open Casual stroll

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

Pringle walked up to the dracolisk and started bobbing his head.

Lucid knows what it means. He's done enough research to know that it meant Pringle was trying to fight the other lizard.

"Pringle! Stop trying to fight the dracolisk!"

Pringle looked over at Lucid, looked back to the dracolisk and continued bobbing his head.

"No, it was not looking at you funny! Now be nice!"

Lucid looked over at Fluttershy.

"You wouldn't know how to get a bearded dragon to stop being aggressive towards other lizards would you?"

Edited June 16, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

[BloodDrops 762]

On 6/15/2018 at 11:36 PM, Blitz Boom said:

It would be so simple to just go this route, wouldn't it? Give in to the rage, and let anybody who got in her way tremble before her. Covering and whimpering just like this lowly mare did.

It was a temptation that sometimes got hard to ignore. To imagine how much easier it would be to let go of her mind and just rely on muscle to get her way. Why, with her magic use, it shouldn't even be that big of an issue to take over a small town somewhere, and rule over it with an iron fist, or go back to Dragon Land and let her family feel the consequences of their poor treatment of her.

Nerzhei felt it strongly now too. The urge to simply let go, and harm the mare before she harmed Lotus. It was the easy way to deal with all of this. The route of least resistance, and then leave the consequences for someone else to deal with. What did the dragoness care about others anyway? She didn't need them. They weren't important.

"...I'm sorry. I went too far."

Nerzhei's free hand loosened, and she averted her eyes away from Droppy.

This isn't how she wanted to be. A frothing beast, little more than an animal, who got her way through force and fear.

Every day she had to face this option, and think about how much simpler it would be to just go down that route, but she never let herself do it. By the dragon lord she wanted to, but what would she gain by it? Some temporary power? Every being nearby treating her with fear-fueled praise?

She wanted to be praised, but not through fear. It should be via respect of her findings, and her contribution to the world at large. That should be her legacy, and not this... Filthy, roaring path that her parents so vehemently had tried to force her to follow. She were better than them. Smarter, stronger, and knew how to control her magic well, because she tried to be a reasonable being. They were nothing, and she wouldn't become like them. Not even when it came to Droppy. Not if she could help herself at least.

"We should go. The temple appears to be near."

Nerzhei would be the first to admit that she were not the kindest being. She were snarky, threatening at times, and had a habit of showing dominance over arguably small things. But there was a long way to go from that, to a monster, and she didn't want to cross that line and be looked at like Droppy had before. That sort of look made her feel disgusted about herself.

Meanwhile, Lyriel bend her neck, feeling like she were getting metaphorical lashes as the sphinx rightfully pointed out how she were failing her duties.

"I'm sorry great one, but I tried. The forest can't touch her, and the animals fear her. If I had my strength I could try, but I expended it almost all of it, and I don't know if it would matter. The consumer is an affront, and I... I'm a failure for not stopping her."

Tear went down her face, which fell to the ground. From where each drop landed, a pale, blue tulip delicately rose from the ground, sharing in the sorrow of the Dryad.

The sphinx had managed to play wisely and hit a very sore point for Lyriel, when she mentioned that this were the dryads failure to do her duty. As the last sane one of her kind (that she knew of) she felt a heavy responsibility to continue the practices she had grown with, and defend this new home, who needed her so badly. Droppy however, had proven to be everything this forest needed the least, and nearly unstoppable at that.

The vines had burst into flames,  killing her off were not an option according to Nerzhei, as the forest would then begin to die, and the animals were unlikely to be able to stop the mare either. Lyriel had heard what had happened to the timberwolf that crossed their path before, and those were the only ones who would not succumb to illness. What then could be done, if neither her, nor the beasts that might be able to touch the pony, could stop Droppy? Logically little, but when you felt the responsibility of the forest and its inhabitants were on your shoulders like Lyriel did, the weight felt like it landed on you. She were responsible for protecting the forest, and she were failing everyone. Even her creator, as had been painfully brought up.

It left the dryad desperate for a solution, which is where the conniving sphinx came in again with her suggestion about doing something about this. For a cost, but one that would ensure the forest, and everyone in it, would be safe. It made the dryad lift her head to her maker, her eyes still wet with residual tears, but carrying a small glimmer of hope in them. A desperate one, but that would likely just be a bonus for the sphinx.

"...What would it take, great one, to protect everything from the plague walker? What is the price for stopping her, or abolishing what causes her to consume without pause?"

Droppy blinked and kept her distance from Nerzhei like she was the one with a disease, still giving her a wary look. She kept her distance from the dragon and snorted as they moved towards the Sphinx's temple, her flank was still hurting and she was one to keep grudges. She was only playing and she got snapped at for making fun of the dragon. She pointedly continued to give her a disproving glare, though she didn't say anything encase it set her off again, she instead looked to where the odd looking building was in the distance and snorted. "Looks like a temple" she remarked. 

She smirked and gave Nerzhei a evil grin, "Looks like shes decided to settle here, wonder how long till she decides that the view isn't that nice" she chuckled. She knew how this particular Sphinx worked, though after Nerzhei's latest outburst she decided not to reveal too much, after all she still had a sore flank."Hope you got more of that headache draft, your going to need it" she giggled. "Suppose you could wish for some more, or wish for the headache to disappear, though you'll be searching for a body to go with it" she added amused. 

"Better hope your plant friends not gone and made a deal with her, otherwise you might be looking for a cure yourself" she snorted rolling her eyes.

 

The Sphinx rolled her eyes, "Well my magic forbids her harm until her quest is completed. You might posses magic but not as strong as my own, your attempts were flawed as soon as you decided you needed to kill her, trap her and that would have worked perfectly well. Moved her on would have also worked" she tutted giving Lyriel a lecture. "Not every animal fears her, not myself nor that friend of a dragon you keep with you." she finished.

She rolled her eyes as she began to cry, "Crying won't solve the matter either. All that will do is cause you more harm then good" she advised. She hated other things crying, it made her grumpy which probably could be picked up by the tone in her voice. She glanced into the pool by her throne at the question and stired the water with her tail tip. "Hmm the price?" she asked. 

She glanced in the water and nodded at what she saw. "Well I would ask that this temple and the ground its sat on is considered sacred and any and all specifics are decided by myself within the temple, since I'm living here now. I would like that exclusive and incontrovertible right" she said with a small smile. "Not much really, just want to be able to do what i want with my temple and the land its on really." she added, "Then the plague walker can be cured of her disease and be returned back to her home. Like she had never even been infected in the first place. Just think of how many creatures she has killed and infected. All i'm asking for really is a slice of land, think of how many creatures have been destroyed already" she added sweetening the deal.  

"take it or leave it, you are the protector of this forest after all. I would prefer it not be destroyed by a plague walker, but that's up to you. Take the deal and protect your forest or let it fall into ruin. I do like letting creatures use there own free will to decide whats best for there own futures" she finished glancing back into the pool. She liked what she saw in it. 

[Rising Dusk 27,832]

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk had always found it easier to track down a pony with a goal or destination in mind.  When one was having to track down a pony that had no idea where they were going and just randomly went about, that was a lot of more difficult.  Considering though, they he hadn't seen Molotov Boom, or heard his rambling for that matter, it wasn't hard to conclude that Blitz Boom was out on her own.  Listening to the other stallion the other day was still fresh in his mind, and this current situation was not normal.  Well, normal for the workshop ponies anyways from what he could tell. 

Luckily though, Dusk didn't have to go into this search blind.  The city had a lot of smells to it, of which easily changed from block to block.  A unique scent to the city though, was that of incendiary byproducts.  While faint, the midnight blue stallion could at least tell he was in the right area.  Although it wasn't any of his business, he might need to bring up to the older Boom sibling that more baths might be in order for the young filly.  Although, if scent wasn't the best way to go, it really helped to follow the ponies on the streets that appeared to have their heads turned in directions away from their current paths.  In a city like this, most things didn't shock anypony anymore.  Blitz Boom was a pretty unique sight though.  Fiery red mane and mechanical wings pretty be give away.  That, and broken horns were in of themselves, rather rare.

Not that just any pony in Manehatten would stop the filly out on her own, as most couldn't be all that bothered with anything extra in their perceived busy days.  Following the gazes of other ponies on the street, the detective ran in the direction he hoped Blitz Boom was going in, and well not something else the ponies had been looking at.

Almost running past the alley before he heard something that was familiar to him.  The mechanical chittering of the smaller spider Carmen.  Skidding to a stop again before doubling back to look down the alley filled with smelly garbage cans.  Just in time to see a hyper, bouncing filly going to the other end.

"Blitz Boom!"

He called after her.  Getting his hooves in motion to go after her.

[Pr0m4NV14 839]

@Blitz Boom

Mike looked at the skull with slight interest. It wasn’t every day that one would see a necklace sprout glowing eyes. (Them again, not many people wielded a sword magically enchanced by a hundreds-year-old warrior, who was in fact living in said weapon.) Mike put the picture back in his saddlebag. The young Earth Pony looked up at Sorrow. “I guess we should head to it. Better sooner than late, right? Is that how it goes?” Before walking towards the exit of the station. Mike couldn’t shake the feeling that Sorrow’s necklace seemed to be intrigued with him...

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight

Suppose if there aren't any campfires around, it would be safe for the dracolisk. Fluttershy, now calmer, left her hoof extended to see what the creature will do next but going by what Anomaly said, it would likely do as he stated She still wasn't sure about what to make of it but she was a lot more assured it won't be hostile to her. The same could not be said for Angel who promptly pouted at Fluttershy and the dracolisk before retiring to the inside of the saddlebag again. The pegasus looked to the bunny before he turned away and gestured him to come and have a look. Angel didn't like it but he returned and had a look while trying to be friendly. He was mostly in charge of the other animals back at the cottage, even Harry. No one would mention it but the bear and the bunny seem to get along just fine that the former wouldn't mind leaving the latter with more responsibility. 

As for Lucid and Pringle's show of aggression, Fluttershy was a little less assured. She doesn't work with many lizards and the only thing that comes close is Gummy, whom Pinkie may understand better than the pegasus ever could. 

"I could, um, try talking to Pringle for you, Lucid." Fluttershy looked over to the bearded dragon and hoped she wouldn't need to resort to her back-up plan. She lay down next to him and slowly brought the dracolisk closer. "Pringle, there's no need to be hostile to our new friend here. He's not harmless and you wouldn't want to give him a bad first impression of you."

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@Blitz Boom

Sen froze up at Rosa's question. It was difficult because even he isn't exactly sure how to explain Mother to him. The first encounter in her realm and later explaining to both siblings just who she was... it is still a tough pill to swallow all things considered. If he and Lin were baffled by the explanation given to them, how would anyone else respond upon hearing the same. Right now, Sen was evading questions to the best of his ability but seeing just how vague his answers are, he may have to give Rosa something honest. Just not now.

"H-her mother? That realm Omen can go through, that is part of the realm that her mother inhabits, just nowhere near her. It's dark, possibly much more expansive than what we've seen. It's hard to say since it's a place I haven't traversed. It may be more expansive than even Equestria but I can't be certain. Only Omen's mother knows more and... I don't know. I haven't asked. To be honest, even I don't know a lot about that place other than Omen has to traverse it to move from place to place and her mother has a lot of control over that place."

"This is a difficult thing to talk about, who she and Omen are, and if you'll even believe one bit of it. Can I ask if we could wait till we are somewhere away from anypony else? And to respect what you hear when I explain this to you? You don't have to believe it but all I'm asking is for you to just listen and understand. A lot of what I could tell you is surreal but if I can tell you one thing about Omen's mother right now, it's that her power could rival alicorns, probably surpass them. She is someone who is kind and caring, wishing for her children to be with good masters who can help them integrate to this realm but she won't hesitate to use the full might of her power should you cross her. Sounds like the traits of Princess Celestia. That bit with masters doesn't mean slavery."

The last part is something Sen can sympathize with. When he first heard of that term being used, he immediately assumed the worst. He hated the idea of slavery but the longer he stayed around Mother and learning about Omen, slavery was the last thing that could be associated with that she does. Mother has proven in more than one occasion that she loves her children and wants them to go to good homes. Personal experience is guaranteed to hold up the truth behind that statement and it gives him warm fuzzies at the same time. 

As for Lin, having to admit having prior contact with Discord might be a bad move right now. It could leave Scarcity second-guessing her choice to let Lin do some work for her if she is associated with someone whom she didn't trust. It was an understandable sentiment but would being honest with her mean leaving herself open to being cornered but the way Scarcity talked suggested she was already on to something despite trying to hide her association. 

"I've had contact with Discord. Had tea and sandwiches with him and Fluttershy, to be exact. I wouldn't blame you for not believing he's changed and aside from the chaotic and crazy personality, he's frankly an amicable sort. Okay, maybe some persuasion necessary depending on his mood but staying around him for a while convinced me that he has turned over a new leaf." 

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

After Fluttershy talked to Pringle, he responded by biting the dracolisk.

"Pringle! What has gotten into you today?"

Lucid picked up his lizard pet. This didn't make sense to Lucid, this was a first.

"I don't get it, he usually never acts this way. Do you think something is wrong with him? Surely you must know what's wrong! You know everything about animals, right?"

It was pretty obvious that Lucid was worried about his pet. Did Pringle need something? He already had his crickets, so he couldn't be hungry. He looked at Pringle who had his mouth open, this usually means he is trying to regulate his temperature.

"Do any of you know the exact temperature out here?"

[Blitz Boom 4,635]

@Rising Dusk

Blitz heard the officer and automatically turned around from hearing her name being called out. She were almost at the end of the alley though. So close to potential adventure and fun! So she just turned around again and walked on until she reached the end.

Poking her head around the corner, she saw all kinds of weird things, but not immediately something she'd consider fun. Sure there were an area that were totally fenced in, where she could break in and see what happened, though she hadn't brought any tools, and the sign said the fence were electric.

The rest seemed kinda bland. Mostly clothes stores and perfume places. Yuck. The only smell Blitz wanted, were the fresh smell of lit explosives, and clothes? Stupid looking, made it hard to move, and could catch on fire easily. So not the way to go in a workshop.

Meh, she should have taken the other way after all inst- Wait, was that a street performer? Hehe, that might be fun to look at.

She had been standing there for about two minutes before she'd attempt to move on, so Rising should have plenty enough time to catch up with her before she bounced onward. If not, he could still follow the sound of Carmen protesting this whole thing. She might not be as loud as say, a dog, but she could still vocalize well enough to be heard. She could also pinch down on Blitz, but she had been trying that for some time now, and the filly didn't seem to care at all. Just a few random twitched when it happened and that was it. Molotov at least took notice of when she did it and saw it as a thing to respond to. Blitz on the other hoof, wanted adventure more than she cared about a few pinches here and there.

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@Pr0m4NV14

"Great. Let's hope we find her soon, so you don't have to worry for long anymore."

Whilst Sorrow didn't take notice of it so far, Mike were right in his assumption that Legion had taken some interest in him. Even as Sorrow turned and began to wander besides the smaller earth pony, the skull still directed their eyes towards him at times, apparently seeing something that caught their interest.

Nopony else really took notice of them though. With all the repairs, the varied races, and the battle itself being only a few days ago, most of the town had gotten pretty fatigued with weird things, and a skull with glowing eyes plus an earth pony with a sword that clearly wasn't a royal guard, weren't even close to being weird enough tot ake notice of. Plus, it were rather busy on the streets right now, as the last things began to get fixed by the looks of it.

They'd soon get to a small side way where there weren't anypony currently, which would be the point where Sorrow would start talking again. It was kinda hard to be heard in the busty streets, and she didn't want to yell things when it was simply conversation after all. Well, kinda simple anyway.

"This is gonna sound kinda weird Mike, but do you have a guardian spirit with you or anything like that? Legion keeps saying that there's somepony else with you."

Sorrow couldn't see it, but Legion were better at sensing these things than even her, and they knew there were some kind of aura of a spirit around Mike, they just couldn't tell where it were, or who it might belong to, and it confused them. An unusual feeling for the hivemind, since at least one of them usually knew something about what were going on, but currently they were as clueless as Sorrow were, and curious as they were, they sought answers. Perhaps they wouldn't get one, but they could keep watch otherwise until they had some kind of idea what went on.

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@Lloyd @Dji

"Long as you keep track of the reptile. I want him in a cell before he goes on to cause more atrocities, and then I'm gonna bleed him for any information he have. Something tells me there's gonna be enough to cause several lifetimes worth of incarceration."

The way Zhu had spoken had made the general think that there were far more to his crimes than they had been told, and even though he would in fact turn out to have never killed anypony, that didn't excuse his crimes, or letting the crimes of others happen either. Soon as they had him, they could get a scale of a lot of crimes and apparent *accidents* that had happened throughout the years, and perhaps rile up one of the largest ring of threats to the country in recent memory.

One step at a time though. First, they had to address the issue of what happened to Void. Hopefully, this wouldn't end up being the first confirmed death by the paws of Zhu...

They wouldn't get too far in the other direction though, before the several meters of collapsed tunnels would get in their way. But hey, they had two witches with them. Shouldn't be a huge problem, right?

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@Lloyd

"Of course, but it doesn't mean that we can't work with him while he's serving his time. And I'm not letting a crippled pony into a prison like that. He's getting his prosthetics, and that is final. What happens otherwise is up to the generals, though I really do hope that we can work with you, Warlock. If you seem to be doing good in the programs, the sentence can likely get reduced for good behavior."

Hogweed understood the concerns of the guard, and how hard it were to imagine giving somepony like Warlock an extra chance, but they had a responsibility to help criminals get better, and become productive members of society when their sentence was over. Even Warlock were included in that, and she were saddened to hear that the guard didn't even consider it a chance that they could or should work with Warlock.

"Anyway, you uhm... Said something there. About nudging things ahead? You think that your magic can be a deciding factor in making it better?"

Considering his magical strength, that might actually end up being somewhat possible. She doubted a full limb regeneration, but perhaps a kind of conversion of the prosthetic? Crazier ideas had happened than that.

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@Lloyd

Magical potential? Him? Hah! That was a joke if Chow ever heard one.

Sure, he had been the prison of a pretty magical being, and as he had seen earlier when he had spilled blood, Emerald's occupation had left her mark on him, but there was a good line between that and saying he could be a strong magic user. But hey, he'd stretch it as long as he could if it meant getting some kind of strength to work with here.

"What was that, Misty? You being sassy on my behalf now?"

THe notion that Misty gave abut him being stupid gave Chow another reason to grin, and give her a friendly pat on the shoulder. She had been pretty clear on him not touching her mane again, but a nudge hadn't been ruled out, so that was fair game. He had to acknowledge the simple, but rather effective burn on his intellect somehow at least.

"Seriously, well played kiddo. Now step back and see the start of a great player in the magic game. Or somepony who'll end up with a concussion. Either way it should be something worth watching I'd say."

The first experience he had with lifting a book were still well and solid cemented in his mind, so Chow tried to be a little more careful this time again on this large book. Which got him just about nowhere, so he kept on concentrating and going through the motions like Astral had briefly shown him before they had to get going again.

Man, it had really been some hectic days they'd been through by now.

Anyway, eventually, he would get the book to start moving, though not impressively so, as it were more jumping up and down than actually floating. It wasn't easy to get done though. The thing was heavy, and Chow were about as green as cabbage. They had to give him a little time to try and get used to this and get it stable.

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@BloodDrops

Nerzhei grimaced at Droppy's last comment.

Whereas she could ignore the rest of the comments going toward the temple, and knew that she deserved these at least, the last one struck a chord that she hadn't considered.

"That's a problem, yes. Lyriel is... Naive. Believes that everyone have a good side, and doesn't think they want to trick her. It's a possibility that she'd agree to a deal and not know what it would entail."

Honestly, the dryad were far too trusting for the dragoness's taste, and right now, that were a problem. One that she should have thought off before the two groups split up and the naive forest spirit got left with a being whose race were about as known for manipulation and trickery as the changelings. They might end up going into a situation that were going to require them to fight, though Nerzhei would really hope not. Even at her best, she had high doubts that she could defeat a sphinx, and she were not well currently. Her energy were drained, whilst the sphinx were likely strong and ready to duke it out if needed be.

Speaking of deals who may be in play, Lyriel were faced with thinking on what she had been presented.

It sounded like a good arrangement. The sphinx would have her little part of the forest to herself, and she could govern the building as she pleased, and she would get this privacy and freedom in return for stopping a great threat. What were not to like in that deal? It were not as if Lyriel had not wanted to discourage the animals in the forest to leave this part of it alone anyway, so it seemed perfect, honestly.

Yet something were concerning her. A feeling that came up from her roots/hooves, that she were not used to interpret from the earth mother: Caution.

Lyriel knew not if it were caution about the plague bearer getting closer, or something about what the sphinx said, but it made the dryad hesitant to simply say yes.

Drying the tears from her eyes, Lyriel slowly looked upwards, and gazed upon the large form of her creator.

"May I ask, mighty creator, how much land would your greatness require? This forest contain many creatures, and if you take much of their land, I have to know what is left that they can live on. They need me to know."

Lyriel prayed that this would not anger the creator, but this were one thing that she might see the earth mother being worried about, as well as something the animals most certainly would care about, so she needed to ask. If there were still room for them in a blossoming, free part of the forest, then she could accept this with little worry, though the sphinx might trick her into agreeing anyway. The plague walker were near after all, and if the sphinx kept going on about Lyriel failing and the urgency on a choice, she could be pressured into agreeing to something she knew nothing about.

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@Seamore Sandwich @Dji @Moonlit

"W-Where would you go? On your v-vacation, I mean."

Cherish had not known other places than the old castle for a long, long time, so hearing about other places were kinda interesting. So were to ask who Muffin were, but it were likely just a pony that the hidden siren knew, rather than an actual, talking muffin.

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@EQ_Theta

"After what happened with Filigree, and what I saw for myself as we traveled to Canterlot, I am willing to believe a lot of things."

An open mind had been needed for a lot of things the last few years. Facing what his work had caused of damage, the crazy plan of his mother, what kind of horrible pony she were in general, and then working with Sen and his strange troupe of friends... It were either to attempt an open mind, or go crazy at some point.

Besides, what he had seen from the dark place they were taken didn't leave him with much reason to disbelieve in much. That apparently Omen's mother ruled the place, with powers rivaling or surpassing that of alicorns, were not the strangest thing he had heard of, though it did make him more reluctant to speak poorly of Omen. His own mother might be a horrid, manipulative beast, but normal mothers did not take kindly to their off-spring being mocked.

It made him wonder too, about what Omen were exactly, but that were one of the topics they would cover eventually, when they had more privacy. Along with what Sen meant when he mentioned masters, but then claimed it had nothing to do with slavery.

Something told Rosa that he would only get more questions than answers, but they'd see soon enough. For now, they were getting closer to the shop,a nd needed to stay alert to spot it.

Meanwhile, Scarcity raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise.

"A personal sit-down with the lord of chaos? Now that sounds rather fascinating. Would you perhaps care to elaborate? I would appreciate a more detailed idea of how he might be in private, rather than the generic *scatterbrained and chaotic* response I tend to hear when it comes to him."

Lin were right in thinking that Scarcity had an agenda in everything she talked about, though when it came to Discord, she weren't stupid enough to think that any plan could honestly stop him. Several were the artifacts that Scarcity had at her disposal too, but even the strongest among them - which she needed to have returned soon from Blackbeak - were nothing compared to Discord, if he cared enough to handle it.

No, this were simple information gathering, so she had some idea what to expect if she had to meet with him at some point. Perhaps some kind of interest, or quirk that she could spin correctly to make the meeting more pleasant, and less messy and chaotic. Not that she planned to meet him, but it might unintentionally happen when she visited Ponyville, or if he joined another party in Canterlot that she might attend, so she couldn't rule it out.

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@EQ_Theta @Lucid_Nightlight @Storm Shine

The dracolisk didn't care much about what went on for the majority of the time. The extended hoof got crawled up on, and when he got to the top, he were confronted by a bunny. About the right size to be food, but Angel didn't smell or look like a fish, so the dracolisk just glanced disinterested towards the furry menace, even as Angel starred at him like the scaled one had done something to the bunny personally.

The pony seemed to want them to get along, so he opened his mouth and let out a short, echoing croak like before. It seemed to be fine then, so why not now?

Well, the last being up here would be that reason. A smaller lizard, who kept booping the dracolisk, apparently looking for a fight. Not something the new addition to Fluttershy's back really cared much for, so he didn't do anything.

That is, until Pringle went over and bit him.

The other things had just been something the lizard didn't understand, and generally didn't care about, but being bitten were different. It was an attack.

The dracolisk opened his maw towards the smaller lizard that had let go of him again, and let out a loud, vibrating croak towards the attacker. A challenge *roar* if you would. If Pringle came close again, the lizard would fight, and considering the size, it were potentially a much greater danger to Pringle than the other way around. That is, if biting and such were the method it would defend itself.

Anomaly were honestly not entirely sure. The loud sound for example, and the way he puffed up his cheeks, made her think that maaaaaaeby she added a teensie tiny mistake in making it able to croak loudly. It were just a way to make it seem bigger if there were attackers, but even at the volume just now, she could almost feel her ears tremble. Perhaps she had underestimated the lizard brain's ability to use loud noises as a sort of defense as well? Hard to say until she saw what he'd do.

For her at least, that were just amazing. For the others, it might be kinda unnerving. They'd see.

"Huh? Temperature? No idea. Less than a hundred degrees Celsius, more than ten? I'm not a weather station."

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed the cakes, there's nothing better than a satisfied customer, especially when they've been so kind and helpful."

She beamed warmly at them and quickly moved to adjust a cake stand that was standing precariously close to the edge of the shelf it was sat upon, presumably knocked there by a frantic Victoria.

"It's interesting to hear she was so calm around your family members Benny, I could see them angering her quite quickly. Though in a way she's always been closer to dragons than ponies, maybe because they tended to have a similar attitude to her when she met them back in the day. It'll be nice to see her being friendly with both her own species and family members as well as others, she'll find much more love sent her way if she can pull that off."

"Maybe now she's being nice she could teach me a thing or two about being as bold as she is!"

Lemon piped up from across the room.

"This gathering of your family sounds scary, no offence intended of course Benny. I hope you'll be ok Pop dear, I'm sure Benny will look after you, and Vicky if you let her tag along."

Battenberg chuckled a little.

"No need to generalise mum, we misunderstand dragons as much as they misunderstand us, they're not going to hurt the love of their son's life."

Battenberg, like Victoria, had travelled with her father on numerous occasions and was almost as well acquainted with dragons as her sister, she trusted them more than most ponies, though her timid nature had hindered her from forming solid relationships with the scaly species. 

 

It wasn't long before Victoria finally reappeared, slowly, and perhaps nervously, emerging from the kitchen doorway. She'd clearly been hard at work with this emergency makeup kit and had completely revamped her style. Her mascara was back in place alongside her usual red eye shadow but the biggest changes were with her mane. A lot more curled than it had been the first time they'd seen her, her hair now resembled that of her sister and mother. Just as long and poofy as before, much of it partially covered one her eyes and a small lock of hair was wrapped around her ear, held in place by the flower she had randomly taken from Ahadi earlier on, perhaps always a part of a plan to rework her appearance. Her tail had been combed down too, and curled to match her mane, it now hung in two parts separated by a small pink bow. She appeared a lot more approchable and friendly than she had with her old look which had made her look more snooty and refined. She had chosen cute over class. Around her neck, yet another addition to her look, a hoofknitted striped scarf in red and white, identical in all but colour to the yellow one Battenberg always seemed to be wearing and the purple one round Lemon's neck.

"It feels good to be neat and tidy again, I'll try hard to not be so uptight about mess but I've still got to have standards."

She chuckled and gently swished her tail forwards so it was more visible.

"W-what do you think? Is it a good look for me?"

She seemed nervous, worried about acceptance again, unsure of how her friends and family would feel about this change of appearance.

"I thought since I'm reconnecting with my family I should embrace their style a little, so I've gone with mother's curls and Batty's arrangement. I also decided that it's time to wear this scarf, you made it with such love mum and I'm sorry I accused you of not loving me enough. I'll wear this as often as possible from now on."

Battenberg frowned slightly.

"How did that get here? Last time I saw that scarf it was locked away in a draw, at home, in your room."

Victoria looked sheepishly at the scarf around her neck.

"I... uh... I may not have been as unappreciative as I made it look. I brought it here so I could look at it on my breaks, I used to just hold it and wonder if I was wrong to be how I was. I guess that's why it's been so quick and easy for me to change, I was already doubting myself a little."

Battenberg gently hugged her sister.

"Aww Vicky... You should have told me you silly filly."

Victoria chuckled and pulled away.

"I know, I know. L-let's not get all sentimental, I don't want to ruin this mascara already."

"Ok, just make sure you come to me from now on, I'll always be here if you need me, I love you Victoria."

The two sisters smiled at each other and Victoria gave a slight nod, no more words were necessary.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@EQ_Theta @Blitz Boom @Storm Shine

Seeing the dracolisk react didn't scare Pringle, but it did show Lucid that Pringle would probably lose. The bearded dragon was trying to go after the other lizard, but couldn't go anywhere with Lucid holding on to him.

"Pringle, stop it. You're not gonna win against... whatever that thing is."

He looked at Pringle, maybe he could read his mind.

"Hmm... regulating temperature, likely just something normal for him... wait... SERIOUSLY!? You're mad because of a splinter!? That's all? All you have to do is tell me! Alright, let me remove it."

Pringle stopped and looked at the slightly annoyed poquus.

"What do you mean you don't want me to remove the splinter? No, it's not gonna hurt!"

The bearded dragon looked at him with a blank look.

"No, it'll hurt more if we don't remove it."

Pringle looked over to Fluttershy.

"You want her to remove it? Alright, fine."

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boom

Applejack open her mouth to say something then closed it in a frown, " What in tarnation is wrong with this pony " AJ thought as she turned around to examine the fallen leaves. " I don't know about any conspiracies, but what I do know that heir are no strong winds today, its the middle of summer and these trees are in prefect health, why are they sheading leaves... " AJ flipped over one of the leave and where the fluorescent green chlorophyll veins of the leaf should been has been replaced by dark purple puss, AJ quickly turned over the leaf before Berry could get a look, no reason to get her any more jumpy," I need Twilight to take a look at this " she mumbled.

[Pr0m4NV14 839]

@Blitz Boom

 

Mike followed Sorrow into some sort of alley between streets, away from the busy bustle of PonyVille.  Upon hearing the Purple Pony's question, he had a look of confusion on his face.  

"I don't know what you mean. I've never noticed any guardian spirit thing haunting me." He paused for a second. "Well, I do have Jennifer, my sword. Do you want to take a look?" Mike said before drawing the blade from its scabbard.  The sword wasn't that fancy like the weapons that the Royal Guard used. It a simple blade forged from some kind of metal with a wooden hilt. There were no adornments, save for a violet gem embedded in the pommel. Mike placed Jennifer on a nearby crate, where it let off a dim glow in the shade of the buildings.  "I've had it ever since I started my travels, and it was a family heirloom. It's pretty old." He added, backing away to give Sorrow some space, before looking up at her expectantly.

[Moonlit 593]

@Seamore Sandwich @Blitz Boom @Dji Serenade looks up, smiling "Home. I'd go home. It's been FAR too long since I've swam in open waters. And rivers just don't cut it. Plus I want my mom's cooking." She looks up at Princess Luna "And I know you want me to bring back some of my dad's suger cookies"

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom, @Lloyd

KARMIC FATE

"Come on, Zhu! Hurry up!" Karmic shouted over her shoulder, unsure of how far back Zhu actually was or if one of the ponies they tangled with were actually in pursuit. She didn't have time to turn her head when she was suddenly met by fresh air for the first time in what felt like ages. She took a deep breath and stepped to the side into some bushes, here eyes losing their white glow when the vision of Sunset Shimmer escaping faded away from view. "What a relief."

@Blitz Boom, @Seamore Sandwich, @Moonlit

AURORA LIGHTS

Yawning herself awake and stretching like a cat, Aurora furrowed her claws into the ground. She shook her head and looked over at the still empty cart before looking up at the castle. "They've been in there a long while," she mumbled to herself before stretching her wings and took flight. She rubbed her beak with a foreclaw in thought before shrugging and dived through a nearby open window. Almost immediately, she could smell something fishy amongst all the other ones. It reminded her of the Siren she was following earlier. She continued to sniff and walked further into the castle, keeping an eye on her surroundings as she did. Eventually, she heard voices within an enclosed room and once she put an ear up against the closed door, heard names such as 'Cherish', 'Serenade', and she even heard the Princesses Celestia and Luna talking.

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight

Such hostility and aggression, rather uncalled for but it seems like this is beyond simply talking down Pringle to get him to stop. Unfortunately, what Fluttershy knows about reptiles is limited, and she could only go with her stock knowledge. They are cold-blooded creatures, regulating body temperature constantly through their environment. If anything, the exterior environmental temperature is hard to tell but Pringle, being a small lizard, could likely sense minute changes and is reacting negatively to it. 

"I don't know what the temperature is right now but I suggest getting Pringle in some shade. If this is him reacting to small changes in heat, the best thing we could do right now is keep him cooled down."

The pegasus immediately ran off to find some leaves, or rather a branch with some leaves still on them. There weren't too many plants around that had large leaves but she made do with something that could pass off as a fan, which she promptly handed to Lucid, after which she overhears something about a splinter lodged somewhere on the reptile.

"Try fanning Pringle with this. It might help. Now let me look at that splinter and try not to move too much. This will hurt a little but I know you can handle it."

Fluttershy inched her hooves closer until she could pull out enough of it with her teeth. She needed to push around the little piece of wood and with a quick motion, pulled out the splinter. Although the temperature issue is no longer the most apparent one, it's still good to keep at it for a while. The stress the bearded dragon is feeling at the moment may have made it warmer than it needs to be. 

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

@Blitz Boom

"Well, I suppose Discord is as chaotic in a small group as he is in public, though he's toned down the chaos unless he sees the potential for harmless fun. If something is important, he may need some convincing to do something asked of him. He's a lot more amicable with Fluttershy around and he is content having regular visits with her. Also, he's fun in conversation, and maybe great at parties, but I'd be cautious because he could get carried away. All in all, I'd say he seems to have grown a little since his days terrorizing ponies. A stark contrast but he still lapses to a child-like attitude now and again. He's mostly harmless now."

It was flattering of her to say so but given how Lin sees Discord as a friend of sorts, she is a little more self-assured about her statements. It may rub off on Scarcity the wrong way but Lin is still cautious about revealing the full extent of why she needed to see the lord of chaos. It is important for Omen but it was part of an agreement she made with Sen back when they first met. It might not be important to the antiquarian and further prodding might leave the hybrid longma uncomfortable.  

As for Sen, he nodded and smiled upon hearing Rosa's words. A little more assurance that his job of explaining things later may be a little less difficult. 

"Having an open mind is all I could ask. Even I was stumped and confused when I first learned about Omen and her mother. Some of it disturbed me for a while."

Edited June 19, 2018 by EQ_Theta

[Moonlit 593]

@Dji @Seamore Sandwich @Blitz Boom Serenade suddenly sniffs the air, and narrows her eyes. "A Primordial" Her wings fluff and her lips curl, showing off a pair of fangs. "There is one in the castle and nearby"

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@EQ_Theta @Blitz Boom @Storm Shine

Lucid touched the leaves with his hoof and they immedietly went to Pringle to cool him down.

When the splinter was removed, Pringle's attitude changed. He went up to the dracolisk, this time being a lot nicer. Of course Lucid was keeping an eye on his pet just incase.

"I can't exactly let what he did slide, I'll probably take strawberries away from him for tonight. Maybe if he does good for the rest of the day I might not."

By the looks of it, Pringle was probably trying to say sorry to the other lizard or something.

[Rising Dusk 27,832]

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk was at least happy that the call to her name was enough to make her pause.  Granted, it didn't last all that long before she was moving again to the back of the alley.  The attention span of this young filly was fascinatingly low.  Back alley streets and vendors were no place for a young pony though.  Trotting over to Blitz Boom to stop her from going any place she shouldn't.  The safest way to do this though was to ignite his horn and envelop the her with his telekinesis and lift her from the ground before she went bounding into an electric fence.

 "Now now.  What are you doing out here Blitz Boom?  Does your brother know you're out here?"

He was pretty confident that he knew that answer, but better to ask than assume.  Happy with his decision to chase after the pony he thought was Blitz Boom, that could have become utter chaos.  Speaking of which though... Electric fences were illegal inside of city limits.  His attention brought to the seedy back alley Blitz Boom was about to venture into.  Dusk knew about where they were, but rushing in here made him forget to note any building numbers.

Getting distracted, he peered down the back alley to see if there was anything worth noting that might need his immediate attention.  No, he'd have to fight those detective instincts of his.  Returning Blitz Boom to the workshop came first.

 "Let's get you home before your brother finds out you know how to sneak out of the house."

He mused, turning to leave the alley, floating Blitz Boom in tow.

[Blitz Boom 4,635]

@Victoria Sponge

It was really a special moment when Victoria came out again, and greeted her family and friends with a new coat on, so to speak.

The mane style had changed, a few additions to said mane and her tail were present, and of all things, she wore a scarf. Seemed odd, until it came up that her mother had made it for her. It was rather heartwarming to consider that Victoria took a new step to blend in more with her family in looks, as well as personality, and now had a cherished thing on that she had previously not dared to show she cared about. If this didn't show how the mare had changed, and were willing to step out of her shell, Pop frankly didn't know what were.

"You look great Victoria. It's a good style for you."

About three seconds after that, Pop regretted that she hadn't spared some thought into keeping an eye on Benny though...

In the midst of Victoria's heartfelt moment, and Pop's honest opinion on how the mare had found a look that were great on her, the dragon had instead gotten a certain glimmer in his eyes, that usually meant that he were about to do something that he well knew were not the brightest idea he could have ever come up with, but didn't have the self control to stop.

So he lifted his claws to his mouth... And let out a wolf whistle.

"How's it cooking, good looking?"

Benny started to chuckle right after that, whilst Pop facehoofed and shook her head in silence at his antics. Something which just made him find this even funnier.

"The guys taught me that in the guards. They say it's a huge compliment."

"Sometimes, I swear to Celestia..."

"Hehe. But really, you look great Victoria. Makes you look more open and happy than before. You're gonna be knocking stallions off their hooves in no time."

The two sisters looked to be genuinely happy facing one another now, to a point for Victoria almost said she were going to ruin her mascara if they went on for much more, likely through crying. It was a really great change from the first time the odd couple had seen the two mares interact, and if he didn't think it'd end up ruining Victoria's mascara - and how Pop would likely tackle him to the ground if he tried - Benny would have taken the two of them into a group hug.

Hopefully, the next part about Battenberg and Victoria becoming partners would go great too, but Benny couldn't see why it wouldn't. It was clear that Battenberg could see her sister having changed and improved at this point, and they looked as close as could be without involving some rope, so it should be a cake walk.

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

 

@woodchunks66

"There's several reason why they could be shedding leaves.

Birds or critters could be rustling around the trees, they're lacking some water, the attack on town recently caused some damage you haven't seen, or somepony could've messed with the dirt, causing something to get in through the roots, and they're not as perfect as you think."

If she had seen the leaf, Berry would've jumped straight to poison, and listed off a few things that it could be, but Applejack seemed less interested in that kind of information right now. Perhaps she thought that Berry were all out crazy for some reason? Most did, but the mare wasn't as out there as you might think. She were smart. She could see reason in things too. It was just that there were a lot of threads everywhere connecting that she got certain about there being a greater conspiracy. Especially combined with how she got locked up in the loonie bin when she tried to expose a few of them.

"Come on, lemme have a look at the leaf. I read up on some weird things that can happen to trees, perhaps I can tell what it is, and if somepony's responsible for it."

Her bits were still on the zebras, but one step at a time.

Alonsus seemed to be getting closer too now, with the can full of water to give to the likely thirsty trees. About a minute and he'd be within earshot, though he didn't say anything at first. He just hummed a tune that he had heard in one of Pinkie's musical numbers through Ponyville. Fairly catchy what that mare spewed out in his opinion.

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

 

@Pr0m4NV14

Legion's eyes were fixated on the gem as the sword were drawn, not moving away from it for a second, as they saw the one they had felt in Mike's vicinity.

If the spirit in the sword were aware of its surrounding, it should be able to hear a symphony of voices, speaking as one.

"We are Legion. Can you hear us?"

Mike wouldn't likely be able to hear this, as it were only rare individuals that could hear the departed speak, such as Sorrow. She just didn't interfere in this, as it seemed to be the sort of thing they should handle, collection of ghosts to ensouled blade.

"Cool. I haven't seen a spirit in an item for ages, and this is way more complicated. I can't even see her. Or him? Jennifer sounds like a female name but who knows?

Usually I can hear and see spirits, but this one's either really hidden, or trapped pretty well in there. Legion's trying to talk to whoever it is, so we'll see. They're better at this since they're, you know, dead and all.

You say its a family heirloom? How old is it? Is it still sharp? It looks pretty sharp. You must be taking really good care of it."

Sorrow would lean in and have a closer look, but didn't touch it yet. Seemed like a kinda rude thing to do without permission from its inhabitant. She certainly wouldn't like somepony poking her home out of nowhere.

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

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Dji

"Home... Sounds nice."

It must be nice to have one of those. Wherever Cherish's home had been, she couldn't remember, though it likely didn't matter in the slightest. She had been stuck in the castle for so long that it had likely crumbled away anyway, and anypony that knew of her had long since moved on.

Guess she kind of did have a home now, in the old castle. Well, she were bound to it anyway, but it probably still counted, though she didn't like the place that much. With her friend gone, it had started to get very quiet, aside from the ramblings of the crazy one. And even he had been silent for days before these ponies came around.

Perhaps she could figure out how to bind herself to this place instead somehow? It seemed nice. Lived in and full of voi-Meep!

Serenade's sudden aggression caught Cherish off guard, and she stumbled back, flickering for a few seconds. It weren't as scary or dangerous as it had been when the mare had her true form, but it had been pretty much out of nowhere, and the specter were still nervous because of the present company.

Thankfully it didn't go further than that. As it were less... Testing for her currently, what with Serenade being somewhat less scary as a pony, she managed to regain her composure and physical stability after a little while.

"I-I can... Look around, I t-think? A little anyway."

Three meters were all she had to work with, but it were enough to go through the roof a little, and through a few of the walls, so she started to look around by going for the door first, passing right through and finding somepony watching them. A griffon it looked like.

"Uhm, h-hello? I don't think y-you're supposed to be here."

Cherish were only halfway through said door as she talked, since well... Her leash ended about ten centimeters after this, and she had just wanted to have a look. Hopefully it didn't spook the feathered one.

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

 

@Dji @Lloyd

"The time to rest have yet to come."

Zhu would suddenly be besides the bushes Karmic were in, mostly unheard because of his silent, feline paws, though the voice in Karmic's mind were likely to have ratted him out anyway.

He had taken the hood on again, and didn't look directly at Karmic, to avoid wasting time with her talking about tentacles assaulting her mind. It did make him curious though, what would happen if he did so with the strange influence she had crawling around in her head right now, yet this were neither the time, nor the place. Currently, it was time to get moving, while they still had a chance to pick up on what he needed to do. Preferably before they managed to get stopped.

"Do you need to catch your breath first, or are you prepared? We shouldn't linger for too long."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"So he is open to negotiation then, if the situation suits him? Perhaps he and I would have more to talk about than I had first assumed."

Scarcity had no idea what kind of leverage she could hold that would interest the lord of chaos, but she would take it into consideration that perhaps she could find something, and then make contact. Nothing like hostages of course, as that would be rather suicidal and idiotic, but he were an old being that had lost plenty when he turned to stone. Perhaps she could find something of his from before that, which he'd want back. Granted, she had no such thing currently, but who knew what the future may hold? She saw and heard of plenty of fascinating things going through the black market, so it were not inconceivable.

"But all things in due time. Shall we get back to the storefront? I imagine your brother and interestingly dressed friend will be here shortly."

Out with said group, Rosa were about to say a small reply to what Sen had said, when a pegasus in what seemed like custom armor, landed a few meters ahead, came walking straight towards them, and stopped in front. The pony had no helmet on, so it were impossible to miss that he were starring directly at the two of them with waiting, alert eyes.

"I see she still have you around. Are you here to get us to them?"

Brick gave a small grunt in response, and turned around to lead them back to the nearby store.

"His name's Brick Wall. Scarcity's bodyguard or personal assistant, which means she sent him to find us. We better follow."

He had never personally interacted with Brick, but Rosa had seen him when he spied on Scarcity, and he didn't want to get on the wrong side of that stallion. The pegasus might seem like a small time lackey, but he had been a highly commended Solar Guard before quitting to join forces with Scarcity, and from what the bat pony had seen, Brick hadn't lost his edge. He wouldn't remain this alert if he had.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Lucid_Nightlight @Storm Shine

The dracolisk let some of the air in his cheeks out as Fluttershy bumped around to grab a few things and help Pringle, which meant he had to either stay on or just let himself down on the ground. He choose the ground, as the uneven pony surface was starting to become annoying.

Whilst down there, he puffed up again though, and rose his head high, ready to interact with the aggressive lizard that seemed to want to come over and chomp on him again. The pony owner kept him under check so far, but if he got loose, the larger reptile were ready to respond in kind.

Anomaly just watched the whole thing unfold, with a cup of... Pebble and mushrooms it seemed.  Anyway, she were simply observing all of this instead of getting involved, enjoying the show in full. Two ponies trying to restrain and help an irate lizard whilst magically created one stood ready to beat said lizard down? This was a great scene that shouldn't be interrupted right now.

Sadly, nothing great could remain. Pringle got the splinter out and cooled down a bit, and then he were suddenly a lot more approachable. Getting closer to the dracolisk with a more friendly appraoch by the looks of things, and not with a maw open to bite into the larger being.

The dracolisk puffed his cheeks up more at first, but as it seemed like the approach got less hostile, he lowered his defenses and his cheeks went flat again. He opened his mouth to give a large, echoing croak towards Pringle though, but it were okay, this were a friendly one, as the dracolisk had lost the interest in fighting again. Frankly a rather docile creature all in all.

Well, the ladybug that flew past him and got chomped would likely not think that, but the food chain weren't always kind.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

Blitz and Carmen were both surprised when they suddenly got lifted into the air, as it had seemed like they were about a half second from actually going into the weird alley and seeing what happened there. Blitz had sort of thought she had gotten away with it anyway. Carmen were just surprised it wasn't the case, but thankful too. She even tried to express it by looking over at Rising when he got into eyesight, and rise a leg to give a kind of wave towards him.

Molotov had tried to learn her to do it, but her joints weren't all that good to something like this, so it did come off as kind of weird. Yet since the officer didn't understand the *language* she had, this was appropriate, and Carmen actually thought she did a really good job of it.

"Awh, I was going adventuring..."

Blitz on the other hoof, just pouted at her fun being ruined. It was pretty short-lived , as she couldn't keep her attention on something as unpleasant as being dissapointed for long. Her brain kind of worked in her always looking for something good to focus on instead. For example in this case, the officer pony had come around, so she could say hi to him early today.

"Hi hi... Ducky? Dusky? I can't remember. One of them."

She shook her head at the questions Rising asked her, and briefly giggled.

"Big bro fell asleep in the workshop, so I went to have fun before he got up. It's a big, Big town! Have to be something fun to look at out here, and big bro haven't changed the codes yet, so I could go look and have funsies without him knowing.

Can we go back and look at the place with the zappy fence? I bet there's treasure in there."

The filly had no self preservation instinct, or thought of how dangerous it were for a filly her age all alone out here, so she didn't see any sort of issue with wandering out here without anypony knowing. It was just a bunch of adventure waiting to happen, and nopony to slow her down. What wasn't to like?

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

Seeing the other lizard react in a non-hostile way put Lucid at ease, knowing that Pringle wouldn't get eaten.

Seeing the ladybug get eaten made him think though. He looked over to Anomaly.

"Maybe that's part of the reason Pringle wants to bite you! Maybe he thinks you're an actual giant ladybug. Or it could be the pumpkin head, but I doubt it, I've never fed him any pumpkin. Well, I do occasionally give him pumpkin pie, he absolutely loves it!"

He fed his lizard lots of things, but only things he could actually eat of course.

Pringle looked over at Lucid.

"Anomaly isn't food."

Pringle stared.

"No, she isn't the ghost of the food that you've eaten coming back for revenge."

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @Lucid_Nightlight @EQ_Theta

Discord chuckled and leaned down to pat Pringle's head gently from his hovering seat, "I must admit that I do love the way you think Pringle." He praised the little lizard with an amused grin.

Edited June 19, 2018 by Storm Shine

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

"His way of thinking is alright, but needs some improvement. Can't have him biting everyone over a splinter."

Lucid was trying to raise his pet right, he obviously cares about Pringle. He'd probably have a college fund for him if he wasn't a lizard.

Pringle looked over to Discord after he was pat on the head and back to the dracolisk, probably being playful or something.

"Pringle don't go telling powerful entities that I could beat them in a fight, I'd likely lose. Well, as of now at least. Even when I do become that powerful, why would I even want to fight him?"

Lucid at his current level would lose. The question isn't if Discord would win, it's how long would Discord mess with him until he decides to win. Regardless, Lucid has nothing against Discord and has no intention to face him.

"The only way I could beat someone with more power is if their power came from an object like a stick or perhaps some weird golden glove thing, but even then, they'd still do a number on me. Unless it's one of those things only its current wielder can lift, then I'd lose."

The point Lucid is trying to make is that he may be powerful, but is my no means invincible.

Edited June 20, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom 

"I wouldn't say he is open to negotiation completely, but it really just relies on his whims. He can be sensible but don't always count on it. If it is one rule with him I go by, it's to expect something chaotic and out of the ordinary."

Sometimes, Lin wondered if Discord is really just being chaotic for the sake of it, driven by an aspect that summed him up perfectly. There is a question of what would happen if Discord ever acted out of accordance with his nature. Was he even capable of it and if not, was his reformation merely skirting around the limitations that could be imposed on how he would behave? He could simply be acting in an orderly fashion but never away from what any definition of chaotic would say. Maybe his randomness is the form of chaos that would still be permissible to him. 

"I guess what you make of Discord nowadays really relies on what you see when you meet him face to face." From here, Lin would follow Scarcity's lead back to the storefront. With Sen and Rosa on the way back, they'd need to be ready to part ways for now.

And meeting Scarcity's assistant, Sen knew to pick up the pace and follow. He imagined Scarcity might be getting a little impatient.

"We'll be right behind you, Brick Wall. Lead on."

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

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight

It's nice to see the two lizards getting along, or starting over on less hostile terms. Even if the dracolisk seemed uninterested in... well, a lot of things, not every animal would have some visible form of showing contentment or happiness with a facial expression. Reptile behavior is new to Fluttershy, something she can observe closely to see how it works and how it may help her in the future. If she could read the emotions of a butterfly, she might be able to do the same for the likes of bearded dragons, magical reptiles, and common lizards alike. She's head of leopard geckos being interesting options for pets but she ought to do her homework first before telling interested ponies about how to take care of them.

Of course, it's not just about pets but their owners too. It was a lesson she learned from an interesting bunch, notably one very tiny friend whose methods seemed to go against the very element she is attributed with. 

"Don't forget to be assertive with Pringle, Lucid. It helps with training him to be better behaved but don't go overboard with punishments or he'll take it the wrong way. I just thought I'd let you know."

Edited June 20, 2018 by EQ_Theta

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

"Of course I wouldn't go too crazy with punishments, usually I just take dessert away from him for that day."

What else could he do? Anything else could be bad for him.

"He's usually really nice when something like a splinter is stressing him out. He doesn't do much though. His daily activities consist of standing on a rock or watching TV. He also plays around with toys, like a tiny ball."

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich @Dji Serenade simply shrugged at Cherish, the Siren was getting used to the ghost's...limitations. But like Ziggy and Muffins, she was fun to hang aground and she didn't mind the constant questions...much.

 

@Blitz Boom

It has been often asked, if a tree fell in the woods and nopony is around, does it make a sound. The same question, worded differently is now being asked by Ponies from Saddle Arabia. A mountain, the largest one in the range that bordered their southern limits, that had been spoken off in their myths and legends has disappeared. It was said that long ago, long before Luna turned to darkness, a ancient evil had been imprisoned there, chained to the heart of the mountain for it's crimes and left to rot. But that myth is rarely told today, the Evil forgotten, it's name lost to the sands of time. 

Reports race back and forth, reports of strange tracks leading north....heading for Ponyville...and Canterlot beyond it. Wolf-like tracks along with three lines.  

In the darkness of night, a pair of coal-red eyes look upon the Everfree Forest. A deep growl, like that of a earthquake, rumbles across the trees. 

[Pr0m4NV14 839]

@Blitz Boom

"Well, miss Sorrow, I don't exactly know how old, but it must be at least hundreds of years old. I know that I ancestor was the last one to wield Jennifer. I don't know much about him, though. I'm pretty much sure his name was...¨ Mike paused to think. ¨HovedpersonYou know, Jennifer wasn't always like that, when I first had her, the blade was all rusted and chipped. Iḿ pretty sure the handle was all faded too. Then I followed this treasure map that I found with her, and I found this treasure trove, and..." Mike paused again to look up at Sorrow again, just to see if she was still paying attention. He continued. "I found this purple gem, and it just started to attach to the sword! It was really weird, because when it happened-" Mike was suddenly cut off when the dim glow of the sword became a bright shine, just as Leigon tried contacting Jennifer.

"McGuffin? I feel a lot of Dark energy nearby. It tried talking to me."

Mike hurriedly looked up at sorrow. "That's new. J-Jennifer tried to talk to me. Did you hear that?"