private A Temporal Odyssey

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Clover was constantly on the alert. She had a spell planned if anything bad happened; it was a spell that she had been working on for a while, even before her ascension. The spell would freeze everypony in their place, save those she chose to spare. Clover was sure that something would happen in the mayor's house, and it might not be good, either.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

DJ nodded. "We managed to find him, and he's certainly in no position to hurt anypony on this island ever again..." His phrase wasn't a direct lie; Nightstrike wasn't likely to hurt anyPONY here again, but changelings would be another matter. The sentence however suggested that Nighstrike was very much dead to Mayor Deepwood, who clapped his hooves together with a smile.

 

"Excellent! That is indeed most wonderful!" he said happily. "You ponies certainly deserve a reward for your efforts..."

[Inactive01 5,299]

The escorting continued even as Sterling and the rest of the ponies were already entering the Mayor's home. Why all this scrutiny if they said that they had already killed the assassin? Did they know what their assassin friend was up to? Was there anything they knew that the group of friends didn't? Sterling halted his pace rather abruptly when the other ponies also did so, as they were now in the presence of their mayor... or their tribal leader in Sterling's opinion. They certainly didn't act very kind to them after "defeating" their foe... If only he was allowed to say that they were quite the savages for being so suspicious at their friends.

 

When the mayor happily spoke of his delight in his friends defeating the assassin, he mentioned a reward... but the sudden pause that came with it left Sterling even more fearful... What reward was he talking about... He scuffled closer to Blue Note @lincolnshirepony and @Steel Accord, and asked them both,

 

"Guys... are... are you as scared as I am as to what's going to happen next?" Sterling asked with chattering teeth...

[Steel Accord 6,660]

The escorting continued even as Sterling and the rest of the ponies were already entering the Mayor's home. Why all this scrutiny if they said that they had already killed the assassin? Did they know what their assassin friend was up to? Was there anything they knew that the group of friends didn't? Sterling halted his pace rather abruptly when the other ponies also did so, as they were now in the presence of their mayor... or their tribal leader in Sterling's opinion. They certainly didn't act very kind to them after "defeating" their foe... If only he was allowed to say that they were quite the savages for being so suspicious at their friends.

 

When the mayor happily spoke of his delight in his friends defeating the assassin, he mentioned a reward... but the sudden pause that came with it left Sterling even more fearful... What reward was he talking about... He scuffled closer to Blue Note @lincolnshirepony and @Steel Accord, and asked them both,

 

"Guys... are... are you as scared as I am as to what's going to happen next?" Sterling asked with chattering teeth...

 

"Still yourself Doctor. Remember the training I gave you? Just be defensive. You know we've beaten far worse than this pudgy politician." Steel whispered to his friend. Steel rested his wings atop his scabbards and tapped the hilt slides lightly with his feathers like Squint Eastwood ready to draw.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

The escorting continued even as Sterling and the rest of the ponies were already entering the Mayor's home. Why all this scrutiny if they said that they had already killed the assassin? Did they know what their assassin friend was up to? Was there anything they knew that the group of friends didn't? Sterling halted his pace rather abruptly when the other ponies also did so, as they were now in the presence of their mayor... or their tribal leader in Sterling's opinion. They certainly didn't act very kind to them after "defeating" their foe... If only he was allowed to say that they were quite the savages for being so suspicious at their friends.

 

When the mayor happily spoke of his delight in his friends defeating the assassin, he mentioned a reward... but the sudden pause that came with it left Sterling even more fearful... What reward was he talking about... He scuffled closer to Blue Note @lincolnshirepony and @Steel Accord, and asked them both,

 

"Guys... are... are you as scared as I am as to what's going to happen next?" Sterling asked with chattering teeth...

 

"Of course," Blue Note replied softly. "I have no idea what will become of us." The truth was just out of reach, and any movement could set off a chain reaction. They were walking into uncharted territory, unpredictable and volatile. Steel seemed more self-assured than either her or Sterling. If only she had the confidence to know that everything would work out in the end. If everypony else in the group was skilled and up to the task, that said nothing about her.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling saw @Steel Accord's confidence andfelt a bit more composed once he reassured him. Nevertheless, he didn't want this moment to separate himself from Evening forever... He would never forgive himself for it, and  just the thought of death without his beloved was already creeping back to his head once again. 

 

Despite his fears, he continued to stand still, hoping that either the assassin would come in and save them from anything that befell their company, or be strong enough to defend themselves from all the attacks that seemed inevitable...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

"Oh! Before our reward..." DJ began, causing Mayor Deepwood to turn his attention to him. "I've been wondering just how good a mayor you are! The citizens seem to think very highly of you!"

 

Mayor Deepwood smiled back at him. "Indeed they do! Thank you for saying so!"

 

"Has there been much change since you arrived on the island?" DJ asked, accentuating the word change.

 

The mayor seemed a little confused by this question. "Change? Whatever do you mean?"

 

"Oh, y'know, just has there been much of a transformation here since then?"

 

"Umm... I'm still not sure what you're trying to say..?" the mayor replied. Turning his attention to the other members of the group, he asked, "Do any of you know what your friend is asking? I'm really not sure what he wants to know?"

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

Steel just facehoofed, he could have grilled the mayor with obvious double entendre to try and get an effect, but he's also self admitted to having all the subtlety of Iron Will at the world championship of "Shush." Steel expected the Captain to have something more clever planned to reveal the mayor's nature.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

"Oh! Before our reward..." DJ began, causing Mayor Deepwood to turn his attention to him. "I've been wondering just how good a mayor you are! The citizens seem to think very highly of you!"

 

Mayor Deepwood smiled back at him. "Indeed they do! Thank you for saying so!"

 

"Has there been much change since you arrived on the island?" DJ asked, accentuating the word change.

 

The mayor seemed a little confused by this question. "Change? Whatever do you mean?"

 

"Oh, y'know, just has there been much of a transformation here since then?"

 

"Umm... I'm still not sure what you're trying to say..?" the mayor replied. Turning his attention to the other members of the group, he asked, "Do any of you know what your friend is asking? I'm really not sure what he wants to know?"

 

Blue Note took a cautious step forward. "I think he's asking about the political situation on the island. It's very interesting to compare and contrast different legal systems to that of Equestria. Like for instance, how does one become mayor on this island? How did you come into office?" She wasn't sure if her questions would help; surely he was smart enough to create a cover story. At the very least, it would buy them some time, and perhaps reveal some inconsistencies if they asked the right questions. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling wasn't sure what to make of what was trying to say. If he really wanted to be that overt about accusing the mayor of being a changeling, then he should have just said it already! Sterling was just about to breathe out in a sign of nervousness, but luckily, Blue Note @lincolnshirepony managed to save the day with her superfluous chattings about the political situation of the island. That WAS always something Sterling wanted to know about... good on her for trying to eek out some information.

 

At that point, Sterling just wanted to designate all the diplomatic talk to Blue Note, since she seemed to be much more covert about the group's suspicions.

Edited July 19, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

Say it, dammit, say it! Red almost shouted in his head. Why did they have to drag it out for so long, he wondered. It was a simple question that needed no more bull- are you a changeling, or are you not? He almost wanted to pin the mayor down and interrogate her the forceful way, but kept himself from doing so.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

"Ah I see!" the mayor said happily, as Blue note helped him finally understand the question. In our village, we elect a new mayor whenever the popularity of the previous mayor is lost. When the last mayor stood down, I was voted in because the other islanders loved and respected me, and since then I've done my best to help this island flourish with prosperity!"

 

While that hadn't been the question DJ had asked, he guessed it did help stall for time, as this jolly stallion continued to talk I the citizens' praise for him. He just hoped Nightstrike would arrive soon, but at the same time, he hoped that that was a good thing...

Edited July 20, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, @@Wayzer, Clover was paying attention mainly to her surroundings, rather than the mayor's cover story. She was waiting til Nightstrike was in place before performing her unmasking spell; that way, she'd have backup for when the changelings were revealed. Of course, she knew that Steel, Red and the others would fight, but since the mayor's attention would be focused on them, it would help if somepony like Nightstrike could sneak up unnoticed and attack.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to ponder at what he felt was wasteful chatting that could be remedied with some sort of spell that would reveal which of the zebras, if any, were changelings. He continued to look around the mayor's house for any possible clues that the mayor was hiding something, but nothing could be seen within his sights. The only thing that looked suspicious to him was that most of the zebras guards looked emotionless before him and his friends... but that was to be expected for any royal guard right? All Sterling could do for now was to remain silent and let the others work on the diplomacy... and hope that the assassin wouldn't betray them either...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

DJ decided it was time. He couldn't stand this any longer; he had to know. "Leave." DJ said abruptly.

 

"Excuse me?" Mayor Deepwood replied. "Leave what?"

 

"Leave this island, and don't come back." He knew this tactic, if the mayor was genuine, was certainly not going to make them heroes of the island, but he felt it was the best way he could use.

 

"What? How dare you tell me to do that!" the mayor cried. "I've worked hard and diligently on this island, helping and nurturing the citizens, and you tell me to LEAVE? This is outrageous!"

 

"What you're planning is outrageous! You and your changeling buddies..."

 

The mayor was shocked. "How did you...?" He stopped, covering his mouth with his hoof.

 

"Gotcha." DJ said with a grin. "I've no idea actually what you're planning..."

 

Mayor Deepwood growled in frustration, his guards backing to stand at the door. "You... You meddling little colt..." His rage suddenly melted away, as he sighed. "Oh well, you can't expect everything to go off without one or two minor incidents popping up; your assassin friend for example. I assume you didn't kill him after all? No matter, you'll all be dead soon enough..."

 

His eyes glowing green, he burst into green flame. The body of the friendly earth pony mayor disappeared, as the black, bug-like form of a changeling appeared. He was taller than other changelings, and seemed a lot more intimidating than others. One of his most notable features was a large scar running along the right side of his face, from the centre of his forehead to the left side of his sinister smile. "Well, here I am!" he cried with a laugh.

[Inactive01 5,299]

DJ had done it alright. Mayor Deepwood really was a changeling... The assassin was right after all... Even if their suspicions were right about him, Sterling could feel a whirl of questions rise from the ashes of his mind... Even with all these questions, Sterling had to place his focus back on the changelings... they looked fierce, and they weren't like the ones he saw on the other island they journeyed together before Raven came to power. If only the assassin struck now... They certainly needed it given the changeling's size... and the number of changeling guards that surrounded him and his friends.

[Wayzer 1,418]

Well if there would be a sign for him to show himself this one couldn't have been better. He dropped himself from the ceiling where he had been climbing the wooden framework of the building. He managed to land right one one of the guards the force of impact making the guard smack down on the floor with his head, the guard was instantly unconscious.

 

"Sorry fella!" He called out to the now unconscious guard. "I'm sorry Klackon but I think we still have some business to conduct after our last meeting didn't we?" He readied his knifes levitating them tips pointing at the changelings around him. He growled softly, quite unponylike and showed his teeth.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

The moment that the mayor revealed himself as a changeling, Clover cast the spell, which forced all the other changelings to show themselves. Some of the guards were zebras, who looked horrified as they saw that their comrades were changelings. Clover readied herself to fight, always mindful of the spell she was keeping back, just in case.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note inched several steps back. She'd gotten the concrete proof she wanted; now she had to act on it. She tried to remember something useful she knew about changelings. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor had saved Canterlot using the power of their love. Unfortunately, she could think of no way this could help her now. All she could do was wait for somepony to move. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling looked around to see if he could use anything other than his dagger as a possible weapon against the changelings... Not feeling any more secure than he should have been, he scrambled towards Blue Note @lincolnshirepony and asked her a smile, yet concerning question,

 

"Blue Note... do you have anything you can use as a weapon? Or can you think of any spells that would help us in any way?" He couldn't think of any bright ideas up his sleeve, so hopefully Blue Note had one...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@Wayzer

 

Klackon laughed when Nightstrike appeared. "I had a feeling you'd be lurking somewhere!" he said as he trotted to the centre of the room. "The majority of these ponies didn't seem like the type to hurt anypony, let alone kill them! It's been a while since you got close to me, hasn't it? You injured... three of my guards, I think? No matter! You kill one, and ten more will take their place!"

 

From what DJ could see, this strange changeling was unarmed. And yet he didn't even seem to be faze by this sudden encounter with the unicorn that wanted him dead. "You ponies realise who you're dealing with, don't you?" Klackon asked. "I am the elite of our glorius Queen Chrysalis' hive! My name strikes fear into the heart of all changelings! I am General Klackon!" He grinned manically at them. "And you are all... In. My. Way."

Edited July 20, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Zhooves 843]

North and Midnatt moved closer within the group as to not leave themselves in the open.

"We can not seem to do much yet..."

"Aye, but keep an eye on them..."

They both nodded at each other and listened as the changeling general walked a little closer and spoke.

"His name alone strikes fear in changelings? Good thing we are not changelings then, eh?" North said, a little low.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Clover stood her ground. "We are not in the habit of fearing anypony," she said. "I will warn you now; leave this place, and do not return. For you still have a chance to save your own life. Just cuz I wouldn't kill; I admit that, it's nothing to be ashamed of; doesn't mean that I can't do anything to you, or that I won't."

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Wayzer,

 

Klackon laughed when Nightstrike appeared. "I had a feeling you'd be lurking somewhere!" he said as he trotted to the centre of the room. "The majority of these ponies didn't seem like the type to hurt anypony, let alone kill them! It's been a while since you got close to me, hasn't it? You injured... three of my guards, I think? No matter! You kill one, and ten more will take their place!"

From what DJ could see, this strange changeling was unarmed. And yet he didn't even seem to be faze by this sudden encounter with the unicorn that wanted him dead. "You ponies realise who you're dealing with, don't you?" Klackon asked. "I am the elite of our glorius Queen Chrysalis' hive! My name strikes fear into the heart of all changelings! I am General Klackon!" He grinned manically at them. "And you are all... In. My. Way."

 

 Steel drew his swords and launched himself next to Nightstrike, stance poised to attack. 

 

"I'm NOT the majority." It was all leading up to this. Steel was ready for it. In his mind, a circle appeared around Nightstrike, Klackon, and himself. The fighting circle.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

"No weapon," Blue Note said. "I have my stun spell, but I don't know how well it will work on him. Especially after using so much magic today." She wracked her brain for helpful spells to use in battle. Providing theme music wasn't going to cut it here. Everypony was gearing up to fight against the changeling, and she had to help somehow. Otherwise, what was her use?