open Casual stroll

Widdershins · July 29, 2017

Letting out a light grunt of dissatisfaction from yet more teasing that he doesn't understand on account of never having come across a Cockatrice himself, Kaltrops grumbles at Aurora Lights.

"Well, whatever. It still sounds like a stupid animal. The meat probably tastes horrible. Like anything you find in the forests.

Stupid name anyway for a griffon. You don't even light up!"

Turning back to the red mare as she talks, Kaltrop reclines back into a puffed pout with his chest out in the clearly imitated pose of the sort of dragon stance one tends to see in illustrations.

"Fuh. I don't get you stupid ponies. If you mistrusted them enough to put penalties for not doing what you wanted them to do, why bother even giving out bits in the first place & encouraging them? If they have your bits, just maim them and take it back already. That's what us dragons do. Steal from our horde and we eat you. That's only logic, after all. If you cut a pony that kind of slack, they'll only just stab you in the back.

...and you aren't even answering my question! Here, let me rephrase for your stupid pony mind. Why are you taking ME to this ponytown? ...A-are you abducting me? *Gasp.*

DRAGONAPPER!!!"

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((*))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

To B.B's H.H.:

After getting back to walking by Happy Hour's side to their perspective loads, the two stallions stop for a bit in front of them as Ambie steps forward towards his own pile of wood & turns his back to the other stallion as he goes to sit down by the lumber.

"Oh, that's... ...that's alright. Me and my parents never really... got along too well. I wouldn't want to bother them or you with... besides I..."

Turning back around to finish his sentence by looking back at Happy Hour, Ambie continues.

"...I don't really want them back in my life. Kind of... Heh, sort of the reason I left in the first place you know...

Besides, I still have time to get this load back to... ah... a Mr. Richard Filthy, right? I wouldn't want this wood spoiling before it gets to him! I don't want to disappoint Big M- The Apple Family."

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A light, but playful whisper of a voice trails off after Vivid Loss: Yes... Yes, I am~*

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To Whit: Oy He of the Funnily Served Ice Cream

The Voice in a Box looks down at Anomaly from his corner in a very slow and emotionless long blink, unaware of what she may have seen earlier while half-buried in a portal drawer. From the small, wooden box the oddly unmuffled, posh voice drones on again.

"That... would most likely be a poor decision. I can, however, answer what I am capable of any inquiries you may have of the preceding realms you might have glimpsed. Though... I may yet wonder if feeding information to you would prove any less catalyzing than feeding a fire.

Now then. If there were any prior goals the Lady endeavored to accomplish by pursuing myself through into this realm, I may be capable of helping you out there instead with much more improved accuracy in the realm of directing you to your continuing efforts."

The eye slowly points towards the closer wall at an angle. If the tiny homonculus had any other face with which to discern an expression by, it could potentially be described as rolling its eyes at Anomaly.

"...preferably via the application of information. Or an exit if the Lady has a destination she needs to be. Besides ones existing in dimensions too incompatible to tolerate outside forces of chaotic magics."

Sekel · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom

DAWN

"Yeah, a lot better," Dawn nodded with a big smile. "The sundae is really delicious which makes me wonder if you have any candied oranges. I heard they're a thing but as you know, I've never tried candy," she chuckled. She listened to the story of Pop meeting Applejack and her family and figured that she wasn't that bad a pony. "You know ... even if you do have an odd coltfriend ... you still sound alright to me."

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

AURORA

"While 'Poker Champion and Murderous Loan Shark' doesn't sound particularly nice, it's still true," Aurora pouted, not really liking the way Miss Shark laughed at her description. "I'm exploring Equestria. I've never been outside Griffonstone before so I thought 'why not tour magic pony land and see what's out there'?" Aurora shrugged. She then turned to the dragon and squinted her eyes. "You know ... a cockatrice can actually turn you into stone with a look of its eyes. You sure you don't want to meet one?"

Seamore Sandwich · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom

"I only know what I've seen, and from what I've seen, they're rotten. If you want a better understanding of what they took, and why I'll stop at nothing to get it back, you'll have to follow me. Otherwise, you should just leave." Gaea started heading off into the forest, toward her home, without taking the trinkets from Zhu.

@Blitz Boom

"Let's get this investigation rolling then. I'll start making calls to the local banks and the like. If they have any of these bits, they need to be taken out of circulation immediately. Who knows? Maybe there's some evidence to be collected from them as well. You said you have a few friends who might be able to help with the investigation, right? Any information you can provide us with will help point us in the right direction." The detective then turned toward Penny and added, "Thanks for coming to me with this Penny. It was always one of the cases that I regretted having never solved."

@Blitz Boom

"That's very generous of them, giving up their spare parts when they're done with them. It reminds me a lot of my own kind. We know what our wood is being used for, and we're okay with it. It's better than being eaten by terrormites," said Charlie, naive as always.

Storm Shine · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Storm and Pinkie found the trail of tiny feet, following it to the hole in the ground. They began snuffling around the hole and digging at it a bit like a couple of dogs, "I smell the sugar!" Pinkie exclaimed happily as she tried to dig herself into the hole.

After a few minutes of this, they realized that they didn't seem to be making any progress and backed away before drooping a bit. "Hmm.." Storm rubbed at his muzzle thoughtfully, "We need some way to draw them out, or somepony who can fit in there.."

"I can fit!" Pinkie exclaimed, diving headfirst into the hole. "I can!" her voice came out a bit muffled as her back hooves scrabbled at the ground in a useless attempt to push herself into the hole.

"You know, it's weird. I've seen you fit into a cup before, but you can't seem to get in that hole." Storm commented idly, moving to try and pull the now stuck pink pony from the entrance to the sugar mole burrow, "It's like that ability only fails when it would be potentially comical to those humans on the other side of The Wall."

Holiday Agnaktor · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Windchime

Light Rain took flight, following Benny in the air as fast as she could, which wasn't very fast. At least she wasn't held up by ponies because she was flying. She would hate to push people aside like that, just to get there faster.

They went through a couple of streets, and after a few corners they arrived at what she assumed was the office of the Enquirer. She only just glimpsed Benny walking inside when she rounded the final corner. She rushed over, landed, and entered the building.

"Hi... *wheeze* I'm h-here...too..." Light Rain mumbled upon entering, still out of breath from flying that fast, "I was... was... part of it. H-hold on lemme catch my breath."

She wheezed for a few seconds, and got some of her composure back.

"Yeah...like Benny said, this p-place looks nice," Light Rain added, with a slight wheeze still remaining. She really needed to work on her stamina.

She quickly thought of what she came here to do, and added "But don't pay any a-attention to me p-please, I'm just here for the mumblemumble"

She would now pay attention and try to find out the motives of everyone in the room, trying to see what exactly was going to happen. She was ready to sprint out the door at any moment though. She was not going to get trapped.

Blitz Boom · July 30, 2017

@Radience

A small, cocky smile spread on Brute's face.

"Not wanting to adhere to the law? I'll enjoy bringing the guard back here tomorrow then. Consider that your timeframe for either getting things prepared legally or getting the hay out of my town. We have enough troublemakers already."

Considering she couldn't force Richie along without getting an assault charge currently, Brute turned around and wandered back to the main part of town. She would have liked to return with a group of guards already, but today was a festival day, and they had to be around to keep guard over things there. They wouldn't have time to check something out like this unless the mare suddenly stood in the main street, covered in blood.

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@Lloyd

A sword. Potentially practical.

Athriel picked it up before moving too far down,a nd ran it over the stairs during her descent. Not too long after she started this, she heard a snap as old wire got cut and the first of likely several ways to make her stumble into the darkness got defused. Unimaginative and simplistic really, but that was how she thought of their order in general, so that wasn't much of a surprise.

She spared a thought to how it might go with Warlock and their escaping prisoners, but shook the thought away. She had more important things to focus on than how much he might damage them, though when he eventually returned, she needed to know how far he had gone, and potentially alternate their plans accordingly.

"If you're lucky Sapphire, he might leave her mostly unharmed."

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@Lloyd

Chow wouldn't waste time when they landed, and would cofidently move along towards the guards like Astral had, though his face did show how afraid he had been when Warlock had suddenly showed up. He had been positive that was going to end badly, but now they had a chance. Just had to do something about the guards starting to close around Astral.

"We're here to surrender. You got us chaps, we can't run anymore. We're going right in there to plead for mercy straight away. Point for the Royal Guards."

The confusion that showed on a good deal of the guards as they hesitated grabbing either of them were a good opening for the pair to go in and head straight for the throne room, where they wouldn't get far if nothing happened from the inside.

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@Lloyd

Dew gritted his teeth and interrupted before Golden had a chance to utter a word.

"Everypony gather behind me, follow in formation and keep close in case the monster comes too. Ambassador, lead Iron Star with you."

Golden would follow the commanding tone of the former general without hesitation, and hopefully the others wouldn't make a problem out of this considering Astral was close by and needed them.

They'd exit the room shortly after, to see the guards starting to surround the two escapees. Chow would spot the armored former general right off the bat, and quickly yelp out something to hm directly.

"We surrender! Put us in chains, lock us up, give us a spanking and say we've been bad foals, anything, just keep us here."

"Guards, ignore them and protect the door. We might soon get an unwelcome visitor just outside the shield. You two, get up here this instant."

Chow wouldn't hesitate on that and would actively push Astral along with him, not wanting to leave her behind. It wouldn't be too far off the mark before she'd feel the effects of the amulet dangling around Dew's neck if she did come close, yet it was hard to say what would happen if Warlock were near. He'd still have to start outside of the teleportation barrier, but that likely wouldn't buy them much time.

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@EQ_Theta

Omen starred at Lin for a time after she spoke about the scale, then began to cough, trying to get the scale up from it's storage in her stomach area. It took her about a minute before she remembered that the pouch around her neck had it in it now, and pulled the scale out with her tongue. It were almost at Lin when Omen took it back so she could rummage in the bag again, and pull out a few more pieces of dried fruit, as she had seen the drake had caught the scent and were flailing it's tiny arms towards her. Apparently, it were hungry.

"Here."

The drake would be the quickest, lashing forward and grabbing the fruit whilst boring it's claws into Omen's tongue, though she wasn't too bothered with it. Perhaps ifit bit her it would be another story, but for now, it were okay.

Whilst she did this, Mother reached down and gently took hold of the necklace with the small scale in it, and lifted it to her eye so she could better see it. There wasn't strong light in here that could really show it off in all it's glory, but it was beautiful nonetheless in her eyes.

Lifting her hand, a string of shade rose from the ground and placed itself loosely around her neck, with the necklace she had been given strung in front, like a gem carrying a small gem. A necessity as Mother were too large to carry it otherwise. Hopefully they'd understand.

"It's beautiful. Thank you Lin."

Meanwhile, Omen had let the words the siblings had said simmer in her mind a bit, and would add something more once Mother were done speaking, though it would be a rather bad segue.

"Refurbished? What's that, and why is it being done to your home?"

The state of the sibling's home were yet another thing that had fled her memory, and it made her curious, though thinking about it, perhaps she should have asked why they had a home when they had said to her once that they had been written out of the town's history. Seemed odd, but perhaps she'd just have to wait and see. There were a lot of blanks from the last few days, and it'd likely just be faster to tell her things anew in the long run than trying to fix her memory, or just gloss over it entirely.

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@Foxy Socks

"Not just Ponies. Griffons, Dragons, Diamond Dogs, a few Zebras, that sort of thing. The mutation is pretty much golden as long as it's a higher life form."

Anomaly scratched her ear, then looked around at the funny and horrified looks she were given.

"But I didn't do that. I just planted a few where there were nopony, and if there were some hikers, I scared them away first. Plus I used smaller seeds so the radius would be tinier. Like with a little place up north. Few miles only there, and the tree looks really pale and pretty.

Zhu is the one who wanted to plant them in populated areas. I think he did... Four, maybe five plantings in areas where there were beings that could be mutated in it? I know the biggest one were the one in the desert to the south, that got turned into a lustrous jungle via this seed. Also turned the caravan of beings that had gotten him there into Evergrown.

I never understood exactly why he did this though. All his talk about *bloodlines* and *necessary offspring* always sounded like mad pony talk, but he had taken me away from the cult and made sure I got raised into knowing some difference between good and evil, so I'm sure he had a good reason. Just like he had for teaching me how to make these things in the first place.

Anyway, babbling. Just saying, I never turned anypony into Evergrown. I just plant the trees a places away from everypony, then let nature drop them off on its own.

Well... Okay, I did turn one into an Evergrown once, but that was an accident, and the hermit seemed fine with it once he had gotten over the whole *freaking out* thing. I mean, not like I could reverse this anyway and fix him, so he had to, butt hat's not the point. Point is that one was an accident, and the others were Zhu. I don't wanna do monster things. Far as I guess, that's why I got killed in the first place, and once were plenty enough for me."

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@Widdershins @Dji

"Most ponies are harmless, and pays off on time, so I have nearly no beef with the general population. Still, once in a while somepony pops up that turns out to be an issue, and I'll have to fix it then. And beating my bits out of them ain't an option. Generally they spend the bits they borrow quickly, mainly on rent or something as I'm after all the sort that you go to when you're desperate, and don't pay back because they can't. Some of the runners are afraid I won't be possible to make a deal with, but those are rare as I'm pretty upfront with things, relatively speaking.

Plus again, trying to avoid getting tossed in jail. I have a certain lifestyle standard that doesn't include a dirty cell.

And you're coming with us to Ponyville because you're sitting on my wagon, I wanna go, and leaving it here with you ain't an option. If I wanted to *dragonap* you, I would've hired some goons to handle that mess, and you'd end up in chained in a cage if they were worth their salt. Or with tooth picks if they weren't

Now then, to get back to you there sugar, you're going the tourist route you say? Been past Las Pegasus yet? There's a carnival going these days, so might be worth it for you to check that out before it's done. Gives the place a real shine."

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@Widdershins

"Well, just a suggestion mate, no need to drag 'em in if you're trying to get away from all that. If I were you though, I would still keep it in mind just in case you run into him one day. I can come with ideas and suggestions all I want to what's going on exactly, but I'm not running with a hive, so might be some intricacies only he, or a long term drone would be ale to tell you.

Anyway, let's get this stuff to your client. Perhaps after that, we can discuss how you build a proper cart to drag these things in instead of breaking your back? I'm sure the Apple family can have a better use for you when you're not lying on a stretcher in the hospital."

It irked him to wander away from the subject, but there wasn't much he could do right now, considering how Ambie didn't want his parents in his life. It complicated things such as this greatly, and unless something changed, he'd actually just have to leave it here, which he hated. Not understanding things after having gone with it for a good deal of time made him cranky.

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@Widdershins

"I won't not promise that I could think about messing up the multiverse to go have fun in those places."

The double negative were unlikely to fool the creature. Even less so when she started making a low, evil chuckle before telling it what she had seen. She were ~~idiotically transparent~~ delightfully honest like that.

"-and that was the last one before I popped out again and the gate went bland. I mean, I have to get back to my other half eventually, but it's fun to meddle around with other worlds. Who cared if it causes some destruction?

Uhm... Is what an evil creature would say. Which I'm totally not. Nuhuh, not evil. *whistles*"

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@Dji

"Good to hear you like it, though sadly, I cant offer any candied oranges. I tend to need to carry stock that can last since this isn't exactly the biggest town in Equestria, and cadied oranges just wouldn't last. Plus, it'd eat through my suplly far too fast.

I do carry some things with orange essence I make myself though. Drops, lollipops, some ice cream, and I've started mixing it with some of the chocolate. Perhaps when you're done I can show you what I got of it, and you can see if it's something for you? Can't hurt to have a small taste, right?"

Pouring another cup of coffee, Pop takes a long, drawn out sip before addressing Dawn again.

"It's good to hear you're warming up to my... Heh, *tastes* a little I suppose you can say. I promise that the first time you bring home a weird coltfriend I'll be there with funny comments and support as well."

Pop chuckled before taking another sip. Seemed like she were really starting to wake up now, and feeling a little sassy.

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@Seamore Sandwich

"I have no issues with following your lead."

It would likely not make her think better of his claim of the future sight he held, but it mattered little to Zhu. Long as they could work together against this common enemy, there were no issue for him. Except in case she tried to kill the feline during this. it may be that she and the other had snatched his sister, but he did not see overall malice in her future paths. There were traces there of a caring being who just chose the criminals way. She were not rotten to the core, thought hat were only in what he had seen in her. With the other one... He did not know of him. For all he could tell, he might be one of the great weights on the scale of good and evil.

After pacing the trinkets back in his robes as it seemed like she had no interest in them, they went on their way. Not long after, a sound caught Zhu's ear and he looked up to see a group of squirrels on some branches ahead of them. It didn't cause concern immediately, but looking their simple lives over he could see something that would.

"In four seconds, a large branch will fall and break your left back leg. I would advise you to move quickly."

If she did not do so within the next two seconds, he would summon his wind magic to forcefully push her away a little, before the sizeable branch would fall on the ground between them. A squirrel would be clinging to it, and would scurry along the second it had gotten to it's legs again.

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@Seamore Sandwich

"Most assuredly detective. The nobles and other higher ups that tend to shop in my part of town, have a penance for excellent accounting. If I tell them of these coins and the imperfections to look for, they might be able to trace the purchase a few steps. Could be it simply leads to the bank, but who knows? Perhaps one of them have inadvertently traded with a middlepony at some point, r other clues could be found."

It were a thing that Scarcity would do, certainly, but she'd also send some notices out to her shadier clientele, who would run their own investigation into things. It was better not to think too much on how they did their job, but suffice it to say, they tended to find answers eventually. Would be interesting to see if she or the detective would learn something first actually.

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@Seamore Sandwich

Vivid chuckles a little under her breath.

"You have a refreshingly innocent mind Charlie. I hope you will get to keep that."

Naive child that one, but she weren't going to burst his bubble currently. If he wanted to think that the changelings had donated these *spare* parts, then it wasn't an issue for her, and it would save her from having to defend the harsh reality from his judgement. She did that too much already, and it was tiresome and draining.

She had barely thought the sentence out before she stopped and looked to the side, where she gazed vaguely through the *membrane* of this place, where she had planned to hide Charlie for now. The Castle of Two Sisters. More specifically, a caved in basement that hadn't seen used in until years, nor been discovered. She were pretty sure if it had been, the gold figurine she could see would have been nicked then at least.

Using her magic to pass through, the air that met her were stale and quite honestly not too delicious, but it didn't have to be either. Charlie didn't breathe yet, and she were not staying, so as she placed him in a little crevice, then used a bit of magic to make sure that the rocks wouldn't fall on him, she were content enough with this hiding place.

"I know this is isolated, but that's the point. Think you can rest or whatever you do in your state until morning?"

If he said yes, she'd take her hoof away and seal up the crevice, making sure that even if somepony got in here, they shouldn't be able to just see or grab him with ease. Though she would admit that her magic were not at its finest right now, so it might be easier than normal if it came down to that.

After that, she'd go home, and rest until the sun rose over Equestria, though that again depended on Charlie's answer. If this place were harmful to him, she'd have to find someplace else.

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@Shineling

"Hey, pinkbutt is stuck. Tried to run into the hole? Tsk tsk, that won't work. They're smaller than you right now. If you wanna be in their burrow, you'll have to zoom a little."

Grabbing hold of the fourth wall, Anomaly started to stretch the picture until Pinkie would be possible to just yank out without an issue, and the couple would likely fall backwards a little.

If they looked around, they should be able to tell that Anomaly had done one of two crazy things right now. Either she had enlarged the isle, or she had shrunk them. Directly or indirectly one of those would have to be it, since everything around them would now appear larger, and the hole would be something they could just wander into now without getting stuck.

She maaaaay also have made a magical *boop my snout* note appear on Pinkie's forehead that would entice everypony that looked at her to do so until it was removed, but they couldn't prove that was her... *nervous laughter*

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@Seamore Sandwich @Tilgoreth

"- and every Thursday, we meet in there to let everypony voice any concern they may have, and attempt to resolve it. After all, we wish for you all to have as pleasant an experience here as possible, and hopefully find your path in our community. Something we understand is hard to achieve if you are not able to be heard."

The warm and friendly voice came just as a group of ponies - and one griffon - rounded the corner in the facility and were greeted by around five current members of their gathering. Three squires with trinkets of varying kinds adorning them, and two initiates it appeared. Sugar knew well of one of them. A bright young colt that were not far from earning his own trinket, and ascend to squire.

"Perhaps I could introduce you to one who have been where some of you were? Whisperwood, would you please?"

The young adult he had seen before came closer with a friendly smile on his face when he were asked to.

"It is good to see you Sugar Lime, as well as all these friendly faces."

Not all that followed Sugar Lime were friendly right now, but all would get the same smile from Whisperwind regardless.

"It is good to see you too my friend. EVerypony, this is Whisperwind. A year ago he came to our door, burdened with guilt and anger. We helped him through the dark times, and look at him now. A pillar of our community, and soon to be a welcome addition to our squires, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Heh, I hope so at least. This place and the beings within have done so much to help me during the last year, and now I get the chance to go further, and protect others in our hero's name. If I can pass that is."

"Don't worry my friend. I'm certain you will be able to pass with excellence. Just as any of you could be, our new brothers and sisters."

Sugar Lime turned to the group as he said the last part, highlighting once more how him and everypony else who wore a trinket of some kind seemed to have white coating to varying degrees.

"Before we move on, is there anypony who have questions for either of us? Do not be shy, those who asks shall receive."

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@Holiday Agnaktor @Windchime

Benny turned around as he heard the mare they had spoken with before wheezing and trying to catch her breath. Her stamina could use a little work from the sound of it, but she had gotten there fairly shortly after them. Not bad really, though perhaps he should not draw attention to that right now. He were not a recruiter after all, and flatter was not always the right answer.

She should still be able to feel the love rolling off Benny, so if she were needing a bit of energy, there would be no shortage for her passive feeding, but that might more be a curse than anything considering how she appeared to have taken it earlier. Hard to say.

"Ah, hello there ma'am. I'm sorry, if I had known you were supposed to come here too, I would have helped."

He wrinkled his nose slightly, confused as he smelled the faint aroma of caramelized apples again. Strange that it had followed him here, but it was likely nothing. Perhaps somepony in here had just eaten one recently? His sense of smell were rather good after all, so it could focus on somepony's lunch. Nothing to it.

Moonlit · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade follows Ziggy, "I should. I mean think about it, this is just a really...really big fixer-upper. Okay, it's located in the Everfree Forest, but I'm sure that can be handled. I mean Canterlot is built on the side of a mountain."

Windchime · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Holiday Agnaktor

Avabella Printrose sneered at the one, now two interruptions in her workplace, with an extra side-glance to Striking Detail on top.
"Mister Detail, you know that if you are to interview sources, you have to go through the lobby, no matter how faaar that might be. Are you ready to write your article yet?" Printrose spoke sternly.

"That's not-"

"Do you need to interview TWO MORE sources before you can finally start writing?" Printrose asked, tone filled with annoyance and sarcasm.

"But that's-"

"Then get at it quickly and get behind your printer already. You know the deadline's tomorro-"

"That's why I want you to STOP!" Detail decided to stop this power-play demonstration of a back-and-forth. Printrose is unbearable when she's under load. He decided that now that he's got everybody's attention, it was the perfect time to call upon his-

"Back to work everyone. Detail and I will work this out in the interview roo-"

"NO! I need everyone's attention in this!" Detail rapidly looked around to see if he could make eye contact with as many writers as possible, hopefully using his slightly intimidating appearance to his advantage for once, despite his obvious outranking. Striking Detail is not an editor, but he has read a lot of articles going into the special already. He knows most of the writers here are guilty.

"Now I know this article means a lot to you, miss Printrose, but I insist that printing has to be halted, and articles have to be altered. What we have right now cannot go through to the media" Striking Detail tried to explain, before inevitably the attention was taken away from him.

"Mister Detail, this edition is not like the others." Printrose disapproved.

"You always say that" Detail retorted.

"And this time I mean it."

"That too" Detail sighed. "Either way, let me explain. I spoke to a member of the royal guard about some of our leads, and discovered most of our content is utterly unprintable. Especially the way that they're written. Every changeling threat that we decided to work in can be considered as libel, and can be taken as purposeful fear-mongering among Manehattan society"

"What is the MEANING of this?!" Upon hearing that her hard work has allegedly been for naught, Printrose borders on a rage.

"The Canterlot Royal Guard have tried their best to make reformed changelings mingle more successfully among pony population, and these articles will only serve to hinder that. If we are not careful, not only will we tarnish the changeling race's reputation in Manehattan forever, but will we have the Royal Guard hounding us to recall our articles"

"Well, if they're doing this, they're obviously not reformed! Why is this happening then?" Printrose said, in an attempt of protest.

"Because we are accusing the wrong group. And I will have my dragon guard friend here explain." Losing his his temporary surge of confidence, Detail quickly looked to Benny as he swiftly took two steps back in order to make the dragon stand nearest to Printrose again. Detail never went against Printrose like this, and was to an extent afraid to see what would happen next, but tried his best to not show it.

Printrose, on the other hand, just saw this as a lot more stress, with no gravity in the situation. She had to get this over with as soon as possible, to have her writers finish this special before the deadline print distribution. She had worked hard on this special edition, and did not want her effort to go to waste. She had to inform the populace of what the changelings have done in Manehattan.

Foxy Socks · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Foxy knee Anomaly meant no harm, but she saw no good reason for whoever Zhu was to purposely change other ponies against their will into different beings. She knew well enough how being different was hard enough, and ruining other's lives for personal gain was inexcusable. Foxy felt rage building up inside her. She was rarely one to become angry.

"Thank you Anomaly. I am glad you didn't participate in something so horrible. I worry though, is he still around? Zhu, I mean. He may cause other incidents like that."

It was ironic how she at first had admired of being there for the creation of a race, only to become disgusted finding out how. Foxy didn't care what Zhu's reason was, it was certainly of no good. If he was still around, it could only get worse it seemed.

Edited July 30, 2017 by Foxy Socks

EQ_Theta · July 30, 2017

@Blitz Boom

"There was a time when we went to the old family home to look for clues on Solasan's whereabouts." Lin said, replying to Omen's query and picking up the scale. "The whole place was in disrepair and it was slowly falling apart. Elder Ghilan said he'd a get a few villagers to fix it up and redesign it if we wished. We thought maybe you want to come and stay in the village and want a room for yourself. Just say the word and we can have that arranged. If you have any ideas on what you want in it or how you want it decorated, we can help you out there as well."

The sight of the drake eating reminded Sen it was there but most of their adventures in the village and in the surrounding areas left him with a relatively poor memory of what happened, other than the main parts at least. It sort of made him jealous about having a pet that wouldn't bite him in the nose or be otherwise wary of his presence but it is understood; he didn't have a familiar scent associated with Lin and Omen.

"There was also what Ghilan planned to do. He said he'd start with ending the practice of exile," Sen added as he grabbed a donut from the box he was carrying and offered some to Omen. "Lin and I still don't exist in the village's records but the elder said he'd undo all of that. The villagers are slowly returning back to their daily routines and while some are grateful for being freed from Solasan's tyranny, a lot are unsure or wary about us coming back. That is especially true for you, Omen, but sister and I won't let anyone harm you."

Lin wasn't sure about the donuts; it was unfamiliar with strange colors on them. Upon biting into it, she tasted flavors she didn't know existed. She left some of the donut she bit in the corners of her mouth, savoring the flavors. She'll let Omen take her time and there was always time to fashion a nice necklace for her. The larger one given to Mother had a strange placement on it but given how strange her life has become recently, Lin's simply happy sharing the love around.

Edited August 1, 2017 by EQ_Theta

FanOfManyShows · July 31, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Astral snickered a bit at Chow's small antics, almost laughing at him at his last one. "I should've told you they weren't going to kill us, but I thought you knew." Her eyes traced the path of smoke flying off of her, into the amulet. "Oh how much magic has that gathered so far?" She said turning to look at Golden. "You gave this guy the most concentrated source of magic or dark magic in Equestria." She reached out a hoof pointing to it, she turned her head to look at Dew.

"Well he's a general and doesn't use magic, so he should be fine."

"If Warlock can use this, He just became a target too, making it more likely Warlock will come."

Iron Star cleared his throat. "That's kind of the idea the idea, we need to draw Warlock in. with you here that helps a little."

Astral scoffed, looking disgusted. "So you're using ponies as bait?" She said looking to Golden, stepping away from Dew. "Not exactly ethical."

There was a loud metal clattering echoing throughout the room, Nectar leaning down to the floor, reaching for a sword, although looking at everyone else in the room. "Sorry, just teleported one of my weapons in." She lifted up the sword with a hoof. "Will need it without being able to use magic around Warlock." She looked at Iron Star, moving over Astral and Chow. "Although all of us should have ordinary weapons thinking about it."

"I'd make some but I'm scarce in magic."

Nectar's horn glowed a little, she glanced up at it, looking out the window to see her changeling army running towards just one armored pony, heading towards them. "Uh oh." She stepped back from the window. "Watch out!"

There was an armored pony bursting through the window, with a horn coming out of the helmet as if to make him look like a unicorn, and with many layers of armor yet he seemed to move effortlessly, Astral pulling Chow under her to keep him safe from the glass coming at them, the shards bouncing off her barely maintaining warding spell, which soon faded into the amulet. The pony hit the ground, sliding across it and lifting a broad sword, letting it hitting the ground while still holding it. "I haven't needed to wear armor in eons." He lifted the sword up, pointing it to Dew. "Not like the amulet works on naturally tough armor right?" He snickered, and his head was knocked to the side with a large sword from Nectar, Warlock falling over, tumbling a bit and sliding back into a standing position. "Don't expect to win just yet you eager fillies."

============================================================================

Iron Wing's ears perked up, his head turning to exit of the room as he heard a loud breaking of glass and some crashing,a sound Screecher could hear herself. "We need to get to the throne room Screecher!" He said before rushing out, flapping his wings to run at a higher speed.

Blitz Boom · August 1, 2017

@Lloyd

"I know that these methods are not ideal, but I had no other ideas of how to draw him here, and assaulting him when he haves omnipotence is a fools errand. And as to the amulet, I will say in my defense that it have drained magic for centuries, not just hours, What it is taking now is mere drops in the ocean."

"Enough! We need to be ready for-"

Longer Dew didn't get before the armored Warlock came in through the wall, as cocky as one could imagine from somepony who thought themselves above everypony else.

Dew got a smirk on his face that the others wouldn't be able to see underneath the helmet when he were knocked a little by Nectar though. He would give credit to the changeling where it was due, she were pretty ballsy to go at him like that, and if they managed to live through this, he'd have to get her to the training hall at one point. Retired or not, he could still feel a want to spar a little now and again.

But that wasn't for now. As the guards started to close off behind Warlock, it was time for them to get their orders.

"Formation 37q, and get the casters to reestablish the teleportation shield now! He's not going to escape this time."

A few guards went outside to fix the problem with one of the casters, which that had been neutralized. A guarantee since Nectar had been able to teleport in a weapon, though how were unknown. Hopefully it was just a quick lapse in concentration and they'd have it up again soon so they could trap Warlock. This was not his turf now after all, not when this was a physical fight.

"Darn straight he ain't. I'm not letting this mongrel hurt her again."

Chow rose up and jumped forward so he'd be between Astral and Warlock. He were well battered after the last day or so, and greatly humiliated in every aspect as he were a spoon to a gun fight with all the magic that had been floating around. But right now it seemed as if magic wasn't a factor, and that meant it was his time to try and help, whilst for once not ending up a complete disaster or liability.

"Stay behind and protect. let him come to us."

Chow did as he were told, though he did pick up a lance from the floor that one of the nearby guards had dropped when Warlock burted in. It had slid across to floor closely to him, and would hopefully serve in letting him fight back when it came to it. Wasn't a question about whatever or not Warlock would come for Astral at least. Just a question about when.

As for the guards,t hey were using the attack formation that they had been instructed to use, which were an al out assault in an uneven pattern. It would seem as if they were just lounging at him and strike foolishly towards him where Warlock would be able to avoid it, but in actuality, they would be pushing him closer to the middle of the room, and where Dew would stand ready to strike. Wasn't a good idea to try before that as he had to be close enough to absorb waves sent towards his companions, but it would more than likely work as he had thought out. If not, he had a few back ups prepared, though he would wish that the generals were here right now. They could sorely use their help.

======================================================================

@Lloyd

Screecher saw the stallion run off and would follow him basically straight after, gritting her teeth and preparing herself mentally for a fight. This time she would end up too late to make a difference.

Benny on the other hoof, would be a half minute behind them, but that were because he first went over and grabbed as many weapons as he could from a nearby rack, before making his way toward the hall. He'd have to carry them on his back until he got out of the room, which would delay him a quarter of a minute more, but he'd get there eventually. Hopefully it wouldn't be too late at that point.

====================================================================

@Radience

So, the menace was following her it seemed. This might well work in her advantage, by letting the look of this mare get out there to spread some concern.

Wandering quickly toward one of the main streets, some ponies seemed to get a look of the strange mare in the sky before she took off, including one of the guards it seemed. Not the main officer in town unfortunately, but she'd take what she could get.

"If you're wondering, she haves her base near the building where we have stored the carousel from last year."

It was a passing message, but it seemed to take root. Given enough time now, or the green-winged mare making a ruckus, this should help convince at least a few of them to have a look.

Speaking of Richie, where were she? Didn't make Brute comfortable not knowing where she were right now, so she guessed she'd take a round and see if she could find her. Starting at the bank, since the earth pony had sounded like getting rich quick was her main goal.

==========================

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

"This forest aren't so bad really. Few guards to keep the timberwolves at bay and it'd be fine. Long as you don't go here during the daaaaaay."

The voice dragged out as Ziggy stepped on a fragile piece of floor a little after reach8ng the top of the stairs, and went tumbling into the darkness with the torch flaring next to her.

The current trajectory would send her into what looked like it used to be a freezer at some point, though like the rest of the place, time had not been kind to it. Still, it wasn't frozen in there, so there were at least that going for them as Ziggy tried to gain some control over her fall and enough space to even spread her wings a little. Wasn't looking good on either account considering her large wingspan, so she'd likely hit the racks down there in a few seconds.

======================

@Windchime @Holiday Agnaktor

Man these two were getting into a heated argument, to put it mildly. He were almost starting to feel like this was a therapy session when the spotlight got shifted unto him, and he were now faced with the agitated publisher.

"The situation is a little more complicated than what Miss Detail is saying I'm afraid.

Few months back, the main hive of Queen Chrysalis underwent a mutiny, and she were overthrown. In the process, King Thorax - as their new regent is called - also had him and a good deal of his hive undergo a transformation. Made them more colorful, and more importantly, not needing to harvest love anymore.

This, and the fact that the new regent worked with Equestria to overthrow the queen, caused Princess Celestia to begin diplomatic negotiations with them. It's why there's a law now about changelings legally being allowed in Equestria as long as they don't impersonate somepony, among other things.

Thing is, while the negotiations are covering for all changeling kind, his is just the main hive, and the only one not needing love anymore at this point in time. There's a currently unknown number of hives out there, and while most sides with King Thorax to enter a new time, there's still loyalists of Queen Chrysalis and the chance of minor rogue hives that clings to the old ways.

The Royal Guard are well advised to look out for the troublemakers and impersonators, and it's good for the populace to keep an eye out too, but... Well, remember how badly it was when anti-dragon propaganda was still running? It pushed a lot of those who wanted to mingle away from Equines, and towards the more war-centered ideals. Changelings are no different, and if they only see attacks and ignorance, we'll just end up back were we were before.

I understand the press have the freedom to speak their mind, and I'm not trying to censor you from your opinions on changelings. With the things I've heard have happened here recently, I wouldn't be too thrilled about them either if I were in your shoes. But there's laws in place about a blank attack on everypony based on their race, especially when it comes to allies of Equestria, and both because of that and how fragile the new allegiance is, I urge you to perhaps edit it a little. Just to get some of the facts in, so the beings of your fine city knows there's issues here, but it's not with all of them, and to avoid issues with the law.

You'd frankly make history by posting anything though. Every other news outlets that the guards have approached about writing things about changelings have declined, saying they'd rather write nothing than have anypony feel sympathy with any changeling.

Also, if I may say so, from what I've been told of the episodes in town, it sounds like you don't have an attack force on your hooves. We've been informed some of how hives work in the Royal Guards, and an effective one would have removed targets before impersonating them, so they wouldn't have gotten caught. Plus - and I mean no disrespect with this - they would have replaced you first. Controlling the media and making sure no news about any incidents come out there, is a great way to ensure it's too late to react when they strike.

So yeah... Criticism and informing everypony is something the guard can support about this, but there's a line between that, and what amounts to racially motivated attack adds, and it's not good for anypony if it comes to that.

Besides, these incidents are more random and confused in it than overly hostile. Rogue hives or hiveless ones confused about what to do more than likely, who'll be picked up by the guard when they're found and dealt with like any criminal.

I'm sorry if this is a little rambly, but from what it sounds like, there can be a world of trouble for everypony if the article are as hostile as it sounds, and I want to help to avoid getting anypony in trouble.

Perhaps I could offer you some more information on the new laws, programs starting to be set in motion to integrate the law-abiding changelings, or some insight on how hives work, from the drone King Thorax sent to educate the Royal Guards a little on what to look for? I know you likely can't use all of it, but perhaps some will make it through and you can have a good scoop on stuff most doesn't know about ma'am?"

This was where it'd break or make things. If the editor had no interest in further input and figured he were bluffing with the law about racially motivated propaganda - which he wasn't - this was going to get ugly, and his best bet would be to try and find an actual changeling in town and try to convince him/her to lead him to their hive so he could warn them. Unless it really were hiveless ones, in which case the best he could do were telling them to warn one another.

If the editor were willing to get some input however... Well, the article would still be negative he'd guess, but it would have facts and could focus on the problem individuals, rather than stamp them all as being monsters. It'd be as good as he could hope for these days.

===========================

@Foxy Socks

"Much have happened, though most never were. Such is the fickle flow of the unseen."

The slightly growling, though passive voice caught Briar, Brittle and Anomaly by surprise, before a robed figure exited the tent nearest them.

He were a half head taller than an adult pony, but quite a bit longer, mainly because of the long tail wavering quietly behind him, as without it, he would only be a hoof's width longer than the equines.

As with the rest of him, the tail were covered in the thick, brown cloth that made his robe, though it were more cylindrical on the tail so it didn't drag over the ground. From how it got tighter the longer the tail went, it didn't seem like a pony tail, though the striped paws sticking out from under the robes would be a clue to that as well.

His head were covered and he wasn't looking at any of them currently, so his face were impossible to see in the darkness of the hood, but the tip of a slit tongue could briefly be seen tasting the air before returning.

Whoever this were, he had been able to remain unseen and without scent thus far. Begged the question, how much had he listened in to?

"Zhu! I've been looking everywhere for you."

Anomaly bounced over and hugged the robed being, who seemed to just stand there and take it like he didn't care.

"The wind did not blow in the forest."

"Yeah yeah, weird cryptic nonsense. What're you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you."

Zhu's paw went into his robe and withdrew what looked like a glass marble, but with some kind of green, red and yellow dots floating aimlessly around inside it.

"Guess it broke, huh? No worries, I'll fix it. Oh, say hello to new friends in the meantime okay? We were just talking about you."

"I heard."

Zhu handed the marble towards Anomaly. If Foxy wanted to confront Zhu, now would be as good a time as ever.

===========================

@EQ_Theta

"Okay. I'll come. Perhaps seeing helps me remember it?"

"I'm afraid that's unlikely Omen. If what I think happened is right, you had too much of your trip in your unprocessed memories, and if you had to focus too much on the scholars... I'm sorry, but the memories are gone."

Omen looked up at Mother, then shrugged and put the drake on her tongue towards her own head, where it'd return to her mane with it's food.

"No need to wonder anymore I guess. I'm ready to go."

"Try and relax for a while, okay honey? Find a waterfall perhaps?

And you, Sen and Lin. You have been through much to get where you are now, and you've earned a chance more at a life that seemed over, whilst actively helped to improve the future of your kind.

I'm proud of you, and all you have done. I can't imagine what your futures will bring, and how hard it will be for your village to accept you back, but I know you will endure and get through this. Just try and stay safe so I don't need to worry about you so much."

Mother said the last part with a smile, though inside she felt saddened over their actual parents not being here to tell them how proud they were. Perhaps there had been a time where she could do something about this, and let them see eachother one last time, but she didn't have the power she once had anymore, and even then, Mortimer would not like it. He were very direct in how the afterlife should go, and he rarely made exceptions.

"...Wait, isn't it a bad idea to take contact to Ponyville? Strange place, and Master Diiscord seems to be there sometime. Don't know if they will like him."

Whilst Omen lead into the bad segue, Mother sent a small gust of wind towards the floating orb with the scholars, with a message meant for it alone. Mainly to not interrupt the children right now.

"Perhaps it is better if we reschedule our talk to another time, in case you wish to go home with them? I could send you back later if it were, but I wouldn't force my company upon you if you wish to arrive with the children."

Edited August 1, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Added colors.

Sekel · August 1, 2017

@Blitz Boom

DAWN

"Okay ... I could try some of those orange candies you mentioned? The ones mixed up with other things like the chocolate and such?" Dawn wondered, the second cup of coffee having woken her up completely and simply frowned at Pop's sassy comments. "Enough with the sass," she muttered and slowly sipped at the remainder of her coffee. She didn't expect the brew to burn her again, but she was cautious nonetheless.

@Widdershins & @Blitz Boom

On 7/31/2017 at 2:43 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Most ponies are harmless, and pays off on time, so I have nearly no beef with the general population. Still, once in a while somepony pops up that turns out to be an issue, and I'll have to fix it then. And beating my bits out of them ain't an option. Generally they spend the bits they borrow quickly, mainly on rent or something as I'm after all the sort that you go to when you're desperate, and don't pay back because they can't. Some of the runners are afraid I won't be possible to make a deal with, but those are rare as I'm pretty upfront with things, relatively speaking.

Plus again, trying to avoid getting tossed in jail. I have a certain lifestyle standard that doesn't include a dirty cell.

And you're coming with us to Ponyville because you're sitting on my wagon, I wanna go, and leaving it here with you ain't an option. If I wanted to *dragonap* you, I would've hired some goons to handle that mess, and you'd end up in chained in a cage if they were worth their salt. Or with tooth picks if they weren't

Now then, to get back to you there sugar, you're going the tourist route you say? Been past Las Pegasus yet? There's a carnival going these days, so might be worth it for you to check that out before it's done. Gives the place a real shine."

AURORA

"And that lifestyle standard seems pretty low. Considering loan sharks back in Griffonstone tend to get sent to jail for roughing up a fellow Griffin too much. As for me, yeah, I'm taking the tourist route. I didn't expect Equestria to be this vast. It's almost double the size of the Griffin Kingdom last I checked. Don't quote me on that. I could be, and am most likely, wrong. Las Pegasus ... eh, I'll get there eventually. I'm taking it slow and I don't care how long it takes me. I'm just glad my parents supported me wholeheartedly in this endeavor. They couldn't get me out the door quick enough!" Aurora laughed.

Edited August 1, 2017 by Dji

EQ_Theta · August 1, 2017

@Blitz Boom

"That much is true, Omen," Sen calmly replied. "Though there is also a chance that maybe with Discord reformed, the longma could slowly forgive and learn that even the worst villains of their history could change. But let us not linger on the what ifs for now, that is a bridge to be crossed when we arrive there. Right now, there are just some loose ends that need patching up."

Loose ends... a few unsaid and unfinished tasks that no longer felt rushed. Lin remembered one, and with time on everyone's side, it was only a matter of time before she remembered what she wanted to do. A few thoughts and words floated around her mind: unsaid, loose end, a promise unfulfilled. Before embarking on the journey to the wellspring, she remembered settling down with Sen by her side and wanting to spend her final moments giving him the peace of mind he needed. With his nightmares becoming more unrelenting with each night, who knows just how much longer he could last without his dreams tormenting him. No matter how much he tried to downplay it, Sen needed help and now is the best time to do just that. She quickly jumped in to get her point across.

"Like your recurring nightmares. The last time you had one, you were talking in your sleep and in distress; you saw me and Omen throwing you into a pit and abandoning you. That isn't right. If it were any worse, maybe you wouldn't wake up again because you were gripped in fear. I'm worried those distortions in your dreams are likely affecting your way of seeing us. Please, let us help."

The orb slowly approached and spoke with an air of confidence despite not having a face to show it. "We know of a way. This form of magic allows one or two individuals to enter a dream and navigate it in a wakeful state. It is possible to send more in but it will become more difficult with more individuals in a dream, likely destabilizing it more than it needs to be. We can provide visualization and communication routes to and from the dream for those who cannot proceed further."

Lin looked to Omen and remembered the same moment she had this sequence of events happen in the midst of the spectral guardians. This time, she is brimming with confidence that she can fulfill her promise without time weighing her down. She hoped Omen remembered this moment as well and without saying more, she looked to her sister with a gaze that asked: "Will you join me?"

Edited August 1, 2017 by EQ_Theta

Moonlit · August 1, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich "alley-oop" Serenade jumps up and then heads muzzle first down the shaft, her wings tucked in to her body. As soon as she's close to Ziggy, she'll try and wrap her legs around Ziggy then open her wings.

Foxy Socks · August 1, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Zhu had an intimidating presence. Being almost completely shrouded by robes gave off a mysterious, yet frightening feeling. Foxy did not move as she noticed his presence. It was very rare anypony could hide from her. She was an expert in hiding, and she could also notice others if they are hidden themselves. However this figure seemingly appeared out of thin air, catching even Foxy off guard. Too frightened to move, she could only imagine how Brittle was feeling.

"Z... Z... Zhu? Y-you are the p-pony Anomaly was t-talking about?" Foxy shakily asked. "I-if you are... why did you..." Foxy wanted to be angry, but she felt helpless, shaking all over. Foxy couldn't speak, she fell on the ground, a nervous wreck.

Windchime · August 2, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Holiday Agnaktor

A moment of tension passed as the editor mulled over the evidence, calming down as she thought over the points. The barrage of points were undeniable. A dragon from the royal guard halting her extra-special changeling special in the name of the law. She wouldn't be able to convince the writers to continue anyway now that they've seen this all happen, even if she wanted to, and continuing sounds like a terrible idea. Earlier she wanted to fire Striking Detail for this interference, but it seems like it was good for him to raise the issue after all. And an interview from the guard themselves, and the fact that nobody has done this before?
Printrose had to admit something: She never knew that the situation was this way. She heard about the King Thorax, of course, the news made great rounds, but when changeling occurrences were popping up anyway Printrose felt like she had to inform the population out of obligation. And besides, if a guard was here, maybe we could help eachother?

In retrospect, this special was going to be more special than ever. But to apologize and attempt to save face in front of the authority...

"Oh, ahem, err, sorry." She glanced in nervousness over the writers behind her, who now know that she raved against someone in the wrong (terrible reputation harsher in the media business, by the by) and gestured to Detail.

"Mister Detail, thank you for letting us know the situation about all this in time. Dragon guard, I'm afraid you'll be stuck for a while explaining the details to our writer crew here, and then perhaps stuck in an interview. I hope we're not holding up valuable guard duty time here, so you may take your leave if you have something to attend to; but you will be welcome here anytime preferably before deadline to explain things to us." thanked Avabella Printrose.

She turned to the writers. "Writers, you've heard what's going on, please edit your articles accordingly; I hope you understand that it is not good to bother the Royal Guard. Hopefully, if the dragon guard accepts, you can ask him questions anytime." The soft crinkling of paper was heard throughout the office as paper was replaced almost globally in all typewriters, except for the dragon, who may have been writing positive articles this entire time, perhaps knowing how it feels to be globally socially ostracized. The rhythmic clacking of typewriters resumed as the writers keep their heads down, secretly waiting for the guard's response before they jump on him.

Printrose turned to Light Rain. "And you, young lady? Have you heard what you wanted? Could I get you a cup of tea in the lobby? In the meantime, Mister Detail, please get to work."

...This entire time, Striking Detail wondered why the dragon kept calling him 'Miss'. Did he look feminine? Did he accidentally get makeup on? Where's a mirror? And thank Celestia that Printrose realised the wrong of her ways. That surely could have gone a whole different wa-

Snapping out of his thoughts upon hearing his name the second time, he looked back up at the dragon next to him and said: "Right, right. So, Benny, what do you say?"

Blitz Boom · August 3, 2017

@Holiday Agnaktor @Windchime

Benny let out a small sigh of relief. He had really not wanted there to be any kind of trouble between either the law, the law-abiding changelings, or this place, and hearing that the editor were willing to listen was a huge relief. Sure, it'd come at a cost to himself, but as he heard what that cost would be he just met it with a smile, though he turned to Printrose first.

"Thank you for that ma'am. It's always nice when everything can be sorted out by a chat, and of course I'll stick around and answer any question that you or your staff might have about the situation.

You don't need to worry about the time spent on this either. I'm using a few vacation days from my station in Canterlot to come pick up an engagement ring and a wedding pendant I ordered at Twinkle Dee's, and since I've already gotten hold of them, I'm set for time for a good while longer before I have to go on to the next part of my preparations. Expensive shop, but I'll say it's worth the year's salary it cost."

He reached down under the armor on his right front leg and pulled up the box he had been there to pick up earlier. Just a bit to show that the logo was there, to prove that he wasn't just fibbing, and... Okay, perhaps a teensy bit of pride swelled up in him too over it, and he was dying to share it with anypony. Not everypony that could say they were ready to propose with a piece of jewelry from a renowned shop that made custom orders, and that he had finally gotten to do this after the last three years of thinking hard on every bit he spent were not exactly the sort of thing that was easy to keep a secret from everypony for that long. It nagged at him to share, and since these didn't know him and it was just a bit instead of blurting it all out, it'd likely be fine. Took the edge off it too.

Without his knowledge, it might also work to calm down Light Rain, who might be able to tell now that the wall of love wasn't a defensive thing, but just what it appeared to be. A swelling amount of love, brought on by his movement towards proposing to somepony special to him, not to try and defend against having his other emotions read.

But again, he wouldn't know what was going on there, as he hadn't the faintest clue that the mare was a changeling. If he saw her lighten up, he'd just think it was because she were worried about the spreading of misinformation too. Either way, he'd for now turn to Striking Detail, with a grin so happy on his face that it was almost slap-able. Not a good idea to actually slap him though. Both because he was a guard, and because the armor on his face would make it a painful exercise in futility.

"Anyway, if you need me for the writing, I'm all yours sir. And uhm... I'm sorry about calling you ma'am a few times before. My head was other places and when both you and your companion started to talk, I got a little confused. I didn't mean to imply that you were a lady, sir."

His grin turned a bit sheepish and a slight pink hue spread on his cheeks. It was a bit of an embarrassing episode for him to mess this up.

======================================================================

@EQ_Theta

Omen tilted her head and looked back at Lin, uncertain about why she were looking at her the way she did. Were it something to do with the conversation the other ones had just before, about the dreams? She didn't think it was something else, but it sounded strange. Something which only those who could sleep would have to deal with normally, and now she might want her there? Guess there was only one way to really be sure about this.

"You... Want me to come to the dream world?"

The words were hesitant, but she pressed on a little more, in case it were this. If it wasn't, she were going to appear as a fool, but she supposed that didn't really mean anything. She were already given strange looks, how could her saying things make it worse?

"If you do, I'll go. If you can find out how."

Omen remembered well the situation before Lin and her had went to the well, as well as how much turmoil Sen looked to be in when he slept, compared to others she had examined when they rested. Much told that Sen needed help, and if she had guessed right in what were going to happen here, she could be there to help him too. Something she wasn't going to back down from, but she needed to be sure about it first. Might be that Lin were looking at her in a way to plead Omen to stay and keep a look over/fetch something, whilst she went into his mind.

She felt a claw just above her head, and the slithering form of the small drake in her mane climb it eagerly.

"I'll watch over this while you are gone, as well as a general watch over your unconscious or resting forms. Unless this requires them to be in a specific location Scholars? I can bring you there if need be, otherwise, my realm is secure and at your disposal."

========================================================================

@Dji @Widdershins

Spicy chuckled at the notion that this were the standards she had spoken about. It was almost endearingly naive, but that seemed to be a theme with this griffon. Bit blind to some of the things beneath the surface, though this time around, it wasn't like Spicy could blame her. After all, even though Spicy were wearing some relatively fancy clothes and talked about being a loan shark, not much about her really said she were more than somewhat above general wages. It was an honest mistake to think that was all to her.

"What you see ain't all you get, but tell you what, if we're still running along when the road leads to Baltimare or if we have a run in there in general one time, I'll give you a tour of my mansion. Pretty nifty place I'd say, though to be fair, loan sharking doesn't buy most of that. That's were being a good poker player comes into hoof. Though to be completely frank, the was handed down from my grandmother. I just made sure to pay off all the debt and then make it more personalized after that.

Anyway, little point in flaunted my at times ill-gotten gains. Tell me more about your trip. Might as well have a chat on this trip to pass the time until we hit something worth looking at, right?

Bit of a sidenote first though, loan sharks in Equestria is also subject to prison if they get too violent with others and try to beat the bits out of their clients. Sub-contractors are the key to success in this business, lemme tell ya. But I'm rambling on. Come on, let's hear more about your trip."

She neglected to mention something about the parents since the only response she could think about were a bit too... Vulgar for polite conversation so to speak, and though she were for just yapping off, a few things should be kept to yourself at times.

===============================================================

@Foxy Socks

"Raised by a pony, but never one of you."

His tongue slithered out and felt the air again. It tasted of worry and nervousness. Not that he were an emotion-reader, but bodies gave off some signature smells when certain feelings rose up. Like nervous perspiration, of the clangy smell of fearful sweat.

"I take it you wish to know why I subjected other beings to change, even if they could have grown eventually on their own? Appeasement of a being prepared to war, and the beginning of bloodlines that eventually will matter. A small sacrifice in the grand scheme of time."

He rose his head and for once looked at the equines of various backgrounds. The face were still darkened, though details could be seen better, and would show a serpentine face, covered in raised scales in white and orange, appearing as stripes.

What would draw most attention though, would be the eyes. Clearly that of a snake of some kind, and highly visible considering they glowed in a golden color.

His eyes landed on each of them, but paused at Foxy before returning to Briar, who stood defensively in front of a surprisingly calm Brittle.

"Just one more generation it seems, if handled correctly."

Zhu returned his sight to Foxy once more, whilst Briar stood cautiously in front of the - for once - calm mare who were looking surprised around her.

It was a bit eerie actually. Usually she'd stutter, lay low to the ground, or at least look at you like you were a danger, but right now, nothing. Briar would likely have said something about it if his back wasn't turned to her, so he didn't notice.

"Curious ways you are going to tread, especially with the feathered companion you have with you. One bound for another, yet following you... It seems plans must be corrected later."

Zhu looked at Foxy with slight interest, seemingly waiting for her to say or do something, whilst mumbling slightly to himself. What he were saying wasn't clear though, like with basically everything about him. Perhaps he were awaiting her next accusation?

===========================

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Serenade's attempt would work to a point. She were smaller, so her wingspan could fit here, however, Ziggy were still larger and already had momentum, so she'd just slow the fall, not stop it as they hit down into a half-rotten mess of wood that once held up the food in storage for the princesses, though the racks would crack easily now, after all the years of neglect.

The good news for Serenade would be that Ziggy would take the brunt of things, which would knock the air out of the Zegasus and cause her to twitch and swim between being conscious and unconscious a little beneath the pile of wood. From the sound of her groaning, she were alive though, and with no smell of blood wafting through the air, it seemed like they had gotten lucky.

The bad state of the wood had apparently helped, along with Serenade's intervention. Now it was just to hope that the half-unconscious Ziggy didn't break anything in the process, and that Serenade hadn't landed in a way that would still end up hurting her.

======================

@Radience

"Greetings madam, and welcome to our establishment."

A greeter of sorts had passed by as she had entered, and had stopped up to look at the somewhat stern, but rather pretty mare.

"We are pleased to see that you have chosen the Palace Diego on your travel to our fair town. Is there any way I can be of assistance?"

There were much more he could say, but he knew not to bother ponies who had just arrived with too many questions. Greet them with a smile, style, and a basic introduction of the place before going to an offer of help. If there would be a need for his services, then he could tell more, but for the time being that were up to their guest.

============================

@Dji

"I'm sorry about that. I just get a little perky in it when I have gotten enough coffee. I'll try and keep myself more in check."

Pop started to clean up, taking unused bread and seal it up well so she could use it later, taking the jam and such back to their places, and pouring the last small bit of coffee out. They both had enough to get by with for now it seemed, so this should be fine to go through with.

Eventually as she were done, hopefully Dawn would be too so she could clean up her plate and the glass the sundae had been in.

"Soon as I get the last few things cleaned up, we can go and have a look at things. It'll be fun. It have been ages since I lead somepony though my storage, and I'm pretty curious what might end up luring you in."

Edited August 3, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Added colors.

Moonlit · August 3, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich "Oh BLOODY!...." Serenade follows her friend into the rotten wooden structures. Blinking she looks around, trying to see where the torch landed and where Fah'lina was. She then goes to check on Ziggy. "Who puts a trap door in...a...old...castle...." She smirks, "nevermind, stupid question" she grumps to herself.

Holiday Agnaktor · August 3, 2017

@Blitz Boom @Windchime

Light Rain responded to Printrose with a nod. Still a bit subdued from all that information that she had just gotten from Benny talking. So...they were trying to help changelings be more integrated into society...? But Chrysalis had always told everyone that ponies weren't... well now she felt stupid. She never really let go of what Chrysalis had told everyone, even though it was obviously all lies. Well, mostly lies. Ponies were still quick to judge, but they weren't the heartless monsters that Chrysalis had told everyone that they were.

While she realised this, Benny also told everyone that he had bought an engagement ring, which made Rain feel extra dumb. He hadn't put up defenses, he was just madly in love and she couldn't handle that much. Well then. She kind of owed everyone an apology, except for the fact that they probably didn't even know that she did anything in the first place. Fantastic.

As a result of all this, she looked a bit annoyed, yet happy at the same time. Mostly annoyed.

She was going to have to talk to Benny after all this interview stuff had ended. This cause that he had been talking about, to help changelings be more accepted, sounded like a good one, and maybe she could help in some way. She was going to talk a bit with him first to try to see how he thought about changelings before doing anything that could possibly get her in trouble.

But first, tea-time with ms. Printrose.

Foxy Socks · August 3, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Foxy had never felt this terrified in a long time. Zhu's presence made her feel helpless. While at that moment he did not seem to have reason to harm anypony, she still felt disgusted by him. Foxy heard his reasoning, but it only made her more angry, with her rage now overtaking her fear. She stood back up, still shaking from her strong emotions, yelling, "It isn't right to do that whatever the reason! You can't just interfere with our growth and change us! You caused much unneeded suffering for the Evergrown. I can't forgive you for that!"

She rarely becomes angry, but Foxy has a hard time controlling her anger when she is. Her voice becomes shaky and higher pitched, which annoyed her because whenever she did yell she sounded "cute" to others. Foxy's voice was incapable of becoming too low pitched.

EQ_Theta · August 3, 2017

@Blitz Boom

"This place will do. We will perform the procedure ourselves to minimize risk.

The orb the scholars are sealed in created three streams of light from themselves and enveloped Sen, Lin, and Omen. It felt warm and relaxing as each part of their body was being primed for the next step of the procedure. Sen was unsure about this given his dislike of magic and knowing about how Lin messed up the first time. Though he would be vehemently against this the first time she suggested trying it, him living with little bits of magic through the spectral guardians has eased him into using and having magic used on him. That feeling of warmth also felt like it was slowing down the siblings' vitals to a state normally associated with sleep but Lin knew she and Omen couldn't sleep. Before she and her brother could say anything more, a pulse radiated from the orb and knocked all three unconscious instantaneously, dropping their limp bodies to the ground.

Lin's vision grew dark for a second before waking up on a path made of stars and the sight of a midnight blue sky and doors of all types as far as her eyes could see. Each one had a distinct look on them, likely reflecting on the location where these memories were made. One had the distinct look of a Canterlot-style arch common in their architecture, another had a corrugated metal texture, likely one of the shanties Sen made while out searching for her. There was also one of the family hut back in the village. Omen was on the ground next to her. Lin propped her up and examined her to see if there were any side effects of bringing beings who didn't require sleep into the dream realm. So far, Omen looked fine. Back in Mother's realm, a visualization emerged right before her eyes, seeing the same landscape as Lin and Omen would see it, allowing her to communicate with them and monitor their progress.

Once more, the sound of the booming voices of the scholars echoed through the realm and spoke to the two visitors. "This is Sen's dream realm. Each door you see here contains a memory that you can view and interact with. However, be careful not to cause damage to them as these can permanently alter Sen's mind, likely damaging it beyond repair. The region you are in is where the anomalies are closest. This will not take long if you act fast and know what you are looking for."

Indeed, Lin may have already spotted the anomaly mentioned in the overview. There was a door on the distant end of a broken path. Floating platforms separate he fixed path and the door, which looked like metal bars tied together with chains and sealed shut.

FanOfManyShows · August 4, 2017

@Blitz Boom

He very well knew this was a trap, he waved a hoof behind himself, sending out a blast in hopes to knock the guards away. His head being knocked away as a wing clipped the horn on his helmet, Iron Wing playfully spun the helmet on his hoof. "A horn for decoration? Bit desperate for intimidation." He threw the helmet on the ground, Warlock staring at him with a grim look, but without the helmet, the bleeding on the side of his head would be easier to see. Iron Wing took his moment to strike, blasting at Warlock, who ducked beneath him, grabbing the metal wing as it passed over his head, ripping it off and sending Wing tumbling across the ground.

"Hypocrite." He said tossing the wing down, the blades in the wing separating apart and flying over to Iron Wing and reconstructing the wing. Wing grinned, spinning and throwing some feathers at Warlock, who dodged them, grabbing one but instead of heading towards Wing, he flew over to Dew, aiming the feather at Dew's chest, and another hoof at the amulet, although the feather flew back over to Wing, leaving Warlock to punch the amulet with his hoof and possibly break or crack it, and it was unlikely anypony knew what'd happen if it did that. Unless Dew reacted to prevent it.

dosey doe · August 4, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Dosey gasped. "Chocolate... fountain??" She made a strange gurgling noise and a small tuft of white foam escaped her mouth.

[HEAVY BREATHING]

After some moments, her faculties (such as they were) returned, and she continued down the street, every now and then muttering "chocolate fountain" to herself, as though in reverence to some god.

Merlin's loomed up ahead. Well, not really loomed, since the building wasn't particularly large or imposing or ominous, and was painted in soft pinks and yellows and creams, just like every other building in Ponyville. Anyway, they were approaching it.

Edited August 4, 2017 by dosey doe

Windchime · August 4, 2017

@Blitz Boom

Striking Detail got a glance of the box the dragon guard produced, and quickly grew impressed. The trademark glossy top of the box complete with a subtle silver elegant ridge to be able to lift the box open with one smooth movement of hoof as one would kneel down to propose (a move many a colt-becoming-stallion would practice before their proposals) with the Twinkle Dee "TD" logo in small yet excessively italic-curlicue letters cast in gold slightly above the ridge, the completely hidden hinges of the box, and the matte bottom of the box to serve as backdrop for the insides: presumably the classic red cushion with faint roses perfume as the wedding jewel is proudly located in the middle of the box: Striking Detail could confirm by the make and finish of the box that that was not a fake.

Avabella Printrose just assumed it was not a fake by the pride in the dragon's voice.

Some of the female writers grew starry-eyed at the sight of the box alone, until Printrose told them to keep working. Eventually, they put their heads down again. Not for long, though, as the dragon finished his sentence giving Striking Detail permission for the interview (and his apology, to which Striking Detail merely raised an eyebrow to), Most writers (curiously, except for the dragon again) immediately piped up with questions.

"Where have you heard this from?" "Have you seen one of these hives for yourself?" "How long has these new hives been operating?" "Have you met any changelings yourself?" "Who do you think their new queen is?" "What do you think this new queen will do with the love they harvest?" "Is Canterlot in danger again?" "Is the royal guard doing something about this already?" "How successful have these integration programs been?" "Can I expect that program in Manehattan?" "Can changelings even do anything except harvest love and be menacing?" .... All the writers tried to get a word in at the same time, waving to the dragon, ready to type any answer that comes their way.

Striking Detail looked to the dragon and shrugged: "Seems like they want to go first."

Avabella Printrose let out a "Pah. Typical" and gestured to the young green mare to come along as she trod away.

===========================

@Holiday Agnaktor

Walking down a hallway away from the squabble of writers, Printrose, a smaller-than-normal (smaller than Light Rain) unicorn with a constant professional look on her face to make up for it, with a purple coat and neatly combed long, curly dark-blue mane contrasting Striking Detail's short ragged, quickly done mane, and a cutie mark of an article with a big rose overlaid, entered the considerably fancier looking lobby with marble tiles and wooden furniture.

A luxurious-looking couch and chair were situated next to a low coffee table, and on the coffee table was a small tea tray with a teapot only one cup, seemingly prepared in advance for Printrose alone. Printrose noticed that and quickly grabbed a second teacup from a cupboard before sitting down on the chair (On a side note, Detail often resented the fact that the break room/lobby of his work is fancier than his entire apartment).

Printrose made an effort to relax her otherwise professional look on her face to a more friendly and warm smile as she said: "Sit down, my girl, and have some tea. You don't have to be so on-edge. What is your name, young lady, and what did you come here for?" Printrose looked the green pegasus up and down. She, too, noticed the remarkable gradients with a slight bit of envy, but quickly brushed away the thought.
Printrose thought she looked... oddly out of place in this building for some reason, as if she supposed to be doing something else at this moment or something along those lines, but since the lass agreed to a nice cup of tea, Printrose assumed that wasn't the case.

Printrose levitated the teapot to fill the two teacups with hot water, and grabbed two valentine's day special blend cherry tea teabags with a small heart printed on it, feeling like it was quite topical for the whole changeling and dragon-in-love happenings. She gently put the teabags in the cups with hot water, patiently waiting for an answer.

Edited August 5, 2017 by Windchime
Jealousy -> Envy

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