Reality Check

OMG A Pinch and a Punch for the first of the month! Send all @Aticus the Adequate to Pandora's box! XD

Welp, here goes nothing XP A Pinch and a Punch for the first of the month! Yeet @Aticus the Adequate with a boop and a hug! XDD

The commotion was getting worse as conflict is rising, enough to make RC want to cover his ears. Thankfully they were able to calm down before it could get any worse. Seeing that he's the only one with the last gem that's not placed in the door, RC decided to just place it. "Let's just get this over with," RC said feeling annoyed from what happened prior. "I don't wanna hear any pony squabbling again -_-" Walking up to the door, he took out the teal gem in his hat and places it in the remaining socket on the door. Hoping it'd send them somewhere so they can move on.

RC hears the commotion outside and goes to see what it's about. There, he sees Magloria @Props ValRoa, Frostbite @Cagey, and @Princess Silky. Along with @Sophie H. and @Silverspark184. He saw that they were arguing about proving who they say they were, but then Silky disappeared and Frostbite yelled for her. RC initially wanted to go back inside, but then he saw the door and got curious. Though knowing Magloria and Frostbite, they'll likely ask him a few things if he approaches them. Regardless, he decides to confront them anyways, though only the fulfill his curiosity regarding the door. Once he was close enough, he decided to ask something. "What's going on over here?"

Feeling a bit bored, RC decided to get up and observe the others. He doesn't think he'll help much, but he's doing this to find something else to do. "Welp, I'm bored... maybe I'll look around for a bit, maybe even inspect the gem I got"

RC was always quiet for his age, sketching drawings of new creatures he discovers. So it's not unusual to see him drawing when he has free time, or to help him relax. "Sure will." He answered @Sophie H. "I don't mind. If you wanna brighten up the place, then go ahead. Don't let me stop you." RC smiles at her as she went to take care of the fillies.

RC tilted his head slightly. “Which? The flower or the gems? Because the gem was given to Tree Song, @Sophie H. and I. And I’m not sure where the flower’s from”

“Huh?” RC turned to @Princess Silky “Oh this? I think it came down from the tree that swung me around. I found it beside me before I got one of the gems from Tree Song”

RC looks at the teal gem he got for a brief second before putting it in his hat. "Well now, that that's settled., let's look inside." When the horde of changelings came charging in, RC quickly took out hit sketchbook and was able to spawn out a timberwolf. Unfortunately he was only able to spawn one, but it was at least enough to hold them off from attacking him and a few others. This lasted until Magloria and Frostbite were able to fend them off. Seeing no reason to keep it around, there are foals, and the fact it was already pretty cramped, he sent the timberwolf back into his sketchbook. "... close shave?"

The moment @Sophie H. pecked RC’s cheek, his face turned slightly red. “Y-yeah… you’re welcome” RC said with a smile

The song worked and RC was let down, albeit disorientated from the constant shaking. A flower floated down beside him as he began to recover. Slightly confused, he picked it up and placed it beside his mane before walking back to the others. He also reignited his horn so there’s light again. “Well… that was something. My head’s gonna be feeling it for a while…” RC said. “That aside, thanks for the backup @Sophie H. ^^”

As RC was swung around, he can hear that @Sophie H. and several others trying to calm the tree, but because none of them can see the notes, they aren’t playing the right song to calm the tree. That’s when RC had an idea. “Hey Sophie! I’m gonna send the notes down with my magic! Get ready to play them!” Focusing his magic, he aimed at each of the music notes, creating a line of notes that look like a music sheet. RC then sent them down, hoping that she’ll notice them and calm the tree for good

Unaware of the shaking tree, RC observed the cottage while looking back. “Hey @Sophie H.? Are you seeing this-“ Just then, he felt something wrap around his barrel before being lifted in the air in one fell swoop. “GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!!” RC shouted, just as the sudden motion caused him to stop his illumination spell. RC raised high up in the air, flailing his legs around until he saw the top of the tree. “Hey! Let me go! What are you-?!” RC yelled at the tree just before he was swung and shook by the tree. RC was feeling disoriented from being swung around like a rag doll when something caught his eye. It was a glowing symbol. “HEY!!! I think I see something!” RC shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping to get their attention. He then saw another one, then another. Trying to focus on them, he began to see them clearly. “Looks like music notes! I think it for a guitar!”

Seeing the cottage, the tree, and the hoof tracks, RC’s curiosity sparked as he slowly moved towards the cottage. He had no idea what to expect, so he kept his guard up slightly

Hearing that, RC decided to volunteer. “I can do that. One sec” He then lit up his horn for everyone until the inside is bright enough. “Is this bright enough-“ RC then spotted something. “Wait…”

As RC was chatting with @Sophie H. about singing and music, a giant wall made of roots appeared from the ground, separating them from half the group. The roots also covered the top as well, leaving barely any light for them to see. RC tried using his magic to break through the roots, but the roots immediately regenerate, fixing the damage. “Great, we can’t break through. And it doesn’t look like we can fly out either.” RC said as he looked up

Shocked by her sudden outburst, RC processed what @Sophie H. said. Although he previously mentioned he gets a headache from loud noise, he decided he might as well bare with it for now. "Uh not so much sing... I like listening to music and I've played one or two instruments before, but I never really sing, let along thought about it. ^^;"

RC rolls his eyes in amusement as the make their way to their destination

"Heh, I'm sure we'll be fine." RC winks playfully.

"We should stick together then. That way we don't lose each other." RC suggested before head to the maze of friendship.