private A Temporal Odyssey

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

DJ nodded approvingly at Clover's suggestion. "That's a good idea!" he answered. "Just in case the changelings catch on, or if any more creatures attack us." Listening to the discussion between Steel and Nightstrike, smiling to himself. While he had at first been a threat to them, this pony now seemed a lot more friend than foe. Even so, they'd have to be wary, in case he wasn't letting them in on the full truth. For now though, DJ thought it was best to trust him on this.

 

"This night is beautiful, isn't it DJ?" Vinyl said happily. "Sure, we've nearly been killed several times today, but this island is still really cool! I can't believe you all were off having this sort of in while I was sitting at home thinking you had drowned on that cruise ship!"

 

DJ chuckled. "That was quite an adventure! I promise I won't let you worry anymore though Vi! This is just as dangerous a place as it is beautiful, but I'm glad you're with me this time. It sure is beautiful, but I can see something even more beautiful..." Vinyl giggled at his comment, nudging him in stomach.

 

Suddenly, a strange thought entered DJ's head. He didn't know why it came to him, but it did:

"The ponies should.... prepare... to fight,

There's darker than.... changelings in... the night..."

 

Whatever made that thought come to mind, it scared him. It wasn't often that DJ felt truly afraid, but this sudden, menacing thought was strangely threatening. This fear was odd, not like normal fear; a sense of dread and despair. He looked around to check in case it was indeed a voice, but the wards were still up and he could see nothing in the forest. There was no doubt about it, there was nothing in the jungle.

 

"DJ... Are you ok...?" Vinyl asked worriedly. "You look a little nervous..."

 

"No... I'm fine Vi..." DJ replied with a slightly unconvincing smile. "You're just... worrying too much..." Vinyl hadn't heard the voice, it seemed. It certainly couldn't have been from something in the jungle then. Was he the only one to feel such strange fear? DJ dismissed the fears as best he could, as they continued to trot through the jungle...

 

((OOC: Apologies for the long post I felt in a writing mood!))

Edited July 16, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Inactive01 5,299]

The sun set all the way to make way for the large, pale moon that hovered over the sky. Sterling was out of his painful slumber at this point, but another pain that was much larger was beginning to set in... It was already a day without Evening, and already he was  feeling very lonely. It was as if he was back to the old days before he met Evening, where ponies would come and go without giving him a single moment of care. Sterling sighed as he looked up at the moonlight shining brightly. It reminded him more and more of Evening, since she always loved to write a poem every now and then about the night. The fearful thoughts crept up to Sterling like spiders on a pony's shoulders... It tickled his mind and kept him worried as he got up to trot back to the village for their changeling encounter...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

For the most part, Blue Note felt assured that all was safe. The group was leaving the dangers of the jungle, and there were plenty of capable ponies among them. They had so many protections keeping them out of harm's way. But there was a feeling of terror that she couldn't quite shake. It ripped through her reassurances and comforts, and touched her at the very core. "I guess I'm more nervous about this than I thought." Yet something was telling her than this was more than ordinary worry. 

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

(OOC: sorry guys, felt we should move on to the main event! )

 

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

Finally, they were out of the jungle, standing at the edge of town. DJ felt a relief wash over him, knowing he was out of that strange place. He wanted to get this whole problem sorted out; to see who was telling the truth and who was lying...

 

Turning to Vinyl, he said quietly, "I think it's time you and Chronos went back to the ship. You'll both be safe there." Nodding, Vinyl trotted over to Chronos, explaining what DJ had said, and the two trotted off back to the ship. DJ then announced to the others. "If anypony else wants to return to the ship, I've no problems with it. This is going to be far from safe , I'm sure , and I don't blame anypony if they wish to go back to the ship." He grinned. "Either way, I'm going to make sure we'll all be back at the ship before sunrise! Nothing will stop that from happening."

 

To Nightstrike, he gave a small smile. "I think it's time we part ways for now. We'll go straight on to the mayor's house and make him think you're dead, while you find a way to sneak in. We'll meet up for our 'chat' with mayor as soon as possible!"

 

"Ok everypony! Let's get going!" DJ figured the larger , more guarded house in the centre of town must be the mayor's house , so he trotted off in it's direction...

Edited July 17, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Wayzer 1,418]

@@Steel Accord,

"Owh it's all right." NightStrike replied giving him a short glance. He then continued to follow the others towards the outskirts of the town. NightStrike loved the night himself, and not only because it made it way easier for him to do what he was best at, everything just seemed more calming and soothing to him. The night always had a reassuring effect on him.

 

As he stood on the edge of the small town they told him it was time for them to part ways, at which he agreed. Waving his hoof at them one last time he raised his cowl over his ears and vanished in the shadows of an alley between two wooden buildings.

[Zhooves 843]

@, 

North and Midnatt followed the others closely. Thanks to it being dark, it was far from hard as long as North made sure his sister hung on in some way. When they arrived at the outskirts of the town, and they split up, he asked: "What do we do?", motioning to himself and Midnatt.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Zhooves

 

"If you're happy to come along with us, we might need your help in the darkness," DJ replied. "I'm not sure what this changeling's going to try, and if he tries to flee, having your good eyesight will help us greatly if he goes outside. You could keep watch for any dangers for us too if you want." DJ really didn't want the two ponies to get into any danger, but if the two of them wanted to go, he thought it would be better if they did tag along. North's brilliant sight in darkness could prove very useful in the evening's events...

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to trot back towards the village underneath the moonlight, reminiscing the days of old when he and Evening were alone on the Seagallop and having a wonderful night while the others were in trouble with the tribal zebras. It was the night where Sterling began to find his confidence when he admitted that he had growing feelings for Evening after she came up to him for comfort having heard him cry... He looked back to that day hoping that it would be first of many years of happiness together... 

 

At this stage, Sterling couldn't see much of a future, even if Evening's diagnosis was expected to improve over the course of their adventure. Something just didn't feel right when Nurse Redheart mentioned that she would get better with antibiotics that were proven to work... He just hoped that those fears weren't true as he sighed and trotted slowly through the jungles of the unknown isle...

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Clover nodded grimly at all that DJ said. "I'm certainly coming along," she replied. "If the mayor tries anything, I'll just use that unmasking spell on him. Not only will his true nature, and that of any other changelings he's brought along with him be revealed, he also won't be able to use his shape changing ability while he's inside the village. The spell only comes off once a changeling returns to the Hive."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Clover nodded grimly at all that DJ said. "I'm certainly coming along," she replied. "If the mayor tries anything, I'll just use that unmasking spell on him. Not only will his true nature, and that of any other changelings he's brought along with him be revealed, he also won't be able to use his shape changing ability while he's inside the village. The spell only comes off once a changeling returns to the Hive."

"That sounds like it'll be a lot of help to us!" DJ replied with a smile. "Especially since he won't be able to fool the villagers any longer then! I just hope it won't come to be too dangerous to the villagers. Maybe when he sees he's beaten he'll leave quietly?" Giving a sigh, DJ shrugged. "Somehow I don't think that'll be very likely though!"

[Steel Accord 6,660]

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...

 

"Heh, pray Clover doesn't get much better at such healing spells. Or you might need to seek a new profession, dear Doctor." Steel was trying to sound facetious when he said this, but he had noted difficulties in understand and conveying tone.

 

(OOC: Sorry about not posting. School.)

"That sounds like it'll be a lot of help to us!" DJ replied with a smile. "Especially since he won't be able to fool the villagers any longer then! I just hope it won't come to be too dangerous to the villagers. Maybe when he sees he's beaten he'll leave quietly?" Giving a sigh, DJ shrugged. "Somehow I don't think that'll be very likely though!"

 

"That's what you have Nightstrike and I for." Steel said as he patted his scabbards. (It's a habit okay?!) "I'm the visible threat and we have the unseen one in our new companion. Though I still don't approve of his specific methods." Steel added. He still felt fighting should be done facing one's enemy.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to trot, ever more worried about Evening's condition back in Manehattan. Deciding to give another attempt to forgetting about his fears, Sterling decided to give another chat to Blue Note @lincolnshirepony to see what was going on with this strange land...

 

"Blue Note... Are we sure that the assassin's trustworthy? If so, how did we come to trust him in the first place?" Sterling asked with fear in his voice. His fears about Evening were temporarily being substituted by his fears about the assassin... at least it was better to worry about something they could somewhat control over something that Sterling couldn't control at all...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

"As if I know," Blue Note snorted. She lowered her voice "I don't know if he's trustworthy. I have yet to see any concrete proof that anypony in this village is a changeling, and I find the fact that his organization is secret from Celestia due to her probably lack of approval very suspicious." She shook her head. "I suppose him not killing Chronos was an honorable act, but I don't know how that equates to him telling the truth about anything. Something is fishy here, even if he's being completely honest." All she could do was stay on her guard. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling gave out a worried shake of his head when Blue Note too wasn't sure why they were heading back to the village to face changelings. How did the assassin know they were changelings? Why did he kill some of the real royal guards if he wanted to get rid of the changelings only? Why were the company trusting this assassin who he didn't even know the name of?! Sterling had so many questions to ask, but he felt that they were one too many to ask, so he gave his biggest question of all,

 

"So... why aren't we fighting the assassin if we don't know whether he's telling the truth or not? Assassins can lie you know?" Sterling made sure to keep it a whisper, hoping that the assassin didn't take note of what he said...

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling gave out a worried shake of his head when Blue Note too wasn't sure why they were heading back to the village to face changelings. How did the assassin know they were changelings? Why did he kill some of the real royal guards if he wanted to get rid of the changelings only? Why were the company trusting this assassin who he didn't even know the name of?! Sterling had so many questions to ask, but he felt that they were one too many to ask, so he gave his biggest question of all,

 

"So... why aren't we fighting the assassin if we don't know whether he's telling the truth or not? Assassins can lie you know?" Sterling made sure to keep it a whisper, hoping that the assassin didn't take note of what he said...

 

"I agree with you Doctor. However, as they say in Saddle Arabia, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I don't trust Nightstrike fully on principal, but I believes he's right about the Changelings. He was so indignant to us about our service to the mayor. An evil pony wouldn't be so offended by our attempts to thwart him. Annoyed perhaps, but not morally offended."

Edited July 18, 2014 by Steel Accord

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling gave out a worried shake of his head when Blue Note too wasn't sure why they were heading back to the village to face changelings. How did the assassin know they were changelings? Why did he kill some of the real royal guards if he wanted to get rid of the changelings only? Why were the company trusting this assassin who he didn't even know the name of?! Sterling had so many questions to ask, but he felt that they were one too many to ask, so he gave his biggest question of all,

 

"So... why aren't we fighting the assassin if we don't know whether he's telling the truth or not? Assassins can lie you know?" Sterling made sure to keep it a whisper, hoping that the assassin didn't take note of what he said...

 

 

"I agree with you Doctor. However, as they say in Saddle Arabia, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I don't trust Nightstrike fully on principal, but I believes he's right about the Changelings. He was so indignant to us about our service to the mayor. An evil pony wouldn't be so offended by our attempts to thwart him. Annoyed perhaps, but not morally offended."

 

"Evil is subjective," Blue Note said. "But I suppose you have a point. I'd still rather see concrete proof before we act, but we'll know in due time. If the mayor isn't a changeling, then the spell won't work. I just hope this doesn't backfire horribly, because if it does we'll all go down one way or another." The anxiety had not left her, and unpleasant possibilities flitted through her mind. They were risking a lot by agree to this. Still, Canterlot needed to be protected...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

DJ listened to Steel, Sterling and Blue Note debate Nightstrike's trustworthiness as they made their way towards the mayor's house. IN truth, DJ was very unsure about who they could trust. This could be a plan of an evil changeling, or it could indeed be a plot by Nightstrike to get close to the mayor. They'd find out soon enough though!

 

As they neared the mayor's residence, two unicorn guards blokes their path. "Halt!" one cried. "What business do you have with Mayor Deepwood?"

 

Unsure of whether he was talking to pony or changeling, DJ replied. "We're the volunteers who went to find that assassin. We managed to kill him, and now wish to speak with the mayor."

 

The guards looked at each other, before nodding, and opening the gate to the large house. "You may enter," the second guard said. "But we will accompany you. We are still on alert, even if what you say is true..." The guards then stepped aside, allowing the group to pass...

[Zhooves 843]

@, 

"Aye, we will come along." North said to DJ, and followed them into town.

Staying a little behind the group, North managed to pick up on what pretty much all they said.

 

"Ser ut til at noen av de andre er i tvil... Hovedsakelig omkring planen og snikmorderen..." he whispered to Midnatt, who still held onto North's back with a wing. "Hørte det." she replied back.

 

When they had reached the building it seemed they thought was the right one, he made sure they siblings were following close in  case something happened.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@, 

 

"Of course gentlecolts." Steel bowed respectfully, before winking discreetly to DJ. While being escorted to the mayor, Steel appeared calm and casual, but his mind was ready and apt. He had entered a pre-meditated state of awareness, waiting for the slightest input that would signify and attack.

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Wayzer

@@Zhooves

 

We're really going to put this much trust into this guy, eh? Red thought to himself as he slowly trotted into the room. After all, Nightstrike was the assassin the town was looking for. Yet, why was everyone so eager to trust him? Red did not trust Nightstrike in the slightest bit, and prepared himself for an impending stab in the back.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Wayzer

@@Zhooves

 

We're really going to put this much trust into this guy, eh? Red thought to himself as he slowly trotted into the room. After all, Nightstrike was the assassin the town was looking for. Yet, why was everyone so eager to trust him? Red did not trust Nightstrike in the slightest bit, and prepared himself for an impending stab in the back.

 

 

"Ixnay on the itmanhay." Steel whispered to Red, hoping the guards, pony or Changeling did not understand pig latin. "We're going to trust him enough that he may be right. If he turns on us, I'll kill him myself, deal?" Whether Nightstrike was planning to betray them or not, they needed to see the mayor now and raising suspicion would only endanger them further.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to trot closer to the village, taking note at what Blue Note had just said about evil. By that time, Sterling was just about to transfer his thoughts back to Evening when the company had finally arrived at the village... Sterling's first thought was that he had no idea a gate actually existed... There must have been one through the main path, and Sterling facehoofed himself when they could have just taken another secretive path into the Mayor's Home to see if he really was a changeling...

 

But the events were already unfolding, and Sterling's mind was firmly placed back into the village... There were guards ready to escort the company to the mayor... But why the sudden guarding that needed to be done? Weren't they friends to the village? This was the first thought that left Sterling anxious as to what would happen to them... 

 

As the ponies were escorted, Sterling looked around to see all the villagers staring them down as if they were the enemy... instead of friends... Didn't they remember that they were greeted with welcome arms the first time they came? The fears grew on Sterling, leaving him to believe that perhaps the assassin was right after all... Only time would tell to see who was telling the truth... And there wasn't much time at that.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note straightened her posture, and tried to look natural, whatever that meant. She wasn't comfortable with this deceit, but what else was there to do? If the mayor was dishonest, they would know soon enough. The whole situation was something she would rather not be tangled up in, but that was her choice wasn't it? If only she hadn't been afraid of walking home at night... Now she was probably going to get caught up in fighting an army of changelings, or perhaps an army of disgruntled zebras. Neither of those options sounded like an appealing way to die. 

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

The group were led inside the large house, which could almost be considered a mansion! As they were taken across a long corridor, DJ wondered if Nightstrike would find them, and if that was even something they wanted... The guards stopped at a large wooden door. One of them knocked on the door with his hoof. After a small pause, a cheerful "Come in!" could be heard.

 

Pushing open the door, the guards stepped aside for the ponies to pass. As DJ stepped into the fancy room, a fire crackling in the hearth, he saw an earth pony lying on the chair by the fire, a small table with tea and biscuits on it standing next to the chair. When he saw the group, the mayor smiled at got up off his chair. "Hello!" he said cheerfully. "You were the group of volunteers who went to the jungle, weren't you? Did you finally apprehend him for us?" It was hard to think of this pony as a changeling; he seemed so nice ...

Edited July 19, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Wayzer 1,418]

NightStrike had managed to get into the mayor's house and was currently watching them from the shadows. All of the sudden a thought came into his mind. He just led them straight into their trap! The realization almost made him fall down from his hiding place. After all, if the changelings believed he was really dead, what reason did they have to keep them alive. They might just as well try to kill them here and now! Anxiously he watched them hoping they would be prepared for any fighting.