private A Temporal Odyssey

[Steel Accord 6,660]

DJ nodded understandingly. "I see..." Suddenly, he grinned. "But you were just one pony back then! Now we're alongside you, it'll be a lot harder to be captured! Sure, we'll get spotted more easily, but at least..." DJ's eyes lit up as an idea came to him. "Maybe we don't need to be unnoticed! In fact... I have an idea how we can just trot straight in the front door..."

 

"I like that plan!" Steel said enthusiastically, his wings resting at his scabbards. "Oh, Steel Accord, by the way. Formerly of Canterlot, perhaps you've read some of my books? Such as The Litany of the Master Swordponies. Much as I loved writing it, my editor forced me to pad it out ridiculously.

Edited July 14, 2014 by Steel Accord

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, @@Steel Accord, @@Wayzer,

 

"I'm Clover," Clover replied to Nightstrike. "I believe you. I didn't wish to fight you, all I wanted was for you to explain yourself and what you say has the ring of truth about it."

 

Clover thought about the issue and something clicked in her head. "There is a spell that could expose the changelings for who they are," she said. "It's not a spell that a unicorn could do; I first saw it done back when I was a filly, when two changelings allied with an evil dragon pony to try and take over Equestria by impersonating the Princesses and imprisoning them. An alicorn named Prince Starlight performed it; the spell swept away the changelings' disguises and revealed them as they really were, in front of all Equestria. The Elements then dealt with the changelings and also the dragon pony, and rescued the Princesses. I couldn't have performed this spell as a unicorn, but as an alicorn, I certainly could now."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Wayzer

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"A spell to expose changelings? That would be perfect!" DJ cried. "We could then separate the real ponies in town from the changelings much easier than by interrogation!" He smiled to himself as a plan formulated in his mind. "As for getting close to our enemy, the "mayor" still thinks we are helping him. If we asked to speak to him, his pseudo kind-hearted nature would make him almost certain to let us in to speak with him."

 

"While we told him how we defeated his potential killer, you, Nightstrike, could sneak into his house another way. The bodyguards would let down their guard, thinking we had killed you, and so it would be easier for you to get in and join us for a friendly "chat" with the mayor!"

[Zhooves 843]

@@Wayzer, 

"I was worried for a moment there..." he spoke quietly to himself, looking down. "But they got it.".

 

Taking a leap, he jumped and landed softly right next to NightStrike.

"I be North Light av Trotheim..." he begun, looking towards where he came from as Midnatt came out from a bush. "And that be me sister Middnattsol, or Midnight Sun, if ye will." he continued as she approached them.

[Inactive01 5,299]

(Ahh... RPing peace... Finally...)

 

Sterling got up once again to the sound of exotic birds chirping on the trees and trees rustling in the distance, probably from the other ponies who were among Sterling's company. His red horn hurt much less than before, but it was still very painful for Sterling just to get up and take a single trot. He could feel the mud on his back, wishing that he had a chance to take a bath after this episode with the assassin was done. 

 

But he couldn't do anything about it. For now, he just had to go with the flow... and hope that something wasn't wrong... He could hear more chatter, which for him was a better sign than swords clashing at each other. He could barely make about the chattering that was happening among the ponies... What struck him the most was the talk of Changelings among the zebras... Sterling wanted to be surprised at the thought, but he just couldn't... He was taken back to the time this lady Changeling wanted to mimic Vinyl Scratch to see whether DJ would fall for her temptation and lusts... or have faith and stick with the real Vinyl, who was far from his grasp...

 

Sterling turned to Blue Note @lincolnshirepony, and with a weak voice asked,

 

"Blue Note... are the zebras... really changelings?" 

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

@Wayzer

@Steel Accord

@Pripyat Pony

@Zhooves

 

Uncertainty prickled at Blue Note. NightStrike appeared honorable to her, but a nagging sense of doubt caused her to feel unsure. Taking a pony at their word without concrete proof was unwise in her experience. She listened carefully to the conversation, turning over the details in her mind.

 

She flinched, roused from her thoughts, when Sterling Crimson mentioned her name. "I don't know," she answered. "If NightStrike is telling the truth, then they are." Blue Note still had a few questions before she bought the idea entirely.

 

She turned towards the group, and took a deep breath, bracing herself to address them. Somepony had to be the skeptic. "Is there any way to get concrete proof that we're dealing with changelings? The spell would suffice, but if the mayor becomes aware of it, I imagine he'd be unreceptive to us. And I believe it would be wise to get proof that the village is under hostile control before we attack him."

 

She looked directly at the assassin. "NightStrike, we were sent here directly by Celestia, and she gave us no warnings of changelings. If your organization is in service to the princesses, then why was she not informed of this looming threat on Canterlot?" 

 

Blue Note was aiming to uncover the truth. She wasn't invested in the idea of NightStrike as their enemy, but if he was, she'd much rather know now than find out after they had helped him attack the mayor.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling twitched when the possibility of changelings in their midst was indeed a real one. He could feel thoughts of fear and panic rushing along his brain nerves, leaving Sterling struggling to get a single hold of his brain and the pain that was still throbbing on his horn. He finally took a few trots around in a circle near where Blue Note stood. He didn't want the assassin to notice his presence, but he was the type of pony who liked to wander around aimlessly, especially with a pain on his head. Trying his best to think of an idea to get them out of this mess, Sterling bumped himself onto a tree a small distance away from the other ponies. He gave out another thud as he came back down on the floor feeling dazed once again...

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Wayzer

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"A spell to expose changelings? That would be perfect!" DJ cried. "We could then separate the real ponies in town from the changelings much easier than by interrogation!" He smiled to himself as a plan formulated in his mind. "As for getting close to our enemy, the "mayor" still thinks we are helping him. If we asked to speak to him, his pseudo kind-hearted nature would make him almost certain to let us in to speak with him."

 

"While we told him how we defeated his potential killer, you, Nightstrike, could sneak into his house another way. The bodyguards would let down their guard, thinking we had killed you, and so it would be easier for you to get in and join us for a friendly "chat" with the mayor!"

 

"Excellent, once the Changelings are exposed to the villagers for the scum that they are . . ." Steel pulled his sword, just a tad from his scabbard. "I shall gladly rid this peaceful village of their insidious displacement. Unless, you need me elsewhere Captain?"

[Wayzer 1,418]

@@lincolnshirepony,

 

 

"Mmmhm, well like I said not every single one of them are, the only ones I know for sure are the mayor and his guards I'm quite uncertain about the rest. And about the princess not knowing about it... well... let's just say the organization I work for is old. Like in really really old. The way I've been trained as a young colt..." He shivered involuntarily "Celestia wouldn't have tolerated that."

 

 

@, 

 

He turned to DJ "Sounds like a solid plan to me mister. With the guards distracted by your arrival I'd easily be able to slip inside."

 

@@Zhooves,

 

"Also, I guess I'd have to thank you there." He smiled a bit when he spoke to North Light "You saved us a lot of fighting!"

 

 

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

He shot a glance at the alicorn "Thanks for believing me eehm... I think I'd have to call you your highness now not?"

 

 

@@Sterling Crimson,

 

NightStrike was startled by an audible thud and turned his attention directly towards it only to see Sterling falling down on the forest floor. He looked worried and gestured towards it with his muzzle "Is he supposed to do that or...."

Edited July 15, 2014 by Wayzer

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling twitched when the possibility of changelings in their midst was indeed a real one. He could feel thoughts of fear and panic rushing along his brain nerves, leaving Sterling struggling to get a single hold of his brain and the pain that was still throbbing on his horn. He finally took a few trots around in a circle near where Blue Note stood. He didn't want the assassin to notice his presence, but he was the type of pony who liked to wander around aimlessly, especially with a pain on his head. Trying his best to think of an idea to get them out of this mess, Sterling bumped himself onto a tree a small distance away from the other ponies. He gave out another thud as he came back down on the floor feeling dazed once again...

 

 

@@lincolnshirepony,

 

 

"Mmmhm, well like I said not every single one of them are, the only ones I know for sure are the mayor and his guards I'm quite uncertain about the rest. And about the princess not knowing about it... well... let's just say the organization I work for is old. Like in really really old. The way I've been trained as a young colt..." He shivered involuntarily "Celestia wouldn't have tolerated that."

 

 

@, 

 

He turned to DJ "Sounds like a solid plan to me mister. With the guards distracted by your arrival I'd easily be able to slip inside."

 

@@Zhooves,

 

"Also, I guess I'd have to thank you there." He smiled a bit when he spoke to North Light "You saved us a lot of fighting!"

 

 

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

He shot a glance at the alicorn "Thanks for believing me eehm... I think I'd have to call you your highness now not?"

 

 

@@Sterling Crimson,

 

NightStrike was startled by an audible thud and turned his attention directly towards it only to see Sterling falling down on the forest floor. He looked worried and gestured towards it with his muzzle "Is he supposed to do that or...."

 

 

"Oh Doctor, are you okay?" Steel rushed over to his friend. "Come on physician, heal thyself. We might have need of your not inconsiderable skills soon enough." Steel was hoping no more innocent ponies or zebra had to get hurt, but he was glad Sterling was here if that happened.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

"I think you should be with us the while time," DJ replied to Steel. "Our best chance is to end this quickly and before the changelings in he village are alerted. We should only split up if it's absolutely necessary."

 

As he heard the bump of Sterling collapsing, DJ rushed over to him. "Hmm... I think this is one of those times where we might need to split up, if Sterling isn't feeling well! Hopefully it won't come to that, but I don't want you getting hurt even more!"

 

Chronos trotted over to DJ, obviously a little nervous. "Umm... Do you think I could go back to the ship?" he asked nervously. "It's just, I haven't done any fighting , and uhh... I'd probably just get in your way... "

 

DJ could see Chronos obviously didn't want to try fighting a powerful foe such as this. Smiling, he nodded understandingly. "Well, if you're worried about going, I understand. It will get pretty dangerous. In fact, I think Vinyl should go back to the ship with you!"

 

At this, Vinyl was more than a little annoyed. "What!?!" she cried. "But DJ, I came along so we could adventure together! I wanna be with you for this..."

 

DJ really didn't want his marefriend getting hurt, even if it meant annoying her a little. "Sorry Vi... I really don't want you to go with us to fight these changelings. I really don't want you getting hurt..." He thought for a moment, before adding with a grin, "Anyway, you have to protect Chronos!" Chronos blushed a little, and Vinyl gave a small smile, but DJ could still see she was annoyed.

 

"I think we'd better get moving." DJ announced. "I don't want to be in this jungle any longer than we have to!" Stooping down to speak to Sterling, he asked, "Are you ok bud? Do you think you can walk?" He really hoped his friend was alright...

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Wayzer, "Just call me 'Clover'," Clover replied. "I was only very recently crowned; it's difficult to think of myself as being a Princess yet, and I certainly don't think myself better than everypony. I'd prefer to be treated as an equal. If need be, I can cast a charm of concealment on you so that you aren't immediately recognised as the assassin. I can of course lift it at any time."

[Zhooves 843]

@@Wayzer, @@Sterling Crimson,

"No problem... Avoiding fights can often be the easy and best way of solving things." he said, seeming happy that he could help. "As for him..." he begun, looking over at Sterling: "...Is not supposed to do that, as far as I know. He might need a little help..." he said. before walking over to Starling with the others.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Zhooves

[Inactive01 5,299]

 

Sterling got up wearily once again after bumping into a tree. Just as his horn was starting to feel better from the pain he felt after overexerting his music spell, he received a bump to the head, which left it throbbing yet again. Sterling got up more easily this time, but not without feeling dazed after the collision. He saw several DJs flying about in front of him that Sterling couldn't shake off! While trying to walk, Sterling uttered with a struggle,

 

"DJ... Are there three changelings beside you right now? Because how can there be three of you in front of me...?"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Sterling Crimson, Clover looked at Sterling with concern. "You don't look so good right now, Sterling. You ought to rest up before we make a move, and perhaps take some medicine. Not that I want to tell you how to doctor yourself or anything."

 

She turned to the others.

 

@@Zhooves, @, @@Steel Accord, @@Wayzer, @@lincolnshirepony, @,

 

"Is there any real need for us to act straight away?" she asked everypony as a whole. "I will assume that if we do not return to the village in a timely manner, that the mayor will write us off as having been killed by the assassin. That will help in retaining the element of surprise, plus if we wait a while, we can work out a definite plan and wait for Sterling to recover himself."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Umm..." DJ was pretty sure that Sterling was seeing triple now. "Oh boy... That doesn't sound good! You must have hit your head pretty hard there!" What could they do though? They couldn't risk moving on if Sterling was badly hurt , but Sterling was their only doctor! Suddenly, DJ had an idea.

 

Turning to Clover, he asked. "Do you happen to know any heal spells, Clover? I don't think it would be a good idea for Sterling to go around like this. I'm sure there's something to help him back at the ship, but I wouldn't think that walking back to the ship in this state would be very good for him.." Listening to Clover's idea, DJ commented. "Thing is, we don't really have much time. With that shadow pony about, we'd better get the information on the Darkstar as soon as possible. And even if we did go straight to be mayor, he thinks we're working for him, so he wouldn't suspect a thing!"

Edited July 15, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, "Just a moment, I'll consult one of the books I brought along," Clover replied. She levitated a book out of her saddlebags and began to look thru it. The book was entitled "Basic Home Spells" and contained spells meant for maintaining family life, including a section on health spells.

 

"Ah, found it!" Clover exclaimed. She looked up at DJ and said, "This spell is a useful one I came up with years ago; it's for healing head bumps. I included it in this book cuz I know that foals tend to knock their heads a lot. It's not just for foals, either. I used it on my friend Lightning a lot during the time he was constantly practicing flying tricks and kept crashing and bumping his head. Basically, it'll take away the pain as well as any bruises and bumps and other side effects, like double vision."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"That sounds perfect Clover!" DJ cried. "We need to all be in top form for this! I just hope it works on Sterling ok..." If they got into a bit fight with the changeling general, which seemed likely, they would need to be prepared for everything. He hoped his buddy would be alright after this spell...

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, @@Sterling Crimson, "Only one way to find out," Clover murmured. She read thru the spell once more, and concentrated. Her horn glowed with a green aura as she readied herself to perform the spell. A jet of green light shot from Clover's horn and enveloped Sterling in a green glow as it did its job, healing his head.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to woosh around in his imagination as his head continually played tricks on him. He wasn't aware of any this even after a few minutes of dizzy trotting in a circle. That however was one moment. At the next, all Sterling could do was shake his head and stare happily at everypony else because he felt much better again!

 

"Hey... where did my head and horn pain go? It's all gone! Yay!" Sterling cheered excitedly after he was cured, unaware and uncaring that the assassin was still standing with the rest of the group and that the changelings were possibly under control of the isolated village...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note still had doubts about NightStrike. His organization was suspicious; he outright admitted that Celestia wouldn't approve of it, and it didn't escape her notice that he had yet to provide any evidence that the village had been invaded by changelings. Yet she also knew that the decision to help him was not hers to make. Everypony else was going along with him, and her doubts had been voiced and dismissed. Trying again was a fool's errand. She also had to admit that a changeling invasion of Canterlot would be decidedly terrible and worth investigating. If this was some sort of elaborate manipulation, they would find out soon enough. 

 

She didn't have much time to mull over the implications; Sterling collapsing took her attention away from her thoughts. He must have over-exerted himself with the spell. She felt guilty about not paying enough mind to his exhaustion. At least Clover had a spell to help him out; exhaustion out in the jungle could be very dangerous. 

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

By now, night was just falling, and the sounds of the nocturnal jungle creatures were starting to appear. DJ didn't like the sound of that! Seeing Sterling was better, he grinned. "Glad to hear you're feeling better Sterling!" DJ said happily. "You must have really taken a beating out there! Well done Clover!" Looking up at the sky, he noticed the last light of day was fading, and soon the jungle would be enveloped in the inky blackness of night.

 

"We'd better get moving everypony!" he announced. "I don't think it's wise to stick around the jungle at night! Especially with what happened in Canterlot a few nights ago..." His words made Chronos seem more than a little frightened, as he took a step closer to DJ and the others. "I'd like to wait a bit, but I really think we should leave this place as soon as possible. Let's go guys..." With that, DJ trotted off into the jungle, Vinyl following alongside and Chronos hurriedly following behind....

Edited July 16, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, Clover quickly followed. "I'll set up the same wards as we had before, to give us warning in case anything decides to attack," she said. "Just as before, they'll shatter if something or somepony does try and breach them, but by then we'd be prepared to fight an intruder."

 

She set up the wards, this time including Nightstrike.

[Wayzer 1,418]

NightStrike raised an eyebrow there for a second. Shadow pony? Darkstar? He never heard of those things in his entire life. Which was weird, he knew about a lot of things going on in Equestria at the moment. Yet there was a princess standing in front of him of which he never heard before.

 

"Just one thing.." He said softly "Don't expect any fancy spell work like that from me. I can do some spells but almost all of them are stealth related." He turned to Clover with a small smile playing on his face "Thanks for the offer, but I'll take care not to be noticed by them. It's my specialty after all. It should be a piece of cake once the guards are distracted."

[Steel Accord 6,660]

NightStrike raised an eyebrow there for a second. Shadow pony? Darkstar? He never heard of those things in his entire life. Which was weird, he knew about a lot of things going on in Equestria at the moment. Yet there was a princess standing in front of him of which he never heard before.

 

"Just one thing.." He said softly "Don't expect any fancy spell work like that from me. I can do some spells but almost all of them are stealth related." He turned to Clover with a small smile playing on his face "Thanks for the offer, but I'll take care not to be noticed by them. It's my specialty after all. It should be a piece of cake once the guards are distracted."

 

"Understood. Yeah we usually turn to Clover for the more heavy arcane powers where Sterling is the medic. One's the generalist the other is the specialist. If you feel you are best served by not being seen, you go right ahead." Steel smiled. "Oh and uhhhh sorry about what I said before."

Edited July 16, 2014 by Steel Accord