Props Valroa

I've already stated many times what I would change - so I will list off to the best of my ability what I would change off of what memory serves me.

What I would change about MLP G4:

- Never have the school of friendship or student 6.
- Never have Grogar be Discord in Season 9.
- Write Sombra's character differently. Avoid that squeaky sounding voice, make him sound like a true intimidating force of darkness. Also have Radiant Hope in the actual show itself as a supporting character.
- Never have the Changelings be reformed and maintain them as villains.
- Give Twilight some sort of other Official title. I know it's a show about Friendship, but making that a title seems a little strange to me.
- In general have more backstory and characterization for the other villains.
- Not abandon Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara and keep them as occurring secondary characters. 
- Make the later 2 seasons something that focuses more on background characters. The Mane 6 were starting to get a bit rusty in terms of plots they could be involved in that were interesting. Slowly retire the Mane 6, but do not start a new Mane 6.
- Keep Starlight as a villain in the show. IF she is to be reformed, she must have actual punishment for what her crimes were. Re-write her backstory completely, it made zero sense at all.
- Explore more about the setting and explicitly state that Equestria is a country, not the world - and explore more about other nationalities in the show including the Kirin.

What I would change about MLP G5:

- Completely make it in a new Universe with no connections to G4 at all. Keep the same cast and general plot idea.
- Make it more similar to appearance to G4. Sorry, the G5 style hasn't really grown on me at all. I prefer G4.
- Explain more about the setup and why the world is what it is.
- Feature other species more frequently.
- Completely re-do the Dragons and have them not look like ponies at all. They have terrible designs.
- No TYT or Make Your Mark at all. Have a regular 20 minute 2D show with proper seasons and episodes.
- No airing it on Netflix exclusively. Have it on Youtube for easy access and air it on TV as well.

What I would change about Transformers:

- Have Revenge of the Fallen - but do not kill off Jetfire.
- Dark of the Moon is different, without Cybertron somehow appearing next to the Earth which makes no sense at all even in a movie format.
- Transformers Last Knight and Age of Extinction are never made - instead, there would be two different movies. In Last knight's place, could potentially still have Lockdown but some other plot based around the conflict the Transformers are in. Definitely would take it off-Earth and have them actually go to Cybertron in the movies. 
- Unicron would still exist, and he would be the Earth itself - to put it one way like in Transformers Prime.
- Have a definite end to the Live-Action Transformers Movie Saga - with a whole Autobot-Decepticon alliance to defeat Unicron, with Megatron and Optimus fighting as brothers and making peace, with the end of the war being something written into Movie Canon. 
- Have a Shattered Glass Movie in which a character from the "positive" universe is transferred into the Shattered Glass Universe.
- Have a dedicated movie towards the Rise of the Decepticons. 
 

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

 

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"You could likely run a smear campaign, but I doubt it would do much. Phantasma has the adoration of many. They'll either end up ignoring what she may have done, or just believe it rumors with no facts to it. Or believe all she did, were fort he good of the kingdom. She's good at getting the populace on her side.

Nopony seems to like Shade, with the most glowing compliment I ever heard about him, being that he's at least effective. You might be able to make him act less publicly, but I don't think he'd care about that enough to make him stop chasing you. At least I don't think there's much of a reason for him to worry about being seen and pointed out, when he can literally move through shadows.

But that's just what I can gather. It isn't as if we'd ever move in the same social circles. Mayhap Troy would know more, but I don't want to get involved in whatever dealings you want to have with them. Whatever secrets you wish to share with them, in exchange for goods or favors, are not things I want to know."

In large parts because he believed those information, were not come by kindly. It would be tainted in blood, and the more he learned of Spectra, from wandering around with her, the more he were faced with the fact that said blood, were indiscriminately drawn. A fact that made him feel further dread, but this pit in his stomach were something he doubted he'd be rid off, anytime soon. Not when he didn't even have his girls with him anymore, to bring him some modicum of comfort.

Spectra would offer a cruel smile towards Operata. "I'm not going to tell you where I got such information, or how I got it - but should I get into that position of bargaining, I will know exactly what to offer the Trojans. My current plan is this. We'll get into Troy, offer them what I have access to, some of it in exchange for high amounts of protection and security. If not that - then it would be a place to where Equestrians would not be able to come to me. And if they are, I expect they would likely use some sort of Anti-Magic field to cease my connection to my quarry, something fast and sudden would be what would be required. I know I would likely be able to destroy them in open combat, and they probably know that as well, so I already know what is likely - if they are able to come to find me." she said to Operata.

"Not just about me. We are a package deal now. You Me, Yuma, and the Construct. Where we go one, we go all." Spectra's gaze narrowed a bit to make her point felt by Operata.

 

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"They will still see a testament to whom they have to blame for this, real face or not. A symbol of whom hurt them, and tore deeply into their country. Congratulations on becoming the next Discord, I suppose. Except you're not trapped in your statue."

The *Yet* part at the end, would hang silently in the air, though he wouldn't mind if that became actual. It wasn't as if she did not deserve such treatment, after all she had done. Though of course, Discord got out again, eventually. It'd likely be best if she did not. Maybe put her statue with her in it, down into a giant block of cement, and toss it somewhere where nature would not undo the work, with any ease?

*sigh* He knew it wouldn't happen. The statue were likely to e moved to a museum eventually, along with the story of that villainess, at some point after they had defeated her. Or she'd win, and she'd make the construct craft her more, to parade around her palace. Either way, he did not expect this statue to be used for anything overly important. He also had nothing else to say for now, lest she brought something up, or something would block their path eventually. Or they reached the point where they were told they had to carry the boat in a path away from Deltrot, to avoid the main city. It were on the map, and in the distance too.

"A statue filled with fire ants, I ho- Wait, what the hay is that thing?!"

It appeared that Yuma had not only reappeared, but now finally managed to see through what were once her own eyes. And she had seen the construct out of it, which were a bizarre monster to her. Likely a lackey of this horrible creature that had killed her, that she were now seemingly haunting.

Spectra would smirk more at what was stated in her direction. "All the more reason for them to believe and follow me. After all, Spectral Fade was the one to bring misery to them - not Aurum Arcana. Names are a good tool to do one's bidding. The populace of Equestria is kept in blissful ignorance of their world. Their governments dealings. Plus, they don't even know their own wars, or their own borders of the country in most cases. It is the Alicorns that have held them back. I would be happy with deposing the Alicorns and just having Troy come in and take over Equestria completely, actually - let them deal with all the headache that would bring them, while I give them many things that would be otherwise priceless." Spectra chuckled. "Too many of my stature want Power, but they do not want the responsibility that comes with wielding it. Neither do I. I just want the credit, and I just want them to be under another's rule so that the Alicorns and their admirers are kicked into the dustbin of history where they belong." Spectra huffed.

"That's my Construct. Now you can finally see the world! Great! We are on our way to Troy, as you no doubt know by now! I got my hooves on it after it fell out of a rift in between dimensions when fighting against the ancient incarnation of Malevolence, true story." Spectra said to Yuma within her mind now that she had adjusted to the current context that was the present situation. Spectra would look down at her hooves, so that Yuma could see that she were trapped inside of her own body.

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(Spoiled Rich)

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"He assured me that they would make use of materials and building techniques this time, that would ensure that even if a fire did break out, it would be unable to consume the house. I believe he might have found it a stab to his pride as it were, that the last one caught up in flames in the first place. I will make sure to ask further into things, as the building goes along, and run the information around with another professional as needed, to make sure that the claim holds true."

It wouldn't look well, to have 2 houses in the same place, burn down to a crisp. Not even thinking about the costs and reputation, it would give the more superstitious members of high society, a reason to consider the place cursed, and thus it could become harder to have gatherings, collect funding for various things, keep friends in general- Various things that in and by themselves did little, but as a whole, would cause annoyance and problems for Spoiled Rich and her family. Best that would not end up being the case.

Also, the resale value would plummet, and that tended to cause a slew of other problems. Certain ponies who did not want the property values to go down, could become quite troubling, if they had something to gang up on, and focus down.

 

Spoiled Rich was quite satisfied with this explanation and knew that Clayton would be able to provide the best services possible. "Since we are dealing with a threat to national security, perhaps it was some sort of magical fire. Might be something to bring up with him at some point. As of right now though, there isn't much else to add about this matter. I shall see how it progresses." she said, not having much else to say about it for now. To her, all that mattered was that this construction effort wouldn't move without a hitch. Matters of national security or threats at Equestria doesn't matter to her in this respect. She will take advantage of any available time to have what she desires constructed. Nothing was going top her.

 

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Much as she were a stern mother, in the eyes of many, she were still Tiara's mother. It were only natural that she would miss her presence eventually, even if she weren't gonna run around and bawl her eyes out to everypony in town. That weren't suited for a young filly, that were above most others in social status. Spoiled would likely end up seeing an emotional daughter when she returned, as well as husband. He had been worn down a bit by all the things that happened after she went missing, including now being a single parent for the last almost three years. With the added stress of having to look into funeral arrangements for a ceremonial burial in a few months, when his wife would be declared legally dead, he were getting some sleepless nights, and found himself losing some of the hope he once had, that she'd eventually return back to them. And that were not even touching on his worries for the future, especially regarding Tiara, whom he had at times believed were getting a somewhat bad influence from her mother, but still, she also had a good impact on making their filly a stronger, more self-reliant pony. Without her, how would Tiara turn out later? Especially when she'd hit her hormonal teenage years, where he wouldn't know what to do.

Then of course, there were the leeches that had come out of the bushes, but he did his to try not to think about them. It just made him angry.

As for the lawyer... He would give Rich a bit of time to read the letter. He had brought it in the documents, because he believed it would be good for her, to see that her family did actually miss her, and weren't just looking forward to reaping the benefits. A little time to ponder that, would likely be good for her.

"Your husband is still the sole proprietor of your estate, in case you did get declared dead. He would have the legal right to make a claim against any inheritance you might have in your will, if he looks at them unfavorably. I have seen enough of them though, to believe that you going missing, and then seeing your family left behind, have also made some develop sympathy. Others I suspect, are just bidding their time, and won't make a large fuss until what they thought were the day, when the will would be read out.

Your cousins Money Bags and Time Matters, have been consistent in contacting me on occasion though, to just hear if I had any news about you, in ways that made it clear that they remain worried about you, and hope you return. I've not had a single request for anything of value from either of them. Just wants for news, and asking me to send their best to your husband and filly. I believe they will be genuinely happy to see you are still alive, Madame Rich."

It were cousins on two different branches of the family, with Money Bags being just a regular, high society socialite, and Time Matters from a part of the family tree that had a rougher time, but had pulled himself up and controlled a vast number of successful watch and jewelry stores, around Equestria. He were a hard working sort, that hadn't the most time back then, to go visit family for simply social calls, but he'd make the trip at times. As would Money Bags, though hers were more down to whenever she felt like it. She had enough inherited wealth, and business, that she never had to lift a hoof for anything, and neither would her offspring likely. A bit of a dingus, but a good hearted sort.

The cart flew over the far edges of the Everfree Forest by now. And on the other side of this vast expanse, would be her home and family, unsuspecting of the surprise that were coming their way.

It was certainly true, Spoiled Rich was someone with a stern personality - controlling even. Even though Spoiled was her stepmother, she loved Diamond in her own way. That included being very controlling with what associations Diamond was allowed to have - it was her duty to protect Diamond from those who seek to drag her down. The CMC and Silver Spoon were of that type in Spoiled's eyes. They were not worthy of her daughter's attention - but for whatever reason Diamond chose otherwise. With 3 years of absence, Spoiled shuttered to think about what decisions Diamond made without her. She knew there was no possibility of reigning it in, as she had been gone for three years. It would be a significant change for Spoiled to adjust to - if Diamond was hanging around questionable relations.

Then there is Filthy Rich. He is likely burnt out being a single father and not capable of giving Diamond the attention she needed. There were so many variables and issues here, it made Spoiled very frustrated to say the least. At least she had been declared alive and gotten the construction of her Estate in order. That was good. Now family relations was going to be another matter. It is more messy and complicated than a simple matter of finances. "Filthy Rich, when I return...he and I are having a long private talk. Money Bags and Time Matters...haven't heard much of them lately. Though, depends on what you consider lately." Spoiled Rich said rolling her eyes, her eyes seeming to narrow slightly as if trying to spot out Filthy Rich from all the way where they were. With that, her silence would likely be taken as her thinking over what to do. 

There was a lot for her to think about. At least Spoiled were satisfied with Legal Jargon's explanation.

 

There is a lot that was said in this thread that I agree with. I wouldn't say they've given up, but it certainly feels like they are not putting forth the effort it deserves. G5 can be good. Just look at the movie. Now it feels like they aren't pushing as hard for it. I have to be realistic and not expect too much. 

Has anyone else seen Frozen 2? It was made in 2019 and I saw it recently. I thought it was really good. I am curious what other people's thoughts are about it. I personally like the whole overall plot, but am not too much a fan of Elsa being made to live in another area instead of Erendelle. I found it to be rather funny but also somewhat deep, when the truth of the plot was revealed. 

23 minutes ago, Brony Number 42 said:

Read David Pullides Missing 411 and The Hoopa Project.

https://www.nabigfootsearch.com/TheHoopaProject.html

I've been watching his Bigfoot series. Almost to the end of it, plus, I watched all 3 of the Missing 411 movies. Glad to see there is someone else who is aware of his works here!

@Skylight Scintillate

"Well, it feels rather hotter than usual for me, I mean, but I can bear it." Lazulia said as she walked closer to Sweetie Belle. "Well the singing I liked, I don't really think dresses and fashion is my thing, but I don't mind it too much. The Sky Diving though, that was awesome." she giggled as she looked down at the white filly with an innocent smile.

@Rafa Stary

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• I believe in Aliens and Ghosts, I also believe in cryptids like the Bigfoot, Mothman or Werewolf, but for me they are all from another dimension or alien in origin, also that some demons from ancient mythologies such as Succubus and Incubus are actually the interpretation of ancient people on alien typologies (like, these aliens wore helmets with antennas, the people of that time interpreted those as horns)
• I don't have any religion, I do believe in God but it's not the same god from the Bible, I actually believe that there are several gods just like in the Japanese culture or Greek Mythology, and I think that some of these gods are actually aliens too 

You and me both. I don't believe in actual Gods, but believe they are Aliens who visited the planet and continue to visit now and then. I also think that Bigfoot is inter-dimensional in nature, because they've never found a body and tracks often lead to nowhere. There are probably places on the planet where the veil between dimensions is thinner, allowing things to come in and be seen occasionally from other dimensions. I think organized Religion comes from Stockholm syndrome of a time in our past when Aliens occupied the Earth and were seen as Gods, many thousands of years ago. 

If you want a good image of what I think Bigfoot looks like, I found some really good drawings by Harvey Pratt about this. Look up Harvey Pratt and you'll see he has done  good art of the subject matter!

@Sphinx-Ara @Skylight Scintillate @Samurai Equine 

Collapse would put her stuff by the window and sit on the bed near to Evelyn, the sunlight catching in her soft yellow fur and maroon mane as she sat there listening to their conversations. "I look forward to meeting Coco, Rarity and Suri. If we do find a Poltergeist or something strange what do we do with it?" Collapse asked, shuffling closer to Evelyn as she stretched and gave out a cute yawn. 

Proud Mac user and have been for over a year. 

@Blitz Boom

I threw in some information there for you to latch onto with Starswirl, you can feel free to add what you wanted - just gave you some of the outlines to work with. There isn't much else for me to interact with from this perspective, so giving some grounds for Starswirl's reactions, I thought would be interesting. Diaspora is Spectral Fade. 

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

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"Were it that simple, it would be more tolerable. But I know who three of them are.

The first is Captain Hailstorm. One of the more favored to take over as Solar Guard general now, after the last one that were meant to take over from General Dew, had his accident. He's highly efficient, but he is still a military pony. He is relatively predictable, in what he needs to prioritize. Those two however...

Shade Stealer. The leader of the Night Guard's special forces. Him and his workers stalk through shadows, and can literally jump out of one of them, and kidnap you, or assassinate you where you stand, in complete silence. He's a ruthless enemy, and I've long imagined that the only reason he haven't yet stabbed me in the back, is that he cares as little for the nobles as I do. He answers only to General Screecher, and if she wants something done, he will make it happen.

His counterpart is that fancy looking mare you see there. Glorious Phantasma. She is the leader of Solar Guard's special forces, and her looks are deceiving. Much as she portrays a far better public image than Shade, she is a far more cruel opponent to face. She's a master of hidden weapons, and enhanced interrogations. If she gets hold of you, it is not a matter of if you will talk, but when. Her team is renown3ed spies, and are good at getting stealthily hold of any target they are told to apprehend.

She might listen to the captain, long as their goals align, but is ultimately only answers of General Dew and Princess Celestia.

These two utterly despise one an other, so seeing them both on the same assignment, means that both the royal guards are interested in you. And this was before the explosion. At this time, you will have gotten infamous enough to getting the undivided attention of both of them, and thus the entire guard, that is not currently working on handling the aftermath of your actions. And that's not even talking about the Costal Guard spymaster, whom I am assuming are getting filled in as we speak. And I have nothing to say of that one, since I know next to nothing about them. Just the name Ocean Song. Which might just be a rumor spread by the Coastal Guard, to make others paranoid about what they can do.

Either way, the longer we stay in Equestria, the closer you will be to get stabbed from your own shadow."

Great. He thought maybe the military would be on them, and that perhaps they'd have mobilized their spies to work on them. But this meant that they had already been gathered for it beforehoof, and now they were there, and likely actively working to find them. Between the spy network that Phantasma had, and the skills of Shade and his crew, every second they spent in Equestria, had the potential of ending their trip abruptly.

Normally he would not want to be anywhere near either of them, but now... Maybe he deserved it, after all the things he had been involved in by this point. The last few days had made him an accomplice to several war crimes, and unspeakable fates towards innocents. And while after his wife's supposed death, he had done several cruel and horrendous things, that he hadn't thought he could once upon a time, and gotten so broken that he actually began to believe that he liked doing it, he had always targeted those who deserved it. He couldn't in good faith say that anymore. Not after what he had become part of.

He might not be able to just run off and surrender himself, but he were feeling an increasing hope, that the two of them would be found, before they crossed the border into Troy. Because when they got that far, it were unlikely that Equestria would come after them. The border situation were tense enough, without that sort of brazen invasion.

Spectra would listen closely as she directed the boat down the stream at a rather quick pace. Her brow furrowed as she sat back and listened, Yuma's body shuffling about as she sat there and crossed her hooves. It was likely somewhat off-putting to see her sitting like this, sitting there like she owned the place in such a casual manner. Yuma's body was definitely a lot stronger and more robust than Spectra, taller too. Spectra would easily be able to hold her own a lot more in a physical confrontation with this body - with all the spells to back up her newfound Earth Pony Strength.

These individuals that were spoke of to her - the best of the best in the Solar Guard. That was a problem. Even more reason for them to get out of Equestria. Spectra would lean back slightly as she pumped more power into the speed spell for the boat. It was enough to make a noticeable difference in terms of speed - without making the boat unstable or risking one of them being thrown out. As Spectra listened, she made sure to keep a keen eye on the waters ahead - occasionally shifting their path to avoid obstacles or to stay out of view of any possible onlookers.

"Well now, we've got a problem don't we? All the more reason to flee to Troy. Guess it seems that the Equestrians aren't as Utopian or Idealistic as they make the citizens seem. Some of those individuals, I did my own investigations into. And you know the best thing? While they did manage to snag a lot of material from my lair, my other lairs are the ones that contain a lot of personal information I could use to dig up dirt on these and stir up a storm if I needed to. Still though, what the Equestrians got their hooves on is priceless. Many resources that took centuries to gather, many spell books, and precious things that could only be found in the most remote of locations." Spectra shook her head in a disapproving manner here, and then made an angry sigh. It wasn't her doing, nor was it anyone's doing - other than Magloria and Veil.

"While I won't doubt Equestria will delve into spying into other nations, I suppose it will be harder to them than searching for the lands of Equestria. We are going as far as possible. Troy is a place to start, but perhaps even beyond Troy. I have a lot of knowledge and information on the Equestrians that the Trojans would like, that I can give to them at the right price - enough for them to bury any and all word of my presence within Troy to keep the Equestrians guessing. No doubt the Equestrians expect a direct attack on Canterlot, so I assume that Canterlot will be the most fortified at the moment, if that is where Magloria and Veil, and the Guards are operating out of currently - there is no way to know. The disaster has spread their resources thin as it is, so Equestrian military is weakened...perfect time for the Trojans to strike and throw some shade off our tail, so to speak..." Spectra would smile deviously at that.

 

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The construct would look at her, but not act at first. Something that made Operata scoff.

"I don't recall it getting a lesson in common tongue, so I doubt it understands you."

He would annoyingly lift his front legs, and make the movement of a box  with it a few times, until the construct appeared to understand what it were asked to do. So it would begin to project again, yet this time, being from a lower vantage point for the most part, as it showed what it considered the important part of its adventure since. It were not aware that it were meant to show everything.

It started as the mountain exploded, giving them both a good view of the chaotic mess of energy hammering in there, with it sitting calmly in a bubble of see-through light, yet rocks and fire would still rain down upon it.

Next scene would be it out of the fire, looking at the remains of the mountain. It were a wreck, with first responders showing up a little after that, mostly ignoring it as they tried to combat the flames.

Then came the town it had visited, where it had been doing a sweep of the town, to try and find its overseer. It had not managed to find one, so it were short, just showing it a little in clips, before it left again.

Afterwards, it were a return to the mountain. It were still burning, but the construct moved through it, unbothered by such things, and would eventually show off the large, marble-like statue made of Spectra, as she looked before, with a plate of unintelligible words adorning the base. Likely her designation.

Next was another town, far larger in size, and it showed a few places, where it had carved symbols into buildings, scrap heaps, etc, as well as where it had found a dumpster of books. It had showed itself scanning those for a time, explaining how it would have learned some degree of the language, though it still needed to be able to tell what thing meant what in the first place. It were just a matter of observation at this time.

It would end with it leaving Deltrot - a sign said so in one clip - and then going out here to build this. It did not show much of what were used for it, except for wood, stone, and other things it could find int he adjourning area. Primarily stone though, of which many had come from the bottom of the river. A long process, but it had kept it busy.

It would end at the point when it would have seen the two of them approach, and then sit down, gathering its limbs up, and becoming immobile. Light would go on in the eyes, but one could imagine it were recharging in some capacity, and thus were limiting excess power, on things not required right now, such as mobility.

Spectra would sit there and turn towards the construct's projections. Her gaze was on the projections, thankfully as they would enter an area of the river where there were no obstructions or possible viewers, allowing her to focus on what was displayed in front of her. 

"I see that my Tartarus Flame worked well - that was quite an expensive resource to gather and install, took me a good amount of time to install that into the tripwire system. No doubt the ponies are having a hard time with it still. It doesn't respond well to being put out with water. The only way to fully quench the fire is to remove all sources of oxygen for an extended amount of time. They will eventually do it, but it will be costly." Spectra made a cruel subtle grin as she had seen all the fire raining all about where the mountain stood and the areas surrounding it.

The Construct being spotted by ponies was unavoidable so she couldn't really fault it for being spotted. However the statue that had been constructed from the marble remains made her smirk wider. Not only for the admiration of herself, but for the fact that such an obvious display showed an out of date picture - that being her old body. "You have done well with that. Leading the ponies astray with an out of date presentation of my body. They'll look for someone who looked like me, and they won't find any, they don't know my current look, so they will be unlikely to put the pieces together anytime soon." she stated, approving of the Construct's actions as she would not ask anymore of it for now, allowing it time to recharge - if that is what it was doing.

 

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(Spoiled Rich)

 

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(Spoiled Rich)

The trip to Gold Needle's were mostly uneventful. A fair few noticed and remembered her now, that she were looking properly like herself, minus a proper hair treatment, and a new dress. But as promised, the lawyer had made sure the two were waiting for her, and the second she opened the door, they'd lead her in, present her with the dress they had been informed were to her preferred tastes, and then Gold would start to properly manage her mane and tail, while Needle would sew the dress to fit perfectly,

Once all were said and done, she could go and find that the lawyer had arranged for a carriage, as he believed it being more dignified and proper for her, than a mere cab. The two muscular stallions dragging it, ready to be on their way, wings spread, and looking towards the trek to Ponyville. This were not the cheapest way to travel, and especially not when it were a flying carriage, but it would be the most direct, luxurious ride there, to arrive in class. And it had already been prepaid, tip included, so they simply waited for them to enter, before they took off into the air. And as were custom with this kind of high end travel, it were smooth, to the point where one would hardly notice they were flying, if they did not poke their heads out of the window. No expenses were spared, in this kind of construction. Which the price tag also showed, but that were not her problem to handle right now. Several others were, as Jargon would open his saddlebag, and present a folder of various paperwork.

"While we are flying, Madame Rich, a brief follow up on things.

I have contacted Clayton, and presented him with the schematic, as well as your new specifications. He is currently ensuring the proper materials are sent towards the location, and booking workers. They should begin breaking ground at sunrise. His best estimate is that it will take three weeks, for it to be build completely. Not as fast as his main competition, but undoubtedly more robust, and of higher quality. I will make sure to contact him with three day intervals, to get a progress report, and will return with any relevant details."

He'd handle her a copy of the signed contract to see and read, if she so wished to.

"As for your legal status, you have been formally declared alive and well, and your finances will reflect that accordingly. You will receive some legal documents within three days, but I have had them redirected to my office, and will handle them, in my capacity as your lawyer. You may end up finding that there will come a call for a blood test within the next few days however. In your absence, a few members of your extended family, had eyed your legal status as deceased, a chance to gain part in your estate. I have compiled a list of most abhorrent to least, when it comes to the kind of things I have been contacted about, regarding you, in your absence. I will give them credit where it is due, that it is an almost unheard of minority of bad faith requests. Most have simply been questions about when the date would be, so that they could plan a proper funeral for the date, or a request for a memento after the funeral, to remember you by, chosen by your husband. As well as regular request for news, regarding anything about what happened to you.

A few exceptions are of course present, from those who smelled money, but even then, I expected worse."

He'd hand her a few pieces of paper, with excerpts from things said or written to her, by the family. Including a letter from her daughter, asking him when her mommy would come home again. That one had hurt him in the heart, as he had feared any news he would eventually give, would be grim, but now Spoiled were back, he could see it in a much more endearing light. One that he hoped that she would see it in too. Much as she might think her daughter a... Stuck up little lady at times, she had genuinely missed her mother. What interactions he had with both her, and her father, had made that abundantly clear. It would be good for them both to have her back.

"I will also be preparing a slew of financial papers, to show you how your investments have paid of over the years. I will have them prepared with Clayton's update, in three days.

Is there anything else I might be of help with, Madame Rich?"

Spoiled Rich boarded the expensive cab with her new dress fully fitted to her form. She walked delicately, yet also in a way with an intent high pace trot to show that she meant business and was not going to waver in the face of any obstacle. Spoiled Rich barely afforded the stallions that were going to pull the carriage any kind of look - they were merely part of the scenery to her. They were doing their jobs and that is all Spoiled Rich really cared about. When she got into the carriage, she'd observe as it would take off - observing the scenery of the land she had not seen in 3 years quietly as she listened to Legal Jargon, sitting directly across from him.

Upon the presentation of the Blueprints, Spoiled Rich would nod in approval. "That is an agreeable timeline. I know that these things will take time, but with the highly talented workers those 3 weeks should pass by without incident. Hopefully without a major international war starting in the meantime." Spoiled Rich leaned forward looking into his eyes to let those words sink into his mind for a little while. "He knows what will need to be done. The previous Estate, as you know, was something that took me a lot of time and thought to develop. It still burns me that it went up in flames, but I suppose this could be a silver lining - it will be built back to a better status than before, as well as to be more prepared for potential circumstances I had been too ignorant to predict." she said, gritting her teeth as she looked back out onto the scenery as it passed by outside the carriage as they flew towards Ponyville. Wouldn't be long.

A few moments later, she would look over the contact and nod with approval - no objections there.

Listening further, Spoiled Rich would smirk. "I expected more vultures to show up to my finances when news of my "passing" would be made. It is good to know that no formal funeral had been made in my name. Wouldn't be a funeral anyway, without my presence in the casket." she chuckled a dark chuckle, rolling her eyes as she gripped the pieces of paper a bit. "As there are but few vultures, I expect you know what will be done about them. Anyone who wanted a cent of my wealth other than my family, is not getting any. It would be shameful if I were to die, and my wealth to go to anywhere else other than my family. At least it would serve them in an honest fashion..." she spoke, her eyes looking through the letters and seeing the letter that Diamond Tiara had written him about her. Her gaze softened somewhat and her silence could be taken as a sign that she didn't expect her Daughter to miss her as much as this letter implied. 

 

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(Treasure)

 

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(Treasure)

Phantasma had held the sword, trying to examine the weight of it, and had reacted instinctively when the bolt of lightning came her way, dragging a beautifully crafted, thin curved sickle from inside her tail, and placed it where the tip of the electric bolt would hit, cutting it in half, to be shot at either side of her. A blade made of the same metal, that Fae had in her possession, gotten at no small cost. She'd ideally have gotten enough of the metal to make a proper blade, but this were all she had been able to get. In fact, it were several years worth of getting small samplings of the metal, just to make this one sickle. A long, tedious progress.

On one side where the magic went though, stood Shade would go in to interrupt, as they had the painting there, and dragged it briefly into the shadows, before going over and pulling it out again.

"Nasty little surprise that one. Somepony does not like others touching their stuff."

"It would seem so. I didn't expect you to handle it that way though."

"I suppose I could have used another trick, but I know you've heard of this one, and my first reaction were to make use of it regardless."

"Must have taken practice to not cut off your own tail."

"Trial, error, and hair grafts. Troubling, but worthwhile training. As I'm sure yours were too."

"Yes, but my errors include not being corporeal for days on end. I could not recommend it."

"What, your dark powers are not all upsides? Quite a shocker."

"I've paid the pound of flesh, to be able to use them in the first place. I've learned to accept that, and what other things can happen, from using these powers beyond what I intended."

"You claim you didn't take it for power?"

"No, but the question is wrong. You should ask what was worth taking this upon myself for. But I will let you find that out yourself. We have things to do, and if you want to know so badly, I'm gonna make you work for it."

"Hmphm. Can't simply make things easy now, can you?"

"Why start now?"

Acceptable enough, she supposed. Besides, it were more fun for her to figure it out herself, and not having to rely on just his word for things, which he probably also knew she'd find questionable. Better to let her go and question those in his home town, so she'd learn more, from other sources, that did not have a biased opinion on her, yes? Sounded accurate, but she expected to be told a story of predictable greed, and a feeling of wanting more than he deserved. A stale tale, but one that were ever present in stories for a reason, as that were often what led one to go and search for magic like this.

As for the book, they'd see a bit more, but after a time of no more information, they would close the book, and look around at the other things, yet to be examined.

"I would think more are boobytrapped. We need some other tools for the task."

"I will have my team deliver them, from the North Point safe house. IN the meantime, we should go and confront Starswirl. He have some explaining to do."

She'd concur, and would rendezvous with him soon enough, near Starswirl's current residence. Shade showed up first as per usual, though there had been a moment, before he slinked into the shadows. His wings spreading as Phantasma's did, and she took to the air, as if he were preparing to fly with her there. Then reality hit him, as the bony appendages, were not able to be used for flight, and he'd fold them in again, and go into the shadows. This power had cost him the skies, and so far, he hadn't figure out how to get him back up there. Not properly anyway. Sometimes, it really grinded his gears.

As he stood out of the shadows, and became fully formed, he'd shake the last few thoughts on this subject, out of his head. He had to focus here, and wait for Phantasma, who had taken the book without giving him a chance to take it himself. He'd argue he could get it there faster, but she probably just assumed that if he had taken this alone, he'd end up handling things before she even showed up.

There were a lot of things here - that likely had been trapped in many varying ways that the two of them may not even know of were possible. Just that they had gotten lucky so far with the painting, the gems and the book. Definitely something that Spectra had forgotten to put into one of the chests. The chests themselves? Very bulky, hard to open, everything about them seems to indicate that they were never meant to be moved or touched. 

When they would find Starswirl, eventually - if he had been forthcoming with them , he'd have quite a story to tell about Diaspora - the first student of his. Diaspora was an Arcadian who had become a prominent diplomat within Pre-Equestrian times between the tribes. Her lack of ability to cast magic made her appear constantly frustrated and her obsession with it would be a point of friction between them. Diaspora was someone that should in theory be remembered as an Equestrian hero in history, however the part that history wouldn't really make clear was what happened to her. Diaspora's desperation to fix herself lead her to turn to less than moral means, and Starswirl's discovery of it lead to a fierce confrontation between the two leading to a storied battle, something one would only know if they really delved deep into history in the archives. Diaspora had the chance to kill him, but did not do so - simply retreating away, seemingly never being seen again.

Until now, one could say. Starswirl would perhaps have mixed emotions about the discovery of his student - her actions and what she had been up to for all this time, but if there was anyone who had a chance to "get" to her, it would probably be him. 

Trouble was finding her. Diaspora had the same body as Spectral Fade (the one that had been carved out by the Construct), trouble was - nobody knew where she was going, especially considering her recent transformation. Starswirl would experience an old pain coming to the surface once again. Perhaps a longing deep down, for his first student, who was still alive. Seems they would have the motive - a desire to fix herself, became something so twisted and beyond immoral. 

Welcome to the forums, good to see you!

2 minutes ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

Well would you be interested in RPing them? I'm not really sure what is the history of Magnolia and her parents. Unless you want to explain the history to me?

I am not sure how I would RP them. The history is variable and depends on the RP, but largely the gist of it would be that they were unable / unwilling to care for a foal, for whatever reason. 

@Skylight Scintillate

I think her parents will be surprised more so than anything, but they won't recognize her at first - and yes, you can play them. 

A nice cozy cabin in the woods, away from society's problems, sounds like a dream. 

@Skylight Scintillate

 

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"Ah, I see. I suppose that means we'll have to add this shadow magic to the fields of magic we'll have to investigate," Lemon Hearts replied with a light laugh. 

If Starlight and Magnolia didn't have much else to say, the group would enjoy some more fruit and cheese quietly. In a bit, Twilight would glance at the time before saying, "It was really nice to meet up again, everypony. See ya at the train station to head to the Crystal Empire," Twilight would reply before getting up and leading the way towards the door. "Alright, uuh, Moonlight, are you ready to meet our parents?"

Magnolia didn't have much else to say to the group at the moment, but, she did enjoy meeting them for the first time. Magnolia would walk to the door quietly and think about what it would be like to meet with her parents. It was something she was putting off for a while, but she wanted to confront it. "Yes I am." she said quietly, her eyes looking into Twilight's own for a moment.

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Startlight glimmer winced at the reminder, part of her did not appreciate that, but she shrugged it off, bearing a small eye roll at the stealing cutie marks part and then continuing. “ I am just afraid that you will look down upon me because I haven’t really done a lot with my life outside of my village. I mean comparatively to him and where he has gone.”

Magnolia didn't answer Starlight here - and would maintain her silence, showing that she wasn't interested in discussing anything further with her. She didn't think too highly of Starlight anyway, and moved away from her a bit. Magnolia was more focused on her parents - and not some strange, cultist mare.

@Catpone Cerberus

Sombra had thought that he wasn't the first to come up with the idea. It was the only real idea that he had, other than potentially somehow trapping Flint somewhere. Flint was going to be a real problem for the future that he would need to address somehow. It was a serious problem.

Sombra would turn towards Una and look at the ancient artifact, he couldn't really tell what it was at all because it was shattered. "I have no idea what that is. We'll have to find someone to look at it. For now, we best be moving and get out of here. Sneaking into Canterlot should be easy. I expect the guards to have full knowledge of where the Elements would be and where other precious artifacts would be stored." he stated, looking for a suitable freight train to board. There were a few here headed to Canterlot - he wasn't sure at all of the time when they would leave - but there were two trains that seemed to be ready to depart soon. He'd lead the way and sneak into one of the empty rail cars.

If there were no other interruptions, the train would depart off to Canterlot within a half hour with Una and Sombra on board.

@Catpone Cerberus

As Opaline would read further about Earth Pony magic, she would realize that the Earth Ponies here were not that much different than the ones in her world. Passive abilities that did not do much in the way of active conscious thought. Seemed to be focused around physical strength and farming. Opaline had that physical strength Earth Ponies had, but that was it as far as she was concerned. Opaline would not get much of anything out of farming or growing plants. It was not in her nature. It was at this time Opaline began to realize she wouldn't likely find much of use here in terms of what the Earth ponies could directly offer her. 

Then Opaline would move to the same section as Noctuna - geography. While Cinder did provide a map, it was a rather basic level and did not include anything akin to measurements to how far areas were, other than positional placement. Opaline would focus on trying to find where the dragon lands were, which was the best location to find dragon magic. Dragons were naturally weak to her draining ability - and given that there were supposedly no statements about Alicorns, they would be wholly unprepared for such an attack. Opaline could carry out a mass draining attack during their hibernation or sleep and drain their magic with the least amount of resistance, and gain a considerable amount of power. Though, to do that - she would need to split off from Noctuna and Cinder. To go off on her own.

Something she would likely do eventually. As she looked through the various sections on Geography, she would also be thinking of where to set up a potential home. Her lair was something that Noctuna and Cinder knew the location of. Other than that, her existing lair was something that would not likely be noticed by anyone for quite sometime. Why would anyone venture off into a dead landscape? Opaline needed to find ways to get involved with the ponies and have power over them. To do that, she needed a location to base herself in. The power to back up her claims, but also the ability to manipulate herself into an existing power structure.

She could not hide her horn, yet she could hide her wings. The best place to do that would be the Unicorns. Which is where Noctuna had already planned to establish herself. Opaline realized that potential conflict between them was inevitable. Though, Opaline saw that this world was her oyster. She could go to the dragons and drain as much magic as possible, to become as strong as possible. Concoct some other plan than she tried to do before maybe. Her plans before were simple - divide the ponies and destroy their trust in one another. This was already done. What could she do here? That was her quandary. 

@Skylight Scintillate @CocoCody

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"Transform into shadows... Wait, so like Sombra?" Lemon Hearts asked. "And what are the implications of this magic? And talking about magic, are there any fields of magic that interest you?"

"Any magic interests me. Just that shadow magic comes the most easily and naturally to me. Sombra has Dark magic. I have shadow magic. That is the difference, but functionally, it is the same thing, just without the dark aspect, if that makes sense."

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"Oh wow, so both of you are reconnecting with those that used to be close to you," Moondancer, who had been quite quiet up until this point spoke up. "I know how you two feel. It really hurt when my friend Twilight just left without a word. And for a while, I gave up on trying to make friends again. But then Twilight came back and she convinced me that I shouldn't let her leaving me prevent me from having friends. And now we're close friends. They mean so much to me..." Moondancer started tearing up. This would cause the other five unicorns to give Moondancer a group hug, and they would all nuzzle each other for a bit while Moondancer expressed her past.

Magnolia watches the group of them all nuzzle each other and a blush was visible on those white cheeks of hers. Magnolia didn't really have that much to say here at the moment, but, she was glad that they could all be friends again. "Main thing I want to find out is why they abandoned me, instead of raising me like they did with Twilight and Shining Armor." Magnolia would say.

 

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Starlight was incredibly intrigued, it briefly snapped her out of the beautiful headspace that she was in, but only for a moment, something about Magnolias response triggered something in her to listen. Almost like she was being pulled by two different forces, one for power, and the other for genuine love with sunburst.. start like glimmer pinched her lips tightly together and tried to restrain herself from asking questions about the shadow like magic, so she decided to choose Sunburst. “Uh- magnolia, How do you think I should approach Sunburst if I was to meet him again, of course I have to find him first, but if I was to, what do you think I should say I wouldn’t know where to start.”

"I am sure that this friend of yours wouldn't be fond of you trying to steal cutie marks from others, so I suppose I would suggest you be honest to him about what you are doing and what you have been up to, because either way, he will probably find out about it. Other than that I don't have any ideas." Magnolia stated to Starlight. 

I am fine with it as long as we can have longer episodes. A longer wait is worth longer episodes.

I would like to gain my focus on the present back, instead of worrying about the future.

11 minutes ago, the_one78 said:

Based opinion, G5 is for the most part badly written i am only watching it to get possible information about the lore of G4

You won't get much, there isn't much about it at all. I think if G5 tried to be more connected to G4 it would be a lot worse.

@Skylight Scintillate

"Well, Crystal Ponies don't have blood and we are somehow literally made of crystal, but feel just the same as other types of ponies." Lazulia explained as she walked closer to them, smiling at their giggling. "When in close proximity to the Crystal Heart, our coats and bodies glow with the magic of the Crystal Heart - making our coat texture even more pronounced." she said with a happy smile to the three fillies and Skylight. 

@North Star

Not really. I feel like Sunny in TYT and MYM is rather boring. I find her to be completely lacking in terms of character development. In the Movie she was great, but in the show she just seems to have this bland cookie cutter personality. You also make a good point, I wish the ponies all lived in their own homes to allow for further individual development. Sunny is still my least favorite in the show, I am sorry to say. A lot of fans have good justifications for her, I would be willing to believe - but it doesn't change the fact that she doesn't resonate with me. 

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

 

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The construct were unmoving, as Spectra began to try and figure out how to do this properly, but when she were done, the code were accepted. The lights on its own faceplate would light along with every press of a button she made, and when it were done, all would flash twice, and the construct would stop projecting the light panel, and close its hand up again. Her authority had been accepted, and it would thus get on the boat with them. Operata kept as much distance between it and him though, as were possible. Which weren't he hardest, as the construct would go to the front of the boat, and faced his supervisor. As he had now located her, or whomever had been deemed right to replace her, it were time for it to deliver its report of what had happened in the mountain.

It's chest plate would fold in, in a few, rectangular sections, and from them, would emanate light, that would give a holographic, three-dimensional *video*, of what had happened, from the moment when Magloria's shell were crackling, to when the various guards were wandering through, and of course, the explosion itself, and the fiery aftermath. It had not included when it had been the one to start Magloria escaping, as it were not something it deemed relevant information. Everything that had happened, that had triggered its alarm system, happened from after that.

The picture were still limited to the room of crystals, where it had hung on the wall, and looked over things. So everything that had happened outside of that room, wouldn't be recorded. Which included Shade taking his cats, as they had run around in a panic, as everything began to unravel around them. If his wife had been in the same room as Magloria though, he would be able to tell that she had been taken however, and were in fact no longer in the possession of Spectra, but rather some other power. One he knew, as Shade were all too known by him.

It had been a big base though. She were likely in some other part of the mountain, so she should still be able to twist this to fit her narrative.

Spectra would observe as the Construct would sit towards the front of the boat and begin the presentation of what happened. Spectra would observe closely with her expression unreadable for the moments that it took for the three-dimensional video to play. It was a type of magic that Spectra was not familiar with - but she considered it extremely useful to her cause. 

Now then, she had a lot to say to this. Spectra would usually be extremely angry at this revelation - but it pleased her to be in the full know of what happened. "So it seems that one of my quarry, by the name of Magloria, escaped confinement. Evidently she had found a way to inform the Equestrian Royal Guard, they came in - triggered the alarm system and the explosion that took place." Spectra turned to Operata. "From this, you can clearly see I am not at fault for what happened. It was the Guards who triggered the process that unfolded. Not only that, the one to blame for all of this is that mare by the name of Magloria. Rest assured however, your wife is safe at another location. The guards seemed to only be able to extract a given number of my quarry." Spectra's brow furrowed and she gritted her teeth with visible rage in her face.

"To think that one of them got loose and then the guard came in, now we know we are compromised. The guard had likely gotten access to a lot of my possessions in there, if they had not been destroyed in the explosion. We are known about. They likely will know about you. Interestingly enough, Veil had escaped with Magloria. Veil betrayed my trust and this is what happens?! All of my hard work, destroyed at the hands of the Equestrian Guard! When we get to Troy, we are going to work on a plan to wipe Canterlot off the face of the Earth! Those disgusting guards will pay and we will destroy them!" Operata started to see a vein in Spectra's neck from her enraged shouting, as they moved further down the river at the same rapid pace as before.

"It matters not how Magloria escaped, because of her, all this was set in place. It is reasonable to assume that she is working with the Canterlot Guard as she had led them to the lair." Spectra huffed, and seemed to calm down slightly with a frustrated sigh.

Still though, she believed they could only go up from here. They had all the time in the world to plan their moves accordingly. Spectra would look to the Construct. "What did you experience after the explosion of the base?" Spectra would ask the Construct, to see if it could show a video of what happened after it departed the crater.

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

(Spoiled Rich)
 

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"I still have the blueprints in the folder. The assurance company required the original, but I have both it, and a copy at this point. I will ensure the original, stays with me, and that only Clayton gains access to the copy."

He would scribble down the other details. He believed he had heard of something for the bunkers provisions, that would be helpful, but he would discuss the details with Clayton. best not to give false expectations. It were hardly fitting for him to give falsehoods to his employer.

The route to the spa were thankfully as mentioned, rather quick, and still clean. So they would get to the entrance of the extravagant building soon. Not the cheapest spa in town by far, but it were also not meant for just anypony. It were meant for high society, to be pampered within, and soon she would be feeling that once again.

Discreetly entering, Jargon would go to the register, and pay the notable amount for a full treatment. The one at the register were well mannered and dressed immaculately, but he were also young and new. He didn't know about Spoiled, and would just assume this were her lawyer paying on her behalf, because she didn't deign it worth her time to do so. They had a few who used their assistants in much the same way, so it weren't too notable to him. Some of the workers would remember her though, and would be surprised, but welcomed her back all the same.

After she were done, she'd find that her lawyer were not there, as he were still arranging things, but the Gold Needle Boutique would stand ready for her arrival, not too far from here. It were time for her to be properly dressed and having her mane and tail done properly, before returning home to what would be a very surprised family.

Spoiled Rich was pleased with her lawyer's answers. The route to the spa made her think about some things - what she would do with her family, how she would break the news to them, and the like. It were a lot she needed to unpack. Spoiled knew that her family were strong and capable, they had been through villains before. Tirek attacked Ponyville when Spoiled was there, and her family had hidden in their basement for the whole thing. Discord, Nightmare Moon, and other minor villains showed their faces in the town before as well - and she survived. Spectral Fade may have been a lot more of a dangerous villain though - given that she was largely unknown and at large. There was probably a few things Spoiled would learn about in greater detail, that being the Destroyed Mountain and the effects it has on Equestria.

While in the Spa she would treat the workers as expected - playing it off like she had a bad hair day and totally not been gone for three whole years. Spoiled Rich didn't need many ponies knowing about her personal affairs at the moment. Her time at the spa would most likely prove uneventful - with her going through a total spa treatment. After the whole affair was over with, she was indeed feeling high society again. More confident in her exterior, she could now mingle among her peers without any situations arising at the mere sight of her for the most part.

If there was nothing else, she would wait for her lawyer - and once he had been finished with what was done, Spoiled Rich would begin the journey to Ponyville after arranging for a cab to Ponyville to be paid for, then they would journey there, with Spoiled Rich eager to see the town again. Initially she considered the town a backwater place filled with farmers and weirdos but after spending time there, she gained a begrudging affinity for the town. 

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(Treasure)

 

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(Treasure)

Phantasma would go and unlock the book fairly easily. Wasn't the first time she had to pick a lock, nor would it be the last. And this one were laughably easy. Old and not up tot he task. Though if had a magical protection... She'd still open it up, she just had to pull a few different extra tools out from her tail.

Before she got a chance to open it though, Shade would put his hoof down on the book. To say she were dismayed by the action, were an understatement, as she wanted to know what they had to work with here.

"Why do you try and ruin my fun?"

"It's one of Starswirl's. How much do you trust a lock, is the only defense it has?"

Her expression would stiffen, and she'd regrettably have to accept that he were right. This book belonged to one of the greatest unicorns in their country's history. He may well have put a magical trap on it too, just to keep others out of his private business.

So they would stand at a distance, whilst Shade used his magic to open the book. Tendrils of dark magic, floating off of his bony wings, to grab hold of the book, and reveal what were inside. If a trap would spring, they'd be ready. If not, they would eventually get closer, after flapping through some pages, which would soon after reveal the note. One that grabbed their attention, as they read it through several times.

"Tangible proof. How... Easy."

"Yes, it shouldn't be taken at face value. However, it is something tangible, in that we can approach the wizard himself about it. It is a lead, if nothing else."

Phantasma would put the note in an evidence bag, and stuff that into her uniform. They were going to want to be sure that this were close at hoof. The same with this book, but they both didn't even need to speak to one another, to know that they both wanted to read a little more, to see if there were more clues to work from. There were a reasonable chance that Starswirl might just take the book, and tell them nothing, if they presented it to him. It were prudent as investigators in their own right, for them to examine this evidence closer. Though Starswirl would be involved sooner or later. They would need his account of things here, to figure out if perhaps, they had actually found Spectra. Might not be her real name still if it were, but if she went to Starswirl, and struggled with her skills, they may well have found what set her on her path, and a rough estimate of when she began her grizzly business.

Given that they had luck so far with the coins, gems, and the book - it was possible they had just gotten lucky to avoid traps. If they had tried to pick up or examine the Silver sword though, they'd find that a nasty bolt of electricity would be sent in their direction. It was probably some kind of spell that Spectra had put on it. There were lots of other things here, including various chests with hefty locks on them. It could be that Spectra had been doing something with that book and the artifacts they went through so far and did not have the thought to put them back into the chests, or something more pressing led to her forgetting to put them back. Either way, the rest of the stuff was all going to be contained within those chests. The overly complicated design of the locks and the likelihood of spells being used to prevent them from getting into them was quite high.

The important detail about "Diaspora" being Starswirl's first student was made. Though, at the time they did not currently know if "Diaspora" was actually Spectra or not. It could merely be that Spectra had stolen a lot of possessions from high level ponies over the years, and that Diaspora was one of them. Either way, Star Swirl would be able to confirm the answers for that eventually, should they decide to pursue asking him about it. 

Now they had a tough job to do - unlocking and looking into those chests. That is, if either of them were not reeling from the sudden bolt of electricity sent their way - if it had hit them.