Props Valroa

I like G5. It's not my favorite thing in the world, but more pony is more pony. 

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

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"I hunt nobles and break them down mentally for their crimes, and we're headed towards a country that separated from Equestria, because they oppose the monarchy. I don't need to hide my identity. I only need to be prepared for a full debriefing, as they'd want to know everything I have learned."

He wasn't being smug about it. He knew that this would be the case, which might also include them taking her for interrogation in the bad way, for a few days. Depended on whom he would be sent to, he supposed.

As their trip would take them on, they would be able to see something odd in the distance., Something not on the map. It wasn't too far from Deltrot, with them able to see the highest towers far in the distance. That is, if they looked past the large effigy that were build over the river, crossing from one side to the other in a bow, with then a large plate going up. Both sides of said plates had unintelligible scribbles on it, and the whole thing seemed to be made out of some sort of polished, white stone.

And on top of it, currently finishing up on the inscriptions, were the construct, with a thin beam from its hand, carving the smooth symbols into the plate. They would notice it, before it noticed them.

Spectra nodded to that assessment. "My concern with that would be the ones you worked with having word that you and I showed up, then word getting out about that we would be in Troy. Would potentially risk word getting out about the place, allowing others to find us. My identity and my connections need to be hidden." Spectra said, and eventually they would see something that would be of concern to them.

The structure that had been built over the river had been something that was out of place. Looking closely, much to Spectra's surprise - was the construct. It were clearly unmistakeable. Spectra would slow down the raft and stop right next to it. It would be unlikely that the Construct would be able to tell that this was her - given the different body and all. "I am not sure you recognize me, but I recognize you. I was the one who brought you into my lair. There was an incident that occurred there - leading to its destruction. By chance, we meet again. I am your owner." Spectra would say to it - hoping that it would recognize her authority here. 

This could go multiple ways. Either, Spectra could stand to benefit from the Construct - or it could hinder her. It remains to be seen.
 

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(Spoiled Rich)

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"I will inform Clayton Quartz of your requirements, as soon as I am able. If he is working on a larger project currently, I will indicate that the contract might go to Hammerstone Industries. He will make time for your home, if he hears that."

Clayton Quartz were a wealthy business owner in Canterlot. At least his main seat were here, but his construction firm had offices in several places throughout Equestria, as well as storage facilities for the various materials he used to make buildings from. Not a noble himself, he had earned every bit he had gotten, by making his company from scratch, financed in parts by his immense knowledge of valuable gems.

His firm were also the best in the business, as he took personal pride in everything he made being up to par, and wouldn't tolerate failure. His homes even had a ten year guarantee, to cement that, and a long story of making homes that fit even the more outlandish wants of his clientele. His work included everything from nobles homes, to resorts, to recently, ensuring that Ponyville got repaired and improved, after specs from the peculiar forepony they had at the time, out of his own pockets. Yes it were tax deductible, but he still liked to be helpful, and didn't want to be cold and indifferent towards those with lesser means.

Hammerstone were second rank in comparison, but still did fine work, and the two had a rivalry going. Knowing that his rival might get a contract for a returning noble, that were going to create a lot of publicity, would definitely make Clayton take notice and ensure that some of his finest workers were on the case. It were not cheap, but quality work seldom were.

Spoiled Rich was satisfied with Legal Jargon's statement about the two individuals here. Of the two, Clayton Quartz would be preferred. Her Estate had been constructed by Clayton Quartz, no doubt something that Clayton had not expected the result of. Probably wasn't his fault though in the end - as it was due to the actions of the villain that her Estate had met its unfortunate end. 

"Very well. Of the requirements I would need - I will say this. Would want a taller fence around the premise to keep out unwanted intruders. The Estate that I previously had, as you no doubt remember - I took many painstaking hours to decide where I wanted the rooms. Now that it has been many years since it was constructed, there were a few things that I would modify. A large skylight in the living room. Master bedroom to be larger and more ornate - with the finest wood trim and a luxurious bathroom. The outdoor pool would need to be re-added as well. From what you say, the whole Estate itself was destroyed and left vacant. It will need to be rebuilt. Exactly as it was, but with a few minor modifications." Spoiled Rich stated to him and was satisfied with that explanation. Legal Jargon had access to those blueprints and the resources he needed to contact that, it were something that Spoiled Rich made sure to keep archived for rare situations.

As rare of a situation as this was, at least Spoiled Rich had enough foresight to see the potential of something of this sort occurring.

 

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"I still make sure that your immediate family are updated on things, and still run various legal cases for your husband. I can assure you that Filthy Rich, and Diamond Tiara are alive and well, and furthermore that your husband is still legally married to you. I have never gotten the inclination that he wanted to return to her, but I have heard some murmurs that they have spoken. From what I can tell, it seemed he simply needed somepony to talk to, after you were presumed dead. Understandable grief as it were.

His mansion is still there too. It were only your primary home here in Canterlot that were torched. Your summer home, and mansion in Ponyville, yet remains, and he lives there currently. Soon as everything is in order, I will have it arranged for us to go meet them. It is best that the news does not get there before you do, lest they think it a cruel joke of sorts. You remember how it went with Mrs. Goldie, yes?"

One of the cases of a noble replaced by a changeling. It were a long, messy affair, that sadly did not have a happy ending, as the changeling had accidentally ended up killing Goldie, before taking her place for a few years, prior to being found out. This were one of the tales that were the cause for the increased security, when it came to returning nobles that had gone missing. One that had reached its conclusion around a year before Spoiled went missing.

Spoiled Rich would narrow her eyes more upon Filthy Rich being spoken of. So the two of them were alive and well, in the same place they lived. Spoiled Rich could work with that. There was a matter she needed to address. "So I've known that Goldie was killed by a barbarian Changeling around a year before this situation occured, and from the sound of it, Filthy Rich was rumored to have wanted to speak to the Changeling? I know that Goldie was to put it one way, an egregious sort, but a Changeling being put into the equation is another matter entirely. Lest you forget that they invaded Equestria, destroyed many homes, some of my...Golf Courses if I remember correctly, that I had to sell off because of the damage they did. Changelings are to not be welcome in my sights, especially not around my family." she said, her eyes starting to burn with fury, though not directed at Legal Jargon - but the mere thought of Changelings potentially being involved made her blood boil.

 

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He would scribble down some details on his papers, that already had the other things she had said thus far. He didn't need to look at it. He were used to writing whilst focusing on his clients, as that tended to be the way they preferred it. The times they did not, he picked up on the signs most times, and pretended he did need it. Nobles were a delicate business to handle at times.

"I am afraid that the entire scope of what your kidnapper are capable of, are beyond my current knowledge, madame. But it sounds as if what you want, are rather reasonable. Especially considering the circumstances. I will make sure to mention to Clayton that you will require a safe room in every home of yours, including the new one. Or should it simply be limited to your new main residence?"

He would wait for the answer to that, before going on.

"Regarding the guards... I will try and file the required paperwork to ensure we get informed, but it might be an uphill battle. I will make sure to threaten them with publicity if they do not comply though. If this is critical enough, they would not want it seen in details in the news papers

If that is all for now, I will go and file the right paperwork, yet the process will take the better part of an hour at least. Far be it from me to give you orders madame, but might I suggest a trip to your usual spa in the meantime? I can make sure to have a new, hood crafted outfit prepared for you as well, if you would require so. From Gold Needle Boutique, of course."

Gold Locks and Needle Flow, ran one of the best dress makers in Canterlot. It were not the most expensive of the options, but it were still a high end store, that had some prestige to it. Including their service of offering a brand new dress and a hair and mane styling, so you were ready to go, straight from their store. It might come in handy now, considering Spoiled's... Somewhat rough state. He assumed she'd want to freshen up, before meeting her family again.

He'd also need to talk to her about her extended family and the issues there, but that would be later. It were best that she focused on her immediate family first, before the rest would grind her gears.

 

"The new one should have one of its own. In Ponyville, I would like a bomb shelter to be built within the basement of the one in Ponyville. I don't care if you have to send in the workers to tear that mansion apart as a welcome home surprise from me, I need it done. A Bomb Shelter, meaning, the best that Clayton can muster. I want my family to be able to survive a direct assault on the Estate without a single hair off of my back." Spoiled Rich stated, it was more of a demand if anything. Likely would be something be able to be covered by her investment funds - she had deep pockets. This was no brainer. The rebuilding of her Estate in Canterlot could likely be mostly covered by the sheer criminal nature of it - and her insurance.

"For now though, a trip to the usual spa will do some to ease my senses. New outfit would be nice. You know the details for that. Same style, slight refinement. I don't want a word getting out that I was walking among Canterlot looking like this, so we'll take the quick route there - I'll relax a bit, you handle what I said to you here and we'll meet back after the hour has passed, then you will make arrangements to find my family and inform them of my return." Spoiled Rich raised her snout in the air, ready to head off to Gold Needle Boutique. 

 

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(Treasure)

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They would examine the picture, but it didn't seem to hold much to it.

"The Canterlot Museum would likely adore having this in their collection, but beyond that, so far I see nothing of interest here, beyond the age giving us a pointer to go by at the least. Arcadian paintings like this were some of the things the lingering remnants of the town held on to dearly, according to the stories. I am not sure she ever were part of the high families, but she might have been there to steal from them."

"She isn't in the picture itself at the least, so she wouldn't be part of theirs, but yes, she might have been part of their society proper. Things like this, would be among those things still beyond the wall, I can imagine. So this had to come from before it were sealed up. Perhaps if we find more info on them later, we can find if there's maybe a mention of somepony like her in their tales. If not, we can probably assume she started in the town's later years. Before she'd have a chance to get a reputation."

They'd check the painting proper. Not breaking it, but looking over closely and carefully, the picture and the frame. Every inch, but unless something stuck out, like a hollow room for a slip of paper or something (yes, they would knock on it too, just to see if something sounded off), they would move on to the next thing. A small box of assorted nips it seemed. The top layer were jewels, but maybe something else in the cigarbox-sized container were worth having a look at. The jewelry themselves might be too, or the coins. If there were foreign denominations, that could help establish some things too.

There wasn't much else to the painting. It seemed that it was simply a painting and nothing more.

The coins however, proved to be most interesting. A lot of them had markings on them that indicated non-equestrian origins. Some of them had draconic markings to them, others Griffon, and there were others that were not readily discernible. It was enough proof that Spectra had either traveled that far to steal them, or stole them from others who did. There was also a large, golden book sitting on the table next to this - with a rather large lock on it. 

It was one of Starswirl the Bearded's books. From the looks of it, it was very well preserved but seemed to have been unopened for quite sometime. At least this were among the scores of precious materials such as tables and chairs entirely made out of platinum, crowns of various Griffon Monarchs that were stolen in the past, as well as a unique sword that belonged to one of the high ranking Equestrian families - the Silvers, as indicated by the style of the sword itself.

@Skylight Scintillate @CocoCody
 

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The group's conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Oh they're here!" Minuette remarked as she got up to answer it. She returned with four more unicorn mares. "...I hope you all don't mind that Twilight brought guests today. It was all rather last minute..." Minuette explained as they all sat down in the living room. 

"Oh that's ok. I'm interested in meeting them too," the yellow pony with a curly turquoise mane replied. She turned her attention to Starlight and Magnolia as Minuette served the new guests some tea and macarons. "I'm Lemon Hearts. One of you is related to Twilight? What are your names?" Lemon Hearts asked. Minuette would lean over to explain to the new guests what they knew about Magnolia so far as the rest of the guests introduced themselves. 

 

Magnolia would introduce herself to Lemon Hearts as she came into the room - evidently Lemon Hearts was another friend of Twilight's and Magnolia would Minuette explain what was going on here and that she is related to Twilight.

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All the unicorns murmured in interest as they watched Magnolia's demonstration. 

"Oh, cool. Is that done through light dilation or light refraction?" Twinkleshine asked.

"I don't know, it seems like there's some kind of necromancy magic involved?" Lemon Hearts replied.

Magnolia shook her head at both of their questions. "Neither. Pure shadow. I can transform my body itself into shadow and move around within shadows, like, swim within them. It's hard to explain, but it's something I found a natural affinity to, for some reason." Magnolia stated, as she looked over to Starlight - currently unsure of what to think of her story and what she wanted to do. 

Certainly has changed me for the better, I wouldn't have any friends without it.

There is a long list of things I would do differently. Let us begin.

- There is no Student 6 or School of Friendship. That whole arc I did not like at all. I found it a very boring thing and I found it to be a complete waste of time. The Student 6 were not interesting to me at all, and the idea of a School of Friendship was rather corny at best. 

- The School of Friendship is replaced entirely by arcs focusing on background characters such as Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Lyra, Moon Dancer, etc. Fully flesh these characters out with rich and interesting details. Don't toss them off and forget about them.

- Twilight becomes a Princess, but does not take the "Princess of Friendship" role. Still does the same role, but I never liked that name. I know it's a show about friendship, but I think that's just too much.

- Rainbow Dash being an egotistical jerk to her friends is actually something that is addressed in the show - and something that gets her into trouble. It's a plot-point there could have been more to deal with, "changing" her ways, so to speak.

- There is more about Spoiled Rich. Make a whole plot about how she is actually Diamond's stepmom who is trying her hardest to be loved, but her nature is a different story. Don't just make her a "bad pony" without any background information. Have whole arcs and episodes dedicated to understanding her POV on things and helping her fit in, and make friends.

- Diamond Tiara is not reformed in an instant, but over a gradual arc to add more substance to her reformation. Focus more on her and Silver Spoon, and have more episodes about finding out about their families and such. 

- Pinkie Pie is toned down a bit. I used to really dislike her. I don't feel so strongly against her, but I feel like the show would benefit from toning her down a little bit.

- Have AJ's parents explained in an earlier episode and tell more about them. Would still be Pear Butter and Bright Mac, same episode over all, but leading up to it there would have been scenes such as Apple Bloom getting curious and finding photos of them, and then asking about who they were, initiating the whole arc.

- Starlight Glimmer remains a villain and a constant threat for longer, the whole reformation is actually just a ruse for her to get more involved in finding out ways to defeat the Mane 6. Starlight's backstory is not what it was in the show, but is instead, something that leads to a complex ideological scene. Starlight genuinely believes what she is preaching, and does it with all the good intentions - but is blind to the damage she does to others. Starlight thus does not become a school counselor, because she remains a villain for longer within the show. 

- King Sombra has a longer backstory befitting of the Comics, and Radiant Hope is in the actual show. His squeaky voice in Season 9 doesn't happen, and he remains a fearsome villain upon his return. More on that in a bit.

- The whole arc of the Changelings reforming never happens. The Changelings remain a constant threat and issue for Equestria. Thorax never exists, and instead we have an arc about Twilight and the Mane 6 learning about the Changelings. They are the way they are because they will die if they don't drain love, and they are a separate species from Equestria, there are other hives beyond Chrysalis. Perhaps there could be something to where there is an "Enemy of my Enemy" situation where when Tirek arrives, Chrysalis actually teams up with the Mane 6 and the heroes to defeat him.

- Tirek is a more fearsome villain akin to the G1 villain. He is genuinely evil and corrupted, with his desires to please his father consuming him. Discord still betrays the Mane 6, but as a consequence, regaining their trust is a constant issue he struggles to deal with after Tirek is defeated.

- Discord's reform takes longer and ends up turning into an arc throughout a whole season where he proves himself, and then has to prove himself again. Fluttershy still loves him dearly and there is a few scenes where Discord interacts with the CMC, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the school. I think that would be entertaining.

- More Luna and Celestia episodes. Perhaps have it be less comical and find out about their origins, their parents, etc.

- No pillars of friendship. Make them each independent unique characters not connected to the other. Still keep the Pony of Shadows and have him be a villain that returns in the final, where the real Grogar gets all the villains together to make a league of Evil, a "final battle for Equestria" kind of thing that is an actual war.

- Chrysalis, would reform as well as Sombra, but Tirek, the Storm King, and Starlight do not. Would also bring back some of the older G1 villains, such as Lavan and others.

- The Map Table remains a plot point as well as Twilight's castle. Have more episodes dedicated to travel and exploring the world of Equestria, and beyond. Learn more about the Griffons, Yaks, and Kirins.

- Speaking of the Kirins, I would really want to see them again and have more follow up episodes on them.

- More Equestrian pre-history episodes. I wanted to hear more about Starswirl and not have him turn out to be a grouchy old dude who becomes enamored with a friendship school.

- Completely scrap the finale in the show from existence. Twilight will not grow up to look like Celestia, she will remain her normal size and gain a wavy mane at the end of the show.

I build a thorium reactor.

@CocoCody @Skylight Scintillate

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"Yeah, we literally just found out at the Canterlot Census Office and then came straight here after that. Both of us have quite a lot of questions we need to ask our parents," Twilight explained. 

"Oh I see," Minuette replied. "Well that's cool that you're into magic. If you ever want to do magic together, I'm sure my friends and I would be willing to help. That is, as long as it isn't something evil like trying to remove cutie marks or something..." Minuette laughed. 

Twilight stared at Minuette, shocked that she would mention this, but if Minuette knew about Starlight, she was very good at playing it off as she sipped her tea casually. 

Magnolia laughed at Minuette's statement. "Well, my magic allows me to be pretty stealthy." she said, and her horn flashed black for a second and her body suddenly evaporated into a black mist and appeared behind Minuette - of which Magnolia gave her a gentle boop on the back of her head. "Shadows are everywhere, that's my specialty." Magnolia said with a hint of pride in her words. 

 

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Start a glimmer shifted back a little bit, and then tempered her expression by pinching her lips a little bit, she gave a little nod and was listening intently. Starlight thought in her head about the optimistic thought of getting a second chance in her own little way.

She paid close attention when Magnolia mentioned that she studied magic, interest grew starlight as she lean forward with a smile. “Oh! This is totally my area of expertise, what type of magic books do you read?”

Magnolia looked over to Starlight, thinking that she had answered this question by doing her demonstration of her ability to the rest of them here. She was satisfied with what she had shown here so far.

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)
 

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Yuma still had plenty to say, but her voice would die out to a whisper after a half minute more of complaining and vitriol. A time would likely come within the next few days or so, when she were more in tune, when she'd have more energy to work with, but things were still settling for the former sole occupant of this vessel. She might just be an intertwined soul at this point, but the whole process had still taken its toll. More on her than Spectra in fact, as she were not intended to end up like this, and thus the process had to be tweaked slightly to not cause both of them to die.

Though considering what they were about to witness, she might be happy that she could at least not see anything yet. It were quite the disturbing sight to behold.

As time would go on, perhaps Yuma would slowly begin to feel how Spectra is feeling, and vice versa. It were not to that point just yet of course. Perhaps in the far future they would be able to exchange thoughts between each other. Their souls were one. The more time that went on the more true that would be. Perhaps even to the afterlife itself, with how strongly they had been bonded closely.

At least Yuma was spared of this disturbing scene before them as they sailed on past it, thankfully not getting caught up in it.
 

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The zebra would not be happy to explain, and yet it wasn't as if he could avoid it. Not after they had seen through it, and hadn't ended up another victim to the pile.

So he told what he could to her, what little he knew. Which surprisingly wasn't a lot.

This place were set up when the town were originally settled, by zebras that followed someone whose name he didn't know. It had more or less been forgotten now, but they knew the settlers had arrived here because of the unnamed being. It were because of them, that they had become practitioners of heretic magics, that were taboo in Zebrica, and highly illegal in Equestria too. Hence the area being hidden by strange magics, that meant that no one could see it, unless one from the village were there. If he hadn't been with them, they'd be as blind as to the true nature of the area as any other, even if they'd wander across the area, unless they were suddenly, violently snapped into that place. He did not understand how, as he wasn't high enough in the food chain for such things.

And speaking of food chain... He would not be thrilled to say it, but yes, the town practiced ritualistic cannibalism on outsiders, and traitors. He for instance, would not be able to return now, as he had led them out to safety, as well as leaving the town behind, without becoming part of the pile. If he managed to get to Ponyville, he'd be safe, but this close to town, they might still try and hunt him down. Or they'd simply make sure that he could no longer access the area they had seen, in case they ratted him out.

As for the practices of the town, he only knew that it used to be a lot more involved, and darker than now, but that something had happened generations ago. Something to whomever had run things, and without them, the others had settled down, waited, and practiced what they were able, with some changes over the years, as the meaning of it all started to get lost to them.

They would have a lot more knowledge of what were happening here, if they got hold of one of their elders, or better yet, The Wild Witch. Some defector out of the wild somewhere, keeping hidden from them, that had turned her back on their town and practices. Though he would also say that she might just be a faerie tale, to scare them off leaving the safety of their town and community. 

In any case, he had his breath back, and they were going on their way, so he'd bow, then get saddled up and start rushing off again. he had a long way to go still, before he felt safe.

Maybe he'd get caught and questioned eventually, but he technically hadn't done anything, and knew much too little to be of any real help to any investigator, even if he wasn't too worried about actually talking details about the island, and them having gone there. If at some point he'd end up spilling the beans, they'd likely both long since gotten to Troy.

Of course, such a sight as bleak as this had Spectra slightly concerned. For such a mare as her, there were a few things that could bother her - such as the waste of lives in pointless rituals and mutilating of the pony form. Ponies were meant to be perfect and strong. Either to be used for magical batteries or as loyal followers. A pile of corpses and disfigured remains did nothing to service her - and only disgusted her from the larger picture. Of course, being who she were, she were someone who completely disregarded all the damage she's done to everyone's lives around her. Spectra was always right, after all. Nothing would change that. Not the world. Not fate. Not Operata. Nobody - she was objectively correct in everything she does.

When it was told about this place, Spectra would listen closely. Such a thing made sense as to why it was never spoke about elsewhere - because only those who lived in the town could see it. Spectra was of course thankful they weren't snatched up. If they were, Spectra was certain she would be capable of destroying that place. Even still, the idea of going on a bombing run over the area crossed her mind as something to do at some point in the distant future. There were more important things than this.

Perhaps Fae Glider really was the one behind it all, since it seemed like from the way that the Zebra had spoken of this event was something that happened after someone who had run things had vanished. Or maybe it was Thriceborne? The one who had taken sacrifices before, and would probably do so again? Either way, Spectra had to bet that either of the two of them were connected at some point. With those idle thoughts running through her mind, she would have given him a parting nod as they'd head off - likely not seeing him again as their paths were going in the opposite direction.

 

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"...So what? You think we get to Troy, and everything will be fine? They will be none too happy about your presence there, if they knew even a fraction of your true nature."

Operata had been quiet for a while. Even after they had left the zebra behind, he would have remained quiet, and just done his to help with the boat if needed, but otherwise look away from her, burrie3d in his own thoughts.

His voice were not snarky and pointed though, as often were his want. He sounded like he'd given up, and struggled to find hope or meaning enough to even attempt to pretend he were doing okay. A lot of things were happening, and all of them took parts from him. Including one important part, that he had once thought lost, and now hurt more than before, because he had gotten the hope of getting that back.

One step forward, and fifteen back. That is how it felt the last week or so, with the last few days just escalating it further.

 

Spectra surpressed a chuckle at his question there. "Of course they will be, because I have some knowledge that would help them in their current war against Equestria, if they would be happy to provide a decent price for it. Asylum. Protection. Of course, I'm not going to tell them the full story about our being there. And you'd best come up with an alternate identity for yourself so nobody rats you out." Spectra would suggest to him as they made their way along. 

To contrast, Spectra sounded like she were happy and giddy - a stark opposition to how Operata was currently feeling.

 

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(Spoiled Rich)

 

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(Spoiled Rich)

The lawyer nearly jumped out of his good skin as he heard that all too familiar voice, and turned to look at Spoiled Rich. Going on a tangent, and making him baffled for a few seconds, before he'd correct his posture, and get a more serious, professional look in his eyes. A stark contrast to her, whom he had never seen more unkempt, but if her words held any sort of truth, then it were understandable that her personal routine had been impacted quite a lot. Yet still, they would have to test that.

"*clears throat* Madame Rich. It is as always a pleasure to see you. I'd love nothing more than to begin with correcting things, but there is an important matter we must handle first."

He'd go over to his desk, and pull out a small, reinforced box from the drawer. One he'd then pull a key out from his inner pocket to open.

Opening the box, would reveal an engraved, silver coin, with an elongated, jagged gemstone, inserted into the middle. The coin had the name of his law firm on the edges, and the gem itself seemed to glow a pale blue, when Legal Jargon - the lawyer in question - held it near him. He'd then turn the box around, and put it on the desk, as he stood behind it. The gemstone growing slight orange in the meantime.

"As per protocol, madame."

It weren't unheard of, for others to kidnap a royal, then come back at a later date, and claim they were them. That usually meant changelings. As such, the wise had to take some precautions, and he were one of the rare lucky ones, that had managed to get hold of a small sliver of an extremely rare gemstone, that tended to be called *Snitches*, since it reacted cloaking magic. Especially that of changelings. So if this were a fraud of their kind, he'd know of it. If not, it left the option for another to still just pretend to be them, but this were a start. The second being that she also had to utter the correct code phrase, as she held the coin. One she had agreed on, back when he took her on as his primary client.

The codeword were "Avacado". Pronounced incorrectly deliberately.

If she held the stone and said the phrase proper, Jargon's face would light up, and he'd actually smile properly, and let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank the princesses, it really is you. I hope you can forgive me for saying this Madame Rich, but know that I truly, genuinely missed you, and worried a lot about what had happened to you. I cannot express enough how joyous it is to have you back again.

I will of course assist you in ensuring your business are in order.

I assume you would want to know of your estate, yes? Your home is sadly correctly gone, burned to the ground when you vanished. The grounds however, are still your property, and you need only say the word, and I will ensure that Quartz Constructions are brought in to begin building a new home for you, as soon as possible. One that matches your expectations and demands, of course.

Your money are still secure though. Beyond my salary, and the severance that had to be made out for your staff after the fire, your money have been kept in check, and your investments monitored. Several of them having paid off well in recent years, and others that I managed as per my usual orders. You will find that there are plenty to make a new home now, with a surplus exceeding what you had before you went missing. We just need to visit various places and have paperwork filled, to ensure you are properly reinstated into society, to null the upcoming date of you being declared legally dead.

I have the paperwork ready if you will us to proceed with this first, Madame Rich?"

He honestly were happy to have her back. Sure dealing with nobles could be troubling at times, but he much preferred working for one he knew how to work for, and - in his opinion at least - got well enough along with, compared to trying to start over fresh with somepony far too arrogant to even look at him while speaking business. And yes, he knew of several like those, and their lawyers looked miserable.

 

Spoiled Rich would look to him, while she was a bit of a mess - completely out of her element with her mane a quite honest mess. Legal Jargon had never seen her this bad before - not even during the moments where she would fret over her daughter's occasional failures in school or during her own meetings with high class business folk from across the country. Spoiled Rich did not hesitate and marched forward, answering the keyword on the stone perfectly - proving that without a doubt, it was her. The magical artifacts that they had set up specifically incase of some freak accidents like this occurring - had come in handy for the one and hopefully only time this happened.

Spoiled Rich seemed to calm down slightly upon taking in his words with a stoic expression. "First things first - nullifying my declaration of being deceased. Building a new estate, all that, of course that's important. I am already thinking over exact specifications for what I am seeking. Obviously if the first one can burn down so easily, than the second will be built to not meet the same fate." Spoiled Rich said in a sly manner as she would step forward. Legal Jargon always proved his value to her. It's the reason why she kept him around for as long as he had. While he had likely had other clients in the time that she was gone, she knew he could be counted upon.

 "It is good to know the market has improved since before all this had happened. Seems as if my diversified investments have done their dues. I can't complain about that, and it is good to know that at least one thing is in order. I will need to know a few things. My family. Filthy Rich. Diamond Tiara, my daughter. If they've moved on from me and gone to find another mare to play my role, I am going to need to know that as well as what has happened to the property, so I may take proper action. Everything hinges on that. Filthy Rich, he better not have gotten back with his ex-wife...I swear, if that's the case I'm going to throw a fit." Spoiled Rich almost looked like she was going to go into a shouting match at that with her snout crumpling a she held herself back with a wavering sigh.

"Now, the guards I was with seemed pretty concerned. When I was released, there were hundreds of individuals trapped like me. Hundreds. Of course, we are going to look into that and see if we can wrangle any knowledge we can from it - but from how things stand now, I am worried about the possibility we are heading into a full scale war. With someone so dangerous, I remember how Tirek came and nearly destroyed Ponyville, knocked the roof off the Estate and everything! But this individual? Burned it all down, pursuing many individuals in secret, without anyone doing anything about it - do you have any idea how dangerous that is? To think they are still at large. Of course the Estate is important, of course it is, we are going forward with that based on what you tell me, but I am going to put forth a contingency plan." Spoiled Rich said, her two front hooves hitting the other as she thought deeply.

"To put it simply, I recall how during the Tirek incident all the ponies in Ponyville stayed inside and were told to board up their windows. Now, such a thing is great and all, but we are dealing with something more dangerous than that, this time around. I am talking about building a Bomb Shelter, I believe it is called?"
 

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(Treasure)

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Shade had done what he had to in Canterlot, and had afterwards gone to the secure cabin, some distance from the capitol. Phantasma would show up about half an hour later, alone and waltzing in with a smirk on her face.

"Started without me?"

"No. I have just spread it out around the table for now, for inspection. Remember that we are supposed to find information first and foremost. Not calculate what things are worth."

"I am well aware of our priorities here. Calm yourself, Shade. Or would you prefer Soul Prison?"

"Knowing part of my real name isn't going to unnerve me, Phantasma. Or should I just call you Lakeside Dew?"

She'd wrinkle her nose over that.

"My birth name is hardly important."

"Nor is my real name right now. The job is."

"You say that, but at the same time, you hide everything. It is rather suspicious, but really, look who I am talking to."

"Others can stay out of my private life. You I am just surprised did not find out before now. You're rather noisy."

"I knew you had some sort of connection to Mausoleum, and that you had a false alias, but I still couldn't find more. For a time I thought you might be her secret husband, until I found the marriage certificate, and found out it were Operata instead. You are still a mystery. Or were, before your cousin started to share a few stories."

"I am still not unnerved. As much as I despise your falseness, I actually do respect your tenacity in finding information. I haven't been actively trying to cover my trail five times over. I've been waiting for you to pick it up, and then begin digging. I were always curious what you'd do, once you learned the truth. It will be interesting to see."

"So your turn to dig more into my past then, hmm?"

"No. I know enough, and don't have to dig into more. It would just be respectless and gratuitous. Now shall we get to work?"

The first thing they'd have to examine, were the large painting. Seemed as good a place as any to start, yes?

The two of them were alone in the silence of the cabin. There were no prying guards within the place - nor any distracting elements. Of course there were likely guards outside, doing their duty, but the fact of the matter is, the two of them had their task ahead of them. A task it certainly was. There was a massive amount of items here to go through, but the large painting stuck out like a sore thumb.

They had seen it before, but with the proper time they would see it in full glory. It was that of Prince Triton and his father, King Neptune. Both of them Alicorns from an ancient dynasty that once ruled Arcadia, long before Equestria's time. It showed a long procession of ponies, with Triton with some sort of golden highlights on his armor. His father was resting a crown upon his head, the whole mood was something of a "once in a lifetime" event. It was likely something involving a coronation event. Not much was really known about these times in history, thanks to artifacts like these being lost to time, or stolen.

How this related to Spectra, was as of yet unclear. Before them, was something that would make both of them able to live out a retirement many would dream of - with how much this piece was worth. Could very well be an original work, if properly confirmed. It likely belonged in a museum under heaviest guard, if that would be proven true.
 

@Skylight Scintillate

Lazulia looked to the fillies and Skylight and smiled nervously. "I don't think I am good at it - but it's also kinda fun at the same time?" she asked, as if trying to phrase her words correctly. Lazulia would then look at Scootaloo. "Oh! That's just what happens when a Crystal Pony sits in the right angle with the sun. Maybe it would be good for birthday parties or something..." she thought innocently.

@Samurai Equine @Victoria Everglade @Skylight Scintillate

Collapse would follow along into the store, giggling at how she had been called cute by Evelyn. Collapse knew she was cute, tried to act cute - and tried to get others to call her cute. She was indeed, a yellow happy mare and wanted the world to see it. Upon entering into the Music Store she would greet Carmel and take note of the place - hoping she could also meet Suri sometime.

@Catpone Cerberus

Opaline didn't seem to like the close proximity of Cinder and Noctuna to her, but didn't say anything about it for the moment as they would enter into the library. The guards and others looking over at them all the time was something she expected but she didn't have to like it. Opaline much preferred to be alone whenever possible, because it was a lot simpler to handle and there were no other opinions to take into consideration other than her own. Part of the reason why she thought the only opinion that mattered was her own, others opinions only mattered to her when Opaline herself was in danger of their power. Opaline was in that position at the moment. While she was an Alicorn - of which she had all three parts of the pony races within her ability set, the Unicorn aspect of being an Alicorn is what she leaned into the most.

Opaline would begin looking through the sections here, noticing how things had been organized. Unicorns and Pegasi were listed in the same place as wolves and snakes, which spoke a lot about what the Earth ponies thought of them. This was all something Opaline liked by design, with it being impossible for the 3 races to work together - it made her also think she didn't like being on the receiving end of what she wanted to create. As she was looking through the books, if Cinder or Noctuna looked at her - she was deep in thought. Specifically, she was thinking about what she actually wanted going forward. Getting her magic back, yes, but what then? The playing board had already been put into play, and so far it seemed that her enemies were not known in this world - not that they didn't exist. If she was able to confirm that they didn't exist, than what would she do with herself then? Would taking it all over even be worth it? Part of her thought no, and would rather spend that time becoming as dangerous as possible in the off chance that her enemies did somehow track her here. But if they did, they would have likely ended up in the magic deadzone where her castle was, wouldn't they not? So many unanswered questions.

With that in mind, she'd take a look to see what kind of history the Earth ponies kept for themselves. 

@Catpone Cerberus

Up until this point Sombra had made no indication that he was capable of using any other magic other than his shadow magic. There would be no words from him as the dark crystals moved in on Flint, not even trying to just hold her in place - but rapidly sharpening like blades in an attempt to do severe damage to her limbs. It was at that moment, the amulet he had would glow a combination of white and blue. He had not much experience with his water and light magic that he had gotten from one of the amulets he and Una managed to steal earlier on, but he wanted to see if there was something he could do with it. 

Suddenly all around Flint would be a bright white flash as water started to shoot out of the crystals in all directions around her. Sombra was attempting to focus the water into fine, highly pressured streams but appeared to have been having some difficulties. Despite that, in a few seconds water had been shooting at Flint in a highly pressurized fashion, as if Sombra was trying to cut into her with it, as well as trying the black crystals to use as blades to cut into, and restrain her as much as possible, while keeping the flashing lights going, moving in the flashing lights towards her eyes to try to stun or confuse her. 

I would say they are definitely not in a good spot right now. Not sure about “failed”, but keep it up like this and it just might.

I build a coal mine. 

I build a deer hunting shack

I build a scrapyard. 

I build a large parking garage. 

@CocoCody @Skylight Scintillate

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“Hey the rest of our friends are going to be here in a bit. You should come in. I made macarons and fruit tea!” Minuette offered, gesturing to the other two unicorns as Twilight stepped inside. Twilight would make her way to the living room and make herself comfortable on one of the couches. Minuette would briefly step away to come back with a tray of macarons and a teapot. She would set them both on the coffee table and gesture to the other two unicorns to take a seat on the couch across from Twilight before sitting down next to Twilight. She would serve both Twilight and herself a cup of tea and some macarons as she cuddled Twilight.

Magnolia sat next to Twilight as she would take some of the tea and macarons, helping herself to them as she observed Minuette cuddling Twilight. Magnolia would blush ever so slightly. Twilight was fluffy...so was she. Magnolia thought it was something that ran in the family after all. Perhaps the more observant would notice how fluffy Magnolia was.

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“Yeah, we used to be friends in university. By which I mean Twilight preferred to work by herself, but if she had to work with somepony else, she would pick me and my friends! However, the day before a Summer Sun Celebration, she ran off. We assumed that she had just moved on, but then one day, just out of the blue, she just showed up and asked to be friends again! We’ve been working on magic together ever since!” Minuette exclaimed. 

“Ok while I wasn’t the greatest friend in my university days, I’d left because my mentor Princess Celestia assigned me to check on the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville. However, that just goes to show that it’s never too late to reconnect with old friends. And just because a friend moves away doesn’t mean your friendship has to end,” Twilight explained to Starlight. “Even though I definitely should have wrote to you after moving to Ponyville,” Twilight said to Minuette.

”It’s ok, I forgive you,” Minuette replied. She smiled as she leaned over and rested her head against Twilight. “So what brings you two here?” Minuette asked Starlight and Magnolia.

"I came here to prove that I was related to Twilight and happened to stumble across her." Magnolia said, and would think about what Twilight said. "We sure have a lot of catching up to do, don't we?" Magnolia asked, shifting about on the couch a bit as she sipped her tea. Her tail was in the light a bit, illuminated for all the other ponies here to see in it's fluffy blue-ness. 

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“Twilight, I thought you were past hiding things from your friends,” Minuette lightly teased. 

“I only found out half an hour ago!” Twilight defended. Minuette started giggling, which caused Twilight to giggle too.

“So Moonlight, if you don’t mind me using that name and asking about your history, what happened?” Minuette asked.

"Long story short, I grew up in an orphanage here...the foals weren't treated very well and when I grew a bit older, I struck out on my own and got my cutie mark. I then traveled on my own and studied magic on my own terms, and have been searching for who I really am for all these years - only really finding it out recently." Magnolia said simply.

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Starlight rubbed her hoof against her chin, she was thinking about what minuette had just told her and then responded with “ I mean, aren’t you two upset? She asked minuette. “ it’s been an awful long time and it would be very shocking if you’re best buddy just vanished” once you guys get further and your conversation and she hears her forgiving twilight, starlight looks at them with a bit of ease and relief, kinda like she connected the dots in her brain. “C-can I be your friend? She said towards the three of them” her was very eager to get in on this genuinely. she had missed an authentic friendship, her eyes landing towards Magnolia.

Magnolia looked over at Starlight, raising an eyebrow. "I am not...against it, but considering what you said earlier - I would say it is too early to tell if I want that with you." she said in a plain tone, not wanting Starlight to misunderstand her.

I feel like that Twilight eventually grew into and became a villain, without her friends by her side and all those years of leadership getting to her sanity.

@CocoCody @Skylight Scintillate

Magnolia would look to Twilight as she spoke to Starlight, thinking that perhaps she was being a little too soft on Starlight. For now, she opted to merely follow along to Minuette's house and watched the blue pony gush about meeting Twilight. It seemed like the two were very good friends. Magnolia would introduce herself, "I am Moonlight Sparkle, but you may call me Magnolia. I am Twilight's older sister." she said, smirking to Twilight a bit as she would approach the blue pony. "You seem like you know Twilight, are you a friend of hers when she was younger?" Magnolia asked and then looked into Starlight's direction. "If it's someone who just left you for no reason, you should ignore it and move on, make new friends."

@Victoria Everglade @Skylight Scintillate @Samurai Equine

Collapse would smile. "I have my license!" she would say showing it to her friends, it was a cute photo of her in the picture making a cute happy grin. She stuffed away and climbed in the van and picked out one of the seats to sit in one of the seats, looking at the beds and how nice it was inside of the van.

2 minutes ago, Rikifive said:

Fair enough, next time everything will be posted properly, with the entire changelog dumped in a spoiler for those interested.  

It's how it should be, after all, in my opinion.

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. It is good for there to be communication and transparency between the staff and the users when there are site changes. 

@Rikifive

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If you're interested in changelog, you can view it here, and it's always available under that link. We were on 4.7.13 prior to the update, so everything past that is "new". That said, it's not really about what mlpf staff is working on, it's about whatever Invision does. None of the changes are strictly related to our needs (usually these are against our needs tbh lol). Most of the changes are either unrelated to users (some admin/tech stuff) or are just optimizations to things no one here ever had problems with. Take a look yourself and tell me if this is interesting and something members should know. 

But announcing we're updating with some brief relevant information is something that definitely should be a thing. This also would serve as a topic, where users would be able to report new problems for us to keep track of, and where we could list various things to keep everyone updated. Next time we'll try to organize it all better, because such topic/announcement is something I'd like to have myself.

Still though, a link to that changelog could be posted to a topic in the throne room, which is what I am proposing here. You can have a topic in the throne room so all users can see what is being worked on, report issues, and discuss the changes in a centralized and dedicated location as well as plans for future upgrades / proposals for the site's layout.

@Rikifive

Even if it is minor things, I think it is important that the staff be transparent and open about what they are working on as it effects everyone on the forums, and sudden outages happening without any prior warning  is probably confusing to users who aren't in the know about it. At the very least it would be nice to see some sort of changelog in the throne room so we can keep track of said updates, even if they are minimal, at a public level.

Originally heard of it in 2010, then got interested in it through youtube in 2011 on my own searches.