open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 478]

@Blitz Boom

Sen smiled, and his heart warmed at the thought of Omen’s sentiments. As much as he wanted to correct her about maintaining the good that they could do if their talk with the elders went well, perhaps it was best to leave it be. They could refine their approach later. If there was some good they could do, it was best to start somewhere, and home was a good place to start. Maybe it would become a home for Omen as well sometime down the line. He hoped it would become a place for her where she would want for nothing.

Then again, home was just as much a place for happiness as it was for pain. The longma remained in silent contemplation, his smile fading at the thought of memories long-buried. Those gnawed at him, eating away at his positivity. Omen saw those too, and he made no secret about how much it hurt -  how much it still hurts. It was no secret how much he talked about it, but that advice about talking things out to ease the pain, he wasn’t sure it was sound. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. But he was adamant about it being a cautionary tale, and he’d talk about it no matter how much it felt like picking away at a scab that won’t truly heal. He appreciated Omen’s help.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not understand your pain. Maybe I never will. But I will help you to make things better, yes. Perhaps things going well, will make the pain... Smaller? I am not sure how to say it. Pain is a strange emotion."

While she could sympathise with him, to an extend, Omen had never experienced pain. She did not know what it were like, and without that knowledge, she couldn't understand the pains and turbulence that Sen and Lin's lives had tossed at them, because of their kin. She tried, but there were just things that were beyond her, for better or worse.

“I don’t wish my pain on anyone else, and I hope you never experience it. Maybe with things going well… that’s one more thing to help me heal. If there was one thing I learned about carrying that pain for a long, long time, it’s that it never truly goes away. I just learned to live with it. But being with you, Lin, and Rosa, it gets easier.”

It was true that his past still haunted him, about how he still feels the guilt of abandoning his parents all those years ago. Some nights, he relives those harrowing moments, always feeling paralyzed and unable to do anything. And yet, those nights don’t come around as often as they used to. Instead, he recalls the night at the carnival, competing with Rosa, sharing meals with Omen, and meeting new creatures with Lin, all things that brought him so much joy. He sometimes wished he could relive those moments, the fleeting moments when he truly felt close to them.

Maybe if things went well, he could create more of those and hoped others would have the opportunity to create memories that are just as sweet. But they would have to focus now on other matters. The big day was coming soon, and they would need to settle on final preparations.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I sometimes eat trash in Canterlot too. There are some strange things in their bins.

One time I was picked up by a strange truck while I was sitting in one, and scrambled into a big pile of things, that were put on a ship. I think I surprised the birds when I dug my way out to look around. There were many smells there."

Usually there were safeguards in place to stop that  but as Omen had been in the bottom, covering herself with a layer of trash, to see what sort of being would come, and what they threw out, she hadn't been noticed. Especially as she didn't call for help. She had just let things happen, and didn't move around until she heard birds, and wondered where they were now, that had birds.

“I couldn’t have imagined eating food from the trash would be something you and Omen had in common. The smell of eggs gone bad was already too much for me to handle.”

“Time spent in exile has led to some strange situations, some beyond our control. I made do with food from the garbage, but on some days, I preferred starving. Strange food was a mixed bag; on some days, the food was good, and others, I wouldn’t touch it.”

“I guess you’re right, but when ponies make good food, it wouldn’t matter how mysterious it was. Pies may be mysterious, Omen, but good technique and ingredients can do wonders! Besides, it doesn’t have to be mysterious; remember that big, friendly mare who runs the bakery in Canterlot? The one a cat led us to? I think she can teach us all about pies, so they won’t have to be as strange.”

Lin chomped down on the makeshift salad Sen created, seemingly forgetting to critique its taste. Xin and Ghilan ate their fill but remained quiet. Though they could easily point out the overwhelmingly bitter taste of the watercress and the mismatched crunchiness of the leaves with the chewy mushrooms, they kept that to themselves. Frankly, they were engrossed by the conversation between the longma siblings and Omen, learning a little more about them and their experiences.

It seemed like their time away from the village opened them to experiences not thought possible. And for Ghilan, he was interested in knowing more about what they learned and how it changed them. He may not find himself in their position, but the insight he can gather could prove valuable. But as they ate, the conversation turned to more serious matters, and he would need to step in to offer some guidance and insight of his own.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not know what else you should do. You make others look here, and I keep Sen and Lin safe. It sounds lime things are okay then, yes?

I do not like your hunter. So I will not speak with him, and will try and ignore him, because you asked me to. But if he tries to go after Sen or Lin, I will send him away.

Maybe not to the forest, but just back to somewhere else in the village instead? Would that be better?"

“It is a sound approach with each of us settling for something in our control. However, I would highly advise you to just not engage Feng at all, which means sending him away is not an option. But knowing your abilities, you can send you and your friends away to safety instead. And you have Feng’s scent; unless I misunderstand how that works, maybe you can use that to know when he is close by and move away to safety before he can get to you? That is how it works, correct?”

“I don’t like it, but I guess it will have to do.”

“I know I am asking a lot for you to restrain yourselves, but I don’t want things to get out of control. The way I see it, remaining in control would show that you are wisening up to Feng’s tricks, that you are taking a smart approach, and that you are not stooping down to his level.”

Lin would much rather find a way to permanently remove the threat to herself and her friends, but she conceded to Ghilan’s suggestion. This was a delicate situation, and making things worse wouldn’t help anyone. The longma of the village may be amenable to having former exiles among them, but it wouldn’t take much to turn that sentiment around. If anything, giving Omen a home here could be a wasted effort if the village collectively decided to kick them out. And when the bully is someone in authority, they can change the narrative to whatever would make things worse for the siblings and Omen.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I am not dangerous. Mother tells us to not hurt others, and I listen to her. But we can defend our masters, with our gates. Send threats away. Sen and Lin are not my masters, but I will still defend them. They are my best friends, and I will not let a weak one hurt them.

...Would he go after someone weaker than him? Us gone, there is no one here, but what of their grandfather? Old means weaker, yes? Could they try something against him?"

“It would not matter if you truly are not a danger to anyone. Feng has already made up his mind about you, and he’s bent on making you look bad to anyone still uncertain about you. It may seem stupid, but Feng isn’t going to be stupid about it. So, no, he will not go after Sen and Lin’s grandfather. That will just make him look insane to everyone else in the village.”

“You will not need to worry about anything happening to your grandfather, but I will inform some hunters to quietly keep an eye on him. He will be safe while we are away. Feng may be planning something, but that is directed at us. Might as well keep it that way to minimize the danger to others, right? Now, would anyone have any other concerns that need to be addressed? I would like to discuss our plan and schedule for tomorrow. Likewise, I need to also discuss something concerning your little friend, Omen.”

Ghilan had a small pack on him when he arrived, and he would place it before the Ki’Nathar and the refraction. Both of them were free to inspect it, and if either of them fiddled with the leafy covers, they would see a small wooden cage. It was rather large for the little one, with ample room to move about. However, the bars were close enough to each other that Shrimp wouldn’t be able to slither between them. The elder wasn’t quite sure how they’d react to it, but he wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t thrilled with the idea. He’d rather just get it out of the way sooner, including letting their dislike be known immediately, but he’d prefer to come clean with them.

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On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Why of course, there is always a need for some to do the dirty work, that others prefers not to stain their hooves with. I am a prime example of such myself too, in a fashion. Hence the need of grouls like that of Shade Stealer.

And no magic is perfect. It happens some retains, or regains memories, but ask yourself the following: Would you publicly speak of something you have no proof off, and inevitably gain attention by the very same guard you were once part of? Or would you understand that to avoid being taken in and potentially having to serve more of your sentence in jail, or in the squad, or even worse, it would be best to keep your mouth shut?

Considering Shade makes sure to get the teports of his former workers, just in case, any rebellious thoughts will be met with a warning, and if ignored, he will deal with you. I have yet to hear of one of the rare few who remembers, trying to speak out after that.

Some level of secrecy is vital for covert groups, and if needed, they do have authority to silence you. Best to avoid that."

“I don’t know… Given our differing circumstances, sometimes being snuffed of life is preferable, but I won’t claim equivalency based on how Equestria operates its most unsavory aspects. After all, having done the dirty work gives me some insight into why they're necessary, just as much as the secrecy is vital. But to your question, I don’t have an answer that would satisfy.”

“In any case, the idea that other worlds or planes of reality exist is… a lot to take in. Knowing about them is one thing, but to fully understand them would take significant time. How magic ties into those is another thing entirely. To think there are other avenues of study beyond what our knowledge has revealed only tells us that what we know is a fraction of what we have yet to learn. Then again, the concept of, uhh… ‘universes’ as you call them, is a very foreign term for us. If time permits, that might be something we can study. I am certain of your description about them being fascinating.”

Scriniarii stepped in to stop Legatus from having an unnecessary diatribe on the merits of secretive work. Knowing their history and the circumstances that led the golems into their current state, they wouldn’t need to air their dirty laundry out in the open. They had to be careful with what information they would divulge, knowing that they were operating under a cover story. And if they had to talk about it, it was better done in private.

Fortunately, they were taken to a place where they would have their moment of reprieve to discuss their private grievances.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

This house specifically, you are the first inhabitants. I bought it after the old widow that lived here beforehoof, sadly passed away. Her descendants had no interest in the home, so they had no issue selling it to a housing project that made contact with them. Especially with the state it were in before.

I paid a fair price for it, and had it renovated within standards to the local rules. I assure you there were no underhandedness in this, beyond hiding who the true owner were. And as renovations were done, I had some hidden compartments added. You can ignore them, if that if your want.

“Ah, that is nice to know, and though we may not know if we would need those compartments, it’s good to be aware of them. I don’t suppose the home might be haunted by the previous occupant?”

Vates took a swipe at Videntor’s leg, sending a sharp knock that disrupted his balance. “Ow! Hey!”

“I apologize for the insensitivity of that comment. We do not know if you believe in superstitions, but there is a belief in our time that those who pass on in a home may not truly pass on. Their essence or spirit, whatever the appropriate term may be, could be attached to objects in the home. Or in some cases, they could be attached to the home. Cleansing rituals would need to be performed to remove the lingering presence in the home, which is usually identified by feelings of being watched.”

“Back then, homes were small enough to notice those presences, but larger ones? The process would be more involved. Unfortunately, I do not perform those, so I wouldn’t know what to do with removing an unwanted presence in the home. I guess nowadays ponies might call them ‘hauntings,’ right?”

Though their experiences with the supernatural are incredibly limited, the golems have had their own share of such tales back when they were more active in their time. Later on, being unearthed meant hearing more about similar phenomena from the different civilizations that interacted with them. Some things remained similar as time went on, and that familiarity gave plenty of creatures unexpected connections with each other.

Vates and Videntor believed in those tales, but others within their group didn’t share the kind of openness they had. Surprising, really, considering they could be considered ghosts depending on perspectives. But, as their civilization marched on, even belief in the supernatural gave way to the pursuit of the tangible and the empirical, and those beliefs slowly faded away, with only vestiges remaining in the fringes of Hyracotherian consciousness.

On 2025-09-13 at 1:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Keep in mind, I will not inform you of other associates og mine in the area, or if they may be hiding something. Just as I would not do so toyou, were the tables turned. You will have your privacy here, such is my promise, and I stand by my word, lest I am given reason to fall back on it. I doubt we have have any such issue.

“We appreciate the privacy all the same, and the quiet of this part of town gives it a touch of home from a long time ago. As beautiful as Canterlot is, its vastness and scale can be overwhelming at times. Here, it is nice and quaint, conducive to relaxation and work. And as for the terms of our agreement, we would uphold our end. There won’t be a need to be at odds with each other.”

“Though now, the feeling of familiarity makes us a little more eager to work. Which brings us to the question: what can we do to prepare? And would we need to provide you with anything to ensure we can work here legally? Being displaced from our time has left us with little outside of what knowledge we can provide.”

Edited September 18 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,774]

@Blitz Boom
"It is not the daily upkeep that concerns me, the hive can run itself even without a queen for a good while, assuming no outside queen takes over, and even the most incapable queen has the basic capabilities by instinct." Asildae stated "But rather, it is our neighbors that pose a threat." "My mother was excellent at keeping them in control, a combination of diplomacy and power that kept stupid ideas out of their minds." "She taught me her secrets, something my sister never got to know." "To put it simply, I worry our neighbors, as unimpressive as they are, may still surpass my sister in aptitude." "Which could be a threat to the hive while I'm gone." "But, at the same time, it may provide useful tool for my repossession." Even now, as the buildings came into view, Asildae grabbed any prey that came too close to her, though she no longer took off to get something from further away, so her victims now consisted mainly of insects that flew or crawled too close; It may be that there was something else common between her and Glutton than just their agreements, as Asildae had at this point eaten quite a lot for someone of her size, even if it was in form of goo.

"Say, as we are nearing this settlement, is there any social norms I should keep in mind?" "I don't particularly care if I'm seen as unusual, but I rather not make accidental enemies because of some silly rule I'm not aware of." Equestria was indeed a weird place, and Asildae observed it all, even if it may have seem like she was more focused on catching food than paying attention to anything, partly to learn, and partly for safety, 

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Magma's reassurances didn't quite hit what Vaz had meant, as Vaz's thoughts were on a more existential issue, the ritual and his variants on potential futures, was it his fate to fail the ritual? was there no existence where it did what it was supposed to do? Though, Magma did touch another thing he had been thinking now and then. Active degradation was not a concern to him, as his mind, like his body, kept renewing, keeping him at the mental state he was; thus his comment on injuries being undone rather than healing. Rather his concern was his mental limits, something his memory had already reached, thus him forgetting things; It wasn't that he was forgetful, quite the opposite, his memory was quite good for a kobold, rather, a kobold's mind was simply not meant to remember several centuries of memories, and he had reached the biological limit.

It was easy to deal with memory issues like that, as he kept journals for that exact reason, storing them in a place he could access magically, though funnily enough, he currently couldn't recall where the place was physically. But what about other parts of his mind? what would happen when he reached his emotional limit, if such existed? He did not address the topic though, only gave Magma a thoughtful nod to acknowledge her input.  

"I start by stating that I am merely speculating, as I have not tested covering myself with molten stone." "Assuming you have the element of surprise, eliminating any potential magical means he has to stop you from covering him in the first place, I see no reason why it would work any worse or better than any other means of continuous damage." "In case he feels no pain, the weight alone could work to slow him down if nothing else." "I would also argue that if it is the case that he lacks a rational mind, to call him a living being is not an accurate statement." "As in such a case, he would be simply a possessed corpse that imitates a living creature." 

"How permanent such action would be even if successful, I am not certain." "Because as stated, it could still take longer than your existence, to exhaust the energy keeping him alive." "To come up with proper action, you must understand my, and by extension, his nature."

"We do not simply heal from an injury, rather, the injury gets undone." he ripped a single scale off his arm and dropped it, causing a deep enough wound to slightly draw blood, and in almost an instant, with a momentary green glow, the missing scale was back before the one he had ripped off had had time to land on the ground. "I am not ageless in the way you may often think with immortality, rather, my body has frozen to the age and state it was in when I completed the ritual." "In case of an injury, I do not grow new to replace what is lost, but rather, the energy from the souls is used to remake what was lost as it was." "Depleting this energy is what you would need to do."

"The challenge is, that even if the source of injury is constant, like in the case of being trapped in lava, the state of injury isn't." "Our body would always, even if only for a moment, return to its fully intact state." "In one hand, this means more energy is spent, quickening the process of running out, but in the other, it also means chances to escape, to counter your methods." 

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

Charir didn't really know what to think on Leviathan's first point. First of all, the fact that Leviathan was allowed to help Ruby in the first place, or that she was close enough to her treasure to even potentially show interest in messing with it, were already massive shows of trust to Charir, it simply did not happen among their kind, until the two dragons already had a trusting relationship, so clearly Leviathan had made some kind of an impact on Ruby, either that or Ruby had seen her as so puny that she posed no threat, which was possible too. The family point he also didn't really agree on, mainly because being 'just her friend' seemed quite a lot closer than any family he had seen from his own kind, granted, he acknowledged that their understanding of 'family' was currently very different.

Her compliment, while it felt nice, also confused him slightly, mainly because the concept of 'cute' in the way she meant it was still foreign to him, and had it come from one of his kind, it would have been an insult. not that he showed the confusion, as he looked mostly thoughtful, thinking through what had been said. The explanation of 'honey' got similar thoughtful reaction, he understood the concept, but he didn't fully understand why sweet things you ate were terms of affection, but then again, he barely knew the word for 'affection'. 

 

He listened equally intensely at Leviathan's take on family, so intensely in fact, that he was caught bit off guard when she placed her hand on him, not in a bad way, but it was clear he had been very into her monologue. He didn't have any comments on it specifically, mainly because he had to think through what she had said before forming any deeper thoughts about it, so he just responded with "I think, I want that too?" "I don't want to be like mother." "I don't want my daughter to want to kill me." he was talking about Ruby here, granted she didn't want to kill her father specifically, but in his mind, Charir imagined himself being more involved with his potential offspring, so he compared himself to his mother in this matter, even if among their kind the father didn't usually really matter enough for anyone to want them dead.  

On Leviathan's latest comments, Charir responded in uncharacteristically serious tone "It is the most horrible place I know, I rather slice my own throat than live there again." it was probably the closest he had gone to Ruby's coldness naturally, he had no love for his home, though his tone went up right away, as he continued "This side, it is more nice, lot more." 

 

As the Lake, and bit later that massive structure that was the library came to view, they would experience the first dragons approaching them. It was a group of young dragons, about head taller than Charir all of them, though it was hard to say if they were older than him, or if the size difference was because he was a runt.

It was a group of three specifically, all different kinds; One was similar in build to Charir, though their scales were notably thinner, and even more significantly, their scales were pearlescent white, and their horn and claws were transparent, also sharing the pearlescent look of their scales. Second was a longer, almost snake like dragon, they had no wings, and had relatively short legs, their scales various shades of green. The last one was one of Voltaick's kind, though unlike Voltaick, this one wasn't constantly charged with electricity.

They were flying from the direction of the library, when one of them spotted the duo, and after some hesitation, they made their way towards them. When they got closer, there seemed to be some kind of minor argument, likely about who would say hi first, as the trio seemed a bit wary, which was understandable, at least to Charir, who was also wary of the trio.

Ultimately, it was the Voltaick's kin that was in front when the group approached, his voice revealing him to be male "Hi, you are the visitors right?" "We have never seen a Death-Bringer from close." the green one joined in, he too was a male "There is of course Elder Dask, but she's so large, that we can only see her from far away." the third one didn't say anything yet, instead they looked at Charir in curious manner, before their scales and horns started changing color, turning them to the same colors as Charir, which obviously got Charir's attention, which in turn got the green one's attention, and he remarked "Don't mind her, She does that." this caused her to look embarrassed and change colors again, though not to the pearlescent white that was likely her base color, but rather ones matching the environment, making her harder to see.

They had also gotten someone else's attention, as in the lake, among the various aquatic dragons, one dragon was looking at them, a blue one, the size or build was hard to conclude at this point, as it was a distance away, and only the head was above water, but it was at least Ruby's size, likely larger. They however didn't do anything yet, just observed, and it could be none of them even noticed it, Charir didn't at least, as he was focused on the dragons close by.

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,739]

"How long, have it not been?"

The strange voice wafted in from the deep, thick foliage of the forest, though it got no nearer.

"To wander freely in the light of day?"

The voice sounded as if two were talking in tandem. Harmonious, and clear, yet if you focused, one could make out that one voice were raspier, and the other somewhat ethereal, though they blended together if you did not focus on it.

"Untold years at first, then decades to come."

It were a female, and it came from a nearby clearing in the wood. A large ring, filled with flowers and grass, as well as two things oddly out of place. One being a jagged spear of crystal, that jutted out from the ground, roughly two meters in height.

"All the while, longing for even the most minute trace of the sun's glow."

The other being the one who spoke. A very peculiar sight, to put it mildly. It was a changeling queen, her belly being white in coloration, though that were not the strange part, as much as the fact that she were covered in clear, light-blue diamond, in the shape of a deer. The layers covering all of her, like a thick suit of clear armor. Though the queen's horn were covered in gems too, it sat between two larger deer antlers, made fully out of the clear, blue diamond.

"What strange times, to be free to sit beneath its glow, and ponder such things again."

This were far beyond just the concept of a statue, or armor though. When the queen spoke, the deer did too. Every breath, every movement and blink, were done in tandem, as if the diamond covering her, were as alive as she seemed to be.

This were no ordinary queen, that were for sure, yet she seemed peaceful, and were alone here. No drones or guards to defend or accompany her, and she seemed to simply stand there, looking upwards, and thinking out loud, in what she had likely assumed to be a vacant forest. barring the normal critters, that were, but they were not what one would consider regular talking partners.

"Though still, the sun does appear different somehow."

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Sometimes you gotta flex some muscles, so folks don't go and think you're a pushover. Can't say your mom were wrong there."

Glutton wouldn't go eat too much on the way, as she wasn't feeling like it, but they did get near a moss-covered rock the size of a full-grown, male minotaur, that she'd pick up and shove into her mouth, crunching through it like it was made out of pork rinds. Pebbles rolled down her face, landing on the ground, and as they passed, she'd snap her fingers, and the lot would grow into a cluster of other rocks, each around half the size of the original boulder.

"Mortals are all about claiming they adapt well, and listen  to others, but I've not met a lot that's willing to compromise, before they know the other one can punch back if they get to uppity.

One of the ways we ain't so different, you and us, hah!"

Mortals were such a peculiar bunch, but she'd give them that they did have some things in common. Depending on the immortal, a fair few too, but there were a lot of variance to go with there. Gods though? Now those were something else, but what did you expect? Gods worked on a whole other level for the most part, so they were bound to be a little off.

"Ain't nothing special to keep in mind in town though. Try not to eat anyone, and you'll be alright. That includes their pets. Ponies gets very attached to them. Makes some very worried, if they even think someone would eat one of them."

She'd grin, the dog leash stuck between her teeth dangling out from her maw.  Didn't shock the locals so much, but the tourists? Those she could always rile up, and often did, for the sheer joy of it.

What? She might be a good Draconequui, but she were still a chaotic demigod. She needed her fun too.

"Frankly as you're with me, some might think you're one of us. If they do, have some fun with it, and mess with them if you want. Ponies are very animated little things. Won't work on the elder dragon though. They've seen too much to really fall for a lot of tricks anymore."

Wouldn't be long after this, that she would push a large tree aside, and they'd hit the outskirts of the bustling city. Well, the park near the forest anyway, but they'd just need to walk through that, and they'd be well on their way.

Glutton would lead on, and while the two got a lot of attention, most did the smart thing, and just got out of the way, to let them pass. Like sardines against a shark.

A filly with big buck teeth, and an impish grin on her little face though, got nearer to Glutton, making the draconequui stop briefly.

The filly rose a hoof, and handed over a picture that she'd drawn to Glutton. Who'd in turn, pick it up, have a look at it, and let out a large laugh, that seemed to make the nearby folks more skittish, though no one came and tried to grab the filly away.

Glutton would take the picture, and slam it unto her right bicep. The paper would seemingly evaporate, judging by the steam escaping through her fingers, and when she removed her paw, she now had a tattoo, of a clearly youngling's art, that represented a crayon painting of a trash can, with the upper half of a huge dog in it, maw open, while a bunch of various fruit were headed towards said open mouth. This were clearly meant to represent Glutton, and it appeared that she thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Good work you little rascal. Now go hop along, before your momma starts going white, yeah?"

She'd ruffle the little one's mane, who'd giggle under her touch, before she lounged forth, hugging the huge draconequui, and then taking off, towards another part of the park. Glutton would keep them moving after that, a bigger grin than before on her face, as the tension around seemed somewhat lifted. Though there were still plenty of eyes on Asildae. Likely a larger problem when they got to the stone and mortar town.

"Heh, kids can be some funny folks. Ain't a fear in her head for me, and she always gets so excited. Can't help but bring a smile to my face."

Mortals weren't so bad, a lot of the time. Timid and scared? Possibly, but some were polite and treated her like just about anyone, and others like this kid, found her cool, and at times even drew her pictures. And this one had been a funny one, so she'd keep that on her fur from now on. Wasn't the only one either, but most of the others were under her clothes, barring one just left of her mane, on the back of her head, that looked like an extremely detailed rose, made of spaghetti.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Magma looked on with great fascination, as he presented the way that his *healing magic* worked. It were certainly not the way that she had expected it to function, but that just tingled her scientific mind even further. This would prove a challenge, if it were to be solved. Which of course ideally, they wouldn't have to, and that problem would be contained in another dimension, rather than become a threat they would have to handle. But it were still nice to run a thought experiment on it, and try to think of how one could deal with such things.

"Highly fascinating. So your healing functions somewhat like time manipulation, where one reverts the injury to a previous point, where it were unharmed? Visually that is. It would indeed make it quite difficult to deal with. As I assuming that anti-magic does not negate this effect for some reason, one would need to think of a way to do continuous damage, over a long period of time. Hmm...

Perhaps several rods, of continuous force of magma, or some sort of more volatile wild magic, plunged into vital organs? Even if the damages were healed, the rods should still be in place. Though depending on the situation, I acknowledge that if you slowly moved, every time you did get healed, you would inevitably get loose from them. Wild magic is also rather finnicky, and not prone to last forever, when meeting with constant, opposing magic acting up near it.

Mere speculation, of course. I wouldn't dream of doing something like that to you. I'm a scientist, not a butcher. But the theoretical work is still interesting to ponder upon.

Morbid business and theoretical thoughts on how we might harm your counterpart aside though, what more are there to do here? We seem to have found what we were searching for, and I don't see traces of any survivors that left, witnesses in the area, or anything overtly harmful that we need to handle otherwise, beyond what we have found, and can catalogue at base.

Far be it from me to want to end a good conversation of course, but I can think of better places to do so. Though it is of course, merely a suggestion. You are the boss after all, sir. Your decision is final on our conduct here."

She simply believed they had been standing and talking for quite a bit, and wondered if perhaps this were something better done back at base, after they had cleaned this scene of what they came here for. It may be it seemed impatient, but it just seemed they'd benefit more from having everything in house, where it could be examined in a sandless area, for more minute traces, and risk less contamination from the wilderness.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-09-21 at 1:11 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

He listened equally intensely at Leviathan's take on family, so intensely in fact, that he was caught bit off guard when she placed her hand on him, not in a bad way, but it was clear he had been very into her monologue. He didn't have any comments on it specifically, mainly because he had to think through what she had said before forming any deeper thoughts about it, so he just responded with "I think, I want that too?" "I don't want to be like mother." "I don't want my daughter to want to kill me." he was talking about Ruby here, granted she didn't want to kill her father specifically, but in his mind, Charir imagined himself being more involved with his potential offspring, so he compared himself to his mother in this matter, even if among their kind the father didn't usually really matter enough for anyone to want them dead.  

On Leviathan's latest comments, Charir responded in uncharacteristically serious tone "It is the most horrible place I know, I rather slice my own throat than live there again." it was probably the closest he had gone to Ruby's coldness naturally, he had no love for his home, though his tone went up right away, as he continued "This side, it is more nice, lot more." 

"You're meant for a more civilized place than out there, my boy. Nothing but death and misery to be found. This here's a lot nicer of a place, but there's plenty more around the world.

Tell you what: I'll go take you to the Dragon isles someday. Full of dragons, but usually more family matters and loving. Long as you stay clear of the water dragons.

Now, i might have enough sway for them to just think you as suspicious, if you hang around with me, but in general, most agree it's just better to leave them alone, rather than risk them beating the tar out of you, for getting too comfy in their territory. Though they're still better than out there, since they got a good family dynamic with their own. My dad had the rare chance to join in on that, and have a loving, loyal mate for the rest of his life. And then he had to ruin it, by going and cheating on her, while she were laying on their eggs.

Honestly, his own fault she killed and ate him. Just a shame my birthmother smashed all the eggs too, since she felt betrayed by him. All but mine, who'd gotten stolen by a sneaky diamond dog who wanted to prove she could do it. Heh, Dimma always loved a challenge.

She were not too thrilled to see me at first, but we're okay these days. Maybe we'll swing by when we go, and you can have a look. See what a purebred water aligned dragon can look like. Don't mind if she growls, it's just how she warns you to not try something dumb."

Compared to how things were out there though? Her mother was a warm, welcoming saint.

On 2025-09-21 at 1:11 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ultimately, it was the Voltaick's kin that was in front when the group approached, his voice revealing him to be male "Hi, you are the visitors right?" "We have never seen a Death-Bringer from close." the green one joined in, he too was a male "There is of course Elder Dask, but she's so large, that we can only see her from far away." the third one didn't say anything yet, instead they looked at Charir in curious manner, before their scales and horns started changing color, turning them to the same colors as Charir, which obviously got Charir's attention, which in turn got the green one's attention, and he remarked "Don't mind her, She does that." this caused her to look embarrassed and change colors again, though not to the pearlescent white that was likely her base color, but rather ones matching the environment, making her harder to see.

They had also gotten someone else's attention, as in the lake, among the various aquatic dragons, one dragon was looking at them, a blue one, the size or build was hard to conclude at this point, as it was a distance away, and only the head was above water, but it was at least Ruby's size, likely larger. They however didn't do anything yet, just observed, and it could be none of them even noticed it, Charir didn't at least, as he was focused on the dragons close by.

"Yeah, we're the outsiders alright, heh.

Nice meeting you all. My name's Leviathan."

She'd rise a hand in greeting, with a warm, cheeky grin on her face.

"Nice color changing. Is that magic, or something natural?"

She dug that sort of thing. Sure it seemed a little involuntary, so it might be something like a mood affected thing, but it was still rather cool.

As were it, that they seemed to have more eyes on them than this. Wasn't someone close, but she could feel someone starring, and looking around, she'd find that it were someone aquatic. Now weren't that something? Someone she could relate to, had seen them. Might even be her, that was the focus here, eh? Probably not, as it seems Charir and Ruby were all the rage, but she'd like to think that it was her.

So after greeting these three, she's rise an arm high, and wave slightly, whilst looking back at the one in the water. Afterwards, while lowering her arm, she'd close her mouth, and seemingly twirl something around in there, as if she had a hard candy. Then with a deep breath from her nostrils, she'd breath out a pale orb, roughly the size of a tennis ball, and mostly see through, that'd travel towards the blue dragon, blowing on a small gust of wind. And once it got near the dragon, it'd either pop by itself, or said dragon could pop the sort of smokey bubble it with any sort of impact, and Leviathan's voice would come out.

"Hey there. We'll be over there, once we're done talking."

Could she have just kept it at the wave, and waited? Yes, but she liked showing off, even in small ways. And it was good that several had gotten interest in them! It meant folks were curious, and questions were far easier to deal with than teeth. Besides, Charir could use the socializing.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I don’t wish my pain on anyone else, and I hope you never experience it. Maybe with things going well… that’s one more thing to help me heal. If there was one thing I learned about carrying that pain for a long, long time, it’s that it never truly goes away. I just learned to live with it. But being with you, Lin, and Rosa, it gets easier.”

It was true that his past still haunted him, about how he still feels the guilt of abandoning his parents all those years ago. Some nights, he relives those harrowing moments, always feeling paralyzed and unable to do anything. And yet, those nights don’t come around as often as they used to. Instead, he recalls the night at the carnival, competing with Rosa, sharing meals with Omen, and meeting new creatures with Lin, all things that brought him so much joy. He sometimes wished he could relive those moments, the fleeting moments when he truly felt close to them.

Maybe if things went well, he could create more of those and hoped others would have the opportunity to create memories that are just as sweet. But they would have to focus now on other matters. The big day was coming soon, and they would need to settle on final preparations.

"So you do not want me to feel your pain, but it helps to share it? I do not understand."

It seemed complicated, but then, there were a lot of nuance to grasp that one properly, and when it came to emotions such as pain, Omen were still mostly fumbling blind in the dark. Both in regards to why it should be shared, when it were not meant to, and how it didn't go away. Were the meaning of healing houses, not to make the pain go away? Did she need to take him somewhere?

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I couldn’t have imagined eating food from the trash would be something you and Omen had in common. The smell of eggs gone bad was already too much for me to handle.”

“Time spent in exile has led to some strange situations, some beyond our control. I made do with food from the garbage, but on some days, I preferred starving. Strange food was a mixed bag; on some days, the food was good, and others, I wouldn’t touch it.”

“I guess you’re right, but when ponies make good food, it wouldn’t matter how mysterious it was. Pies may be mysterious, Omen, but good technique and ingredients can do wonders! Besides, it doesn’t have to be mysterious; remember that big, friendly mare who runs the bakery in Canterlot? The one a cat led us to? I think she can teach us all about pies, so they won’t have to be as strange.”

"The one that brother has a friend in? Yes, I remember that bakery. Maybe if I buy a pie, she can explain it? I can try.

And I can eat anything, but I do not need to. I just want to try tasting things. There are many tastes out there, and more keeps being made. In trash cans, there are very many. I still think I like fire the most. It makes me feel something.

...I do not eat creatures. Mother would not want me to. Though I know some of my siblings do. Their masters tell them it is important, with the shapes they have. I think Mother is okay with it, long as they did not harm anyone themselves?"

She had not really asked into it, as it didn't seem important. Just the way that some of her siblings had to do things, yes? That were normal. Or well, for them anyway, with how they were after being shaped. She were an exception, rather than the rule, when it came to how she functioned. Sure the lack of sleep were universal, but usually they still had to eat, had things they could not devour, etc. Discord had just transferred his own weird spin on Omen, when he shaped her.

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It is a sound approach with each of us settling for something in our control. However, I would highly advise you to just not engage Feng at all, which means sending him away is not an option. But knowing your abilities, you can send you and your friends away to safety instead. And you have Feng’s scent; unless I misunderstand how that works, maybe you can use that to know when he is close by and move away to safety before he can get to you? That is how it works, correct?”

“I don’t like it, but I guess it will have to do.”

“I know I am asking a lot for you to restrain yourselves, but I don’t want things to get out of control. The way I see it, remaining in control would show that you are wisening up to Feng’s tricks, that you are taking a smart approach, and that you are not stooping down to his level.”

Lin would much rather find a way to permanently remove the threat to herself and her friends, but she conceded to Ghilan’s suggestion. This was a delicate situation, and making things worse wouldn’t help anyone. The longma of the village may be amenable to having former exiles among them, but it wouldn’t take much to turn that sentiment around. If anything, giving Omen a home here could be a wasted effort if the village collectively decided to kick them out. And when the bully is someone in authority, they can change the narrative to whatever would make things worse for the siblings and Omen.

"I did not try to track him, but I did get his scent, when I licked him in the ear, yes. I can find him, if I focus on him."

She could tell the direction, and distance he were, if she focused on it, but it were a conscious effort to track someone, not a passive one. And she had generally not thought him worth the time to track. Maybe she had to now though? At least she would feel him out this time, just to get an idea of how far from here he were, and when she would have his scent, she would look directly in that direction.

"Yes, I found him. I will focus on him now and again, and see where he goes. And if you tell me not to send him away, but us instead, then okay. I can do that."

She would show this, by opening a gate beneath her, which would swallow her up, before closing. Then she'd wander out of another one, that would open next to where she had been standing before, and closing it while done. It were not how she would want to do these things, but Ghilan were a friend too, so she would listen to him, and do as he asked of her. It just required a bit more focus like this, but she had done so before, and could do it again.

"I do not know why he bothers trying. He is too weak to do anything to me."

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It would not matter if you truly are not a danger to anyone. Feng has already made up his mind about you, and he’s bent on making you look bad to anyone still uncertain about you. It may seem stupid, but Feng isn’t going to be stupid about it. So, no, he will not go after Sen and Lin’s grandfather. That will just make him look insane to everyone else in the village.”

“You will not need to worry about anything happening to your grandfather, but I will inform some hunters to quietly keep an eye on him. He will be safe while we are away. Feng may be planning something, but that is directed at us. Might as well keep it that way to minimize the danger to others, right? Now, would anyone have any other concerns that need to be addressed? I would like to discuss our plan and schedule for tomorrow. Likewise, I need to also discuss something concerning your little friend, Omen.”

Ghilan had a small pack on him when he arrived, and he would place it before the Ki’Nathar and the refraction. Both of them were free to inspect it, and if either of them fiddled with the leafy covers, they would see a small wooden cage. It was rather large for the little one, with ample room to move about. However, the bars were close enough to each other that Shrimp wouldn’t be able to slither between them. The elder wasn’t quite sure how they’d react to it, but he wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t thrilled with the idea. He’d rather just get it out of the way sooner, including letting their dislike be known immediately, but he’d prefer to come clean with them.

"I do not get concerned, and Fheng is weak. I do not need to think more about him.

What is it you want to talk about with Shrimp? Should I wake him up for this?"

Shrimp were having a nice, long nap, and it would be best to not interrupt that. Plenty of excitement for him in Mother's realm, and that left him needing to replenish his energy.

Considering the talk about him, would likely include how he should be left somewhere else, it might be best he didn't hear this, and get annoyed at the strange longma. Best that his caretakers would come to tell him that later.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I don’t know… Given our differing circumstances, sometimes being snuffed of life is preferable, but I won’t claim equivalency based on how Equestria operates its most unsavory aspects. After all, having done the dirty work gives me some insight into why they're necessary, just as much as the secrecy is vital. But to your question, I don’t have an answer that would satisfy.”

“In any case, the idea that other worlds or planes of reality exist is… a lot to take in. Knowing about them is one thing, but to fully understand them would take significant time. How magic ties into those is another thing entirely. To think there are other avenues of study beyond what our knowledge has revealed only tells us that what we know is a fraction of what we have yet to learn. Then again, the concept of, uhh… ‘universes’ as you call them, is a very foreign term for us. If time permits, that might be something we can study. I am certain of your description about them being fascinating.”

"It is an interesting, but complex study. I only really listen to it in terms of the way anypony can, but certain scholars could talk you an ear off with their findings and theories. I will admit that some of the finer details are above my head, but then, that is why I pay for their expertise, rather than handle such matters myself. I find it makes things work wonderfully smooth, if the more... Tedious academics, are allowed to do their thing in their own ecosystem, to the point where they can accurately describe it to the average laypony. It helps me to relay the important parts to others."

She were smart, but she only had so many things that she could know, and keep track off, before useless information began cluttering her mind. And frankly, she did not need to know the finer details of such theories. Only the important parts, and as such, she filtered through things.

She also had a lot of things on files in various locations, just in case though. Running an operation such as hers took quite a bit of information. More than could be realistically kept in her head at once. As well as various things to use as bribes, of course. one needed evidence to make threats tangible. And in her position, she would not last long, lest she could make others concerned about what she could do to them.

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ah, that is nice to know, and though we may not know if we would need those compartments, it’s good to be aware of them. I don’t suppose the home might be haunted by the previous occupant?”

Vates took a swipe at Videntor’s leg, sending a sharp knock that disrupted his balance. “Ow! Hey!”

“I apologize for the insensitivity of that comment. We do not know if you believe in superstitions, but there is a belief in our time that those who pass on in a home may not truly pass on. Their essence or spirit, whatever the appropriate term may be, could be attached to objects in the home. Or in some cases, they could be attached to the home. Cleansing rituals would need to be performed to remove the lingering presence in the home, which is usually identified by feelings of being watched.”

“Back then, homes were small enough to notice those presences, but larger ones? The process would be more involved. Unfortunately, I do not perform those, so I wouldn’t know what to do with removing an unwanted presence in the home. I guess nowadays ponies might call them ‘hauntings,’ right?”

The notion of a haunting, made Scarcity's nose wrinkle, ever so slightly.

"No, there is no haunting by a previous resident in This home. Though that have been a... Consideration in other places, over the years.

I did scoff at the notion of ghosts, once upon a time, but I have done what I do, long enough to have seen many things that others would consider impossible, or far-fetched. Including spirits, both natural and post-life manifestations.

I have needed to call upon members of the Macabre Clan several times, because a poltergeist, or other such apparition, have lingered, and potentially caused havoc. Enough to know that there are tomes full of various types of manifestations, making it quite a fortunate event, that Equestria have their clan to help. Though they cannot handle natural spirits. Other professionals are needed for that. Costly ones, I might add. A far more delicate matter, sadly does require better compensation. But you get what you pay for, and I want for excellence."

On 2025-09-18 at 4:06 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“We appreciate the privacy all the same, and the quiet of this part of town gives it a touch of home from a long time ago. As beautiful as Canterlot is, its vastness and scale can be overwhelming at times. Here, it is nice and quaint, conducive to relaxation and work. And as for the terms of our agreement, we would uphold our end. There won’t be a need to be at odds with each other.”

“Though now, the feeling of familiarity makes us a little more eager to work. Which brings us to the question: what can we do to prepare? And would we need to provide you with anything to ensure we can work here legally? Being displaced from our time has left us with little outside of what knowledge we can provide.”

"I require the most valuable thing in this world: Information.

I will need to know specifically what your chosen line of work is, in enough details that I can translate that into more modern terms, if necessary.

To work in Canterlot, you will need permits, legal residency, tax papers, and a myriad of other forms. Banalities that I can have arranged with little effort. But your professions will need to be covered well with various additional information too, to make it more modern day legitimate. The more I know, the more authentic I can thus have it made."

Information were power, and that were the weapon she held better than most. But for it to work the best, she needed something to work with. As much as possible.

She would go to one of the drawers, and pull forth a block of paper, and a pen. She always considered that to be essential to keep around, just in case, so all her houses had some laying around, in case it were needed by her, or any future resident.

Using her horn, Scarcity would float them towards her companions.

"Are you capable of writing in common, as well as speak it? Or would it be better if I wrote it down myself?"

Edited October 4 by Blitz Boom
Missed some words.

[Dragonfly]

@Blitz Boom

Dragonfly halted her breathing for a moment. She had been in this forest for no longer than a week, but she had already found something that interesting! One golden ear flicks as the two voices continue speaking as one, her head turning to the sound. Letting herself breath again now that the explorer has acquired a direction to travel, her eyes shift into joyful citrine. Careful, watching her every step, making no more noise than necessary, Dragonfly peers through the foliage.

The sight is incredible. Her ears stop picking up the words, eyes widening as they focus on the crystalline creature. The creature within barely registers either, though she wouldn’t know of the changelings anyway. She’d often been teased and messed with back home for her tendency to lose the thoughts in her head when faced with something shiny or pretty, but up here it hadn’t been that relevant yet… Until now. The golden mare with a ruby mane and sparkling purple eyes had forgotten stealth. She barely remembers to breath, sitting with her hooves pushing open a bush for her head, staring. Very clearly visible.

Edited October 4 by Ionic Sunset

[Catpone Cerberus 23,774]

@Blitz Boom
When they got close enough to civilization, Asildae stopped grabbing things from the air to eat for now. She watched Glutton to eat the rock and grow new rocks, though she again seemed to be mostly curious about it rather than anything else, at least outwardly, as having no soft skin, or really even facial muscles similar to most creatures, Asildae didn't really emote with her face as clearly, her eyes and body language being the biggest indicator of her emotions. 

Though she was generally just curious about it, as due to her kind's inability to properly utilize it, their study of it was mainly observing, thus her reaction to it was more analytical than awe.

"Why compromise if the other side cannot resist you?" "A compromise is to minimize damage on both sides after all, so if the other side cannot cause damage to you, why bother pleasing them?" "I believe you individualistic creatures call this kind of unnecessary compromise 'compassion'." "Many see it as noble, but in truth, it's a privilege." Asildae stated thoughtfully

On Glutton's point on messing with ponies, Asildae let out couple short quiet whistles, likely her version of chuckling "I have a feeling that I can get a reaction out of them by just being myself." "I've learned that herbivore creatures tend to find our ways of feeding repulsive." As they arrived to the city proper, Asildae's gesture turned to match her general, almost regal demeanor, her head held high, and her hands behind her back in confident manner. It did somewhat clash with her general behavior though, considering she didn't seem to really care what others thought of her.  The truth was that she wasn't trying to seem like anything specific, she was simply mirroring her mother, she didn't really know the social connotations of certain body language to other creatures, as she had no need to know them. 

Asildae once more observed the event's happening next to her, she didn't really feel much of anything seeing it, as her different nature caused a disconnect from the whole thing. Being a hive mind, her relationship to her daughters was different, and thus her relationship to young in general, lacked certain warmth; Thus this interaction was merely a curiosity, a quirk of individual minds that she didn't properly understand. It was also worth mentioning that in age only, this filly was possibly older than her, since she had hatched only some seasonal cycles ago, and she didn't quite understand the mind of a child, due to never really having a childhood in that way.

"The young of other creatures are fascinating to observe indeed." "Fearful and fearless with no clear logic." "So curious and stubborn, yet also easily manipulated to act and think in certain ways."  "They also seem to bring up emotions in others, like happiness in you." "That is something, I can't quite relate to." 

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

Solar hadn't interrupted the conversation, because to him, they hadn't been just standing around. Not only was Vaz's insight important with the potential new threat, but he had also been working the whole time, the data from the remains actively being analyzed in his systems, and various scans running on the pile of sand to make sure there was nothing they had missed; this all was of course unseen from outside, so physically he had indeed just stood there.

"I do believe we are done here yes, I cannot find anything else of note here." "I'll gather the pieces, and we are ready to leave; we'll need to notify whoever is in charge of environmental issues, so that they can come and see if the sand needs to be removed." He then materialized a bag from a small compartment in his metal parts, and started carefully collecting the pieces of his former colleague. Vaz spoke meanwhile.

"In some ways you could call it time manipulation, but I don't believe time itself is affected in reality." He started "I admit I don't properly understand it myself, but I believe it is more a form of recreation." "Creation of identical copy of sorts." "It is also why my counterpart is so visibly stiff." "He was resurrected, so he does not return to my youthful health, but rather, to the rigid existence of a reanimated corpse." 

"You are correct that any means of magic nullification has no impact on this effect." "That is because while the ritual itself was magic, the process that keeps me alive, requires no magic to operate." "It is fueled by souls, already in the vessel." "If blocking it is even theoretically possible, it would likely be lethal to you yourself too, for you would also nullify your own soul, whatever that would entail." a terrifying concept really, what would it even mean to nullify the soul of a living creature?

"As for the suggested methods, I have no experience to state their effectiveness." "But you are likely right in the possible failure points, especially if my counterpart is not hindered by things like pain." "We can't know for sure, if he even has vital organs left, as we do not know just how alive he is." "Again, using the ritual for bringing someone back from dead was not something we considered, so all I can do is guess." 

 

"Is there something more you seek from me?" "I have told what I know could assist in countering one like myself, and if I am still around in such a case, I would also seek to help to counter them." "But, I have no reason to return to the capital, as I now know that those I seek, live in the town nearby, so until you have further questions, this is where we part ways." 

"I have one, what is this?" Solar once again projected an image, again from the point of view of the pony who's remains they found, though this time, the other Vaz had wrapped her in green, glowing, string like tendrils, coming from his fingers, and her field of view was more limited, as damage had appeared on the lenses of her artificial eyes. "Ah, that's simply how lot of my magic works." Vaz's eyes lit up, as green, glowing string like magic shot out from one of his hands, wrapping around a nearby stick, which he then moved around before snapping it in half. The 'strings' then retracted back to his hand, and his eyes returned to normal. "It allows me to control the flow of magic better, letting me use more or less magic as needed." "It also makes it easier to do several things at once." 

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

Charir didn't really have the context for cheating when it came to relationships, mainly because having a relationship where such was even possible was not exactly a common place among his kind, so while a permanent partner sounded nice, and he understood why breaking of one's trust was a big deal, what leviathan said didn't translate properly to him, as he simply understood it as the father betraying the mother, without any context on what kind of betrayal it was. 

He was surprised about what he learned about Leviathan's mother, but not shocked, partly because he knew she had grown up with some other creatures, diamond dogs as she called them, though he didn't know what those actually were. The other part why he wasn't particularly shocked, was because only really knowing his own mother, he had no reason to think it wasn't normal among dragon mothers to be so...volatile. "Mothers' really like to punish their young over fathers' actions huh?" He simply remarked "I do sometimes wonder why mother did not just smash my egg, she clearly despised father, and me." he didn't sound sad about it, in fact, he was awfully casual saying it. 

 

Everyone waited Leviathan to do her orb thing before speaking, Charir being the only one visibly fascinated by it, while the three others were just curious what she was doing, as magic wasn't exactly rare around here, so it didn't really impress anyone as much as it did Charir. Though depending on how fast it traveled, they spoke before it reached its goal, as it was a good distance away.

For the larger dragon's reaction, while it was too far to see expressions, it gave a wave back, and brought their forelegs on the side of the lake, leaning on them in relaxed manner, they were unsurprisingly aquatic in nature, having webbed feet and fins, and while rest of their body was still hidden underwater, the shorter looking legs implied they were similar in shape to the green youngling, so likely one of the 'serpents', as Werodex had called them. 

"It's natural." the young female responded, clearly happy about the compliment, as a rainbow of colors moved through her body before she returned to the white pearlescent color and transparent horns and claws "But I still need practice to properly control it." the green one cut in "Yeah, she keeps disappearing." to which the female responded with "At least I don't send my friends to treatment by almost electrocuting them to death." "It was one time! And why did you bring me into this? He's the one being a jerk" "Because he can't do anything-" she was cut short from all things, Charir, who just interrupted the argument with "I think it is nice." "The color thing." "You are pretty" Which seemed to take the trio off guard, causing the female once again briefly go camouflage for a moment before turning white again, and both of the males also were surprised by the directness.

Charir in turn was bit surprised they were so surprised, as he lacked the social experience to know why calling someone pleasant to look at among his age group could cause any kind of reaction. "I can also do electricity, but I don't know how yet, it just happens." "I'm called Charir." 

"I'm Oreon" The white female responded first, surprised by the sudden compliment, especially coming from a Death-bringer "It's nice to meet you both." "Ereo" said the Voltaick's kin, and the green one finished with "Vulri". "You can also control electricity?"  Ereo then asked "Yes, but I don't know how yet." "I think my father was your kind." the two others looked at Ereo, who responded defensively "Don't look at me, I don't know who it is" 

 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 478]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"So you do not want me to feel your pain, but it helps to share it? I do not understand."

It seemed complicated, but then, there were a lot of nuance to grasp that one properly, and when it came to emotions such as pain, Omen were still mostly fumbling blind in the dark. Both in regards to why it should be shared, when it were not meant to, and how it didn't go away. Were the meaning of healing houses, not to make the pain go away? Did she need to take him somewhere?

“It’s true that I don’t want you to experience what I went through. But I guess by ‘sharing’ in this case, it’s more like talking about it to you. I’ve been keeping that to myself for a very long time, but I feel safe talking about those things with you or Lin, Rosa, or even Mother. I can talk about things that I find difficult to speak about if it were anybody else.”

Sen still hasn’t completely figured out his thoughts on the things that bother him, things difficult to speak of. Old wounds haven’t healed despite how much time has passed. But he was sincere in his sentiments; just being able to talk about the things that hurt him made it easier to live with them and probably gave him a new perspective. 

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"The one that brother has a friend in? Yes, I remember that bakery. Maybe if I buy a pie, she can explain it? I can try.

And I can eat anything, but I do not need to. I just want to try tasting things. There are many tastes out there, and more keeps being made. In trash cans, there are very many. I still think I like fire the most. It makes me feel something.

...I do not eat creatures. Mother would not want me to. Though I know some of my siblings do. Their masters tell them it is important, with the shapes they have. I think Mother is okay with it, long as they did not harm anyone themselves?"

“That might just be a good excuse to buy a pie, but I’m sure the big and friendly baker would appreciate customers taking an interest in her goods. Surely that beats eating food from the trash, right? Or eating other creatures for that matter... That's just going to be weird.”

As Lin and Omen went on about food, Sen silently nodded at the notion of having food better than scraps found in the garbage. Eating better meant getting sick less, and he wasn’t going to get himself sick out of desperation to eat something. Then again, maybe this might not be a problem for Omen. 

All the while, Ghilan and Xin just kept themselves quiet as they ate, taking in Sen’s makeshift salad while trying not to sound disgusted at the thought of Sen’s and Omen’s past experiences with food from the trash. They could only wonder what drove them to eat food others tossed out. Similarly, they were just as interested in those pies Lin mentioned; someone making them for money probably meant those things were delicious. 

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I did not try to track him, but I did get his scent, when I licked him in the ear, yes. I can find him, if I focus on him."

She could tell the direction, and distance he were, if she focused on it, but it were a conscious effort to track someone, not a passive one. And she had generally not thought him worth the time to track. Maybe she had to now though? At least she would feel him out this time, just to get an idea of how far from here he were, and when she would have his scent, she would look directly in that direction.

"Yes, I found him. I will focus on him now and again, and see where he goes. And if you tell me not to send him away, but us instead, then okay. I can do that."

The elder watched as Omen did her little gate trick, moving from one place to another. It was quick and clean, nothing more to say about it, just as he imagined it might go. It was good to know that unnecessary involvement with the nastier elements of the village could be avoided, though he wondered what exactly got Feng to be so abrasive towards Omen and the siblings. Even the Ki’Nathar’s musings had him curious, leaving him with nothing but theories. 

“It might be him testing things, seeing what he can get away with if he were to meddle with you. If he is not afraid of the consequences, or possibly realizes that there aren’t truly any consequences, he may be more emboldened to try more and more things. Sending him away would tell him he can try again; it could be annoying, but if it hurts you more than him…”

“Then we’ll need a more permanent solution. Something to get him off our backs for good.”

“As much as I would like to step in and help, I am under a lot of suspicion from the other villagers for giving you more attention than them. Bring me proof that he is aggravating you, then I can act on it, but not in a way that makes it look like you’re setting him up to get caught. All I am saying is just try not to make it look obvious.”

Lin scoffed, huffing at the elder’s suggestion. She’d rather do something more proactive, but knowing how that turned out the last time, she was lucky all it got her and Sen was a reprimand. Knowing Feng got the same treatment means he could be emboldened to try something more drastic. For now, she’d go along with Ghilan’s suggestion. If something were to get the huntmaster’s second humiliated or worse in front of the village, that will have to do. And Elder Ghilan would prefer to move to another topic altogether. 

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

What is it you want to talk about with Shrimp? Should I wake him up for this?"

The elder brandished the cage before Omen. He wasn’t happy that he needed to bring this up, but knowing possible safety issues arising from having Shrimp moving about, it might be prudent to ensure everyone else knew about it.

“There’s no need to wake up your little friend; he seems to be enjoying his nap. But, I am concerned about him possibly getting loose during the meeting with the elders, not to mention seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces could disturb or upset him. Which brings me to this wooden cage: big enough for him to move around and sleep in while light enough to carry."

"You do realize that a caged creature could be more distressed than if it were left out in the open, right Ghilan? This might not be a good idea for their little companion."

"This is only a precaution. You know your little friend better than I do, so I am asking you for your thoughts on this. Would you need to house Shrimp in this cage during the meeting? Or could I entrust you to keep him on his best behavior when we meet with the elders? I trust you know yourselves and what is best for your little companion, so if this cage is needed, it will be here.”

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

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"No, there is no haunting by a previous resident in This home. Though that have been a... Consideration in other places, over the years.

I did scoff at the notion of ghosts, once upon a time, but I have done what I do, long enough to have seen many things that others would consider impossible, or far-fetched. Including spirits, both natural and post-life manifestations.

I have needed to call upon members of the Macabre Clan several times, because a poltergeist, or other such apparition, have lingered, and potentially caused havoc. Enough to know that there are tomes full of various types of manifestations, making it quite a fortunate event, that Equestria have their clan to help. Though they cannot handle natural spirits. Other professionals are needed for that. Costly ones, I might add. A far more delicate matter, sadly does require better compensation. But you get what you pay for, and I want for excellence."

“Oh, at least hauntings here are not going to be a concern. Having a profession built on beliefs and learning just how true they are that they manifest in reality is a sobering form of existence. Even more so when it turns out those things eventually wane over time. One need only question just how relevant their calling in life becomes when those changes begin to hit much closer to home.”

“Don’t get too sentimental, Vates. We’ve all gone through that phase at one point of our unnaturally long lives.”

“If only you lived the life of a temple priestess.... Then you’d learn just how much belief and the supernatural are the center of one’s life.”

Vates felt a slight tinge of jealousy upon hearing about this Macabre clan. Though she wasn’t too hung up on the idea of ghosts, poltergeists, and similar entities, knowing about those who can make a living from the supernatural left her wishing she was back at the temple and carrying out her duties. The world changed so much then, seeing how the old belief system crumbled and wore away in time, replacing faith with intellectual pursuits. Though she saw the writing on the wall and made her transition to where her skills would prove useful, she still longed for the days spent tending to the spiritual needs of her fellow Hyracotherians, even as fewer continued to believe in the old deities. 

On 2025-10-02 at 12:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I will need to know specifically what your chosen line of work is, in enough details that I can translate that into more modern terms, if necessary.

To work in Canterlot, you will need permits, legal residency, tax papers, and a myriad of other forms. Banalities that I can have arranged with little effort. But your professions will need to be covered well with various additional information too, to make it more modern day legitimate. The more I know, the more authentic I can thus have it made."

Information were power, and that were the weapon she held better than most. But for it to work the best, she needed something to work with. As much as possible.

She would go to one of the drawers, and pull forth a block of paper, and a pen. She always considered that to be essential to keep around, just in case, so all her houses had some laying around, in case it were needed by her, or any future resident.

Using her horn, Scarcity would float them towards her companions.

"Are you capable of writing in common, as well as speak it? Or would it be better if I wrote it down myself?"

“Well, we could start with trying to blend in with the locals, and though we could speak it, I doubt we could write.”

Scriniarii picked up the paper and pen, attempting to write something. Unfortunately, poor coordination with his teeth meant any words he could write ended up looking more like a collection of illegible scribbles. This wasn’t going to do, but Magus lifted his makeshift magic catalyst, moving it about like a wand, and sure enough, he began writing a few simple words with more grace and fine control. Silent and reserved as he was, he would become the group’s designated scribe if necessary.

“I suppose I will be taking in everyone’s information, Lady Scarcity. As observed, we are all capable of speaking the common tongue, though writing it may be more troublesome for my fellows. As for the information you require, I was a mage… though that might not be much. The closest analogue would be a scholar of esoteric magical arts and craftwork, as I also dabbled in magical catalyst construction. I could also pass as an alchemist if need be.”

“And back from our first introduction, I recall mentioning that I was an archivist, and after visiting the museum, maybe my old title would be appropriate for me. I initially specialized in the preservation of artifacts and ancient tablets, though I also worked with academic scholars to manage their findings in relation to the artifacts we studied.”

“That’s right, Lady Scarcity. I was one such scholar, and I worked together with Scriniarii on various occasions. I did work in the temple as a seer, but when that was not a viable long-term career option, I went into academic pursuits. I worked on material culture, studying artifacts, cultures, and practices of different tribes. If there was a spiritual aspect to it, I also provided some input as a religious scholar.”

“I was an ambassador, or a consul, in our time. Though I served in the Hyracotherian military and oversaw training and deployments, I mostly worked on diplomatic missions, establishing contact with distant tribes and securing alliances. And, may we also not bring up the other unsavory parts of my old work? I’d rather stick to just being an intermediary or negotiator.”

That left only Vates, the only member of the group whose work was a lot closer to mystical than outright practical. Even then, at least Videntor eventually found himself pursuing academic work, becoming the only true scholar and researcher of the group. Vates was the only one with a very questionable and likely outdated profession that didn’t translate into anything workable in the modern age. Then again, she still maintained some semblance of her old faith and their related tasks, but those would make her leanings closer to being a charlatan than anything practical.

Just the thought of that left her quiet, scrambling within the recesses of her mind to come up with something for Scarcity to use for their permits.

“I was a diviner of the old Hyracotherian temple long ago, and my primary duties involved tending to the spiritual health of those who visited the temple. Maybe in modern ages, I would be a priestess or some kind of spiritual leader who interprets signs from the divine. Nowadays, the most I can do is hoof readings for simple divination. At times, I was also a custodian and caretaker of the temple, ensuring it had the equipment needed to perform various services to those who needed them.”

“There are some approximations and liberties taken with our old professions, Lady Scarcity. Time away from our kind and being trapped in an orb meant our old lives had changed with the passage of civilizations. Would those descriptions suffice? Or would you need more information about how we can present our old identities for a more modern age?”

[Blitz Boom 4,739]

@Ionic Sunset

"We know you are there. Curious about us perhaps? Or seeking the riches of diamond? We remember those being thought of quite fondly by others, before our latest rest.

How things change... To think there were a time, when the sight of gemstone wrought fear into mortal hearts, and now they are seen as precious. Sought, and highly wanted... A different time, yes?"

They would turn around slowly, giving a good look further over how they looked, though the only thing that wouldn't have been obvious from the first sight, would be that regardless of the angle, and the sun shinning upon them, you wouldn't be blinded by the shine.

Like with crystal ponies, it did not reflect sharply off, as you might think with gems. Perhaps because of a magical aspect? Due to an inherent biological trait? Perchance because of the slight blue hue? Hard to say, but regardless, it were still a pretty sight, though not entirely like with crystal ponies. Though a slight glitter were there, it were not fractal from various angles, like with the ponies. It were flawless, pure gem, as if this being were not so much carved from diamond, but had stepped forth from it.

Their gaze would land on the curious guest soon. The light in the deer's eyes, perfectly overlaying that of the changeling queen beneath, yet their gaze carried the same emotions. Curiosity. A hint of amusement. Even some warmth, as they were not interested in a fight, even if this one had come to look for diamonds.

"If it is diamonds you seek, you are free to take of our pillar. Consider it a gift, and worry not. We can always make more, as needed.

We are Queen Dia'thiz. Ruler of the Gemlings, and you needn't worry, little one. We wander in peace, basking in light that were us long denied."

They would take a step closer, eyeing the ruby-colored mane of their new guest. Or the owner of this forest, perhaps? They had just arrived, and were unaware of any ownership to this wilderness.

"Such a fiery hue... It reminds us of our brother. Although we do not see his matching temper in your eyes.

All for the better, we suppose. Rubycon were never the most approachable. Even among his own."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Why compromise if the other side cannot resist you?" "A compromise is to minimize damage on both sides after all, so if the other side cannot cause damage to you, why bother pleasing them?" "I believe you individualistic creatures call this kind of unnecessary compromise 'compassion'." "Many see it as noble, but in truth, it's a privilege." Asildae stated thoughtfully

"We used to think like that. No need to respect the mortals, since we were way above them and they couldn't do anything to us anyway.

Then Discord went and got himself trapped in stone, and everyone woke up. We had to accept that the mortals did have some tools against us, and they realized they weren't so powerless as they thought. Emboldened them, and scared us.

It's the main reason most of us just high-tailed out of Equestria. Not worth dealing with that, though even out there, it didn't change much. The world had changed now, and we had to adapt. None better than Fright honestly. Lil' sister weren't the one I figured would be the one to buck the trend, but that pony that beat her got into her head. Changed her outlook on things, even before Discord fell.

Most of us figured she were a bit weird, but when it all came tumbling down, just look at who were welcome to stay. Even if she had to stay in that pocket dimension of hers, most of the time, while things got stable and boring in Equestria.

And then suddenly, she comes out looking for others, to see if she can convince a few to change.

Avarice were always a pushover. Not surprised he caved. I wouldn't have though, if it wasn't my sister. But I heard her out, and she made sense. Took a hit to my pride at first, but heh, never had it more cozy than now."

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"The young of other creatures are fascinating to observe indeed." "Fearful and fearless with no clear logic." "So curious and stubborn, yet also easily manipulated to act and think in certain ways."  "They also seem to bring up emotions in others, like happiness in you." "That is something, I can't quite relate to." 

"Heh, yeah. I like their innocence and curiosity. Especially some like Crank there. Pure joy and happiness, as it outta be.

Got myself a place where i stash things that matters to me. Drawings and small gifts from all sorts of kids are most of it. But drawings like this? Now that right there's art, so that's going on the fur. The likeness is uncanny, eh?"

She'd lean down, and flex her biceps at Alisaide. Something that made the drawing she had embedded on her fur, seemingly come alive, and the drawn her, were eating the various fruits tossed into her waiting maw, with new, identical ones spawning behind.

Glutton would do this for a few seconds, before easing up, and the picture returning to how it had been at first, while she snickered.

"Ah, ain't nothing like it. Anyway, ain't too long. Let's keep moving."

They'd cross the park soon enough, and get into the massive city proper. A sight to behold for sure, which were also the opinion of various creatures, from ponies to minotaurs, that passed by, their eyes drawn towards the curious, insectoid being. They wouldn't approach however, as the draconequus made them wary of it. Though they'd pass several that greeted Glutton. Mostly with head nods, that's get the same response back, from the adults. Kids tended to either be rushed along, looking spooked, shy, or waved. No crying or trying to run away, so much as Glutton were clearly still a peculiar sight here, she were known enough to not cause panic.

Well, there were a few tourists that seemed to be about to panic, but the locals would drag them aside and explain. best to not give Glutton a target for her own bemusement. Which she might still have done, if it weren't for her having a guest, and a goal. Though she would randomly go and grab hold of a pony in blue armor, and sling her over her shoulder, much to the surprised meep of the mare in question.

"Yeah, you'll do."

"I-I-I w-what? P-Put m-"

"Need a guard for pick-up duty, so buckle up, naval nerd."

The mare looked confused, actually scared, and her eyes darted around, while her heart pumped hard in her chest.

A peculiar sign in her own right too, as she seemed to have gotten through quite the ordeal. The various stitches and scars made it seem almost as if she'd been torn apart, and sewn back together, but she were alive and breathing. Not a zombie. Must've been quite the violent fight she'd been through.

"And say hi to my new pal here. Asildae, this here's a naval nerd. They're usually fun to brawl with."

The mare didn't really notice Asildae before now, but as she did, her eyes would lock on her, with a weird look of slight relief? Seems like there were one at least, that were more afraid of Glutton than this new sight, as she wriggled around, unable to escape Glutton, who seemed to have latched the pony unto her fur somehow. As if she were covered in special velcro.

"H-Hi. I mean, h-help. P-Please?"

Gluttons mentioned respect for ponies, might have been somewhat overstated.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I do believe we are done here yes, I cannot find anything else of note here." "I'll gather the pieces, and we are ready to leave; we'll need to notify whoever is in charge of environmental issues, so that they can come and see if the sand needs to be removed." He then materialized a bag from a small compartment in his metal parts, and started carefully collecting the pieces of his former colleague. Vaz spoke meanwhile.

"That would be Lieutenant Dusk Mourner. I'll make sure that he's informed, soon as we have returned, and I have written a report on what he'd need to know. Consider it done within the hour of our return."

Dusk Mourner were one of the few guards in Canterlot, that were affiliated equally with both the Night and Solar guards. The neutrality were needed, to best evaluate these sorts of things, and direct the efforts in handling environmental issues of any kind, big or small, without any kind of bias. Oftentimes, the guard were not needed to actually do this, unless it were the aftermath of a skirmish including the Trojan, or a powerful entity, but it were enough that the role of leader of these efforts, had to be affiliated with the guards, and hold an officer position, however minute.

Due to the need for neutrality, and the fact you needed insight to evaluate these things properly though, it were exceedingly rare that the position were filled by a guard, and instead were usually filled by an academic, that possessed the right qualifications for the job.

Such were the case with Dusk Mourner, who only had a few years to his name in this role, after Lieutenant Harbor Whey made him his successor, and finally managed to retire. Which mostly meant speaking engagements at various colleges. Scholars would be scholars, armor or not.

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"In some ways you could call it time manipulation, but I don't believe time itself is affected in reality." He started "I admit I don't properly understand it myself, but I believe it is more a form of recreation." "Creation of identical copy of sorts." "It is also why my counterpart is so visibly stiff." "He was resurrected, so he does not return to my youthful health, but rather, to the rigid existence of a reanimated corpse." 

"You are correct that any means of magic nullification has no impact on this effect." "That is because while the ritual itself was magic, the process that keeps me alive, requires no magic to operate." "It is fueled by souls, already in the vessel." "If blocking it is even theoretically possible, it would likely be lethal to you yourself too, for you would also nullify your own soul, whatever that would entail." a terrifying concept really, what would it even mean to nullify the soul of a living creature?

"As for the suggested methods, I have no experience to state their effectiveness." "But you are likely right in the possible failure points, especially if my counterpart is not hindered by things like pain." "We can't know for sure, if he even has vital organs left, as we do not know just how alive he is." "Again, using the ritual for bringing someone back from dead was not something we considered, so all I can do is guess." 

"I admit, my knowledge of souls are vastly inferior to a subject like this. Though I would think that the uniqueness of your situation, would also mean that there wouldn't be much precedence to go by, and due to the inherent risk of trying to meddle with a collaboration of souls - soul removal, destruction, or absorption of some sort, among others - it makes it highly risky to even attempt anything against your other self. A concerning thought, but one have to be realistic.

Still, I find it a subject worth pondering, and if I get the chance, I will ask the Macabre' clan if they have encountered anything of the sort. It is less scientific, than I would normally aim for, but when facing an unusual situation, I suppose it is best to address unusual professionals.

Still, I thank you for what insight you have been able to provide, Mr. Vaz. The more known, the better."

Magma would briefly wonder if perhaps she would have found an answer to her own predicament, if she had been open-minded on her sources earlier, but dismissed the thought. She knew the answer already, and had to accept that her stubbornness on the matter were not only illogical, but also arrogant. If what happened to her, had precedent, there'd hardly be a need to examine her as much as there had been, and as such, relying solely on science for answers were foolhardy.

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Is there something more you seek from me?" "I have told what I know could assist in countering one like myself, and if I am still around in such a case, I would also seek to help to counter them." "But, I have no reason to return to the capital, as I now know that those I seek, live in the town nearby, so until you have further questions, this is where we part ways." 

"I have one, what is this?" Solar once again projected an image, again from the point of view of the pony who's remains they found, though this time, the other Vaz had wrapped her in green, glowing, string like tendrils, coming from his fingers, and her field of view was more limited, as damage had appeared on the lenses of her artificial eyes. "Ah, that's simply how lot of my magic works." Vaz's eyes lit up, as green, glowing string like magic shot out from one of his hands, wrapping around a nearby stick, which he then moved around before snapping it in half. The 'strings' then retracted back to his hand, and his eyes returned to normal. "It allows me to control the flow of magic better, letting me use more or less magic as needed." "It also makes it easier to do several things at once." 

"An unconventional use of magic, but not unheard of. At least visually, that is. Fascinating to see it in person, rather than reading of it though.

Ah, before we part ways, I would think it prudent that we know how to get in contact with one another. For instance, in case we need to rendezvous about this subject, or something related to it. Our card, Mr. Vaz."

She'd rummage through the bag, and pull out a hoof-written business card of sorts. It were nothing special, just the address, their agency's name, and the name of her boss, of course, all written on a perfectly cut out piece of thick paper. With her own written in smaller letters further down, as Secretary Del Ray. (In case she had been told it were best the agency's headquarters not be shared, she would instead add the address to a PO box, where one could send mail)

Not one of the things she had shared with her new boss, but she assumed he would think this part of her duties regardless, as they'd need to be able to do better than scribbling on pieces of paper, in case they needed someone to contact them for various reasons, such as if they were awaiting a shipment of things, or they wanted a meeting.

"Please excuse the less than official look. I still need to go over designs and such, before moving forward with some ideas, but these does have the most prudent information.

And how might we find you then, in case it is required, Mr. Vaz? Even if we are done now, things could still rapidly change, such as us finding more that connects with your alternative self."

She had a notebook ready to scribble down into, pen sharp and ready to scribble down what were needed. Might be she were new at this job, but there honestly weren't too many differences between being a secretary, and the assistant to a professor at times.

Well, there were more dignity involved, with being a secretary. She had so far not been sent out for frivolous duties, that she were only assigned due to her superiors laziness.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

He was surprised about what he learned about Leviathan's mother, but not shocked, partly because he knew she had grown up with some other creatures, diamond dogs as she called them, though he didn't know what those actually were. The other part why he wasn't particularly shocked, was because only really knowing his own mother, he had no reason to think it wasn't normal among dragon mothers to be so...volatile. "Mothers' really like to punish their young over fathers' actions huh?" He simply remarked "I do sometimes wonder why mother did not just smash my egg, she clearly despised father, and me." he didn't sound sad about it, in fact, he was awfully casual saying it. 

"Well, mine did it because water aligned dragons, are insanely committed to those they let into their lives, in general. My dad somehow managed to make her love him, and convince a clutch of eggs, that she cherished. But air aligned dragons can be too carefree and don't think of commitment as that important, so when she learned he cheated on her, she went into a rage. Frankly I think that's partially why she didn't hunt for Dimma all that far. She hated my father, and what he did, and she thought a diamond dog would just eat my egg.

I ain't saying it's been easy for us to see eye to eye, but it helps that I've always taken her side, because I understand where she's coming from. Especially after my dad taunted her, when she confronted him. Death by pure stupidity.

Take that as some good life advice. Don't mock someone that's twice your size, already angry at you, and hungry."

As she told her mom, when she were told what had happened to her dad, after their initial meeting's little... Physical disagreement, it helped calm her mother down somewhat, to hear Leviathan say that her dad had asked for that himself. Still several years of tussling, growling, and all the other fun, family stuff you could imagine, but these days? They were fairly neutral, and could have a talk. If her mother felt like it, of course. Which tended to depend on how long it had been since the last time. A longer delay, meant a higher chance. Been like... 20 years or so at this point, so it were likely about time soon.

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

For the larger dragon's reaction, while it was too far to see expressions, it gave a wave back, and brought their forelegs on the side of the lake, leaning on them in relaxed manner, they were unsurprisingly aquatic in nature, having webbed feet and fins, and while rest of their body was still hidden underwater, the shorter looking legs implied they were similar in shape to the green youngling, so likely one of the 'serpents', as Werodex had called them. 

Oooh, a marine dragon of sorts. Excellent. That was gonna be a fun meeting later, after they were done talking with the younglings here. Least she assumed them to be so. They didn't look all that old.

Granted, neither did she, but she were stunted, so you couldn't judge her on size, as you often could with dragons. And she didn't know if any of these were runts, or their sizes were normal for their variants... Eh, they'd see soon enough, she supposed.

On 2025-10-05 at 4:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It's natural." the young female responded, clearly happy about the compliment, as a rainbow of colors moved through her body before she returned to the white pearlescent color and transparent horns and claws "But I still need practice to properly control it." the green one cut in "Yeah, she keeps disappearing." to which the female responded with "At least I don't send my friends to treatment by almost electrocuting them to death." "It was one time! And why did you bring me into this? He's the one being a jerk" "Because he can't do anything-" she was cut short from all things, Charir, who just interrupted the argument with "I think it is nice." "The color thing." "You are pretty" Which seemed to take the trio off guard, causing the female once again briefly go camouflage for a moment before turning white again, and both of the males also were surprised by the directness.

Charir in turn was bit surprised they were so surprised, as he lacked the social experience to know why calling someone pleasant to look at among his age group could cause any kind of reaction. "I can also do electricity, but I don't know how yet, it just happens." "I'm called Charir." 

"I'm Oreon" The white female responded first, surprised by the sudden compliment, especially coming from a Death-bringer "It's nice to meet you both." "Ereo" said the Voltaick's kin, and the green one finished with "Vulri". "You can also control electricity?"  Ereo then asked "Yes, but I don't know how yet." "I think my father was your kind." the two others looked at Ereo, who responded defensively "Don't look at me, I don't know who it is" 

Oh yeah, definitely younglings. Older ones didn't tend to argue in this manner, and it fit the voices and everything else. So that was good to know. Though she had to try and keep from going over and squishing their cheeks or the like. She were still a guest, and had to try and not do something that'd cause the locals to be embarrassed. Though she'd mostly do things like that to real small whelps anyway. Against older kids, it were mostly just when she made fun of them.

Though she did find it adorable to see the kids interact. Not just in their own group, but with Charir's input too. Though the direct , were smirking, and way he addressed them, seemed to bring them a bit out of it. Leviathan on the other hand, were smirking, and doing her best not to laugh, since it were so adorable and awkward, that she almost let out a snicker.

"I remember when I were young, and first found out I could do magic. You're not alone in accidentally zapping your friends, Ereo. Didn't have anyone around me that could teach me either, but sometimes, you learn through trial and error. Preferably without harming your friends, heh. It's fun to explore and see what you can make of it, once you get the hang of how to wield and shape it though.

And I love that natural camouflage, Oreon. You're gonna have so much fun just scaring the tar out of your friends, once you get the hang of it. Where I'm from, we just have to hope our scales match something we can e around, or that we can dig deep enough, or hide in a volcano, or something more habitat based. Yours is more interesting than what I'm used to for sure.

I'm curious what sorta things your magic can do. Like with electricity. Can you just conjure it?"

She'd raise her hand, and let a spark dance between her fingers.

"Harness it?"

The spark increased in size, and began covering her hand like a web.

"Maybe mold it?"

Leviathan closed her hand, the electricity gathering in her palm, then opened it to reveal a delicate butterfly, made of electricity. Small strings even making a pretty pattern on its wings, as it rose up and flew from her hand, and flickered around. They could touch it if they wanted to, without getting electrocuted. Though after a bit, she'd let it land on Charir, in case he wanted to show how he could use electricity, even though he didn't know how to make it yet. It'd have a low voltage, so it wasn't harmful.

"Haven't really seen anything local, so I don't really know what to expect."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s true that I don’t want you to experience what I went through. But I guess by ‘sharing’ in this case, it’s more like talking about it to you. I’ve been keeping that to myself for a very long time, but I feel safe talking about those things with you or Lin, Rosa, or even Mother. I can talk about things that I find difficult to speak about if it were anybody else.”

Sen still hasn’t completely figured out his thoughts on the things that bother him, things difficult to speak of. Old wounds haven’t healed despite how much time has passed. But he was sincere in his sentiments; just being able to talk about the things that hurt him made it easier to live with them and probably gave him a new perspective. 

"Mother is good at helping her children. We listen to her, but she also listens to us."

A lot of the same questions did come around, but Mother were patient, loving, and understanding. She would help her children, unformed or not, best she could, within her limitations. It were why almost all of them, knew that much as they loved Mother, it could not compare to how much she loved them. And that also counted for Sen and Lin, even if they were different from the rest of the Ki'nathar. They still deserved Mother's love, like any other of her children. Just as their enemies drew her ire, as if they had gone for Omen.

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“That might just be a good excuse to buy a pie, but I’m sure the big and friendly baker would appreciate customers taking an interest in her goods. Surely that beats eating food from the trash, right? Or eating other creatures for that matter... That's just going to be weird.”

As Lin and Omen went on about food, Sen silently nodded at the notion of having food better than scraps found in the garbage. Eating better meant getting sick less, and he wasn’t going to get himself sick out of desperation to eat something. Then again, maybe this might not be a problem for Omen. 

All the while, Ghilan and Xin just kept themselves quiet as they ate, taking in Sen’s makeshift salad while trying not to sound disgusted at the thought of Sen’s and Omen’s past experiences with food from the trash. They could only wonder what drove them to eat food others tossed out. Similarly, they were just as interested in those pies Lin mentioned; someone making them for money probably meant those things were delicious. 

"Everything is just tastes for me. I do not see trash as being bad to eat. It is there, no one else wants it, and I do not get sick, or hurt by it. Sometimes, I find strange things there too, like rings. I cannot read what is on some of them, but I saw others put shiny things like that in in the guard box, so I did that. I tried asking if it was right once, and the mare tried to hit me with a stick. I think she did not expect me to show up when I did."

Omen were a weird one, even among her kin, and that all came down to her master. So even if she ate actual toxic waste, she wouldn't be hurt by it. Kind of like with Glutton, though more restricted, and not able to taste everything as vividly as her.

Discord had mentioned changing things at some point, to make her more sensitive to things, but he never got around to it, and had long since forgotten by now.

"And I want to buy a pie, because I thought I could take it back here, or have it when we meet with Rosa again. I have heard that you can bring pie to see friends."

Se were likely to simply eat the tray, if present too, but she'd try some pie too. It were just best in her mind, that it went to those who could appreciate it more than she could. She would enjoy chili herself. It sounded like that were bad for others. At least the one she got from the dragon.

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“It might be him testing things, seeing what he can get away with if he were to meddle with you. If he is not afraid of the consequences, or possibly realizes that there aren’t truly any consequences, he may be more emboldened to try more and more things. Sending him away would tell him he can try again; it could be annoying, but if it hurts you more than him…”

“Then we’ll need a more permanent solution. Something to get him off our backs for good.”

“As much as I would like to step in and help, I am under a lot of suspicion from the other villagers for giving you more attention than them. Bring me proof that he is aggravating you, then I can act on it, but not in a way that makes it look like you’re setting him up to get caught. All I am saying is just try not to make it look obvious.”

"I do not understand, so I will just keep us away from him then, yes? I will do something else, if any of you tell me to do different while we are away then. Is that okay?"

Omen had no idea how proof looked at him, trying to aggravate them. Partially because she wasn't sure what that meant, though even if they told her it were essentially taunting, she still wasn't sure. Trying to attack Sen and Lin were about the only one she would be able to think about, as his words and actions towards herself, meant nothing. He could not hurt her, he could not make her speak. Even if she could fear, she would have nothing to fear from him. Only way he could hurt her, were through her friends, and she would take them away, if things happened. Even if he had his hunters lie on top of them. They would just have to come along too then. That were their own choice.

Beyond that, she got the gist that she were supposed to use her gates close around, so like when they played ball with Shrimp. And speaking of her pet...

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

The elder brandished the cage before Omen. He wasn’t happy that he needed to bring this up, but knowing possible safety issues arising from having Shrimp moving about, it might be prudent to ensure everyone else knew about it.

“There’s no need to wake up your little friend; he seems to be enjoying his nap. But, I am concerned about him possibly getting loose during the meeting with the elders, not to mention seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces could disturb or upset him. Which brings me to this wooden cage: big enough for him to move around and sleep in while light enough to carry."

"You do realize that a caged creature could be more distressed than if it were left out in the open, right Ghilan? This might not be a good idea for their little companion."

"This is only a precaution. You know your little friend better than I do, so I am asking you for your thoughts on this. Would you need to house Shrimp in this cage during the meeting? Or could I entrust you to keep him on his best behavior when we meet with the elders? I trust you know yourselves and what is best for your little companion, so if this cage is needed, it will be here.”

Omen poked the cage a few times.

"No, Shrimp will not go into the cage. I do not think he would like that, and he can burn through things. I think he would just destroy this."

Even if not, she did not want Shrimp to feel bad, and he did not seem to like being inside closed spaces that much, compared to wrapping himself around them, like with his playtower.

"We have a safe space, away from here. I have had him there, playing sometimes. I will take him there, before the meeting, and leave his toys and food there. It should be okay.

I do not know if he would act nice during the meeting, so it is what I can think of. I know he does not like it, when others are being mean to Sen, Lin, or me. He makes faces, and growls. Same if strangers come too close, that he does not like. Or if they are cats.

Better to leave him to play, yes?"

They had left him in that safe space that Sen had shown her, a few hours before. Her doll from the carnival were there right now, along with a few other things, and she could make sure her ball and tower were there too, when they had to go to the meeting. It were quiet and safe, so it would be good.

Worst case, she would leave him int he dark realm with her unformed siblings. Mother would make sure they did not accidentally hurt him, and he'd be safe. It were also familiar to him.

Maybe they could even leave him with Mother. he seemed to like her too, though she might have other things to do.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Oh, at least hauntings here are not going to be a concern. Having a profession built on beliefs and learning just how true they are that they manifest in reality is a sobering form of existence. Even more so when it turns out those things eventually wane over time. One need only question just how relevant their calling in life becomes when those changes begin to hit much closer to home.”

“Don’t get too sentimental, Vates. We’ve all gone through that phase at one point of our unnaturally long lives.”

“If only you lived the life of a temple priestess.... Then you’d learn just how much belief and the supernatural are the center of one’s life.”

"I think my goals are too materialistic, and my methods too questionable, to suit the life of a priestess."

Scarcity smirked a little more for a moment, as she imagined herself in such a life. Wearing the robe of a priestess, humble, bereft of fame or fortune. A simple life, yet also one where she did not have as much of a say in her own fate, as the life she had now, and she had gone through years of planning and execution, to free both herself, and her sister, from a life where they needed to be subservient to others, and do as they were told.

No, she would not be a trophy wife for some noble with influence, nor would she be a priestess. Though some would question the morality of what she did, she were perfectly comfortable being who and what she were. Though of course, the added benefit of being an alicorn were a nice addition.

"Still, I can see the allure, and the reason one might go such a path. I judge them not, long as they find purpose in that, which I know many religious types can. For instance our dear Stone Matron, a priestess herself."

On 2025-10-09 at 1:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I was a diviner of the old Hyracotherian temple long ago, and my primary duties involved tending to the spiritual health of those who visited the temple. Maybe in modern ages, I would be a priestess or some kind of spiritual leader who interprets signs from the divine. Nowadays, the most I can do is hoof readings for simple divination. At times, I was also a custodian and caretaker of the temple, ensuring it had the equipment needed to perform various services to those who needed them.”

“There are some approximations and liberties taken with our old professions, Lady Scarcity. Time away from our kind and being trapped in an orb meant our old lives had changed with the passage of civilizations. Would those descriptions suffice? Or would you need more information about how we can present our old identities for a more modern age?”

"An archivist, and a scholar, can always find work, long as one direct their attention towards the correct avenues. Considering your long history too, I can think of several that would be thrilled for the mere chance to offer employment in some regard.

Getting to be an ambassador is likely not an easy prospect. Too many threads to cross there to make it even somewhat viable, and it would raise questions. Though that said, neutral negotiators have their uses, for both military and private usage. You're not intimidating enough for the... Shall we say, *Private sector*, but I may have a few ideas how to utilize this towards something useful. Without requiring physical force too. As a matter of fact, I can think of an avenue where refusal to harm might be an asset, rather than a detriment. let me look into that after handling with your papers dear, and I will return to you about that.

As for the last, I would think the title of Mystic most fitting. Many have gotten used to that being the title for the religious and magically specialized, when it comes to the zebra, and other of the more recently contacted races. The minotaur prefers shamans, but the overarching title are still present.

That said, as you have been so for spirits that are now unknown... Yes, it will be tricky, but I may have some ideas. However, I do require more information from you then, darling.

So, to begin with, you spoke of those spirits another time. Would you think of them as Nature spirits? The way you have talked of them, made it sound as if they are, or were, responsible in great part to natural disasters potentially happening, among other things. Is that correct?

Furthermore, I will have to ask if you would think yourself above serving towards the religious beliefs of others? And in that regard, how might you think about observing and catalogue several, from the perspective of someone that knows the respect and devotion that being one causes?

I would think it somewhat prudent to also ask, if you think of temple maintenance, would you have any sort of reservations, about who you would work for, and how are your mind set, in regards to being... Open-minded, about who, or what, might be the center of praise? I may know of an... Unconventional way, that your skills could be put to use. Nothing which harms anypony, I assure you."

There were some ideas floating around her head, but she needed to know more. There were work to find, for the religiously minded, even if he could not simply make potions or charms, and sell them, like the zebra often did.

...Actually, she had not asked about that part, had she?

ions.

"While I remember it, are you capable of making anything that might be of interest to others? Peculiar charms? Potions or elixirs? Magical trinkets, perhaps? You'd be surprised the market there is for homemade peculiarities, with a cultural significance. Especially if they are magical in nature. Even something as minute as a feeling of warmth emanating, or a good luck charm of sorts, can have value to tourists and the like."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,774]

@Blitz Boom
"They could fight back, thus, it was no longer an unnecessary compromise." Asildae pointed out "Misjudging the capabilities of the other is not an inherent fault of the logic, it's just that, a misjudgement." That logic had worked for them, they didn't spare their neighbors out of kindness or other such reasons, they spared them because war was not worth it at the time; And for creatures that couldn't put up a fight? if they were in the way, they were removed.  

Asildae looked as Glutton did her thing with the drawing, but didn't react outside a sound of acknowledgement, because as stated, she couldn't really relate, and thus she didn't have much to say in the matter. 

 She didn't pay much mind to the creatures looking at her, mainly because she was looking at them and the city itself with the same curiosity; She had never been in a city, nor had she ever really seen most creatures regardless of knowing about their existence, so she observed with great curiosity. Her curiosity wasn't the kind that a child would have though, it was more analytical, more observant, lacking any awe.

Asildae broke out of her observation when Glutton suddenly picked up a pony, giving her a curious look but not commenting on it. She did respond when she was addressed though "Hello there." "Is Naval Nerd your name, or is it just something Glutton calls you?" pony names were weird, Asildae knew that much, but she wasn't sure with this one, as Naval Nerd sounded like a potential insult. "As for helping you, don't know what you expect me to do." "But don't worry, from us two, I'm the one that's more likely to eat you." she then 'smiled' opening her mouth enough for two spider like fangs to show, before sticking out her proboscis and moving it around her mouth as if licking her non-existent lips. While she was of course joking, be it with some truth behind the statement, her lack of facial expressions made it ambiguous enough to be unnerving. 

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

"I do not understand the full nature of souls either." Vaz admitted "Though, if I do find a way to undo the ritual during the lifetime of your branch of the guard, I will inform you or the future members of it, before using it."

 For the question of contact, Vaz seemed thoughtful for a moment "There is no direct line to contact me." "And while I travel in specific order, it is hard to estimate my location at any one time, because I may spend anything from one day to several years in one place, as time holds no meaning to me anymore." "If my counterpart was to appear, I will know; I could feel him for the short moment the two realms connected, so there is no doubt I would feel him joining our reality." "But, there is one way, though I can't promise it to be fast." he activated his magic once more, and used the magic strings to form a magical symbol in the air. "Draw this symbol and activate it with magic, it is one-way teleport to send non-living material to a place where I store my possessions." "Were you to send a letter through it, I will see it when I visit it." "It does not provide a way for me to respond through it, but I can figure out a way to respond through other means." he would wait for Magma to copy the symbol before extinguishing the magic. 

"I have one more question before we go our ways, I've analyzed the recording captured by my late colleague, and there is something in kobold language I cannot translate." he then 'spoke' audio in different language in different voice, it was similar to Vaz's voice, but it was more hoarse and somewhat malevolent sounding. There was also an odd quiet echo, as if countless voices were  whispering with him.  "I take it that it was my counterpart speaking." "It's nothing to be translated, it's a spell." "Basic reanimation spell, he's rising an army." "Those are relatively easy to deal with, since they are as weak as the body used,."   "Thank you, that's all I need for now." "Until she has something more to ask, I wish you luck in your own endeavors." 

-----

Charir didn't comment further, though he did almost mention that he didn't exactly need such advice, since he didn't really dare to mock even those that were his own size; He may have been a death-bringer, but he lacked the over-confidence of his kin, in fact, it would have probably done good for him to learn to be more proud, rather than less. 

The accident seemed to be slightly sore topic to Ereo based on his reaction to it being mentioned again, not in way of trauma, but rather more in him feeling ashamed about it, while the two others seemed more casual about it. When it came to the electricity butterfly, the reactions were similar to before, where the trio were just curious if anything, and Charir was more visibly amazed by it. When it landed on him, assuming Leviathan didn't keep holding it separate with her magic, it would be absorbed by Charir, without any input by him, and would arch a bit before disappearing as it spread into his scales.

Since he was the one addressed most, Ereo would be the one to respond to the question first  "The older and more skilled dragons can control it freely, even shape it like you did." "That requires active use of our magic, so I don't know how to do that yet, I need to learn to properly control the basics first."  "What I can do, is to harness it, both from outside sources, and through natural generation." the other two stepped a bit to the side as electricity started forming on Ereo's scales in similar manner to how Voltaick's scales had been constantly electrified. "We also don't breath fire, but electricity."  "I would show you, but I don't know how to properly control where it goes." a shame again flashed on his face when he said it. 

As he spoke, Charir reached his foreleg closer to Ereo, which caused some of the electricity to jump into him, which naturally got the attention of the trio "You can just take it?" "That shouldn't happen, you can't just steal it like that, right Ereo?." "No, my scales should hold on to it until I release it." Charir looked at his leg and back at the trio "Steal?" "Yeah, our natural magic keeps it on us, that way we can stay charged up even in rain and water." "We can't just take it from each other like that." "So that means he can just drain your electricity? That's...scary."  "And kinda cool." 

Not really wanting to continue on the topic of how scary he was, as he worried they wouldn't want to interact with him again if they did, Charir tried to move the conversation back to them "I...uh. What can you do? besides change color?" he asked Oreon in the same direct manner he had complimented her with, though this time it was bit more intentional, "I breathe magic instead of fire." "Magic?" "Yes, pure mana." "It does...weird things, I don't control it very well yet." "We usually learn illusion and alteration magic, as those come to us naturally." "I don't know anything cool yet."  Charir was now looking at Oreon like she was one of Leviathan's magic showcases. "That sounds interesting."
"We do magic too." Vulri joined in, sounding bit envious for the attention the two others got, Charir looked at him "Do you breathe magic too?" "No, I breathe fire, but we are naturally talented in magic, more than most." "What can you do?" "Nothing." "Nothing." Vulri seemed bit embarrassed "Nothing...yet." "Spells are hard...okay?" "But when I do learn them, I'll be better than anyone else!" 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 01:29 PM by Catpone Cerberus