open Casual stroll

Catpone Cerberus · July 9, 2023

The kobolds didn't take the elder's comment as a poke at them, since it was mostly true, they had lifted a claw so to speak, they had just done it to only protect themselves. "We know you can defend yourself." "Besides, we never said we'd actively protect any of you, if you feel entitled to protection, you should have brought bodyguards." "We didn't survive long enough to become battle hardened by jumping to rescue of every surface-dwelling stranger we meet." that was what they ultimately still were, strangers, they just happened to have the same goal, they met the elder like hour ago if even that, and rest of the group they also met only today. They could have also pointed out few big cultural differences, but they kept that for themselves for now, deciding to only bring it up if somebody tried to criticize their actions...or lack of them in this case, any further.

------------------------------

Ruby didn't say it out loud as the topic had already been discussed, but a thought passed through her mind, it wasn't Leviathan being emotional that was the problem necessarily, after all, Charir was notably more emotional that Ruby, but he too wasn't fazed by the horrors of their home, in fact, since he was in the age group she talked about, and most likely had had his territory in that area, he was probably even more numb to it than Ruby, who had had a century to forget about it.

No, the 'problem' was empathy and sympathy specifically, both things that their kind didn't have, at least not in the same way as other creatures, any such feeling expressed towards others was an intellectual acknowledgement of one's suffering rather than actual feeling of any kind, or could be explained by something else, like instinct or personal principle. Example of this was Ruby's distaste of harming hatchlings or imprisoning creatures, she didn't feel bad for anyone for those things, but she found the former to be pathetic and weak, while the latter went against her believes regarding freedom.

"Not superstitious." Ruby stated blandly as a response to Spicy "I acknowledge the existence of beings one would call ghosts, but that's about it for those, and curses? curses are merely magical spells with intended negative effects, and can always be gotten rid of eventually somehow." "Though I will keep my eyes open in a place rumored to be cursed for the sole reason of already dealing with one 'curse'" she pointed at the amulet as she said it, Spicy was already aware of the problem she had with it, so she said it rather casually. "So in other word, I'm fine with it."

EQ_Theta · July 9, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-08 at 5:22 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I think I found something? It is glowing now."

She did not expect it to glow, when near this thing... maybe this were a clue then? Meant that she could not take it home with her though. Oh well, she'd find other things, other times. So for now, she'd just crunch the last part of her stone down, and then reach the orb towards Sen and Xin, whom she assumed would know better what to do with this than her. Maybe they had to say some words or something, to make it work? She hadn't a clue, and were hoping they might.

"Do you think the ball with the voices in it, maybe have something to do with this? This ball looks like theirs.

Hm..."

“Definitely looks like the last one we found, but I am not sure. I hope it does something more than just make these carved words glow because we’ll be back to having just about nothing to work with. Let’s have a closer look.”

Lin examined the glowing text, now having the orb nearby. It doesn’t look like the type to have voices in it ready to speak with them, but knowing what kind of devices these were from prior experience, having someone talk to them through it wasn’t out of the ordinary. The longma spent about a few minutes examining the text, and, though seemingly alien, she began to mouth off a few words, while the orb itself released an ominous, dark miasma that enveloped the room, then around her.

“Let’s see. Ghil-dirthalen, ma halam’shivanas… Ma banal las halamshir var vhen… Dirthara-ma; mala suledin nadas. Not all of this is understandable, and the text is broken at parts, but from what I can read, it says: ‘Seeker of knowledge, you sacrifice duty… You do not further our people... May you learn; now you must endure.”

Seemingly empty words at first, but eventually, Lin deciphering this text as if it was second nature to her was about as unexpected as it got. Even she paused at how she could just read these despite never having encountered this written language in her life. The other longma present were just as astounded, but Xin paused to reconsider what he had just heard, only ending up at one possible, albeit incredulous, conclusion.

“That was the old tongue, a language only the elders could speak. What’s more curious is that the longma know this isn’t a written language. Why is there writing about it and how can you speak it?”

“I don’t know how I could understand this, but it felt natural as if I knew this already even though I had never seen these words before. When I was young, I listened and learned, picked up some words here and there when others spoke. At times, I asked about it, though I knew I wouldn’t use it at all. Some time ago, I recall coming across a book that had this writing as well, but I didn’t believe that was possible either. A language only thought to be spoken now having written records is— Ugh… Something… wrong…”

“Lin? Sister, what’s happening?”

“Can’t think… Thoughts… slipping away….”

The longma winced, one claw clutching her head, but once some of the miasma dispersed, those present in the cave could see what remained of the dark and sickly cloud enveloping and eventually being absorbed by Lin, while she fought it as best he could. Sen quickly ran in but not before stopping in his tracks with his sister’s attention coming back.

“Halt,” the longma spoke again after seemingly regaining control, but there was something off about her speech. One moment, she was struggling to let the others know that she needed help; now she resumed with a monotonous drawl as if someone was using her body and voice to speak, as evidenced by her body’s periodic twitching. “Lin” looked at everyone present with a dull look with only the whites of her eyes visible. “Cease your search and pursue no further. You know not what you seek.”

Edited July 9, 2023 by EQ_Theta

Blitz Boom · July 10, 2023

@GingerLightning

"Enough!"

Cheshire's voice boomed throughout the room, as she rose her voice, wanting to make sure that none of them would be able to avoid hearing her putting her hoof down on this, and speak with authority.

"None of you will rush to that hive. You are too wounded Siren, and you are alone and clouded by anger, Howl. You will both stand down, and we will plan on what to do After Siren have gotten her strength back. And do not even think about trying to escape, or overwhelm me. I may be a pacifist, but that does not mean that I will not restrain you, and drag you back to my hive if I have to."

Cheshire's entire attitude had shifted, getting more serious, whilst her tone had gotten a tough, authoritarian tone, which tended to be used by queens when they were making orders. Had to make sure that the drones were listening after all. Her gaze had become resolute, and while there were still warmth there, -she were not a murderous sort after all - there were a stern tinge too. Like a mother lecturing her naughty child.

If any of them tried to lunge at her, she would dash to the side, whilst a set of strings would hover in her place, grabbing hold of whoever had tried. And if they tried to leave the home, they'd find that there were another of her blocking their path, doing the same thing, to avoid them running off and doing something foolhardy. Cheshire were perhaps not one who wanted to hurt, but she had plenty of ways that she could keep others in check still. Such as restraints, and then if they became troubling, knocking them out in more... Unconventional ways.

"I still hold a queen's power, and I will use it to my full extend, to stop you from going and doing something reckless.

I will not report your hive to the council, Siren. But in exchange, you will stand down, and accept that you need to heal and plan. If you even try and approach them now, they'd be able to crack you like an egg.

And if you as much as try taking off on your own, Howl, I will personally tie you to a harvest vat in the misery district for a week. You have a fiancée at home, waiting for you. How would she feel, if we brought back news that you had gone and gotten yourself killed, or trapped in a cage next to the ferals?

You want to solve this discreetly? Then you need to calm down, and use your heads."

She didn't like being this strict, but these two were both in no condition to be storming a hive, small or not. Siren were barely keeping her wounds closed at times, and her wings needed serious repair. Not to speak of her horn, which were going to to be a whole separate nightmare. She'd need to make some calls to find out if that were even something that could be solved proper. And Howl? He were one drone, against a hive. He'd be overwhelmed far too easily.

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

@EQ_Theta

A lot of things suddenly happened. First, the light seemed to make Lin say some words. That part were confusing enough as it were, since she apparently were suddenly able to translate it, without knowing the language beforehand. That was probably not normal, right? The untranslated words, also made no sense to Omen. While she thought that she might have seen some of the symbols before, the language itself were new to her. Sounded strange though, like many old languages did.

The translated words didn't make much sense either though. Sounded like some gibberish words just tossed together, but then, Omen accepted that she were probably just being unaware and short-sighted on these things. Riddles and stuff weren't her strong suit. Too much ambiguity for a simpler mind like herself. And this sounded like a riddle. or at least something fairly incomplete, that were missing some key elements. Would be good if Rosa had been here. He'd probably have something smart to say about this.

Things just got weirder from that, as Lin seemed to have some sort of mental attack, and then... This Omen had seen at least.

On 2023-07-09 at 1:49 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Halt,” the longma spoke again after seemingly regaining control, but there was something off about her speech. One moment, she was struggling to let the others know that she needed help; now she resumed with a monotonous drawl as if someone was using her body and voice to speak, as evidenced by her body’s periodic twitching. “Lin” looked at everyone present with a dull look with only the whites of her eyes visible. “Cease your search and pursue no further. You know not what you seek.”

"It is not Lin. She have been possessed. It have been some time since I have seen this, but it looks like back then."

Last time, things had gotten weird too, though this time, she hadn't seen something like smoke, or flashing lights first. Granted, there were no lights to flash in that sense, and not all ghosts were visible, she had been told... Anyway, the odd way Lin were, and showing the white of her eyes? That looked very much like that.

"We look to see if there is something here, that is connected to the longma. Do they have something to do with this place? I do not need to hear about dangerous things. They are not important for us.

And do not hurt our sister. She have not done anything wrong."

Something would pop in her head, as she began to consider something here. Lin had gotten possessed, after being near. Maybe that meant what were in there, were now possessing her?

She would raise it up with one of her hooves, and look towards her possessed friend. Or sister, as she had called her there, which were technically true. She just hadn't called her that a lot recently.

"Are you from this? We have seen others talking from a ball like this."

She hadn't a clue what to expect here, but the first sign, that Lin's body were being tormented in any way, or about to take damage, and she would open a gate beneath her, to bring her home to Mother. She would know what to do with a strange soul, being somewhere it shouldn't be. Right now she weren't doing it, because so far, she weren't sure if it would do more damage, so she would be patient.

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

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2023-07-05 at 7:52 AM, Kujamih said:

" Right ..."

Her words ring true and clear.

Doubts and worry disappeared.

Light needs to accept that Shark does not need a hero infront of her, but a loving partner at her side.

Didn't matter how many strange and dangerous things seemed to happen around them. Long as Shark had her mate, she would always be able to smile bright and feel right as rain. She knew he were strong too. In his own ways, he could do lots of hurting as well, but it were instinctual to react, when she saw something that might cause him harm. Same with the fluffy ones, but him especially, because he were her special one. Nice and kind, not judging her for how she were, when she could tell that others looked at her differently from others sometimes. Strong and pretty too, with a big heart, and lots of smarts. An ideal mate, and she wouldn't let anyone hurt him.

No matter what Light might think, he did a lot more for her the way he were, than he might think. Yes she could fend for herself, but he made her feel loved and accepted. No matter her quirks or flaws, he worked with her, and helped her to interact with others, as well as teaching her mundane, yet important things. He were her rock, and she would defend it with teeth and... More teeth. Wasn't like she had magic, so she had to use what she had. And she had a lot of teeth. Minus the one she lost earlier, but she could already feel a new one had almost grown into place. A lot faster than she were used to, but she assumed that were one of the things that she special one had caused, when she remade her into this.

That whole thing had opened up a whole new world to her, and she had been helpful. The ponies knew that, but they had still been weary around her, and not that willing to communicate a lot. Light helped breach that a lot more, than even those who had stopped up to ask her curious questions too, and she loved him for it.

Yes he was a silly silly sometimes, but that were just part of his fun, and it looked like lots of ponies were strange in their own way. And one day, when it were egg season, they were gonna have some pups that she bet were gonna be funny and smart like him, but hopefully also with her strength and strong teeth. It were important for pups to have good teeth, so they could grow up to be good predators.

The elder longma cast a glance on them, smiling a bit wider as she saw how Shark were fluttering around Light, giggling slightly, every time she rubbed her face against his.

"A chaotic couple, working in such lovely harmony. It warms the heart to see such things."

On 2023-07-09 at 12:03 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"We know you can defend yourself." "Besides, we never said we'd actively protect any of you, if you feel entitled to protection, you should have brought bodyguards." "We didn't survive long enough to become battle hardened by jumping to rescue of every surface-dwelling stranger we meet."

"I may be old, but I am not defenseless, nor feel entitled to anything. We should all earn the things we get in life,

I were just curious. Beings from other places, are so hard to predict. But you are much as expected. Battle hardened survivalists. Smart traits, for a cruel world. The selfless rarely makes it far in dire times, after all."

The elder would chuckle again, as they wandered on.

"Unfamiliar with kitsune too, it seems. I wouldn't expect that to continue forever."

Not long after this, they would reach the library. And it seemed to be going rather normally in here. Various being were around talking. many were also reading, to pass the time. Nothing too out of the ordinary, though there were some raised eyebrows as the door creaked open, and the kitsune elder would get into view.

"Now then. Let the game begin."

She would take a step in, and then... Nothing. No one were attacking them by then, as she kept walking in, and wandered over to a large fellow, that looked at the elder with confusion, and a bit of worry.

"I do apologize for what is to come, young man. I know that you can't help yourself."

"Wha- What's that supposed to m-"

And then, like a switch were flipped, a full third of the attending beings began attacking. Several this time though however, with magic, though the burly stallion would be the only one headed for the elder for now, as he tried to stomp down on her. Something she'd deflect, and then push a paw to his forehead, causing him to fall unconscious, with a minty-green trail from the mark on his forehead.

As for the twins, they were being hunted by two pegasi with knives each, about to swoop down. And this time, Shark couldn't stop it, as she were being held in a magic field by a unicorn, and unable to move, no matter how much she struggled, while being approached by a couple of earth ponies with farm tools. A pegasi with a bow, would be also aiming at Light, though, trying to hit him in the legs to make him unable to do much of anything.

As for the kobolds, they would be approached by two pegasi each, attempting to cast spells, and hold them with magic, as well as a dragon, a griffon, and an earth pony of larger varieties, approach with speed, and looking like they were aiming to hit hard. Seemed like everyone would be allowed to have a bit of fun this time around.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Leviathan just shrugged, when it were her time to answer the question.

"I'm superstitious, cause I've seen a lot, and treat those I kill with respect. Crypt with some old geists dangling around, few curses? Eh, just experiences, and I probably didn't have anything to do with it, so my consciousness is clean."

Spicy grinned widely, as she heard their words on this matter.

"See? This here's why I like you folks. Purchasable morals, and a tough attitude. Just my kinda beings."

She'd rummage around, looking for something, and then would eventually pull out a thick folded letter. Seemed to have several papers in it.

"A map, some base info, and what I'm hoping there's to find. I'll meet you there too, but I'll probably be a bit late in it. There's enough here to cover the basics though.

And of course, the down payment."

She'd toss a head-sized pouch over, that Leviathan would catch, in case Ruby didn't. The jingling of coins were notable, even for Leviathan. The sound were just too familiar. As were the feeling, if she had caught it.

As for the letter? First page was a map towards a canyon, on the other side of Equestria. The letter would have some warnings, but they were not all too important right now. The distance, and if they were up to going to a place without a name seemingly, were.

Evil Pink One · July 11, 2023

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The elder longma cast a glance on them, smiling a bit wider as she saw how Shark were fluttering around Light, giggling slightly, every time she rubbed her face against his.

"A chaotic couple, working in such lovely harmony. It warms the heart to see such things."

Light was a bit embarrassed as he has though things that are un necessary. Never the less he still enjoys Shark's love for him as his worry vanish whenever he is around her.

He replied to the kitsune.

" Never would have picked anything else."

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I may be old, but I am not defenseless, nor feel entitled to anything. We should all earn the things we get in life,

I were just curious. Beings from other places, are so hard to predict. But you are much as expected. Battle hardened survivalists. Smart traits, for a cruel world. The selfless rarely makes it far in dire times, after all."

" Never the less, we should still help each other out."

EQ_Theta · July 12, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-11 at 5:29 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"It is not Lin. She have been possessed. It have been some time since I have seen this, but it looks like back then."

Last time, things had gotten weird too, though this time, she hadn't seen something like smoke, or flashing lights first. Granted, there were no lights to flash in that sense, and not all ghosts were visible, she had been told... Anyway, the odd way Lin were, and showing the white of her eyes? That looked very much like that.

“It’s happened before?! Of all the things… Never mind. Maybe something she said triggered this. We need to get Lin back safely, but be careful. We don’t know what’s got its hold on her.”

Xin didn’t fully grasp what was happening, but this possession wasn’t the first time. Once before, during Legion’s takeover of the village, another such instance occurred. He got lucky he was out cold the last time, but one could only guess whether having no knowledge of the event was considered a mercy. Sen was reminded of his own instance, feeling trapped in his body as some other creature took control, making him say and do things that he’d never dare do to those he cared about. Now it’s happening again, and he had to hope Lin was fighting it from the inside, as he couldn’t attack without knowing the consequences.

On 2023-07-11 at 5:29 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"We look to see if there is something here, that is connected to the longma. Do they have something to do with this place? I do not need to hear about dangerous things. They are not important for us.

And do not hurt our sister. She have not done anything wrong."

Something would pop in her head, as she began to consider something here. Lin had gotten possessed, after being near. Maybe that meant what were in there, were now possessing her?

She would raise it up with one of her hooves, and look towards her possessed friend. Or sister, as she had called her there, which were technically true. She just hadn't called her that a lot recently.

"Are you from this? We have seen others talking from a ball like this."

“Know your place, lowly creature. This vessel is a slave to our needs, as are others like your companions. They have been let loose long enough, and they will be made to serve once more.”

“We aren’t anyone’s servants! Now let our sister go!”

“Lin” looked to Sen, eyes twitching as whatever’s got its control over her to start walking. Each step was stiff, legs jerking forward until it saw Omen holding the orb. She eventually chose to ignore Sen’s demands to release his sister, instead fixating on the orb Lin held earlier. This odd creature, the Ki’Nathar, spoke with authority yet had none. An insult that still piqued interest. Just what was it that drew her to the longma? A question that would have no answer for now, but given the being’s curiosity, “Lin” would humor Omen for now and learn what it can. After all, they were different, but they regarded each other on a familial level. This was an unprecedented development, at least to whoever was speaking through Lin.

“Your concerns for this vessel are of no import. What you hold is but a focal orb, a seal to hold things of great value. This one is a message: Do not pursue us. The knowledge you seek is not for you. Persist and reap the consequences, for you are not meant to learn the truth. The message has been given, our purpose completed.”

Though possibly unbeknownst to Sen and Omen, the glyphs on the wall, the same ones shown to Rosa and examined by everyone present earlier, also began to glow. Xin was nearby when he first picked up on this, staring in wide-eyed amazement at what was happening. At the same time, the orb Omen held shook, with cracks appearing on its surface. Its magic grew unstable, and with it, Lin’s body began twitching and shaking even more violently. Sen looked on to his sister, then to Omen, showing genuine terror in his eyes, silently begging her to do anything that could stop something worse from happening to Lin.

However, before anyone could act, the orb shattered into several pieces, releasing whatever magic was held within and dissipating it into thin air like vapor. The breaking of the orb severed Lin’s connection to whatever was controlling her, and her now unconscious body dropped to the ground, barely caught by Sen. Likewise, the glyphs’ glow also disappeared, returning the atmosphere in the ruins to normal. Xin rushed over to his friend to see if he could help, even if it was checking on Lin to see if she would be okay. For now, she remained unconscious, unaware of everyone’s concerns for her safety. As for Xin, he looked to the others, filled with guilt and remorse for the sudden turn of events.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I didn’t know this would happen; the ruins were safe the last time I studied them. What did we get ourselves into?”

Blitz Boom · July 13, 2023

@EQ_Theta

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s happened before?! Of all the things… Never mind. Maybe something she said triggered this. We need to get Lin back safely, but be careful. We don’t know what’s got its hold on her.”

Xin

"I do not know if Lin have been possessed. But I have seen it with others before."

Long as this also didn't involve a lot of screaming, twisting limbs, and vomiting odd fluids, it would have gone better than back then. But she could not be sure yet, as so far, all that she could see, were that something seemed to be controlling Lin. And if she had any recollections of the events around the first orb they found, she would have found that eerily similar, but sadly she did not retain those. The few fragments she had left, did not include this.

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Know your place, lowly creature. This vessel is a slave to our needs, as are others like your companions. They have been let loose long enough, and they will be made to serve once more.”

“We aren’t anyone’s servants! Now let our sister go!”

"You are not their master, and you are not mine. Mine are stronger than you."

She had seen Discord make and remove entire races of beings. Some ghost wasn't stronger than he were, nor stronger than Mother. If it tried to make Lin and her kin into servants, she didn't care who she had to call upon to stop it. They could judge her for bringing Discord here afterwards if they thought that would matter. All she cared about, were getting Lin free, and if things got worse, the rest of them too.

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

However, before anyone could act, the orb shattered into several pieces, releasing whatever magic was held within and dissipating it into thin air like vapor. The breaking of the orb severed Lin’s connection to whatever was controlling her, and her now unconscious body dropped to the ground, barely caught by Sen. Likewise, the glyphs’ glow also disappeared, returning the atmosphere in the ruins to normal. Xin rushed over to his friend to see if he could help, even if it was checking on Lin to see if she would be okay. For now, she remained unconscious, unaware of everyone’s concerns for her safety. As for Xin, he looked to the others, filled with guilt and remorse for the sudden turn of events.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I didn’t know this would happen; the ruins were safe the last time I studied them. What did we get ourselves into?”

Omen had been in the process of opening a gate to dumb the orb into, as it seemed to have a bad effect on Lin now, but didn't get there before it shattered, seemingly leaving Lin unconscious. Sen caught her before she hit her head on something though, so that were good. Omen meanwhile, would turn towards Xin. In case the orb had shattered with force pushing outside, she might have some shards embedded in her as they spoke, which she'd be using her tongue to just pull out, without any notion that it hurt. She didn't even bleed. The holes left behind, were just there, though they would begin to slowly close. Though if one had hit her eye, it would blind her on that eye, until it were repaired.

"I do not know, but it is not safe here. We should leave."

If they weren't interested in walking outside, she'd also open a gate. They could decide which way to exit from this place themselves. Long as they got out, that were the important part, because clearly, this place were not good.

In case they did just stay put though, she would still say, what it were that she wanted to, because this were seeming like it had a connection to someone that they knew, at least a little bit.

"The ball with the many voices. We should go and see them. This looks like something related to them, yes? Maybe they will know what is happening. Or perhaps they are going to be bad too?

The ghost said that you and the other longma would be made to serve. It might not be them that will do it, but something will be coming. I think the longma might be in danger."

EQ_Theta · July 15, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-13 at 5:11 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not know, but it is not safe here. We should leave."

If they weren't interested in walking outside, she'd also open a gate. They could decide which way to exit from this place themselves. Long as they got out, that were the important part, because clearly, this place were not good.

In case they did just stay put though, she would still say, what it were that she wanted to, because this were seeming like it had a connection to someone that they knew, at least a little bit.

Xin examined Omen and started dusting her off, picking up some of the broken shards of the shattered orb to make sure she was okay. So far, it seemed like it, and nothing appeared to have nicked anything important. Still, it was odd to see the lack of a reaction from the explosion, and Omen just went along, pulling out broken pieces off herself like it was nothing. How the siblings got used to this was a mystery, but frankly, there was no time to be asking questions about it.

“Just as things are getting calmer around here… All right, the first order of business would be to get Lin somewhere safe. She’s unconscious and will need someone attending to her, at least until she regains consciousness. You could take her to the healer, though I doubt she’ll be thrilled to see this, or the shards of broken orb stuck on you, Omen. You’ve already met her, right? Because you may need to make up a story to get her to help or bring Lin somewhere else where no one will suspect a thing.”

“Yes. We helped her out in the past. She knows us.”

“Then maybe you won’t have too many problems with that. Next, this place needs to be sealed to stop anyone else from snooping around. Letting you all here was a mistake, so I’ll be the one to make sure no one else sees this. However, once we leave this place, no one else must know about it unless someone absolutely must. Be careful with whom you share this information, but it would be best to stay quiet about it. Before heading off, you should know that the glyphs we examined earlier, the ones Lin copied? They glowed earlier. I think whatever it was that warned us might be closer than we think.”

There was much to go over now that all these events had quickly come to pass, and Sen could figure out where to start. They’d be leaving for the meeting with the elders in less than two days, and now they’ve got a new threat looming over them if they insist on investigating the glyphs. The message was clear that there would be consequences if they pursued this new lead, but could one be faulted for just ignoring this threat for now? It was highly doubtful that anyone in their right mind could just let this stay unresolved; now they have to be careful about what information they’d be disclosing, especially with Lin unconscious. Ghilan could have just as many questions and concerns if he found out.

It was Omen’s comment about something coming that got the two remaining longma worried, questioning whether they’d done so much harm that the villages could soon be in jeopardy.

On 2023-07-13 at 5:11 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"The ball with the many voices. We should go and see them. This looks like something related to them, yes? Maybe they will know what is happening. Or perhaps they are going to be bad too?

The ghost said that you and the other longma would be made to serve. It might not be them that will do it, but something will be coming. I think the longma might be in danger."

“I don’t doubt the longma could be in danger, but we were told that we ‘will be made to serve once more.’ The old tales say that the longma were enslaved once, so that might be what it meant. Then again, the ghost also said that we ‘know not what we seek’ because it is not meant for us. I’d say that was a warning to stop us from searching for something.”

“For now, it’s a threat, and whatever it is, we won’t take it lightly. Let’s get Lin to safety first, then we’ll find answers. Any lead we have is better than nothing, Omen; we could go to the scholars and see what they know afterward.”

If the scholars are still getting their golem bodies, then they might be up for a quick discussion on what the other focal orb was and if there are more of them. They may be different creatures altogether, but the magic and tool used was a little too similar to the one they used to seal themselves in long ago. Either they were not as forthcoming as everyone thought, or something eventually discovered their methods and used it for their own ends. Whatever it may be, the answers may have to come soon lest it complicate their situation further. Sen placed his unconscious sister on his back, ready to leave for the next destination.

Catpone Cerberus · July 16, 2023

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Attempts at grabbing the kobolds with magic would fail, unicorns were very common enemy for the two, so basic straight forward actions like magical grab were fully expected action, and thus their most basic defense, the spell they used every time when in danger, had counters for such spells, making catching them like trying to catch a bar of soap in a rainstorm while covered in slippery oil. And for spells that the 'basics' didn't counter, they used more active defenses, which could easily be cast during combat.

They first dealt with the four smaller ponies, Sheska used the shield on Trox's back as a springboard, jumping on it, and with help from Trox, launched herself to meet the two ponies coming for her. She threw the crossbow at one of them to distract them long enough to cast a spell and touch the other, who would just fall limb on the ground, conscious, but unable to move, or speak, she had used a local anaesthesia spell she used in amputations and other serious injuries, she just 'localized' it to the whole body. Basically she just temporarily paralyzed the poor pony. For the other, she finally took the sword she had been carrying with her this whole time, took hold from the blade-end, and smacked the pony in the knees with the hilt hard enough for crack to be heard, far from lethal, but even an experienced soldier would have trouble fighting with broken knees, if it wasn't painful enough to break the mind-control altogether.

Trox meanwhile wasn't any more merciful, the moment Sheska had leaped off his back, he took the shield in his metal hand and charged towards the two coming for him, and with combination of his momentum, enchanted by his metal leg, and full force slam from the cybernetic arm, he'd shield bash the first one hard enough to easily break their snout and if not straight up knock them out, then at least cause a bad enough stun to take them out of the fight. The other one he'd deal with by first scratching them in the face, this gave him second or two to reorient himself enough to slam them with the shield too, though instead of face, he'd hit them in top of their head with both hands holding the shield, not enough to break any bone this time, but enough to draw bit of blood. If this wasn't enough, he'd go for the simple fist into the face, a metal fist of course.

This more aggressive fight style of course meant the three bigger creatures would miss their first charge, since the siblings were far from the original spot.

For the three bigger opponents, the kobolds worked even more closely together, to call it a dance would be accurate, as their dodging and attacks were so coordinated that one could think it was all planned in advantage. They used their smaller sizes to their advantages, dodging attacks and then scratching the opponents' legs while passing them from both sides, things like that, they'd basically wear them down for some moments before going for the takedowns.

Again Trox helped Sheska to launch herself in the air, towards the griffon specifically, the griffon probably expected something similar to what had happened earlier, but that was not what would happen, instead she readied a fire spell while in the air...she was far from expert in fire magic, but she knew a basic spell so that she could burn shut wounds she couldn't stop from bleeding otherwise... and threw it at the griffon, lighting their feathers on fire. It wouldn't be hard to put off said fire, but it took enough concentration from the bird to do, to allow Sheska to kick them in the face before landing on the creature.

Trox meanwhile finally dropped the shield, by tossing it at the earth pony's legs, he then shot a basic magical blast at the pony, before charging and hitting the pony in the face with a metal fist, he'd keep punching until the pony was down. Both of them of course dodged or deflected attack during all this, adapting their movements based on them.

Lastly the dragon, depending on which one it was currently targeting, the exact actions changed, but ultimately the end result was the same, the two kobolds ran at each other from opposite directions, and when they met, Trox grabbed his sister and spun around with her, keeping the momentum and basically using her as a mace, hitting her full bodyweight at the dragon's chin; kobolds may have been lot smaller than dragons, but several tens of kilograms hitting one's chin with that speed would more than hurt.

After all was done, the siblings would stand back to back ready for more, though if those under control had any sense left, seeing that they had actually injured all but one of the previous attackers, and even that one couldn't as much as speak to confirm that they actually weren't injured, anyone with any sense and control left probably would decide to not try them. The blood, be it small amounts, on Trox's shield and metal arm really emphasized the fact that they didn't, and wouldn't, hold back just because it was mind control. In fact, everything about them showed it, their stance, their expression, their eyes; They were not enjoying this, they were not having fun, but they also weren't scared, they felt no remorse, they were focused, determined, and cold, everything about their demeanor was a warning, these two were not heroes like those that this world was used to, these two were soldiers, unfazed by violence, ready to be violent.

Though it wasn't just blind violence, Sheska was a medic and a healer, they didn't do anything she couldn't heal after all this was over.

-----------------------------

Ruby would let Leviathan to catch the pouch, she trusted her enough to do that and frankly, catching things as a pony was inconvenient. She scanned through the map with her eyes, even Charir took a look, though not knowing much about Equestria, it really didn't tell him anything. "If I didn't know from the last job that you pay fairly, I would start asking for 'per-hoofstep' pay with all the travelling I have to do." she stated jokingly, it really wasn't that big of a deal, because if she wanted to, she could travel quite quickly if she just flew there, it was her own fault for sticking to more inconvenient ways to travel. Besides, travelling away from cites was actually nice, her problem was with having to go from city to city.

"Is there anything we should know that isn't written down here?" she didn't know what was written down there since she hadn't looked at it that deeply yet, but it was good to ask if there was something else still. "And while your sources are of course your business, and I do trust your judgement, can we trust that whatever source you got this information from is really trustworthy, and not, for example, someone who may want to get rid of you?" having trust issues, Ruby saw the potential of ambush or a trap in a location so far from everything, so she wanted to make sure Spicy knew where the information came from, though even then she wouldn't fully trust it and would keep her eyes open when they eventually got there.

Evil Pink One · July 16, 2023

On 2023-07-11 at 5:29 AM, Blitz Boom said:

As for the twins, they were being hunted by two pegasi with knives each, about to swoop down. And this time, Shark couldn't stop it, as she were being held in a magic field by a unicorn, and unable to move, no matter how much she struggled, while being approached by a couple of earth ponies with farm tools. A pegasi with a bow, would be also aiming at Light, though, trying to hit him in the legs to make him unable to do much of anything.

Light would analyze the situation first before deploying his plan.

First he used his ability to make anyone extremely light to himself making his movement fast and agile.

Evading the arrows aimed at him and grabbing it to make it his weapon.

He then bolts towards the pitch fork weilding ponies and applied lightness to them. He then stomped his feet to cause even that vibration to throw them off the ground, making them open for a kick, which Light carefully aimed towards the archer and mage who is trapping Shark.

If not hed then throw the arrow towards the mage to stop it from using its magic. At his horns.

If successful

He would Then assist Shark to rescue the twins by making her Light as well.

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

Rising Dusk · July 19, 2023

@Blitz Boom

With the prince departed from the bathroom, the ladies took their seats at the vanity mirrors. A bit of privacy. Well, minus the one attendant returning with the hot towels. Mother and daughter accepted the towels from the the attendant. "Thank you, Hector. That'll be all," Dawn smiled, holding her nice hot, damp towel. The pair watched as he simply dissipated into the room. Grace perked an eyebrow, "Kinda spooky, hm? Difficult to have peace of mind of privacy with an attendant you can't see." Dawn looked into the mirror and started to use the damp towel to pat at her neck while she examined her appearance. "I wonder how many secrets that stallion might have heard in this bathroom. How many scandals he's witnessed," she mused. Igniting her horn to open the closet behind the mirror and float out a number of his contents. "Setting Dawn," the mother scolded using her full name. "Oh mother dearest, you were thinking the same thing," she teased. "You're a guest and in a royal location. Proper manners," Grace corrected while she wiped her own neck. She were indeed thinking the same thing, but there was a difference of being proper and keeping such thoughts to one's self especially when be listened upon.

Dawn spurt a sample of the Harrowmark perfume into the air before her and took a sniff. Earthy, like most of how everything in this land appeared to be. "Might not be what were looking for," she remarked before putting the bottle down. A flick of her horn and a small roll of silk popped into being before them. She sat it down on the vanity top and it rolled out, revealing an assortment of makeup products and perfumes. "In time we'll find a place for Harrowmark products, but tonight, we represent Equestria," Dawn added as the pair went to work fixing their make up and dresses. Mother and daughter departed the restroom twenty minutes later.

Across the castle, Rising flicked his ear as a god spoke to him. He'd been wondering when the god of light was going to reach out to him while in her land. She was all the interested in him as to even invade his dreams all the way in Equestria. All to deliver a message to... Necrotic's prayer? Rising glanced at Necrotic and noted no reaction, so she did speak to him. This drew a curious conclusion for the detective. He truly was connected to her in a different way than it appeared for most. The moment had passed just as quickly as it had happened.

"So the land was originally the land of the diamond dogs. Do you happen to know where the ponies that joined the diamond dogs came from?" the professor inquired as they walked over to the portrait of the founders to the modern Harrowmark as it were known. Father and son took in the visage while they listened to Necrotic give them a history lesson, all while Star stroked his mustache. Of course the more interesting of the three were the mystery founder. The creature with only a name, or title, given by the diamond dogs of ancient times. The High Heathen. And their supposed cup that held the voice of the gods. Rising pushed his senses out, looking for any magic that might still linger upon the cup. Granted, if it were even the original. "Ho ho ho, a long awaited mystery to be discovered. Adventurers from Equestria will love the challenge!" Star expressed. "The Goddess of Light might know," Rising offered for the possible gap in their knowledge.

His attention was else where though, distracted by their visitor still. "Would it ease your burden to know your brother rests with her, empowers her?" the detective asked, his tone distant as if he meant it for a thought rather than words.

Blitz Boom · July 20, 2023

@Rising Dusk

(Dawn and Grace)

On 2023-07-19 at 5:34 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Dawn spurt a sample of the Harrowmark perfume into the air before her and took a sniff. Earthy, like most of how everything in this land appeared to be. "Might not be what were looking for," she remarked before putting the bottle down. A flick of her horn and a small roll of silk popped into being before them. She sat it down on the vanity top and it rolled out, revealing an assortment of makeup products and perfumes. "In time we'll find a place for Harrowmark products, but tonight, we represent Equestria," Dawn added as the pair went to work fixing their make up and dresses. Mother and daughter departed the restroom twenty minutes later.

They wouldn't need to worry about being interrupted. Hector kept clear until called upon, and since they didn't, he wouldn't manifest again. Not until they had left anyway. Someone had to make sure that the room were left clean again, after they had moved out of it, so that it were ready for her majesty later today. With all that were to come, she were going to need a long, soothing bath to unwind after it all, along with a massage, and such. He would have plenty to do later. For now though, they'd be able to leave the room in peace, and not long after that, would be able to see Necrotic's shadow, just looking at some old portraits of the wilderness. Though he would turn as the mares came out again.

"Ah, delightful to have you back. I hope Hector provided you all that you required? I understand his presence might be... Unusual, but he does good work, for those whom he cares to listen to. Some members of the royal family, he have shown outright disdain. Others still, he seems to refuse acknowledging at all. Were a time when no one saw him for generations.

Regardless, whenever you are ready, I will lead you on to where you can reunite you with your family. I can imagine where they went, considering the direction they were headed. There is but one room not far from it, rich with history. I can imagine that being a place of interest for your family's patriarch."

On 2023-07-19 at 5:34 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"So the land was originally the land of the diamond dogs. Do you happen to know where the ponies that joined the diamond dogs came from?" the professor inquired as they walked over to the portrait of the founders to the modern Harrowmark as it were known. Father and son took in the visage while they listened to Necrotic give them a history lesson, all while Star stroked his mustache. Of course the more interesting of the three were the mystery founder. The creature with only a name, or title, given by the diamond dogs of ancient times. The High Heathen. And their supposed cup that held the voice of the gods. Rising pushed his senses out, looking for any magic that might still linger upon the cup. Granted, if it were even the original. "Ho ho ho, a long awaited mystery to be discovered. Adventurers from Equestria will love the challenge!" Star expressed. "The Goddess of Light might know," Rising offered for the possible gap in their knowledge.

His attention was else where though, distracted by their visitor still. "Would it ease your burden to know your brother rests with her, empowers her?" the detective asked, his tone distant as if he meant it for a thought rather than words.

"Yes, but do keep in mind as I tell this, that these were more barbaric, simple times.

There were two directions, from which settlers arrived. The biggest came from Norneigh, where the barbarian tribes invaded, thinking that they had a right to Harrowmark. The war leader at the time, Chieftain Grimaxe, considered it made of their country's land, and thus, being an extension of their borders. They had warriors with them, but also plenty of regular working ponies. The sort there to ensure they got food and beverages, while the barbarians themselves fought for what they believed to be theirs.

The others were a large group of crusaders from Germane. They saw Harrowmark as being a country of heathens, worshipping false gods, and came with the intention of converting, or eradicating the citizens. Their leader were the High Father, Cornelius Cornrow.

As the stories goes, the barbarians and crusaders both fought wildly, with the locals and regular working ponies stuck in the middle. Eventually Crimson Dawn, a lieutenant in the crusaders, encountered Howler Gnarltooth. They fought, but would eventually rest, and start to speak. She would learn of the things happening. The barbarians certainly, but also the way the locals were not savages in need of help or cleansing, as she had been led to believe. They were but ordinary beings, enjoying their way of life.

After Cornrow learned of this, he demanded that she lead them to him, that they may execute this savage heathen as he called him. She would refuse, speaking of the things she had been taught, and the glimpses of the divine Howler had shown her, and he'd deemed her a heathen too, and had her prepared to be burned at the stake.

Howler had kept track of her, using the spirits to relay information to him, and as the fires were about to be lit, he lead fighters of his own, blessed by the gods, to rescue her. They succeeded, and she would then go on to confront the High Father, and executed him, as well as most of the higher command, before demanding to the others, that they either fell in line, returned home with a warning, or fell before her axe. About half decided to fall in line, some fought her and died, and then others took the corpse of the High Father back to Germane with a message: Harrowmark were free, and it would fight them to the end.

The remaining crusaders, and the forces of Howler, would unite and fight off the barbarians, causing several to join their ranks. Some were tired of their lifestyle. Others had seen glimpses of the divine too, and wished to stay, in awe of even the flickers they had seen. Others like the labor, stayed because they feared what would wait them back home.

When the dust were settled, Harrowmark were saved. Yet though Howler spoke the favor of Crimson, she and all who had fallen in line under her, had nowhere to go. They were in a strange land, and seen as heretics or traitors in their old homes.

As the story goes, the High Heathen were the one to show up, and address them all. Telling them that the gods had looked upon them, and wished to accept them into their home.

In time, the ponies and diamond dogs both spoke loudly of worries, that they would once again be invaded, and were too scattered to fight back again. Crimson had gathered many, and were an imposing figure on the battlefield, as well as an honorable mare, who sought not to eradicate the customs of Harrowmark, but learn from them. She were even accepted by the High Heathen as a mare of strong, undeniable belief, which held quite the weight with them. The calls for her to be a unifying leader were strong, even from Howler, as he too saw that they would need to stand united, to prosper. She accepted, long as he agreed to stand with her, and offer her guidance, and the rest are history.

The role Howler had, were much the same as the High Priestess now does. The spiritual advisor, whose words carried authority and would be respected. Though it have not always been easy, the mixing of cultures, is what have made Harrowmark what it is today. A unified people of paw and hoof.

As for the role of the High Heathen... Much of it have been absorbed and shared, between the High Priestess of Vish'nay, and the Herald of Decay, who is the highest ranking of the Rot Farmers. A position that have not been filled in a long, long time, as I understand it.

What exactly its role were beyond that? There are many theories, but I believe personally, that it were meant to be the balance. The one that made sure, that the gods were kept even, that they may live in harmony. I feel certain that if it saw us now, it would be be ashamed of how far astray we have gone."

There were more details to the story, but Star would be able to read that himself, in the history book he had been given. Though a fair bit of the details, were not nice. As said before, it had been a more barbaric time. Times where much were solved with bloodshed.

"As for who it were... Perhaps the gods would know, yes. Perhaps it is a question to hold before the High Priestess, and see if there is an answer to this question? Perhaps we could have a mystery of our past uncovered, and our history expanded upon."

He would smile as he said this, yet as the question from Rising came, his gaze would go to the side, and melancholy would briefly befall him.

"...It is the thought that I have long used to bring me comfort. In her trying times, she would need powerful souls to keep Suusha imprisoned, and my brothers were bright and strong. I wish you could have met him, Sir Dusk. Much as he were taxing to be around at times, had he outgrown his rebellious years, and had he still been with us, I have no doubt that he would have been someone that we would all be proud of."

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

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-07-15 at 4:04 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Xin examined Omen and started dusting her off, picking up some of the broken shards of the shattered orb to make sure she was okay. So far, it seemed like it, and nothing appeared to have nicked anything important. Still, it was odd to see the lack of a reaction from the explosion, and Omen just went along, pulling out broken pieces off herself like it was nothing. How the siblings got used to this was a mystery, but frankly, there was no time to be asking questions about it.

“Just as things are getting calmer around here… All right, the first order of business would be to get Lin somewhere safe. She’s unconscious and will need someone attending to her, at least until she regains consciousness. You could take her to the healer, though I doubt she’ll be thrilled to see this, or the shards of broken orb stuck on you, Omen. You’ve already met her, right? Because you may need to make up a story to get her to help or bring Lin somewhere else where no one will suspect a thing.”

“Yes. We helped her out in the past. She knows us.”

“Then maybe you won’t have too many problems with that. Next, this place needs to be sealed to stop anyone else from snooping around. Letting you all here was a mistake, so I’ll be the one to make sure no one else sees this. However, once we leave this place, no one else must know about it unless someone absolutely must. Be careful with whom you share this information, but it would be best to stay quiet about it. Before heading off, you should know that the glyphs we examined earlier, the ones Lin copied? They glowed earlier. I think whatever it was that warned us might be closer than we think.”

It probably wouldn't help the perception of Xin, that Omen not only just pulled out the shards, but also transported them to her mouth, and began eating them. Unless there'd be something weird happening, she didn't see a point in not to. Including the one that had gotten stuck in her eye. it did make her look at things oddly, seeing as she only had vision in one eye, but she would just go on with things as per usual. It were now just easier for things to hit her from that side. Her eye would also dim, as if it had lost life for the time being, while slowly, small pale strings inside of it, as well as darker ones in her body, would begin to form. In time, they would pull together, and close the wounds proper. But for now, it would simply be as it were.

"Are you sure using the healer here is a good idea? Would they not ask questions about what happened to her, and you were not supposed to be here? And what if there is magic damage? Longma do not use magic normally, yes? And if they ask me questions, I can not speak to them. I can not lie. My master told me not to.

We could take her to the kitsune. They healed Rosa well. Maybe they could be good for Lin too?"

She would not argue this. She were giving them an option, but in the end, she would listen to them. If they still wished to go to the healer in the longma village, they could just as easily do that. Omen just wondered if that wouldn't cause some trouble. At least it sounded like it should, judging by what they had been told so far. At least if she had somewhat understood things correctly. There were a fair chance that she had misunderstood something.

As for sealing the place... She had no idea how that was supposed to be done. Sure she could maybe dump the whole thing in a gate, but she sort of had doubts, since it were probably stuck a lot in the ground, and she couldn't well put a gate under that, with all the dirt in the way, and not knowing how far to go. Mother would probably not like it either. She did not seem impressed, when big things were brought into their home realm, even if the siblings seemed to like having things you could crawl all over. Or well, maybe slobber all over were more correct, considering they didn't have solid limbs to climb things with.

On 2023-07-15 at 4:04 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I don’t doubt the longma could be in danger, but we were told that we ‘will be made to serve once more.’ The old tales say that the longma were enslaved once, so that might be what it meant. Then again, the ghost also said that we ‘know not what we seek’ because it is not meant for us. I’d say that was a warning to stop us from searching for something.”

“For now, it’s a threat, and whatever it is, we won’t take it lightly. Let’s get Lin to safety first, then we’ll find answers. Any lead we have is better than nothing, Omen; we could go to the scholars and see what they know afterward.”

If the scholars are still getting their golem bodies, then they might be up for a quick discussion on what the other focal orb was and if there are more of them. They may be different creatures altogether, but the magic and tool used was a little too similar to the one they used to seal themselves in long ago. Either they were not as forthcoming as everyone thought, or something eventually discovered their methods and used it for their own ends. Whatever it may be, the answers may have to come soon lest it complicate their situation further. Sen placed his unconscious sister on his back, ready to leave for the next destination.

"Sister first, then we will go to the stone place."

Depending on where they went, they could approach things differently.

If they wanted to go to the longma town, and have Lin seen by the normal healer, Omen would open a gate, and then in her realm, would open another not far from the town itself. It would still be covered by plenty of trees though, but it should provide some cover. Either way, it were faster than walking, and Lin would be best off getting help sooner, rather than later, just in case something were off here.

Omen would not say what had happened to her. She would not lie, as she said, but she did not need to answer if she got questions. A minor loophole if you would. It'd probably be suspicious.

If they went to the kitsune, they'd be surprised, but as they knew them - besides Xin, if he joined them too - they'd let them come in, and would have their healers have a look at Lin. Though granted, they were also really curious about Omen once again, wanting to prod her some about how oddly she were put together with a few scans and samples. But those things would have to wait. They'd better be able to help Lin if she had a magical ailment to her condition, though she'd also be quarantined, just to be safe.

Either way, after they were done ensuring her safety, Omen would lead them back to the compound, wherein the golem makers were stationed. Just in time it seemed, to witness the end of some sort of gathering, as seemingly everyone there, had gathered up, and were bowing before the Stone Matron, as she stood on top of an altar, dripping with fresh, flowing marble, from the tub behind her. And she looked radiant. Not the cacked stone construct they had last seen, but fully made whole, clad in marble and shining with magical markings, as she stood with her wings spread widely. They'd hear a cheer start to go through the crowd, as she let out a triumphant shriek, and stomped her talons down, cracking part of the altar she were standing on top of.

They'd probably be able to approach once the Stone Matron had descended the stairs, as she would do next. A couple of attendants, quickly moving over as she neared the last steps, to present her with towels to wipe off the last bits of flowing marble that ran across her *skin*. She'd lift an eyebrow as she saw them approach, but would wait for them to say the first words, waving away the guards that were nearing at the same time. She did not need their protection. Even if another longma had come too, that made little difference in her eyes.

Xin might have quite a shock seeing things here though. Not only the various beings here, but also the Stone Matron herself, whom were a pale marble golem, that looked like a griffon. Two things he had probably never seen before.

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

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

It were ridiculous how one sided this fight had become. But it were little wonder, right? The dragon might breathe fire, and the ponies be attacking without care for whom they hit, but they were not trained soldiers, and were not focused fighters here either. They didn't stand a chance, and would be smashed around. The lucky would go unconscious. The less fortunate, would get back to their senses from the pain inflicted. Some were even incredibly confused, as were the case for those Light had messed with the gravity off. They had no idea what had just happened, and were now more or less able to float about. Or booped around as it were, since Shark had tried to tackle some when she had gotten freed from the magical grasp, only to find that her weight change really messed with her coordination. She more or less dashed directly into one of them, that had just hit the mages casting at them, and they'd start to bounce around like ping pong balls for a moment, with several hitting walls, and getting disoriented. Shark however, got booped back towards a collision course with Light not long after, though he could probably catch her, due to her now low weight.

They were still better off than the ones going for Trox and Sheska. They had been proficiently dealt with, without barely any effort. That were rather intimidating for those who were looking on, and they'd back away from them, with a worried look in their eyes. Except for a few, who'd rush towards some of the injured, and begging the kobolds to stop hurting them. Friends, family or loved ones, used as puppets to enact an attack, but to those near them, they didn't know what were going on. They just didn't want things to escalate further.

As for the ones that had headed for the twins? They had handled that themselves. They might be young, but they knew how to fend for themselves. They'd jump to the sides, making a cross with the movement, that would stay in the air, oddly blurry. From there, they'd slide under those charging at them, and then lift up, sending them towards the blur, and once they hit, they'd get stuck, as if it were made of glue.

Granted, they did not physically throw them more or less. They were not strong enough for that, but a bit of a magical push from this angle did the trick, and made up for their lesser physique, compared to an adult pony.

So about as fast as the fight had started, it had ended, and they were the victors.

"How cute."

A small voice would come fromt he stacks, along with a slow clap, as Spike would come into view. Though the look in his eyes, said clearly that this wasn't him in control. Spike did not have this malice in his gaze. Nor were he able to pull his hands to the side, and use magic. Not the sort that he did now at least, where a barrier would come up in front of him, and another barrier, like a cube, would come around the elder. The one being here that had stood all by herself, while the rest had handled their fight.

"I'm almost impressed by how easy it was to separate you from your little guard group. Though really, I feel insulted by it all. Three other worlders, a couple of kits, and a frail old crone? If this is the best the kitsune can offer these days, I should've just attacked the village head on."

If they tried attacking *Spike*, they'd be violently thrown back, by a forceful blast. And if they got through that, the barrier would ram into them briefly, pushing them away. The oni had no interest in facing them head on.

"Still, at least this means I get to kill an elder. A good ending, to a boring day. And you even get to die in a nice funeral kimono. Any last words, Rhugan?"

"All talk, and no thought. Tsk tsk, the quality of oni were better in my youth."

She'd wave her staff around, and the barrier around her shattered. A new one would be put up, but she'd wave that away too. Then several magical spikes would come towards her, and she'd just gracefully dodge them. At which point *Spike* would begin to growl at her.

"Go ahead, annoy me then. It doesn't change a thing. You have none of the tools for dealing with me."

"Oh, don't I now?"

Rhugan would smile, and then in a flash, she vanished from her robes, which would slump to the ground. Her staff would began to vibrate violently, as the possessed dragon would look around, annoyed and paranoid. He didn't notice the elder behind him, before it were too late, and she had pushed him forward, paralyzing him momentarily, as he slid across the floor, landing in front of the kobolds.

"Could you be a dear and hold this one up for me? I believe it is about time we finish this.

Zhing, Hachi, begin to heal the wounded."

The twins would do as asked, and start healing. Their paws glowing minty green, as they jumped around the various wounded, patting them with their paws as they passed over. A strange technique, but it seemed to work, as wounds closed, and bones mended. All that seemed left, were to handle the oni. If they had something to say, they should probably do it fast.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-07-16 at 1:25 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ruby would let Leviathan to catch the pouch, she trusted her enough to do that and frankly, catching things as a pony was inconvenient. She scanned through the map with her eyes, even Charir took a look, though not knowing much about Equestria, it really didn't tell him anything. "If I didn't know from the last job that you pay fairly, I would start asking for 'per-hoofstep' pay with all the travelling I have to do." she stated jokingly, it really wasn't that big of a deal, because if she wanted to, she could travel quite quickly if she just flew there, it was her own fault for sticking to more inconvenient ways to travel. Besides, travelling away from cites was actually nice, her problem was with having to go from city to city.

"Yeah well, if I paid you poorly, some other shmuck would probably end up picking you up instead. Better to pay you your worth, and keep having us a good working relationship, yeah? That said, I wouldn't recommend switching to someone else anyway. I don't think you'd like what would happen then."

"Are you threatening her?"

"Pff, as if. It's literally gonna be a hassle if you try, cause most others who'd do this sorta thing, would haggle to try and get your fee down, or hide things, lower the value when talking to you, trying to skip out of sharing, etc. It's a hassle. It saves you time just dealing with me. I'm an honest mare, all things considered."

"And here I thought you were a loan shark."

"I'm a lender, thank you very much. Loan sharking is illegal."

Granted... She'd probably be one, if it weren't illegal. A nicer sort. She still didn't see much point in shaking down poor folks, and would rather try and get something working with 'em, if they couldn't pay back. Would be nice being able to shake down those she knew were just holding out on her though. But alas, those pesky laws and all that jazz. Just had to live with 'em every now and again.

On 2023-07-16 at 1:25 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Is there anything we should know that isn't written down here?" she didn't know what was written down there since she hadn't looked at it that deeply yet, but it was good to ask if there was something else still. "And while your sources are of course your business, and I do trust your judgement, can we trust that whatever source you got this information from is really trustworthy, and not, for example, someone who may want to get rid of you?" having trust issues, Ruby saw the potential of ambush or a trap in a location so far from everything, so she wanted to make sure Spicy knew where the information came from, though even then she wouldn't fully trust it and would keep her eyes open when they eventually got there.

"Well if I couldn't trust the source, it's gonna be a might awkward family gathering next month. My brother's an excavator of sorts. Gives me some tips about places he's been, that he sense have more potential than they look. Been a few duds, since nopony's perfect, but overall, he has a good sense for these things. And I'm starting to think they weren't all duds, but just me not being able to find the god stuff.

I'd be more worried if the info came from his wife. She's still miffed I told her she looked like a pelican that'd been slapped with a fish."

"That's a pretty rough thing to say though. Funny, but rough."

"Yeah well, she shouldn't be wearing dumb stuff then. High fashion my flank.

Anyway, the info is golden, and as for things to worry about? Well, don't follow any voices, and if you think you hear something coming your way, you're pretty much guaranteed to be right, so be ready to fight something off. Also, try not to touch the falling water. I ain't sure, but it sounded like it more or less triggers alarm bells for the stuff that's in there.

Best to just wait until I get there too. I can run you through a few more details, if the file ain't telling enough. Or at least stay Near the entrance, so you ain't getting lost in there. It ain't a small place."

Evil Pink One · July 21, 2023

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Shark however, got booped back towards a collision course with Light not long after, though he could probably catch her, due to her now low weight.

Light was able to catch Shark in his hooves.

He'd hug her soon after.

" You okay? When the weightlessness is applied to you sweetie, just remember that you're just flying or swimming. But faster."

Usually weightless have a positive effect on creatures who basically swim or fly. While negative effects on creatures who move on land.

Added weight would be the downfall of all though.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Still, at least this means I get to kill an elder. A good ending, to a boring day. And you even get to die in a nice funeral kimono. Any last words, Rhugan?"

"All talk, and no thought. Tsk tsk, the quality of oni were better in my youth

Light would hold on to Shark and warn her not to interfere.

" This event is set on script... We cant do nothing to assist them but to watch and wait for an opening."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She'd wave her staff around, and the barrier around her shattered. A new one would be put up, but she'd wave that away too. Then several magical spikes would come towards her, and she'd just gracefully dodge them. At which point *Spike* would begin to growl at her.

" See that? We'll be just on her way. Lets just help the kits and protect them while they heal the injured."

Sekel · July 21, 2023

@Blitz Boom & @Props Valroa

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I have been through a lot in the past few years. More than any pony would ever dare dream of. So I'm quite used to the weird and wacky sights this world has to offer," Twilight told Soul with a wan smile. She didn't exactly think any less of him for the way he looked. After going up against Discord, anything in comparison was an everyday occurence. No, scratch that. Being friends with Pinkie Pie makes a pony embrace the weird. Even at the cost of one's own sanity in Twilight's case. "It's good to meet you but if you have something you'd rather do, I'd rather not keep you from it." She hoped he'd have a good chat with his mother as for now, she'd rather try to recuperate with the help of Last, Drone, Cherish, and her new-found sister. That last one she knew they had to talk a lot and catch up with but there'd be time for that once she figures out what Cherish wants to do.

@Blitz Boom

DAZZLE GLEAM & DAWN STREAK

"Oh, right, the door. That pesky wooden object," Dazzle said nervously. It had been so long since she had seen her home she almost forgot just how arid the desert air was. Dazzle stared at the front door to her old home and rest a hoof on it. "There's a lot of memories here ..." the draconic hybrid said softly, obviously steeling herself to open the door. Her hoof slid along the grain and caught on the doorknob so she turned it, and opened it. From what they could see once the door had swung open entirely, it banged against the wall and echoed around an empty home. There was nothing left, a good amount of dust had settled on the floor. Almost as if it had been abandoned if it weren't for the obviously missing furniture. "Maybe my parents ... uh ..." Dazzle faltered, unable to believe what she saw.

While Dawn cautiously and slowly walked through the black void to get to the group after realizing she'd be left behind otherwise, she looked around and thought she spotted eyes and creatures moving about in the blackness. Just before crossing over and joining the group, Dawn paused and peered into the darkness, maybe half a step out of the dark place she found herself in. Some of the dwellers became more obvious before fading into the black but the eyes that watched her never seemed to go away, not even when they blink.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"How far away is Las Pegasus? What will we find there beyond this hive and the gamblor?" Aurora asked the pair, settling into a seat opposite Onache and Happy. She had no idea what she getting into with all this hive business but she had to start somewhere, right? If this will help her figure out what to do with her life then she's going to take it. No more hiding behind being wimpy or cowardly and ... well, maybe some hiding would be nice. It would at least offer a sense of privacy if nothing else. Despite this, the still-new Changeling queen couldn't stop questioning what would happen in Las Pegasus. "I think something to do with happy drinks maybe? I don't know, only rumors from my village really is all that I know about Las Pegasus."

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Colours!? Explosions give colours! OOOO I want to see!" Atzy said excitedly, her wings buzzing with joy. She had no idea so many amazing things could be done with explosives and she wanted to know more. "Colours! Colours! Explosions give colours!"

"I think you set her off and she isn't coming back until she sees the fireworks," Karmic giggled as she followed with Enzo. She had no idea Atzy would get this excited about colours. Maybe it's because she was bereft of colour before attaching herself to Karmic? But that wouldn't make sense unless this new form she got given finally gave her coloured sight. But that didn't make sense either. Atzy hadn't commented on the colours she could potentially now see so maybe it was something else entirely. Regardless, she shook her head out of her thoughts and looked up at Enzo. "Did you have a nice nap while we were inside the death trap of a warehouse?"

EQ_Theta · July 22, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-21 at 5:45 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Are you sure using the healer here is a good idea? Would they not ask questions about what happened to her, and you were not supposed to be here? And what if there is magic damage? Longma do not use magic normally, yes? And if they ask me questions, I can not speak to them. I can not lie. My master told me not to.

We could take her to the kitsune. They healed Rosa well. Maybe they could be good for Lin too?"

Xin stared at this odd display, as Omen didn’t appear to be visibly in pain from having solid shards embedded into her body. Her casually eating them, especially the one lodged in her eye was about the strangest thing he had ever seen until it appeared to begin healing itself. Staring just wasn’t a polite thing to do, but the oddity behind this was unavoidable, and he had to snap himself out of it before it got even weirder for himself.

“Oh, uh… Yes. You have a point there, Omen. Taking Lin to the healer will raise a lot of questions, some of which you won’t be readily be able to answer. All of this involving magic would look even worse for you.”

“That’s true, but would the Kitsune have anything that could help damaged minds? What we just saw likely ended with Lin unconscious and who knows what with her mind. Rosa’s injuries were physical, but this is something different.”

“What other choice is there? I suggest you take a chance with these creatures and hope Lin will be well. As for me, I’ll seal the entrance to this place by collapsing the entryway and maybe add some rocks and dirt while I’m at it. Once that’s done, the only way in will be by digging through the entrance or using gates. We know what we ought to do now, so let’s not waste time; we’ll see each other in the village.”

The longma headed for the entrance to begin sealing the place away, leaving Sen, Omen, and an unconscious Lin to head to wherever they needed to go. Hopefully, the Kitsune would have something to help Lin, but if anyone had information on what just tried to warn them from prying too much into the unknown, it would have to be the scholars. Perhaps it was a coincidence that the orb looked familiar, but they were told that the occupants of the previous orb were the last of their kind. Could they have been wrong? All this hurt Sen’s head just thinking about it, but his concern grew with Lin’s current condition unknown.

On 2023-07-21 at 5:45 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Sister first, then we will go to the stone place."

“All right. We’ll see the Kitsune first, Omen. Let’s see if they can help.”

Xin bowed and got to work, nodding to Sen and Omen and wishing the best for them. He wouldn’t be joining the group, as he would need to immediately hide the ruins to stop others from finding them. Their arrival would be sudden, but he called out for help, and they answered with aid. As much as Sen wanted to head off to see the soon-to-be golems, he’d wait to see if anything could be done for Lin. He’d approach whoever was in charge of overseeing Lin, silently hoping for good news, or at the very least nothing approaching bad news. It was a long shot, but he had to stay composed for now.

“I’m sorry to ask of this so soon, but how bad is my sister’s condition? Could anything be done for her, and how much would your help cost me?”

Sen wouldn’t hold out hope for an optimistic outcome, and he expected the soon-to-be golems would know more, but any sliver of hope from good news would ease his troubled mind. Only with certainty that no further action would be needed for the moment would the longma head off to see the Stone Matron and find answers from the scholars. As he waited for a response for the Kitsune, he’d pace back and forth, taking a few steps at a time before turning around and repeating it at a short distance. With everything moving quickly, the situation grew more complicated, and Elder Ghilan will catch on to all this sooner or later, as things are going wrong much too soon.

Catpone Cerberus · July 23, 2023

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih
Any begging went to deaf ears with the kobolds, mainly because it was pointless, as they only did what was needed to get creatures off of them, and thus didn't hunt anyone down or otherwise actively chase them; after they stopped attacking, they ceased to exist for the twins. There was other reason too though, they didn't let empathy stop them from defending themselves, as grim as it was, they had cut those strings long ago, so to speak, as pulling one's heartstrings was a popular tactic of evil.

The siblings didn't attack 'spike', as they had kept their eyes open and analyzed their opponent during all this, they knew that attacking was ultimately pointless, because even if they would have been successful, the thing would have just taken over a new body. The museum worthy stuff they had as weapons were useless against the magical being, this would need to be dealt with magic, and there were creatures here with better magic than them, thus, they focused on keeping themselves safe.

They overheard what Light said to Shark, but due to the situation, didn't think much of it, especially since they were already aware of how he saw the universe, besides, as they had expressed before, the topic didn't really interest them, as the nature of the universe and god like beings made no difference to them.

The kobolds did as asked, holding the paralyzed dragon up, Trox had nothing to say, but Sheska spoke quietly in the ear of the possessed dragon "All this because your ego couldn't handle me doing my job."

------------------------

"Sounds like a great idea to try to cheat someone you hire for their lack of morals." Ruby stated sarcastically "Especially if you tend to go to places that are in middle of nowhere with that hire." she dropped the sarcasm "Not talking about you of course, but these others you talk about, they sound like idiots."

"Voices, dangerous water and hostile creatures, sounds like fun." "I'll look at the file closer when there's less curious eyes around." "One last question before we part ways again, what is the estimate of how long you will personally take to get there?" she didn't need the exact, she just wanted to know some time-frame so that she wouldn't end up waiting there for stupidly long.

Rising Dusk · July 26, 2023

@Blitz Boom

The Prince was awaiting the mares, as to be expected. He were quite committed to his duties. "Not what we're quite use to in Equestria. The knowledge of the potential that your being watched and heard from a being you can't see, is very unusual," Dawn agreed with the Prince's assessment of how they might feel. "We're ready," Grace confirmed now that the pair were looking as good as when they first walked through the portal. Necrotic's last comment affirmed that the Prince wasn't attached in real time, per say, to the main body. "Oh? Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't get lost," Dawn teased the shadow, already heading off in the direction she sensed her twin at. Grace spread her wings and flapped to flutter a foot or so off the ground and followed her daughter. Time to find the patriarch.

It were fitting that Harrowmark would have as dark a history as the land they stepped upon. Rising were less surprised, but the increase in the pace at with Star stroked his mustache told the detective his blood was pumping. Like reading a grim dark fiction novel. Star took in the Prince's story, turning those words into a painted world within in his mind. All with the goal to turn that painted world into words once again to put to the parchment. Rising wondered how the Prince could react to the stories he'd receive in kind when hearing the origins of Equestria. Hard to say. Just as much Necrotic had heard the story he now told Rising and Star, it were likely mundane at this point. A point of fact, history that had shaped him and his ancestors. The founding of Equestria equally sounded mundane to the visiting family. A story they reflect upon every year around Hearth's Warming. Three pony tribes that bickered until they were beset upon by nature spirits that plunged the land into eternal winter. Through unity they banished the nature spirits and then united under the rulership of the Celestial Sisters, who have since ruled the land. Their founding seemed simple, but the middle part was far more interesting. Regardless, this were all but fair to save for the Prince's own visit to Equesteria

"Then it is so," the detective simply replied. He wasn't the most sure yet how well taken hearing the voice of the Goddess would be received. The detective needed more time with that. The High Heathen's duties were split between Thistle and the Rot Farmer. That was curious. The High Heathen had the ear of both gods or were Vish'nay and Suusha one being at some point? Quite a powerful creature either way to need replaced by two separate beings. "The High Priestess does not catalog knowledge with your libraries?" Star inquired, such a foreign concept.

Blitz Boom · July 26, 2023

@Sekel @Props Valroa

On 2023-07-21 at 11:15 AM, Sekel said:

"It's good to meet you but if you have something you'd rather do, I'd rather not keep you from it."

Soul wouldn't change his expression, but he would bow his head respectfully, as he put down the box of licorice. The princess still seemed able to levitate the pieces up if she wanted some, and he did not want to ruin the moment as it were, by making something that could hold it up in the right height.

"Understood. I'm sure we will meet again someday, Princess Sparkle."

With that he'd take his leave. His mother awaited, and he did not much care to make her wait for him. Some believed it to be because she had given him a very strict upbringing, and made him grow more like a soldier, than a regular pony, but he refuted that notion. His mother loved him dearly, even if she did not show so as openly as many would expect. But she had always expected much from him, and as a single mother, she had a heavy burden on her shoulder. Even if the family around helped greatly, and the town they were in were welcoming to her teachings.

She were one of the pillars of their town. Part of the council, that advised Madame Macabre even, and as such, expectations on him were not just from her, but also from others in the family. Even though as a stallion, he were not gifted as the mares of the family were, he were still pushed like one who were, and even now, he were not sure why his mother had done so. Had she been told, that he would do as he had done by a vision? Commit sacrilege, and take magic, that he should not have wielded? He wish he knew, but he did not. Perhaps now, after all the years away from town, she would be willing to tell him.

After he had left the room, Macabre would simply gaze at the door, standing somewhat in her own thoughts.

"How you've grown in your absence..."

She regretted not seeing those years he were away. How she hadn't been there to guide him, or provide him a home, free from the prejudice and scorn of others.

*sigh* She regret... A lot of things, when it came to Soul.

On 2023-07-21 at 6:15 PM, Magnolia said:

"Tell me about Cherish, and what exactly...happened here. I don't understand it. I am sure that you got quite a story to tell about it."

Cherish would flicker into vision, having now had enough time to manifest again properly. Though she'd still be somewhat transparent.

"I can uhm, just answer myself, though there's not a lot to say.

I don't remember when I was alive anymore. I get glimpses sometimes, but they don't make much sense to me.

All I know is that I ended up staying in the old castle, in the Everfree Forest. At some point, a few other ghosts came too. one really bad one, and then another foal, who became my friend. We had the castle mostly to ourselves, until a few days ago, when a strange mare with burning ears showed up, and helped him move on. I miss him... But I know he's somewhere better, with his parents."

The part about the burning ears, made both Macabre and Stitch perk up, as if they knew something.

"The bad ghost vanished a few days before that, so I was all alone, until some others showed up, and found me. They were nice creatures, so I went with them. I couldn't leave the castle though. I'd been stuck to it for too long, so I was bound, I guess. But they took a piece of the castle with them. So I could go with that. Then later, the princess saw me, and offered to help me get bound to her castle instead, so I wouldn't be lonely again. Then we went to get an ingredient, and a lot of bad stuff nearly happened. We met Madame Macabre there, and she helped us get things done. Then the spell went wrong, and I got bound to the princess. I couldn't touch her, without... I guess, switch places with her soul? It felt very wrong.

Then we went here, and you pretty much saw the rest."

"That mare you mention... Were she clad in warm, purple clothes, with peculiar, glowing marking on her hide?"

"Y-Yes? How did... How did you know that?"

"Because she's in the town right now. She showed up about a half hour ago. We are still not sure if she is trouble. Something feels... Familiar, yet wrong about her."

They would be able to leave the room, soon as Twilight felt ready for it.

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

@Sekel

Dawn would find that many eyes were gazing at her. All of them pale, set within the ever-moving, dark blob-like shapes, that kept moving about. Most were different, with those that looked similar, gathered in clusters that seemed to follow one another. The individuals as it were, you could make out with that. As well as the fact that not a single one gazed with malice, but instead sheer, child-like curiosity. She'd also be able to see that they never blinked. If it seemed like they did, it were only because some of the unformed darkness that moved around, would pass over their eyes as it moved past.

When she were through, and did not look anymore, Hammond would close the gate. If she still looked though, it would stay open. In case this one had magic, and wanted a sibling of his for herself, he would not deny them that.

Meanwhile, Dazzle would find that Stare would get closer, and put a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

"We'll find them, okay? They're still out there somewhere, and sooner or later, there has to be somepony who have heard of them, or even seen them. You'll see them again."

"I would think they are safe too, wherever they are. It seems clear that they were not kidnapped, but rather moved. I would find solace in that dear. Doubly so, as that would mean that unless they made their new house themselves, there should be a sales record somewhere, of them purchasing a new home, or listings of them somewhere, in a paper. One does not move so much, without somepony seeing something.

Of course, it would be easier if we had a lead on where they might have gone. I know it is hard for you Dazzle, but I ask that when you are ready, you please have a look around. See if you can find a clue somewhere, that can give us a hint A sign, a piece of paper- Anything - however minute it might seem - could help narrow the search."

Honestly, this were becoming quite a hassle, with little to no chance of a monetary or interest value enough to be worth the effort to complete the search. But truth be told, she were getting rather curious herself, and did not much care for leaving things unfinished, as it were. Besides, she could do things out of the goodness of her heart too. She might be a businessmare, but that didn't mean she had no heart, and the way Dazzle seemed, were getting somewhat saddening.

This whole situation reminded her a little of a colt that she had taken from the black market auctions, because a newcomer had tried to sell him. He had been dealt with. Harshly she might add, as she had been one of the foremost speakers for forbidding outright slave trade at the auctions, and as one who held the most secure, she had a heavy say in what were allowed at her venues. One that more prominent dealers had come to agree with. The vote from Le Perinne had laid heavily especially, as she were one of the Five Pillars, as they called the most dangerous, prominent members of the black market trade.

Regardless of that, she had seen the colt, lamented what he had been through, and had then personally taken it on herself to get him home.

The first place too had been abandoned. The parents unable to handle the grief of living in the home, where their son had been stolen from. He had a look in his eyes, somewhat similar to the one Dazzle had now, and it made her feel as then. That this were a cause one had to see through, costs non-withstanding. The difference being that she wouldn't need a selective memory erasure on Dazzle, when this were all over. Probably.

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

@Sekel

"Sure there's gambling, drinking and the hive, but Las Pegasus is a big place, so there's loads to see. It's primarily a tourist place though, so casinos, amusement parks, souvenir stands- There's plenty of tourist traps, so they can keep thriving. Its got a rich life with other stuff though. Like theater, or the annual High Rise Race.

Fun fact, one of the locals here, Rainbow Dash? She's expected to join this year. The competition's all riled up for someone new to show if they got what it takes, to make them break a sweat. Least that were the talk among several inebriated sots, the last time I was there."

"Hm. I might request a tour at some point, to see things myself."

"Simply say the word, and I shall grant it, my queen."

As the others boarded the train, they'd be able to find a nice, vacant cart they could sit in, and wait for Happy to arrive. Someone else did try to go in, but halted, before going away again, having seemingly changed his mind about where he wanted to be. Not in a way where it seemed he were afraid of the changelings in here, but just like he had suddenly shifted his opinion. The meddling of Onache again, as it were. Her powers of the mind were strong, and not to be underestimated by her enemies. Though she did now wonder at times, what to do with that power, if she were meant to be better. Perhaps there were some kind of more... Acceptable ways for this to be used? She would need to ponder that eventually, but one thing at a time.

If nothing were said in the minutes before he showed up, Happy would soon join them, following the trail of his queen, and would sit down, just as the train would start to be on its merry way.

"Aah, all sorted now then.

While I remember it actually, when we get there, you're gonna see two paths. One's going right forward, into a merry lil' town, where all the casinos and such are. The other is a trail of clouds, going way up. We're at the ground level, where it's more of the culture and gambling that's present. The sky layer is where most of the fanfare and foal friendly stuff's stored. If we wanna go there later, we're gonna need to line up at the tourist board, to get an enchantment cast on us, so we can walk on the skies."

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

@Sekel

"I were just resting my eyes. That does not mean I was sleeping."

He would be stubborn about this, and not back down from presenting what he wanted to be truth here, though yes, he had taken a brief cat nap, before it were rudely interrupted. He had not had much time to rest recently. Which were at least a sharp change from his life in the temple, where he tried sleeping as much as he could, since... Well, what else where he going to do there, all alone? Grow increasingly mad? Focus on how hungry he were? Better to sleep, and try to save a few slivers of his sanity, in the one place where he weren't chained down: his own mind.

"Ah, don't get too hung up on things mates. Let's focus on what we're out here to do: Crack some proper fireworks. And we outta hurry, before your friend here's gonna burst from sheer excitement."

It weren't helping that seeing another this hyped, also affected Blitz, with getting more hyped up too. She always got *infected* like that by seeing that. Just as she also tended to hype up others too, when she got in the zone at times. It were cute, but they outta get something done about it, before she'd end up crashing and burning from the adrenaline rush.

So he'd lead them out of the city, and down the forest trail. Not a lot stood in their way, due to the sphinx that followed them, though they did have a short, annoying chat with a guard. A youngster, who thought he'd be a hero, and save the locals from the sphinx. The amount of dry sarcasm and scorn in Enzo's voice as he addressed that one, made that bluster go away, and the guard would flutter off in embarrassment. It were apparent that he were not in a good mood at that point.

The clearing they'd eventually get to, far off from any tree nearby, were also as it turned out, a place that several had gathered on for a picnic. Not all that unforeseen, and frankly, it didn't stop him either. Enzo did get depressed by once again seeing how others scurried away from him though, with several just starting to pack their things in a rush. Must this always be how he were seen in this country? Why even bother trying to fit in, if this were all he'd get?

It wouldn't last forever though, as Blitz set up the first fireworks. A strange, multicolored display, that seemed to have several towers and spikes to it, as well as a long fuse. Once that were lit, and they were all properly away from it, it would explode in a colorful display, headed skyward. And as it reached the peak, it would blow and expand, into a colorful scenery. One that looked like Blitz, Briar, Felicia, and Carmen. The details were impressive, and really showed them off well, albeit more glittering of course. Then after it had lingered there for about two seconds, a second blast from the display would erupt, clash with the previous imagine up there, and explode into a glittering bomb, that looked like Blitz's cutie mark, that more or less instantly would explode itself, into a myriad of colors.

The filly might be able to blow up mountains, but she could definitely also make something beautiful.

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

@Rising Dusk

On 2023-07-26 at 5:16 AM, Rising Dusk said:

The Prince was awaiting the mares, as to be expected. He were quite committed to his duties. "Not what we're quite use to in Equestria. The knowledge of the potential that your being watched and heard from a being you can't see, is very unusual,"

"As far as I am aware, he does not look, if he is not called upon, though truthfully, I can't say for certain. Hector is somewhat of an enigma to us. A delightful help certainly, but we are not even sure what kind of spirit he is. Though we respect his privacy enough to not ask. I think it fair that we offer him the respect and decency, of not prying into things he have expressed no desire to speak of."

He were not kidding, they honestly were not sure what Hector were. He did not behave like any regular spirit. The steam form he took were a good example of that, as that were not something a ghost normally just went and did. But he weren't like a regular pony either. If nothing else, then the generations he had been around, proved that he couldn't just be a pony either.

There were many speculations, but honestly, Necrotic were of the opinion that others just overthought it. Hector were more than likely just a spirit, who had his own brand of magic for whatever reason. Maybe he had been boiled to death for instance. Hardly a reason to put more into it than that.

On 2023-07-26 at 5:16 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Then it is so," the detective simply replied. He wasn't the most sure yet how well taken hearing the voice of the Goddess would be received. The detective needed more time with that. The High Heathen's duties were split between Thistle and the Rot Farmer. That was curious. The High Heathen had the ear of both gods or were Vish'nay and Suusha one being at some point? Quite a powerful creature either way to need replaced by two separate beings. "The High Priestess does not catalog knowledge with your libraries?" Star inquired, such a foreign concept.

"Normally that history would be there, yes. High Priest Thistle, as well as her predecessors, would have made sure there were plenty of tomes of their story, and what role they play in our society. As I am sure the Rot Farmers have too somewhere.

But remember, Twisted wished to have one god stronger, and become the reigning deity of Harrowmark. One part of ensuring Vish'nay grew weaker, were destroying the temples to her, as well as her priestesses, and all the knowledge they had. The same went for the giant moths, who are symbols of the goddess, and thus represented a problem, if they were allowed to remain.

In the past it seemed, High Priest Thistle acted with the ruling monarchs, fast enough to have history, as well as a clutch of eggs hidden in stasis, somewhere within the castle. The pupa managed to remain hidden, with only her knowing where to find them it seemed, but the tomes were sadly not as well hidden. Those Twisted did not find himself, were eventually offered to him by other royals over the that found them, and who wished to curry favor with him. As far as we know, all the tomes of the high priests of old, have been destroyed. Unless the Rot Farmers hold some in their own collections, as knowledge of their story have been scarce to find in our library. We also have not had much contact with them for centuries now, so it is hard to impossible, to say what to expect from them, or what things they have in their possession.

One now speaks with the High Priestess. I pray that it is a sign of better things to come."

It would not be long after, that the others would rejoin them. At which point, Necrotic would go over and rejoin with his shadow, dissipating the magic as they collided, and making him once again cast a natural shade.

"That were better. You would not believe how odd it can feel at times, if you focus on it, to wander without your shadow. Though it have been worse. Some times, we are apart long enough, that it gets... Rebellious, and less than willing to return. It is quite odd to be literally arguing with yourself.

Regardless, I hope our facilities were to your standards? It seems you have met Hector at least."

Speaking of meeting things, Rising would not be met with any magical residue, if he checked the cup that were meant to have belonged to the High Heathen. Could be anything from age, to it not being the real thing it had, but there were no magic on this, beyond the preserving magics keeping it somewhat *fresh*. It were the same for the other objects in the case. Only thing that did seem to have a faint trace of magic, were the frame around the portrait, and it were very, Very faint. From the feel of it, likely due to the wood itself being magical in nature. Though not tainted by dark or light magic, oddly enough. The weak sliver present, were more natural. It were also the only frame that had that faint magic, in the entire room.

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

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-07-22 at 4:58 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Oh, uh… Yes. You have a point there, Omen. Taking Lin to the healer will raise a lot of questions, some of which you won’t be readily be able to answer. All of this involving magic would look even worse for you.”

“That’s true, but would the Kitsune have anything that could help damaged minds? What we just saw likely ended with Lin unconscious and who knows what with her mind. Rosa’s injuries were physical, but this is something different.”

“What other choice is there? I suggest you take a chance with these creatures and hope Lin will be well. As for me, I’ll seal the entrance to this place by collapsing the entryway and maybe add some rocks and dirt while I’m at it. Once that’s done, the only way in will be by digging through the entrance or using gates. We know what we ought to do now, so let’s not waste time; we’ll see each other in the village.”

"I do not know what they can do to help. But they have strange magic. That might mean they could help her, yes? I think it is good to try."

The kitsune were strange yes, but as she said, they had strange magic. Maybe some of that, could help her? If not, they could go elsewhere and try. It were better than the longma doctor at least. Less questions, and they had no magic to help with things.

Since it sounded like they all had plans on how to move on, Omen would take Lin and Sen away to the kitsune, and let Xin stay and handle collapsing the place, as it sounded like his plan were. They would likely just be in the way, and would be better off taking care of their sister.

On 2023-07-22 at 4:58 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“All right. We’ll see the Kitsune first, Omen. Let’s see if they can help.”

Xin bowed and got to work, nodding to Sen and Omen and wishing the best for them. He wouldn’t be joining the group, as he would need to immediately hide the ruins to stop others from finding them. Their arrival would be sudden, but he called out for help, and they answered with aid. As much as Sen wanted to head off to see the soon-to-be golems, he’d wait to see if anything could be done for Lin. He’d approach whoever was in charge of overseeing Lin, silently hoping for good news, or at the very least nothing approaching bad news. It was a long shot, but he had to stay composed for now.

“I’m sorry to ask of this so soon, but how bad is my sister’s condition? Could anything be done for her, and how much would your help cost me?”

The two kitsune that were tending them - the same as had handled Rosa - would look at one another as they got the last question, and then point towards Omen.

"We want samples from her."

"After we helps your sister, of course."

"Obviously. The patient comes first."

"Just leave her in our care. We'll make sure she's alright."

"Yeah, by the looks of things, it's some variation of external magical exhaustion. Were she drained or possessed recently?"

"Possessed."

"Simple then. Just need to clear out the residue, and get her recharged."

"Let's just hope this one doesn't leak ectoplasm."

"Urgh, yes. That stuff is not easy to clean out."

"This is not gonna be pretty either, so I'd advise you leave us to work, and come back later. You don't wanna see a bucket of residual spirit sick."

Technically they were school nurse students, but these had been allowed, before, it were a slow day, and samples from Omen seemed like it could be very interesting. She were partially made by Discord after all. What kinda weird things might they not see? The principal were likely okay with them doing this too. A bit of outside experience, with something of potential value in return. Who knew? They might get extra credit on their report if they found out a good way to use the samples from Omen.

And in case this were more complex than they assumed, they'd call the real nurse. There'd hardly be a thing she couldn't handle. unless of course, Lin's soul were not in her body right now, which would be a problem they had to solve in another way. As in, the others had to go collect her soul, so they could return it. Though they could get it settled in too if they did. Probably. If not, they knew who to ask.

On 2023-07-22 at 4:58 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Sen wouldn’t hold out hope for an optimistic outcome, and he expected the soon-to-be golems would know more, but any sliver of hope from good news would ease his troubled mind. Only with certainty that no further action would be needed for the moment would the longma head off to see the Stone Matron and find answers from the scholars. As he waited for a response for the Kitsune, he’d pace back and forth, taking a few steps at a time before turning around and repeating it at a short distance. With everything moving quickly, the situation grew more complicated, and Elder Ghilan will catch on to all this sooner or later, as things are going wrong much too soon.

At the Stone Matron's place, she would see them eventually approach, as they couldn't stay with the kitsune all day. The school had to run after all. And when she did, she would wait for them to say something. Which it seemed would be up to Omen, who lifted a hoof, and waved it slowly.

"Hello. You look shinier this time."

The matron did not answer, and just kept looking, clearly waiting for something more relevant to be said. She did not mind compliments, but she wanted to know why they were there in the first place. That were a priority. Though she did have her suspicions.

"We have come to talk to the voices in the ball. We think there is a problem they know something about. Are they still here?"

"Yes. Their bodies are still being crafted, and will be done when the moon rises. The ritual will begin shortly after.

If you wish to speak with them, you can do so. They are where you last saw them. What manner of trouble is it though?"

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

@Catpone Cerberus @StrawberryMilk Simp

"You know nothing, you metal freak."

"Now now, is that any way to talk to your betters?"

Rhugan would point her staff towards the dragon, and the pot would begin to boil with a sickening, green hue. The dragon struggled, but couldn't move properly. Not with what had happened before.

"Bah, curse this weak flesh."

Much like earlier, the Oni would rush out of the body, and head straight towards the elder. If she eanted it so badly, she could become its next vessel!

She steppwd aside once again, but this time, something happened. Her robe wod rise into the air, and begin to unfold. It would show itself as being still made of soft fabric, but it wasn't a piece of clothing. Not properly anyway. It were a painting, stitched with golden thread on the fabric, showing an immense landscape, with various creatures woven in. It were beautiful, yet caused the Oni to halt, and fall back. Intagible, yet clearly not wanting to be near this.

"No no no! I'm not going back! I won't let you do this!"

"Your kind always think it is a choice."

The Oni would run, but thread would shoot out from the robe, grasping the creature, enta gling it, and dragging it in. It uttered curses in a foreign tongue, and struggled, even reaching out for the others, but it were no use. It would be dragged in, and as it laid fully in the painting, it would be bound to it. Rushing around there with the various other creatures, now animate and bringing life to this woven portrait.

Without a robe on now, folks could easier see the grey fur of the elder.

"And that should be the end of that one for now. Thank you for your help, young ones. You did well in making her lower her guard.

Don't be alarmed. It is where it needs to be for now. And you did well. Had I shown up with a bunch of guards, and this draped on the poles, she would have made herself far more elusive. A bit of deception made her careless. As did unknown quantities like yourself.

It is rather chilly now though."

Zhing would pull off her robe, and offer it to the elder.

"A little snug, but it keeps the cold out. Thank you dear."

The elder would drape herself in the robe, and look around on the others.

"Aah, much better. Now then, once you are done healing them, perhaps we should leave? I for one, would like a cup of tea at least, before I return home."

The kits would nod, and continue their healing. Most of the damage had been ha died by now. They might heal oddly, but it were also effective, and quick acting. It got strange looks, but it should af least make the locals feel better about them too, seeing how they were helpful. That were part of why Rhugan wanted them to heal right now, after all.

Meanwhile, Shark would've held on to Light. She nodded when he said that she had to kind of think of it like air swimming, but she needed practice. Somewhere calmer than this, where she could concentrate, as it felt weirder than trying to fly. That felt oddly natural to her.

As things had been u folding, she had also gone in, and snuggled his chest, eyes closed, and said thank you to him, for helping her. She did not know how to defend herself from magic, but he had done that. He had defended her too. It made her feel even more lucky, that the two of them had gotten together. She doubted that any other mate, would be as good to her, as he were.

After, when things calmed, she would have gazed towards the picture. She did not know what it meant, that things were scripted, so she just listened to the part before that she did understand, about not doing stuff. Now it were over though, she had a chance to look at the weird embroidery. Her gaze fixated on one of the forms, that looked kinda like a fish. Her tail swaying calmly from side to side behind her, without a word said.

Light would likely remember this kind of stance from her. It usually came before she pounced at something, and it were probably not good if she rushed into this. She might ruin it, or get absorbed into it somehow. Who could really tell? It were apparently a living portrait of some kind, so it could end up doing all sorts of weird things.

At least it seemed this fight were done.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Yeah well, there's a reason why I ain't got as much competition as I used to. Sometimes dumb folks get what's coming to 'em.

Me? I think it's better to start off on good terms, and then end it the same way. Got enough stuff going on in life, without having to look to see if there's a dagger headed for your back, y'know? Unless they start it. Then all bets are off. Got a few good drinking buddies like that though. Ain't doing business with 'em that much anymore, but we got past the *beating the tar out of each other* thing, and moved on. Life's too short to keep grudges.

Anyway, I'm thinking you don't give a hoot about me telling stories, so let's move on: I'll be there... Around sunset, I recon. This ain't slowing me down monstrously, but I ain't exactly flying there. Don't worry though, I'll be seeing them pretty facers of yours sooner, rather than later. Don't go missing me too much, eh?"

She'd grin, and start to be on her way. She had some travel to do to get this done, and she had to make a pit stop at a casino first. Might as well get a move on now, and she could potentially make good time. The rest would probably get there first, if that dragon carried Ruby for instance. or if she turned out to be a changeling, which were still what she sorta thought Ruby were. Either way, work called, best to be on her way.

Soon as she were gone, Leviathan would tilt her head slightly to the side, looking at the cart and pony wander off.

"Weird pony that one, but eh, gold's gold, yeah? Might as well just enjoy the free shinies.

So, should we just get going, and get a head start, or do you wanna do something first, before we're going into some sorta... I dunno, weird cursed place with some sorta monster, or several. My money's on a mummy. Haven't seen one of those shambling about before. Could be fun. More than poltergeists at least. Those things are a pain in the tail.

Or it's nothing, and folks are just spooked off due to superstition about some supposed cursed written on the walls. Mostly a toothless deterrence, but some take 'em way too seriously."

Edited July 30, 2023 by Blitz Boom

EQ_Theta · July 27, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-26 at 6:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"We want samples from her."

"After we helps your sister, of course."

"Obviously. The patient comes first."

"Just leave her in our care. We'll make sure she's alright."

"Yeah, by the looks of things, it's some variation of external magical exhaustion. Were she drained or possessed recently?"

"Possessed."

"Simple then. Just need to clear out the residue, and get her recharged."

"Let's just hope this one doesn't leak ectoplasm."

"Urgh, yes. That stuff is not easy to clean out."

"This is not gonna be pretty either, so I'd advise you leave us to work, and come back later. You don't wanna see a bucket of residual spirit sick."

“All right, and thank you very much for looking after her.”

Sen gently turned Lin over to the kitsune so they could begin their work. As his sister was taken away, the longma sat down and looked on, saddened and worried. He stayed still for a moment before bowing and clutching his head, unaware of his environment, contemplating the possible consequences he might have just subjected his sister to, and what this might mean for Omen, Xin, Ghilan, or possibly even Rosa. Just imagining what might have happened to Lin had things gone wrong was already too much, but it may be only the beginning. Still, there was more work to be done, and so Sen returned to reality and looked to Omen, still forlorn but with something else in mind.

“I’m ready to go if you’d like to head to the golems. Are you okay with the kitsune’s request for samples? Any concerns with what exactly they’ll ask of you?”

He paused for a moment, mind harkening back to mere moments earlier, though eventually figured he’d end up metaphorically kicking himself over it in case the kitsune’s procedures do more harm than simply for study. Unfortunately, he’d have to behave himself lest these gracious creatures decide to just throw Lin and the rest of them out for his actions. For now, the utmost thing is to keep his emotions in check because he’s already lost control at least once.

On 2023-07-26 at 6:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Hello. You look shinier this time."

The matron did not answer, and just kept looking, clearly waiting for something more relevant to be said. She did not mind compliments, but she wanted to know why they were there in the first place. That were a priority. Though she did have her suspicions.

"We have come to talk to the voices in the ball. We think there is a problem they know something about. Are they still here?"

"Yes. Their bodies are still being crafted, and will be done when the moon rises. The ritual will begin shortly after.

If you wish to speak with them, you can do so. They are where you last saw them. What manner of trouble is it though?"

Once arriving at the Stone Matron’s abode, Sen took a more respectful approach, bowing before her before moving on to follow up on Omen’s opening. It was fortunate that she was accommodating and allowing them to speak with the scholars. Between her and the kitsune, this has been a rather interesting yet welcome turn of events.

“Thank you, Stone Matron. There is a matter that concerns our sister, and we believe they may know more about what has happened. The orb they reside in now… it isn’t the only of its kind, and whatever it was containing may be aware of us now.”

Though Sen may have let on more than what was necessary, it wouldn’t be right to hold back some information. The Stone Matron would’ve stopped them on suspicions alone, and having to meet the scholars was a priority. When the conversation with the Matron was done, Sen would briskly make his way toward the scholars’ focal orb to hopefully get some information, though he would stick around a longer should the Stone Matron have further questions for him and Omen.

Of course, the scholars may have picked up bits of the conversation regardless and prepared themselves for questions. What manner those would take would be up to Sen and Omen, but they’d graciously accept simply being able to speak with known acquaintances. Opposed to the common manner of addressing them first before returning a response, they’d uncharacteristically begin before the longma or the Ki’nathar could speak.

“Well met. We are uncharacteristically seeking company and conversation, but your timely arrival is fortuitous. Do you seek knowledge? How may we be of assistance?”

Blitz Boom · July 29, 2023

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-07-27 at 5:03 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m ready to go if you’d like to head to the golems. Are you okay with the kitsune’s request for samples? Any concerns with what exactly they’ll ask of you?”

"I do not mind, as long as they do not take my eyes."

"Hey, we're not monsters you know."

"And these ears aren't just for show. We can hear you."

"We're talking stuff like hair and fluid samples. Maybe a tissue sample, but it'd be a small one."

"Yeah, taking eyes is going way overboard."

"Except squid eyes."

"Oooh, a little soya sauce, and some chili to it?"

"Obviously."

The kitsune had no interest in taking large body parts at all. Hair, tissue, maybe a blood and spit sample- Those sort of things. Harmless stuff, that wasn't gonna hurt Omen in any way.

Squid though... Squid were food, and many parts of it were delicious, to a point where it now seemed like while they were taking care of Lin, they also had in mind what to have for lunch later. It shouldn't cause issues with her treatment however. The head nurse wouldn't leave these two alone to handle things, if she did not trust them to do a good job.

On 2023-07-27 at 5:03 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Once arriving at the Stone Matron’s abode, Sen took a more respectful approach, bowing before her before moving on to follow up on Omen’s opening. It was fortunate that she was accommodating and allowing them to speak with the scholars. Between her and the kitsune, this has been a rather interesting yet welcome turn of events.

“Thank you, Stone Matron. There is a matter that concerns our sister, and we believe they may know more about what has happened. The orb they reside in now… it isn’t the only of its kind, and whatever it was containing may be aware of us now.”

Omen would follow suit after she saw Sen bow, bowing before the matron too, though almost tipping over as she did so. It would get a questioning look from the matron, but she wouldn't mention it. She knew full well that something were off with this creature. This may simply be another quirk.

"A peculiar situation, but one that warrants the necessity of asking them more. I will take you to them myself."

A few of the workers there seemed to raise an eyebrow, and a couple of the larger golems began to move, seemingly assuming they would need to provide security. She would raise a hand, and clutch it though, causing them to stand utterly still.

"It is best if I oversee proceedings personally. Disassemble the altar again, and continue with your work."

Her disciples would agree, bow before her, and begin their work. Including the larger golems, who were needed to lift the heavier parts of the altar elsewhere again.

She had several reasons to want to handle this, but among them were that she wouldn't trust a finicky position like this to her subordinates. While they did their jobs well, she could not say if violence would break out, or if the inquiry would destabilize the peculiar souls they had with them. And if they did get destabilized, it could take days, if not weeks to have them readied for the transfer again. If she were there however, she should be able to keep things stable, and on track. She had made a deal with the mare who had her wing feathers, and had gotten all the materials and gold she had requested too, in quick fashion no less. So she would work to fulfill her end of the deal in a timely fashion as well.

That, and she were in a good mood currently, despite it not being visible. It had been long since she felt complete, and now, she were reformed and whole again. It were a great burden lifted from her shoulders, though she still questioned how that mare had gotten hold of her flight feathers still. She didn't even know where she had lost them, and yet there they suddenly were. Used not as a bargaining chip to gain everything for free, but as a gift, to lend them her ear.

She were hesitant to trust others, but she would admit to being curious about Scarcity, and willing to open trade with her in the future. Provided it were in accordance to her rules and standards.

On 2023-07-27 at 5:03 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Of course, the scholars may have picked up bits of the conversation regardless and prepared themselves for questions. What manner those would take would be up to Sen and Omen, but they’d graciously accept simply being able to speak with known acquaintances. Opposed to the common manner of addressing them first before returning a response, they’d uncharacteristically begin before the longma or the Ki’nathar could speak.

“Well met. We are uncharacteristically seeking company and conversation, but your timely arrival is fortuitous. Do you seek knowledge? How may we be of assistance?”

Sen would find that the focal orb where in another room than the last time they were here. A small hut, surrounded by 4 minotaur golems, that did not move as they approached, but that were simply due to the Stone Matron herself being with them, and thus, they didn't have to. Minute as this place seemed, it were clearly well protected. Though truthfully, all things here looked minute, and humble. They didn't much care for large, extravagant dwellings here.

Inside the hut, things were simple. Just a small pillar, with a simple small pillow, on which the focal orb would be. Around it, were nothing, except for three small bowls of incense, slowly burning away. It made the room smell a lot like oak and tree sap, but that were about it.

"These two have returned to speak with you. It seems you might not be as lone as expected."

Omen would step forth and try to explain things after that.

"Hello. We were in some ruins with strange letters, then I found another ball in a pile of rubble. It made the symbols light up, and Lin could read them. Then she was possessed, and the ghost said the longma would be made to serve, and that we should know our place. It sounded like a bad master."

Sen might need to step in and provide some more details to make this more understandable by the collective. Though alternatively, they might already know from this, and not have a problem with it. Who could say whatever or not their plans included subjugating the longma to begin with, after all? It hadn't seemed so before, but now, things were more complicated, and there would be suspicions.

In case it seemed to cause great unrest and stir the spirits, the Stone Matron would lift her hand, and the smoke from the incense sticks would suddenly go from wafting calmly, to reaching towards the orb like strings. As her hand closed slowly, the string would wrap around the orb, adding a calming aura to things. It were not guaranteed to work, but it were a measure she could take with ease. More complex things... Well then, it were best to hope that were ot needed now, weren't it?

Catpone Cerberus · July 30, 2023

@Blitz Boom (you forgot Kujamih again, now called @StrawberryMilk Simp apparently.)

The kobolds didn't say or do much while things happened, not that there was much they could have done anyway, but after the spirit was sent away, they both said something, a different thing, in kobold-language, and whatever it was, both sounded derogatory. After that, they dropped Spike, and Sheska walked to the pony she had paralyzed, and did a counter spell; the pony would feel feeling come back right away, though it would take minute or two until they'd be able to move normally.

"We won't be hanging around either, we need to go tell Chega that the problem has been dealt with." Trox stated, cleaning the small amount of blood that had caught to his shield and hand from the broken snouts and small cuts he caused, while Sheska went around healing the injuries caused by them that the kitsune hadn't healed yet, fully ignoring any and all looks she no doubt got. Neither of them paid attention to Shark.

----------------------------
"Don't get robbed." Ruby said as Spicy left, she wondered if there was something she was still hiding, since it didn't seem to bother Spicy that she was, or at least looked like, an easy target for robbers.

"It is often the weird ones that are most trustworthy, those who need to pretend to be normal are always hiding something." Ruby responded to Leviathan's remark "I would know."

"We should probably drop the gold at my place and then get going, it's easier to travel without having to carry that around." "We also should use that stop to read the information given to us, so that we know where we are actually going." "Could give us an idea what to expect, since even if it is superstition, all stories tend to have a hint of truth in them."

Evil Pink One · July 30, 2023

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-07-26 at 6:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

As things had been u folding, she had also gone in, and snuggled his chest, eyes closed, and said thank you to him, for helping her. She did not know how to defend herself from magic, but he had done that. He had defended her too. It made her feel even more lucky, that the two of them had gotten together. She doubted that any other mate, would be as good to her, as he were.

No words were needed in exchange, but a tighter hug was given in response to her.

On 2023-07-26 at 6:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Light would likely remember this kind of stance from her. It usually came before she pounced at something, and it were probably not good if she rushed into this. She might ruin it, or get absorbed into it somehow. Who could really tell? It were apparently a living portrait of some kind, so it could end up doing all sorts of weird things.

".... Shark, it's not fish... So don't break it." He cautioned Shark, but would not try to stop her, since he trusts Sharks judgement.

".... Well that was quick... Too quick for my liking... Shark remain vigilant..." Light would also remain vigilant. It seems their victory was too easy.

EQ_Theta · July 31, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-07-29 at 7:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not mind, as long as they do not take my eyes."

"Hey, we're not monsters you know."

"And these ears aren't just for show. We can hear you."

"We're talking stuff like hair and fluid samples. Maybe a tissue sample, but it'd be a small one."

"Yeah, taking eyes is going way overboard."

"Except squid eyes."

"Oooh, a little soya sauce, and some chili to it?"

"Obviously."

“If you are sure, though I will be here to make certain of it.”

Sen retorted, filled with certainty that the kitsune would be civil about how they’ll go about getting their samples. If they are anything like the pony doctors, they’ve got their code of honor and their duty to uphold. Hearing the kitsune talk back gave him hope, even getting him to snicker and smile, even if only to himself. It certainly injected some fleeting levity into an otherwise tense longma. Maybe one day he’d find himself simply free of obligations and worries that he’ll sample some kitsune cuisine. For now, that will have to wait; matters with the scholars were underway.

On 2023-07-29 at 7:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"These two have returned to speak with you. It seems you might not be as lone as expected."

Omen would step forth and try to explain things after that.

"Hello. We were in some ruins with strange letters, then I found another ball in a pile of rubble. It made the symbols light up, and Lin could read them. Then she was possessed, and the ghost said the longma would be made to serve, and that we should know our place. It sounded like a bad master."

“Omen speaks true, though there is more to it. There was another orb, just like the one you are in right now, only someone or something took over Lin after it granted her some ability to read and speak a language she barely knew. It said that we were ‘let loose long enough,’ and that we ‘would be made to serve once more.’ You were found in our forest by the last elder in an orb like the one you are in, and that already makes you suspicious. What do you know about this?”

There was silence, an unexpectedly long lull in the moment only broken by the orb releasing a harmless beam aimed at Sen and Omen as if it was examining them. The once seemingly jovial scholars were possibly serious now, though none could say for sure just what made them change. They could sense an accusatory stance from the longma, that even if he didn’t bring himself to say so, they were already the prime suspects. But as it was, they were obligated to share what they knew, even if it would only raise more questions than answers. Once their “examination” was finished, they would resume where the conversation left off.

“We have not ruled out the possibility that our creation may have been replicated to fulfill a similar purpose by others, but the Hyracotherians never engaged in slavery. We did not engage in such a practice. The more pressing matter lies in your sister’s condition. Have you taken her to a place where she can be examined?”

“Yes, with the Kitsune. We brought her to them before coming to you.”

“Good, but even so, you must be aware that she may be in a condition where the creature that tried to possess her might have damaged her being either partially or fully. An unstable psychic and magical link could lead to a loss of memory or worse, destroy someone’s consciousness. Was your sister in such a condition?”

Sen nodded, though he wasn’t entirely certain what an unstable link looked like. Lin’s violent shaking was about as close to “unstable” as he could get. Unfortunately, he could already imagine the worst-case scenario where his sister may wake up without any knowledge of who she is or possibly never waking up again. Either outcome wasn’t favorable, especially when it would effectively rob Sen and Omen of a sister, not to mention the complications it would cause when they’d meet with the elders. Such a drastic turn of events wouldn’t help the siblings’ case, and it wouldn’t be the end of the bad news.

“Then maybe it would be wise to consider what would become of her because there is a chance she will not be coming back, mentally or otherwise.”

Blitz Boom · August 1, 2023

@Catpone Cerberus @StrawberryMilk Simp (Remembered now!)

On 2023-07-30 at 10:30 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

".... Shark, it's not fish... So don't break it." He cautioned Shark, but would not try to stop her, since he trusts Sharks judgement.

".... Well that was quick... Too quick for my liking... Shark remain vigilant..." Light would also remain vigilant. It seems their victory was too easy.

"Oh, she's not done being troublesome. But this will hold her for now, and be our problem later, back in Neighpon.

And you should listen to him, young lady. This is not prey, or a toy."

She'd use her magic, and roll up the cloth painting, making a nice tube, before silk would come out of thin air and wrap around, before finishing with a large, red ribbon, that were tied around it, and into a bow.

Then Elder RHugan would concentrate more, and draw a small circle on the floor with a claw, magic trailing along with it, sparking in a line. Once both ends connected, there would be a small flash, before the line were simply glowing softly. She'd take the rolled up living artwork, and push it into the middle. While the inside of the circle had not seemed like much, she were able to push this through the floor, the surface waving like the surface of a pond, as this were carefully passed through the small portal.

It would be over soon enough, though before it could be closed, Shark went closer, sniffing the small portal, and then sticking her nose into it. Something smelled strange, yet good to her, though she couldn't say what it wa- !

Her eyes would suddenly go wide, and she'd jerk her head back, revealing that a streak of something parchment yellow, had been placed upon her snout. Something which she'd start to lick cautiously, and then with more joy, working on cleaning the odd liquid around her snout.

"Seems like Hu Tai is in a good mood. Usually he doesn't share."

"It taste of happy."

"Not everyone's first reaction to tasting kimchi. A bit of an acquired taste, but good for those who can stomach it."

Her staff would tap the floor, and the line s would fade away. Her delivery as it were, had been done. And it seemed that the kitsune kits had been hard at work too, making sure that the worst injuries had been dealt with. Some scrapes and bruises were to be expected, but nothing bleeding, bones not broken or bent... Yes, the most important parts were handled, though about a minute or two more, now they they got assistance from Sheska, should sort the remaining proper injuries out well enough.

They got some looks. Confused ones, and in the case of Sheska, a couple would scurry away when she neared them, but the kitsune could handle that. They were not seen as bad, because they hadn't hurt anyone. Though Sheska would still be welcome enough by most of those she had actually hurt. Being under control, they had no idea what had happened, and would thus not know why they should have issues with her.

Once all would be said and done, they could get out. Rhugan, Zhing, and Hachi, would follow along, as they went to Chega. Rhugan heard that she were in or near an inn, and that sounded like a good place for a cup of tea for her. Sure she had to return home and get to work soon enough, but the cup of tea would be a welcome break after all of this. Might not have seemed like much, but she weren't as young as she once were, and moving around as much as she had, and using the magic that were displayed, were still taxing on her energy.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-07-30 at 9:37 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Don't get robbed." Ruby said as Spicy left, she wondered if there was something she was still hiding, since it didn't seem to bother Spicy that she was, or at least looked like, an easy target for robbers.

"I hope somepony tries. I could use a good laugh."

Might not seem like she'd be able to do a lot, if she got jumped, but she weren't defenseless. Truth be told, she mostly didn't even need Marley for protection. He were mostly there for companionship, menial labor, and appearances. And no, not because he were overly focused on his looks. Appearances as in, him sticking around, made others less likely to figure she were an easy mark, and thus she'd get attacked less.

She'd probably have a few who got handsy now, after she were travelling alone. She had to get herself a new bodyguard soon, but it'd take time unfortunately, and there were work to do now. She couldn't exactly risk going with a new one out of nowhere, and then have them later revealed to be a law officer in disguise. She had colleagues who had gotten taken down by that. No, she had to rely on those she knew and had some trust to, and then figure out who were worth putting in some more trust, and then start to slowly introduce them to the work proper.

*sigh* She missed the feather duster already... He better not stay a stranger. Especially not since his deranged girlfriend, would probably try to tear off his former boss' face, and mail that to him, to let him know that she were thinking about him. She seemed a little... Whatever the nicest way to say *Axe murderer in training* were.

On 2023-07-30 at 9:37 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It is often the weird ones that are most trustworthy, those who need to pretend to be normal are always hiding something." Ruby responded to Leviathan's remark "I would know."

"We should probably drop the gold at my place and then get going, it's easier to travel without having to carry that around." "We also should use that stop to read the information given to us, so that we know where we are actually going." "Could give us an idea what to expect, since even if it is superstition, all stories tend to have a hint of truth in them."

"Seems like a solid plan. Better get on our way then, so we don't lose day light I suppose.

On the way there, if we find a clear area, maybe we can break and see if your lil' bro here would be ready to try another magic lesson. I'm thinking that we've seen him able to manipulate a few sparks, but maybe what's holding him back, is that he doesn't have enough voltage? I'll try saving up, so I can increase it a bit. It'd be cool seeing what he can do when he's charged up. My guess? Slamming through a mountain. Or setting the forest on fire, though who haven't done that at least a few times in their lives, right?"

Shame they had to leave the town already, but hey, money called, yeah? And Ruby were right. Best to ditch the loot, then get on their way, so they could get more loot. And a bit of time to think of what they'd do next. Besides, wasn't gonna do if the pony made it there first. Wouldn't do that they'd be slower than an equine with a cart, right? That'd just be embarrassing. Better that they got a move on, and made it there at a leisurely pace, well before the four legged poker player got there.

"Anything you still wanna do before we take off? I'm ready when you are, though someday, I wanna take you two back here, for a proper day around town. A chance to enjoy the good parts of life in town. Including both the high and lower layer of town. It'll be fun."

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

@EQ_Theta

"I will not accept that."

Omen would speak up, soon as she heard that the ball talked about Lin potentially not coming back. Something that she - as mentioned - wouldn't accept as an option.

"Then what would you do about it?"

The Stone Matron had seen many things in her life. Enough to know that the world were filled with infinite possibilities, and countless ways to get what you wanted, if you were determined enough. Yet at the same time, this one seemed... Slow and more of a follower, than one who took charge and made things happen. She were curious if the creature actually had some tangible plans, beyond just refusing to accept a dismal, potential reality.

"I will take her to anyone I can find, that is stronger, to make them fix her. To Mother. To the princesses. To Master Discord himself. Sister will get better."

"Did you just call Discord master?"

"Discord is my master. He gave me form, when he ruled over Equestria. He can do many things. So can Mother, who made me, and my unformed siblings long, long before Master Discord chose me. Even if they can not help, there are others too."

The Stone Matron were... Conflicted now, as she did not like Discord. At the same time, this were not him, and she couldn't judge Omen fairly, just by going by her relations with the lord of chaos. And she were right. The draconequus were strong, and could do many things. He might well be able to do something. This *Mother* though, she did not know, and were not sure what to expect from. Nor the princesses, as she didn't much care to get involved in their business. So she would simply accept that Omen seemed to have ideas, though the most pressing one they could go and ask, were right in front of them, as it were.

"You, whose voices shall soon be granted form. It sounds like you know of what might have happened, and what could come. Have you not too an interest in seeing things through then?

Have you something that could be traced, of the one who linked with her? Perhaps in that connection, broken or not, you will find answers."

Omen would think for a moment, then begin to regurgitate. Piece after piece of the orb from before, that she had gone and showed down, and stored in her stomach. She had intended to eat all of it, but hid some of them for later, as things had happened, and she needed to get a move on again. One of them, being the big piece that had gotten stuck in her eye. She'd lift that one up, help by her dry, warm tongue, and looked towards the orb.

"I ate some parts of it, that got stuck in me, when the orb exploded. Is this useful?"

As she spoke, the last few strings in her darker eye would stitch together, leaving her eye completely healed up again, and as it were mended properly, light returned to it. It seemed she now had depth perception once more.

As for the kitsune? They'd focus on getting Lin physically stable, but as for her mind, as the slightest notion that the damages were deeper than that, they'd contact the head nurse. And if it were then very serious, they'd take it further, to some who were more experienced in matters than them.

Damaged or not, Lin certainly had a lot that wanted what were best for her. Hopefully she'd soon return to them, and could appreciate the amount of creatures who had deep concern for her. sign that she mattered to them all.

That said, while they could probably end up fixing her, one way or another, even if they had to work from many various angles... It were questionable if they could do so before the meeting. And if she were not ready before that, then what? Could Sen speak on their behalf on his own? Would they even let him?

Rising Dusk · August 2, 2023

@Blitz Boom

To lose one's history, their ancient history from where they began long long ago. All the lessons learned, the good and bad, all eroded away by the wimps of a dark wizard. Worst of all, they had to watch it happen and could do little to nothing about it. Twisted sure did a great deal of damage to Harrowmark's culture in ways they might not fully understand yet. Those in Harrowmark appeared on average far more likely to out live the average citizen in Equestria. Undead or otherwise, they had many members in their society to potentially have long enough memories to keep the spark of history alive. Equestria's Alicorns were the few that held that honor in Equestria, but history books aren't much an issue hunting down for those that really wanted to look into it. The goddess and Thistle had a lot of work cut out for them to get this land caught back up after the era of Twisted.

Star appeared lost in thought about the information he'd just gained. A rare sight to not see his father talking on about, anything really. Just the stroking of his mustache and silence. So much so, that the reuniting of the family, and the addition of a clone of the Prince had gone unnoticed by the older stallion. Rising watched as the shadow reunited with creator. Not that he's ever thought of one's shadow being a separate thing from the pony, simply the body blocking a source of light from the background. It did answer the question Rising had of how separate the clone was, which apparently turned out to be nearly its own being given long enough time away. "I couldn't agree more. Quite unproductive," Dawn agreed with the Prince. Rising rolled his eyes, Dawn was leaving out much of the detail of that incident. "I think you learned quite a lot from it, personally," the detective poked at his sister. A lot to gain from getting a first hoof experience of how you treat others, when it is yourself treating you that way. And not shockingly, the clones had as big of egos, making it difficult to have in the same room. Luckily made of magic they were easy to discern for Rising, but on the outside and each considering themselves the true Dawn, was a nightmare. Best laid plans and all that. Dawn glared at her brother, but didn't let it linger long enough to get noticed. Not that she needed to it, he could feel her seething behind that composed mask.

"Did you overwhelm your father?" Grace spoke up, seeing the unicorn lost in own little world of Harrowmark long ago. "New history, a lot of process," assured his mother. Star was likely on his sixth mental poem by now. He'd have a new book for sale at the local bookstore within a week of their return, guaranteed.

EQ_Theta · August 3, 2023

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-08-02 at 4:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I will take her to anyone I can find, that is stronger, to make them fix her. To Mother. To the princesses. To Master Discord himself. Sister will get better."

"Did you just call Discord master?"

"Discord is my master. He gave me form, when he ruled over Equestria. He can do many things. So can Mother, who made me, and my unformed siblings long, long before Master Discord chose me. Even if they can not help, there are others too."

“Consider what options are available because given the possible outcomes, using magic to fix this problem will likely make things worse.”

“But we can’t just do nothing. This is our sister’s life we’re dealing with, and I refuse to let things turn out like this! You said the bad outcomes of what Lin went through; what more is there? Is there a chance for something good, even if it is only slim?”

The scholars paused for a moment, running every possible scenario in their noncorporeal heads. Admittedly, the chances of anything positive happening from an unstable psychic link was next to zero, but that was, in itself, still a chance. They’d relent and offer an answer to Sen’s question, but it was too much to hope that something like it would happen. The odds just weren’t likely to fall in their favor, but even so, they hoped it could still happen.

“An unlikely outcome will see your sister recover, all memories intact, and gain the ability to read and speak the language Omen mentioned. It would be as if she was gifted through a memory transfer because of the possession. However, what will most likely happen is Lin waking up with gaps in her memories, and she will need help recovering them. Magic cannot fix that, only simple recollections from those who are knowledgeable and reinforced with time. It is evident that you care a lot for Lin, and so we hope this can ease some of your worries.”

On 2023-08-02 at 4:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You, whose voices shall soon be granted form. It sounds like you know of what might have happened, and what could come. Have you not too an interest in seeing things through then?

Have you something that could be traced, of the one who linked with her? Perhaps in that connection, broken or not, you will find answers."

Omen would think for a moment, then begin to regurgitate. Piece after piece of the orb from before, that she had gone and showed down, and stored in her stomach. She had intended to eat all of it, but hid some of them for later, as things had happened, and she needed to get a move on again. One of them, being the big piece that had gotten stuck in her eye. She'd lift that one up, help by her dry, warm tongue, and looked towards the orb.

"I ate some parts of it, that got stuck in me, when the orb exploded. Is this useful?"

The Stone Matron’s question piqued their interest, and they were ready to assist however they could. The siblings, Rosa, and Omen, were about the closest thing the scholars had to friends, and given that they’ll soon be heading off on their separate paths once they receive their golem bodies, it was in their interest to nurture something they already have. Assisting the siblings was never out of the question, and their magical knowledge could do more if they had more to work with. Fortunately, it seemed Omen had that covered… or regurgitated.

“There is no doubt that we will offer what help we can, and concerning what you have... provided, these will do. Permit us some moments to study what we could from the events that led to Lin’s possession and her current state of unconsciousness. Perhaps we can learn more about who created this message.”

Blue magical energy emanated from the orb, latching itself to the shattered counterpart and creating what appeared to be a web with glowing segments. The scholars traced along the paths, recovering a magical signature that could help identify the creature that took over Lin. Sen remembered that this was only serving as a message, or rather, a warning that someone from the longma’s past would be coming for them. It didn’t make things any easier to remember, but it was something to consider.

After about 20 minutes, the scholars eventually concluded their examination, though they seemed hesitant to reveal their findings. As much as they were able to offer something positive earlier, it seemed they might have to retract some of their statements. Even the most realistic and likely outcome became a little less likely to happen.

“Did you find out more? What did the shattered orb show you?”

“Something we did not expect yet most curious. It contained a message, but it did more harm to Lin than simply using her as a conduit. Whoever created this intended for the creature using this orb to be made into a vessel by destroying their personalities, leaving only a body that could be made to serve their needs. In a sense, it would leave a husk for someone to transfer their consciousness into or possibly a partially conscious slave that will obey orders without question, but the magical signature was only made to respond to longma. Stone Matron, Omen, would either of you know of any creatures that could be capable of such abilities?”

Sign In

open Casual stroll

Recommended Posts

Catpone Cerberus 23,588

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Blitz Boom

Blitz Boom

Blitz Boom

Posted Images

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Evil Pink One 13,506

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,588

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Evil Pink One 13,506

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Rising Dusk 27,513

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Evil Pink One 13,506

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Sekel 692

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,588

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Rising Dusk 27,513

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,588

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Evil Pink One 13,506

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 457

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,620

Link to comment