Blitz Boom

@Illiad Easle

This seemed the cruelest thing to do to Null. So obviously, this is what I did.  It's fun being mean to your chars sometimes.

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 1/13/2021 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I think he already knows, he just wants to hear you say it."

"Stop teasing me, when I don't know how I feel!"

Null's hooves went right in front of her muzzle as she said this, staggered back, mortified at what she had just said. This was not supposed to be outside speak. She were supposed to say this in her head, then telling Nine to shut up, before she found some way to punch him in the face. Even if it required her to hit herself.

Instead, in the middle of this turmoil, she had ended up using her outside voice. Right in front of Arcade.

"I... Y-You didn't... I m-mean..."

There wasn't any taking this back, or pretend she hadn't said something. She might not have shouted, but her words had been clearly spoken, so unless he had passed out, or gone momentarily deaf, the cat was out of the bag. Thanks a lot, Nine!

How was she supposed to deal with this? She felt like crawling into a tiny hole, and stay there until she burst into flames from pure embarrassment. But... How would that help? He'd still be here. He would have still heard every word she just said. And there weren't really another meaning one could take from this, other than the obvious one.

Maybe she should just stop trying to listen to her paranoia, and just confront this? Wasn't like she had anything to lose right now. Yes, she'd just open her muzzle, and tell him that she were conflicted because she had a weird feeling right now, and she didn't know exactly what it was, but she think she might like him.

Deep breath. Raise your head, and just... Do it.

"..."

She opened her muzzle, but no word managed to exit her throat. Just air, as the balloon that contained the remnants of her confidence, had the air fart out of it.

Gods. And she thought she could never wish for death more, than she had in the desert...

(Troy)

Lacuna almost went and crawled unto Vale, out of curiosity, but he were distracted by the sudden appearance of a little string with a wooden band, that got strapped to his tail. He knew what it meant, as he had seen others go away too, with this, and not return right away. Frankly, he were a happy little one, as could be heard as he uttered their iconic, cackling laugh, and went to sit on top of Void's head instead of just her shoulder. Only for a few seconds though, as he saw someone with a pygmy ghost vulture wander close by, and decided to crawl into her bandanna instead. He didn't want to become food.

And as for food, the shopping went fast and easy. They got what they came for without fuss - including what they needed for dinner - and would soon be on their way. They just had to swoop by Void's workshop to pick something up for the dinner, and they would return to the hideout.

Void gulped down, as she grabbed hold in the handle. Hopefully this meeting between them, and Lacuna would go well. They could use the interaction, as much as she could use a companion, to not have her life filled with unfortunate silence. She were hoping it'd help her sleep better. Likely would, as she already felt better, having him with her.

After gulping, she'd open the door, and wander in. The foals would likely have questions due to her bulging saddlebags, and questions to when they'd start making food, and who could do what. Though they may also be curious of the lizard she now carried on her shoulder, eating a piece of mango.

"Hey everyone. We're back. I h-hope everything have gone well here?

We brought food, and we'll get to that in a moment, but uhm... I-I'd like you to meet someone first. This is Lacuna. He's a Scaled Cackler. Like you can see on the mosaics."

He'd look around on them, whilst munching his treat, with a happy look on his face. No need for him to worry about these foals yet, right?

@Illiad Easle @Califorum @C. Thunder Dash @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

Before the defenders showed up, it didn't look too good. They had managed to keep hidden and out of sight for some time now, and far as Briar knew, had been keeping a low profile for a long time too. It seemed like this would work when he ran into them, and they joined them all to go towards one of these fabled safe places, that were supposedly left in this crazed world.

Yet, they had been spotted, and then it were just trying to get away, and survive.

Brittle had not taken this well, when they were spotted. She had already been mute and on the verge of tears for months now, but times like this, her emotions took over, and it resulted in a change. In this case, turning her into what could best be described as a large spatula with fluffy wool covering it.  She still seemed like she were breathing somehow, as he had felt her turn into other things without a visible mouth before, and were aware that she could make it. However, she had no limbs to move with, and as such, he were now carrying her with one of his vines, whilst trying to defend them with his other.

This were not optimal. Nor were it that thy had to run so fast, that his senses were really being tested, and he near constantly ended up almost hitting something. He could function well enough without sight, but historically, he did this with an even pace, and only rarely ran. What a simple time it had been then, before the ruckus began...

He still weren't sure what had happened. All he knew were that one day, things seemed peaceful. Then the next, there were monsters everywhere, and the sounds of creatures dying. He had hoped it would ease up eventually, but sadly, it only got worse, as time moved on.

It did not go better once Brittle eventually became more or less catatonic. She barely moved on her own anymore, and didn't speak a word. Hadn't for months, and it were unnerving him. He figured that maybe if they found a safe spot with other survivors, she might be able to recover again, but their bet now had not paid off. Fight as they might, they'd soon be hunted, and then torn asunder, or dragged to Earth Mother knows where, as he had heard before, when they got dragged kicking and screaming, into the unknown.

Not long before they got a save though, he heard something. A blast of magic. The sound of insanity, and a vibration in the earth, as a boulder hit it. Someone were throwing rocks?

Steps got closer to their group, and he tensed up, but these didn't feel like these *spawn*, or whatever others called them. They sounded wrong, yet these two were talking normally. Sounded like they may too be ones that sought shelter? Even if one sounded manic, it may still help them. IN this age of madness, perhaps someone crazy were what they needed?

He'd hesitantly have his vine risen when they got closer. The four, leathery petals at the end spread wide, ready to go down and grab one of them. Or close up, and hit with force, if they were enemies. The spawn might not die from a hit, but he had found before, that being physical with them, at least kept them at bay for a time.

Thankfully it seemed as if these were not enemies, though those who were, were gaining on them. There were little time for pleasantries now.

15 hours ago, Califorum said:

"I enjoy this suffering greatly, isn't it amazing Trixie? Isn't it amazing to see them all quiver and die from our combined magic?" said Spiral, from the others it would sound like Trixie was talking.

"Trixie agrees! Trixie thinks this is amazing!"  Trixie shouted with glee.

"Now imagine yourself twisting the knife into Discord's corpse as you are crowned the liberator of the land! Imagine that hmm? Hmm?"

"If you're not with them, then you're with us. Stay near the others, and keep moving! We mustn't ling-"

He had been gesturing towards Windy - a mare who had been in this group for some time before himself and Brittle - and urging them all to keep going, when they had suddenly been interrupted. By what? He hadn't the faintest clue. He could feel something, but he wasn't sure what it were. Some kind of metallic cart, perchance? The sound it made on the ground, made the metallic part somewhat certain for him, but the rest were pure guesswork. He did not interact much with technology before this, and as he couldn't technically see it, it were hard to discern what new things of that kind, were there for.

He did know though, that whatever it were, had someone there. And whoever it were, had used some kind of pellet, to make things explode behind them. An explosives expert of some kind perhaps?

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Get in!"

They wait for as many of your group who survived to get on, helping in any who couldn't jump in on their own, and firing back at any of the spawn who got too close. Once they're all in the ramp closes behind them and the vehicle lifts higher into the sky.

Inside the vehicle wasn't anything too special, benches on either side allowed for everyone to take a seat if they so desired. The mare who had helped save them set her rifle back across her back and lifted up her goggles to reveal her calm teal eyes, "Is anyone hurt?"

"Yes ma'am."

Briar wouldn't be happy, as he did not know who this were. Yet, he knew who it weren't, and as it stood right now, that would have to be enough. SO he'd scale the ramp, and go in to what were hopefully a safe space of some kind.

In case someone lingered behind, and did not move on their own accord, he'd grab hold of them though, and drag/lift them in. His kind were put together in a way where they often lifted heavy tree trunks, as part of the building process. A pony were nothing in comparison, and he wouldn't be keen on leaving anyone behind. Even if the safety of Brittle is what came first and foremost here.

When the hatch closed, Briar would wander to the furthest away corner, and sit down on the floor, with the strange creation Brittle now ere at his side. He'd gently be using one vines to stroke her down her fur, and wait for her to calm down enough to return to her own form again. Something which tended to take some time these days, as her stress levels were not helped by these events. And to think, she were improving so well before this happened... *sigh* The end of civilization were never convenient for anyone, were it?

He did not feel overly confident about things as he felt they were lifting off the ground somehow. Yet down there were spawn, so he'd have to try and keep that in mind, and hope these were not some sort of traitors, wanting to sell them off to the enemy for whatever reason.

Once they were asked if they were okay, he'd turn his head towards the voice of this mare who had saved them, and would answer.

"I believe I smell blood, though I can't say if it is theirs. What just happened out there though? Who are you? Why do I feel us leaving the ground?"

His eyelids remained closed, as they most often were, which hid his lack of eyes beneath. His vines were not well hidden though, nor were his sharp teeth, and the natural elements of his body were rather simple to see likely, now that things were not in motion anymore. Even if looking a little withered, due to the lack of proper amounts of food he had gotten in recent times, the flower sticking out of his head were for example, not hard to discern weren't just placed there gently. It would have fallen off otherwise, with all they had just done.

Depending on how knowledgeable this mare were, she may wonder what he even were, though that were not what he were most concerned about right now. Safety, were what he wished to know more about, and he would prefer not saying much more, before he knew if they were safe, or headed for another area with these things. Just slightly further away from their destination.

He did carry two small satchels on his back though. One with rations for his meat needs, and one which fell down on the floor now, and opened slightly. It seemed like it contained a hoof-sized seed, that were slightly glowing in a pulsating, golden hue, but he immediately grabbed it with his hoof, and scraped it under himself for now. He could not risk this falling into the wrong hooves. Even if he weren't aware, if it would ever be able to fulfill what the one who had originally carried it, had hoped for, it were still important to keep it at hoof.

He'd still sooner give this up than Brittle, yet he'd prefer if he could avoid losing either. They were important. More so than himself.

@Randimaxis

Yo Randi... You alright? Haven't seen you around for some time.

@EQ_Theta

22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“If you’ll be heading out, I can tag along with you, Rosa. Or maybe we’ll catch up with you?”

"Worry not. I am not simply going to wander off on my own. I don't think I would be able to enjoy tonight all that well, were I not in your company. Though if you did lose me somehow, I don't think it would be long before you found me again. Though hopefully there won't be a chance of the crowds acting so irregular, that we ends up shattered around the town."

Rosa weren't going of on his own. He simply wanted to see more of this before they'd return back to rest before the trials. Though when the others were ready, he'd follow them. It would not be the same without them here, and he did get that in time, they'd have to rest. He may have to speak his own case to some degree when it were, and he had to be lucid for that.

22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Hello. My brother had a little wager with a friend and he lost, so he agreed to get his face painted to look like a clown. I admit, I’m not exactly sure what one looks like, but I trust you can make him look silly.”

“Normally, I’d say something against what she said, but a deal is a deal. If silly is what it takes, so be it.”

"I will make sure to do my best then. Just sit still please."

After receiving payment from Omen, he would begin working on Sen. It'd be about ten minutes, but he were sure that there would be smiles about the work once he were done. Perhaps not so much from Sen, but he could already see the thestral for example, having quite a big smile on his face, as the big red nose got put on Sen's face.

"It is not perfect, as I am used to having manes to incorporate, but it is still quite well done. have a look in the mirror, if you will."

Rather typical, pastel colors, red mouth, and rosy cheeks. Some blue squares going over the eyes too, and a small heart, painted on the left cheek. Not the most imaginative perhaps, but clown faces were actually a matter of copyright. Hence, one had to be careful which one you used, or it might cause some issues. So folks like him, had a list of a few ones that were seen as *commercial use* faces, with this being the one he preferred, as the heart gave it a little extra touch. A shame there were no poofy hair, but ah well. It could not all be perfect now, could it?

"*snrk* Yes, do look Sen. I think this suits you rather well. Ever considered wearing big, floppy shoes?"

"Clown Sen... Honk?"

Omen would try and honk his fake nose, which rightly so, gave off a small honk. At which point Rosa couldn't hold back a hearty laugh anymore. It would indeed going to be a fun image they'd get after this.

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@GingerLightning

Meiko looked up as he were called for, and when he saw his toy, would let out a small bark, and run up to the stage. He weren't big enough to get up there by himself, but he'd still try, and snap up towards the doll. Something which caused Cheshire to go into a large *d'aaaw*. Simply adorable, though she wondered what Twilight would think of having her likeness, being the chew toy for a wood pupper. She'd probably not care, though she couldn't tell. Never met the alicorn personally.

On 1/12/2021 at 9:25 AM, GingerLightning said:

"It's a little hard to get his attention sometimes...It's been a bit hard training him, but I think I've been doing pretty well..."

"It's like you said: He's a feral animal. These sorts of things takes time. Though just imagine how cool it will look when he grows up, and you can get around by riding around on a tamed timberwolf. What a show entry that would be."

On 1/12/2021 at 9:25 AM, GingerLightning said:

"S-So do you have any pets?"

"Not that it have to be on an actual stage. I can feel you're a little nervous about being on one, in fact, yes? It's perfectly understandable, Ginger. The stage light isn't for everypony, but there's plenty to do besides that. Like setting the stage, working props,. dealing with non-magical outfits, and of course, setting up the harvesting bins under the seats. Buzzy does that for us. Excellent harvester, and can play a fantastic piano, but he doesn't like being the center of attention. Only performances he does, is backstage, to add some ambient music to the plays. Or during pauses.

Would you like or us to get off stage, and go meet everypony else? We can always wait with the rest of the tour until later."

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@abrony-mouse

On 1/11/2021 at 11:09 PM, abrony-mouse said:

She stands back to observe the effects, heart pounding.  Now she knows that this is a fellow and more experienced adventure with knowledge and gear she is all the more keen to either find out what he knows or maybe even partner up for a bit. That temple sounded intriguing and confirmed the tip off that there were ancient cultural monuments in the area - something for the journal for sure (Fuchsia is more of a explorer for exploring's sake than a treasure hunter). 

The active poison wouldn't come out of the wound sadly, yet what inert she'd be able to get from there, would make her lips slightly buzz, and taste like fermented kiwi fruits. A rather weird, borderline disgusting taste, though not as bad as it would be, had she been tasting the active poison. Tasted more like something you'd find in the dirt, underneath a barrel of rotten fish.

Be that as were though, the antidote would work. Both on stoppig the slight buzzing she had, as well as stirring Billowing after a few minutes of twitching. At that point, he'd groan loudly, as he started to forced himself up. Not so much to thank her just yet though, but more because he felt the antidote working, knew what were about to happen, and were aware of how it would look, were he still on his back when it started.

And rightly so, he'd... **eject the venom orally*, so to speak. Ending in a rather foul smelling pile. Had he only his physical strength to use now, it would have to stay, but magic were thankfully a thing, and he's manage to get it buried, before, sitting down hard, and gasp for air. Then reach for his canteen, and take some big gulps from it. He needed the hydration, though it wouldn't do much against the bad taste in his muzzle. He'd need to sort that eventually. Once he had recuperated a little.

He'd finally open his eyes, and look around, to see if there were some here. At which point, his eyes fell upon his savior. A mare he had never seen before, but far as he were concerned, might as well have been a dear friend, considering that she had very likely been the one to help him finish, what he hadn't been able to himself.

"T-Thank you for the help, madamme. I owe you g-greatly for this kindness."

His voice were weak, but he'd get strength as the seconds ticked by. It were just the expulsion that had him feeling more feeble than he should be. A bit of time, and going through some of his rations, and he'd be better.

For now though, he'd start with bowing his head, and take some deep breaths.

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

 

@Califorum

On 1/11/2021 at 11:49 PM, Califorum said:

She didn't care who was in these houses, she wanted this power for herself. She wanted to gather up as much magic as possible and without anyone tracking her down, so next time she would be extremely strong and powerful. Like before, the black smoke through the cracks and she began her spell on the next innocent pony. If they were a unicorn and tried anything against her, the smoke would simply dodge. She would silence them using her spell, so they couldn't call out this time. She relished in her new found strength. She wanted so much more.

Magnolia would enter a house containing a single unicorn female. A rather quiet looking one, that wandered around without making a sound. Though before she'd be able to make a move, she'd teleport away. Not voluntarily it seemed though. It appeared the spell came from a necklace she were wearing, and spooked her briefly. Some sort of defensive ward perhaps?

Considering this house reeked of several of them, she should assume so. Stuff meant to keep bad things outside, and if she knew her spells, not the sort that'd react kindly to dark magic. She were likely fortunate that she hadn't gotten the chance to capture this one, and try something. Though it would ask why somepony were this paranoid, and overly cautious in Ponyville. Sure it had their monsters, but this were a little far.

Oh well. If she moved to the next house, she'd find a pegasus drunk off his flank on the floor. An easy target, that wouldn't make a sound.

As for Zeehva, she came to the house, but sadly not in time. She just found a scared, weakened earth pony, and no trace to work with here. It seemed Magnolia had wizened up fast, which were a problem. If she were to track this one, she had to get something to work with. And with the magic likely changing some, due to what she had now stolen, it wouldn't work to go and scoop up some from the forests edge.

So she had to improvise. Which in this case, meant that she'd mix up some varied magics, three pebbles, and a hair from this unfortunate pony. As well as a sneeze. Litterally. She had to sneeze in the concoction. She didn't make the rules here.

After assuring the poor victim that she'd try and find whoever did this, she'd rush out, and look at the glittery, night-sky looking drink she had managed to make. A few shakes - only two. Three shakes were an entirely different thing - pop off the blockage she had set on top, and then, it were just to watch the smoke billow out.

It'd spread around her, which startled some. More so when it started to move in a direction, that she'd then follow. Said direction, were the one where her target were. While she couldn't seek her out specifically, Magnolia were a user of dark magic. Which were something that could be tracked. Especially now that she had started to clean up after herself. Wasn't like Ponyville were filled of users of dark magic.

Whilst on this hunt, she'd also keep mixing her other ones, to make sure she had more dosages. And liberated a vase as an impromptu beaker. She'd replace it later, in case she had to break it.

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@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Califorum

On 1/11/2021 at 11:49 PM, Califorum said:

"Well at the very least I think I am assured that this creation isn't in cohorts with my enemies at least I would hope not." Cali kept her eyes on it, but didn't take any action against it.

"Felicia is a real smart spider, who does lots of defending work. Some says that she's creepy, but big bro says that spiders makes for the bestest design he can make right now. Something about ponies being hard, and him not thinking his wings looks pretty enough."

Blitz bounced around the irate... Creature, as she made some remarks about Felicia, that made the spiderbot respond in kind. Though the issue there being that her response, came in the form of whirrs, and other metallic sounds. It did make for a language, but it was a specialized one, that only Molotov, and an attentive local officer of the law were able to understand. 

"He also says he's gonna make her a voice box, so she can talk one day. I bet she's gonna say lots of fun things, and sing happy songs."

She were more likely to use her first words, to tell her creator that he were a dingbat, but let that be what it were.

"You fought bad metal things before? *gasp* Are you some kind of superhero?! Or villain? I dunno. Does heroes kill things?"

This were a puzzling question really, and one that Blitz could sit and think about for awhile. Another time. Right now, she were too busy looking up at, and question, this odd creature. The same she'd do to most everypony else she ran into. This one were just lots more weird than them.

On 1/12/2021 at 12:38 AM, Kujamih said:

"friend... Well that was quick... I was expecting ... More of a struggle with you... Huh... Im lost for words..." Light stood there with a weird poker face.

"Eh. Difference between inventor, and mad inventor, is the ability to know when something's too dangerous, and scrap it. Trying to make the world a better place here. Not have it swallowed up by some sorta space squid."

He'd shrug at this whole thing, and be happy that they got it sorted. Would've been mighty annoying to go through, and deal with, a lot of drivel and accusations. So good they had sorted this already, and didn't need to go all antsy and wonky about it.

On 1/12/2021 at 12:38 AM, Kujamih said:

"Um.... Hey... About your pinky pie here... How...is she?... How much did it infe... I mean influence your sister.... Have you noticed anything... Weird with her?... I meant weirder than the usual her?"

Now this though. This brought a big smile unto Molotov's face, and made him chuckle a lil' bit.

"Sounds like you've met the party pony herself, haven't you? Peculiar pony that one, and definitely Blitz's big idol, since she liked all the party, happy faces, confetti, and of course, rampant, meaningless lunacy happening around her. I bet she'd like if she could do that, but nah. She's the same little sis of mine that she's always been. Well, much as she can be, with that massive amnesia she got after the crash, but I'm sure she'll remember eerything in time.

She's stil a powde rkeg best kept watch on though. I dunno how, but I've actually seen her made lint, and a broken cup with a bit of water in it, explode. That was all that were in that trash can, and yet, it went up in flames all the same. Grandpa would've been proud of her. If he hadn't died in that explosion it were. Sadly how a lot of our family ends up going. Price of science, right?

Now speaking of science- Care to share how those fancy implants of yours work? I ain't looking to steal the design. Just curious mate. Ain't every day you see a half and half like this."

@Illiad Easle

I can see that. Smart of you to hide Nine in her mind, so she can't have a swing at him.

Now that I see Vale being a bit iffy about something too though, I am conflicted on whatever or not to be a little... Vindictive. Maybe the lizard is gonna find himself a second best friend tomorrow as well. Muahahaha!!!

Also, the name. Null and Void was a fun matching name theme, so I checked up on synonyms. Lacuna is a synonym for Void.

@Illiad Easle

You're gonna make Null blow a casket, or actually implode, from sheer embarrassment. Naughty, naughty Nine.

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It seemed practiced how, at her hesitation, he gave her a kind smile and climbed up into the bed to sit beside her he held out his hooves in the invitation for her to come get a hug from him.

This were definitely not helping where her mind had gone to. And considering she were staggering forward without thinking about it - as her mind were still pretty jumbled up right now - things were escalating rather quickly for her. Relatively speaking of course, as she didn't see the gesture as just a hug invitation currently. And Nine were definitely Not helping either!

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"He won't judge, and you need it more than you realize. There's a lot you can gain from working together."

If there were a way to properly tell Nine how much she wanted him to shut up in that moment, she did not know about it. But by the gods were she going to wish she knew one later on, once her mind had settled down later, and she'd start to run everything about this situation through her head again, to figure out exactly how many times this had gone straight to Tartarus, and made her look like a complete fartmite.

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she elected to enter his embrace he would start to rub her back, likely something he had gotten plenty of practice doing with all the cloned foals that had recently been in his care.

If she didn't, he'd eventually put his hooves down, but he'd still give her his full attention.

In either case, he would ask in a soft voice, "So, what is it you really want? What's got you so conflicted?"

She'd eventually stagger close enough for him to gap him, and she felt as if her heart would race out of her chest at any point, as he got closer...

And then, he gave her a hug. And a back rub. Something which made her shiver for a brief moment for some reason. A nice feeling all in all, for the time it lasted. Nothing like what she had expected were going to happen. Just a kind, friendly gesture, towards someone who had a long, bad day. Just him being a good friend.

...Why did she feel so cheated over that?..

"I... I just thought of something else. It's... It's nothing. S-Shut up..."

She'd awkwardly reach a hoof up, and clap his back too, whilst looking to the side. If there were a mirror there, she'd probably end up being annoyed at what she saw. No, not Arcade and her sitting here and having a small hug. It were more how deflated and disappointed she looked. Gods, she could just kick herself right now...

As her voice would indicate, she were still conflicted about things, but were also being a little defensive. Seemed like a certain someone had managed to break through a few emotional barriers, and caused some ruckus that couldn't just be brushed off as easily as she were used to.

(Troy)

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh! Sorry, I've only ever read about these, never had the chance to see them with my own two, well, one eye now."

"Aah, another of us, I see. I welcome you to the club."

She'd reach up a talon, and poke at her right eye. The clinking sound that'd come from the sharp talon hitting it, would inform Vale that this were a glass eye. A rather realistic one, which tended to be one of the markings of being Void's work. Others did them well too of course, and she wouldn't say she were the best that ever were, but she took some pride in her work looking realistic. To the point where others wouldn't really notice, unless they tried to, or the lighting was right. Or you know, via physical contact.

The vendor - Geneve, according to the sign - were one of Void's former customers. It were one of the ways they had been in contact, and how she first learned about this vendor.

She'd been around some times since then, looking over the little ones, and seeing how they all progressed, and she were always greeted well. Though so were most who didn't seem overly hostile. Such as Vale, who'd find that the small ones, and potentially one of their parents - the one wandering on the top of the side - would give her a warm welcome. The adult would move closer o the edge, whilst the small ones would almost push themselves up against the glass, and give her some friendly, melodic chirps in greeting. Almost seemed like the little things were smiling at her too. The adult one definitely were. Like a proud parent, showing off his or her well behaved kids.

"Adorable, aren't they? Once upon a time, I had a large enclosure, with hundreds of them roaming, and singing their songs, every day of the week. Now there are so few left in my care, but the winds are changing again. I have gotten hope, that some things can be the same. But that doesn't mean that I would deny these darlings a good home, once they are old enough. Like this little one is."

She'd indicate the young adult on her shoulder, with a nod towards it. He seemed fixated on Void, but didn't move away currently.

"Yes yes. You've been patient enough."

No sooner had she pointed towards Void, before the little one would scurry along, crawl across her arm, and hit the edge of the tank. Then he'd quickly move around, and finally, jump up on Void. And he wasn't gonna stop moving until he had reached her shoulder, and had the chance to rub his head against her cheek.

"Awh. It's good to see you too."

She'd reach a hoof up, and look at him playfully nibble harmlessly at her hoof for a little bit.

"I still say you shouldn't let him wait. He's always been so enthralled by you. Poor thing gets so sad whenever you leave."

"Yes, and uhm... I think it's time to take the jump."

Void would rummage through her saddlebag, and pull out some currency. Her own money, saved up fair and square, and not tied in any sort of way, to the Consul. This were her own dealing to make, and she neither could, nor would, push that burden on him.

It were a fair price for a pet she'd give. A little more expansive than some other in the area, but Geneve were right. Void had always had a good eye to this one. Ever since she had seen him reach out of the tank, that first time she were around, and told the griffon that her eye were ready.

Plus, these were - in her opinion - likely the best here. Not those from the most fancy of places, but she could swear that she almost felt that they were raised with love, and that mattered with the cacklers, considering how emotional they tended to be.

"A pleasure to do business with you. Remember what I have taught you, and keep your shiny objects within sight."

Normally there'd still be a process now, where they'd have to work on getting the little one to accept his or her new owner, then pick a name, etc. But this pairing were easier. Quite frankly, it had been troubling for Geneve sometimes to get the little one back from Void, even when trying. It were good that she didn't have to anymore.

As for the name, well... That were done with.

"Stay there for a moment, and I will get the nameplate for Lacuna."

It was in a nearby box, and were primarily wood and some string. One could use metal later, but it weren't easy to get hold of, and Cacklers tended to nick shiny things if they had the chance sometimes, so she tended to tell owners to eventually just get a band with the name, and wrap it around the base of their tails. Long as it wasn't too tight, it wouldn't hurt them, and functioned well in marking them as a pet, with the name and owner name inside. Ghost Pygmy Vultures tended to be taught to avoid those with markings like that, as not being wild. Therefore, not food.

Vale would have time to say something now if she wanted to, while Void scratched her new pet. A welcome addition in her life, with the void left behind by Null leaving.

@Illiad Easle

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

When they joined the group (Whether they've been in the group or in a subgroup since the beginning or only just joined when the forest blew away or somewhere in between)

Briar and Brittle are recent additions. Briar have spent most of his life living in wilderness, and knows well enough how to survive. As Brittle feeds off him, and he can survive on bugs, they had been able to stay somewhat hidden, and not needing for much in the way of food. Briar would be the only one that'd be slightly malnourished, depending on whatever or not they killed the fish for some reason, as part of the attack. Some folks salt the earth, others poison the rivers. Hard to tell if any of them happens without knowing for sure.

Either way, they would have recently met up with the group, by a chance encounter. Which were where Briar were told of this potential safe haven, and elected to follow them. IN a normal world he wouldn't have needed to, but this isn't that world anymore, and he knows they can't keep getting lucky forever.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

What others in the group know about them (Name, backstory, past deeds) Only those who have been in the group for some time are considered as knowing in this section

As it were recently, and talking too much might alert some patrols, they haven't said much. Brittle haven't said a word to anyone - including Briar - for about three months now. Though she does cry at times, and sob silently. Briar have led the word, but only told about their names, what he is, and a few tidbits of general knowledge they might have needed. Such as the effect of his essence, which I can imagine he might have used some of, to quickly grow some rations for the fledgling group. He will have promised more in debt stories when they eventually reaches safe haven, and I can imagine that he would have had to assure them that he wouldn't eat them several times, due to his sharp teeth marking him as a predator.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

What others in the group DO NOT know about them (If only one member knows indicate that as well.) If your character is very new to the group everyone else should assume they know nothing not specified in the previous section.

They've been with the group for only a few days. Aside from some minor, important information, the others will know little of them. Including that Brittle used to be a circus freak, and that he himself, is technically an exiled criminal. It's not the time or place for long-winded talks.

Also, in case there were still animals/fish there, at the time of retrieval, he'll have some rations of fish/boar on his back, in a small, crude pouch that he found on one far less fortunate than them. It should last him enough to get the details sorted, after retrieval.

@Califorum

Maud already is extremely strong though. And wouldn't it be kinda weird to change up a cannon character? Just wondering.

@raykv423

Yes, though you could also control cannon chars if it were that you had ideas, and could make them fit the way they act in the show. Just not other people's chars.

  @Catpone Cerberus

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

When the guards were gone, Ruby spoke again "I would like to see in their heads to know if they really are serious when they try to warn someone like me." "And I'm not boasting or anything, I just can't imagine myself being able to keep a straight face if I went to a dragon three times my size to tell them that I can't protect them if they go further." the one and only thing about ponies that Ruby found fascinating was their mind, they acted so illogically for a prey animal and she was curious what caused it. "That aside, shall we?" 

"Equines are strange sometimes. What else is there to say about it, right? And yeah, let's go see what we can find."

At first, they wouldn't be able ton find a whole lot. But about twenty meters in, they'd find a half-eaten boar, and three chimera tearing through it. A comparatively small snack for this many members of their kind at once, but one ate what were available sometimes, and lived with having to share. Not something their kind were used to, but they had their reasons for being together here.

One of their snake heads would spot the dragons in the sky, and hiss upwards. An action which would get the focus of them all, as their nine heads rose up, and looked at the scaled invaders with varied emotions. Mostly hunger, malice, and violence. Though the smallest one of them would be bashed away, and run off. Seems like they didn't want to share That much.

They were also saying something between one another, but it were impossible to hear from this distance. Maybe talk about who would eat who

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Aright, and thanks for the books, I'd appreciate it if you could bring them to me again at some point, I won't take them with me for now since I don't want them to get wet."

"I'll put 'em on the shelf in here. See you around, Nada."

She'd say her goodbyes, and not really do much else after that. Beyond letting Agni outside that were, as he flapped over and started to peck at the window, once Nada had left. If he were going to find her, or just fly off for a time, were hard to say though.

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

she would pop her head out of the water as soon as she felt the river was covered well enough for her to not be seen, and would moves slowly until she met back up with Ziggy if she wasn't around when she popped her head out. 

Ziggy would be waiting some way further down the river, head still in the water. Upon seeing the siren, she would wave so enthusiastically, that she lost her balance, and ended up flopping into the river. Didn't make her less enthusiastic, and just made her be more on Nada's level as she got closer to the zegasus.

"Heya! Nice weather for a swim, right? Hehe."

She wasn't as fast in the water as in the air, or on land, so she'd paddle around at a more reasonable speed for a pony, giggling a little to herself, until Nada would start to lead them on.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Stargazer would be done taking the report shortly, and would end up letting out a long, drawn out sigh, and just shake his head.

"A lot to take in here, but you were right bringing her to me. Poaching endangered animals are a highly illegal practice, though I will have to ask around to hear how it pertains to cockatrices. Though even then, I can't blame the animal for defending itself. I'll keep her here until the doctor returns with the antidote, and then take it from there."

"Thank you, sir. And please, when she wakes up? Inform her that she is not welcome in my forest anymore."

He'd nod, and drag the statue a little to the side, where it were less in the way. Seeing as he were a big, muscular bat pony, it didn't take him much effort.

As for Scarecrow, he'd indeed find that some took notice of him. Though not really for the way he looked around, but more because of how he were looking like an evergrown. And in the case of one particular colt, because he had a pretty bird on his head.

Scarecrow wasn't the first evergrown most had seen, but their kind had been rare for a long time, so it were still a sight to behold for most. He'd though find, that they were not hostile. A fair few even giving him smiles, or a wave if they noticed him looking at them.

If he were so inclined, Lyriel would try and direct him towards moving along. They may as well have a small look around now they were here, yes?

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Thank you." was the first words that came out of him "For helping us....until of course..I'm wrong and.. you sold us...to some kind.. of.. medical museum... as props."

"I don't believe that selling higher sentience creatures are an option, among the ponies."

The way she phrased it, would likely give them the insight that she weren't against the idea, but just didn't think it were something that she could do here. Though truthfully, she'd still not have sold them. They had some usage for her, if they were on her good side, that would outweigh some petty cash, more than likely. And selling slaves were not a thing she partook in regardless. She took her own, and kept them. Or rather she used to. This would be one of those things she would have to accept were needed to be left behind now.

"And this is a hospital, not a museum. I have seen some of those, and this is not filled with nearly enough trash to constitute a museum. It is also far nosier, outside these doors."

She had seen museums in some of the towns she had sacked. Frankly, she were not impressed, and found them boring places, where ones gathered junk, for the sake of history. Utterly pointless waste of time and resources, far as she were concerned.

As for the fruit, they were within reaching distance of the kobolds, so they could easily get to it, and find a variety of fruit. Though mostly apples.

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Why are.. we in.. a museum?"

Hearing this voice, would make Onache turn around and position herself better, that she may glance at them both more properly.

"You are in the Ponyvile Hospital. Not the best I have seen, but it is tolerable, and does its primary function well. I am Queen Onache. Hivemother, and the one who brought you here to be healed.

And if you are so inclined to ask: They did not know what your kind were either, and directed many questions towards me about that matter. I ensured they did not waste time on such frivolous questions, though their haze will lift in time. As you seem to be at better health, I assume that you would be able to deal with their insistent little questions?"

She'd use her horn, and float a can of water, and two tall glasses towards the table. The former filling the later, before the glasses were set down.

"And seeing as you roamed my desert, I take it you will need this too. You appear to be at poor health from where I stand."

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

 

@Califorum

While Magnolia went and dealt with the unsuspecting earth pony, Magnolia would pop back out of the haystack, and spit out some of the hay. The nice pony who stood next to it asked in to her health, but she dismissed his kindness with a minor *I'm fine, thank you* comment.

This had been fairly unpleasant, but she had to get back on her hooves, and prepare for the next attack. As she hadn't been charged yet, that was a good sign, but it wouldn't last. She had to work fast, and gather up more magic.

She couldn't see Magnolia, so she got to work straight away, and would begin to lift various specks of residue magic to use from, mixing it with a few of the things she had on her, spit, her own magic, and a little of something more she still had in one beaker. There were a lot of residual friendship magic to work with here, and even some flickers of harmony magic, which were fairly powerful. She could use that. As could she chaos, though it made her nervous. It were strong, but could make things unpredictable. Yet against Magnolia, she may have to be that, to have anything to do.

She would be able to finish two concoctions  - one small, one larger - before the screech of somepony in a nearby house caught her attention. And that of several others. It were the house of Magnolia's target, who wasn't able to fight back from what she were doing to him, after her ambush. Nor could anyone make it to him in time to stop the process. Though Magnolia could try and make him screech more, to get Zeehva to come to her. It'd work eventually, so why not? Why, she were already moving towards the sound, and on occasion, shimmer a faint amount, as she stumbled along. 

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 1/10/2021 at 3:10 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“We’ll wait here as well. I’d like to take a moment to rest from playing games.”

“So, what was the Mayor Soda Stream like? What did you talk about?”

“Welcoming and friendly, younger than what his looks suggest. He says if Elder Ghilan wants to come over and meet him, he could do so. We ought to inform him about the visit though. He was asking about you and Rosa, though he probably knew that from speaking with Queen Cheshire. Now that I think about it, what would you like to do once we’re done here?”

 

"I'd like to explore more of the carnival, and perhaps catch one of the theater performances before it closes down. I know we need to be up early, so it likely won't be too much more we realistically could do, before needing to sleep, but I'd like for this to last for as long as I can. I'm going to need the warm memories, for the foreseeable future."

"Many things to see. Many to eat, too."

Omen thought on it less sad than Rosa did, with her just wanting to experience things, and see what other things there were to eat. Which likely wouldn't be a bad thing to look into, eventually. And as for tomorrow, when the trial were set, they would at least not need to worry about travel. They had two that could transport them there, and that would save them some time, so they could likely still spend some hours here, and still manage to get a fair nap before the proceedings started.

As for the line, it would be about twenty minutes before it were their turn. The one in control of this booth, having just finished painting zebra stripes on a foal's face, that went giggling away from there with his parents. A pretty normal wish by some foals, after they started to see zebras.

As this group approached though, he looked confused between them, looking for the youngling that'd be with them. Though as he found none, he'd slowly go into a small smile, and look towards Lin, whom he assumed were the leader of this group.

"No younglings, I see. So one of you ended up the flank of a joke? Do tell, what is the wish, and who is the victim?"

He wouldn't be able to do the moustache, but told them of a place where they could purchase one. Though he did have a big, red nose for Sen, as the clown makeup were put on him. Another popular mask this one, and one that took a little time, as it were a full face mask. A shame he had no mane to fashion into proper hair, but ah well. It couldn't always be easy, and he did the best he could, to make Sen look like a right clown.

And of course, there'd be a big mirror he could look into. Just to see what he had wrought upon himself, when he uttered the want for a wager.

 

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

 

@abrony-mouse

The mud splattering on to this face, made the stallion stir slightly, and he'd weakly open one eye. It seemed he were trying to move a hoof over towards one of the things spread on the ground - namely a strange colored branch - but didn't get it before he winched, and lost consciousness again. Maybe if she made use of that, with what else had been prepared, she could end up helping him? Or she could leave him here, and the elements would have their fun with him. Or predators. The distant wolf howling didn't exactly say this place were fully safe after all.

If she got close enough to him, she'd end up being able to hear him mumble something under his pained breath, though it were scattered. Something about a dagger, and poison. Perhaps related to the bundle next to the tent? Which it were, if she checked, as it contained a crude looking knife without a handle, with some sort of orange slime on the blade. Along with a small section of blood on the edge of the blade itself, where it had seemingly hit someone. Likely this stallion, considering his condition.

Wasn't much blood though, so the wound itself were likely superficial. A cut on the side, as it turned out, if she looked. It were more whatever coated the blade, that were actually doing harm to him. But if she had the knowhow, she could use it, and whatever else were here, to perhaps get a makeshift antidote going.

Or make him vomit profoundly. Though that were one way to get the toxins out of your system, surely.

As she looked around his stuff, she'd find that there were a pouch of high value bits (25's and 50's), along with a badge and a photograph, showing this stallion to be named Billowing Smoke. An official adventurer, associated with the kingdom of Equestria. Which were a basic title you got when you donated enough found artifacts to the kingdom. An old standard, that gave a few bonuses here and there, and some favor in the eyes of some beings.

As for the hat, she'd find a clue that he were not some poor lad there too, as the feather on said hat, were made of pure silver. Not something a simple vagabond could get their hooves on that easily.

She could also find a map among his possessions (which involved high end, long time used things explorers would generally use. Like grappling hooks, a knife, a canteen, some ration packs, etc.) a map that would lead to the temple, and a warning of Gnarlteeth Vipers. A nasty sort of venomous snake, which if she knew of it, would also know that the knife were one of its fangs, that he had likely brought him hi to help with the antidote. Nasty poison it had, even if it wasn't lethal, as it would leave you falling in an out of consciousness for weeks, among other things, unless you got the antidote.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

On 1/10/2021 at 1:00 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Just before everyone could express their emotions to their friend, Razor spoke up “Guys, I got bad news, all of you have to get out of town!”

And that was the mood spoiled then. *sigh* Things just couldn't be easy today, could they?

"We can talk about it outside, after we're done, okay? It... It won't be long."

It were clear to her now that the thing with Tepe wasn't an anomaly. Windy could indeed see ghosts, or otherwise she wouldn't have reacted by seeing Razor pop in like this. Something which seemed to startle Tepe too, though in fairness, with a message like this, who wouldn't be startled? Though, the head through the wall, also meant she had to say something more, to ease them a little more.

"The others can't see him. Its a magic trick. Sort of."

Yet that being said, this were not the time to discuss things. It'd be better to do it outside, when there were less prying eyes and ears, when it came to something like this. Though they better hurry and eat the desert. Soon as it arrived, that were.

Of course, the enjoyment wouldn't be the same right now, due to the mood being ruined, but that were sadly just how it went. Best they could hope, were that it would lighten it up a little, before they were told why they apparently had to get out of town.

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

 

@Windy Breeze @Califorum @Kujamih

While Cali, Luna and Blue kept talking about killing and bad things like that, Blitz would wander off to the side, and withdraw a log from a pile of strange, gnarled wood, and start using her magic to break it apart. The others would be just about done with the worst of the bad talk, when a light would be seen to the side, and if they looked, they'd find the filly had an ember on her horn, and were scorching something. Even if they did not look though, as it were nothing massive, she'd soon bounce over to them, and hover something in the air:

A small, rough wooden figure of Pinkie, hooves to the side, going into a hug. The ember had been because she had scorched the facial expressions unto the figurine.

"Pinkie Pie says to smile, and make the whole world happy. Not hurt any unless they really, really deserve it, for doing many bad things to others. Nopony here's done bad, so let's smile!"

She'd lead the charge with a big, happy, innocent grin upwards to them both.

On 1/10/2021 at 6:31 AM, Kujamih said:

"Don't worry... If i had Ill intention... I would've taken your sister while the creature was distracting you all... And for those 3 mares bickering about royalty and history I'm sure they have no Ill will on your sister.... They already completely forgot that we existed."

Light paused and observed the dimension he is in.

"But. Lets just say my BOSS noticed this dimension to have a lot of problems... Lets say maybe your family causing a lot of trouble. And your sister a potential threat... If my boss noticed her... You think the rest of the big shots wouldn't?

So what do you think about our boring chat? Should we continue?"

"You listen here, bucko. I were saying this were the boring chat, because I were asking into why you were here. 96,3% of the time I get visitors, it's for work-related stuff, so the odds were you had that angle too. And that is the boring talk, since the fun part is working on whatever I got asked to make.

And I'll have you know, that my sis the only family I got left. I don't care what hole you would crawl into if you grabbed her. I'd find it, get her back, and napalm the entire area, if I had to. Ain't nopony taking my family again. You get that?"

He'd get a momentary harsh look in the one visible eye he had, as he were making it crystal clear that he weren't gonna take it idly, if somepony tried anything with his sister. He weren't a violent pony by nature, but when you put somepony in a corner, you best be ready for a fight. Difference were that his way of fighting, included things that could pulverize half of Canterlot.

Though the look were brief, and he'd soften up again rather quickly.

"But ain't no reason for us to be enemies, right? Like I said before: The battery she used to accidentally open that tear, is gone, and I'm gonna go torch the schematics for it after this. I ain't messing with anything that can open interdimensional heebie-jeebies up like this. Besides, this here were one tear, and it's closed again. We're not trying to make the world into cheese. I prefer my dimension nice and stable, thank you very much.

If you boss got beef with this, I'll send him a fruit basket, and a signed note promising this ain't gonna happen again. It was just a random, scientist accident, when she tried to make a special light display. Nothing with malice here."

As Molotov said that, over at the workshop, a hatch above the arge door would creak open, and something sharp and metallic would start to poke out. First a tip, but then rapidly, the entire form of the large, mechanical spider would show itself, as she crawled out of said hatch, and landed on the ground with a soft puff, as the sharp legs landed expertly on the ground.

(found on a random google search. I claim no ownership)

Felicia was big. Really big, compared to a regular spider. Enough room on her abdomen for a pony to lie down comfortably on top of the bulb, and the main body to take one or two more, depending on side, that could simply stand there. Her eyes were shinning red diodes, and while she did not have teeth, she did have the two front grabbers that a spider would normally have over at her mouth. Something which she did not have either, as her purpose were not to eat, but to protect. That her legs were razor-sharp and bladelike should tell as much, regardless of how beautiful she were, from a certain technological angle. Like a piece of art, which is also what she were to Molotov, who had put everything he got into making her. From the chassis to the interior, and the power source keeping her functional, all aspects of her had tested his capabilities to the maximum, and he were proud of the work.

He had considered added faux fur to her once, but he figured it'd ruin her somehow. She looked better like this, though she'd probably freak any arachnophobe right out.

Just as she hit the ground, she'd hlet out a steam-like hissing sound, and focus her eyes on the various, unknown entities.

"Stay calm everypony! This here's Felicia. My latest AI creation. She's just worried we're under attack after all that ruckus, that's all. She ain't gonna hurt anypony.

And yes, I said I made her. Dunno who that one one you rambled on about were lady, but I ain't ever heard of them, and I ain't sharing credit on Felicia. She took all I got to create her, and I'll be darned if some ponce I never heard of before, is gonna think he's getting his brand on her schematics."

In case any of them tried to attack Felicia, she'd avoid it. She were rather nimble and fast, but wouldn't attack. Not yet, anyway.

@Kujamih @raykv423

What Kuja said. If you control another players character without permission, in action, thoughts, or speech, you are godmodding. Game Master sort of RP's tend to have some looser rules regarding this, but I prefer not having any take unjust control over others, if possible.

WHich is why neutra things such as *He might be thinking* and *If he moved, then perhaps* are good things. It offer an option, but not anything forced.

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

 

@abrony-mouse

Billowing ain't able to stop her right now.  Rummage around, and see if you can't rouse him up. Or nick his wallet.

@abrony-mouse

You pretty much hit the nail. No godmodding other people's chars (from neither me, nor you), though you can add some things to the world if you want. Just nothing that outright kills us. It's your story too after all. Plus, Billowing are literally passed out right now. Not like he can do a lot about you doing things.

...Don't nick his wallet. xD

Didn't mention a time of day either. So sure, morning it is. No worries from my side there.

@Illiad Easle

Added this part since I didn't really know how to respond to things after the last part, so... Figured I might as well go back and pull at that string regarding her looking at these little pets. Figured it'd fill the post some, and really, what better time than now, to bring it up? The foals are gonna have to see the wildlife more in person at some point, and she's having issues being lonely right now. Void really have a lot of reasons to take the leap now.

And no worries. She have her own money for these. Won't go on the company card. 

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade nodded, "Well, as long as you have that chip, we should be able to get back into the tower again and look some more, but the stairway, and the lobby for that matter, didn't seem to have been used in years."

"We could try sneak in fromt here, when there's some free time to work with, I guess. Worth a shot at least."

It was a sound idea really. It were seemingly abandoned, so if there were a staircase to use, they could get in more unseen that way perhaps. And if it did not lead all the way up, the lower floors may still hold some useful secrets. Or a heap of decaying bodies somewhere. Considering what she had seen, it would not surprise her. Nor would just a pile of bones, implying that they had fed whoever died to the bears. Or perhaps consumed them themselves? Cannibalism should be impossible for ponies, due to what happened if they ate too much meat, but she weren't ruling anything out. If life had taught her anything, it were that whatever crazy thing you could imagine, there'd always be something even crazier out there, somewhere.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Once Arcade was next to her bed he paused, then chuckled, "This is normally when I would pick up whoever I was carrying with my magic and tuck them into bed, but I can't do that for you. You'll have to climb in yourself I'm afraid, then I'll take my leave... unless you need something else?"

Null would be getting off as he spoke. Comfy as the ride were, she'd have to get her lazy flank in gear eventually. Though she did give a weak chuckle at the way he said she should get off. Something in the way he said it were a little funny to her, even if it were something that'd usually make her roll her eyes and growl at most others. Probably helped that Arcade were more of a close one than most others she had ever known, so he could get under a few layers as he said this. Much like how Void could usually stand up to Null, and not face ire, as would usually happen.

She'd have gotten off as he were nearing the end of his sentence, and looked at him ready to utter a goodnight, or parting attempt at sassing him back. And then, he got to the actual ending of his sentence, and she froze up. Then flustered up, to a point where even her deeply dark coat, couldn't hide the blushing going over her face.

"I.. I..."

She stood dumbfounded and without really any idea what to say about this. Her brain had just gone total blank from him saying... Or implying maybe that...

Had this been anyone else, she would have grabbed the nearest table leg, torn it off, and beaten them with it. Or whatever other heavy object she could get easily hold of as well, as this sort of talk were Not welcome with her.

Yet for some reason, for the first time she could remember, she were now caught off her hooves, and didn't know what were going on. She should be furious, or just bat this off as some sort of teasing comment, that he were trying off, right? But then... That look in his eyes, as they met hers...

She didn't know why there weren't any anger roaring up. Nor why her heart were beating so fast, that she could swear it must be trying to erupt out of her chest, or why she were blushing up like a tomato.

Arcade would be able to see struggle in her eyes. A desire to go closer to him, fighting an instinct, that usually guided her to push others away.

For one who had to live her life as a mare of action, Null were now unable to make any. She just stood there, trying to grasp a feeling she couldn't recall ever fluttering about her body before, and not knowing what to even do about it, nor how to act on it.

If he wished to think on this, Arcade would at least not see reluctance from her side. There were a struggle, but not disgust towards him, or his words. She just didn't know what to do about this situation they were now in. Hopefully he did not see her inexperience and struggle, as a rejection.

Nine likely had some choice words on this matter, or perhaps, a better idea of what should happen here, and no desire to have this whole thing escalate/stagger. If he intended to give her a push in some direction, he would not find any resistance to it right now.

(Troy)

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Her smile faltered a bit as Void finished her statement, she was still smiling, just not quite as much. "I... I would like that... someday."

Okay, it hadn't completely destroyed their relationship here then. That were good. It seemed like she did really like to one day have a foal.

...Maybe that were something she could help with, in due time. The mare where by all accounts, a good one. Could teach strong work ethics, weren't afraid of showing some muscle if it came to it, so she could protect well... She'd have to thin more on this, but maybe she had an option for an adoptive parent here, in the long run. Something to keep in mind as things moved along for sure.

Yet, it were clear that it were time to move along, as the conversation had pretty much gone to a natural halt. So Void would once again give her thanks for the recipe, say that she looked forward to seeing the mare again another time, and wished her the best, until that time would happen. Then Vale and her could be on the way.

Once they got outside, she'd let out a little bit of a shaky sigh, and slump her shoulders a little.

"T-That were a little more awkward than intended. But it went well, and hopefully the next time, it'll go s-smoother. I'm just happy we have the option for making something special now."

She had a check on the list of ingredients before, and she had some of the things, but they were gonna need a few more it seemed, so their shopping session weren't over yet. Though, she did have something she wanted to check out first, if it were okay with Vale, that were.

"We should get the things for this, but uhm... W-Would it be okay if I went and had a look at something quickly on the way? It's close by, I promise."

If Vale said no, she'd understand, and they could get the other ingredients fast, before heading back. There'd be other days after all.

If she agreed, Void would lead her towards a fenced in area, a bit of way fro the various food vendors. Placed out of smell range to be exact, of the roughly half dozen Scaled Cackler hatchlings, that were wandering around a fair sized glass box, filled to best suit a safe habitat for their kind, and with a net strapped above. The little ones weren't able to climb out on their own, since the walls were completely smooth, and their kind needed some rough edges to grasp at, but it were more for their protection really. Lest a Pygmy Ghost Vulture that wasn't as well tamed swooped in for a snack. Rarely ever happened, but the griffon tending to these little ones, also had seven adults of various ages to care for, and couldn't be everywhere at once. The adults were smart enough to hide under her, or something else in the more free enclosure, but this would end up being a free meal if left open.

Plus, sometimes these little rascals were smart, and would try stacking things, and themselves, to reach out of there, and explore.

There were also around ten eggs in there. Neither the adults, nor the younglings, hurt their own kind, and especially not the eggs, so it were safe to keep them in there. The adults came around at times to look them over though, just to be sure, and currently there were an adult one clinging to the edges of the top, and giving the little ones below a little song lesson. Sounded a little like chicklets actually, and they appeared to be having fun. As did the thirty-something griffon that were carrying the largest of the cacklers on her arm, and scritching it on top of its head. They liked this, as well as nibbling on her talons. Adorable little rascals in her opinion.

She'd look up as Void approached, and the heard a few small chirps from another adult cackler, that would run up her back, and stand on her shoulder. This one were a younger adult it looked like. Vibrant colors, and a small, black spot under it's right eye, were it had a discolored scale.

"Ah, back again are we? Hmhm. And you brought a friend this time. How quaint."

She were a little snarky, but this were a pretty mellow griffon all in all, and would generally just say things in jest.

@Illiad Easle

Glad to be here. Just keep your shop signs out of head height.

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Here," Arcade ducked his head under her to slide her onto his back, and if she didn't object he would carry her towards her room, "Epsilon is an interesting sort, and I've met my share of interesting sorts to know, there aren't many who look at us and respect us as adults you know? Even Dove looks down on us in a way, I could see it in her body language as you were talking to her, it was common in the scientists, she thinks she knows better than you. Anyway, now we've gotten in that tower you said your friend was in, you any closer to finding them? Was it that shadowy stallion that was hanging around?"

She really wanted to object to this. Who the hay were he,. thinking he could just decide whatever or not she had to move somewhere, when she just wanted to flatten out on the ground for a bit? She should give him a piece of her mind, were what she should.

Somehow though, she just couldn't get herself to say something, and just let him do it. Even felt a pretty pleasant shiver going through her as he more or less wore her like a coat.

Wasn't the first time she had been carried before, but this were different. And not just because of the size difference. It felt... Nice. Comfy in a way, and she felt her heart rate actually increase a little as they moved along. She must've really needed some physical contact like this, since Void weren't here to offer it anymore. What else could it be after all? Maybe it were because it were the first time a stallion actually wanted to get this close to her, and wasn't some kind of creep? So what, she were desperate for attention or... No, no. She wasn't this pathetic.

Of course, the mood wasn't being helped from him talking about Epsilon either.. But he were right in talking on her, since it were important in context to everything that had gone on tonight. She seemed like pretty much the only worthwhile one to talk to there. Even if Null felt irrational about her, for whatever reason.

"Scientists, random folks. Doesn't matter really. At our size, pretty much everyone treats us like we're foals. Just gotta remember that they don't know better. Dove doesn't know what it's like to deal with scum properly. Hay, she were practically eating out of that monsters hoof. If she tries dealing with him alone, there's no telling what'll end up happening to her. As well as those deals she's supposed to try and deal with fro Troy. Mark my words: She's not as capable at dealing with him, as she thinks she is. Nor does she think about the fact that she's on his turf. He's not bound by honor, since he clearly doesn't have any.

Urgh, and don't remind me of that Ninja twonk. He's not who I'm after, but he's major bad business. He reeks of murder and torture, and the way I saw him kill others, it got pretty clear he's slit some throats before. I dunno what role he's gonna play in all of this, but he's gonna be trouble for us one way or another. Wouldn't put it past my *friend* to have someone like that taking a second paycheck from him either. Just the sort of creep he'd love having on his payroll."

They got closer and closer to Null's room, which frankly disappointed her. Sure she could use a rest, but... Well, y'know. It felt nice having some company that were worth keeping. Even if she felt somewhat bad about not telling him everything. Hopefully when eventually, the veil would be lifted, he'd understand her reasons. She'd have plenty enough that would judge her for what she were looking to do as it were, and she didn't need someone she respected to be on that list.

(Troy)

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"The zebra near my village often communed with spirits and the departed, so I had no doubt that there were an afterlife, though it has led me to wonder for a doe like me, when I was Codex, I was far more machine than doe. Had I died as Codex, would I have been her afterwards? And what of Panic? He was created purely inorganically, is there an afterlife for him if he is destroyed? Can souls be created like that? Further, Panic could be duplicated, is there still the one soul? or can souls then be infinitely replicated?"

She shook her head, "It's thoughts like these that have turned me to focus solely on science and what can be measured, rather than such quandaries. Still, even outside of Codex I will one day more machine than doe."

"In Neighpon, they believe that if something exist for long enough, it can earn a soul. I d-don't know if that's true, but I've seen things that makes me think it is possible. I don't know about copied though. M-Maybe each of them would have to earn their own soul? Or they'd just think they had one? I'm not r-really an expert on this sort of thing.

And you still have a soul. Doesn't matter if you had d-died like you were back there. You still have that within you. I've seen those who lacks one and just... T-Trust me, that you're not like them. You'd know if it wasn't there anymore, and you'd wish for nothing more than death. All while looking like everything that were you, had withered away a long time ago, and not having the will to kill yourself."

Void would send a weary look towards the doe, and then averted her eyes. She had not thought on the husks for a long time, but this talk made her think of them and... And she really wished she hadn't. It were a harrowing, haunting sight to witness a soulless, still living creature. wandering around completely drained of everything that used to be them. No emotions. No will to do things. Just a husk of someone that were already dead, but forced to endure their bodies continuing on.

It were a worse fate in her mind, than even those who had their spirits stick around. Also a gruesome fate, but at least then, they would have their essence still there, twisted as it might become. A husk were just... Nothing. A complete void, wrapped around the remnant of what once were. Killing them were frankly a mercy that even she were willing to give, despite her not liking to get her hooves bloodied.

"M-Machine or not, you're still you, and that won't change. Never forget that, Vale."

She'd prefer not to speak further on this currently, and deal with it later. The whole conversation were making her feel queasy right now.

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The chef chuckled, "Even before, it was safer out there than in here... for them. I've got plenty of experience tossing out a rowdy drunk and even less savory individuals. Only had to show off once when I first opened, and things have been plenty peaceful since. Just like the sign out front, nothing fancy, no nonsense."

"It's good to hear that you k-keep a tight ship here, and that it's mostly peaceful. Actually, w-what if I give you my address? In case you can see you need help on a specific day, you can always c-come by and ask, or send a message. In case I'm not around for a few days."

Void would give her the address of the workshop she worked in normally. It'd be a good place to get such messages if she were needed, which it sounded likes he might be every now and again. Considering what she had been given, it were the least that she could do in return. Besides, she liked cooking. It was nice and calming.

"And I'll make sure to tell them who made sure they could try this. You h-have my word. And if ever you need the papers again, I'll make sure to keep them safe, just in case.

I uhm..."

She considered saying something about the chef's lack of kids, but didn't know what to say here, really. Reassurances that it were still not too late came to mind, but what if it were more like she couldn't, because her husband were dead? Her one, true love, with whom she wanted to have offspring? It might sound horrendous then, even if she just wanted to be nice about this. Though couldn't it be bad to say nothing too, and sound like she were ignoring it? It sounded like that for her at least.

"...Hope there'll be the sound of small hooves a-around here someday soon."

A bit of a cop-out, but this were feeling rather awkward. Something that she wanted to address more, but didn't want to push too much just yet. And this could sound as if she meant the orphans, so it were a bit of a safer response, yes?

  @Catpone Cerberus

19 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It could be better, or he may freak out for being surrounded by dragons and run away." Ruby pointed out "In my opinion pony towns are better start, because it's easier to explain things to him when he doesn't see everyone around him as a threat." "It's easier for dragon to not eat a pony than for scared hatchling to not run and hide."

"A fair point. We'll find some small town when it is, and try to take it from there. Maybe Dodge Junction. I hear that's a dusty, backwater place, without too many. For a pony town, anyway."

Equines did tend to clump up a lot, into medium to large communities. Small ones were not that common, and hermits that kept to themselves? Rather rare she found. Especially if it were by their own choice.

Though she wouldn't count Zebra's here. Those tended to do fine with some degree of solitude and isolation, but they were also weird ones in general. She really had a rather hard time predicting their behavior, more often than not. She also tended to not be near them, as it weren't worth her time seeing if they had something of personal value she could nick. They'd always know in advance she were there for something, so what were the point?

When they eventually came to the wall, and were greeted by the guards, Leviathan's first reaction, were to look to the side, and see how Charir reacted to this. Ruby had some degree of self control around these creatures, but he were an unknown. One which thankfully, seemed more curious and confused, than wanting to tear into them for lunch. Or he were contemplating whatever or not they were too gamey. Which she assumed they were. Leviathan had never eaten pony, and never would, due to the laws of the dragons in this land. She just assumed they would taste gamey, and full of sinew. Plus, these wore armor, so they'd be hard to chew through for him as well, unless he liked spending time peeling the layers off of his food.

"Greetings. We have to tell you that you're about to fly into a dangerous territory here. It is advised that you turn around, as we cannot guarantee your safety past this point."

The guard speaking would be nice about things, and none of them would have weapons drawn. They weren't here to attack what they assumed were a bunch of civilians. Just warn them of the dangers behind the wall.

19 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Aware, that's why we are here."

"As she said. We felt like hunting, and heard there were prey no one would miss around here."

"Ah, you are predatory dragons? Then by all means, feel free to hunt on the other side of the wall. Though I would advise you to not go too far in. Their alpha and her consorts are stirring, and she is too well protected to be somepony you wish to trifle with."

In case Charir would go over and actually poke one of them, they'd look confused, but wouldn't do anything against it. If not, they would descend again, and let the group be on their way.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

20 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"But I don't think I'll spend that time here." "I'm thankful for the hospitality of course, but houses aren't really my thing, I think I'll return to the forest to wait, maybe I'll take over my old singing place now, I could also show it to you Ziggy right away, that way if the princesses try to contact me, you know where to find me.

"*gasp* Really?! Okay, race you to the forest!!"

Ziggy would move in a bluer, too happy to think on things such as whatever or not it was wise to move around without knowing where Nada would go exactly. She were just too excited, and would in a flash be out the door, with only the brief sound of said door closing, and a half squeak from Fah'lina, still clinging on to her head. She were still trying to get used to these bouts of energetic flights the mare were capable of doing. And if Nada looked out the window, she'd be able to see said flight. Or the aftermath anyway, as Ziggy would move rather fast, but the pink and white, zig-zagged line going through the air would linger around, as she headed towards the forest in her odd pattern of flight. She'd wait there when eventually Berry showed up, with her head poking in an out of the water, around where she usually saw Serenade pop up after a swim. Though the siren may get there first too. Everything were possible.

Berry in the meantime, shook her head at this whole thing. Guess the train to crazy town were off the rails again.

"I'll stay and keep an eye on things until she gets back. I'll come check out the place one of these days, and keep you company now and again. Alright? Stay safe, Nada."

Staying out there or not, Berry weren't gonna let Nada linger all by her lonesome. She'd poke around sometimes, and make sure she were okay, and didn't become a hermit once more. Ziggy would probably do the same, so the siren shouldn't be lonely again. Not with these two, and then some of the denizens of the forest keeping her company. Hopefully the singing place would look nice now though, so she'd have a good place to hide for a time.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"*sigh* Not again... I had hoped this had stopped by now. We really need the guards to deal with this."

"If I may, this were not the fault of the cockatrice. This griffon attempted to steal her eggs. It were but self defense."

The mare turned and gave a funny look at Lyriel for this comment.

"And you witnessed this, personally?"

"No. Said cockatrice told me so, after we found her. And seeing how few there are of these noble creatures, I cannot say that I would not have defended the eggs too, had I been present. Poachers have no place in my forest."

The nurse looked even more confused, then started to examine her more. As well as Scarecrow, and would eventually start tugging her collar nervously.

"O-Oh dear. This is a little over my payroll. Could you please follow me, and we bring this one to Officer Stargazer. You can talk about things with him, while I get an antidote."

She'd lead them on to a small house nearby. Single layer, clearly still under construction, with a lot of debris nearby. Also with the walls of the single layer more or less only started, and the debris size saying this were likely a two story house, before something happened to it.

Next to it, were a trailer in which light seemed to shine. A temporary sleeping place for the residents, while the house were rebuild.

She'd knock the door, and wait while fidgeting a little in place. Until the door opened, and revealed the form of a rather large, muscular bat pony, that nearly could not fit through the door of the comparatively small trailer.

"Yes?"

He looked tired, but when duty called, he couldn't simply lay down and sleep from the trouble. Much as he wished he could, after the rotten day he thus far had.

"I am very sorry to disturb you, officer, but we have a situation with a petrified poacher. I uhm... I think you should hear testimonies while I go and fetch an antidote. Again, s-sorry about this, sir."

She'd scurry off before Stargazer could give an answer. Seemed like it'd be one of those days again then...

"Very well. Please inform me of the situation."

Lyriel would work on filling him in, which would give Scarecrow a chance to look around a little, for about five minutes, while they worked out some of the details. Might be there were something he'd be interested in examining. Long as it were not in the trailer, where a low snooze could be heard. likely from a foal, whom the officer would not let them get near just yet.

As for why their story had been bought so easily? The natural influences on them both made the nurse question things, and when in doubt, she assumed it best to take it to somepony higher up.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

20 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Celestia...and.. Luna?" "Princesses?" "Wasn't..that like...thousand years..ago."

"All I know of, is them having a falling out a millennia back, and the weaker sister were confined to the moon. I have not have much reason to care for their history beyond this, until recently. The way the ponies speak of them though, say they are both there now, and governing this country."

Most of what she knew of Equestria, were in relations to the failed attack by Chrysalis, and the boastful words she had about that whole thing. After that miserable cur of a queen had overtaken Onache's hive, and forced her to train Chrysalis's drones, she heard enough to know that both of the princesses were a factor, and they were troubling. Not as much as those who had actually caused the attack to fail, and brought their kind fully into the light of the public. Yet still things to be reckoned with. If for no other reason, then because attacking them, seemed to stir the true power of Equestria to fight back against you.

If she had been in charge, she would have had these troublemakers assassinated in advance, but Onache's opinion had mattered little to the short-sighted queen, and she had suffered a crushing defeat because of it. But what else could one expect from a queen, who didn't understand that a hive could not keep growing indefinitely, as there were only so much food one could acquire? Even if the attack had worked, she would have at best, been able to feed the hive size she had for a month and a half. And in that time, would likely have risen it to more number. So the swarm had to move on, and so on, and so forth.

But that failure aside, she should remain focused on the here and now, with her two unwitting guests seemingly being just about equally spent by now. That the male did not object to her dealing with the chains, were also a sign in her opinion. He did not seem all that trusting to others, but with this little energy, what choice had he, but being complacent?

21 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I don't..really understand...what's going..on...but we...need someplace...to rest...and a doctor.. she has.. been out.. for a while. I'm.. worried"

"Very well. Rest, and I will deal with this."

It were likely the last she could say, before he passed out. Frankly he may have passed out before she finished. Though in either case, she would float them up, and have a better look at them. Something which made her tsk. Such a shoddy condition one kept these formerly enslaved beings in. What value had they, if they were being malnourished and clearly did not get proper care? Simply sloppy work, by another short-sighted fool, who did not understand the value in keeping your slaves at a good health, for as long as possible. Running them down like this, would make their possible efficiency woefully lacking, and just get worse and worse. How many slaves did whoever owned these, not go through because of that?

Perhaps not the lesson to take from this, but she were one who had enthralled others to *willing* servitude before. She knew how to get the most out of them. And whoever had these before, surely did not. Did no one know how to properly use others anymore? Such a waste this were.

IN any case, she had to attend to these now, and not think of things such as this. So she'd lift them both, and have them lifted with magic, before taking off towards town. Once she couldn't use magic anymore, due to the dead zone, she'd instead carry them in her hooves, whilst flying. They were honestly rather light weight, all things considered.

As they reached town, she'd transform into her disguise before going on, and would then wander into the hospital with them floating in front of her.

She certainly got attention, but she ignored them all, and were not stopped, as she seemed to carry hurt creatures. No matter what they were, these ponies did not interfere against that, and let her move on, though the kobolds would be the whisper of the town for sure.

As the two would eventually wake up, they'd find they were in beds next to one another, in the hospital. There were a bowl of fruit on the table, and they had drops in their arms, ensuring they got some liquid into their system. They were also bound in gauze in their damaged areas, and had gotten stitched, salved, etc. as need be. They had clearly been attended to, though no nurse or doctor were in now. Only Onache, in her disguised form, sitting in a corner with her horn glowing some. She seemed to carry a face of disdain as she glanced towards the door, and finally stopped again.

"Simplistic creatures would be better served not asking questions sometimes."

Her voice were the same, so they may recognize her by that at least. Even if her form were vastly different. Mostly at least. Her size were the same, as she refused to demean herself to wander in the size of a regular pony.

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

 

@Califorum

On 1/8/2021 at 1:39 AM, Califorum said:

"Ugh! Damn you!"

So light worked well against her kind of magic? That would explain a few things. Though at the same time, also made this troubling, as this precise light show, weren't something she could make again. She had to think of some other way to include light here. Maybe something which gave off a strong glow would do the trick? She had some idea to work with that, but she'd need the remnants of the slime for this. and fortune smiled upon her it seemed, as the thing she had planned to do (throw the crystal at Magnolia) could no longer happen, as the crystal were gone. So with that said, she could use what were left of that then. But she had to work fast. Even as Magnolia started talking in fact, which were time she'd use where her horn glowed with a soft light, as droplet of magic began to float up around them. They'd stay in place though for now, and might be too subtle for Magnolia to see at first. Specs like this weren't something all bit notice in, and she seemed to prepare a monologue first and foremost.

On 1/8/2021 at 1:39 AM, Califorum said:

"I am only doing this so the world can be free of ponies like you! I need your magic to make that possible! A world with no suffering, fear, a world with justice and order!" Magnolia shouted in an extremely enraged tone. "And if you won't submit to me, then you will submit..."

A shame she had not thought of another magic to go with, or she could have attacked while Magnolia spoke. Villains hardly ever expected that to happen for some reason. As if they expected some sort of heros code looked down upon that. Which she could assure Magnolia, that it did not. In fact, most heroes lore encouraged doigng it, for a well functioning ambush attack.

"You're b-being delusional. Even if you get all the strength of this nation, you won't get justice by stealing their powers. You'll just be another Tirek. A monster, killing others h-husbands for opposing their evil..."

A tear ran from her right eye as she said this. She had gone and made it a little bit personal there, though she did mean what she said. Magnolia were delusional by thinking what she did, since while yes, it would take power to do so, it would not work by using only stolen power. It would only make her end up taking all the magic, and thinking that without it, no one could hurt others again. Which were a foolish, short sighted thing to think. As were it, if she thought that her being all powerful, would mean everyone would just do what she wanted, and make everything perfect. Others would only listen as long as they feared her, and fear were finite.

Perhaps she could tell her this another time, when she were bound, gagged, and were forced to face reason. Yet for now, this were a fight, and one she had to spend focus on. Her preparations were almost done.

On 1/8/2021 at 1:39 AM, Califorum said:

She seemed to jump at the shadow of a tree, her body poofing away into the shadows. There was silence for a few moments before there seemed to be a loud whooshing sound. Magnolia began drawing the shadows in to where she was at in order to heal herself. They seemed to remove from existence and flow towards where she was much like a black hole. 

"To the darkness...." Magnolia said, her rage fueling her energy here. The shadows began to swirl dangerously around that tree before Magnolia suddenly sprung forth from it like a predator pouncing on a prey. Her target? Zeehva. She wanted to pounce onto her directly and hold her down, and this action was sudden enough that Zeehva might not be able to react.

The time that Magnolia used to heal up, and prepare, were not a bad idea. Made her strong again, and would give her a good chance for a speedy hit. It would however, also chain her down, and give Zeehva time to finish her preparations. It wouldn't be something that'd win this fight more than likely, but it should function in ending it for the time being. She needed to prepare more for fighting Magnolia to win, and she just didn't have the right magic scraps to do that right now.

As Magnolia rushed in to attack, the magic she had lifted up with her horn, would rush towards Zeehva. It'd coalesce into a ball in front of her, just as Magnolia were about twenty centimeters from hitting her. A dark one, with green lines, and a few specs of more healthy looking green, and a vague glimmer of something orange. All in all, about the size of an apple. Yet it wasn't food. Rather, as the orange sprung forth, it would explode. A powerful force that would smash at least Zeehva backwards, and should do the same for Magnolia, regardless of his solid she were now, as this were still partially her magic. It should resonate with her.

Zeehva for one though, were sent violently flying backwards, right into town. A more beneficial area for her due to the magic lingering here being more abundant, and generally of a lighter nature. Though the air had been blown out of her, and she were headed right for an open container. Before hitting it though, she shimmered away again, and ended up on the street, hitting a ball of hay in a cart. Lucky her really, as it would hurt a whole lot less.

*sigh* The things one risks in desperation, yes? And if this didn't work, and Magnolia still came in here to fight, she had to go for another beaker. One she were not thrilled to take into use right now, as it were unrefined, and would not leave her in a good position.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

12 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Marry Omen?! I’m too young to start a family! That’s not… Oh, haha. Very funny.”

The only one not finding this amusing of the three, would be Omen. And there mostly because the idea of laughter were alien to her. If she were aware, she likely would have done so too, over this prank. She didn't fully get it, but it seemed like things were okay, and that Sen were not angry or anything, so... Harmless silly thing, yes? It had sounded odd to have them marry too, so it made more sense that they were just teasing him, in her mind.

Rosa for one, would fins this rather humorous for sure. It hadn't been long Sen had fallen for it, but that brief moment before he caught on... It were sincerely priceless, and would be a memory he'd treasure for a long time. Quite the delightful ting to warm his being with on a bad day, he'd imagine. Even if others near him would likely not get why he would suddenly laugh in such a situation, without explanation. Maybe not even then. Some creatures simply had no humor.

13 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Yeah… I lost our little contest and as punishment, I have to get my face painted with a design chosen by you and Omen. I suppose this is something where both you and Omen get to decide what you’d like to see, and I have no choice but to go with it. So, lay it on me. What do you have in mind?”

Lin pondered on this for a moment, though she already had something in mind. As much as she’d like to see her brother looking funny, she’d go for something tame. She was curious about seeing a certain type of look, and her chat with Sod and Mary from earlier gave her a perfect option. 

“Well, Omen and I had a chance to meet Mayor Soda Stream while we were browsing at Weeping Mary’s booth, and there was mention of clowns. I’m thinking of going with that. Let’s make Sen look like a clown because I am unfamiliar with them. Oh, and let’s also throw in one of those really silly-looking mustaches. You know, the ones that look like someone’s been twirling them. How about you, Omen? What would you like to see?” 

"A chance to meet the mayor up close? Fascinating. I Where may he be now?"

Omen would point behind herself, in the right direction as this were asked. She had sniffed the air when his name were brought up, in case they sought him, so she were ready.

"Good to know that you have gotten his scent. It may prove useful at some point, though we should leave him be for now I think. He may well be rather busy."

Omen would lower her hoof again, and prepare to add her own to what Lin had just mentioned, as an idea of what to pain Sen up as.

"Master Discord liked clowns. I would like to see it."

It were one way to earn his favor in times of old, even if he did tend to make their tricks more chaotic. It were just who he were, and as with most draconequui, he simply couldn't help himself when it came to the prospect of adding a little bit of mischief. Though it still didn't take away from him greatly enjoying clowns, and as such, Omen agreed with this being a good thing to go with for Sen. She couldn't recall seeing a big moustache like that on any of the olden ones though, but times changed. Maybe some of them had that now.

"It sounds as if we have a plan then. Let us ask around, and see if we can't find a place that deal with face painting then. Stay close please."

They wouldn't have to search long to find this thing, yet there were somewhat of a line, with various small ones wanting to get in there and have this done. Mostly foals, but there were a small dragon whelp too, and a couple of griffon chicks, curiously waiting too.

They'd have about ten in front of them waiting, so they had to decide whatever or not it were best to wait a little and come back later, or just wait this out. There were some arcade games nearby they could inspect if that were. Seemed like various games where you threw balls, the water shooter that were spoken off earlier, a couple of places one could buy food, and a help desk. Also seemed to be some arcade machines in there of the more technological variant, rigged up to not cost bits, to give folks some alternatives to do, in case they ran out of funds. Though if you lingered there too long, when others wanted to try too, you'd be asked to move along by one of the guards.

"Hmm, seems like we have a bit of a wait to deal with here then... I would advise us doing something else, and see if the line lessens. Yet at the same time, if more arrives, we will just be further behind... What does the rest of you think?"

"I can wait."

Omen spoke first, and said what he assumed she would. Considering the millennia she had spend waiting for Discord, a half hour or so would mean nothing to her. Yet what of the others? That they would see. He imagined they'd like to take in some more sights, rather than stand and wait for this long, and rather risk it. Though they'd see.

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

 

@GingerLightning

"Oh, nonono, you don't need to stop rambling at all, Ginger. You provide a pretty valuable perspective to the changeling/pony interaction, as you have grown up among them. Openly, as a half breed. Most folks thought of us as nothing more than scary stories you told your foals about, to keep them in line. Up until Chrysalis's attack that were. Urgh. As if it weren't hard enough to blend unseen into society before her...

Anyway, you have a unique perspective to learn from, and I'm more than happy to learn about it. As is everypony else here. And I can already hear from your experience, how valuable it is to educate others about us. Before King Thorax rose, there were rarely anything good said about us. What little stories you'd be able to find, would be cold, harsh, and mostly untrue. We're only now starting to finally get some positive looks on us, and as such, we have the chance to mold the future, into one where we're not some monster, lurking in the dark of night, wanting to steal their foals, or loved ones. But actual creatures, who have our own problems, and excluding Chrysalis and a few other really bad queens, reason behind why we hunted them.

Hay, with more understanding, we can also start to find healthier way to harvest emotions, that won't make others fear us. Here in the theater, we perform for that, and harvest the excess joy our hard work causes. Those who likes love, could be couples therapists, or lead dating services. Those who likes fear, could help treat those with phobias, and so on, and so forth. There's ways to utilize our need to eat, in ways that either blossoms what they feel enough to let us eat the excess, without issues. Or which helps them deal with some really bad ones.

Hehe, but now I'm the one rambling. Just know that we'll listen to you, and if you have questions about changelings, you're more than welcome to ask. We'll answer as best we can.

We'll go meet the others soon, but just two things.

1. We're a small hive. Only 12 members in total, and we're a close knit bunch. I decided early in my queenhood, that it were best this way, to avoid having to harvest too much, and to easier avoid detection. Everypony is getting ready to greet you, so you'll see them all soon, and we can make introductions there.

2. I want to ask, what do you think of the theater thus far? We've put a lot of work into renovating it thus far, and I'm pretty proud of us all, for what we have done. Just check out the stage."

Cheshire would flutter up, and place herself on the lit stage. It encased her well, and as always when she were on stage, her smile grew a little more. She loved it up here. The performances, the adoration of the crowd. That pride that came from doing hard work, and then feeling a rush of love and joy from the audience, as the show concluded... Aaah, there were just nothing like it. Not for her at least.

She'd invite Ginger and Meiko to join her on stage. The latter of which were currently sniffing some chairs, and licking the upholstery. At least of one particular chair. Though in fairness, he had found gum on it, and were curious.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

4 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

Minty towered over the smaller Tussle to read the file from above.  "I've not had any interactions with this Molotov Boom and cannot speak for his character.  The case was lead by our Detective Rising Dusk.  He makes mention of assisting Mr. Boom with documents collected from one Turntable," read from the report Rising filed.  Tussle closed the file and put it back in the cabinet.  "No need to apologize dear.  I know all too well how someponies can just drive one crazy," she turned to glared at the much larger mare.  Minty promptly looked behind her to see who Tussle might be referring to, but only found a wall.  Starbright and Flare Blitz snickered.

"I remember Professor Turntable. His ideas of magical reapplication were impressive, if not perhaps too ambitious. I don't recall him ever getting substantial results. Tough he had many theories. I hope whomever gets his papers, will manage to succeed where he did not.

As for Molotov... I would advice you to not interact with him. He has a brilliant mind, yet is straddled with the hormones of a teenager, and the subtlety and suave of a half-eroded brick. There is a reason why there were an open tally in Center Zero, as to what department had the highest amount of females, who had physically rejected him in some fashion. Such as pushing him into a barrel.

I may have to ask though... How aware are you of Center Zero? It were a pretty isolated town, with a limited amount of law enforcements, and higher ranking members of the kingdom being directly informed of our location. Incoming and outgoing mail even had to be screened, to ensure that the location were not revealed, or certain other things came out. Not about torture of the like though. Heaven's no. It is more a point of view, which differs, depending on whatever or not you are a loyalist. Those who are - such as the Boom family - believed what we were told, about it being for the sake of best knowing when to get something into society, and having to be reviewed for potential danger. As well as ensuring we had privacy.

Others believe they wanted to control the pace of development in Equestria, and bury those things Princess Celestia did not personally want to see. And what easier way to do so, than building a remote town, and ensure that it were funded well enough to lure in some of the more prominent scientists? Some of them for several generations.

But paranoid conspiracy theories aside, what do you know? As a law enforcement agency that deals in magic, I would assume you would eventually be called in to check things, if the Solar Guards finds nothing of what attacked the town. Which thus far, I am not aware they have, in the past two months they have been there."

She considered speaking up about the seeming lack of respect there were for Minty, but it did not seem prudent. And yet... Nnngh. It were a hard one to abstain from mentioning...

"...And if I may be so bold as to ask: Your interaction are... Common, yes? I am not trying to judge, but it is not an interaction with much respect shown. From my perspective, that is. I may simply not know enough."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

7 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"This is what we did talk about, but we did agree to let Equestria's Emissary meet with your Queen first.  Myself and Captain Minty don't have the authority to make such a connection as portals.  Our Emissary is likely more than willing to teleport to Copperhagen just as Minty did to meet the Queen."

"𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔. 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕀 𝕕𝕠 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕤 𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕓𝕠𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕦𝕡𝕠𝕟 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕒𝕪 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕟𝕠 𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕨 ℂ𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣. 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕕𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕒  𝕞𝕒𝕡, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠  𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕟 𝕠𝕓𝕛𝕖𝕔𝕥, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕦𝕡 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕞 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕟𝕤. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕡 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝕀𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖𝕘𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤.

𝕀𝕗 𝕨𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕨𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕪 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕨𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕠𝕨𝕟, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞- 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕕𝕤𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕦𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕒 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕝𝕖𝕚𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖.. 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕒 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕪."

She did not think that Rising had much interest in being stabbed by a random citizen, thinking he were an attacker, out to get them. It would not reflect well on any party, and frankly, this would in time be the faster method of dealing with things. Unless Equestria wanted to send one to them, and that seemed les likely. Or at least less practical, as they were already so far along with things.

7 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"We did have one guest come visit Equestria, but she'd not undead.  She's just as lively as I am,"

"𝔾𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟. 𝕎𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕕, 𝕚𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤. 𝕀𝕗 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕓𝕖, 𝕡𝕡𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠𝕠, 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖, 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕛𝕦𝕕𝕘𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥.

ℕ𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖, 𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕖? 𝔹𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕪𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕪 𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕛𝕦𝕕𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤."

If the others could hear the conversation, Grave would look at Rising, and shake her head, clearly stating via this that she did not want to go back again. A point that had been reiterated several times. Though if they could not, she would continue to wander around the room, and examine the place. she wouldn't pick anything up, but she'd look at things, certainly. Sometimes very closely.

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

 

@abrony-mouse

In the wilderness, far off the beaten path, sat a tent, with a smoldering campfire. The coals were getting colder, yet a little amount of smoke still rose from it.

The campsite overlooked an old, overgrown heap of a temple. Were it not for the small hole overlooking near the top, one would hardly be able to tell this were not just a hill, rather than a half-submerged temple of unknown origins. Somepony must have been there before.

And somepony were indeed there. Sprayed out in front of the tent, shaking in cold sweat, laid a stallion.

His hat laid on the ground, whilst his jacket were in tatters. Judging by the long cut on the side, it seemed somewhat obvious that he had been hit by something, or some creature. And whatever it had been, might have been poisonous, as the cold sweat and twirling were not making him look good.

There were a selection of herbs and a mortal nearby, along with water, and a few odds and ends, so he appeared to have been ready to fix this himself. It appeared he had passed out before getting far though, and as such, whatever were afflicting him, were ransacking through him. It were probably nothing lethal, but it seemed obvious that it were not pleasant, and it left him very vulnerable. Considering the area had some predators in it, that were not a good thing.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

On 1/8/2021 at 3:47 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“Communication is the best way to connect others and make friendships. At least that what my parents told me” Tepe said.

“And Friendship is Magic” Windy added, her eyes looking up, blinking, and smiling as if making her look cute “Oh, I always believed in that quote"

Tepe looked at her “I think I've heard that before but I don't know where” for a long time of wondering around Equestria, he has forgotten whoever said that quote.

"Friendship actually is magic in Equestria. It's one of the magic schools we have, though I don't know how it works really. Unicorn studies were more for most of my cousins. I had to learn how to fly instead, which were fun too. The pegasi that lives near us, gets really competitive, so they push for us to really give it our all."

And she wasn't kidding. That place held several races, and as such they bet on most everything when it came to flying. Including who had the fastest student, and which one could fly the highest. Wingspan were also measures, which were at least one bet she had won for her trainer. One of the only ones though, as she wasn't a massively strong mare, nor the fastest among them.

"It's still a nice sentence. I think I heard the princesses said that at some point? I could've sworn I read it somewhere at least... Well, doesn't really matter, I guess. The sentence is nice, no matter who first said it."

Sorrow would chug down more of her drink, and now start to wipe the sweat off her brow, with the napkin. It were starting to stop pippling forth, so she could finally do this properly. Her tongue were still feeling a little rough tough, but hopefully the desert would help that. Where they should have ordered three. The staff could think about that what they wanted.

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

 

@Windy Breeze @Califorum @Kujamih

On 1/8/2021 at 3:47 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“We are pleased by your generosity, but no need, we have a map” Luna's horn turn light blue, the same color of her cutie mark, and a map- no, a map which looks straight out of a sci-fi fiction appears out of thin air, looking more like a blue holorgram but with shimmering white sparkles dancing in it.

"Uuuh, Holographic map. Very impressive work that is. Pretty detailed too.

My great-uncle tried making one of these once. He ended up scorching his mustache right off his face, but the theory were still solid. I really should pull out that blueprint one of these days, and check it out... What were I saying again? Right, right. This here is dang impressive. Pure magic I take it? Or are you engineers of a kind too?"

He'd still smile, and be a little flirty, but for some reason... He just weren't feeling it. Why were that? Usually he liked seeing some fine mares like this. And at least one of these two sounded like they might have some smarts too, if this weren't pure magic. They hadn't yet hit him either, so that might mean they didn't find him utterly repulsive either, so what gave.

...It was Her, wasn't it? Gosh darn it. Why were it that he had to meet Void again? Such a tall build. That nervous nature. Such curvy... Eyes. Creative and brilliant in her own way too, judging by how impressive that glass eye of hers were, which he had learned were self made. On the road no less. No small feat for once who had to self teach this sort of craft.

Sure he had met other mares - hay, he were talking to two now - but ergh... It just wasn't the same. He kept comparing them to her, and finding them lacking somehow.

And of course, he were not with a lot of luck with Void. She hadn't beaten him of or anything, but that little powder-keg of a sister she had. Ho-boy, she liked bashing him around. Though granted, he deserved it a lot of the times, and he knew it. If he didn't think he deserved it, he'd probably have some choice words, or pressed charges for assault.

Did this mean he loved her, or just had a current ideal? Were it that unattainability, due to the way she acted, and how her sis were immensely overprotective, that intrigued him? He didn't know, and this sure meant there were something to think about here. Maybe he should lay off flirting with these two all together, while he thought on it?

...Nah. Might just be a temporary feeling, and it didn't hurt knowing where he stood with others right now. Currently, he were still single, and ready to mingle. And to hopefully not be thrown into a container, or slapped again. They'd see where this went.

Molotov would stand and wait to see what they'd respond, before turning briefly to answer the big one. The *human*, as she called herself.

On 1/8/2021 at 1:39 AM, Califorum said:

"Now we are talking civilized again. It surprises me in such a place as this one can create A.I. technology. I have been to many worlds and dimensions, so I have seen it all. And as for your other questions, filly, a Hellcat is a type of vehicle. However that specific type of vehicle could transform into a dragonfly...he had access to one of my weaknesses that makes him so dangerous. I hope I killed him."

"I dunno about all that murder talk, but I'll have you know that I do have functioning AI working. Took me most of my life, and 1572 failed attempts, before I finally cracked it. I'm sure Felecia is gonna pop out to check up on things soon enough, so if you see a giant, metallic spider, don't get defensive, or try hurting her, alright?"

"Killing is bad. You should try and be friends instead of doing nasty things to eachother."

Blitz would take over there, and put her perspective on things. Which were mostly what she kept thinking: That you shouldn't try and kill others. Scare them off sometimes? Sure. But killing was bad! It were the sort of thing nasty trouble-heads did. Unless she were some sort of hero, and it was a foe to vanquish? *gasp* A hero from another world? So cool!

On 1/8/2021 at 1:39 AM, Califorum said:

She looks at the filly and Blitz, hugging the filly closer. "I can turn into whatever I want, whenever I want...within reason of course. I utilize this ability at a maximum capacity. It seems I will have to blend in here..." she said and backed off.

With a red flash and shifting forms, Cali stood there...as a pony. A deep blue coat, a cutie mark of a key unlocking a lock. Her hair was an orange-red tone, her eyes also red with black framed glasses. She was a unicorn mare and stood there, as if trying to amaze them.

One who were now also a pony! This one just got more and more cool!

"Oooh, ooh. You're really good at doing *poof* Tranformation! Kinda like a changeling. Do you eat emotions too?"

If she did, she'd likely get indegestion from being near Blitz, as she were oozing it off of her, more or less.

On 1/8/2021 at 3:47 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Blue would glance at Cali, just in time for the latter to turn into a mare, her shy demeanor quickly vanished replaced by awe, she spread and wings and flew at Cali's unicorn form “Whoa, you can also shape shift!? I have heard Changelings can didguise but not a bipedal creature” she reached out a hoof and began to rub Cali's fur “Ooh, even the fur is nice too"

"Uhuh. She were real smooth before, and she'd all cuddly and hug-pudgy now."

Blitz would rub her head on the now-mare's front leg, and felt the more familiar coat, over the bare skin, rub against her mane. Still nice and hug worthy, but she'd wait a teensie bit to do that.

As everypony seemed to be on her then, Molotov would shrug, and turn to Light. Somepony had to remember he were here, right? Might as well be him. The females were having a big ol' chatter anyway.

On 1/8/2021 at 1:28 PM, Kujamih said:

Light crouched down and patted the kids head and said. " Mistah shiny?..." Light smiled at the filly. "Your machine is very impressive! A very impressive inventor indeed." Blitz was pleased at Lights comments. 

" You just need a little bit more experience and guidance from your brother and you'd be much more better... No out class your brother!.. don't tell him that okay?... That'll be our little secret."  Blitz smiled and giggled at Lights remarks. " Excuse me while i talk to your brother miss Blitz."

"Don't feel bad for her not responding to you mate, she'll get around to it. Just a lot of new folks here now, and sis is a bit scatter-brained.

You're probably right in her outshining me someday though. In her own department, anyway. I'm more of a robotics stallion. Blitz are a lot like grandpa. Fireworks and explosives. Heh, if you could see the list of protocols we had to put up back home, in case we couldn't find her... The things she sometimes snuck off to make were really something.

Can't let her be in the kitchen either. Literally seen her somehow explode the whole thing, in less than ten seconds. Amazing she only ended up in a full body cast really.

Anyway, think you can shed some light on what you're doing here? The ladies are talking, so we might as well get the boring chat out of the way, eh? Preferably before Felicia pops out. She doesn't like it when she doesn't know what's going on. Security AI's, you know? Have a life of her own, but still have that baseline program to consider.

Did you two pop up because of the portal or something? It didn't rip you out of your dimension, right? I got a lot of things working, but not interdimensional travel sort of things. Hay, that power source sis nicked, were supposed to be for a fountain. Gonna haver to scrap that one and start over."

@abrony-mouse

I will make the setting soon enough. I have a lot of posts to do today, so it will be some time before you see it, along the others.  

@abrony-mouse

...Honestly curious what'd happen if you rolled that dice, though I do think she'd have fun as you say, using her survival techniques. Not often to do that with Brittle and Briar, as he does not get ill like ponies, as he is not a fleshy being. And Brittle wouldn't trust something made by another, unless Briar gave it to her. Might make that troubling.

I say we start with Billowing. If it does not work, it can always switch over later on.

@Galaxical Phoenix 

2 hours ago, Galaxical Phoenix said:

aahsjsjchwncuhwcuydhfh sorry I haven’t posted lately, I just got off winter break so I haven’t found the time to write anything up (like... all week... heq) but hopefully I can get to that this weekend

(And hopefully I won’t disappear for a week again (disclaimer: I probably will ;-;))

All in due time mate. All in due time.  Have to enjoy your free time when it happens after all. And we got some folks that's around sparingly. It ain't much of an issue, when it is a one on one. ^^

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

 

@abrony-mouse

Alright then. Adventurers of some sort it is. And there's no reason they can't run into the Macabre Clan (Sorrow's family) at some point in the future. As said, there's a fair deal of them around. Maybe it'll even give me the chance to meddle around some more with Mourners Puppet at some point... Hmm, evil plans to consider. 

Now then, it's still up to you to decide on whom to go with, but I think in either situation, it would be simplest to go with the most obvious: That she met them on the road.

In the case of Billowing, I'd say that it wouldn't be a bad introduction to run into him as he were stumbling around rather delusional, and looking like he weren't in the best state of mind. Maybe he'd randomly pop in from the side of a road, somewhere less travelled, and she'd run into him there. Perhaps she'd stumble upon a camp he had made in the wilderness, and find that by hearing him groan in pain. Nothing lethal, but the sort where it'd be good to have someone keep an eye on him for a few hours, until the worst passed him by.

Usually he's more careful than to be stung by something toxic, but he's had a rough time in recent weeks, and thought an adventure would help put his mind off it. It helped some, but he got careless and injured by something. Fuchsia running into him and helping him, would make him very grateful, and indebted to her, which would be a way that she could have an in for a room in his mansion. He'd owe her at least shelter for assisting him, and perhaps they could then expand from there, and learn that they had a want for exploration in common, and plan a trip somewhere. It'd also give you an introduction to Sorrow's family, as his mansion caretaker is Sorrow's father, Grim Dawn. No medium powers, but he could still prove informative, if she had questions.

They could also meet in Canterlot at a restaurant, or a burger bar somewhere. Potentially a shop dealing with the sort of gear you'd need for exploration. He still mingles with the general populace after all. And they could fall into talk, figure they have a combined want for adventure, and they could then decide to try and have one together. He'd welcome the company, and if she needed a place to keep some things while it were, he have a place with fine security, and the room for it in spades. And after a fun adventure, he'd likely have learned enough about her to understand that she needed a place to stay, and could offer her a room, as well as something to do between explorations, to earn some spending bits. Nothing like a good adventure to bond after all.

As for Brittle and Briar, they could meet anywhere. Most of the time, they are in the wilderness, or in smaller hotel rooms, as Briar is trying to get her more accustomed to crowds of beings. Canterlot is a big test, if she'd want them to meet there, but if Brittle felt like trying, they could be somewhere, and would likely catch her eye, seeing as they are rather odd. A *pony* wandering around with closed eyes, followed by a clearly scared changeling, nearly clinging to him? Not something you see every day. Though they wouldn't be in places with too many. More like down minor alleys, or at the outskirts, for easier escape. Just in case it becomes too much for Brittle.

He's more than happy to speak with others, and encourages Brittle to try as well, with mixed results. He is also politely rude to those being mean towards her, for what she is, if that makes sense. Generally speaking, flashing them a big, toothy grin, and informing them that their opinions are not wanted, and they would be wise to move along. If they then continue, a vine will then pop out, and he'll more insistently tell them to vacate his presence, lest they feel like getting clamped and thrown away. Usually no one sticks around after that warning.

In the wild, they could meet for any number of reasons. Though as he is a predator, as well as a protector, she may find him by following the smell of blood, wafting through the air. Then find him crouched above a boar for example, which he is taking some healthy bites out of, while Brittle waits nearby. Or near a river, if she needs to refill her canteen. He gets most of his meat via fish, so it'd be easier, and she'd likely have questions when a vine suddenly bursts from beneath his cape, and jabs into the river to catch one. It'd be rather unsusual.

Anyway, pick either, and we can start something. Replying to things today (I write every second day in the RP) so if you answer today, I can likely have a response up for ya before week's end.

@Rising Dusk

Did somepony say... Boop?

@Illiad Easle

Good to see this is up.

As we discussed, I would like to add in Briar Trapjaw, and Brittle Buzz.

To summarize it here for everyone, I will give a description of each, starting with Brittle, as hers is the shortest.

Brittle is a changeling, hatched from a damaged egg, that somehow got in possession of a freak show circus. Either due to the damage, or the lack of proper care/education from other changelings, she is currently incapable of controlling her transformative powers, though she have learned how to fly and use basic telekinesis. She does not fly more than a half meter above ground though, out of fear of standing out.

Fear drives her every move. The circus treated her horribly. Putting her in arenas where they made other performers scare her, or used varied objects or stunts to do so as well, to cause her to go into rampant transformations. Her only break from this, were between performances, when she'd be locked in a cage with a heavy cloth covering it. If she wanted to get emotions to eat, she'd have to go into the arena, so even if it were torture for her, she had to go back again and again. Feeding to survive, while her self worth and perception of others darkened.

Briar saved her from this, when he came across the circus, found this act disgusting, and broke her out of the cage she were in. He told her to go home, and then proceeded to *educate* the circus owners on his opinion.

She ran off, having no home, or anything to work with, but just knowing she did not want to stay there. After running for a few months, and only going into smaller towns at night, when no one were awake, to rummage for things in the trash cans and scrape what love she could get to, without breaking in anywhere, she'd eventually run into Briar again, near Ponyville. After she eventually told him that she had no home, or knew what to do with herself, he lamented his decision to let her run off, before she could explain herself, and took it upon himself to act as her protector, and legal guardian. He aims to help her get self esteem, find trust in others, and eventually, begin to see that the world is kinder than what she have gotten to know it as. And may every deity protect those who tries to harm her. He does not take kindly to that.

As she does not have anything resembling a good start of life with other creatures - seeing them either tormenting her, or laughing down at her from the stands - she inherently does not trust any creature, and constantly fears they are going to hurt her. You can see it in her stance, as she most often looks at others with her head near the floor, and peering upwards. Like an abused dog, thinking it is about to get hit. She also shakes, stutters a lot, and if she gets intimidated enough, or her emotions peaks in some fashion, she undergoes a randomized full or partial transformation. Rarely a beneficial one. She reverts to this *base form* when her nerves have calmed down enough.

She have the regular changeling holes, and a changeling horn, but the creator I used at the time couldn't make that. So imagine them there.  And yes, she does have the hair and tail, as well as spotty colored exoskeleton. She does not know her true, actual baseline changeling form, and for some reason it have settled on this. That is what Briar thinks is the reason anyway.

Now then, as for Briar... Here is a lengthy one, but the backstory is important to understand the interaction between his kind, and that of ponies, as well as his stance on certain things, view on Brittle, etc. Also, some repetition will be there with what is said about Brittle, as I am copying to save time.

He is about 25 years old, and his kind lives on average about one and a half times as long as a regular equine, if old age is what gets them.

He's what is referred to, as an Evergrown. A race with a short history, spanning only around 600 years, before the crisis, with the first reported cases coming from a vast jungle, that one day suddenly sprouted in the midst of a desert, far south from Equestria. Though in the years following, they were found in other places too, including primarily Equestria, and a few nearby countries with fertile dirt, and always around large, magical trees, where they build their villages around.

They're made entirely of plant matter, with their hides usually being bark and moss, with straw-like hair, random vegetation growth, depending on the tribe and sub species, and root like hooves. The flower they all have in their hair, are the source of their magic, like unicorns have, and are nature based. It can function like telekinesis, but is weaker than the raw arcane power of unicorns, and as such, in an even fight, a unicorn would beat them handily. They also have a rather special ability running through them, yet that will be covered in the history following this. So will why Briar have sharp teeth, despite his kind normally having normal flat ones, more suitable for eating vegetables.

Back in the day, they were very social, and as a young race, curious to interact with the world around them. As they were close in looks with ponies, that were the race they connected with the most, and for a time, things went well. The two had no issues living in harmony, and especially the earth ponies welcomed them favorably, as it were shown that they had a skill for making plants grow, since the *blood* that ran through them, are actually a highly nutrient packed fertilizer, that can cause plants to grow incredibly fast. A drop alone, could cause a seed to sprout into a full grown corn cob plant, with ripe cobs on the stilks. As the Evergrown had little to offer otherwise, they were willing to drain small portions and trade with the ponies, in exchange for knowledge, and varied goods. Though only minor portions, as much like with blood, they'd die if they lost too much.

This would end being the downfall of their relation. Some ponies became too greedy, and wanted to make a mint selling this fertilizer, or to simply grow their fields better than any of their neighbors. As such, some evergrown began to get kidnapped and drained to a husk, while the black market and some greedy farmers, got well off from their deaths. Princess Celestia, and leaders of other countries they were well established in, attempted to mend fences with the obviously outraged tribes, but their trust had been broken, and soon enough, they all retracted to their villages, shrouded them off in illusions, and separated themselves fully from the lives of the Equines. As few had been allowed into their villages to begin with, it weren't many who could even point to where to start looking for them again, and the ones who tried, or had been in their towns when they fled from equine society, were never heard from again. Some were killed, and others were merely told they could never leave, which means there is a few family lines of equines within a few select tribes. Before the crisis.

That is their backstory though, and it took place centuries before the crisis. Whoever is left now, will have had no chance but to run away from their villages, carrying what seeds from the great trees they could, and huddle with the ponies, hoping to survive both them, and the war. Those who remains are praying to the earth mother that one day, it will be over, and they can regrow their kind once more. Though on the plus side, they're getting along better with the other races now. Necessity to work together can do wonders, and their ability can come in great handy when there is a need for food. Long as a balance is struck, of course.  

As for Briar, he's from the epicenter far down south, where the first tree one bloomed (Yes, my draconequui made them. No, they are not aware, and have never had contact with her. Frankly, she have long since forgotten). There, they have three sub species of evergrown:

The Lotus Casters, who are the ones they have that are strongest in magic, and also have the biggest flowers. They are seen as the higher ups, and general leaders of their kind. New one who are born like this, are raised up as leaders and general *nobility*.

Vinemasters. They're known by the outgrowths on their back, which hides long tendril like vines within their hides, that they use to move things around with. Think a little like Doctor Octopus, except the arms are vines, and the grippers are sturdy, leathery flower petals. These are usually their builders, who tend to work on keeping their town intact and flourishing.

Simmerbarks: The muscle of the tribe. Thicker bark, larger in size, and with tough outgrowths on their hooves to hit hard and mercilessly, if need be. They are their protectors, and deal with any perceived threat. Be it within, or outside of the village.

However, there is also a rare chance, that when one of them grow from the great trees, (parents add a fertilized seed to the trees, which then gets absorbed, and in time, a pod will fall from the tree, containing their offspring), it will be a mutated variant. Carnivorous and blind, these mutations are dubbed Snaproots, and they are considered the lowest of their society. Usually the parents disown them instantly when they are seen, and they are thrown into the pit along with the rest of them, where they go through the days, desperately seeking out any sliver of sunlight that comes their ways, and snap at the few meals headed down their way.

They are treated as such, so that in time, when one of the others in town comes to pick one up to use as a menial worker, or servant (more or less a slave), they will be eager to follow, and do whatever they can to please their owners, so that they are not returned. So too were it with Briar, who is a mutated Vinemaster, and as such, can work like one. One of their bulder leaders picked him out, and set him to do hard, grueling work day in and day out, with no complaining from Briar's side. Though to try and incentivize him to work harder, the master that picked him, would on occasions, compliment him on a job well done, if he worked exceedingly hard, and even gave him a name. Something that were rare for their kind, as they were seen more as things, than members of their society.

In time, the master died, and one of the lotus casters, took over Briar. She stood tall in town, and proclaimed Briar as her property, stripped him of his name, and loudly proclaimed that if anyone referred to her thing as an individual again, they would be punished. As he had gotten used to have some sort of personality, he grew bold, and struck her in the head with one of his vines, causing her to tumble down from the balcony, and towards the ground. She were saved though, sad as that were.

She wanted him to be burned to his very core for daring to hurt her, but the Grove Mother, who lead them, proclaimed that they would not stoop to such savagery. Instead, Briar had several colored rings grafted into his legs and tied around his neck, before he were exiled. As they saw the outside world as a violent, dangerous place, it were seen as the harshest punishment one could give their own kind, and the circles would mark him as a criminal, if he ever tried to return.

He'd stumble out of the jungle and around areas for a while, before one day, running across an elderly stallion, who took pity of the confused, scared predatory creature, and took him in. Over the next few years, he'd teach Briar how to behave, build his confidence, and vastly increased his vocabulary. As the pony had once been a higher up from Equestria, who tired of city life, the words Briar have learned from him, does tend to come off as rather high society because of it, though with a kind nature to it. Unless he have to warn others off.

Eventually, the old pony died, and Briar made his way into the world to explore. After burying his friend that were, in as traditional a way for Equines as he were able to.

Years later, after crossing into the lands of Equestria, he'd stumble upon the circus, release Brittle, and in time, meet her again. Though when he did, he found her clinging to him, begging him to not leave her again. When she managed to slowly tell him what had gone on, and how she did not know of a life outside the circus, nor had any home to run to, he embraced her, and swore that he would keep her safe, and never leave her again. At the point of the crisis, he would have maintained that oath for two years.

Brittle is not well, frankly. She can barely talk above a whisper, she walks with her head held low to the floor when others address her, and look up at them like a scared dog, expecting to be beaten. She also rarely veers far from Briar's side, who does his work as her protector, and tried his best to slowly make her able to see that there are good in the world, and build her confidence, as his once had been. Though he is soft spoken and kind, his large, razor-sharp teeth and vines, can work well in being both intimidating, and effective to fight with, if need be. And though he cannot see, he moves mostly fluently around regardless, as he can feel out the world around him, and guide himself by that feeling, and sounds. Though he have issues registering plates of metal, unless they are creaking, or the wind hits them from a good direction, so he does at times hit his head on shop signs.

I know it seemed like he have eyes, but there are only eyelids. If he opened up, there is literally just a blank, green surface, and no sockets. There's no hope of him seeing like others do.

Also, he does not eat ponies or the like. He have sworn that he will not eat higher sentient beings, even if he does need proteins, and will voluntarily rather starve, than even nibble on the carcass of say, a pony. As for the vines, they are spread around his body when inside, and when he extends them, the varied smaller vines, intertwine to make a sturdy, bigger one on either side, stretching upwards of two and a half meters. Sorta like a braid, I suppose.

And a last point I just remembered, the cape is there to hide the two flower buds on his back (one on each side) that the vines are connected to. He figures the sharp teeth already puts others off, and he does what he can to hide both features if he just wanders around, experiencing things. It causes less questions, though if some start getting close, and asking questions, he is more than happy to answer any they may have. He figures the more knows of his kind, the better the chance of one day, having them return to the world they cut themselves off from.

As for their contributions: Brittle can do little, but she will try and help out, if she's not surrounded by others. Yet she will not be able to find the strength to work if she cannot be close to Briar, as she'd simply be too fearful around strangers, without having him there. Briar however, are more than happy to work her part too if need be, and due to his vine, and general build, are a good menial worker. Whatever other way he can be utilized, he will abide by too, as long as it does not cause his death, or too much stress for Brittle to witness. It is generally advised to either have her confined in a room somewhere, while he work, or have them work together, with little interaction with others at first. She'll need time to deal well with others. Especially after going on this odd trip, after monsters suddenly attack everywhere.

Briar will hold the thig they might find most valuable though: His blood. Due to its properties, it could help tremendously for helping growing the food they'd need, and he will oblige to having this essence drained from him, in reasonable quantities. Give him some time between harvests, and he could provide this technically indefinitely. Though keep in mind that he does need proteins, but that can also come from bugs. So he'll need some sort of sustained meat source for vital proteins and vitamins, or a specialized supplement of some kind. He needs roughly what amounts to a regular sized bass, every four days. If harvesting his essence is important, he can speed up the recovery of this a little, by getting more meat, or the correct supplements. Not overly much so though, but every little helps.

So yeah... There you go. As discussed with you some weeks ago, Illiad, and now for everyone else to see. ^^ If there are any questions by anyone, feel free to ask.

@Illiad Easle

Excellent. I will reply to it shortly. I were planning on doing that, and making a post earlier, but then the site went down. :/ I'll give you a post tomorrow, and then one Sunday as well to compensate. <3

Done posting in the OOC of the other one then. Copied most of the Briar one, and added some more specific for Brittle. We'll see how folks take it.