and expend some energy. Plus, it left her with more peace to build a shelter for the evening. It wouldn't be overly impressive, but it should do the trick, if she got the peace to make it.

"Both of you can go on, I'll try to look about preparing some shelter for the time being. And I'd stay out of the water if I were you. The currents aren't that strong until you get far out, but I'm not taking chances."

"Are you certain you don't need help?

"You are helping, by going along and keeping an eye on those two before they do something stupid. Now shoo with you."

Lyriel didn't look all too comforting leaving the dragoness alone as she started to search the area before the beach to find a good spot for them she could work with, but she had a point in that someone really should keep an eye on the other ponies, so she simply nodded with no more protest and wandered along.

"We should give her a little peace then, if that is her want. Let us move along Frosty. Please."

On the beach itself, there wasn't any difference between what they could have seen from a distance and near, beyond the finer details of the sand, though for Blitz it was still all highly fascinating. She couldn't remember ever seeing a beach and yet only a few seconds had passed from her touching the sand until she acted much like you could expect from any foal that had been there before.

She ran around, picked up seashells and stacked them, started on digging holes briefly before forgetting about it and moving on, rolling in the sand and so forth. The water didn't draw her in right now, but perhaps in due time when she were done having fun on the abandoned piece of land, she might. Well, abandoned beyond Summer, who would have gotten there before her of course, but still.

______________________________________________________________________________

@@Moonlit,

@@Seamore Sandwich,

@@Hazard Time,

"Roger that. have fun."

She had expected that it was something sort of private with the two, and had an idea about what the subject matter might be about, but she still felt a tiny bit disappointed when the two of them left and headed for the second floor. Not enough to let show that much, past her ears hanging slightly low for a bit, but not for long, as this made her realize that she had some alone time too with Succulent! And she still had the question about the perfume from the day before that had gotten sort of drowned out in the midst of everything going on.

"I almost forgot. Succulent, do you have a perfume that smells sort of like peppermint, or lemon? Oh, oh, or both? I can send one home then as a gift."

To prove she could pay for things she opened the largest of the pockets on her vest and drew forth her wallet. it was a little childish, looking like a frog whose mouth you filled with bits when it were, but it wasn't really surprising when it came to the doc anymore that this sort of thing were amongst her belongings. Frankly, would have been weirder if it were just a normal, boring pouch.

__________________________________________________________________________

@,

"Can't really remember the name. Somewhere over at the Rambling Rock Ridge. Honestly a little less of a town and more of a half-nomadic bunch going around the rural areas, but there is a point they can go for the train around there that leads to Canterlot. I think they call the place Travel Ridge or something like that. Only place I know to get there without it being through Ponyville anyway.

And I don't think anypony's going after them. Too small of a community to be worth it, and when it ain't stationary as such, it's hard to plan an attack. Though if it is, my best bet is just to try and wave down the train somewhere and hope it works, 'cause then word really needs to get to the castle."

Whilst talking, Chow got the wagon well placed on himself, though he had to toss his spear into it for the time being, as it couldn't sit on his back at the same time. It made him feel rather exposed, not to have his weapon after all these years of being able to fight back with it if something happened, but it wasn't like he had a choice. Couldn't exactly strap a wagon to a foal or somepony that had barely woken up now, could he? Especially not when the later seemed to have a tendency for cursing when stuff didn't go right. He were used to it from back in Griffon country, sure, but there were a foal here, so it were likely for the best not to trigger things when she were 'round to hear it.

"Alright, lead the way, and we'll see what we can do then."

_______________________________________________________________________________

@@Brianna Changeling,

"Eh, your choice, I just offered them. Most of those I find as easy targets never get picked off as I ain't exactly here with a hive in my back, so letting easy food go for another time ain't exactly anything unusual."

He would lie if he said he wasn't a little disappointed though. Sure, beating up the timberwolves had been a simple little distraction, and had helped get a few things out of his system, but it just wasn't the same as a good, old fashioned hunt, even if he'd likely have had to stand at the side and look at it instead of being that big of a part of it.

Oh well, there wasn't anything he could do about it now. He hadn't a hive here to take the victims to himself, and there wasn't a point in trying to make this one take in his targets. Like he said, they had been an offer, or a dinner reservation, if you wanted to look at it like that, and those could always be cancelled one way or another. Just no guarantee that there was a table to eat at if she changed her mind another time now.

"I really just tend to keep track of potential targets out of habit more than anything these days. It gives me some bargaining chips in case I need it, a meal if I get hungry or have company, weak spots to infiltrate, if I find it necessary, and so forth.

Might seem strange when I am by my lonesome, but to quote my queen: *If you don't have several plans, you are weak, unprepared, and useless.* and I have a hard time disproving that in this changeling-unfriendly world."

While it was a fond memory to him, it should have a very different ring for Brianna. or rather, it should carry a very familiar one, as that quote were one that would have rung several times through the training halls of Chrysalis' hive since their defeat at Canterlot.

It would be spoken by a former queen, and one who still acted as if she were one to anyling other than Chrysalis herself. In her training hall, there were no excuses, no back-talking, and no mercy as they were all put through harsh training to prepare them for future attacks. Her ways were brutal, and she were seen as a monster amongst some of the changelings, but they netted results, be it via physical and/or magical gains.

It was a pity that she had not been used prior to their attack on Canterlot, but the hall she were using were still being prepared, even though she were told that soon, Canterlot itself would be their new hive. She had never trusted that plan enough to rely on it completely though, and in the end, she had been proven right.

Not something she threw in Chrysalis face, though her silent treatment about the subject were perhaps just as stinging when they had dragged the fallen queen back to the hive.

Why she hadn't finished off Chrysalis and taken over the hive was confusing to some, but to those who understood the point of loyalty, she they would perhaps understand that she had given her word to serve under the stronger queen after she won, and assassinating her when she were defeated by others went against that. Didn't mean more trusted her for that reason really, but it was there regardless.

Still, the important part here would likely be that, since Happy had said that this was a quote from his queen, it would prove that he were from her former hive. And if that were the case, what were he doing out here?

@everypony

Long, stressful day, and beginning flu have shortcut my brain. Responses tomorrow I hope, unless things takes quite the drop health-wise, but I will let you know if that is. Apologies for this.

@@Illiad Easle,

@@Randimaxis,

Ziggy scratched her head at the question.

"The first one I guess? I don't really know. I mean, dad have taken me and my siblings to see the village he grew up in himself, and he have told us a bunch of stuff about the history of zebras and our family line, but slaves were never mentioned. Sure, I know it happened from some other books, but if it's something that's been directly in our family history, we haven't been told yet. Could be we get to know in three months time? Might be part of what he haves to show.

Guess I should explain, huh? Well, according to my dad, it's part of tradition to have zebras visit their origins and hear some more direct things at some point in their lives. A lot apparently goes there early, but in our family, the age to go have always been 21. Three months until that trip for all three of us, and then we're going on a family trip. Even mom, though dad tried to tell her that is a zebra thing."

Ziggy stood and giggled a little as the memories came flowing of that day when dad had tried to put his hoof down on this. It was fair to say that he lost that conversation with a resounding loss against her mothers iron will, but he really should have known better than to challenge that. And especially when the challenge included him saying that she couldn't go and learn more about the legacy of her children.

"You'd think he were the boss if you saw them, but mom's the real backbone. A tough pegasus.

Oh right, did I forget to mention that? Dad's a zebra, mom's a pegasi. And I'm one of triplets, though I bet that you'd never think so if you saw my siblings. They look a lot like mom with no stripes and stuff, whilst I take mostly after dad. They're better at making potions and stuff though than I am."

It was around this time in her ramblings, that she heard the sound of Dax waking up behind her and observed him carefully as he started to move around and touch his aching head. His movements or words weren't sluggish, so thankfully, things really did seem okay. If you ignored the aching point on his head that was.

"Goodmorning Dax. You're fine, you just ran into one of the other miners and a door. He said his name was Copper Strikes when he came around here with you. I think he's new."

She walked over, opened the glass of painkiller she had placed at him, and reached him one.

"No more than one every two hours if you want to avoid side effects, okay?

And this here's Euler, and I don't think he's related to Crescent, since he's not a bat pony. Though to be honest, I can't say I heard about thestrals before, so might be somewhat related? Perhaps you could tell us Eulerr? Pleeease?"

Ziggy looked at the thestral with puppydog eyes, hoping he'd be okay with answering this minor question. Or well, rather broad question, but not as broad as the range of questions she really wanted to ask him. Meeting new races always fascinated her, and especially ones closely related to ponies, as Crescent could easily attest. The amount of questions she had flooded him with that first day had been obscene, in hindsigt, but she had a good excuse! In case he got injured, knowing what biological differences there were between a bat pony and a pegasus could be critical, as well as being aware if there were for example things the race couldn't handle or were immune towards, in case she had to prepare some medication for him.

That there were all sort of other questions in were just, uhm... (Curiosity) More research. Honestly.

@@EQ_Theta,

Omen looked at Lin as she did hers to comfort the mare a little in regards to their little group. The half-longma had the word in her power it seemed, as Fluttershy emerged from the house, which were interesting to Omen. The tone of voice had been much different from her own, but the last part had sounded like something that wouldn't ease a pony like this. Were hte tone of voice enough? Did that make a difference? It was potentially it... She should observe Lin more other times and see if that might be it, or if there were something else. It could end up being important in the future.

"She's telling the truth. He is not in there, but I can feel he were. Something... Lingers."

Taking her up on the offer to enter, Omen walked slowly past Fluttershy without making a sound, as if she were made of wind, without saying another word.

She had never been looking inside this house, not wanting to make Discord angry at her for snooping around where his potential friend lived, and yet she seemed to walk with purpose in here. Forgotten for a time were Lin, Sen, and even Fluttershy herself as Omen's path slowly made it to a dresser, where she finally stopped, and just looked at it.

The others would potentially have reached her when she finally did something else, as it took a few minutes before she did something else than stare. But it was unlikely that they would have guessed what, as she opened her mouth, let her long tongue out, and rolled it in under the dresser, then slowly up the somewhat dusty back.

"There is something... Here."

What came back, wrapped around her tongue, was an envelope. It looked crude in it, and had no sender, but Fluttershy should likely know as well as Omen did who had written it. The yellow mare by the usual envelope, and Omen by the lingering energy that still grazed the surface.

The message inside would be all written with cut out letters from newspapers, and smelled faintly of chocolate.

Dear Fluttershy.

I have to cancel our arrangement as I'm going off to have a little fun in Saddle Arabia. I'm back in about three days time.

P.S. If Celestia comes looking for me, don't believe what she tells you. I'm sure her mane have always looked like that and she just never noticed.

With regards: Discord. the lord of chaos.

A message that Omen for one didn't read, as she turned around to return the letter in the sealed envelope to whom it were meant to. It gave her a small bite of nostalgia to do so, as delivering letters for her master had been such a prominent thing in her days so long ago, but it didn't make her halt her movements as she would approach Fluttershy and her friends, wherever they turned out to be when it were.

The letter, if she looked, would be addressed three days ago, and sundown were only in a few hours. Though what she did with this information was up to her of course. Might be things changed and she'd prefer they didn't meet him for some reason, though hopefully it would not go so, even if she could get away with it.

"I think this is for you."

@@Illiad Easle,

@@Randimaxis,

"Hehe, so that's how you look."

Ziggy walked over and looked closer at Euler with big, fascinated eyes after he had taken his helmet off, but didn't try to touch him yet. It was tempting, but... Nnnngh... No, not yet. It had to be a good time when she tried to get hold of him, and she couldn't get the momentum in here to properly try.

Still, it was so very tempting when she looked at him and saw how different he looked from just about anypony she had met before to take the chance now. The fangs were simply adorable, and the slithered eyes made him kinda look like a dragon-pony! How couldn't she like somepony that carried the appearance of a harmony between two races that - for reasons she'd never get - tended to loathe one another?

Sure, she might be a little biased, and really find it enjoyable too because she was a hybrid herself, but perhaps she shouldn't rush along and guess he were one too so easily. Sure, he might look like a dragon and pony halfblood, but frankly, she wasn't even sure if the two races could breed together. Something told her the answer would be no, but with all the sort of strange magic flowing through the world and occasionally altering the ones crossing it, who could really tell what was and wasn't possible at times? Might well be it were possible, but you just never saw anypony like that because the two races had been at eachother's throat for so long.

Then again... The two races did live in relative harmony in Manehatten, so if there had been any, she would likely have read about it... Hmmm, perhaps something to find out. Or she could just ask him, but wouldn't that seem a bit rude? Like, if he turned out to be a bat pony with a medical condition that made his eyes look like that, it'd likely be kinda offensive to compare him to a dragon.

She kept thinking over this as she walked around him again, and looked over the little part of the real him that she could see now, including the harmonious shades of purple in his coloring, ending in front of him and looking into his eyes after the second turn around.

"I like your eyes, they're pretty."

She thought she heard a groan and looked over at the bed, just in case, but it seemed like she had just imagined it. Dax were still passed out. Or he were trying to gather energy to move around more, but her money was on passed out, as he'd likely not sit still for too long when he woke up after getting a close encounter with a door. His head would probably hurt too much for that.

"Wanna have a seat?. Gotta have to remember to relax once in a while, or you'll end up with muscle strains, and I think it's gonna be some time until Dax wakes up anyway. Besides, nopony really go here unless they're injured, so it's totally safe to take a breather."

Ziggy turned her back to him briefly so she could move some things away she had stacked on the bench, leaving just the teddy-bear and pillow in one end of the long piece of furniture.

It had been stashed at her parents house for a long time before she got it here to the quarry when it seemed like she'd be staying for a good, long time, and where her dad bought furniture, it was built to last. Thankfully, it was also build to order, which had been necessary because of Ziggy's size, and it worked excellent as a place for her to have a seat if she needed it for some reason during the day, or if she had gotten engulfed by enough work to stay in the quarry until after lockdown, and eventually needed to sleep.

It wasn't a cloud, that was for sure, but it were still soft and comfortable, and as mentioned, it fit her size, which would make more than enough space for Euler if it were. Heck, sometimes she had a few ponies at a time sitting or laying on this, if it was a bad day and there wasn't room enough on the work related furniture. It was no biggie, as she could, and would, always just wash it later on in the day if it was. Not that she wouldn't have done so otherwise, as she had to keep this room clean, but the point still stood.

_______________________________________________________________________

The Quarry - Behind Silver's building

A pair of eyes looked over things from inside a large crate with a small hole in, starring at the miners passing by just minding their own business. It would be near impossible for them to see the one in there, as the angle and the small hole didn't leave much to stare back through, but whatever were in there had a good fine enough view at least.

A boon really for the interloper within, as it left it with adequate time to learn something more about the ones working here at the quarry, and seeing routines that could be taken advantage off. And at this point, any advantage was welcome, if it furthered the intruders plan.

My research showed the explosives packed with a bunch of metal balls that most likely act as shrapnel when it explodes to do more damage. I'll just assume it's designed like that unless you post otherwise by the time I post. I may be posting in the morning, but if not I'll probably post Friday night or sometime Saturday.

@everyone

Good news! I may be switching to a different job at work, which will pay more, but that also means I might be getting a less erratic schedule! If I get the position, it'll make it easier for me to keep up as I won't be working late into the night then working early the next day. Basically, the schedule will be more flexible so I can change the time I'm working to fit my needs.

Better pay And a more controlled schedule? Sounds like a win in every conceivable way. I hope you'll get it mate.

@@DwhitetheGamer,

@@Illiad Easle,

@@Randimaxis,

Geez, that pony could talk, that was for sure.

Ziggy had wanted to say a few things when she saw the group going inside the door. Mainly what happened to Dax, and who this pony were that brought him in as she hadn't seen him before, but all of that were answered before she had the chance to utter a word. He even went away before she could even say goobye or anything!

She knew, she knew, he said he had things to do, and too many in here wouldn't be good regardless, but still, it irked her a tiny bit when she wasn't able to at least have the time to say hi.

*sigh* Oh well, that was then, and she'd have plenty of time later. For now, it was more important to place Dax a little better on the bed, then check his head and ears to see if there were any bleeding. It was a quick test really, and was mostly just to see if there were any major damages, as she'd have to wait and see when he were awake if he suffered under a severe concussion, but it helped ruling out a few of the worst things for the time being.

Zooming over to her shelf, she found a small bottle of pain killers and set it ready near the bed for when Dax would wake up, then looked over towards the other two that had gotten around with Copper Strikes, as he said his name were: Euler and Illiad.

"No need to worry, he's looking fine. No cranial bleeding, and he isn't twitching, but he's probably going to have a headache when he wakes up."

Before this, she hadn't seemed like she had taken much notice of them as she had flowed around in her office like it was a dance, humming slightly, and getting her work with Dax done quick and efficiently, but she had seen them. it was just that when there were a patient, she would keep her focus on that one, first and foremost, and she didn't know what she should have said to them before she had checked up on him first, even if she had spoken to them at the same time. She didn't really know anything about Euler except that he had impressively strong reflexes, and Illiad had likely just wanted to know if Dax were okay, which she couldn't answer before she had done her work, so better to keep all the attention on Dax and seem professional.

"Might be a bit before he wakes up though. Want me to tell him you've been here or should it be a surprise? I'd go with surprise. Could be all sorts of fun to see his face when you're suddenly the one waiting for him, instead of the other way around."

Aaaand there the professional part flew out the window. It was a nice effort though.

@@Brianna Changeling,

"Is that all?"

Happy kicked slightly to the unconscious timberwolf alpha in front of him, before looking over towards her flock with a look in his eyes that made them take a few steps back.

"I thought so. Now scram you little pests."

There really wasn't anything he had to say to get the point across here technically, but you could consider it a force of habit. He knew beasts like this enough to know that when an alpha fell, the others either abandoned them, fought over dominance on the spot, or attempted to protect their leader. These were hesitant to leave, so they'd likely protect their leader, but frankly, they could do that as long as they wanted to. He were done with her, and if any of these got in his way, they would know what happened to them.

He hadn't a want or need to finish the large timberwolf that had led the little attack on him before, so they could keep her for all he cared. Weaklings like that were barely capable to be counted as battle training, and he had to resort to using no magic to try and give this large thing a chance, but it had been for nothing. It were weak, unfocused, and had soon after attacking him, fallen alongside two others.

So he got his wagon back on his back, and started walking in the direction he had went once more. A single timberwolf tried to take a step forward when he passed, but a deep growl from the changeling in disguise made it loose whatever bravery it had build up. The rest knew better than to pester him any further, so they moved out of the way to let him walk, and circled around their alpha as he went away.

At least he knew that there were still some way until he reached a hive. Smart changelings wouldn't let uncontrolled vermin like these linger around their entrance, in case they braved up and began being trouble, unless they were training them, and these were definitely not.

Hopefully, the next time he were going to stop, it would be because he had found something, or somepony, that were going to be more worth his time. One way or another. Optimally, the drone from yesterday, but he could always beat the position out of another drone if worst came to worst. Not the most optimal way to go at things, sure, but contact between members from opposing hives didn't always go that well, so he knew it was one of those things that might just happen, regardless of if he wanted to or not.

And yes, he knew that technically, amongst changelings you didn't really say everypony, but everyling, yet he wasn't really in a hive most of the time. He were reconnaissance, and spent most of his time outside the hive, so he spoke mostly in ways relating to the outside world than at his home. Not something he really thought about, but there it was regardless.

@@EQ_Theta,

She were about to comment on what Lin had said, regarding the tolerance and princess, when the door creaked open, and the voice of Fluttershy escaped from the darkness.

"Yes."

Omen hadn't seen somepony that could speak with animals before, but anypony master had contact with were bound to be special, so she could believe what this mare said. The birds had seemed to act strange too before they got here, so it wasn't without evidence either really. Not that she had really looked at the birds, but the way that Lin spoke about them had told enough to mark them as *being up to something*, as her part-longma friend had put it.

What the yellow mare said too pretty much confirmed it, though thinking about it, perhaps it wasn't words as such that they spoke to her with. Perhaps she just understood the behavior and tweets? Seemed less strange than being literally able to understand the words they said, but was it probable, considering how directly things had been described?

She had heard some animals made different noises depending on things somewhere before, and some showed the ability to count, so might be possible? It was hard to tell with these sort of things, especially as her own experience with animals were limited to the ones she looked at now and again - whom she rarely understood the behavior of, and had a tendency to run away when they felt watched - and the drake sleeping in her mane.

Why were she thinking about this now though? She wanted to know things and find reason in what happened around her, but this didn't seem the time, nor the place to do so. Not far as she could tell at least, now that she thought about it.

If Fluttershy hadn't creeped away from the confirmation that yes, they were the three that her birds had warned her about, or the whispering voice in her head when Omen spoke, the later would shake her head slightly, then speak again.

"Yellow mare, we seek the lord of chaos. They say you speak with him, yes?"

Discord tended to like being referred to his title back in her days when you asked for him, and though he had apparently changed over several millennia, she still didn't know in what ways, so she only had what she did know about him to work with. Granted, he used to be fine with her referring to him as Master Discord, but it had been a long time, and he might have forgotten about her, so she thought it easier to go with this.

It wasn't good to think that he might not remember her anymore, and it would perhaps make it harder to introduce her friends in a way, so that he played around with them less for the time being. Yet, he were chaos, and his attention could be as sporadic as the very element he controlled, so she couldn't rule it out.

________________________________________________________________________

@@Brianna Changeling,

Happy just shook his head where he stood and mumbled to himself as the other drone got out of sight.

"Impatient youth that one, but I suppose that's no surprise."

The first clue really should have been how quick she had dropped her disguise and the temper. Sure, some changelings just had a bigger temper than others, but it was also a pretty solid arrow, leading towards the younger crowd, when you included the entitlement it sounded like she had. Or snobbishness in general, if you'd prefer that term.

He wasn't sure if this was a common thing with Chrysalis' drones around here - hopefully not, as he'd be too tempted spending his time pegging them down a notch or two - but if it were, he were amazed she even got a hive up running in the first place.

Really, having an entire hive that wouldn't understand how the best reconnaissance happened when you got your hooves dirty and learned to fit in, would leave them starving, or on the fast track to some kind of prison. Perhaps both. At least that was what he had understood of changelings through his years as being one of them, and he was just a convert. Natural born ones should know better. Though to be fair, he didn't know if this one were born or made.

Perhaps something he'd learn the next day. For now, it was time to have a seat and get some rest. Well, after setting up a few defensive wards here and there that was.

(the next day, just as the sun rises)

The morning went as usual for him after he woke up. Putting down his wards, stretching, having a drink of water and siphoning some love from the crystal he had hidden inside his wagon - it stored excess love when he harvested more directly at times. Well worth the price he had to pay for it - and of course, checking to see if anypony were around before he did any of these things.

Being alone like this, were one of the only times he let his true form loose for a bit so he could truly get stretched through. A rare pleasure, as he couldn't do that if he suspected some where near, but one he savored when it were there.

Pretty much all beings would likely be scared if they saw it, save for a few, hardened souls, though it wasn't like he looked that bad. At least by human standards, his main features were calm and beautiful, and the long, flowing hair were worthy of a commercial for hair product. Sure, the long tail in the same, flowing manner behind here were strange, as well as the horn on his forehead, but it wasn't something scarring, and though he had an exoskeleton, it looked much like regular skin until you got really close, so that wasn't horrifying in any way either really.

The really off things were mostly with his arms and legs he supposed. The holes there, that were also characterized in other changelings, were off-putting for his own kind, as were the claws his fingers ended in, and the sharp equivalent on his toes. Talons in a way you could say.

The wings might be a little strange too, but this were for changelings and humans alike, as he sported black, feathered wings, and his ears were somewhat fluffy and long. Usually not something that happened after becoming one of the insectoid ponies, but then again, being a human beforehand wasn't regular either, so considering potential side effects, this was really rather minor.

The sun danced off his slightly glistening, black skin for a bit more, before he closed his ice-blue eyes and with a sigh transformed back into his disguise.

How he missed being amongst his own hive again and wander freely, without having to care how much of a freak he actually were in both this world and his own. There were still judgement in the hive, certainly, but there wasn't anything keeping him from being himself, and he really missed that. Something about being your own form outside of training sessions in remote areas were rather appealing to him, even if it did include a lot of other drone work.

But enough dreaming. It was time to shut down the last ward and then get himself and his wagon on the road. He had a long day ahead of him in these forests as it stood now, and little time to waste here if he were to have a chance to find the changeling from last night.

Could he have just teleported a spell like she said he should, and not waste all the time? Actually, no, he couldn't.

See, while it made sense for the changeling herself to say that he should just send it to Chrysalis' hive, she had neglected to tell him the important part: Where that hive actually were. Seemed plausible that it were in this forest somewhere, considering the time it would have taken for the other changeling to get back home, and get some some sleep before it were morning, but beyond that, he only had the direction to work with that he saw her fly in.

It wasn't like Chrysalis had a giant road sign anywhere going *Changeling hive, three miles* or anything similar - only suicidal changelings made their homes That obvious - so finding it were likely going to be a pain in his flank.

Oh well, every journey starts with the first step right? Let's see what happened if he followed the same route he had seen her fly in, and then kept an eye out for anything suspicious.

___________________________________________________________________________

@,

Chow was giving the both of them a really funny look, not knowing what to think anymore from all that he had just heard them speak about. Not the moving thing, that seemed perfectly acceptable, but the draining of life energy routine on the other hoof...

Frankly, it sounded like something dangerous, and doubly so if it were done by an earth pony. Their kind weren't supposed to be dealing with magic, and he knew first hoof what could go on if you tinkered with magical objects for too long to try and change that. If this one were mucking about with things the same way, and it cost life energy, this were the sort of thing that he should likely go to the authorities about.

But then again... What bad had they done? Astral had used the magic to give some of herself to another to help there, and nothing else. She hadn't drained anything from others to feel better, she hadn't harmed anypony in general, and she seemed more concerned for her little friends - she were too young to make Chow think it was a mother and daughter thing - safety than anything else.

Honestly, it had the ring of perhaps being something that he should keep to himself for now, but keep an eye out for, just in case. Besides, he still had to ask about the health potions, so getting into bad ground by accusing her of things that thus far hadn't hurt anypony, were not going to be helpful in that.

"Well... Best bet would be to get to a train station. The one in Ponyville's perha-"

Just then, the looming shade of the large battle ship heading for town above them went over them, and he felt a little pale. Thankfully, it just went past them and towards town instead, but that really cut off the option of using Ponyville station for this.

"Scratch that. I know the way to a nearby town where it stops before getting here that's a safer option, and they need to get a warning about this place before they try to run through now."

Looking as the ponies in the camp all suddenly were very busy packing the essentials and heading for the secure rooms with whatever crates they could lift, along with a few stretchers for the still injured refugees, Chow knew that there wasn't going to be anything else to do for him here right now. Everypony would hope that the last had gotten out of town, and then head for the safe rooms to wait this out, leaving him with nothing binding him here essentially, except heading for safety himself.

He let out a small sigh and looked back at the two forest dwellers.

"I think there's a wagon 'round here somewhere I can take, then we'll see on relocating you folks. Just gimme a minute."

Much as safety sounded like a good option, he weren't one for covering, and if he could do something good by sticking 'round these two for the time being, then that was what he were gonna do instead.

It would take him a litrle under a minute to find a wagon, but there were rightfully one of the two that had been used to get supplies out here. So much had been sent along as it was, that they had only needed the other one, so they had left the larger one behind, which would likely end up being a help if things were to be moved. Hopefully though, the two others didn't have a mountain of stuff to move. He was an earth pony after all, not Super pony.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Null and Void were still scouting for others who hadn't gotten out of town yet, but hadn't found any for a few minutes now. Hopefully that meant others weren't there anymore - especially with the monstrous construction above them - but they had to make sure before they could get on to doing something else. As it looked now, that might end up being escaping after all, but they'd see what would happen.

My net have been acting weird the last few hours, so gonna turn off and go to bed. Hopefully it will be stabler when I wake up and I can post what I have written then. Sorry all for the delay, I'll make two posts tomorrow to make up for it. The original here, then one later in the day. Hopefully, that will be good enough.