Blitz Boom

@Monotonality

Just for the record: One reason why I completely go against it when you write that Zeehva will notice how stunning Magnolia looks, etc. is that the way it is written, is not as in *She might be* or *she may notice*, but as a fact. Which is a degree of control that I am not going along with.

I would encourage less statements when it comes to how a character might act (that is not your own, of course, as those are 100% yours to control as you please), and more suggestions. Might. Maybe, and Could Be, are your friends to make suggestions on how you would like for things to go, without specifically saying they have to be that way.

Trick I learned from the first RP forum I were added to, by the old leader there.

@abrony-mouse

She wouldn't have to bolt back for him all that much. Physical and magical exhaustion were not the same, though having to deal with both of them later were going to be a taxing endeavor. Or well, annoying at least, as he'd need a long rest, and he liked to not spend too much time on that, so that he could use his days more productively. He had the suspicion that his home's caretaker were sometimes putting sleeping powder, and other things, in his food to halt him from overextending himself like that, but had no real proof of it. Just the occasional extra long sleep, that he hadn't planned to have, even when feeling ill.

That being said, he were carrying all his camping equipment, so things would inevitably cause hi to fall behind here and there. Just couldn't be helped.

As for the here and now, they'd soon enough get to a point where Fuchsia would start to slice and dice away at some vegetation. Why? He didn't know, but as it seemed important, he'd take one of his machete's out, and start cutting away near her, yet at a good enough distance to where they were unlikely to hit one another. It would require one of them to actively try to do it at least, and he for one, saw no reason to do so. Even if the dark force came closer and closer to them.

"Me? I'm an *chop* example of perfect *slash* health. How about *cut* you? Are you *slice* holding up?"

She better be, as her having some sort of breakdown were not well timed, considering what they were facing. But he'd have faith in her, and trust that she knew what she were doing. And that whatever it were, would work, as the dark presence crept ever close, steadily, and clearly without much of a rush. It probably knew that they couldn't run forever.

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@EQ_Theta

18 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Rosa, but I don’t want you to relive something embarrassing if you don’t want to. If you’re not comfortable with sharing that story, there’s no need to share. If you insist, however, I won’t stop you. Besides, I’d like to know that I’ve grown up a little from that time, even if it means learning to deal with an embarrassing past.”

“And Lin? Enough with the teasing. Once or twice is fine, but this is getting annoying.”

Lin sighed but conceded. She knew the night could use some more levity, but this may have been a where she could’ve overstepped her boundaries. Though Sen should’ve said something sooner before she spilled the whole story to Rosa. It may have been fine when the family was recounting this story, but among friends… perhaps it was a step too far. Seeing Sen hiding his embarrassment was a bit much. 

“Fine, but you make it so easy, brother.”

"I think it's only fair really, considering what have been told of you, that you also get something to remember. Though I will expunge certain details of my story for privacy reasons.

It were back when I were twelve. My father had gotten a commendation from work, and wanted me to be there when he got it. Still being in school, and doing my best to follow in his hoofsteppes, I were enthralled to see this, yet being young and stupid, I also had the - in hindsight - completely, bafflingly idiotic idea, that I wanted to try and impress his bosses at this event.

So the event begins, and my father asks me to seat down with a colt we shall name Sparrow, for the sake if this history, and his mother. We were born around the same date, so from an early age, our parents encouraged us to make friends, and we did well. Though as we were still kids, we were not the smartest, and I had already told him of my plans. Since he too wanted to try and make a good impression, he were sold on the idea, and as soon as his mother left briefly to get refreshments, we would scamper off, and prepare our attempt.

We planned to swoop down with the appropriate tools, easily take my fathers commendation, and then get away unseen. That should prove effective in showing our meddle.

...The details are incriminating, but to summarize: We failed miserably, were deflected by the guards, and I for one, got sent rolling through the air, and landed up head first, in a fish bowl.

So there my father is, embarrassed, and trying to get his son's head out before he drowns, and all the while, the crowd is laughing. In fact, his boss ended up laughing so hard, that he almost passed out. My father still got his commendation, thankfully, but only because even the higher ups, who usually have the humor of a dried up pond, stated smirking themselves, once my head came out of the bowl, and my father had to roughly kick my back to make me spit out the two goldfish that were wriggling down my throat. I were however, barred from ever showing up at an event like that again, until I turned eighteen. And even then, only under constant supervision.

And if you wonder what happened to my friend... Let us just say that there used to be a cake at the event too. Past tense being important here."

By far, not his finest moment, but it had taught him a lesson at least. A few in fact, as there were much of his own idiocy to examine from that, and he could see many things that he should not do again, based off of that. Mainly the part about not showing off at places where it wasn't needed. And especially not at times when it was important that he stayed focused and calm.

18 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“A game of reflexes might be a nice thing, but I’d be a little cautious if we find one. I’d rather not give Lin more stories to tease me with, even if it’ll be entertaining in the future. But, I’m always up for another game for another game we can all play. This night is for you to enjoy, Rosa. I’m up for doing what you find interesting.” 

At the same time, Lin noticed a small group of onlooking dragons watching Omen. In a sense, even Lin couldn’t help but watch Omen and see her downing lots of that special hot sauce. It’s bizarre, to say the least, but she isn’t in a position to say otherwise, and Omen is holding solid conversations with the curious onlookers. Perhaps with the crowd gathering nearby, it may not be such a good idea to disclose more personal stories, at least for now.

"In that case, I say we try something simple, that does not include potential embarrassment. I think we had enough of that for now, yes? The games where you use the water pistols to hit a target seems nice and simple, yes? And not one where I have an initiate, unfair advantage, as the flow of these things tends to vary, so it is a matter of adjusting for me too. It is also not taxing, so you can join without issue Lin. Omen may even too, as there is nothing in that, which can be dangerous, or hurt others. If we can tear her away from her fan club, that is."

He were referring to the group, where the dragon and griffon had seemingly gone over to Omen, and dared her to pour what amounted to a large spoonful of the hot food on her tongue, and then eat it. The griffon bet she wouldn't take the dare, while the dragon had bet she wouldn't be able to do it. Imagine their surprise when she rolled out her tongue, and poured that across it, and then slowly retracted it into her muzzle. And this just showcased further how how it were, as there came a sizzling sound when it hit her tongue, and it began to steam instantly. This was no joke, when it came to hot food.

As neither of the had won that bet, there seemed to be a consensus between them, and the crowd, that that meant that Omen had won, as she had agreed to try. Hence, the poll of bits went to her. That she then ate those bits however, surprised most, but then they started to clap. Acts with folks eating weird things, and even swords, were head of, but not that common anymore, in this day and age, so they thought this were a kind of impromptu street performance, by one of the old school practitioners. Just one that weren't relying on fakeness, as it were hard to fake what she were given by random onlookers, who had never seen or heard of her before. Including actual vendors.

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@GingerLightning

"Sleep well, sibling."

Both of them would get in close, and give Ginger a nice, varm hug. This were a close, friendly hive, so they had embraced the equines' lust for hugs, wholeheartedly years ago.

They'd leave her be after that, and go to prepare some things for the next show, while Ginger went to bed. If he were trained to be in the small bed or not, the timberwolf pup would then do his best to jump up on the bed, and would eventually succeed, if not discouraged. If he wasn't, he'd lie down next to Ginger, and lick her on the forehead, before curling up and get ready to rest too. he wasn't much of a guard yet, due to his scrawny looks and age, but he still instinctively wanted to watch out for his friend, who had taken him from the forest, and given him a nicer home, than with the pack that bullied him for his scrawny build.

He'd wake up when she did, and would likely need to go for a walk by then. Standard for taking care of a pup, even though Ginger would get weird looks, for her puppy being of a timberwolf. It were generally not seen as normal to have that.

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@Windy Breeze

On 2021-04-29 at 1:57 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“What? No! That will be our dumbest decision!” Flinty yelled at Blunt, “If you guys read crime novels then you'll find out how gangs fall to justice. I don't want to be like them so we have to do something in a stealthy manner” she turned to Pop, “Have you seen where the scent goes?” if Pop Rock remember correctly, Windy and Sorrow's scents would lead them into a wall.

Pop Rock sometimes got genders wrong when speaking about ponies. Though in her defense, some of them were very feminine, and many wore perfume of some kind. It confused her nose, and she wasn't as used to be around ponies as it were, yet. It had only been a few years since she were saved at this point, and she had many things to handle. Learning all inns and outs of pony genders, without getting too personal, were not top of her list.

"Mistress say it bad idea to jump into things, and expose yourself. Not read novels, but mistress teaching me. Can read signs, and small things now.

Cannot find exact place for scent, sadly. Many beings, much food smell too. It mingles. Makes it hard to find. Smells like they went into wall. But that not possible, right? Ponies cannot go through walls... Can they? Not without special entrance. Maybe wall have that?

I could stay and watch inn, see if something happens? Not many look at me. Ignore me most times. Makes it easier to see things. Mistress wants these found badly. Very insistent on that."

Which also meant that she would be greatly displeased if they failed, so they had to try to find out some way to get a hold of the two. One way would be Pop spying on the place. Other maybe to have a new face, rent a room, then see if they heard or saw something strange. Several other options too, though brute forcing it would be very unwise. The boss would not like exposure, and if it came to that, it were simpler to deal with the problem ones, than to risk the operation being scrutinized.

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@Monotonality

By the time Magnolia had woken up, two hours after Zeehva, the widow had already returned to the bed. Her salving took about half an hour to complete properly, then she had sat and wept a little for herself for about ten minutes, as she gazed upon herself, and then after that, she finally got dressed, and returned back to bed. She'd have to get her dress washed one of these days, but beyond it being dusty, it were doing okay right now. She'd just like if it could get itself a round of cleaning soon regardless. It made her feel better, when it were fully clean.

She would be tempted to read the file, as she had laid it down next to the dress, when she put on her salve, but she still didn't have the nerve for it. She wished with a burning passion to read it, but she just knew that if she tried, she'd falter. She just wasn't ready to know the truth yet. But at least, knowing she had it with her, brought some comfort. Least she had her answers now, even if she currently hadn't the heart to examine it.

She had been laying in a minor slumber when Magnolia woke up. She had considered going over and shaking up the mare, to see if she were ready for them to get on with the day, but she just looked so peaceful, as she laid there asleep. As if she hadn't a care in the world, as her silky mane just laid sprawled across the pillow. Zeehva had given the tired mare a motherly smile then, and went to her own bed. it were good to see the well groomed mare have her moments of peace like this, and she had no interest in being the one to ruin this for her. The pretty little mare should get her rest.

"Good evening. Did you sleep well? You looked pretty peaceful when I saw you last time at least. It's good to know you're not plagued by nightmares."

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@Monotonality @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-04-29 at 1:57 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Luna and Blue giggled “We aren't great narrators, Molotov and we're both inexperienced when it comes to convincing a 'hard obsidian head filly' from hoping out of her.... contraption,” Luna told him.

"Even mom couldn't really get Blitz to listen. She's a brilliant little thing, but she's as impulsive and curious as any filly, and then some. Usually we have to sorta distract or lure her with something, to get her to listen in. I knew I should've taken some of the candy canes with me... Ergh. Least this seems sorta safe. Long as Cali ain't actually letting her drive anywhere in her like that. I really don't wanna deal with the guards over this, and she might accidentally hurt somepony. It'd devastate her."

Times like this, he wished mom were here. She would know how to fully distract Blitz... Yet, he didn't even know if she were dead, or held alive somewhere, whilst Celestia knows who were doing bad things to her and the others. Of course he'd do anything to have his mom here with him, but if the alternative were that she had been tortured for a few months, he'd hope she were at peace. It were kinder to her.

On 2021-04-29 at 3:02 AM, Cali said:

"Yeah definitely not something you would want to deal with. I'd suggest staying away from that sort you know. Don't know what they could be up to doing. But however, looks can be deceiving. Never judge a book by its cover. I do my best to never do such things." the tractor's grill grinned.

"Eh, if she's been vetted by the princess, that's good enough for me. I trust her judgement. And she were nice enough about things. Just still a bit iffy before I get a greenlight from somepony up high."

He'd poke at the grill, to evaluate how flexible the metal actually were, for her to be able to smile like that, as he gazed upon the tractor.

"Okay, I know you are good at transformations and all, but how did you not even creak when doing that?"

On 2021-04-29 at 3:02 AM, Cali said:

"Sounds like quite the hassle honestly. I might end up going there sometime but I don't plan on it. Sounds dangerous, despite the power I host. But I'll keep it on the to-do list for the future. Thank you for telling me of this. Germane? You mean, Germany. Germany is the most powerful nation where I am from. The Third German Reich. A very...interesting sort they are. Monarchy under a sort of dictatorship but they made up for the bad things they did, they are very active in space and such. I'll have you know." 

"Those're your versions. With us, Germane is a thriving economy, mostly focused in agriculture, various sea-related companies, and yada yada. They're highly respectful of their ancient traditions of druidism, and those practicing it, are revered highly. Closest thing they got to taking over things, were a bit of a skirmish they had with Hayden some centuries back, but that was mostly a trade dispute, and they both got their stuff together when a few of 'em on both sides started to get violent. They agreed it had gone way too far at that point."

On 2021-04-29 at 3:02 AM, Cali said:

"I vote tractor. Tractor all the way! Not a train cart!" Cali said rather playfully to that, not minding Blitz's playtime in the least. She'd let her have her fun there. She wasn't doing any harm. Just having fun really. 

"Well, I got a partial motor, so that sounds like a good start. A few alterations to sort out when rebuilding it, to make it fit a tractor more, but that shouldn't be much of an issue. Gonna need to find some new fuel lines though, There's are totalled. Let's see if there's something around here we can work with, eh? Gotta be. And keep your eyes out for anything looking like a beat up chassis. Sure it'll need some work, but there's a certain sorta beauty in just bashing out those with a lot of hammering, and see something trashed, returned to its good old self."

While he were talking, Blitz were using her muzzle to loudly honk, and pretend to turn from side to side, to look for something they could use. She couldn't even see above the wheel, so she couldn't actually see something, but it was all a game anyway. One she'd get bored of eventually, but now were not it.

On 2021-04-29 at 3:02 AM, Cali said:

"I'd like to have a go at it straight away, it sounds like a really interesting place to have in my possession. No offense, I'd just like to get a place for my own and get all set up. I'm more of a lone wolf in all honesty. I like doing things on my own but you have all been so gracious to me so I will make an exception. I'm not afraid of no ghosts or monsters, especially when I've battled interdimensional creatures and gods that would make you insane just by looking at them, basically. I am quite jaded to them. I would like to have the mansion re-built depending on it, and have some statues of myself built on it." she laughed. "I can pay for that, too."

"Like I said: If you can clear it out, they'd be grateful. Might mean they'll give you a discount on the purchase. And what you do with it after that, is all your own business, lest you're gonna continue the crazy days. So just don't make monsters in the cellars, and I think you're golden.

And I am not going there. No offense, but I like to stay alive. I got a family legacy to try and carry on, and I can't risk that in a mansion like that. Try and find one of the ghost folks and team up with, then clear it out, top to bottom. or go at it yourself. I dunno, can you handle ghosts? Might be you fought worse, but still, you might not be able to get rid of 'em, even if they can't harm ya.

I'd advise the weird folks. Far as I know, they all have creepy name, like Grim Dawn, Sorrow, Pale Rider, Tomb Maker, Grave Digger, and Veiled Shriek. Or I've been filled with exaggerated stories. It can be hard to tell, ya know?"

On 2021-04-29 at 4:45 AM, Kujamih said:

Light spaced out and didn't feel like himself and would just trot beside them, nodding to what they say but not hearing everything they say. 

" God's... Yeah..... Hanging around them... Sure breaks their image when you get up and close to some of them...." 

" Tractor... Yeah."

Now here were something, that'd make Molotov go over and bap at the somepony else. This time, not because they were a tractor, but because he seemed to be spacing out here, and not pay much attention to how things were going.

"Hey, are yo- Huh, surprisingly smooth surface... What were I saying? Right, right. Are you alright there? Seems like you're a mile off there mate. Lost down memory lane?"

@Rising Dusk

Whoops, missed a boop. Can't have that.

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

On 2021-04-26 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Briar started talking about her mother, Plein grew a bit uncomfortable, "Yeah, I've heard she's real great, she and my father both. At least he has the excuse of being dead to not be around."

"I did not know that was the case. I apologize profoundly for bringing it up, and I shall endeavor to not do so again in your presence."

Briar did not wish to step into touching matters, and it seemed he had accidentally done so, when bringing up praise for what sounded like an absent mother. Having not known a mothers love either, he could say that there were certainly some degree of sympathy that he could offer, build on experience, but it seemed tactless. Especially as their situations were not entirely the same. He for one, had never known who his mother were, as per tradition, he had been rejected once it were shown that he had been a mutation. A tradition he would chose to destroy as the first, once his kin had the chance to grow once more.

On 2021-04-26 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When asked about her day though she perked back up, "Well, I had some school today, nothing too interesting, then I met Shadow there and here we are."

Gypsum also answered, "I spent the first half of my day helping get the new intakes get situated, mostly getting the small families find proper lodging, get the younger ones in their classes, that sort of thing. Then I met up with Serene there and brought him here with me."

Thankfully they were soon on to more peaceful, happy things, that felt like it were cheering Plein up. Most beings had certain smells that one could judge mood from, but ponies also tended to have two other tells he used often. That being tone of voice, and their ears. The tone were the most obvious, as most of them were not good at hiding their emotional state, whilst speaking. The ears though, were something of a more subtle thing, but useful, as they did tend to convey a good deal. Such as slacking ones, tending to be a sign that the pony were feeling down, and perked up high, while the stature followed troop, tended to mean that they had gotten excited about something.

They were a fun species to examine, and live amongst, in his opinion. Earth Mother be praised too, that he had only met extremely few of them who had an interest in harvesting him, which did make him think overall better of them. It worked against the old stories than even his variant of Evergrown were told at times. Mostly by the guards of the pit, that were using it before speaking of how if they ever went to the ponies again, Snaproots like him, were going to be offered to them on a large plate, with a knife next to it.

"Sounds like a lovely, calm day. One can never have too many of them. Especially considering the alternative.

And Gypsum, I am impressed with the amount of work you have done in this short amount of time. Dealing with distraught families cannot have been easy, and yet it sounds as if you have carried yourself skillfully through this, and helped those who needed it. It is a great pleasure to meet one who helps keep the wheels turning in this society."

Perhaps he were doling out compliments a little too often for some's liking, but Briar had been taught by the elderly pony that took hi under his wing, that one should always approach others with kindness, respect, and compliments. Were he to make it in the unfamiliar world he'd end up wandering for years after, he needed to keep that in mind, to be easier accepted by others who might at first think him a pony, but would have varied reactions once they noted he were not. Being open and approachable would give him a better chance with others he had claimed, and overall, Briar agreed. Sure some were still not kind, but that were not something which he could do anything about. Some simply were like that, and Briar had accepted that.

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"I've seen her around for a long time, and not noted her doing that to others, but if she tries to get at you, I'll peel her off, and shred her. I'm not letting anyone cause you that kind of suffering again, Arcade."

Null would even position herself between them as she said that, though her eyes were on Arcade, rather than Pen. As Pen weren't stupid, she'd likely get what were going on here, judging from that, but that were up for debate.

After locking eyes with him for a few seconds, she'd turn around again, and look back up at Pen. Personal business would have to wait a little longer. Right now, she had another to deal with. Arcade and her would get some alone time again eventually. Even if she had to drag him into a room by the tail, and lock the doors after them.

"A-Anyway the creep and his murder puppet. I agree those need to be handled ,and if you want dust, we can sneak in like last time. Plenty of it were I went. Though what exactly would happen, if you made clones? Because I rarely see it going well, when beings start to copy each other. Best case, it turns into a crazy hivemind. Worst, they tur on one another, or make evil copies. It's not gonna help if we need to chase down your little skin eating offspring. So you need to sell us on this idea, before I even get close to consider going along with it.

...And we can get into that party if it is. Maybe. They didn't go at us the last time we tried to get up there, so maybe they won't this time either, but I can't say how that crazy, irresponsible dolt does things. Seems like pure whims of whimsy. Though he'd seemingly easy to drag along if he finds someone attractive. I dunno if you can doll up enough for this. Or will they just look right through the facade here?"

(Troy)

On 2021-04-28 at 5:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She shakily got up, "I should get going, dwelling on this is not going to do me any good. I don't know what we can do for her, maybe we could give her wings like Null? But that would likely require Minostralium and Cloud Diamond, two things that are not exactly easy to come by."

Void had been looking into the ground, where she had made an impact, from her anger-filled stomp, but hadn't said more than the few words she had at the time. Mostly because the anger were being overtaken by an overwhelming feeling of being sick to her stomach. Just hearing all of this, and how Toupé had been treated... And at an age where she couldn't even remember having wings? There was no reasonable justification for this. it were just revolting, and horrifying. How could anyone ever amass enough good karma, to balance out that that to an infant? They had to be punished for this. But that was out of her hooves. Those directly responsible, who were still alive, were on another plane, and couldn't be reached. The only one she felt fairly sure that were involved, that could be gotten hold of, were Grey Mane himself, and Null were off dealing with him.

So she couldn't do anything but feel her heart sink for Toupé, and the impossible situation she had found herself in, as the anger she had melted further away. She just couldn't maintain it like Null could. She did not have that in her.

Before her mother would leave though, Void would speak up, though she still looked unto the floor.

"...I'll find a way."

That were all she'd say, and she'd need several more minutes in silence before she felt ready to move again. And that came mostly by there igniting a small spark of hope in her. Another path, that didn't require trying to get some ludicrously rare items, which would likely take years upon years. Not a perfect solution, but for cruelty like this, there never were. Though she needed to reach out first, and see if she remembered right, about what she had seen. And then if it could be applied for Toupé. It was a frail hope right now, but she'd lean on that, as she slowly moved out of there, and back into the room where the foals all were.

On 2021-04-28 at 5:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Back inside, Ardee and Toupé were sitting next to each other, the former holding the latter in a loose embrace, both of the foals were also nearby sitting in her lap, Vale had continued the lesson for Elef and Teal, though everyone turned their attention to Void when she came back in, "Is everything alright? Did we all pass?" Teal asked. 

Void gave a weak, tired smile, as she looked upon them all with love and tenderness in her eyes.

"...Yes, There's nothing to worry about with your health. You're all going to be okay. I promise."

Her eyes fell on Toupé, and she would likely be able to tell by the sadness that mixed into her eyes, that her mother had told her what she had found out. If not, it wouldn't matter. Void would not talk of this, if she didn't want to herself right now. Instead, she'd wander right over to her, Ardee, Peal and Piecey, and embrace them all. If Elef and Teal came over, she'd move her hooves to make room for them too. Vale as well, if she felt like joining in on this, of course.

"You've all been very brave today. I'm so proud of you all, for going through it."

She had to make sure they got something extra, extra special to eat tonight. Maybe it were time to pull out all the stops, and get to work on something that would make most foal's taste buds dance with joy. She just needed to go shopping first, and then bring out the heater in the workshop. She'd have a lot of chocolate to melt.

@Catpone Cerberus

"I just wanted to know. Charir seems like a good whelping. I wouldn't want him to be dragged into a place where he'd seemingly be best described as *a light snack*, against his will. If he still wants to go, that's his own choice. Whatever that leads to, I can respect that, even if I would try and convince him otherwise, but being taken there just to face off against your mother... I'd be worried about him. I mean, obviously I'd join you on the trip, but that doesn't mean I won't be concerned.

As for you, and where you'll end up, Ruby, it's good to hear that you are considering this place. Though if ever you feel like you need more space, there's plenty of that for all three of us in my domain. It's a big cave I'm in, with tunnels and other caves carved out for miles around. Old stomping ground of a large flock of diamond dogs that were expanded over time, and eventually, I took over a good portion of it, when the newer packs wanted their own grounds. They still use some of it at times, but it's negligible. Maybe at some point, I could take you there and show you? You might end up surprised."

It had taken generations of diamond dogs to dig the vast tunnels that she had her cave in, but then again, she had been alive for many of them too, and kept her seat in that area. She felt more comfortable there, and though some of the mutts now and again were less than pleased with having her there, they knew it were best to not pester her, or be bold enough to challenge her. She didn't kill them if they did, but if there were one thing their kind did not like, it were getting humiliated, and that were something she would gladly do to any emboldened little puppy, who thought that this small dragoness were someone they could simply topple.

She'd watch as the dragon raided the fridge for more food, until eventually, Marley would return. He were smelling of lavender soap and looked as clean as a whistle, though a faint smell of smoke were still lingering ever so slightly around him.

"I see you're all cleaned up. And the hall?"

"Cleaned down to the last droplet, the main soaking towels I used have been burned, and the expensive things have been set to dry after a thorough cleaning. It isn't the first time I had to remove evidence of a mass amount of blood, so I can assure you, that I know what I am doing."

He neglected to mention any specifics related to these mass amounts of blood, but surely they wouldn't care for that either, no? What were a few large pools of blood between friends after all? Besides, the majority were merely animal related. This were not his first courtship attempt after all, though it were the first where he felt confident that it would not be the last either.

"Regardless, with that done, and the cart prepared for our departure, shall we be on our way? Or would you like to continue to raid the fridge?

And pray tell, why is he not sampling the good pieces? I can assure you that I would not leave these to marinade for as long as they were, if it were not delicious."

He'd point towards a bowl of fish, floating in some kind of orange, spicy mixture with herbs. A thick looking substance it seemed, but well fragrant. If you opened up the drawer it were in, of course.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Awh, is that why he doesn't fly? Poor Mr. Crow."

The colt would wander over and reach up to pat Crow. This would prove that this were not just visual, regarding their disguise, as he ran his hoof over Crow's soft feathers, regardless of the fact that in reality, it did not have these kinds of things. An appreciated gesture though, and it would lean it's head to scratch the colt's hoof with its beak.

"It's true about the forest. I'm not sure what is happening, but more odd creatures have been talked about in the last week, than I've ever heard of before. We even had one invade us yesterday. A large, toad-like monster, popping out rapidly growing offspring from it back."

The lot of them shivered a little, to varied degrees, as they remembered that. Except for the foals, who didn't really care much about that, compared to petting birds, and bunnies.

"I have seen much in the forest, and can only agree. Though I hope there are no further of the odd ones, attempting to attack your town. Things works best if nature and towns live in harmony, and let the other live in peace, rather than attempt to fight one another. In the end, nature will prevail, regardless of who wins, but it hurts everything when there isn't harmony.

if I encounter others that might seem like trouble, I will do what I can to talk them out of their actions, and if not, send warnings to this town. We all deserve to be alive and well, rather than being harmed over petty territory disputes, or malice."

The ball came her way, and she'd kick it towards the elderly mare, who send it back towards Scarecrow, so on and so forth. It were a nice, calm game honestly. At least for Crow and Lyriel.

"Best not to think on the bad days, right? Plenty of good ones ahead to focus on.

Humor and old mare though: What do you think of this town? You're very nature oriented, so it might seem weird for you sometimes?"

A bouncy ball would come Scarecrow's way, which would hit him in the knee as it stood right now, or at the best, his upper leg. Nothing to worry about.

=======================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

8 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"No, we are not dragons, we are kobolds, we look like dragons yes, but that's the only thing we have in common."

"Kobolds? I've been far and wide, and I've never heard of your kind before. What a fun surprise."

There weren't an ounce of malice in this, as Pop amused at meeting these examples of a new race. Something she hadn't expected, but were very happy did happen, as she liked thes sorts of surprised, that included new faces, of something she hadn't seen before. Meant she could learn more about them, and what sorts of thing they ate, so she could incorporate that into her candy. These days when Twilight were making all sorts of contacts, that were seriously nor a bad idea, as she were seeing a fair bit more varied beings, and she liked to have something for all.

8 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Party pony and Element of Laughter you say? those are titles I can't say I have ever heard of before." Sheska picked up the party horn and examined it "Parties, laughter and candy stores, this place sounds like it's straight from a bedtime story." candy stores didn't really exist in their world, not because candies weren't a thing, they were, selling them just wasn't a profitable enough business for anyone to bother doing so, and candy was mostly just given to kids by those who made them to make their lives bit less miserable. "Lot here does sound like it's too joyful to be true, but it's also weird enough for me to believe it may actually be true." 

"Okay, not hearing about the elements, and Pinkie's other title, I sorta figured were a thing, since that's mostly an Equestrian thing, I kinda figured you were from somewhere else, but you really come from a place where candy stores, parties, and laughter is unnatural? I've been a loooot of places, to get some good connections, so I can get ingredients, but I've rarely found places where that's the kind of thing. Are you from one of the rural, super traditional areas of Neighpon? Or... You didn't escape from harrowmark, right? I mean, I've never been there, but I've been to Germane, and you hear stories.

Either case, we gotta correct your lack of seeing a candy store. That just ain't right, and Pinkie Pie is gonna be presenting you candy when the party happens. I gotta be able to tell her what you folks like. Wanna come test a few things? It'll be fun! I just finished a batch of Joypoppers, and Milky Mystique Biscuits, plus a few other things. Lots to try, though the Joypoppers might be a little weird. It's made for changelings, primarily."

"You made candy, out of emotions? How, pray tell?"

"Slowly, and with a lot of effort. It's hard to work with something that's only workable when it's collected in jelly, by a real good changeling. Took me ages to get proper hold of that. You wouldn't believe how tight most hives are with that stuff."

==================================================================

@EQ_Theta

Rosa felt a little conflicted on this. On one hoof, he wanted to turn his pleased smirk into a full blown laughter, as this were admittedly a funny story to hear. A classic tale of a youngling, acting like a fool to try and impress a girl that had caught his eye. Who hadn't either done something like that, or known someone close to you like that? Teenagers were not exactly smart after all. They were guided by hormones and incomplete degrees of information on how things went, as they were often in a rebellious phase at that age, and didn't care much to listen to their elders.

On the other hoof though, this were his friend, and openly laughing in his face about something that had clearly been a highly embarrassing episode for him, were a little tasteless. Sure Lin could get away with it, but she were family They were generally allowed a little more leeway, whereas he had to be a little more tactful at times.

So after thinking on it for a few more seconds, weighing the pros and cons, he'd go over and pat Sen on the shoulder, and just keep the smirk. He wouldn't openly laugh at him for this. It didn't seem to be the correct way to respond to this, given everything, so he'd instead approach with a kind of amusing understanding, so to speak.

"Greatly amusing as that story is, you have my sympathy for how it went, Sen. Young love is a fascinating thing, but it often leaves us to do dumb things that we'd rather not remember. Such is it to be young and stupid. We've all been there, and done our fair share of dumb things. Not all are recollected and shared as much as this, but still, I've heard things somewhat similar to that before.

That being said, please excuse that I do find the story highly amusing, and had I been there, I am not sure I could have stopped joining in on a laugh over seeing the event unfold in person.

And if it's any consolation, the game I speak of, is more of a rhythm game than actual dancing. If you can follow the pattern, it is rather simplistic, and more a matter of reflexes. Perhaps watch how it is done, if we can find it here, and then you can see for yourself how it is? I'm sure it is not as bad as you may think. And if it is, we can simply find something else. It were but a suggestion after all, my friend. If it brings up bad memories, or makes you think you will repeat a past mistake, we do not have to do so.

If it will make you feel better, would you want to hear an embarrassing tale from my youth? Perhaps that might ligthen your mood, as your story did mine?"

While he were talking, there were now four dragons that had stopped up, and looked highly intrigued at Omen. The largest one being three times the height of a general, adult male pony. All four of them were looking there, and just on occasion ask her questions, on how she were doing that, and how it weren't hurting her. She were close enough to them that her answers on how she did not think it hurt, and how she think she liked the taste, and so on, should be possible to hear. And as they came out, more others started to stop around her. A griffon stopping up even started whispering to the large dragon, and they seemed to be discussing something that were hard to discern, but did involve Omen for sure, as they eyes stayed peeled on her. Perhaps they were betting on whatever or not she could finish the now half eaten burrito, before she had to be hospitalized.

=================================================================

@Monotonality

It would be around five hours before Zeehva started to move again. It appeared that she had truly needed a good rest, though as it had been daytime, she woke up to the light outside starting to fade, as the sun were being calmly dragged away, to make room for the night's stars.

She'd yawn and get up, that she might stretch herself properly, and would waddle out to the small bathroom. There, she would slowly begin to take off her dress, and look herself over in the mirror. Her groggy eyes fell on a myriad of scars, with some larger ones being a good deal wider, and more discolored than the ones that were visible on her being when she wore her dress. They brought bad memories with them, and showcased more in details how bad it had been, when they had barely managed to get her out of the ruins of her and her deceased husband's home, though she did her best to try and not think about it.

Instead, she'd go into her saddlebag, and take out a round container. As she'd unscrew the top, a flowery, fragrant smell would waft out, seemingly coming from the pink goo with green specks that were contained within. A substance tat seemed to have the consistency of a general creme, as she put the tip of her hoof into the roughly half filled creme, and began to slowly run it in around the worst looking scars. Including one on her back, that seemed like there had been a minor miracle - or serious zebra work - involved in her not having a broken spine. She'd cringe as the substance made contact, but this were something that had to be done, and she may as well do it now, when it seemed like Magnolia had been sleeping. No need to wake her up over something like this, when the mare likely needed her sleep. Poor mare had to have been exhausted after the day she had. Zeehva certainly were, and she hadn't like, split herself into shadows, which she assumed had to be draining in some fashion, right?

==============================================================================

@Monotonality @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-04-27 at 2:41 AM, Cali said:

Due to the fact that Cali had transformed into a tractor she didn't approach Molotov or the others too close. But she could definitely see the little small robotic spider there. "You have remarkable intelligence, you know that? To make a cute little spider bot like that is quite impressive. I'm no mechanic or inventor I'll say that much, just never really had the reason to do that. Maybe I will some day." Cali would chuckle to that. 

"Thanks for the kind words. Wasn't easy to get done, but I'm proud of my little girl here, as well as her sister. Hoping to one day upgrade her to a bigger chassis so that she can have room to grow, but gotta take one step at a time. Starting with trying other forms. Spiders fall me easy, since I find their way of moving to be simple and beautiful. It were an easy choice for the first one. But ponies are more complex. It'll take me time to perfect that, and I still got other things I gotta incorporate before that. Like a proper voice box. These code things are workable, but I'd like for 'em to be able to communicate without having to write, or get a translator.

If ever you wanna give it a bash though, we can try building something together. It'll be fun! Whenever I try showing it to others, I get about three minutes in before they complain about headaches. Robotics is a fairly complex thing, but still, would be nice with some egg heads that'd get what I were on about, y'know?"

On 2021-04-27 at 2:41 AM, Cali said:

"Hell is a place from mythology, of some beliefs of my world. It is a fiery pit in the afterlife where those who have done really horrible things end up being burnt in a lava pool and tortured by demons for all eternity. In large belief, it is ruled by a fallen angel named Satan who oversees hell and makes sure none of the evil and wicked escaped. He is the ruler of hell. Not a very good sort in our mythology, I'll say that much. Some see him as the embodiment of all evil, others see him differently. There is no way to confirm because most of this is just a fantasy tale. If it is real, we'd never know for sure. 

From what I can say about what I think hell is, the demons and creatures that live there live in the eternal terrifying and hot environment. It's really not a place any sane or moral person would want to end up. We say things like "go to hell" as an insult, for example." 

"...Yeeeeeeah, I'll definitely need to get some confirmation from like, a princess, before I do some work for that one then. Cause that sounds like a nasty place, with some real nasty beings, if they're real. And that one I think might've been proof. I'm serious. Her ears were literally made of fire. I have no idea how she heard a darn thing. But anyway, could've been this here's bad news. Gonna have to wait and see where this leads, I think."

So yeah, he might've dealt with a demon from a fiery realm of darkness and pain... Whelp, sounded like a Tuesday alright. best to just chin up, and not think more on it for now. He'd sort something out when/if he saw her again.

On 2021-04-27 at 2:41 AM, Cali said:

"That is quite right. There is plenty to go around where I'm from but the rich just hog it all for themselves. So it's not like I was stealing from anyone who cared in the first place. I don't really consider that stealing. I consider that justice. I have fought and battled gods myself, incarnations of horrible wickedness. Some could say I've killed them, but knowing the nature of them it is entirely possible that it was just a set back to them. I have no way of confirming if I actually killed them, or not. But for your knowledge they are some of the most wicked and vile ones to ever exist. My enemies are dead, at least I hope so. Yet again, I have no way of knowing....so whats it matter?" she asked.

The tractor seemed to shift slightly, and grin through its grill un-naturally at Molotov to make light of the otherwise heavy conversation topics. 

"Gods are apparently a tricky thing. If you really got the power to flaunt, you could go to Harrowmark at some point when you want. They know gods there, though don't try and kill them. They take them serious there, far as the stories goes. Ask around though, and they might talk, though you could try in Germane too. They are sharing a border with the place, and even though they locked it down like... I'm thinking it were at least a half millennia ago? Anyway, even if that's shut down, they'd likely still know things. Just take the advice Professor Green Thumb gave everypony when talking about this: Don't hassle their druids. They ain't nice when they're angry at ya."

On 2021-04-27 at 2:41 AM, Cali said:

Cali allowed Blitz to go and sit on the seat and play with he steering wheel. She allowed Blitz to live out her dreams there, as she addressed Molotov. "Build something? I didn't know that was the plan but sure, I am more used to blowing stuff and destroying things myself but if you want to build something feel free to do so. I'm curious to see what we can come up with." she'd add with a chuckle, mostly towards what Blitz was doing. 

"You said something about a haunted property, right? I'm really interested in that and I'd like to go look at it and buy it. It sounds like something that is totally up my alleyway." she would add, making sure Molotov heard her questions.

"I figure we try like, a train cart, or a tractor. Whatever you folks think would work the best. I can start looking for motor parts, and take it from there really. That's gonna be the most important part, and can pretty much be used for both things."

Blitz would be making loud honking noises from the cockpit, which made Molotov both roll his eyes, and smirk a little. He'd like to condemn this, but it were hard to stay mad at his sis. She sorta grew on you like that, and it wasn't like Cali seemed to mind, so it were probably fine.

"And yeah, that haunted mansion. We're talking really big, with a good view, but haunted up the wazoo. You're gonna need to deal with the ghosts there if you wanna take over the place, as well as the monsters and such in the underground area. I heard some stories that they tried getting some folks in that deal with these things, but even if they could parley with the ghosts, the monsters were another thing. Mayeb if you could team up with one of those folks, you could sort it out to clean out the place, from top to bottom? I know the Royal Guards would be mighty happy about it. Less potential monsters that can go into the public, would certainly be something they'd be up for.

If you wanna have a go at just aiming for it straight away, I can point out where it is when we get back to my workshop, and I can get you that map I promised. It'll help get you sorted, and oriented enough about where to go, if you wanna have a solo bash at it, rather than lugging around with us mere mortals."

He'd grin, then go into a nearby stack, and look over the metal. The varied small levers on his eyeglass were working hard to adjust constantly via his magic, as he looked over, and eventually would start floating things aside, so that he could get access to what looked like a partial, crumbled up train engine. Likely a remnant from a crashed one, that had been scrapped. Weren't something he'd just let go of though. He could work with it, so yoink, that was theirs now. After he paid, of course. But right now, they had to start with gathering first.

=====================================================================

@GingerLightning

"I say we do a few test one of these days then. It'll be fun, don't worry. We're just going to see if you can do stuff like transform, feel out emotions, and all that fun stuff.

But first, you and your pet are going to bed. It's clearly been a long day, and I'm not hearing anything else. Girls, show her our guest room, please."

Two of the changeling drones - a smaller one wearing a ballet uniform, and another with a bard's outfit - would go over and open up the door leading further into the back. A simple trip down a hall with pictures of former owners and stars, that would lead past several closed doors. As well as one open one, that seemed to be a medium sized room with a large, round bed, containing several pillows and blankets. If each belonged to a changeling, the blankets would show this bed to be home for thirteen changelings. The entirety of Hive Cheshire, basically. Queen included.

"Don't worry, you don't have to go in there. That's just where we sleep."

"We're a close-knit hive. But we have other rooms too. This one's for you."

A few doors over, the changeling that spoke with a lower, thin voice, would open a door, to show a nice solo room. The walls had some holes patches with the general hardened, odorless changeling bile, and some glowing rocks for a soothing, calm light. Though there'd also be a bedside lamp, next to the comfy looking bed, and a door to a small toilet, if it were needed for a shower, or other things. There'd be a toothbrush there if she had not brought her own, sealed up and unused.

Next to the bed, there were also a doggie bed. They didn't know if her puppy were used to sleeping with her in a bed, or next to it, so they figured it were best to be on the safe side. Besides, they had this in the prop room. Might as well make some use of it, right? Never hurt to give it a go.

The pupper would definitely go around and smell around the room, examining it properly. Thankfully he wouldn't mark territory. He were too young for that, and he were trained well enough to know that if he had to go, to get the attention of Ginger.

"I hope this is good. I know it's not perfect, but we do what we can, with what we have, and everything here is nice and clean. I made double sure. We want you to feel at home among your own here, and make sure you can look back at us with fond memories. We're kin after all. We should stick up for one another."

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I remember them working on something like that in the lab towards the end, maybe the expert will know something that could help? While it isn't the best solution, I know firsthoof that often the only thing that can protect against an 'anomaly' is another 'anomaly'"

"I'd argue against that, but I'm cursed, and I've spent a lot of time in the past, collecting and safeguarding other cursed things, so it ain't like I can't see logic in the sentiment. It's just really annoying when you have to accept that one part of that *monsters to fight monsters* analogy, is that you're one of them."

It were not the kindest thing to say here, but it were true. The best thing that you could use to fight one darkness with, were often another kind of darkness, just utilized better. She had to begrudgingly accept that, just as it sounded like Arcade did.

"We'll see if she knows something, but try to think of things like this: It sucks to be what we are at times, but since we're here, we might as well try to do the best we can with the weights we have to carry, right? Gotten me through some tough days, to know that I saved some lives. Even if most of them were ungrateful little twerps."

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen would look over from where she was sitting on the bed, despite being a body suit on a ponnequin she did have a good range of facial expressions, and she looked a bit conflicted to see Null and Arcade. "I didn't hardly expect to be sent either, Vale would have been a far better choice, she knows far more than I did, but I suppose I'm a bit hardier than she is, and the foals are likely better off with a creature that is more... " she trailed off, "They're doing well of course, the foals you found, your sister and Vale are doing a good job of helping them adjust."

Arcade didn't look very comfortable near Pen, and Pen picked up on that, "I assume you're Arcade? I assume your discomfort is because you've interacted with one of my kind before... and I apologize. Not all of us are as, well-adjusted, as I am."

She turned her attention to the both of them, "Anyway, how can I help? The ambassadors told me you two knew the most about what is going on here."

"I should've known she'd help out with them. She has a good heart. Always wanted to help others. They'll be safe with her."

Void wasn't the most violent mare, but Null knew that if it came to protecting who she cared for, she were not going to hold her punches. And her sister could pack a mean punch if she wanted to. She had seen that several times herself, even if she never went too far. That *honor* were usually reserved for Null. What were a little more blood spilled for her, right? Weren't like it could hurt her anymore... Or so she thought at first, anyway. Time taught her differently, but at least, it'd only hurt one of them then. That had to count for something.

She too noted how Arcade did not seem overly thrilled to be around Pen, which considering everything he had said, more than likely meant that they had thrown one on him. And with what Pen had told her kind did... Yeeeah, she couldn't really blame him for not feeling super enthusiastic to be around one of their kind. She had tried having one of those suits on her herself, and at least she couldn't be eaten like others. The control issue though, had already told her more than enough, about how she felt regarding those beings. With the exception of Pen though. But that had more to do with personal experience.

"You don't have anything to worry about from her, Arcade. I've been through some things with Pen, and I haven't seen or heard about her *hunting* so far. I ran into her in one of those facilities/torture chambers those mongrels have set up here and there, so she knows what it'd like to be on the wrong side of the glass too.

And what's going on here? Darned if I know exactly. We've run into a few things, but I don't know what's from there, and what's just local crazies."

She'd spend some time after that, relaying what she knew. From the dragons and their curse, to the varied time magics going on with the tower, the bears, and even - though a little reluctantly on the details - about Cabinet Mare. Whatever oddity they had run into thus far, they'd mention. Not all of them were from the facility of course, like the dragons, but if it included something/someone that might have been tossed in there if it were, why not mentioned it, just to be all inclusive?

She'd end it on saying what they had more or less been told: That mostly all of the big layers in town, made use of some of these facility anomalies. What all of them were, they couldn't say though. They simply didn't have that sort of details, as they hadn't been there for too long.

Arcade could likely fill in some extra details she skipped over, or weren't aware of, so by the end, Pen should hopefully have a good picture of it all.

"- And that's all I got. What do you make of it?"

(Troy)

As soon as Ardee had come out, Void would have wandered over to her. She didn't think for a second that her mother had done something bad of course, but the examination may still have been hard for Ardee, and seeing her cry like that, made her instinctively want to go over there and embrace the poor, young mare. If Ardee had a need for it, Void would be there and whisper to her in her embrace, calling her a brave mare, and holding her much as she needed it, before going back to the others.

If she did not need this, or outright seemed to reject Void's approach, she would stand though, though look with great concern at Ardee. She wouldn't overstep her boundaries here if it were, but Void felt compelled to go and take care of each and every one of them, if they felt sad, and needed her there. Ardee were but the first, but this would continue with the others as well, if she saw them being distressed.

When she were not in potential sessions of comforting though, she would talk. She would tell as much as she could about the Pygmy Ghost Vultures, and the traits that made them both greatly valued pets, and subsequently had nearly gotten them extinct, when the major towns had fallen, and their instincts had been to return there, when their owners fled. She'd speak of their natural order in their ecosystem, and of how calm and gentle they were, regardless of how they might appear to the foals when they would eventually see one.

Then she would move on to speak page up and down about the Rose-Nosed Dune Foxes. How they lived out in the desert, and how they worked as a family unit, to better survive whatever were thrown at them. She could say of encounters with them she had seen herself, where they were roaming in the deserts, out of reach, but close enough that they may be able to gather something when no one were looking, and bring it out of town. Be it food, or perhaps something that's aid them in making a simple, yet worthwhile shelter. There'd be plenty to speak of how they had adapted to this new age, and how they weren't creatures to fear, as they were not predators of a kind that chased ponies, and in fact had a very important role in keeping populations of for example venomous scorpions down. There'd be breaks between these things, as the others would get out of the examination room. Starting with Elef, then Piecey and Teal, and then at last, Toupé and Peal.

Especially the last one would concern her, since she had heard sobbing, as well as her mothers attempt to soothe one of them. And judging by the looks of them as they exited, that would likely be Toupé. Had it been because her coat had been off? She knew that meant a lot to her, but maybe it were also covering something up, like a large scar, and she didn't feel good having it looked on? She wasn't sure, but she had wandered towards her with worry almost radiating from her, and asking if they were okay.

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Septicity looked concerned as she put her tools away and put the curtain back before coming over, "I'll need to borrow Void for a bit if that's alright?"

Vale stepped in, "Of course, I'll keep them busy in the meantime."

"Yeah, sure. Just... A moment please."

If Toupé had been receptive to the attempt at comfort, she wouldn't move away until the filly felt like she were ready to be let go off, though if she hadn't, Void would tell her that if there were anything, she'd be there for her. She'd be there for her. Unless she had totally shut off more or less, and retreated away with one or more of the others. Then it'd be a concerned look, but understanding that this may be more between them, and she weren't needed there, currently.

Regardless of how it went, she would soon enough be alone with her mother, and start the rundown of what had been learned in there. Which started off well, at least.

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Let's start with the good news I suppose." She looked through her notes, "According to the records the hospital had, and their own accounts, they're quite well developed, over-developed in some cases. I wouldn't be surprised if they were subjected to some sort of accelerated development in the facility. Teal and Toupé are the most aggregious, they claim to only be about 5-7 years old, but they're hitting the benchmarks for 12-14 (Using human years) Ardee is about 15 or 16, and the foals are thankfully well developed foals. No sign of malnutrition in any of them."

"We can handle that. We just need to adjust the sort of schoolwork we are doing for them, to catch them up on things. It's not perfect, but it should help with the years lacking at least, I hope. Long as they're healthy, we can handle the rest."

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Now the less good news. You may know some of this already, but I would be remiss if I didn't make sure you knew. Ardee is a bit behind in her primary wing muscle group development, unless she starts some serious exercise she may never fly under her own power, it sounds like she'd be fine with that, but you should encourage her to try so she's not grounded in the future. Elef, he bears some indicators of vampirism, more than a thestral normally does. He told me that one of the guards, Ada I think? Helps him keep it in check, and if that's the case there's no need to worry, it shouldn't worsen. Finally..."

"Mom, you... What's wrong?"

She had been ready to talk about Elef and Ardee before that tear had shown. Starting with speaking of how Ardee had the right to make her own choice, but that she would encourage the young mare to train her wings. If not for flying, then at least so that she might use them dexterously, with things such as wing blades. Perhaps that option for self defense would intrigue her enough, and they could then speak about how she might not want to fly now, but it were best to have the option in the future. If for no other reason, so that she could fly over cliffs and such, if she wanted to go and be an adventurer.

As for Elef, it were a surprise, but it sounded like hi and the guard were handling that, and making sure that he were taught control, so she'd consider that situation to be handled. She didn't want to think of him perhaps hurting the others, but she felt sure that Ada were handling things well. Though she would want to have a word in private with her at some point, just to please ask her to keep Void up to date on things, if something happened. She wouldn't interfere in whatever the mare thought were best, as she were sure the thestral knew far better than her, how to deal with this - she only knew how to deal with vampires in one way, and that one were not an option, if she could help it - but she would just like to know how he were doing, and if there were something she could do to help.

But she didn't get the time to speak of any of this, because her mother teared up, before going on to one of the next things of worry.

Void felt her heart race with concern as Septicity mentioned the first half of Toupé's name. The way she had issues speaking right now, that pained look in her eyes... It were giving Void flashbacks to a grim time. The day when she had woken up after trying to help Null, and her mother had to try and tell her that her leg had been amputated. She could forget the pain and sorrow her mother had radiated that day, when Void had first wriggled her stump, and looked up to her mother for answers. She could even hear her own quivering voice ringing through her head, on the verge of panic and tears, saying "M-Mommy?"

Some days, she thought the only thing that stopped Null from crying until she passed out that day, as their father had needed to tell her that she would never fly again, after amputating the mangled remains of her right wing, were that Void had cried even harder, and louder. She could barely remember what had happened there, except despair and emotional pain, as their mother had tried to calm her down, and give the young filly, who had now at age six, already lost two parts of her body, some semblance of hope. Though she remembered how even though she were weeping too, and in unbearable pain, Null her come over to her, and embraced her too. Even in her worst moment, she had been there for her, despite them both feeling things no foal ever should.

Both their parents had looks in their eyes that day, as the grave impact on the rest of their lives became apparent, and they had to both go through the horrors of amputating and patching up, as well as explain to these foals they had raised like they were their own, what had happened, and what they were going to do. There were a certain pain that came from a parent having to go through that, and she saw some of that now again, when the talk were about to fall on Toupé.

On 2021-04-25 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It was a fairly standard medical form with boxes to fill in with categorical information like name, gender, and race, as well as a diagram of the body where notes could be attached to specific parts.

Septicity wasn't known for making mistakes on forms like this, but one of the entries had been crossed out and overwritten: Earth Pony  Pegasus

So when the medical papers had been pointed out to her, Void had grabbed them with haste, and felt her heart beat faster and faster, as she ran it down, and found the page on Toupe. And there, on black and white, were an edit that made Void feel like something had shattered inside her. One single word, stricken out, and replaced with another, that put a context to the lab coat Toupé were wearing, that she had never wanted to see.

She couldn't find words as she just stood there, for several minutes, with the papers shaking in her grasp. She just kept starring at this editand feeling this overwhelming, crushing emotion of misery and sympathy roar through her. Pain over knowing something like this, and the implications of it, all too well, as she had seen the stages it could take through her sister. The desperation, the anger, and unquestionable pain that came from the pegasi instinct to fly, living inside you, but without having the body to reach the skies anymore. The amount of times she had seen Null stand on a high rock, feebly flapping her one wing, and look towards the sky with tears in her eyes, when she thought Void were sleeping, and didn't notice... She hadn't wanted to talk about it, but Void knew it pained her. And she still had one wing to use of, whereas Toupé...

"...D-Did they do this to her?"

She didn't look away from the paperwork as she asked this, but her voice were quivering, as she asked the question she knew had to be asked, but that she never wanted to neither hear uttered, nor answered.

Depending on if she said yes or no, one of three things would happen.

(If yes, and it were deliberate)

"...They better pray I never see them. There's no forgiving this."

Her voice were angry, as she let go of the paperwork, and stomped hard into the floor, cracking it. This were not normal for her, but some things, there could be no mercy for, and no forgiveness towards. Hurting this poor, innocent little filly like this... She felt like if they were here now, she'd currently be cracking the wall with the remnants of their faces. The feeling would likely pass over time, but she would still not be able to simply forgive and forget this.

(if yes, but it were an accident/Septicity didn't know)

"I'm not letting them near her. I don't care what it takes. They're never putting a hoof on her again, without me breaking it. They've already done too much."

She didn't care if it were an accident. They were still responsible for her to end up like that, and she would not forgive that. She couldn't, just like she doubted Toupé could. How would she be able to after all? She still had to live with the scars, and the memory of what happened. There was nothing good from this, and even if those who caused it, would live to regret it, that didn't mean they deserved mercy. Best for them all, if they stayed out of the foal's lives. The only mercy she'd give them, were to turn her back on them, and let them wallow in their own misery.

(if no)

She wouldn't say a word, but suddenly, would let go of the papers, and turn around. Her leg clacked on the floor as she rapidly moved out of that room, and directly over to Toupé, where she would bow down, and embrace the foal tightly, with her head wrapped around the neck of the poor, scarred little mare.

She'd just constantly whisper *I'm sorry* over and over, as she wept for the pegasi. This might not be the best way of dealing with things, but she were stuck in the emotions, and right now, she felt with her whole being, that she wanted to be there, and share her sympathy for Toupé. Another of the fillies who would need to speak with Null, if she had a chance of making it happen. Who else than her, would understand, and could give some advice on what she should do in the times ahead?

@Illiad Easle

Okay, the stuff with Toupé... Dude, that's Brutal.  Poor thing.

Buuuut. It does tie in well with something eventually. Rather soon too, in fact. But I'm not gonna spoil that. Can't say if you planned this or not, but if not, this will turn out interesting.

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-04-25 at 6:10 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Resource trade between our lands will be very lucrative," she pointed out as a use of a point that she at least appeared to be paying attention.

"From our side at least. As I said, we have knowledge, but it will take time for us to have actual goods. Once the things Twisted stole are released, it will help some, but those are just riches. We still need to rebuild and regrow.

What we can offer, will likely be in scarce amounts. But there is potency in what we have, considering the magic that flows through the ground. It will likely not all be to your liking, but filter a little, and set some boundaries for what is accepted, and you will likely find some good herbs and such, that might be of interest. If nothing else, I could see it being of worth to garner what we know of dark magic, since we also know how best to work against it.

From you though... I can't think of much that wouldn't be of worth. Technology, influence of a larger nation, information to catch us up on the last six centuries of history, produce, fabric, and so on. I'm sure what high society will remain after the... Cleansing, will have interests of their own too."

Personally, she were just interested in eating her meal, and resist the temptation to go in like a savage. Compared to an Equestrian - and especially Dawn - she probably were, but that did not mean she had to act the part. She could, and would, eat this like a regular being would, despite her feeling as if she should have it downed as fast as she could, before it went stale.

On 2021-04-25 at 6:10 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"This is a common breakfast item in Equestria.  Along with muffins and cereal.  Muffins are much better if you're in a hurry and need something to eat on the way to a destination.  Cereal is much more simple, too simple for me, but Rising likes it," Dawn explained.

"...I don't know what any of that is, but I'm sure it's perfectly fine too. In my life, breakfast have mostly been a slice of bread. On occasion, with something on it. Under Twisted's... Tutelage, I were usually rewarded for success, or punished through failure, via food and shelter. Last I failed him, I were bound to a shack, with a meal every other day, Provided he did not feel spiteful for varied reasons."

She'd take another bite out of her breakfast, and chew down the sugary dough slice, before speaking once more. Though her eyes made clear that she were reminiscing. And not about better days.

"I prefer this."

If Dawn looked at the crystal ball, she'd find that there were a settlement down in it now. A ghost town from the looks of it, with spirits floating idly around, stuck in a loop. So they had at least crossed the water now, even if their destination were rather gloomy.

On 2021-04-25 at 6:10 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Plans?" innocently inquired as if she hadn't really thought about it.  Of course she had a plan, her plans had plans and those plans had plans planned before planning.  "We are going to ponynap the Hero of Harrowmark and prepare him for the future!" she dramatically expressed like some sort of villainess.  "And you darling, could use a little TLC yourself."

"Kidnapping? And here I thought my life would change."

Lily would smile, making clear that she were joking. Though the looks in her eyes, did also say that there were truth to what she said. Just not with Dawn being a villain in this.

"I look forward to seeing what your plans are with him, though you will need to explain TLC. I doubt you mean what I thought of first."

=====================================================================

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-04-25 at 4:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Aww… No ‘capture-the-flag’ type games? That’s a shame, but I guess it must not be a good idea for a carnival game. That one’s a popular game among young longma, especially when someone gets really cheeky and puts a marked item high up in a tree.”

“Sen used to get really invested in a game with the other children when he was younger. If you had a marked item, he’d never stop chasing you until he got it, even when it’s already too late for him to take it back. It got him into trouble with the other younglings’ parents when the games got a little rough.”

"Hm. I can just imagine an enthusiastic Sen, chasing other longma out of pure stubbornness. It fits you so well, my friend."

The mental image of a smaller Sen, chasing others of his kind to get an elusive item, and not understand when it was time to call it quits. It had been something really showcased in how he had been chasing after Lin too, as realistically, he should have given up, at some point before he actually found her. It were commendable that he hadn't though, and best for them both, as who knew what might have happened to her, had he not pushed on like he had? It were perhaps something that could make him a little zealous at times, but overall, it were a good quality for the longma to have. Though thinking about it in the context of this game, were still amusing. It just fit his character so well.

On 2021-04-25 at 4:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Sounds like that dancing game you suggested might be fun, Rosa! Sen could use some practice if he’s going to topple over his feet! Want to hear a story about how his last attempt at dancing went?”

“Hey! That happened a long time ago, back when we could barely remember anything.” 

“And father used to tell that story a lot. Must be a good one if he loved remembering that. So, Rosa, want to know what happened?”

While Omen were attracting some attention now and again for the fire, as folks thought it was a trick of sorts, like with firebreathers, she were getting more to stop up of a particular type of creature. That being dragons, who saw what she were doing, and smelling what she were downing, and were mesmerized at seeing what looked like a pony, eating something even dragons tended to find pretty spicy. Smoke were starting to pour out of her ears too now and again, so it were certainly hot, but she didn't seem to mind. in fact, about halfway into the burrito, she seemed to have the faintest outline of a smile creep slowly on her face. Apparently, there were something in her life which triggered some degree of happiness, even if she wouldn't understand the feeling, if she were asked to focus on it.

Meanwhile, Rosa would focus on Sen and Lin instead, as the option to hear a story came up. He'd try not to focus on Omen, even though he did register what were going on, as well as how Shrimp reacted on it. Which were at first to look with concern on his primary caretaker, but would eventually join in, and spew out a little stream of fire on his own, into the air. Nothing that would hit anything, as it were too small. The glittering fire that were also usable by him, were a far greater flame, but that one were also for another purpose.

That omen seemed fine and in one piece, made him calm enough to think it was okay, and would instead focus happily on the bit of burrito he were offered. He'd put one of the dried fruits down on Lin's head to get a grasp on it, and would sniff it through, before beginning to chomp through it. The bread weren't his favorite, but along with the rest, it went down well, and he'd get a good deal of taste out of the little bite. He were pretty small too after all, so this were still much for him. Enough in fact, as he'd start to yawn not long after eating it, and the dried fruit. He were a ravenous sort, but his body - and therefore stomach - were still tiny. At this point in his growth stage, this would more than suffice, considering how many other things he had eaten recently.

"I would very much like to hear that story, yes. It sounds like it must have been something special, if it were told often like that."

================================================================

@abrony-mouse

On 2021-04-25 at 7:29 PM, Fuchsia said:

"You're right!" Fuchsia slows. Without thinking, she moves to hug him, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't listen in the temple."

A meditation technique? Interesting, and very useful. He had found at times that it really helped him too, to be able to just sit and focus his mind like that. It were good, and in situations like this, could be vital. Panic rarely caused you to make the best of decisions.

He were about to ask something about this, when she had suddenly dragged him into a hug, and his words stopped in his throat.

It wasn't one of those *And then he learned true love* situations, but it were certainly a surprise, which caught him off guard. He hadn't assumed she would have done something like that, right there and then, though he quickly got more focused on how saddened she seemed to be, and would pat her on the back.

"It's okay. Rummaging through old temples, these things are bound to happen every now and again. We just need to tackle the issue, now that it's here."

A story for another time, but he would admit that this were not first time he had been involved in releasing something by accident. Though he would admit, this one were one of the more persistent ones, that much were certain.

At present time though, she seemed to be doing something else. Placing a hoof on her cutie mark, and... Focusing? It were hard for him to say, but it might be what she used as kind of her focus object, when doing the meditation. Fair game if it were. In a pinch he tended to go with the feather in his hat, so it wasn't like he were one to judge on this matter.

And then, as suddenly as it had all started, she would take off, and fast. There weren't time to think on what to do here, beyond trusting that she had some sort of idea, and follow her as quickly as he could. Least the headache were gone now, so that made things simpler though the magical fatigue could be felt in his horn. He weren't gonna be able to do big, flashy things again like cracking stones, before he had time to do some rest. Maybe something smaller though.

Yet that wasn't important. He had to haul flank, before Fuchsia ended up completely on her own.

==================================================================

@Windy Breeze

Pop Rock sniffed a little, and looked around at the place. It were nice. Not as homely as where mistress lived, but she were biased there, as it were the only place she had ever been, that had been a welcoming home to her. This place were nice, and smelled good, but nothing would compare to the space that Needle had given him. Objectively, this were likely better, but such were the blindness of gratitude and adoration.

"They not? Oh, okay. We sorry. Pony have nice day, yes?"

Pop would bow and scurry outside, trying to take the others with her, even if physically they were stronger. if at least one did, she would turn around soon as they were not within earshot of others, and shake her head violently.

"Pony lie. Smell is around inn, and she said mare, for skull pony. How she know it was a mare? Mistress says it is important to listen to small things. This small, but important, yes?"

==================================================================

@Monotonality

On 2021-04-25 at 4:00 AM, Magnolia said:

"Acknowledged. You are very kind for granting us this. I will not tell you much about me, but it has been ages since I have slept in, or even viewed such a room as this. That was until my dear, friend here showed me a better path." she would say calmly and plop down on the bed looking to Fishbone and Zeehva.

"I believe it is time for us to have our rest." she said, her eyes fluttering closed. It was hard to keep them open, she was tired but her body or pose didn't really convey it. As she played there, the shadows seemed to calmly expand and contract around her bed and where the windowsill was. 

"Oh, I'm sure she showed you all kinds of things. Didn't you?"

"P-Please stop saying that."

Fishbone grinned slyly, and wriggled one eyebrow towards Zeehva, as she were standing and taking this, from the teasing dragoness.

"But it's so fun to press that large, red button, and see you flare up.

Hmhm. But fine, I'll behave. You two look like you need the rest, so take a nap, and then we'll talk about the payment when you're feeling more fresh."

"A-Actually, could we just uhm... S-Sort it now? We'd probably need the r-room for a few days."

The mere way that Fishbone looked at her in response to this, caused Zeehva to blush up. The dragoness were good at this.

"That will be twelve bits then, with extra like breakfast and such, paid for separately."

Zeehva would take the money out from her saddlebag, and send the dragoness off with a hurried *thank you, please leave us alone*.

After that... Encounter, Zeehva would plop straight down on her own bed, face first, and let out a long, drawn out groan.

"I really need to sleep on all of this... R-Rest well."

Lest there were something else, she'd fall asleep, and not wake up for at least a few hours, lest something happened.

==============================================================================

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Monotonality

On 2021-04-25 at 7:16 AM, Cali said:

Cali frowned at that, as if remembering unhappy memories. "Hah, you thought I did all that alone? Not the case, not the case at all. Well it started out with me as alone. I had a rather powerful AI named IRIS on my side. She was the neutral sort but I eventually got her onto my side once she realized the destruction, death and murder my enemies had caused. My old friend Gina was with me from the start although we got separated across dimensions in our battles against my enemies. She has a unique power to manipulate and alter gravity." Cali said pridefully.

"However, during my last battle with my enemies she fought valiantly with my enemies. They ended up causing some sort of explosion that ruptured her ear drums and she was sent across the multiverse. Wherever she ended up, we'll never know. I have faith, and belief in that she would have eventually found refuge and repaired her ear problem. She is smart. She will make it. But she will have to do so without me because it is impossible for me to find wherever she ended up..." she said with a sad smile. The way she spoke was as if she had gotten over it.

"Hey! I ain't hearing that. You got a friend there, and if you're sure she's alright, you should have some faith that one day, you two are gonna end up crossing paths again. Sounds like you could live a long time, right? Plenty time to kiss and make up later there. She might just need some time to really get sorted. And perhaps break some laws of physics. Ain't that big of an issue I'd say, if she can go wonky with gravity.

Real nice to hear you can appreciate a good AI though. Me? I love a good AI. In fact, far as I know, I made the first one in our world."

He'd reach a hoof up to his head, and the fuzzy spiderbot that were Carmen, would crawl on it, so that he could more proudly present her.

"1147 variations to the codes, worked over ten years, but it were all worth it. She's my beautiful little sign of progress, and the best lab asistant I could ever ask for.

You've seen her little sister too, Felicia. Build for combat, to protect the workshop, and equipped with the same baseline program. But her system are larger, or she wouldn't be able to function right. Imagine my surprise when that turned out to have also drastically accelerated her intelligence, far beyond what I had thought. And boy howdy was she miffed that she were stuck in the workshop at first.

But much as we quibble, just like Carmen here, I wouldn't trade 'em for the world. They ain't just progress to me. Far as I'm concerned, they're family."

Carmen let out a series of whirs and clacks, while trying to stand as tall as her small form allowed, though the diodes that made for her eyes, focused entirely on Cali.

"Awh, she says she can be your AI friend too. Ain't that nice?"

On 2021-04-25 at 7:16 AM, Cali said:

Cali chuckled. "Already ditched my world, but you think that world is the worst? Well, I've been in literal hell, dystopian realities ruled by dictators, complete all out wars and the like. All of them are places I am never visiting ever again. I am staying here. Where it is peaceful, and where I am sure my enemies will not fit in or seek to find. Even if they do come, I believe I will have plenty of...friends there to help me." she'd flash a grin.

Molotov would wrinkle his nose, as the first part of the bad places she were talking about, came up in chat.

"You're the second one in a month I've heard talking about something called hell, and she sure didn't sound like she were kidding when claiming I seriously didn't want to know. Does that place have like, creatures that can't handle any sort of colder temperature, and flaming ears? Cause this one were a weird customer. Wanted to ask if I could make some sorta device that'd heat her up like she'd been put in an oven. It's on my backburner until she brings a license from the higher ups, cause I ain't sure I can trust that one.

Hopefully that ain't one of your issue cases. Or if it is, we won't end up in a real big monster fight for dominance. That stuff never goes well for the public in any of the shows."

On 2021-04-25 at 7:16 AM, Cali said:

"In my world there are gods, but they were long gone. Some believe in them, some don't. There is no real actual evidence the gods of various religions existed yet the majority of the world believes in them to some extent. Take Apollo, god of the sun. Ares, the god of war. Many gods, really. I only considered myself a god on the egotistical level. So I could be like one, show my power, and people would bow down to me as if I was their god but truth be told I am just me, nothing less, nothing more. That is all I am. Me.

While I may have been extremely egocentric, destructive, and sometimes violent...I never killed or harmed anyone who didn't deserve it. And the only times I did, was when I was attacked first. Despite being a thief, I usually stole from large corporations and rich elitists rather than those who had little to spare. Sometimes I'd even give to the poor, too."

"Still a bit iffy, but hey, when you get a creature that can nuke your town without effort, it sorta makes sense to see 'em as a god. And if they punish the wicked, that's about as good a god figure as you can hope for. Like you say, they ain't all kosher, so you gotta take things with a grain of salt, when it comes to them gods. Sure the killing thing ain't optimal, but ergh... If they had to be dealt with, I suppose that you felt like they had to do that, right? Ain't what I'd prefer, but I weren't there, and dunno what they did. So trying to stay neutral on this, and focus on the other stuff. Like how you cracked down basically surprise taxes on the rich, to make sure others who really needed it, could get some food on the table. Always a big feather in the hat for somepony to remember those who're less fortunate than themselves."

On 2021-04-25 at 7:16 AM, Cali said:

Cali laughed at this before sticking out her tongue at them. She smiled, she always liked their antics and thought it was funny. It was also cute. She'd also pat Blitz on the head...and also pat Molotov on the head too. Her hoof was extremely soft.

Blitz were very receptive to the patting as per usual, while Molotov... Well, he got around to it. It started off looking like he weren't a fan, and were gonna say something, but then y'know, what the hay, right? Embrace the moment. So he did, an d stood there with a big, goofy grin, as the soft hoof ran over his slightly coarse mane. He hadn't gotten a shower today, so it were pretty dry, and could use the moisture. Later though, when there were time.

On 2021-04-25 at 3:19 AM, Kujamih said:

" Ive been inactive with friendship and bonding activities for a long time now..... So forgive me for picking the wrong activity for us.... So... Maybe a vehicle?"

On 2021-04-25 at 7:16 AM, Cali said:

Cali walked away from the others. In a red flash, she turned into a large farming tractor with seats for all of them. "Somebody say vehicle?"

On 2021-04-25 at 8:24 AM, Kujamih said:

" I think we should build it from the junk and what not... Not from..... You? Or does this count Molotov?"

"Nah nah, we're gonna make something outta the scrap. This right here's just cheating. A nice cheat though. Very detailed. Maybe this here's just Cali's way of saying that she wants us to try and build this thing, right? Is that your inte- Blitz!"

Blitz had reacted as one might expect: By jumping up into the steering house of the tractor, and pretend to be driving it, whilst making motor sounds. Sure she could barely reach the steering wheel, but what did logic have to do with this? She just wanted to have some fun, and this were the coolest tractor she had ever known about. Hey yeah were she gonna take it for a pretend spin. Even if it couldn't actually drive around here, with it being that big. Slim it a little though, and it could likely drive around a bit, and confuse the tar out of anypony seeing it.

On 2021-04-25 at 8:43 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“Hanging out with two egghead scientist siblings, talking with somepony from another world, and getting laughed at by a dimension shifter? Yep, this is not a normal day” Blue grinned, “But a crazy day is not that bad what what I've seen today”

“You're right” Luna agreed as she watches Cali and Light talking to each other.

"Everyday is crazy day. That's what makes it fun!"

"Yeah yeah, normal days are boring. I getcha sis. Now get outta there, and come down here to speak to the nice ladies, instead of shouting from up there."

"Nuhuh! I can hear them up here, and this is my friendicle. Vroom vroom of friendship!"

"I swear to Celestia, Pinkie Pie have been a bad influence on her... And this ain't even the weirdest I've seen her do.

You two know any good stories of other crazy things? It might lure her outta there. Preferably before Cali gets ideas, and drives off with my sister, to become vigilante hillbillies."

@Scarlet Rose

Sad to read that mate, but I understand. If ever you feel the spark again though, know that we're still here.

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-04-23 at 12:47 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m good with waiting here for a while, at least until Lin is feeling better. Might be a good time to eat and gather strength again. The rides can wait, and the games will still be here, though we’d probably fare better with keeping our feet on the ground.”

“Sounds good, and I guess I am feeling a little hungry now.” Lin passed her brother’s water canister back to him before picking some fish nuggets. It’s small and light, a good way to start without feeling like she’ll stuff herself too soon. “Maybe you and Rosa could go ahead and play at some of the booths. I’ll join you when I’m feeling a little better. Guess I might not be up for that test of strength after all, but that’s alright.”

"Let's take it one step at a time. First we get something to eat, then we can start off on a few runs between Sen and I, while you recover. And then when you are ready, we can all join in on the same fun."

Rosa would take a burrito and bite into it. It was a good, savory one. Not too dry, good crunch, and the freshness were there. Wasn't top level of course, but faire food rarely were, and they would mask it with the tried and true method of using some proper spice to beef up the taste. Or in cases like this, some good sauce, which did fit the taste rather well, in his opinion. Added a slight zing to it in the aftertaste, due to it's minor sourness, and helped the dish not taste dry. All in all, not a bad meal, even if it could perhaps use a few more sweet peppers to spice it a little. Not much, just a smidgen, and it were a personal preference, more than anything.

Much like the rest his eyes followed Omen's bag as well, yet she didn't open it, nor started to eat yet. She were busy listening in to what they were saying, and handing out the food and drinks. She'd get to it soon after Rosa would answer the next inquiry that came his way though. It could likely have been sooner, but she had her own things to see too, which included watching Shrimp, as he were presented the dried berries, and happily grabbed hold of what he were offered, Either with wrapping some of his elongated body around them, or by using his small hands and mouth. He were curious what the others were eating, and had sniffed in that direction, but he wasn't sure if it would be good. Berries however, he did, so he'd go for what he knew first, and then maybe later, get curious, and beg one of his caretakers for a taste.

On 2021-04-23 at 12:47 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“A challenge, you say, Rosa? I’m feeling up for one! After the ride, I think I’m going to stick to the ground for a while. Sounded you were having a good time yourself up there if your hearty screaming said anything. I’m not sure if we’d find something like it in a carnival, but if there is some game that tests agility, I’m up for running that. My legs are feeling a little wobbly; a good run ought to make that go sensation go away.”

"I don't think there is anything testing agility like that, but we could always have a run if... Hmmm, actually, it is a relatively new thing, but perhaps... We'll have to look around some more, but I may have an idea, though it will include something that you may not be comfortable with, which is dancing. It is a weird machine, where you have to step between buttons on the ground, in accordance to some figures showing in a projected field. The buttons registers the push from you stepping on or off them, and there are music, that you will follow. Apparently, the rhythm will help you do better when it speeds up. I've only really heard of it, but I suppose, there might be something like it here. Though we may need to scour the grounds a little, and ask a few beings.

And speaking of asking: Omen? Is that what I think it is?"

As he had reached the end of his little talk, Omen had opened the small bag, and revealed a bottle, filled with some kind of dark red liquid, with random puffs of orange and yellow sparking to life, and dying down within it.

"I do not know what you think. Were I supposed to?"

"It was a saying. Don't think too hard about it. Point still being though, is that Dragonfire Lava Sauce?"

"Yes."

She opened the bottle, and a smell like scorched mountainside started flowing through the air. Smoke, fire, charred pine trees- Many things such as that, and it were flowing further around her as she used the bottle, to apply a single line of it, down the middle of her own burrito. And it were a hefty smell too. Highly spicy, and assaulting your nostrils if it got close, rather than waft calmly, like a perfume. This sorta thing would wither the small hairs in your nose. Literally, if you got too close.

"How and why do you have it?"

"The dragon said if anyone could eat a spoon of his chili, and not need milk, they would win a bottle. It smelled like fire."

"And you ate a spoonful?"

"And the spoon. I thought he meant that too."

"*sigh* Of course you did... Could you stomach the chili?"

"It tasted like fire. More than spicy food before."

"It should, as Dragonfire Chili is one of the hottest things you can eat. However, that you're holding there, is worse than that. It literally needs to be sold with a warning, saying that consuming more than one droplet of it, for non-draconic beings, can be hazardous for your health."

Omen did listen, but she were also curious, and as such, took a large bite of the burrito. It seemed to go well for her too. She didn't show any sort of sign that this were painful, or tasted bad. She just chewed her food slowly, and did hers to taste the food as much as possible. Then suddenly, she'd slowly turn her head upwards, open her muzzle, and let out a half meter flame, before calmly going back to eating, rinse and repeat.

=====================================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

"A fair assessment. They are using a lot of magic, and in some cases, they do that very effectively against attackers. Especially their Element of Harmony wielders, and that... Urgh, I forget what they called themselves, but it was another flock of ponies, who also used magic to for example, send a flock of giant, rampaging sirens to another dimension. Your general, garden variety pony doesn't have that of course, but it can be interesting to run into the odd exception here and there. Long as it's not in a bad way. I prefer to stay in this dimension, and not being turned to stone."

Perhaps on the extreme side of what might happen to you, but the fact that it were still an option, made her cautious. Sure they could in theory, start rampaging, and likely get a lot of the feeble ponies, but the punishment would be rather severe, for anyone trying. Besides, she didn't see a point in doing this, as she liked civilization. And with the sort of treasure she collected, there would be a lot less for her to gather up, if their society crumbled. Harder to find treasured things, if most were dead. Also she liked some of the things within this society, and would miss it, if it went away. Sure she could adapt, but that didn't mean she actively looked forward to having to do it, when it came to modern luxuries.

She'd turn to watch the little dragon going at it for a bit more, and examine how he were smoking his meat, to give it a little heat. Not really cooking, as much as just heating she'd guess, but it were still somewhat endearing. Guess the bird would have to go and catch some new ones later then, with how Charir were likely going to empty the raw meat. maybe the cooked too, if he were still hungry, and feeling curious afterwards.

"Must be nice for him to get to eat, without having to worry about someone larger than him, coming and chasing him away from it. Poor thing needs his food, so he can grow big and strong. Or maybe not big, but a little wrecking ball of scale and muscle, is a lot harder to fight. Least with big dragons, you can see them, and there's plenty to attack.

...When someday you go back, are you taking him with you, Ruby? I know he came from there, but... He also ran away from the place for a reason. I'm not sure how, or even if, he could survive there for long, if he went back. Not on his own."

=========================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

Scarecrow didn't need to send a message back. Crow knew it wasn't supposed to eat pets, or in general chase down prey in town, because that would mean letting go of him, Which were a very bad idea for the both of them, so it'd resign its hunting for the forest for now, or if it could go around solo, while Scarecrow were in the forest. Though it wasn't an issue now, as again, he were still digesting his last prey. It'd be days before he even had to think about a new prey. This were more just... Predatory instinct, and an instinctual sense of dominance.

22 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

He did speak after Lyriel was finished though "As you may have noticed, I'm not much of a talker, please know that this is not out of rudeness or anything alike, I'm just not used to having company."

"Not everypony does well on their own with this, I'm afraid. I understand."

Olive would intercept the ball kicked by Scarecrow, and pass it along to Elderbloom. It was nothing exciting or riveting, but it looked like everyone were having a good, wholesome time here. Including Rancher, who were still fully petting the bunny, who seemed to be very receptive to the adoration and attention of the filly.

"A sad state of affairs, but I have hopes for him, and know that there lies a warm, kind core somewhere within him, that just needs to experience socializing among others. It can be tough to do at first, but it is well worth it."

About two kicks more in, the ball would get near Lyriel, and she would kick it towards the anticipating colt. The jolt from this one though, woke up the snake that had been sleeping around her neck, whom woke up to look around groggy at the varied ponies. A lot more lively here than he were used to before.

"I thought that was an odd necklace. Where did you find that?"

"In the old castle. They are harmless, I assure you. Just a little... Special."

The snake would bask in the sunlight, and not pay the ponies much heed. In fact, all three heads would look directly up at the sun, mouths open, and drink in the light. This was so much easier than hunting in the castle for them.

"Huh. Did your bird come from the same area, Scarecrow? You don't normally see a hawk in this area, but if the snake came from there, maybe many animals gathers there now?"

Eyes were on Scarecrow now, so he better have a good one ready, as well as explain why Crow did not leave him, even with everything going on. Maybe blame it on a wing issue, or something.

==============================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Thanks to the unseen powers that the sisters didn't have her in their forces." as to be expected from someone with their past, combat was the first thing their minds went to "I don't think even the top of the line sensors could keep up with her. " Sheska looked at the party hat and at a piece of confetti "What is all of this stuff anyway?" "Why did she shoot us with pieces of paper and glittering...whatever that stuff is?"

It would be a minute more before they'd get a real answer from the overwhelmed changeling queen. The best they'd get at first, were her jaw going up, her lips tightening slightly around the party horn that were stuck in the side of her muzzle, and give a weak toot of it.

Eventually though, she'd gather herself again, and start by spitting out the horn in her muzzle, with an annoyed expression on her face. Then she'd proceed to use her magic to remove the hat, and clean out the confetti and glitter from herself. Which wouldn't be so bad normally, but she were in disguise right now, and had fur, so it wasn't easy. Would likely have been even worse if she had been in her true form though, due to her large mane. Still annoying though.

"Urgh. I know not who that were, but I know this confetti and glitter, are related to these other things she blasted us with. Party items, which I assume have something to do with this odd pony, whoever she might have been."

"That'd be Pinkie Pie. The resident party pony, and Element of Laughter."

The pony had wandered around a corner as she heard them talk, and were now looking over the aftermath, so to speak.

"Nothing to be afraid of really. She's just very excited when she meets new creatures, and you certainly seem like an odd bunch. Are you some kind of dragon? I'd need to prepare the rock candy then. Pinkie always comes around for a big order when she starts these things."

"Who are you, and what do you know of that... Creature, beyond this?"

"I'm Circle Pop. My candy store isn't far from here, and it was lunch break, so I figured I'd come around and prepare something. Seems like I'm in business later.

And Pinkie is... Well, Pinkie. It's easier to just sorta shrug your shoulders, and accept her as she is. Can't really explain her with logic."

As she spoke, it were obvious likely, that Onache were scouring her mind, but she wasn't changing what Circle were saying. From what she could tell, all that were there, were true, and oddly specific. Apparently, Pinkie were an unpredictable sort, doing things that should not be possible. Peculiar... And dangerous.

====================================================================

@Scarlet Rose

Both zebra would have a little laugh, and give a nod towards Silicon, for the comment about them and jingle writing. It were actually not unheard of for Zebra to take that job, or help out in varied music industries, as they had a natural talent for rhyming. To varied degrees, of course.

"Apple Bloom is a good little one. Her and her friends sometimes come into the forest for fun. Odd choice, but long as their voice, do not make too much noise, it should be simple for them, especially with the forest's new friend."

"I don't know if I would call her its friend. A draconequui are more likely to cause it's end."

"The one of whom I speak, have been here for more than a week. A being of nature, who seeks to nurture. Something this forest have long not had: A dryad."

This would make Orchid's eyebrow soar up quite a bit, and he looked baffled at Zecora.

"A dryad in the Everfree? She is far from the mother tree."

"Further than you think. She does not even know of this link. But perhaps we can speak of her some more, once we have finishing what we discussed before. Your path must take you away, and as they say, try not to go astray."

Orchid would nod in agreement, and say his farewells, with a staunch bow, and risen hoof to his chest. A sign of respect, which she seemed receptive towards. And after that, she would begin working on the rest for the elixir, while the two of them would wander out of the hut, and begin by going north. They had plants to find, with the first being harvested from an old gravesite. One which they'd eventually run into, but they had some travel to go first.

============================================================================

@Monotonality

On 2021-04-22 at 12:42 AM, Magnolia said:

"I have not, however that is a very fascinating and useful idea I would like to learn. Using that, I would be able to stop ponies from doing magical spell attacks against me and literally fuel my own attacks with theirs. That is a very powerful and dangerous ability to have, but I would like to wield it. The more powerful you are, the more likely it is for you to win over others. I have no qualms in that mindset. We should totally try that out." 

"We can run some tests another time then, when we're somewhere a bit more private. Just uhm... Try not to go too overboard, okay? Absorbing the spell can be good for a defense, but gorging sounds like it could be dangerous. As would perhaps accidentally, drain someone else.  We'll see when we get to it though, okay?"

Well, seems like they found something Magnolia were fairly interested in testing then. Though she couldn't help but feel like with the look in Magnolia's eyes as she had spoken of it, the mare should have ended her sentence with a cackle, while lighting struck in the background. It might just be Zeehva were tired and imagining things though. Probably were. Both of them really needed a good rest to think over things, then wake up fresh and renewed, to speculate on what to do from here on out.

On 2021-04-22 at 12:42 AM, Magnolia said:

"Second story facing the city sounds great to us. We have travelled a very long way so anything you have is good for us. One or two beds is not a problem. We are quite close after all."

"Ooh? Are you sure I shouldn't prepare the couple's room then?"

Fishbone were just having a little fun, as she could see how it affected the reddening Zeehva. Such a fun one to poke at, and hard for one of her kind to not do it either, but she wouldn't let the poor mare stand and try to stammer out an objection, as she were trying to prepare for now. She had her fun, now it were time to do her job.

"But enough about that. Pops, the key for room 5, please."

The stallion would reach a key up, that he had gotten from under the counter. Fishbone would lean in closer, and grab them with her tongue, before smoothly sliding down from the wooden bar she had been hanging from thus far with her tail, and land softly on the bar counter.

She'd move calmly, and wander to the edge of the bar, before jumping down from it. On the way past Pops though, she'd run her tail through his beard, making the pony let out a bellowing laugh, and cause Fishbone to give a little smirk.

After that, she would lead them up the stairs of the homely looking inn, and on the third floor, would open the first door on the right.

It were nothing fancy. Two beds, a half meter apart, with a table between for whatever things one might need. including a lamp. The beds had a flower pattern on its cover, and the light from the lamp on the nightstand, as well as the ceiling, gave off a nice, soft lighting. The curtains also had the same themed patterns going, though the seating in the corners were simple, wooden chairs. Though with a flowery pillow on each of them. As for the view, it would show a fine look towards t he sprawling city, with all it's life and busy folks. Though thankfully far enough away, to where you didn't really hear them. Especially not with the window shut.

Overall, the room had a nice, homely, simple feeling to it. A little slice of the sort of bedroom, you'd find your parents living in. Nothing fancy, and very comfortable.

"High fashion it isn't but a weary sailor, or sleepy tourist doesn't care about that. They want familiarity, and comfort. So I give them what they need. What do you think about it? And don't worry about anything. The rooms are very resilient to sounds, and I make sure the rooms get cleaned after every visitor."

==========================================================================

@Monotonality @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-04-22 at 1:17 AM, Kujamih said:

"....... Hopefully what i said would stick to your long term memories and remember what i said." Light said with a smile.

" So here we are..... The junkyard..... What do we do....now...."

"I'm thinking we make robots out of the scrap, and take over the city.

...Naaaah. Come one mate, I'm just pulling your leg. I say we walk around the stacks, and see if we can find something good. We can make it interesting by setting a theme, eh? Like that we have to use at least 32,4% iron plates, or that we gotta find a functional clock motor before going on. Y'know. Something fun for the whole group.

Since we're going in blind pick, why don't you chose for us, eh? What's the rules?"

This was a fun place to have a sort of inventors game, and Molotov were sure game for it. Heck, Light could even pick what he decided should be made, and have Molotov see if he could find the parts for it. That'd be a fun little treasure hunt for sure, and now that they had passed the gate, and the piles were stacked up high around them, it were about time to explore.

But, there were other things to address too here, which is why he turned to Cali afterwards, who were currently having Blitz bounce around her, much like she saw Pinkie do, just not at high. Her metal wings were kind of heavy, so it weren't possible for her to do on a long term basis, nor that high up. But he'd give her an A for effort, that was for sure. Solid dedication.

"Aight, Cali, it sounds like you need to get yourself some more down to earth enemies, if they're that sort. Sure you got the upper hoof now, but if they come back smarter, that could really end up biting you in the flank. Ever thought of getting some help for this sort? Sound like if they're two against one, or even more, it'd just be fair for you to even the playing field, right?

Now, point two there: Seriously, ditch your world for good. It sounds like it's run by greed and malice, and are going down the hole to Tartarus in a real hurry.

Third one, I can't blame you for thinking they're self serving, since y'know, gods get power through worship and all, so they're incentivized to get followers. If you were really in that sorta business though, I really, really hope it ain't working the same where you're from, as it does here. Cause here, one of the only things that's for sure counting for every god, is that you can't just leave a vacuum. If they die, someone else is gonna have to fill the shoes. If they're killed, it'll be the one who killed them. Stepping down... I can't say guaranteed, but thinking they'd need a sucker, more or less. Mind me just thinking that you were being more of a pretend god than a real one, so I can stop worrying? Yeah? Grand. Hehe.

Aaah. Anyway, you got a point on the last bit you said on 'em too. Sure must sting to remember, but there's something to be learned from failure. Mostly how not to repeat the same mistakes. That's the issue with those folks who wanna just skip over bad parts of history texts too. If you forget the mistakes, you're bound to do them all over again.

And to finish off-"

"I make sure to not burn myself, and use extra long fuses. Oh. Oh! And not going back to a dud. That solves lots of problems, hehe."

"Darn it sis, can't ya lemme finish?"

"But you're talking too much and being boring!"

The two siblings would pull their tongues on one another after that. Brother and sister indeed, even if one were more or less on the task of raising her, which gave him a bit of power. If he used it right though, were up for debate.

"As I were trying to say, if you want a big place with history, and got really deep pockets, I know a few places. One that really springs to mind right now even. What're your thoughts on places haunted by a deranged matriarch, and the family she killed? Along with the occasional lab experiment from the dungeons escaping? The sort where every sort of visitor have been banned for over thirty years, and the authorities got no idea how to deal with everything in there, and are tooa fraid to nuke it, since then more things might make it out of the dungeons."

@CutieMarkCrusaders1

Uhm... Still confused. I guess you want something unscripted, where they are just wandering around town, and are then interacted with by someone, yes? If that is so, I could do that. Frankly, I even got a new student that could be used for that, whom I've had in town for some time, but haven't done much with. She moved to Ponyville to live with her dad around two-three days ago, and only gotten 1 day of school in thus far.

Her name is Jelly Drop. Her father is a bat pony Night Guard, who got dispersed to Ponyville, to help out, as the princess have thus far not gotten a guard of her own. He is pretty overworked with general stuff going around town though, that requires varied degrees of authority, and haven't interacted much with Twilight yet. The spider is called Gary, and is her pet. A jumping spider that usually sits on her head, or in her mane.

She have the glasses on, as she have light sensitive eyes, but have been raised to primarily live under the day and night cycle of regular ponies. The tinted glasses helps her get through that.

She's generally speaking a friendly filly, around ten, that wants to do everything she can to help others. As both of her parents are Night Guards, she aspires to be one herself, and hence, seeks out some who could use help, or in the case of bullies, protection. She doesn't usually fight though. Just a good spread wings, aggressive stance, and hissing, tends to solve issues. Though she does know self defense, due to her father, even if her mother did not approve of it.

As her parents are not married, nor living together, only her father are in town. She more or less cried non-stop when he were sent out of town, until her mother began sorting things out to have her move there from Canterlot, to be with him instead, as he is her favorite.

I would have offered Blitz Boom herself, but she's currently in Manehattan, so that ain't easy.

Would this seem fine? Post questions if you have them.

===============================================================================

Also, for everyone here: My posts will be delayed until tomorrow. Long day at work, that really fried my brain, but tomorrow is a lot calmer. So can get it out there.  Looking forward to responding to all your wonderful posts. *hug*

@CutieMarkCrusaders1

Easy there mate. I can see you're enthusiastic, but we still need to get you through a vetting before you join in on the RP, just like with everyone else.

I presume you are wanting to play the CMC, judging by your post, yes? If so, what sort of way for things to go would you have in mind (say, school mate found them, they go a picnic, pure randomness, etc.), so that we can sort out the way forward for you here.  Ain't a biggie to make some character for them to interact with, but just need to know what sort of idea you had in mind here first, and get through the ropes.

@Catpone Cerberus

"A lot of what I see them eat, they don't need to prepare. But this happens when you get civilization. You don't need to hunt or scavenge for your food, so you can be more picky, and experiment with tastes. Might be we just roast ours, but they have the time and security - far as they know - to put in the work to spice things up.

Or they're just being difficult and complacent. I honestly couldn't tell."

She'd watch as Charir pulled out whatever unseasoned meat he could get his hands on, with a bit of a smile on her face. To be young and ravenous again... *sigh* It brought back memories.

"I sit by and watch them for various reasons, since it helps me to understand what they treasure better, but some things I think they just consider to be  how things are. Cooking is among them. Whatever change happened generations upon generations of equines ago, they don't know what it is anymore. Though I have met the occasional wilderness pony. A few primitive ones too, who lived more naturally, though I think the deer does it better than them, most of the time. They seem to have found an interesting way of being civil, while retaining their instinct and old ways.

You have been in civilization for some time now though, right? I know you think it weak for them to huddle together like this, but have your views changed on things, since you first came here? Have anything you've experienced in this society, turned out to be a positive surprise for you? I keep hearing what you find weak about them, but I doubt there isn't something that might interest you. If nothing else, then perhaps their craftmanship in some of their treasures?"

===================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

First thing he wondered was related to Crow and his vanity, where did its personality come from? was it mirroring its creator's selfhood, or was it maybe effected by something from him, it was not the judgmental type of wondering as Crow would be able to tell due to the link, and rather it was almost a form of self-reflecting, as the undead wondered about himself and what he is like.

Scarecrow would be able to feel something other than vanity, if he were tuned in well enough with Crow, and that were pride. This came a little from its creator, but Anomaly rarely added anything to personality, as she found it more perfect to let it evolve naturally. Granted, this often caused her creations to attack her, or be rude at least, but eh, she didn't often care about that. All part of life.

As for the pride, it were just how Crow had embraced things. It knew it were a freak. A one of a kind, spur of the moment creation, of a being that considered the natural laws, to be more suggestions, than set rules. It had the intelligence to realize this, and had a choice. Lament it being what it were, or embrace it in full. It had chosen the latter, and considered itself proud to be an intelligent, dangerous predator. And with pride of oneself, came some degree of vanity and love of positive attention. Might be the kind words would not have been there, had it been shown in its true form, but it didn't care. It had gotten praise, and as it were settled in to being as proud a being, as the hawk it now looked like, it would bask in this with joy.

The link would cause Crow to get some of what were felt the other way around too though, and would peck at Scarecrow's head a few times. A way of trying to tell him that he needed to try and bask in things too, instead of overthinking everything. He should just try and live, rather than think at length about how he fit into the big picture. A difference of philosophy that might not work for him, but it were just how it looked on things.

It would also though, have some agreement in its emotions, about the oddity of ponies. Though he'd likely be able to feel that it were more focused on the rabbit. It may be sated for a time, but it were a predator, and prey had walked into sight. It couldn't help but being drawn to observe it, and think on swooping down and feast upon it. It wouldn't, but the thoughts were there.

The ball would go along idly as it were batted to by Scarecrow, who'd get a small giggle from the colt, as he intercepted it, and kicked it towards his dad.

"Hehe, you gotta kick it harder, mister."

As he said this, Crow would accept what it were feeling were a valid suggestion, and move further down on Scarecrow's back, whilst sitting down, and making sure its claws were solid on him. It would not bode well, if it were bested by a mere ball.

"Hmm... I don't mean to be rude, but you two seem... Different? I thought you had perhaps rummaged in bushes, but the greens on you seem stuck."

"Mom. I don't think we should be rude here."

The colt's mother spoke up, but were quickly interrupted by Lyriel, as she started to explain calmly what they were.. Which did give some raised eyebrows, but they didn't chase them off or anything. In fact, Scarecrow would soon find the ball heading his way again. Maybe try and kick it towards one of the parents, a little bit harder? They'd be able to take it, if it got a bit hard.

She would not say what Scarecrow actually were, but explain him as an evergrown. She wasn't gonna narc on him.

=======================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

6 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"While a town map would be useful too, I was thinking more a map of whole Equestria."

"I venture the guess that the same vendors have maps of the entire kingdom. It seems to be common for tourists to want one over the kingdom, as well as for local areas in more details, from what I gathered before arriving near this area the first time."

There were quite some way from her entry point into Equestria, and towards Ponyville, so she had picked up on some things here and there. As well as several accounts of *lunch*, but they'd never be able to pint hat on her. She weren't sloppy, and left things easily tied to her, nor bodies in her wake. It tended to cause too much scrutiny, and seemed a waste of a future, gullible meal.

7 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I can almost feel it too, I haven't seen such expression since Commander Scorch's last attack, one of the ponies in the village snapped after it, never before had I felt so sad from someone's joy." Sheska cut in to stop the conversation going too far into it "I'm sure this one is just genuinely happy."

"Urgh, she is. Overwhelmingly so. She is radiating enough joy to feed a large hive for weeks. It's disturbing."

Probably not as much as it would be, once the mare actually zoomed away from the window, and came crashing outside, and right towards them.

Now, Onache had prepared magic to keep this one at bay, but her filters were not set correctly for this much emotion at once, and it staggered her when it got even closer. Enough that she were not able to stop the ensuing madness, which were genuinely hard to describe for her. After the fact, she would recall confetti, glitter, and a high pitched, female voice being overwhelmingly joyful, and talking about *new faces*, and something about a *welcome party*. It were a storm that ended as quickly as it started, less than thirty seconds after Pinkie had gotten over, and dragged them all into a tight group hug, before she would be rushing into the bakery again to continue her work.

And what were left behind, were a very confused, changeling queen in disguise, starring into the air while her brain tried to grasp what had just happened. She had specks of glitter and confetti sprinkled around her in many places, from Pinkie's party assault, as well as a small, festive hat, and an invitation for a party later this night, on a sticky note, plastered to her forehead.

The main focus for Pinkie's attention though, had been the kobolds. They would've gotten more of her speaking on and on, about them needing a party, and not listening to - nor really giving them time to go ahead and provide - objections to the party she had in mind. There'd be glitter and confetti blasting around her, seemingly coming from out of nowhere, and strange acrobatics that should not be possible for a simple earth pony mare, and in the end, they too would be stranded near Onache. Their invitations were stuck to their arms though, and if they were lucky, they may have managed to avoid the small hats. Though it were unlikely. Pinkie was... Well, Pinkie. No reason could really explain her.

====================================================================

@EQ_Theta

Omen would retract the offered food and beverage when it became clear, that Lin were not ready for it. So she would just hold on and see when they did want it, whilst she would observe how her sibling were helped over to a bench, where she could sit and get her system under control again. Sen helping her wander, and Rosa making sure to clear a path, by asking folks to please excuse them, that his friend needed a seat, and things along those lines. Most were understanding about things like this, so it wasn't an issue getting to the bench, and have a seat. There'd originally be a griffon there, stretching his talons out, but he could well see that Lin needed the seat more than him, so he got off, and gave them a wave before wandering into the crowd.

Shrimp meanwhile, felt like he were helping too, as he took the way Lin responded as her saying so. It made him hug her head as tightly as he could, which considering his muscle mass and small form, were pretty much not noticeably different. His claws might feel a little more prickly, but that was about it. He'd need quite a few years to really be felt in size and mass.

As they got to the point where the siblings were asked about the experience though, and Omen got her answer as to why they were screaming, it seemed like things were not going how she thought they might. she assumed they would be going on more rides, and she'd be constantly keeping an eye out for them there, and see what were going on. Instead, it appeared they wanted to do something else. Perhaps play the games?

"Screams not always bad? I do not understand."

"Omen, if they smile while screaming, or laugh at around the same time, that is generally good.  Otherwise, it is likely bad."

There were a lot more nuance to things than this, but this were the basest, simplest way he could clear this for Omen, who thankfully seemed to accept the answer. It would hopefully serve her well, even if it wasn't exactly a perfect answer. However, it would suffice for now, and then they could expand on it in due time. Hopefully when she had gotten more openminded over the years, and could take in things beter, as she got more proper teaching, but it were hard to say how well it'd take really. It might take generations, or she were too ingrained with how she worked now, for it to truly change, but it were still worth an attempt, yes?

"And I think perhaps we should eschew the rides for a little while, and try to get something to eat. Especially you, Lin. I know it isn't likely the first want you have in mind, but you will need something in your system, after that... Expulsion. After that, we can try some of the more harmless games that keeps us on the ground, where Omen can then also partake. Does that sound good to everyone?"

If there were general consensus with that, he would accept a burrito, and a soda from Omen, who had enough for them all with her. Including for herself, but she also had something else there. A small, red bag with a warning label on, depicting fire and skulls, currently sealed tight, and sitting on her back.

"At a more modernized festival, there is a good deal more options for rides, Lin. Some are far worse than the hammer we were in, some are very harmless, like the teacup ride, and in between there are many alternatives. I'm sure there are something that strikes the balance for you someday. Though it were good that you and I could enjoy the current one, Sen. You seemed to be having a grand time at least. Enjoying the rush of endorphins? Feeling hyped up and ready for us all to partake in some degree of challenge here on the ground level? Once Lin is ready for it, of course. There is no rush."

=======================================================================

@Monotonality

On 2021-04-20 at 5:04 AM, Magnolia said:

"With what you say we will have to account for that and do a mass scale draining in my opinion. I don't know much about this. Perhaps I could find a way to drain off of others ina more passive nature, or in a non-invasive manner. Perhaps not. We will see. Depends..." Magnolia mused.

"How about draining cast magic? Say, a magical fireball, or telekinetic field? It wouldn't drain the magic from a pony, just what they used, and it could empower yourself. And if you could filter it, you might be really valued in fighting against some less moral magic users? Have you tried doing something like that before?"

It were perhaps still a stretch, but it were the second-closest thing she could think of to draining magic from ponies, that didn't exactly do this horrible thing. It'd just be draining the magic that were cast, which could be a boon for her, as it'd render her essentially immune to any sort of magic, beyond surprise variants, or an overabundance of it. Wouldn't do much against say, a spear in the gut, but then she had her shadowy form that might help on that. Though she'd prefer to move along in her thoughts, as the image of her friend impaled wasn't a nice one.

On 2021-04-20 at 5:04 AM, Magnolia said:

If he did or didn't, she would walk up to him. She would awkwardly speak, "Uhm. One room please? For my friend and I. I don't know how this works, we aren't from around here." she'd speak, but he'd notice how well kept her mane, coat and tail were. They conveyed a sense of beauty but her eyes conveyed tiredness. 

The lumbering stallion would turn and look at them, and greet them both warmly with a big, wide grin. Provided you weren't uneased by seeing that he had three gold teeth - two in the upper row, and one in the lower - it would likely make him seem a good deal more friendly.

"I could tell. I know my locals."

His deep, gruff voice would finish the sentence with a bit of a chuckle, while he pointed towards the other clients that could be seen currently. Which appeared to be primarily ponies working at the dock, or at sea in some capacity, along with a family enjoying a crispy salad. They stood out like sore hooves, just like Zeehva and Magnolia did.

"But welcome to Fishbone's Seashack. My name is Fish Barrel, but the locals just call me Pops. We have a few rooms to pick from left, so let's find one that fits, and quick, before you fall asleep against the bar, little lady. Are you two here on a honeymoon?"

Zeehva's face turned red, and she tried to stammer a sentence forth, but didn't get to it, before Pops went on, unfazed and with a big grin still on his burly face.

"Just to know if it were a two bed, or single bed room. You two need a double it sounds like. If you can wait a moment, we'll get you sorted.

Hey, Fishbone! You got time?"

He'd yell out, his words nearly making the glasses near him vibrate, from the booming tone, and not long after they'd be greeted by Fishbone herself, as she suddenly hung down from the shadows in the ceiling.

"For you, Pops? Always."

She were a stunted, or young dragoness, about the size of a pony, with what seemed like incomplete, deep scars going over quite a lot of her scales, in varied locations. By the looks of it, she had likely shed scales that made for some of the scars over time, and eventually, would have them all completely gone. The pro of being a dragon, among other things.

If they knew about Equestrian dragons elemental alignments, they'd find this one were a wind aligned dragon. Easily spotted by the more lean body, and more powerful looking wings, even if these were currently folded in. She also lacked some muscle mass due to this more nimble lineage, compared to some others, but they couldn't all be towering homunculi.

"Welcome to my inn. I'm Fishbone, owner of this establishment. I heard you wanted a room, yes? Would you be okay with a second story one, facing towards the city? We have already rented out the one facing the sea, unfortunately. The rooms with that view tends to be rather popular."

Her voice would be soothing and slick, and she eyed the both of them with a searching, alluring look in her eyes. Unfortunately another thing wind aligned dragons had: They tended to be rather... Flirtatious. Even if not in words, then as were shown, still somewhat in actions.

==============================================================

@Scarlet Rose

"You never lack, with a Zebrican snack."

That might sound cheesy, but in the specialty stores where you could actually buy these, and not have them made from scratch, like Orchid had, this were literally the tagline on the package. Not the best one, but to the one that were shipping these, it were just right. And really, it were all about the taste, and even those were perfectly good, for those who did not have the time to work on getting a fresh one done. Orchid had certainly taken advantage of it a few times.

"A snack and some tea, is how it should be, when guests comes to visit me. THough you should go soon, as the flowers will bloom, the best at the cusp of noon. A few hours there still is, but I thought you wished to know this."

It would soon draw to an end, but there were a little more to go, before Orchid would rise up a few minutes later, and thank Zecora for the hospitality, before taking the containers she wanted to have filled, and transported them with him, on his back. Which meant that the cat had to walk along him for a time, but it was okay. She had been around the hut as it were, pawing at random things, and rubbing against the furniture.

=============================================================

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Monotonality

On 2021-04-20 at 6:52 AM, Cali said:

Cali frowned as memories resurfaced and covered Blitz's ears as she was hugged by Blitz. "I've fought enemies who have a specific power to nullify all of my magic. Trust me, you'll never figure it out. It is...something I can never dodge or undo. While my interdimensional enemies have that one trick up their sleeve, I was able to vanquish them once and for all. They had meddled in my affairs for the longest time. They have permanently wounded one of my friends, and threatened the lives of so many more and they only had one goal. My death. So I had to do what I had to do, and they are gone. Whether or not I actually destroyed them in entirety remains to be seen, but I believe I did enough damage to ensure they will not be returning to full capacity in the next few centuries."  she spoke in a hushed manner so only Molotov could hear.

"Oof. Bit of a rough ride there it sounds like, but I'm sure they just got what were coming to 'em. Hopefully as you say, you'll have a good deal of downtime, before you need to deal with thathassle again. Maybe when the time comes, one of my descendants can lend you a hoof. Or a plasma gun. Gotta be one of 'em that figures out how to do that right, without cutting the workshop in half. Well, not more than a few times anyway."

Sounded like Cali had some rough riders on her back, but at least they were not a bother towards her for the time being. Odd how they worked just specifically against her thought. Or maybe it were just her sort of magic, rather than that? Yeah, that'd make more sense. Otherwise, it were sounding like there had been created some sorta counterbalance to her specifically, and that'd have to be somepony strong on a demigod level or above. At least according to the theories and speculations he knew.

Blitz reacted to having her ears covered, bu covering the hooves covering her ears, and paw at them for fun. It'd keep her entertained for like... 10 seconds or so, before she'd try to wriggle away.

On 2021-04-20 at 6:52 AM, Cali said:

Cali giggled at the joke that was made and listened intently to what he had spoke of. "What you say is of most interesting nature. I believe that could very well be the case but I am not from here so I do not know well enough to come to any reasonable conclusions. I do hope though, that at some point Dragons, Ponies and others can unite under one banner and be equals. Maybe then, you will find answers for that." she smiled somewhat at that.

"The princess is working on it, and getting some good strides, from what I hear. Good mare that one. Real nice at mending old fences so far."

He'd say more, but with all she had to lay down on him? Smoked ham, that was a doozey! He even reacted the proper way - in his mind - to hearing such a thing. A long, drawn out, impressed whistle.

"Vauw, That old? Whoever runs science on your planet, is a bunch of dummies, if they don't wanna look into that. Finding an artefact that old in Equestria, would make any archeologist ecstatic. 'Specially since pony history only goes like, twenty thousand or so years back? Anything before that, isn't all that well documented. Pretty weird having a species history that's beaten in it's entirely by some individual dragons, y'know?

Sounds like what you have going - or well, what you Used to have, I guess - were something special. Several planets, connected from a civilization you can't even figure out now, and your scientists don't wanna think on it? That's a load if I ever heard one. How could someone call themselves a scientist, and not be curious about that sorta thing? Hacks the lot of 'em, far as I'm concerned.

Now, I can tell you this though: You wanna see places where gods have put down others for their hubris, we do got that in this dimension. Not in Equestria, but there are countries with actual, active gods. Fro small island ones, to more integrated ones, like the dual death gods of Harrowmark. Messed up place from what I read, though if you wanna study gods, and how integral they can be, it's a solid read. Though I wouldn't visit there. Ain't interested being zombified, or eaten by one."

On 2021-04-20 at 6:52 AM, Cali said:

"Blitz, whatever you do I want you to promise me something. Be careful. While you are young and should be allowed to have fun, just be careful and listen to Molotov. But, you are just so adorable in a dangerous way. Kinda like I was in a way."

"You have soft hooves."

"Sure she does, but did you hear what she told ya, sis?"

"Be careful, and listen to big bro? I can do the careful thing."

"You're still staying in blast radius though."

"What's the fun in making explosions, if you can't feel the wind just slam into you? It's the force that makes it fun! Hehe."

"I mean, you ain't wrong, but you could still be a bit further off, so you don't end up loosing your footing."

On 2021-04-20 at 6:52 AM, Cali said:

Cali grinned knowingly. "Sure I am staying, Molotov! I ain't been anywhere else more lax and happy than this dimension. Its like being in heaven. Why would I want to go back where I am from or possibly end up somewhere worse? Staying with you would be interesting but I have a lot of gold bars and money I could use to buy a fairly sizeable mansion as I go and mingle with the upper classes in your society. Maybe not in this town, but if this town has large places for sale then I might just be game. I know I can be a little show offy at times, but I can be stealthy too and nobody will know anything about me due to my shapeshifting." she spoke with conviction and happiness in her words.

She truly was happy here, and wouldn't change anything about it.

"Gold's always a valid tender, so sounds like you're set. Though I'd stay away from the noble's quarters in Canterlot. It's nice having space, but those snooty sky sniffers can be a real drag on the party. I'd suggest you get one of the big ones in a nice, but still pretty normal area. A few of 'em in Canterlot, a solid street here in town too, from what I know, and a few here and there on the outside, I've seen when delivering some research papers. Maybe I could give you a hoof on sorting through that, and we could find you a nice place to settle down, eh? Or if you want something fresh, you could try getting in contact with Quartz Construction. I ain't aware of a lot of building firms, but I know this one do their best to make a place just like the client want, if it's at all possible. If you're after specialized stuff, that might be your option. But one step at a time, eh? We're almost at the scrapyard. Few more minutes, and it's metallic goodness."

They could almost see the entrance point now. Just had to cross a few more streets, and they'd be there.

On 2021-04-20 at 12:36 PM, Kujamih said:

" You should widen your point of view on what a hero is blitz boom. For example pinkie pie is a hero... But she doesn't have to fight or anything...just maintaining the peace. If you make someone smile from a rainy day....thats also an act of heroism. You helping with your invention... I can see that as a heroic deed. So why not become a hero blitz?"

At the mention of Pinkie Pie, Blitz began to jump enthusiastically in place.

"I know Pinkie! She's my idol! She can do all sorts of stuff, and is so happy all the time. And she keeps doing weird stuff that I dunno how she does! And she smells of muffins."

You'd think a tinkerer like Blitz would be drawn to logical things, but frankly, the fact that Pinkie Pie were so beyond the notion of logic, were what drew her to the mare. It amazed her without end, to see the party pony do her things, without it being something that she, or anypony else really, could explain properly. It were just... Pinkie things, right? She were such an amazing enigma, and real friendly too. She had always been nice to Blitz, and in turn, Blitz had made sure to make only the best things for her idol, to make her even more happy.

"One time, I made a replica of her party cannon. She got really happy about that. I also make fun confetti kaboomies and stuff for her other one. Lots of ways to make bigger and funnier parties. But I can't do Pinkie things, and she made me Pinkie Promise not to try. But I can make others smile like her. Eeeee. Everypony loves fireworks!"

She'd pull back, and rummage through her bulbous tail for a bit, before pulling out a small rocket. Her tail were massive, so she tended to hide things in there, and she had wanted to bring this earlier, in case there was a party that needed to be started, or something like it.

She'd put it on the ground, and hold it steady with magic, as she lit the fuse. It would quickly fizzle upwards, and when reaching the top, go into a surprisingly large explosion, that would depict a glittering, expanding heart. Not the most impressive maybe, but still good for its size, in her opinion.

"Hehe. I wanna make lots of inventions, and many, many fireworks, so everypony can smile and be happy. Smiles goes for miles, yes? Every nice pony wants to spread happies."

SHe had kinda gotten distracted from the notion of being a hero, but in a way, she would end up doing so, the ways he did best: By creating things. Good things, mind you. Not nukes... Hopefully.

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-04-18 at 8:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"I know not what lurks in The Place.  I've yet to see or feel anything in there.  Perhaps it fears my lights when I pass through.  Or mayhaps there really is nothing and it is a true void.  Questions I hardly worry about myself," Dawn admitted.  "I'll have to keep that in mind when using that mode of transport with the elderly," she chuckled.  "Although simply leaving a pony stranded in That Place would be rather difficult without my spell.  It is a space between spaces after all.  When my spell is not longer present, the pony would slip back into space.  Usually somewhere between the two points I connected.  For example you'd just appear somewhere in Manehatten between my manor and this diner."

"It may be that there is nothing in this place. I know of space between, but who is to say that there is only one? Could well be that what I feel pressing against the edge, is from another one.

Yet be that as it may, at least it is good to know that there is no chance of being stuck there. Creatures or not, I doubt it would be pleasant to be there for an extended period of time, not to mention finding yourself trapped. I'd prefer undeath in its many forms over that.

...Hmm, to a certain extend. I wouldn't like being engulfed by a Boghunter. Or whatever the Helhests would do to me. Remnants of a bygone era, without a master to serve... Who knows what may happen to those they catch? But I doubt you'd care much about the finer studies of ingrained necromantic energies, or deeper insight into the relations on gods. At least not currently."

Lily would take a sip of water, and try to think of something to speak of that may fit better with this sun-filled, happy area. A little hard though, as her world had not exactly been full of such things historically, nor for her personally. Suppose she'd find something to focus on that would elevate the mood a bit, and not make whatever patrons that might be listening in, get concerned.

On 2021-04-18 at 8:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"We have many different types of ways to get sweets.  Honey, syrup, fruits, but when it comes to sugar, it all just comes from sugar cane.  We have fields and fields of it all over Equestria.  Supply has never been a problem," D

Ah, here might be something more calming, beyond just sitting still and watch as Dawn's rainbow magic were on display. A weird coloration in her mind, but she supposed it made sense for this mare to have that, as flair and being taken notice of were a trait of hers. Though she did also suspect that Dove were artificially coloring her magic. Just a hunch, and not something worth bringing up she supposed. Or at least not out here, where she might not be as forthcoming, seeing how others were listening in on her, and she likely had a reputation to maintain.

"I envy you. With the restrictions put on us back home, rationing, and being wise with what you work with, had to be the main focus. One can hope that now, we may be able to start farming in more abundance, and maybe start using proper materials for our homes, and scarecrows. Neither have been as grand as they once were. I can imagine the next two years especially will be of great importance. A good time for anyone with a mind to assert themselves."

On 2021-04-18 at 8:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Wait, my brother ate bugs?  Did he know he ate bugs?" she asked but knew the answer all too well.  Oh she was going to have such a wonderful conversation with her brother later.  The gleam in her eyes and curt smile was already betraying her impish plans. 

"I doubt he were told. We believe that unless you ask what you're eating, you're not being told the details. With the need for inventive substitutes over the centuries, there comes a point where any smart being knows to just be thankful there is food, and not ask into where it came from, or what's in it. I would strongly urge you that if you go there at some point, you do not question the food. Or if you're truly squeamish, go ahead. Lest it is a kitchen meant for the royals, there is always the chance for... Inventive substitutions."

The food would arrive shortly after she said that, if not during, and she'd be looking at her meal. Pancakes as well, yet hers with mostly forest berries, which would sit tantalizing and fresh looking, so she would certainly give them that their produce were seemingly good. Or at least fresh, but the two things should realistically go together.

Her eyes glowed with a slight brown and dark combination, as the wooden-looking magic would lift her own utensilies, and cut a minor piece of the pancakes. She'd tentatively take a bite from that, along with a half berry, and what amounted to half a teaspoon of the syrup, to better try and taste what the combination were like, and why it seemed to tantalizing for Dawn. Surely it couldn't be as good as she were implying. Not for one with taste buds aligned otherwise, like herself.

Eventually, she'd get a look on her face best described as reluctant, positive surprise, as the chewed up piece were gulped down, and she moved on to take larger, more fulfilling bites from the breakfast combination.

"I will admit to not having thought much, but this is... No, tolerable seems an insult. It's good. I did not expect this sticky, sugary substance to be so personally, but it fits these cakes nicely."

She too would then add a larger layer to her portion, and start eating through it. It were not something that she would consider to be good, nor wanted, as a stable meal, but as an occasional treat? Yes, she could see this being well received in her life, more than this one time. She would have to find out how these were made at some point, that she may attempt to copy it sometimes. Or at least something similar, as she could imagine this place wished to keep their recipes a secret.

"It is an interesting way to start the day. Is this a stable for the early day in this area? Furthermore, I would like to ask, what your plans may be, when we are done here? I can wait, if you prefer privacy. I am not in a position to make a stand of any kind, or demand answers, after all. I can weapon myself with patience. It is simply that I do not know what to speak of otherwise. Most stories and information I have grown with, I doubt would be well liked by too many in this place.  They seem... Innocent of mind, more or less."

==============================================================================

@Scarlet Rose

"All written down, can be found in this forest, or town. Several I have gathered already, so I know where they will be."

He and Zecora nodded at one another, and took a further sip of the tea, before Orchid tried one of the snacks. If Silicon did too, she would find them to be somewhat sweet, with a spicy edge to it, and a healthy crunch on the outside. Nothing special, but lovely for their kind.

"Gather them for me, and you will see. The pot will be ready. Stirred evenly, and steady."

She wasn't saying what were going to happen, but so were the matter with her. She couldn't give the surprises away that easily, though it did leave open the option for there to be a bad way this could go, and it would end up being a less than pleasant experience. Best to not think about that though.

============================================================================

@Monotonality

On 2021-04-18 at 7:42 AM, Magnolia said:

"But it would be much better to begin learning how to drain from residue and crystals so I can increase my own magic without having to drain from living beings. Still, within me as I spoke before I have multiple ponies magic within me so I can easily hold my own against anyone but increasing my own ambient magic through non-violent methods is definitely something to look into. I would like to try something like that although I never got the chance. You are so full of good ideas." Magnolia spoke with a degree of conviction and interest in Zeehva's ideas.

"We'll try later then, but don't get discouraged if it doesn't work at first, okay? Residue magic is barely anything, even if it is all around us, so it is hard to track. Much less make use of."

With magic being cast everywhere, on a daily basis, magic truly were everywhere to be found, in small residues here and there. However, the amounts were small most of the times. She couldn't just fill a flask up like it were nothing. They were talking droplets and thimble sizes mostly, which meant that there weren't much to work with. It made mixing it essentially, to make proper use out of it. At least in her case, where she rarely had enough single element of magic to fill a beaker. The pixie magic had been different as it had been constantly active, but that were more the exception, than the norm.

On 2021-04-18 at 7:42 AM, Magnolia said:

"Well I can assure you we won't be causing a ruckus. At least, not anymore." Magnolia said as if hinting at something. "W-we thank you for your direction and look forward to meeting this Fishbone you speak of." her words were quite awkward. She had a hard time speaking thankfulness and words of similar nature. She wouldn't mind listening to what else he had to say, but she wanted to get in a nice comforting bed and enjoy Zeehva's presence.

"Glad I could help. Now you two better take off, alright? You both look like you could do with a good rest."

The sun were not even close to going down, but an early afternoon nap, might still do the two of them well. Zeehva at least could start to feel that she were a little emotional, as well as physically, drained from today, and would appreciate laying her head down for a few hours, maybe.

"Thank you for your help, Sea. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."

"I'm not planning to lay my shoes up anytime soon, so there's a chance. Take care."

He'd give a healthy smile at them, and once again lift his pibe in greetings, as Zeehva began leading them off the dock, and further towards the large city in front of them.

Sea Shanty would watch them wander off, standing calmly on the crate. Once they were out of hearing range though, he'd smirk a little further to himself, and take a few puffs off the pibe.

"So, the princess has an older sister then? Hmhmhm. Scarcity will definitely be interested in hearing about this."

With that mumbled to himself, he'd wander off, just as another pony called out for him, asking if everything was alright. To which he'd reply that there were no issues, and be on with his day. He'd have plenty of time to send the information after work.

Meanwhile, Zeehva would have lead them nearer the edge of town, and rightly so, it were hard not to notice the inn they had been told about. Not because of the three story building itself, as that were not all that noteworthy, even here on the outskirts of town. More that the building had been adorned in artwork of varied sea creature bones, painted on to said building, and the entrance were adorned with a large pair of shark jaws. The upper part being above the entrance, and the lower on either side of the ground, just where the teeth were softened to nubs down here, to avoid potential health hazards. Wouldn't be good for business if folks got cut walking in, now would it?

Inside, they'd find that there were a fair bit of folks in a cozy, fisherman's lodge sort of front, with a burly earth pony stallion behind the front desk/bar, cleaning glasses, and looking around to see if there were a need for him anywhere. His immense beard made it hard to see much of his face, but the brown eyes, beneath the bushy eyebrows, looked kind.

====================================================================================

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-04-18 at 3:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Whoa! Alright, I see when I’m beat.” 

Sen instinctively tried to wrestle Omen’s tongue off his face, though he immediately recognized that he wasn’t in any trouble and decided to relax. If this passes for Discord’s idea of self-defense, the longma conceded. No point in drawing out the conversation if there was already an answer. And knowing exactly what just happened right then and there, Sen is already convinced. 

“Given how odd that whole display was, I guess Discord had his bases covered when he taught you that trick. No one would expect having a tongue wrapped around the face. No use saying otherwise, because I’d look like a fool for challenging… that kind of defense.” 

Omen would loosen and retract her tongue after Sen had given his surrender. It were fortunate that despite being soft and warm, like a room temperature snake, Omen did not produce saliva. otherwise, his face would've likely been somewhat sticky right now. Or at least wet, though neither were likely preferable for him, over having a nice dry face. He had gotten enough looks as it were, without having to be judged for being blindsided by a pony-shaped lizard creature. Which for the uninitiated, would likely be what Omen looked like in her little chameleon moment.

"It does seem to hold Discord's... Flair, to have this be a kind of defense, and I can see it working, in case somehow, the gates becomes unavailable. It is not the typical kind of self defense I would think of normally either, but considering the circumstances, I believe this may be the best we will get to, when it comes to Omen. I'm certain she's safe."

Might be she weren't, as there tended to always be someway that you could kill another, if you truly wished to, but Omen were almost certainly safe regardless, in his mind. The extremes were theories at best, and frankly, it were unlikely she'd attract that sort of ire, as though she were odd, she weren't malignant, in any sort of way. There wouldn't be much reason to use incredibly dangerous things on her. It were frankly more likely that she'd end up somehow wandering into something incredibly dangerous herself, out of pure curiosity.

On 2021-04-18 at 3:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Lin didn’t quite get that same feeling of excitement as she was trying to keep herself from making a mess. She remained silent, closing her eyes and did what she could to avoid thinking about what was happening. By the time the ride was over, she stumbled out in a daze before propping herself up by a nearby trash can to… relieve herself. 

“Uh, Rosa? I think we may need to tone down the thrill rides.” Sen commented as he walked over to his sister to check up on her. There didn’t seem to be any lasting damage, though Lin would spend a few more minutes by the trash can until she felt better. 

“I… ugh.. feel… terrible. Got a weak… stomach… after all.”

Rosa too would have wandered over to tend to Lin, and as could be heard by the worried chirps coming soon after, Omen had followed troop too. They were all concerned for her, though thankfully, they could all be at ease to know that it were just an upset stomach, and not something worse. Though Shrimp did slither over on Lin, and laid down on her head, whilst chirping softly, to try and make her feel better. He didn't understand what was going on really, but she were not feeling good, and smelly stuff had just come from her mouth, so he figured that she needed him.

"Let's just think of this as a hard learned lesson. Maybe the bumper cars had been a better idea to start with than this. Maybe we shoul-"

He'd stop, as a tongue-wrapped burrito in a paper wrapper, and a wooden soda can, would suddenly be next to him.

"...I were just about to suggest that. Did you know this would happen?"

"I have seen you like to eat things. I got them when you were screaming. It help with bad tastes, yes?"

"Yes. Thank you Omen, that was very thoughtful of you. I think it's best if we start with a drink. Lin? Would you like something to help with the aftertaste?"

The can were just next to her shoulder, so it would be easy to get. The burrito were also though, but that one might have to wait, as she might not be in the mood for food right now, even if it did look like a good, vegetarian dish.

There'd also be bundles of those and soda for the others, along with some fish nuggets that she weren't sure if anyone wanted to try, but they were offered, and some of them liked meat. Omen thought that it were something they'd maybe like.

"How was it up there? You screamed. Screaming means bad, yes?"

===============================================================================

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Monotonality

23 hours ago, Cali said:

"Even if there were 'worse' side effects I still wouldn't change it for anything else in the world. It is what makes up who I am and I'm not going to lose that. Because if I do, I am powerless and weak. Which is something that I have told myself I will never ever become no matter what." Cali stated in a rather sure manner of herself.

"Hey, long as there ain't something growing outta your skull, I think you're good. I think we can all agree that something like that, would be reason to worry, yeah?

And I getcha, y'know. Having my home assaulted, made me feel weak too, and I never wanted to have that again. That's why I put so much work into my new workshop. I don't wanna end up defenseless and at the mercy of something like that."

Sure it might not be on the same scale, but it were related really. They had been in a position were they felt weak and useless, then gotten the power to do something about it. Losing that, would be crushing, and so far, they both seemed to have a handle. her with her weird powers, and him with a multi-fortified workshop, that had already easily held against an assault a few days ago. So they were cool so far it seemed. Here were hoping it'd last.

23 hours ago, Cali said:

"You have seen me as a human. Humans are interesting species, our greed and ego is second to none yet we can also do amazing good things that benefit a lot of people. More bad, though. But that is actually not the case. You see, in Earth's ancient past there was once a common ancestor of humans, monkeys, and all sorts of apes. Humans are just one 'line' of evolution stemming back to that great ancestor. Of course, all of this is just all just a theory." Cali said with a laugh.

"At least in my belief, on our Earth there is substantial evidence that past civilizations existed with much more advanced technology than our own. We are told that we humans thousands of years ago had nothing more than stone tools, or minimal technology. But there are ancient sites where there are perfectly cut and carved stone blocks that weigh thousands of pounds, hundreds of thousands of pounds even. On the ocean floors we have found the ruins of past civilizations that go back way farther than any of us thought possible." she paused, letting that information sink in. "The construction of which could only be possible with levitation, magic or sufficient technology. The evidence is quite clear, yet so many dismiss it as a fairytale." Cali said with a bit of rage there. She knew what she believed.

"Huh. Sounds like you and our dragons got something in common then. Not a whole lot on it, and they don't let us go and dig for any clues currently, but there's been some ancient text found, before pony and dragon civilization as we know it right now, that points to there being a grand unified kingdom of some sort. The dragons were part of it, and it's believed that the ponies, and a few others might've been too, but everything so far, is very incomplete, and highly speculative. One of the archeologists in Center Zero had a few, salvaged bits and pieces, and it seemed to check out, with the carbon dating being tens of thousands of years past. And no, I have no idea how the paper lasted for that long either. Weren't my department, and I were never allowed to examine the thing directly. Nor were any of my family, since y'know, we're kinda flammable.

Anyway, only ones who might know of it, are the dragons, and so far, they all claim to know nothing. The oldest of 'em might know something, but if they do, they're refusing to tell it. Ancalagon, oldest of the elder dragons, would definitely, but again, not a peep from him on the matter. Rumor has it he's letting things play out, but theory is that the reason he, and whatever other elder dragons of his generation - or near it anyway - that's still alive refuse to talk, is because it directly correlates to the Equine/Dragon feud that's been lasting so long, that nopony really knows when it started, or why.

Again though, all theories and speculation. Story goes the historical society in Canterlot finally managed to get hold of a tome, that they're slowly trying to restore, so who knows? We might get some answers.

Huh, guess I went on a ramble... Eh, point is that it sounds plausible from your side too. Maybe your ancient civilization did something that more or less fried their brains beyond recognition, and returned them to a primal state? I could see that taking a long, long time, and generations, to get back on track.

Still... Hehe, you're a bunch of hairless monkeys. Should've bought some bananas before we left."

He might get smacked for that one, but he'd consider it worth it, cause to him at least, that was funny. Blitz got a small smirk too, even in her hyper state, so wasn't lost on everypony. That was good.

23 hours ago, Cali said:

Cali laughed at how Blitz reacted, she smiled as the small filly hugged her. She hugged back and patted her head, sort of hugging her in a way. Cali was extremely soft, like a pillow. Perhaps that was something she did so Blitz would enjoy the hug more. Cali was also entertained with how the others ran off like they did.
 

"You cannot make a fire mane without burning your actual mane, or performing some sort of advanced spell which is something ponies your age should probably not be dabbling in just for your own safety. I know I may seem insane, weird, and unhinged but that is because I know what I am capable of and I know what I am doing." Cali said calmly as Blitz bounded around, still with a grin on her face.

"Magic can do that?!"

"Awh grand. Thanks for putting That in her head. She's gonna be trying to sort out how to get that done, because when you say she shouldn't, what she really hears is that it's a challenge. Blitz is all the best and worst qualities of the Boom family. Raging intellect, and an incredible potential for scientific breakthroughs, mixed with the unpredictable energy, and general lack of common self-preservation, that have claimed a good chunk of our family throughout the ages. Combine that with how early she bloomed, and well... You get it."

Blitz were his own little nuclear reactor. Capable of so many great things, but Celestia have mercy upon Equestria, if she were mishandled, or not taken proper care of.

"Yeeeey. New future project! After all the funsies that goes BOOM! Hehehe."

She rubbed her head on Cali's leg again. Both from joy, and because frankly, Cali was soft. It felt like rubbing against a nice carpet, or a nice pillow.

On 2021-04-18 at 9:50 PM, Cali said:

"Well that pleases me quite well. Anything here is better than my home world. I intend to stay here for the rest of my days and I do not want to go back or into any other dimensions. I like it here. I like ponies, and I like you two. I guess we could be considered friends, all of us. It feels...pleasing." Cali said somewhat happily.

"Wait you're staying? Crickey... We're gonna need to have a sit down and talk what's bad to introduce into this dimension, alright? The forms and everything's all good, all good. But y'know, certain of those papers and such... I'd prefer the rest of your days, ain't the end of ours, y'know? Sides, I can help you acclimate and stuff too. Long as we set some ground rules on things, I can clear a room, until you find something else."

Crazy stuff, but y'know, might be the wise option, seeing how everypony else would like find her too crazy and dangerous to deal with, and Blitz had taken a liking to her (of course). Might as well try and make her acclimation process easier, right? Sides, she said they were friends. had to help a friend in need and all that.

On 2021-04-18 at 9:50 PM, Cali said:

"Unlike in my world where the court systems themselves are corrupt and they throw criminals into quite appalling and violent jail conditions. Often times, having long sentences. Some of them have life sentences for the most miniscule of things. They don't have any of that for prisoners in my world, at least where I am from. Some areas are much better, though. Another reason I am staying here because you ponies care so much about your citizens unlike citizens of my world."

"Yeah well, if you don't work on getting folks help, they're just gonna go out and commit more crime. You make sure they're helped, and get welcomed back into society, and it reduced crime dramatically. A real good investment both for the crime rate, and generally financially, since you don't have to spend as much on keeping a massive amount of prisoners fed, courts constantly stacked high with cases, less theft, and yada yada. Ain't the same place in every country, but Equestria's doing quite well."

22 hours ago, Kujamih said:

" I'm definitely going to make you a super hero." Light said while starring eye to eye with Blitz, while giving her a high five.

Blitz jumped up as far as she had to to reach his hoof, and gave Light a tap, as her part of the brohoof. Not a greeting she did much, as she prefered hugs, but she'd take it for sure, now that it were on offer.

"Superhero sounds boring. I wanna help my making lotsa tinker things. Maybe I'll make stuff for a real superhero, like in the comic books? That'd be cool! I could make like, special gadget kaboomies, and stuff."

Blitz didn't wont to be a hero herself, cause then she'd have to be out and doing stuff all the time, instead of being in the workshop and tinkering away. But if somepony else wanted to be a hero, and needed gear? She could totally do that, and then they'd be heroes. That would still be helping others, right? She liked that. Helping is fun, long as it means she couldn't tinker. She'd get bored then, and get her head filled with too many ideas. It would just start to go ouchies.

@Rising Dusk

Beep, boop.

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

On 2021-04-13 at 2:50 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Unsurprisingly, it was Serene who spoke first. Shadow was bad at giving advice since she grew in a family who praised a villain, “Depressed ponies should take time to talk with a lot of ponies and have fun with them” Serene chimed in, “I'm not saying she has to stop working, what I'm saying is she has enjoy all the stuff she did in the past”

"You should listen to her advice, Shadow. It is something I wholeheartedly agree with, even if I also am aware that depression are not that simple, and it will not work for all. Still, I do believe that reaching out such as this, will help for most, in one form or another. It is not good to hold everything on your own shoulders after all. Better to find someone you can speak with, and ease the burden.

Ah, but I suppose I am moving into conversation I do not have much place to be in. My apologies if I overstepped my boundaries, miss."

He were not entirely sure who this other pony were, but she gave some good advice, even if depression - as far as he knew - did sometimes also require medication, and quite often, professionals. It were a complex matter, which he would not insult those suffering from it by claiming he understood it. He had been in dark moods before, but he did not think it as severe as what he heard others speak of. He after all, always had hope in some fashion to go with, and cling to. It were sadly not the case with everyone.

On 2021-04-16 at 6:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, that's Gypsum there,"

Gypsum waved, "Yeah, I work with Silver Lining, she's a psychiatrist who specializes in mental trauma, she's really good at helping creatures overcome their traumas, helped me get stabilized after I got here... I was the only one of my family to survive, and it was really hard for me to keep moving after that."

Briar would give a gentlecolt bow towards Gypsum, which he considered personally, to be how you greeted others with respect.

"Nature's blessings upon you, Gypsum. And know that you have my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for you, though it warms my heart to hear that you got help to keep going."

Sure he had been a slave, and exiled from his home, but he didn't know what it was like to lose family. His parents had thrown him away when he emerged from the seed, and they saw what he were, so he never knew who they were. The others in the pit were kind of siblings, he supposed, but they were not close. Only physically, when hovelling together at the few spots of light, to get even the slightest sliver down in the darkness, before eventually getting pulled up to serve. The closest he came were the stallion who helped him, once he wandered out of the jungle, yet he had been old, and prepared Briar for his inevitable death. It did not hurt as much as what Gypsum's experience must have.

"When time comes, I shall endeavor to visit, but we will need time first. Brittle have sadly known nothing but cruelty in her life, before I found her, so she does not have an easy time attempting trust. I give you my word that we will keep you in mind though, once she feels ready for it."

Gypsum could likely tell, as Brittle looked around on the gathered ponies, whimpering slightly if one got too close, with her head held closely to the ground. She looked as if she were expecting to be whipped any second right now.

Oddly enough though, she looked the least fearful towards her. The ponies got most of her fear, changelings next, and then a few glances towards others. Gypsum were still someone she were afraid of, but it seemed like she had more to worry about with the ponies, which were maybe kinda odd, since a diamond dog in general, looked more dangerous.

On 2021-04-16 at 6:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

In response to Serene's question on hydroponics she turned to address it, "One thing with ponies is that they often have the same names. Plein's mother is Silver Easle, she works in maintenance since she designed almost everything in the underside of the Project. Silver Lining is a different mare who works with creatures to get in a better place mentally, which is where I want to work too."

"Excuse me, are you saying that Silver Easle are the one responsible for quite a bit of the creation of this place? My, your mother is quite impressive, Plein. It would be an honor to one day meet her."

This were astounding. Surely it took a lot to design a place like this, but that one pony had been the one to handle the majority of the ground work? That were quite impressive. Certainly a pony worth meeting in due time, and then thank for her contribution to their safety. She may not be the only one responsible, but she were the only one he so far knew of the creators. He'd give his gratitude towards the others, when he got to learn about them.

The talk would essentially end there, or shortly thereafter anyway, and they would wander off to get their food. Briar would require two trips, if things were truly split up between the varied sections of food, as Briar wanted a salad, and Brittle were to get some emotion food. Whatever were on offer, she'd take. She'd even slightly open her muzzle, as if she were about to say thank you, but then crumbled down and looked away when no words escaped her muzzle. Small steps.

On 2021-04-16 at 6:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once they had all gotten their food, Wildebeast would have saved some seats for them to all sit together if they wanted to, but they were free to go their separate ways if they liked.

The two of them would gladly come over, even if Briar would insist that Brittle please be given the seat with least chance of others touching her. Near a wall if the table had one, and if not, then one on the edge of the bench, with Briar wrapping a vine around her, to both keep her safe, and to to poke those away who seemed to get too close, with the flower bud at the end of the vine.

"What a lovely gathering of friendly beings we have gotten ourselves here, for this joyous feast. I believe the correct thing here would be to then talk about what we have done today, yes? Brittle and I have wandered the potato fields with Wilderbeast, and between assuring him that I am not interested in being planted, not rose from the dirt to exact vengeance for my plucked kin, we managed to get quite a lot done. It is simple, yet pleasing work, I must say.

How have your day proceeded then, if I may ask?"

@Califorum

On 2021-04-15 at 8:24 PM, Magnolia said:

"Mhm, I love the thought of that. But you are my...first friend now so I suppose that will suffice just as good all things considered. You'll have to teach me what you did to me before. Even in those moments, you wanted to reach out to me and show me a better path. Not many could do that, and for that I say, thank you." she said with all the honesty and thankfulness she ever had. Magnolia loved her friend, and she would make sure to appreciate her friendship at each and every moment. 

"...y husband always said, the most important thing you could ever do, were to try and save others. Even your enemies. He believed that defeating others just made you a vigilante. Real heroes were the ones who'd try to help all they could.

I'm not a hero, but I keep his words close to heart."

In Zeehva's eyes, she were too selfish to be a hero. A vigilante, perhaps. Someone who would fight for personal gain, or convictions, without worrying too much on morals - personally she saw herself at the former, not the latter - but not a hero. She were just trying to do her best, and not disgrace the memory of her dearly departed husband.

"And I don't know if I can teach you what I can. You can take magic, so there is a start, but it's more than that. It's using it in the right way. Mixing, combining, judging on the fly what might happen- You'd need a grasp of alchemy to begin with, to utilize it well. And even then, a lot comes down to experience, and chance. I didn't know what would happen when I drank the pixie magic, as an example. I knew what that sort of magic could do, and what aspects of it did in other potions, but I still had to take a risk with it. And frankly, it were nauseating. It's definitely not meant for consumption.

Still, it also comes down to whatever or not you can take magic, without it being from others? I pick up residue, and I take it you can't, since you would probably have drained everything around us when we were fighting. But what about slivers? There's crystals that can store magic in itself, and if you're lucky to find them, actual magic crystals, that refills over time. If you could utilize those right, and drain portions... Maybe then. Have you ever tried working with something like that?"

On 2021-04-15 at 8:24 PM, Magnolia said:

"Well perhaps we will. Who are you by the way? We aren't from this are and had just arrived here. I'm afraid we don't really know how it works...don't mind us, we were having important discussions." Magnolia said in a more hushed up way at 'important discussions' with a degree of seriousness to it. Still though, her questions reigned. Hopefully this stallion was indeed leading them in the direction of an inn they could stay at.

"The name's Sea Shanty. Nice meeting you folks."

Sea would lift his pibe up with his hoof, as he gave them a friendly greeting.

"And don't mind Ol' Shanty here. I have many a tale of the sea to share, so I don't need to share what little I know of yours."

"Thanks. It's... Private."

"I understand. We all got our little secrets now, don't we? I'd think your life would have to be pretty empty if you didn't have at least a few stored for a stormy evening."

He seemed to be lost in a memory for a few seconds, before going on. In Zeehva's eyes at least, this seemed like a friendly, rather harmless pony. They were probably okay with the tiny little he had heard. Which weren't even all that incriminating in the first place.

"But you're not here to hear an old sailor ramble. The inn is as I said, that direction. You'll recognize it by the theme. It stands out, but Fishbone's a lovely mare. She'll make sure to take good care of you. Long as you don't cause a ruckus. You wouldn't want to end up on her bad side."

====================================================================================

@Scarlet Rose

On 2021-04-16 at 1:51 AM, Silicon Chimera said:

"Yes, I'm not sure I would like to be in the play in full" she would agree, and smile "At least Bellarouse wasn't changed into a dog, as the pet in the play is a dog..I don't think she would like that"

Bellarouge were not turned into a dog, but as she were still napping, she had not taken notice of the fact that she had gotten a small hat on, with dog ears. Nothing major, but it helped selling it a bit. Wasn't like the other costumes had been amazing either really. Silicon's dress were the most authentic thing, with the rest being a bit more crude, and more focused on fun, than massive accuracy.

On 2021-04-16 at 1:51 AM, Silicon Chimera said:

"Thank you for your hospitality, miss Zecora, I've heard a lot about you from both Orchid and little Apple Bloom" she would say "And what's on my mind? Well.." she begins to explain what she had discussed with Orchid earlier that day to Zecora.

"You wish to speak with the dead, and it does not fill you with dread? I can help you indeed, though I too have a need. Three herbs I miss, to do this. Bring plenty to me, and then you will see."

She gave them a note that looked like it were a few days old at this point. A strong seer indeed, who had prepared for them in full. If they looked, they'd see that she would need a pouch of blooming Widow's Tear, another of Grave Lily's, and a large jar of swamp-drenched Horseshoe Weed.

"Seems reasonable enough, though the Tears may be tough. Yet I have an idea, that in time will be clear.

Though before we leave maybe, we may finish our tea? Home are far away, and though I don't want to overstay, your welcome so kind, I'd hate to leave this behind."

Zecora would nod, and they could both take a relaxing zip of the freshly made, Zebrican mint tea. Sure they had something like that in Equestria too, but it lacked a certain... Prophetic side effect to it, which tended to happen when you drank this. Nothing Silicon should worry about though. She may at worst, hear some giggling coming from the side of her, without a source. Or see glimpses of pastures she had yet to thread. Diluted, this sort of thing wouldn't be felt at all, but zebra's liked this generally rich in taste, and found the small glimpses usually relaxing. Sometimes, even being something worth trying to learn more about later, though often, it were just seen as a fun little side effect, without much to it, beyond the novelty.

============================================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

"I have a home. A dark, dry cave, where it never rains, hidden deeply within Diamond Dog territory. And no, they do not rummage around there. They know I would find out, and they have a... Special view of me. You'll see in time, next I have to put things in storage.

It's a good cave. The dry darkness helps preserve the items better. Gold and jewels would last better, but I hold different values than most, I suppose. I don't exactly stockpile things in piles either. I have my system on things, and mostly, things will stay there, unless old age finally gets them. Or in the rare cases, where someone gets there, and makes a convincing argument for why I should give them something back that I took. Sometimes, it happens. Not often though. Especially not when it's taken from someone who I consider too stupid to deserve it.

I think you might like it there. It's very spacious, and the lingering smell of nearby diamond dogs, barely registers anymore."

Sure it may seem weird that she lived near those creatures, and not her own, or really, just in solidarity somewhere, but as she had been open about before, she had been stolen as an egg, by a diamond dog, and lived there for a good portion of her early years. It felt like home to her, so of course she'd claim a large, underground cavern as her own, in that area. Might be more of a hassle to get to, and get inside as well, but it were no scale off of her back.

She'd be talking as they wandered through the halls of pretty things. Nothing majorly valuable here though. Not compared to the massive amount of things the other houses in the area had, anyway. This were more stylish, with some paintings and a few benches here and there to sit upon. The usual knickknack of false plants to spice it up too, sure, but there were still a good deal of space to work with here. The few glimpses into the rooms spoke more of investing in good items, rather than many of them as well, with a focus more on luxurious beds, a pool table, or something else, rather than clutter.

As for the kitchen, it were - by pony standards - stunning. Clean marble and stainless steel tools to work with the food, hanging from above the stove. The stove itself being large and able to handle quite a the load as well, with the six pans nearby more than capable at sitting comfortably on it.

The fridge were rather massive too, nd as they opened it, there would be things in various sections, with the more prominent ones of course being fruit and vegetables. Though there were also a few drawers of meat. Mostly fish, well packed in, and looking very fresh. Some raw, some leftovers that were dipped in curry, or other such things. No need to let good food go to waste after all, right? And judging by the height of things, it were plausible that Marley were also either the cook, or some other creature at least his size, would be taking care of this normally. Things were set a little high for the regular pony, lest they used an incline. Which seemed like there were build for, as there were buttons on the tables, etc. that seemed to be able to lift parts of the floor up. Practical really.

"Seems like there are things to take from. I suppose, go to town, if there's anything that tickles your fancy."

============================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

"I find that the ponies simply reach out to connect. Let us try."

Lyriel would wander closer towards the family playing ball, and would bow her head and neck as they were given some attention by the adults in the group.

"Forest's blessings upon you, friends."

"Well hello there. Are you having a good day?"

The oldest of them - a marine-blue mare with grey streaks in her green mane - would correct her large, thick glasses, and take a closer glance on the two creatures, and their bird.

"It is splendid, yes. I wish not to intrude, if we are taking too much of your time, but I am trying to teach my friend here to mingle with others. Would it be imposing upon your time, if we partook in your game?"

"Grandma. That one has a pretty bird."

The foal would point up towards Crow, who would puff out its chest, and bask in the adoration. Vanity seemed to be becoming a fault of its.

"I think he approves, and it never hurts with a few more. Just don't kick the ball far away."

"We will not. Thank you kindly for your patience. I am Lyriel, and this is Scarecrow, and his hawk, Crow."

"It's nice to meet a pair of well mannered younglings. I am Elderbloom, and this is my daughter and her husband, Matte Plaid, and Cactus Olive. And this little bundle, is my grandson Rain Drip. The shy one who hid behind his father once you approached, are his little sister, Bunny Rancher."

She'd point towards another foal, this one a filly, that stood behind her father, and looked at them.

"With a name like that, perhaps she would enjoy a little trick of mine."

Lyriel would bend down to the ground, and let out a sound like the east wind, blowing through leaves on a crisp, autumn morning. Not long after that, a bunny would jump out from one of the nearby bushes, and come over to her. She'd caress his little head, then point towards the filly, who had followed the bunny with big eyes. Eyes that only got bigger, once the bunny then nodded, and went over to be petted by her.

"Your rabbit seems well trained. It's nice of you to let it speak with her."

"He is not a pet of mine. I called for one of his to answer, and he did. Worry not, he won't bite or scratch her."

"Well aren't you two a fancy pair? You'll have to tell me how you did that later, but let's not let a good ball go to waste."

With that, she kick the ball towards the colt, who'd then kick it towards Scarecrow. Now it were up to him to pass it along, and Not smash it far away, or into someone's face.

==============================================================================================

@Catpone Cerberus

"Very well, but inform me if things changes. It would not bode well for any of us if one of you suddenly falls fatally ill."

Onache's horn glowed, yet this time, no one would come up to them. Instead, she'd simply just stand there for a bit, until she'd eventually nod, and turn to face the kobolds again.

"There is a town map displayed in the main square, and three different vendors that sells them. I have the direction for each now."

There were a reason why Onache had been seen as a voice with some weight to it, in the Council of Queens. Sure she had a small hive, and stayed in more isolated areas, where the impact of control over a given area were less, but she were a powerful mind magician. Reading thoughts, overriding others, turning friends to foe- All changelings had some degree of mind manipulation to work with, but Onache were notable, and well aware of it too. It gave her a good degree of pride and sense of worth, even if there were obviously far bigger fish in the council than her. To them, she were worth little, and she knew to not speak against them. She hadn't gone to where she were now, by being an idiot. She did so, by making sure not to voice her opinion, unless she knew it would at worst, annoy the ones above her.

Another small spark would flicker off of her horn, and she would float an elegant hoofbag out of the saddlebag on her right. It appeared to be mostly full of bits as she opened it, as well as a few other forms of currency,

"Yes, I should have means for a time, even with minor purchases such as this. Let us get to the main square, then see from there. Most vendors are near that."

She'd make sure to keep the makeshift shade covers above the kobolds as they would proceed down the street. The one where a certain bakery were located, which  meant that a very pink pony, with a very excited pair of eyes were looking at them. As she were pressed up against a window. In Onache's eyes, she frankly looked rather mad. As well as fixated on... Them, it appeared.

"...I am not certain what this one wants, but I get the feeling that it might include something festive. I can practically taste the joy rolling off of her, even from here. It's... Overwhelming, to put it mildly."

=======================================================================================

@EQ_Theta

16 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“From what I gather, you’re self-defense isn’t–“

“Sen, I know you mean well, but I think I can understand Omen’s point of view here. Remember we can open gates to different places? That is our defense. Self-defense works differently for us because if someone was looking to pick a fight, we’d just send them some place else.”

“And what would happen if you lost your ability to open gates? I know you can take care of yourself because you know some of the basics, but what if it were Omen in your place? Wouldn’t knowing how to defend yourself without your powers be just as important?”

"Master Discord said I should do this then."

Quickly, Sen would find that Omen had launched her tongue, and had it wrapped around his face, covering his eyes. Something she had done a while back too, but had seemingly stopped since then.

"He says they will lose concentration, and I can make gates again."

"I'll give Discord points for the creativity, and saneness in that statement, actually. I too would definitely loose focus, were I to suddenly find a warm tongue wrapped around my eyes. If someone doesn't, I'd question what kind of being they were."

So it seemed like Discord had given this a little thought as well, back in the day, and implemented part of his own little security in her creation. A distraction in the weirdest way, just as he would've liked it. As well as - Rosa would imagine - something he'd just make her do on a regular basis, for his own amusement. He were perhaps not as foolish as Rosa gave him credit for, but he were definitely still a glorified clown.

"And I think this is the best you can hope for, Sen. It is rather clear that Omen - and I assume, all of her kin in general - holds the words of their mother to an extreme high, lest they have reason to be angry with her. If she says they cannot fight, I doubt anything you say, will make Omen change her stance on this.

Besides, we have seen what she can do. I think she is resilient to an almost comical degree."

She literally ate fire, and had survived whatever Discord had put her through for years. She were pretty unlikely to be harmed dangerously.

18 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Maybe I should ask Mother about this matter. No need to get yourself worked up over it, Omen. Sometimes… it’s stubbornness, and believing that we are right, that makes us do things that hurt others. Arguing and shouting, just as you described some of your siblings. Maybe that could help you understand why your siblings yell at Mother.” 

“You sure you’re going to be okay waiting down here?”

"Mother says they learned something, and it made them angry. They are still siblings.

And I am okay. I will watch you."

And so she did. The only interaction she had before they got to the front of the line, and she stopped up, were to give the bits to the one in charge, so that they could get on the ride. Something else which gave her the same odd look others had given her initially, but bits were bits, so it wasn't rejected.

And so, soon enough, they'd e3nd up there, strapped in, and about to receive the typical swing ride. Which as per usual, would go from side to side rather calmly at first, before picking up in speed, and eventually, do the whole way round several times, before slowly slowing down. An experience that would make Rose actually let out a genuine laughter, as he frankly found this rather amusing. He wasn't a thrill seeker, but on occasion, these sorts of things could be amusing, and the company were good. Though how Sen and Lin were gonna take the rapid moving and upside down feel that tended to come from this, were anyone's guess.

================================================================

@Windy Breeze

Sorrow would be sleeping until they eventually were woken up, without a word, or sign of a bad dream. As per usual, she had more happy ones. Well... Happy for her family, so it did involve a lot of gravestones, and dancing with the damned, under a nice, bright full moon.

3 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“We have searched most of the areas thoroughly by now and everything turned out nothing. The place you mentioned is our last hope to please Mistress Needle”

Upon hearing the diamond dog not only wants to continue helping them but also tell them her name, Flinty smiled with gratitude “We're glad our Mistress had met you, Pop Rock. Without you my group will not be able to find any clues to where our targets have been hiding. We are in debt for our help” she spoke with genuine thankfulness.

Pop Rock were wholly unaware how likely it were that she were just being played right now, and just wagged along with a big grin on her little canine face.

"Then we find them quick. Make mistress happy."

Pop would move forward down the street, and keep her nose peeled, looking for a particular kind of smell, and eventually, did catch up on something that made her sneeze slightly.

"Smell of sick pony house. They go this way... Somewhere. Smell all around, but stronger... Yes, stronger nearer the inn. If they no hide there, they at least been there, I think."

She'd move closer and closer to the building, and keep sniffing the air as she got nearer. The faint smell of the disinfectants they used at a hospital, were still lingering a little on a few items they had touched as they moved along earlier. Though any food smell would overwhelm that, so her nose wouldn't help, if they went inside the inn. They had to rely on witnesses by then, if that were.

================================================================

@Califorum @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-04-15 at 9:14 PM, Cali said:

"Never thought about that honestly. But it has been this way for years so if something would have happened it would have already happened. I appreciate the concern but it'd be funny to see what these ponies think of my biology and all that too." Cali said to him, but appreciated his comments.

"Oh. I figured it were somewhat recent. If it's been years, then yeah, whatever side effects are probably negligent. Good that it ain't worse."

Well that was a relief then. no need for any sort of potentially invasive surgery, which she probably wouldn't have liked either. Sure he'd prefer to just scan, but y'know, always had to keep the option in mind. And he couldn't exactly say that he didn't have that sort of emergency setup at his workshop. Plus he uhm... May have ensured that Felicia had the necessary data in her bank to provide some good assistance for surgeries. But best not to tell folks about that little tidbit. Ponies were gonna call him mad then.

On 2021-04-16 at 12:25 AM, Kujamih said:

Light smirked and said to cali.

"It wouldn't be funny... They'd just see an anatomy of a monkey.... Pfft..."

Laughed tried to contain his laugh.. but a little came out of his mouth.

"Ahmm Sorry that was mean of me."

"Monkey? Is that what humans are evolved from? Huh... Well that'd not be entirely too far off the sorta thing you'd see from the biology lab then. Those folks sure did love a good, thorough autopsy of various creatures. Truth be told, bunch'a weirdoes the lot of 'em, but the anatomy charts were spectacular. Wasn't any fun getting kicked into the refuse barrel though... Eeeergh, but I guess I kinda shouldn't have called the head researcher *Sweet little piece of bio-deliciousness*. I might've done the same thing in her case."

He had an issue with running his muzzle like that, but yeah, that was his issue, not theirs. Currently, anyway, as he wasn't hitting on any of them. Hard for hi to do, when When were still rummaging around his mind. Of all the mares for him to fall head over heels for, it had to be the one with the sister who liked to beat the tar out of anyone hitting on her younger sister.

Well, momma didn't raise a quitter though, a nd she'd be back, he knew it. He had to help with her violent elder sisters wing after all, so there were no way around it. And next time, he'd really put the charm on. As well as maybe some sorta protective gear.

On 2021-04-15 at 9:14 PM, Cali said:

Cali bursted out laughing at the small fireball there, it was cute. It was really cute. She couldn't help but walk over and pat the little filly on her back. "Could very well be the case but hey, that small fireball there is adorable!" she said and with her shapeshifting magic, her mane and tail bursted into blue flames as she laughed but then it went back to normal quickly, it was just some sort of example of what Cali can do.

Upon seeing the scrapyard in the distance Cali giggled at the sight of it. "That is cute. Its a little itty bitty scrapyard that doesn't take up an entire CITY like where I am from..." she smiled at how small it appeared to her.

Blitz let out a high pitched, gleeful sound as she saw Cali burst into flames, whilst other onlookers just sorta... Well, y'know. Screamed and ran off in fear. Frankly, she were not making a good impression on the sane creatures.

"That was awesome!!!"

Blitz would go over and hug Cali's leg, latching on like some sorta glue-covered parasite. Seriously, she wouldn't be able to shake her off that easily, before she were done with the hug.

"I wish I could make a fire mane. Then I could like... Light a lotta fuses, and roast stuff on my head! And light up caves real easy! Uuuh, maybe I could-"

"You're not setting your head on fire, Blitz. You're not great great grandma Crackledee Boom. If you're nice, you can work on a helmet with a fire-show on top though."

Another gleeful yelp would come from Blitz, as she'd let go of Cali, and start bouncing around, as happy as any pony could look.

5 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

Luckily, for her Blitz, the mares did get a good laugh when the latter talked about the city of New York “Not all places in Equestria are peaceful but K can guarantee the country is mostly very safe and free of criminal activity. It took many even six months before I manage to encounter a thief and I actually caught them in their first try”

"To be fair, it helps a ton that Equestria have a robust rehabilitation program too. Every criminal caught will be run through, and have a high percent chance to become a valued citizen afterwards. And no Cali, it ain't mind control. It's stuff like help with work experience, psych evaluations, and help if they do have issues, therapy, consultations, and so, so many programs to help reintegrating folks into society. There's a lot of stuff really. but that's part of why most who goes into the justive system, gets reintegrated as better citizens.

...Aaaand then there's others who gets turned to stone, or tossed into another dimension. Honestly, the system ain't perfect."

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Part of Null, were honestly a little sad that he didn't just go for it, right there in the street. Of course it would've been dumb, and she knew there'd be eyes on them, but still... It might've been nice. Maybe later then, when they were in more private quarters. Even if she had to pin him down, and make him do it.

On their way back, They - or at least Null - wouldn't notice a pair of eyes following them from the nearby shadows on an alley. Nothing to see really, right? Just another pony, cleaning the alleyways for debris and trash that had fallen out of the cans. Definitely not a changeling in disguise that were following, and watching them in varied forms that most did not take note of, to see what could be gathered about the pair. Certainly there were no kind of interest for them, that were worth having a pair of eyes sent to keep track of them. Who would even think such a silly thing?

*cough*

On 2021-04-15 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded, "Let's head back tot he embassy then, I must say I'm intrigued by the dragons themselves. That effect they have on those around them? I wonder how we'd be able to keep the ambassadors from become enthralled when they interact in the future."

"I could give her a feather. That should last for a few days. Beyond that? I dunno. Maybe some sort of anti-magic amulet? Or do all communication from a safe distance? Sorta depends on the range of their little gimmick."

Null more easily calmed down when the talk were on work, and could communicate without stammering, or acting like a silly school filly. Though that being said, she certainly had the thoughts still roaming inside her head. Pretty hard not to, considering she had just been on a dinner date with Arcade, and kissed him. What exactly wasn't there to think about? How he had agreed to try a relationship with everything that might entail? Because that one were a heavy one for her.

Between that, and trying to focus on the dragons, or Dove, there weren't much left for her mind to give a rats about those who were following them with their eyes. Let them think what they wanted, she had better things to do, unless one of them interjected with something. She'd be mighty happy to put a hoof mark right in their face if they wanted to get snarky at them. But as it didn't seem any did, they'd get back to base, and be met with quite a surprise.

On 2021-04-15 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Other than attracting glances as they walked together, they wouldn't run into any trouble getting back to the embassy, they'd find Dove at the desk when they arrived, "Glad to see you two are back, the specialist arrived just a bit ago, Pen is her name, she's settling in to her room right now if you want to bring her up to speed on what you know."

If they went looking they'd find Pen in one of the previously empty rooms.

Null blinked a few times, at what she heard, honestly surprised that off all the so called experts, it were Pen who had been sent.

"...You've got to be kidding me."

That were all she'd say, before wandering off, to look for Pen. And it wouldn't take long either. A few empty rooms, and one that weren't so much - her bad, she should've knocked - and she'd be face to face with the research gremlin herself. Or well, the two in one, skin eater with a shadow monster inside.

"Are they okay?

...And I guess, hello. Didn't expect you to be the one they sent."

She had rushed to ask quickly in on if her family was alright first, before the usual, normal things, such as a hello. But she'd put one in after. Maybe not the most tactful way, but eh. It worked, right? No need to get fussy on the details.

(Troy)

Before her mother and Ardee went to get the examination done in privacy, Void would move closer to Ardee, and look down on her with a big, proud smile.

"It's good to see that you're willing to go first, Ardee. I'm proud of you."

She meant that. Considering her experiences with doctors, it was a big leap to try her luck like this, but Ardee seemed to be wanting to put her trust in what Void said, when she said that her mother was a good, nice doctor. It were quite a leap, and Void really meant it when she then said now, that she were proud that Ardee were willing to take that risk. Now it were just about showing her that that risk wasn't misplaced.

"And don't worry, you can trust my mother. Just remember that I'm right out here. If there's anything at all, just call for me, okay?"

After they had gone in to get their privacy, and the foals started to look for her for guidance on what to do in the meantime, she'd have to pause and think on it for a bit.

"That's a good question. There's no telling how far between there is when you have to be checked, so starting class up might not be good, and stories would probably drag out too much... Maybe we can play a game? Or I could tell you about other, local animal life, if you'd like? You've seen how a Scaled Cackler looks and acts like now, via Lacuna, but maybe you're curious about the other animals too? It wouldn't take too long to explain those, but it's up to you."

@Scarlet Rose

 "I am not familiar with that play, though I have learned some today. If I like it I don't know though. Maybe it is better when you are not part of the show?"

He'd try and brush the paint job off him, but to no effect. He'd likely need a shower at some point. Considering what the draconequui could do though, this was them getting off lightly, in his opinion. They may have been trapped in a time loop until he knew the play by heart, if they had been unlucky, or the creature had been bored.

Still, best to focus on what they had here and now, and now they were at Zecora's hut. Something which could definitely bring a smile to his face, as it were nice to see this little slice of traditional Zebrican culture here. It had been far too long, since last he could put his eyes on something like that.

As they approached, he'd smell a waft going through the air, of tea. A very specific mint tea in fact, that you could not find in this area. Or in Equestria normally either, but were well known in Zebrica. In his home town specifically even, which just brought a smile to his face.

"We are expected. Let not her hospitality be neglected."

With that, he'd step forward, and politely knock the door three times, then wait. It would not be long before the door opened, and the grand seer herself stood in front of him, looking as radiant as any zebra mare could.

"My new neighbor had her fun, with you on the run?"

"You could say so, but we went with the flow. A strange sight to behold though, to be part of her show. Strange  to have one appear, when Discord is so near. I always assumed they preferred somewhat isolation, so they did not share adoration."

"They are a strange kind, but I do not mind. She harm not a soul, and have no darkness as her goal. But we have other things to discuss. Come in, with no fuss."

She would step aside, and let them wander in, where a table with some mint tea, and a bowl of herbal snacks were sitting.

"We thank you for your hospitality, oh greatest seer I will ever see."

Orchid bowed his head as he said this, meaning nothing but respect towards the zebra. Which she seemed to take well, considering the pleased smile on her face.

"I appreciate the flattery. Now please sit down and have some tea. Let us speak of what thoughts hide beneath your mascara. Speak up when you're prepared, Chimera."

This is why Orchid had not introduced them, He rightly assumed that she already knew their names.

==========================================================================================

@Califorum

On 2021-04-14 at 6:29 AM, Magnolia said:

"The way you speak, you seem so sure of your words. That comforts me greatly. Its as if you are the one who was meant to be my parent...in a way, if you understand what I mean. You are um, always there for me and you know so much. I only benefit from your presence. Again, I cannot explain how grateful I am to you for opening my eyes." 

"If I had gotten a foal, I would have been happy if it had been you. Any sane parent would have been proud to have a daughter of as much potential as you."

A brief sadness came over her, as she mourned the foal she'd never have with her husband, but she were out of tears for the time being. There would be time to mourn this later, and perhaps some day, if she were fortunate she would find another one to love, and get the foal she had sadly not gotten with him. Ancestors be willing, she would be able to move on like that in due time, and Magnolia would end up becoming a godmother. If they used that here in Equestria? If not, she knew that close family friends were at times, referred to as aunts or uncles She could roll with that, as they say.

"And I am glad I have been able to positively influence you so far. I pray that in the years to come, we will end up learning much from each other, and grow much from that. Perhaps someday, I could even teach you how to make some potions? Not magical ones maybe, but the regular, Zebrican kind. I think you'd be a fast learner."

It might also help her find some nice, calming mixtures for herself, in case she got into a smoldering sort of mood. Zeehva used to have something to help her with her crying fr a while, but she had run out several months ago, at this point. She really had to find a specialty store that carried Akhinza Weed at some point. It might help for a time.

On 2021-04-14 at 6:29 AM, Magnolia said:

"I am your first friend here, wow. That is surprising but I am honoured. As for my parents...I think that course of action you say is best. But I would love to meet my siblings again if I am honest but again, one step at a time. Lets find an inn, and go to sleep. We can awaken tomorrow with a fresh memory. How does that sound? I am feeling quite better, thank you so much." Magnolia yawned slightly.

"Is it really a surprise though? I mean, I've been so focused on getting this file, and finding answers... When would I have time for friends? I guess, you had the same priority too before. Sort of. A-Anyway, just saying, that there is a lot of things that can take up your mind, and sometimes, it gets hard connecting with others. Y'know?

But you're right, we should find ourselves a place to rest. Probably won't have to go far for an inn."

"You could try Fishbone's place. Only about a few hundred meters straight north from the harbor."

Zeehva would act on the voice, and turn around to see an elderly stallion with a long beard and a pibe, sitting on top of the crates they had been behind, and smiling down at them.

"Don't be worried there, young lady. I were just inspecting the cargo, when I heard some noise. Had to make sure somepony weren't stuck, or we had another chimera that had gotten stuck and escaped one of the boxes. It can be dangerous at port if you're not careful."

He'd puff a small, clear cloud out of the side of his muzzle, showing that he were likely smoking Crystal Weed. A harmless, and otherwise useless herb, that had some minor popularity with the sort who liked to puff on pibes, and not intake something bad.

==============================================================================

@EQ_Theta

16 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Not sure if I have a weak stomach, but I’m not too keen on the tower. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way… Guess it might just be how I’m getting launched into the air.”

“The Moon Swing sounds a little better, though. How about we try that one first and see if we really have some weak stomachs. Wouldn’t want to throw up all that good food we had earlier. And I’m not exactly the type to want a punishing ride. I’m not a thrill-seeker after all.” 

"It's mostly for thrill seekers, as it tends to give a rather good adrenaline high for most beings, who can take it. Some enjoy that to a near excessive degree, while others just like getting the pulse racing every now and again. Others still, do it as a dare, to see whom of them and their friends, gives up the fastest. You'd be amazed how many rides gets a large customer base from dares alone.

Nevertheless, I do agree that it is better to try the swing instead. It's also good at getting the pulse up, but it isn't as excessive, and can be quite fun. However... Omen? You may need to stay down for this ride. It is nothing against you, but I don't think it would be good to leave Shrimp alone when he is awake, and it isn't safe to take pets or companions on a ride like that, as all need to be properly strapped in. Is that okay?"

Omen would nod as a reply and slowly raise a hoof to scratch Shrimp behind the ear. It seemed to please the little one, who wasn't sure what were going on, but Omen at least understood enough of it. The ride wasn't for Shrimp, and it wasn't okay to leave him alone. He needed them. Or at least one of them, and Omen were unlikely to feel much by going into that ride anyway.

She would be fine watching too, and maybe find something the others could eat, when it were? It seemed like something they might like, and Mother did usually say that she have to try and make decisions of her own. Doing this seems okay, yes? She had seen them enjoy the varied foods, long as it wasn't spicy. That food was for her. The flames felt like... Well, she felt it, so that was good. Not enough like fire, but close.

"Good, good. I don't want to exclude you, but we have to remember Shrimp in all of this."

17 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Moon Swing first, it is, then we’ll see where we can go next. Come, everyone, there’s probably a line for that ride.”

“And while we’re still on the subject, Omen, you say violence is forbidden. What about self-defense? Does Mother have a rule about that? I mean, self-defense is about protecting yourself, so you aren’t exactly going around looking to pick a fight.”

"As you wish. Seems like there is about... Three and a half dozen in line. With about a dozen on each ride, it should be our turn relatively shortly."

As they went and placed themselves in the nearby line, of beings chatting and looking forward to their turn on the Moon Swing - which they could see in action now, swinging from side to side, and picking up speed to do the full twirls, whilst laughing and joyful screaming were heard - Omen would begin to respond. Starting with opening a small gate next to her head.

"If they threaten our masters, we send them away. Mother says to protect, but not harm. So she tells us to send them away."

The gates were useful like that. Especially for one like Omen, who were a full blooded Ki'Nathar, and as such, opened them as easily as most breathed. And in great numbers too, if needed, so she could protect against quite a lot of things. Including magic waves, as all that would happen, were that it crashed into her home realm, and then what? Nothing were solid there, and her siblings couldn't feel pain, as they had no nerves. At worst, it would stir the tides a few seconds, and make them curious.

"Mother says to protect, and never attack. We are good children, so we listen to her. Do what she tells us."

She'd tilt her head to the side, and take a step forward, as the line moved along.

"Except for the ones who hate her, maybe? Angry siblings. We do not understand why they shout, but Mother do not punish them. She still loves them. Just like she loves us. She lets them speak, and they leave. Some do not come back."

=========================================================================

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Califorum

On 2021-04-14 at 7:12 AM, Cali said:

"Fine. I GUESS I will respect mr dimension police over here..." she nudged Light and rolled her eyes. "You know what, going against logic...that sound exactly like it. I had this urge and fascination with crime, I just went with it against all odds. It is really interesting if you think about. What you are saying about a symbiotic life form and infections...its all adding up quite well actually." Cali said in a rather shocked manner.

"...Maaaaybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to run a checkup on yourself at some point? Y'know, just to make sure that there's say, nothing incubating inside you, or your atoms are about to cause a major meltdown. Dunno if I even can that, but if it's possible, I'll lend a hoof. Don't wanna leave my new pal hanging dry, right? Just don't nick my stuff, please."

He were joking... Halfway. She did admit to doing a lot of crime, so stealing shouldn't be beyond her, right? But long as she didn't go ahead and gobble up all his important things, he'd be fine. The papers would suck, if she got to them, but Felicia had copies of it all in her data base. Not intentionally, but it could come in handy, that her AI had progressed far faster than he had been able to keep up with her.

On 2021-04-14 at 7:12 AM, Cali said:

"Well we definitely do have issues with it. We do it on purpose because it makes money, at least for those who do it that manner. What you speak of is a fairy tale as I told you, there is no magic in my world. Don't you mean manhattan? It sounds like this world uses similar naming schemes as it does to mine. That is pretty strange considering how wildly different mine is. Again, I've seen stranger. I would like to burn things though. I love fire. I love causing fire too!" Cali smiled as her mane turned to fire for a split second and went back to normal.

"Nah nah, this here place is named Manehattan. Funny how close it us though. Maybe some sorta alternate history, type of deal going on here, eh? Not important I guess, but a fun thought. SO is fire. Especially for Blitz. I mean, it ain't just her tail exploding, and mane that's looking like it'll catch fire. Show 'er sis."

Blitz grinned widely, and used her magic, to light the tip of her horn ablaze with a minor ball of fire.

"Ain't it just precious You should've seen the first time she learned she could do that. It was adorable, and mom added seventeen more locks to the powder room. She was so proud."

Blitz really were like their grandfather. Explosive, a bomb making genius, and insanely dangerous. They had to add protocols for her alone, along with more locks, safety measures, hazard plans to the town, in case she wandered out without supervision, etc.  She were the pride and joy in their mothers eye, because she had adored their grandfather, but she also knew that leaving anything up to chance, would mean Blitz would likely end up in small pieces, before she became old enough to learn restraints and safety. Their mom had always been a clever one like that.

On 2021-04-14 at 7:12 AM, Cali said:

Cali laughed at Blitz's comment. "You don't want to go there, for sure. It is like being inside of Satan's butt. Oh, sorry for saying that, but thats what it is. A pit. A hell hole. Its a scum of the earth, I could say so many nasty things about it and we would be here all day." 

"I dunno who Satan is, but he must have a stinky flank. Smelly guy needs a big shower, and your town could use something to clean it up. Like... uuuuuh, soap bombs?"

Molotov grimaced. There was another thing he had to lock down when they got home later, until the thought faded from her head. He didn't want t0o know how that particular concoction of hers, would end up. Cause he were thinking high velicity chunk, splattering all over the place. Yeowch. Though he could go through with some ideas with her later too, of course. He had some suggestions on how to make it better, and safe. It'd still confuse the tar out of folks, but hey, long as they'd stay alive, eh?

On 2021-04-14 at 4:09 PM, Kujamih said:

"me a contaminant? Not really... I try and follow the rules... Try. And use it as well... Loop hole of the rules of this dimension and what not. And one misstep and we dimension travelers can either get erased or kicked out of this dimension. But seeing as there's a lot of different dimensions merging here, i guess the "writers" here are pretty relaxed... Which is a bit dangerous." 

"I figure if the Elements of Harmony haven't yet torn a permanent hole in our dimension, the small time stuff probably ain't gonna do us in. The mess before might've, but we got that sorted all nice and tidy. Though I gotta remember to torch the ground when we get home. I'm thinking that thing's blood is best being scorched completely. That usually takes care of most things. Not sure what you mean with writers though. Are you on about history writers? Cause they tend to include those things. Well... With a bit of a bias, I suppose. Winners write history and all that, y'know? Ain't ever gonna find an unbiased source, when it comes to history."

IN the distance, they'd be able to start seeing the massive scarp yard, where the crane were dutifully roaming around, and transporting the various new scrap, to where it got sorted, and then sent to the right locations for pickup, or for folks to rummage through. Nice and simple, and to inventor types like the Boom's - and especially the scavenger specialists like Blitz - it were a dreamhaven, full of possibilities.

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-04-13 at 6:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade shook his head, "Sorry, I... it's just the first I've ever had. Is that something ponies do normally? Or is it just because we're dating?" He'd come over to her, "Sh- Should I kiss you now? Is that how it works? Or is it supposed to be a surprise like when you kissed me?"

"I-It's uhm... Something couples do. You can do it whenever r-really, long as it doesn't interrupt anything important, I guess."

Oh gods, was this what it felt like to be her sister? Nervous, uncertain, and feeling like she wanted to put her head in the sand, to try and lessen the odds of her shoving her own hoof down her throat, and ruining everything? She almost missed being grumpy and looking for a fight. At least she knew what that were, whilst this? She hadn't the faintest clue. She didn't know how relationships really worked, beyond the technical stuff, and trying to explain it to someone she were suddenly in a relationship with, were more difficult than she had imagined it would be.

Still... They had gotten this far, and if he wanted to kiss her, she wasn't against the idea. Might be sorta nice...

On 2021-04-13 at 6:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He had a nervous chuckle, "We, uh, we should get moving, probably take this back to the embassy and let them know? Then was there something else we needed to do today?"

Aaaand then work came into the picture, and acted as kind of a buzzkill. Typical.

"...Y-Yeah, I guess we should go back, and update Dove on uhm... Stuff, yes. And I think there were... Those dragons, maybe? We can do that later? I'd sorta like to get back to the embassy."

It'd be nice to go back honestly. Not because of Dove. Nuhuh, she could hardly be further from Null's mind right now. No, she were more thinking it'd be nice with some privacy, rather than standing and looking dumb like they currently were, out in public.  They wouldn't have to worry about that if they got a little privacy to talk over things. See where it'd go, right?

(Troy)

On 2021-04-13 at 6:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

That aside, they were just about finished with breakfast when there was a knock on the door, Vale being the first to arrive was the one to go out and check, returning shortly after with Vale's mother, her wide form made wider by the bags of medical supplies she brought with her.

Her entrance drew the attention of all the young ponies, though thankfully there was no hint of recognition between them. "Hello there! If you all aren't the most adorable little ponies I've seen." She set down her bags and the ponies' attentions became divided between the bags and her belly, Teal, Elef, and Peal more interested in her, Ardee, Toupé, and Piecey more interested in her bags, the first two with apprehension, the latter with curiosity.

Void perked up when she saw her mother arrive, and waved her closer to them so that everyone could get a better look at her.

"Hey mom. We were just talking about you.

Everyone, this is my mother, Septicity Bunsen. Mom, this is Elef, Ardee, Toupé, and Teal. And these two little rascals are Piecey and Peal."

She'd introduce the foals to her mother quickly, pointing at them one by one as she spoke their names. She wanted this to be done properly. Though she had barely finished, before one voice broke through it all, and set the tone for this meeting, in a way that only the innocence of youth could really get away with, whilst also making it adorable.

On 2021-04-13 at 6:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Peal was bold enough to trot over and point, "Big." with all the lack of tact that only a small pony could make endearing.

Vale's mother chuckled, "Aren't you the cutest of them all, you must be Peal."

"Peal is a very energetic little filly. You may end up having trouble making her sit down long enough for any sort of exam, but maybe I can find something that will distract her a little."

She had a small container of strawberry pieces with her, just in case this sort of thing might become an issue, as she had seen how much Peal seemed to like those. It were then somewhat possible to kind of bribe her with those, whilst she had a minor, cursory exam. At least in theory.

On 2021-04-13 at 6:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd turn her attention to the group, "Well, who'd like to go first?"

Despite the curiosity on the half of their parts, no one would volunteer, instead looking to Ardee and Vale for suggestion.

Void would wait for a little, and see who would go first, but it didn't seem like there were any volunteers. Rather, they looked towards herself and Ardee for answers on this it seemed, which to Void were mighty flattering. Ardee were their big sister, who they would understandably look to for answers, but they barely knew her, and yet included her in this? It was honestly very heartwarming. Now it were time to do something with it though.

"How about we go by age then? Oldest first, and then Peal and Piecey at the end? If you'd like, mom can show you what she would like to exam, by using me as a sort of living dummy? You can see then that it's nothing dangerous at all, and that there's nothing to be afraid of."

Ideally, Ardee would step in, and show herself willing to take the first step, but if it would help them, Void would gladly have shown on herself, what sorts of tests her mother may want to do on them. It might make them feel safer about this, and whatever ensured that everything would go smoothly here, she'd do.

@Scarlet Rose

Bugger! I knew something felt off. I'll make sure to include it in tomorrow's post. Sorry. Must've spaced out and forgotten it for some reason.

=======================================================================

@Kujamih @Widdershins @Califorum

I am not touching this conversation with a sixty foot pole.  I'd rather let it play out for now, and see what happens, rather than be further poking at it. I ccan get to that another time, if need be.

@Illiad Easle

Hehe, it's alright mate. You go make sure to get your finals done, first and foremost. Rooting for ya to get a good grade.

Also, the parents names are Exquisite Caligraphy (the father) and Septicity Bunsen (the mother).

@Califorum

On 2021-04-11 at 9:24 PM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia was a very soft mare, she was extremely beautiful and Zeehva could see the intricate shades of blue within her mane and tail. Which quite truthfully, were almost like that of Shining Armour's. The resemblance was there, definitely. 

Zeehva didn't notice this at all, nor thought of Magnolia as beautiful. She probably were, and would be a catch to some lucky pony someday, but Zeehva were not looking at mares like that, and especially not Magnolia. To her, the mare were her friend, and she needed comfort right now. Not comments on her looks - which considering the crying, were potentially a little puffy - nor for the widow to start examining her, like you would a piece of furniture you were considering for purchase.

On 2021-04-11 at 9:24 PM, Magnolia said:

"I never had the chance to approach my siblings. Even so, my ultimate plan was to defeat and overthrow Twilight Sparkle and become the ruler of this land. To be loved and adored, and to cast down any who prove a liability to the darkest depths of Tartarus." she replied shakily, but admitting her true plans. "But now that I have...met you I see that I don't have to plan like that anymore to get the...respect and friendship I always wanted."

"It wouldn't have ended well if you tried that anyway. Others have, and it never ended with them being beloved. I mean, just look at Discord. He ruled, and he wasn't well liked then, and others still have a hard time to get used to him now, from what I hear. It's better that you don't have to go down that route. You don't deserve to be hated, nor encased in stone.

I'll make sure that doesn't happen, and you learn how to get respect and friendship properly. You already got it from me, as well as Gretha, and Dolt. That's a lot of friends you have managed to get in a short time. And it's only going to become better."

Granted, it were easier to make friends when you were young, or ideally a foal, but it weren't impossible to connect with others, if you were willing to put in some effort. And so far, magnolia were doing well. Less than four hours from having to drastically change her world view, and she had three friends. Two of which would vastly outlive her, but that were beside the point. The point were more that she were doing well, which is what the encouraging tone and smile from Zeehva were there to affirm.

On 2021-04-11 at 9:24 PM, Magnolia said:

"I'd love to see my...siblings. I would like to get to know them. And since Twilight Sparkle is a princess...then what does that make me? Am I royalty too? But that is never what I wanted...I just wanted to be understood. A part of my...things I was doing, I just wanted to be noticed yet I never had the...courage to just ask or seek support from others." Magnolia said somewhat shamefully at that. 

"I don't think it would make you royalty, but I'm not entirely sure... Maybe a minor noble of sorts? You aren't an alicorn, nor are married to a princess, so I'm not entirely sure how it works, sorry. I'm not an Equestrian native, so the finer details on this is kinda hazy for me. But I'm sure we'll find out eventually."

On 2021-04-11 at 9:24 PM, Magnolia said:

"As for my parents...the truth about them will come out someday. And when that happens, nobody will think about them the same ever again. My siblings certainly would not, at least I would hope not. My parents...deserve to learn a lesson. They made me this way. I had no other path until now. And they were the ones that made me this way...I hope they regret what they have done to me but they may have just forgotten about me just like they always wanted to do. But I digress for now...because I have a good friend such as you." Magnolia would tap Zeehva's chest in an awkward friendly gesture.

"Don't worry about them. They won't be able to forget you, when the word starts spreading to your siblings. They'll make sure that they're confronted about this. Whatever comes to them for that, is not something you need to worry about though. You won't "have to deal with them anymore, and they can sit with all their regrets, and whatever judgement comes their way. You're the good pony in this story right now, Magnolia. It won't change from that, unless you actually go out and try to attack them. or something.

Heh. And I'm happy to have you as a friend too. Truth be told... I think you're the first ones I really had here in Equestria too."

Zeehva would poke her hoof on Magnolia's forehead, and make a circle, whilst saying what sounded essentially like gibberish. Mainly because traditional zebra language were pretty rare to hear outside of Zebrica. It were nothing bad though. It were a friendly sort of blessing, just minus the magic that in olden times, were part of it.

"So, are you feeling a little better now? If not, take all the time that you need. We're not in a hurry to be anywhere."

============================================================

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-04-12 at 5:24 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Perhaps I have become too familiar in That Place to notice anymore.  I suppose it can be overwhelming if I think back to when I first stumbled upon it," the mare commented, tapping her chin in thought while trying to dredge up the old memory.  "From now on we'll use less unique means of travel,"

"If you want to do it this way, you can do that. But I simply think it good if I had been warned, as it makes me question my sanity, when I don't know if you are crafting many illusions, or might drop me in the space between. I am not certain what may lurk there, but the faintest feelings I have gotten, when lingering near it in the past, makes me certain I most definitely do not want to know in details if, and what, may be there either.

I am just thankful you did not do this to me a few days past. You would have given an old mare a heart attack. Though at least I would have died somewhere calm. Without necrotic energy. Might be I would have gotten to see a godless afterlife then... An interesting, yet terrifying thought. I couldn't imagine my soul not going to feed a god when my life were at an end. At least that way, it would feel like it had purpose, and I would know I weren't wandering around like a rotting abomination."

Perhaps not the best place to talk about this, but Lily were used to death being something you openly talked about, not for it to be a taboo subject, like it likely were in some circles here in Equestria. And if not taboo, then certainly something that most would just prefer to not hear talked about, as casually as one would about the new sweater they had just bought, or whatever you wanted normal coffee, or decaff.

On 2021-04-12 at 5:24 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Mm, the sugar in the pancakes is from the sugarcane plant and the syrup is from the maple tree," at least she was a kind enough for a teenage to answer the question without being snarky, Dawn thought.  "Thank you dear," Dawn smiled her appreciation so that she could go off and get their breakfast order to the chef.  Busy day planned, need to start it off on the right hoof with the most important meal of the day.  "No alternatives here," Dawn confirmed.

"I assumed so, but I were curious. Thank you for answering me."

As the waitress wandered off to deal with their order, Dawn gave her input on things. Something which Lily would nod to, before taking her hat off. It didn't seem the right place to wear it right now, though she'd keep the old, brown thing around her neck.

"It seemed more logical to be from a sugar plant, but I were just curious, and I never heard of syrup before, so that one will be interesting.

Do you have no sugar alternatives though, at all? In my land, the sugar plants are hard to come by in certain places, and with the rations being what they have been for so long, wasting precious quota on sugar plants were often not worth it. Mostly when we wanted a sweet taste, we capture or breed Pale Geist Beetles. They shed their shells frequently, and grinded down, it gives a nice, sweet taste. And when the bugs eventually die, we hollow them out a last time, and then feed the remains to the crows. They like the little snack. every now and again."

Rising would likely be thrilled if this news ever came his way, or to that of his captain, considering both he, and Minty, had eaten sweets from the area. But surely, Dawn wouldn't go talk about things like this, right? Who'd do such a thing, for the sheer amusement in seeing your own brother, realizing he ate bugs?

On 2021-04-12 at 5:24 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Shortly after, the waitress returned, holding up a tray with on hoof.  Putting a white mug of a black bitter spelling liquid in front of Dawn and a glass of water in front of Lily since she didn't order a drink.  Water came by default.  "Thank you," the mare sang before reaching over to pluck a small seal cup and two small packets of sugar.  She quickly added them to her coffee, turning the black liquid a little milky to sweeten her drink.

She would only barely be done, before their order showed up. Complete with a glass of water for her. How kind of the waitress. She had completely forgotten to order something to drink before, so this were a welcome surprise. They'd see if the dish itself would also be that, but she'd have to take some bites out of it first, to determine that.

"Thank you for that."

She'd give an appreciative nod, and a little smile to the waitress. Such a kind young lady she were. Good that the youth in this area were not intolerable. Or at least not all of them.

Towards Dawn though, she'd give a little smirk as she saw how the mare sweetened up her coffee, and would chuckle lowly to herself.

"Don't mind me, just reminds me of a certain someone that I knew. You have the same coffee habits, even if he used other containers than these."

=========================================================================

@Windy Breeze

On 2021-04-12 at 8:27 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“I wouldn't imagine a fan blowing our cover and giving us to the group” Windy was referencing Flinty's group who was still looking for them. As long as Cimex keep them as a secret, everything would be fine.

"They might not know the thugs are out to get us. They could convince them that they also worked for the Wonderbolts, and they worried since you ran off all of a sudden. Or they could say they had an urgent letter to you, or that you were being chased, and they were sent there to help you. And that's just off the top of my head. Somepony good at convincing others of their lies, could really mess up a lot of things, I think. Even if they wouldn't do so intentionally."

Fans were a double edges sword. They would likely never betray you, yet at the same time, their devotion could be used against you, if they didn't know better. And who would know better in this case? Weren't like they had shouted *A gang is going to torture us, help!* as they ran down the streets. Which would likely have gotten them tossed into a facility, to deal with their obvious mental breakdown.

On 2021-04-12 at 8:27 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“It's just that I... I don't you to worry too much about me” Windy felt guilty for always making Sorrow concerned all over again. She collapsed into one of the beds “We should take some rest. It has been a pretty eventful day”

Sorrow wasn't buying that. She saw that something were rummaging around Windy's head, but... It had been a long day, with a lot of emotional waves for the poor mare. It weren't the time to start pushing for information. So she'd let her be for now, and go towards another bed, and lay her head down. They were going to need their strength for what were lying ahead.

"Okay, but... If there's anything, just say so, okay? I'm here for you, Windy."

If nothing would pop up, she'd eventually fall asleep, and get some much needed rest for herself, and for her wing. Perhaps it were more usable when she woke up. Provided they actually had some time to take that into consideration.

She'd stave off sleep for a time though, if there were more. She wouldn't die from speaking a few minutes more, right?

On 2021-04-12 at 8:27 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“Thank you, diamond dog. Please don't tell Mistress Needle we were dumb not to check the inn”

"But you check now. Mean you just waited to check other places first, yes?"

She were tossing them a bit of a lifeline there. If Needle asked, she would of course, tell her mistress everything she wanted to know. She owed the mare her life in many, many ways, and were completely devoted to her. That being said, she also liked to make others happy, and long as these checked the inn now, it wasn't so much that they hadn't done it, as much as they were just working their way there, yes? It were a big town, and there were many places to look. With the majority of them far harder corner you in, than an inn. They could have run down some back allys for example, and made their way out of town instead. These three were just being thorough.

So like this, they'd be happy, mistress would be happy, and she herself would by extension, be happy too. Smiles all around, and no lies.

"I follow, keep helping. Maybe I find scent?"

She also had her orders to stick with these, so she'd do that, and try to help them now. Hopefully, they'd get results, and mistress wouldn't be disappointed in her.

"And I is named Pop Rock. I like to help."

=======================================================================

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-04-12 at 3:15 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Soul may be right about what you were trained to do, but after what you just told me, I still hold my belief that you have a good heart. You have lines you won’t cross, standards you wouldn’t compromise. For what it’s worth, that’s gotta be telling.”

"I thank you for the vote of confidence, Sen. Though it doesn't excuse what I indirectly caused. My hooves are not clean in this matter."

While he had never ended a life directly, he had become painfully aware that his actions had caused lives to end, or be ruined, because of the actions he had taken. Information misused, beings fired or punished severely for failing to stop it, economic collapses in areas, etc. etc. There might not have been a dagger in his hoof, spilling blood on the floor, but his hooves were by no means clean of this.  He had erred, and for that, he needed to repent. Defecting were one part. As were trying to filter the things he stole on the way out, back to the various agencies who could use it the best. Accepting his punishment tomorrow, and working with the kingdom of Equestria, would be the next ones. After that... He'd have to wait and see.

Wit that sullen thought roaming his mind for a little, he frankly found it welcome now, to have Omen continue to lick glitter off his face as they moved along. It were hard to focus on other things than that, once you started to feel her fry, smooth tongue slowly going over your face, time and time again. It were a very weird feeling, that he couldn't really categorize correctly, currently.

On 2021-04-12 at 3:15 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Among the rides you mentioned, Rosa, I think the second one sounds like fun. Might be worth a try, though let’s also entertain Omen’s suggestion. She brought up a game of strength; could be another source of friendly competition between you and my brother!”

Lin then turned to Omen, redirecting the thestral’s question to her. She had a few places in mind, but she wouldn’t turn down something the Ki’Nathar would suggest. "How about you, Omen? Wanna try some of the rides?"

"Mother would not like the hammer. Not the punching thing either. I am not allowed to fight."

"Far be it from me to try and lure you off the path, but you wouldn't be hitting a creature. Just an object."

"Violence is forbidden."

Rosa could argue more on this, but he got the sense that this were a fundamental truth that Mother had ingrained into her children, and as such, it would be pointless to try and change it. Not that he truly had much reason to do so anyway. She were entitled to her own opinion on the matter, and if that were that she were not allowed to hit anything, then so be it. He wouldn't take that from her, even if he could. Which more than likely, he could not.

Besides, she were incapacitated by string. He were fairly sure that Omen would never become much of a threat in any fight, regardless of intent.

"The hammer game should perhaps then be between Sen, Lin, and myself then, and we can including Omen on the rides, or games where you shoot water. That is not harmfull to any creature, or object."

"Okay."

"Personally, I would say that since you spoke of rides, perhaps we should try one of those? I would warn you though, that the tower tends not to be good for those who feels full of food, so you would have to consider if you feel as if your digestion is going well, and that you are not currently overfed. It tends to have a nasty habit of punishing those who doesn't think they can get queasy. Trust me when I say that both it, and the... It seems to be called Moon Swing here, rides are something which will bash you around, figuratively.

That being said, that is merely my opinion. It is up to you what finds you the most enticing. I can imagine we will try it all regardless, so in what order, matters little to me."

Both him and Omen would look towards the longma siblings for answers. And as Shrimp didn't know what were going on, he'd just start starring towards them too, once he saw that was what Omen and Rosa were doing. Though his eyes were filled with visible confusion.

=============================================================================

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Califorum

On 2021-04-11 at 11:25 PM, Kujamih said:

" Well you don't have to worry about that Molotov. Thats why im here. To stop others from contaminating your dimension....BUT if you end up doing it... Well that's another story. Because i have no right to stop you from dooming your dimension. I only stop others from destroying other dimension. Please keep that in mind... But if things comes to worse.... I'll save your sister."

"Greatly appreciated mate. I'm hoping I don't accidentally wreck this dimension though. Got a lot of generations before me that hasn't, and I do my best to not linger on stuff that can cause real, major damage to the world. Messy stuff, y'know? Another reason why I go with clean, non-magical energy sources. Less chance of lasting side effects, y'know? Good stuff right there. Appreciated you'd try and save Blitz though. It'd be good to know in the last few moments, that this dimension ain't completely gone without a trace. Just... Keep flammable things away from her, and make sure to watch your garbage cans. You might not think something is flammable, but trust me: If there is a way, she will find it."

He wasn't joking on that last one, as should be obvious by the look he gave Light. Molotov adored his sister, don't get him wrong, but she really could make anything either explode, or catch on fire, if you didn't keep an eye on her.

On 2021-04-11 at 11:50 PM, Cali said:

Cali would quirk an eyebrow. "Well, it is entirely possible it could be something like that. I just don't know for sure, but my personality has definitely changed before and after I had gotten the gem I will say that much." she'd look to Light. "Again, you are a weird one. I know I am one to talk but you seem to act like you have authority in other places you yourself don't belong and then act like you have a say in what can contaminate or what not. You yourself are a play in that by you merely being here." she'd say somewhat annoyed to Light.

"Hey there, eeeeasy you two, aight? We're all good here, right? No need to get in a tip, just because you don't agree on stuff. We can't all be in agreement with each other all the time, eh? This here's my dimension, so let's just go by what I say is bad, from y'know, living here my whole life and all that. If any of us three would know, it'd be me, right? Neato then. Let's move it along.

And that personality change you're on about... Eh, it might just be from what happened. You haven't feel any sorta urges that seems to go against logic, have you? like, wanting to go dip yourself in a swamp, or share blood with others. Some infections can be mighty wonky, and I just wanna cover my bases a bit here. Could be nothing though. Might just be the new perspective and so on, that made you change your outlook a teensie bit."

Juggle the unstable, extra-dimension beings, that could likely kill all them. Right, he could do this... Sorta. They hadn't set anything on fire yet anyway, so that was a plus, but they were really getting on each others case, and that were really not helping the matter.

On 2021-04-11 at 11:50 PM, Cali said:

She'd look to Blitz. "We bury billions of truck loads of garbage inside of the ground or burn it inside special power plants to produce electricity. Years ago, we used to dump it in the ocean but that has been banned and there has been effort to clean the oceans. Most large cities in my world are absolutely disgusting and are littered in garbage. In my place, there is a place called New York City. It is run by criminals and the mafia and levies extreme taxes on everyone, it pollutes the environment and produces more trash than any other city in the world. Most cities are bad, but New York City is the worst." she smirked.

"Also called manhattan. Its not a place you want to be. I hope that place gets flooded or something. It is a true scum on the world. Many other places are, but that place is the worst. Either way, I sincerly hope your world does not have places like that." 

"That's not a scrapyard. That's just lots of funny words and garbage."

Blitz didn't know what a mafia, taxes, or any of the cities were, so she could just focus on the garbage. And it sounded real nasty, with trash just everywhere. Yuck.

"Yeah, sounds like you have issues with recycling there, mate. Here in Equestria, we get our trash collected, sorted, and dealt with accordingly. From wood to plastic, we find a way to make sure it ain't hurting nature. And if it can't be reused, then we magic the hay out of it. You'd be amazed what sorta thing you can transmute to something better for the area.

Ain't a cheap endeavor, but it's well worth the price, to make sure we got a nice, clean country. More or less. The sorting places can be a little messy when they get things in, but that's to be expected.

What Blitz is on about, is a scrapyard. Heaps and heaps of metal, being sorted, and prepared to be reused, or melted down. Manehatten got a real nice one here, with lots of good options if folks wanna buy some scrap. One of the reasons I bought myself in here, after having to leave my home. That, and I got the ground I build my workshop on dirt cheap. used to be a storage unit there, that were really run down, and stinky as all hay. They were happy to be rid of it, and I were pleased to burn it to the ground, and start fresh. Pretty nice bonfire."

On 2021-04-12 at 8:27 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Luna wasn't sure yet whether she should trust the filly's statement but Blue seemed to give up her worries. Just as long as they aren't hurt, it would all be fine. She decides to listen to Cali's explanation about New York.

“That place sounds like a place I would never ever visit” she mused.

"I don't wanna see the place either. It sounds like it's smelly, with lots of mean folks. Why go there, when you could be somewhere fun, and be happy? That's just crazy talk, hehe.

Equestria is nice and smells pretty. Lots of smiles and fun things to build, and explode. Right? That's much more fun than a smelly place."

She'd look up at Lun and Blue as she said her piece, and then asked her question. A childish way to look on things perhaps, but she were a small filly, so it would fit. Albeit it were naive, as it wasn't like Equestria were perfect. No place in the known universe were.

===========================================================

@abrony-mouse

Moving fast, or moving slow, it wouldn't matter. The presence would follow them all the way back towards the camp, and as they departed it, it would keep coming towards them. It were as if they were somehow being targeted by this creature, who kept steadily closing in on them, time and time again. The only respite from the chiming, being when they sped up, and had some distance for a few minutes, before the presence would faintly start to be felt once more.

Even after getting the camp packed up in a rush, and being on the way though, Billowing couldn't go on forever. The strain on his head had been taxing, and it got felt throughout his body. More than anything else though, he knew that there would not be much point in this cat and mouse chase, as it would only lead one way, and that, he feared would come to pass. So he stopped up eventually, as they had goteen a bit of a head start.

"W-Wait, stop! This isn't working. Whoever, or whatever that deer is now, have been following us since the temple now. We have moved so erratically, that I am not even sure where we are now, and yet it is on our trace.

We have to try and make a stand, and lure it into a trap. We cannot stay awake forever, and I do not want it on me, to lead a potentially dangerous presence like that to a city, by us going there.

We can't run forever, Fuchsia. We will have to make a stand, and see if we can't find out something. Perhaps we can lure it into a cave, and seal it off, giving us some more time before it goes out, and then get help? A deep hole perhaps? Anything that might work to if not defeat, then at least delay."

@Illiad Easle

I'm thinking you have gotten confused on who's Vale, and who's Void.