Astral Vision

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart Astral was disappointed that Dynamo continued to have low self esteem, though he knew developing magic capabilities would help to raise his confidence. "Well it's good that you know a lot of basic spells. If you're worried about them not being up to standard, no big deal. That's what practice is for. Now, I can name lots of spells off the top of my head, but would you feel more comfortable learning by the book? If so, you and Pastel will have to come with me to my cart. I've got plenty of magic books in there." Astral then quickly disappeared in a burst of magic, only to re manifest right between Dynamo and Pastel seconds later. "It could be fun, but the choice is yours. That goes for you too Pastel." Astral said with a smile.

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine Astral waved farewell to Samurai, making sure to remember the name 'Trilby Hatter'. For the moment, after everything Dynamo had done for him, he was ready to do something in return. "Alright then Dynamo. If you're ready, today we can begin your training. While I do know lot of spells, I think it would be best to start with some basic combat magic. Sound good?" @Pastel Heart Astral turned down to see that Pastel had tagged along with Dynamo, it seemed like the two were inseparable. Remembering his words from the evening prior, Astral knew he had to make amends. "Good morning to you as well Pastel. Listen, I apologize if you were offended from what I said last night. I just didn't want to cause any trouble."

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad Astral chuckled at Samurai's forgetfulness, but was happy to see such generosity and dedication towards others. "My research has been iffy at most for now. What is certain is that the two mayors used to get along, but 'something' happened which caused them to drift apart. I'm not sure if this 'something' is a curse, but I can't say. Most curses have traces of dark magic, they can also somewhat agitate nearby locals with their influence. I didn't find any evidence of dark magic yesterday, but I know I felt something off." Astral paused to take a sigh, and then continued. "If only I could have a word with either of these mayors, or even this 'Final Premonition' pony you mentioned before. If I could, then maybe we could get some answers. As for the non-confusing tasks at hand, I promised Dynamo that I would teach him some magic, and I feel today I should keep that promise. I just hope I can juggle both objectives without losing track. I tell you, these friendship problems can be quite the hoof-full. But if you need help with your box, just say when."

Sorry for being a little late, but I'm ready to move on as well.

@Samurai Equine Astral was awake and walking through the town, and as he enjoyed the shining sun and busy streets, he came across Samurai. It seemed as though he had just finished building a small structure, and looked like he was about to depart, so Astral decided to greet him. "Good day, Samurai. How goes the building? Or should I say, how did it go?"

Astral nodded, and gave a quick response before he began to eat. "Very true, Dynamo. Everything has a time and place, so now might not be the best setting. Plus, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable scaring Pastel, no matter how brave she is."

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan Astral laughed at Pastel's usual antics as he grabbed his plate, filling it with even proportions to sate his hunger. As he sat down, he turned to the other ponies, a grand smile painting his face. "All events for the future are worth considering, but today you both shined brightly onstage. Enjoy yourselves tonight, and good job both of you. I might not be the best dancer, but I wouldn't mind going to the gala, if I was invited of course. Now if either of you want to hear a scary story, I've read quite a few in my time, so let me know if you wish to hear some".

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad Oh definitely, Dynamo was trying to the right thing, and it was most appreciated. There's still time in the story for Astral to help Dynamo with magic training. After all, I imagine it will be useful for the fighting tournament event that's coming up. @LyraHeartstringsTR Holy Celestia, it's you! Welcome to the chat.

@Dynamo Pad No biggie, Dynamo. Astral just rejoined with the group.

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan @ExplosionMare @Bastian Astral sighed once more as he collected himself, rising up from his sat position. He knew that he was only trying to defend the others, and his serious attitude was necessary until the shadow's reveal. "Well, I can't just sit here moping forever. But I must say, the night sky sure is beautiful tonight. Each star sharing a portion of the sky, all connected..." Astral paused and looked towards the town, trying to locate the group. "Dynamo, Pastel, Samurai and the others, it's been quite the visit so far. But I guess for now, there's nothing to report to the EWA. But if I do help solve this town's friendship problem, will I be on the road again? Should I even have to tell them?" Astral turned his head to the night sky once more, whistling in the wind as his horn glowed, and magic began to take place. A blue light shot out from his horn, exploding into the sky as it reached the highest distance, and then showered down in an array of shooting stars. "I guess it can wait, the important thing is that I have fun and help in anyway I can." As Astral finished his sentence, his stomach growled even louder than before, like an angry grizzly bear. "Okay Mr. grouchy, you win. Let's go find the others, I'm starving!" Astral left the stage, locking the theater doors behind him as he'd promised, and made his way into town. Eventually he found the group sitting together, and Astral made his way over to join them. "Hey guys, got room for one more?"

@Samurai Equine No worries, it wasn't going to be a large threat, but I understand your concern. Astral realized it was a false alarm as you guessed, and is currently on the stage. The pacing seems good for now, but let me know if you have any specific plot in mind.

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Pastel-chan @ExplosionMare @Bastian As the creature moved into the light, it's eyes gazing through the darkness, IT DASHED FORWARD AND!!!!.... ...revealed itself to be a common street cat. Its claws were scraping across the floor, and it's hiss was identical to what they had heard before. Astral sighed and dimmed the light of his horn, feeling ashamed he had blown this entirely out of proportion. "False alarm everypony, its just a street cat. Sorry for the worry..." Astral looked down in shame. He let his imagination run wild, only to needlessly scare the others. As he turned away from the group, his head hung low, but he stopped to turn and speak. "You guys go along, I'll catch up once I lock the place. Samurai, I'm sure you can recommend a good place to eat?" Astral then slowly walked off, making his way to the center of the empty stage. Astral sat in silence, gazing into the empty audience seats, and into the night sky that now draped over the town. As he admired each star in the cosmos, Astral pondered on his own thoughts, until the only thing on his mind was the grand silence of night.

@Dynamo Pad Astral didn't want to panic Dynamo, so he figured it best to answer him quickly. "Notice how we're the only ones here? Not a pony left in the audience, nor backstage. You could say that everyone left to grab a bite, but that seems too coincidental. Furthermore, we would have heard hoofsteps or at least some kind of sound to indicate their departure, but instead there's just silence. Whatever caused the crowd's disappearance singled our group out for a reason, and I intend to find out what that reason is, before it's too late." @ExplosionMare Astral took quick notice of Pencil's fear. Not wanting her to be scared, Astral tried to reassure Pencil, but it wasn't easy. "Pencil, relax. I know it's scary, but you can't let your fear take control. So long as the group sticks together, everything will be fine. I promise." Astral almost stuttered at the end of his sentence, as he was unsure of what the potential threat was. However, he knew he had to focus on locating the problem, and protect his friends at all costs. Then, out of the corner of his eye, Astral saw a darting shadow of sorts. He tried to quickly direct his horn's light, but the being escaped into the darkness. As the room fell silent, all that could be heard was a hissing noise, and the sound of scraping along the floor. "Guys, there's something in here with us. Whatever you do, don't panic." Astral whispered while gritting his teeth. Even though he was well practiced in magic, Astral couldn't deny that he was a little fearful of their current situation. Arching his back and readying his horn, Astral prepared for whatever was about to reveal itself from the shadows.

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine Astral took notice of the silence, and looked around to see that the theater seemed empty, the ambience chilling to the core. Thankfully, the others were still close by, and Samurai arrived on the scene. As much as he wanted breakfast, Astral knew it would have to wait for the mystery at hand. "Everypony stay close, and don't make a sound." Astral whispered to the group. The blue unicorn's horn began to glow bright, acting as a beacon which shined like the sun. "I'm scanning the area for essence of dark magic. Now listen carefully. If I detect something that seems highly dangerous, then I will tell you to run, and you should in order to stay safe." Astral said with a determined look, it seemed like he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

@Pastel-chan @Dynamo Pad As Dynamo returned backstage, he was met with great joy emanating from Astral. "Now that was an incredible performance. I'm proud of you, and I'm honored that you consider me your friend." Even though Dynamo had never said to Astral that they were friends, Astral could tell that the song was referring to him, Pastel, and Samurai. "Once this event is over, we should do something to celebrate! Don't you agree?" Astral declared while turning towards Pastel and Pencil. There was suddenly a strange noise out of no where, it sounded like a growl... Astral quickly discovered it was his stomach, and he instantly remembered that he had missed breakfast this morning.

@Dynamo Pad I think it's just one song per customer, but if Samurai says otherwise you could sing more? @Pastel-chan If you're using this RP to build up your character, do you think Pastel might get her cutie mark in this story? If so, probably not until towards the end I'd imagine.

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan @Samurai Equine Astral was glad to see Dynamo's determination and bravery, and couldn't wait to see it onstage as well. "That's the spirit. Now get out there and do your best. Also, don't worry, I'm sure nopony will be judgmental on your attire. After all, I'm wearing a hoodie." Astral then gently nudged Dynamo towards the stage with his magic, and then sat with Pastel in excitement for the gamer pony's performance. Astral knew it was a shame that Dynamo had been abused because of his heart in the past, but he was glad to see that Dynamo had also brought his own regrets to light instead of hiding them. As he sat next to the pink filly, Astral remembered Samurai's wish to keep an eye out for danger, and Astral remained vigilant so he could keep that promise.

@Dynamo Pad Astral took notice of the rising fear in Dynamo's eyes, knowing how hard it was to be singled out in a public crowd. Astral decided to help Dynamo not with magic, but with advice. "Dynamo, remember how I said before that nothing bad could come out of this event for you or Pastel? Well, I meant it. At the end of the day, even if your performance wasn't perfect, would you really need to care so much about what others thought of you? Just focus on your own talent, be the best you can be, cause every performance can be grand if conducted by those who put their hearts into it. Have confidence in yourself, I know Pastel has it in you. But above all else, make sure to have fun!" Astral declared while smiling ear to ear.

@Pastel-chan @Dynamo Pad Astral was in awe from what he just witnessed, Pastel was truly magnificent on stage, and her voice was as clear as the shining day. He turned to Dynamo in the seat next to him, whispering into his ear "I bet you're really proud of her." Astral then got out of his seat and quietly made his way backstage, hoping to congratulate Pastel on her incredible performance. Astral heard the songs of two more ponies as he walked past, and could tell there was a lot of talent onstage today. Eventually, Astral found Pastel smiling ear to ear with the others. "Pastel, I saw your performance, and it was great! Your element must be music, cause I haven't seen talent like that in quite some time, especially from such a young pony."

@Dynamo Pad Astral smiled at Dynamo's mention of calling him a friend, and was happy to see that Dynamo wanted to take part in the festivities. He even chuckled at Dynamo's bodyguard joke, mostly because he had met Princess Celestia before, but that was a story for another time. "Sure, I'll tag along. And don't worry, nothing bad can come out of this for you or Pastel, no matter what happens." Astral's horn began to glow once more, and a projection of Dynamo appeared, smiling and confident. "If you want, I could add in some special effects for you two?" Even though they didn't know each other that well yet, Astral made the offer out of kindness, as nothing made him happier than inspiring others to do their best. (Element of Inspiration)

@Pastel-chan @Dynamo Pad Astral watched Pastel zoom by in the form of a pink blur, chuckling a bit as he turned to Dynamo. "Nice to see she hasn't changed. So Dynamo, are you two here to take part in the concert?" Astral figured it was better to start with a pleasant conversation rather than going straight to what he'd learned from Samurai, as he didn't want to worry Dynamo.

Go right ahead, Samurai. Hopefully I'll take part in the concert too, even when I'm trying to help solve a friendship problem.

@Samurai Equine Astral was grateful for the clue, and respected Samurai's responsible attitude. "While you focus on the concert, I'll keep an eye out for danger. I could tell that you sensed something as well." Astral whispered back, careful not to slip. "I'll try to look for Trilby in the meantime, but let me know if you need my assistance." @Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan As he arrived to the centre of town once more, with Samurai and Pencil at his side, Astral noticed Dynamo and Pastel among the crowd. "Excuse me you two, there's something I need to do." said Astral in an eerily familiar tone. (Z) As he left the two ponies behind, Astral went to greet his acquaintances from the past moon. "Hey Dynamo, hey Pastel. Looks like we meet again." Astral said with a smile.

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare Astral now knew the somepony he had to locate next, and he knew he was going to need help. However, before leaving to find Dynamo and Pastel, he needed to know where he could find Trilby. Before he could ask, an unknown pony walked into their vicinity. Samurai seemed to recognize them, so Astral was polite. "Pencil was it? Nice to meet you. Are you an acquaintance of Samurai's?" After this statement, Astral could sense an ominous presence far in the distance. Was there another problem caused by the town's supposed curse? Astral could only wait impatiently, hoping he was wrong.

@Kronos the Revenant @Samurai Equine Now that I think about it, how can a pony that's not a unicorn even use a gun? The same way Spongebob can have fires underwater, I suppose.