open Casual stroll

There was silence, Emerald would be on her own, as the gem would be unable to speak for Sapphire while she wasn't actively maintaining her form. All that occured in response was the smoke flowing in the gem.

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

Thoughts crossed his mind about this now, this would be a big decision to make, even for a pony like him he wouldn't want to give up so much potential just because ponies wanted to see the good in him. He had good intentions, others just saw them a evil. "Why would you want to know? it couldn't be any more different from ponies conversations."

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

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @EQ_Theta @BloodDrops @Dji @Seamore Sandwich

"General?" After hearing that Iron didn't waste much time opening the files, examining them further. "Well what we have here is a highly skilled individual then, but now I'm unsure how he managed to let his guard down considering his history and skills." He lowered the files a little. "Only reason to get caught like he did, would be to get closer to the other elements, if any reside here." In reality it was possible he was wrong, Warlock hadn't tried to escape so far, the others should know so. "And if that is the case, we should check on him often, and try more to reform him. What do the rest of you think of this?" He asked, while also lifting the files up, if any wanted to grab and take a look at them.

Lucid_Nightlight · August 1, 2018

He took her suggestion, exact same thing occured as silently predicted.

He turned on the laser thing and a red hand was pointing.

"No, this won't do. Don't worry, I think I have one."

He quickly coughed one up. Literally, he actually coughed it up and threw it at Discord.

"Here, you can be the distraction. Anomaly can... be Anomaly."

Edited August 1, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

EQ_Theta · August 1, 2018

"Alright, we'll follow your lead. Just, if we ever run into something dangerous, you be careful alright?" Lin concernedly said, a little uncharacteristic of her to be concerned about anyone who isn't close to her. Then again, it could be done for a somewhat pragmatic reason. There's the fact that they are a little unsure what to if Rosa got hurt. They're low on medicinal plants and they couldn't mix up a batch fast enough. Then there is also the matter of Rosa's brother, if she isn't mistaken, and then there's seeing Filigree brought to justice. King Thorax of the changelings would also probably need to look for someone else to teach him the ropes of politics.

Deep down, even Sen had considered going against Rosa's words if the situation ever called for it. He wouldn't want him getting hurt if it can be spared, but the bat pony seemed to be well aware of not taking unnecessary risks.

They proceeded to move along with Sen picking up the pace before the sun would rest above them. Midday was the worst time to be around in the open but following the roads would leave them open to contact with other travelers. Hopefully the way would be clear, or at least with friendly or apathetic ponies who would keep to themselves. That would be better for Sen to think on what happened earlier.

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

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich

Fluttershy calmed herself, a little more assured with what Anomaly said. She agreed about Discord although even he might not resort to such extremes. If anything, he's a crafty one, able to find and possibly abuse any loophole to his advantage. It's a perk of being a chaotic being that she liked.

Angel's foot collided with Lotus's, halting his advance and left him open for an attack. He didn't expect this to happen and was stunned for a moment, wondering what to do. Not to mention having overheard some bit of Fluttershy who is possibly going to start looking for him soon. Right now, he'll play along with what Lotus would do to him soon and maybe Fluttershy might just see what the two are up to. If Lotus were to pin him down after a bit of moving and fighting, he'll yield, no drama.

Storm Shine · August 2, 2018

@Blitz Boom @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich @EQ_Theta

Discord caught the laser pointer, clicking it on and off a few times while chuckling. "I suppose I am quite distracting." He preened slightly, checking himself out in a mirror. "It'll be fun to see where this goes!" The chaotic being quickly disappeared, off to mess with the sphinx.

"Here Kitty Kitty, I've got a fun little friend for you!"

Rising Dusk · August 2, 2018

@Blitz Boom, @FanOfManyShows

Getting Molotov to talk again like that felt a lot more normal. Plus it did let Dusk listen more to what he had to say on the subject, learning even more about the other stallion's past. Sure enough though, he couldn't argue in anyway, shape or form in the field of AI. It was just fun to poke and prod sometimes, especially when one wanted more information. Not that he after information so much as just learning what he could. Sure enough too, Molotov's mood improved a bit after the little bit of a dark cloud that hung above him before going to that showers. Distractions always helped.

He watched Molotov do his work on Felicia, working to get that device that would serve as her more mobile power supply and key to freedom out of what she considered a prison. Starring at it as a form of magic made it easier for him to understand what it really was, rather than just a box that was too technical in nature for him to. As it was inserted into the spider's chassis and she powered up, he should still sense the magic of the device even as she buttoned herself up. While there was really an on or off switch to how he sensed magic, it was easier to describe is as 'tuning' it out. A simple blink of his eyes as his sense of the device faded into the background to join the rest of the world.

It was nice to have her powered back up and fine, or at least he hoped so with all that diagnostic speak. Walking back over to their work bench, he waited for Molotov to assemble the cage they'd be using for practice. Not really feeling the need to take this into a safe area. Shiver with fear? Has he really ever shivered with fear? Not that he could recall. Probably just a fun little jab at Dusk. Nodding his head.

"Understood."

Reaching up, he placed a hoof against the side of the small cage and simply slid it over the magic circle. With it sitting more or less in the center, he ignited his horn and poured some of his magic into the circle, activating it. There probably weren't too many ponies in Equestria that could see what he saw happening. Most just saw the circle glow, indicating it's activation. To Dusk though, it was a beautiful cascade of energies that flowed through the network of lay-lines he crated with the chalk. Like water filling the furrows made by Earth ponies to water their farms. All of this lasted less a second, as the ends of the magical energy connected and then shot up the cage, binding the spell to the Deep Iron.

Not five seconds later, the cage creaked as metal strained. The bars of the Deep Iron cage started to rile and collapse in on itself, threatening to crumble into a small metal ball rapidly. Mostly out of instinct, the orange glow of his magic became mixed with black wisps that circled around his horn. Doing what he did best, he activated his Counter Magic. With a flick of his horn, the sound of fizzling that ended in a soft pop came from the cage as Dusk Dispelled the enchantment he had just placed upon it.

The black wisps from his magic disappeared before the orange glow itself did as he extinguished his magic. He did manage to keep the cage from fully collapsing, but the bars had become greatly gnarled.

"Oops..."

Edited August 2, 2018 by Rising Dusk

Sekel · August 2, 2018

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta, @Moonlit, @Seamore Sandwich, @BloodDrops, @Storm Shine, @Lucid_Nightlight

TWILIGHT SPARKLE & AURORA LIGHTS

Twilight had spotted Discord zap off and inwardly groaned. At the very least the amount of chaos caused by the draconequii would lessen slightly. That is, unless Discord had gone to the Sphinx ahead of them. Still, it would be nice to know where he went just in case. "Can somepony tell me where Discord went off to?"

"Um ... we're friendship students, sir," Aurora said nervously, eyes wide at Anomaly, speaking for both herself and Serenade.

KARMIC FATE

Karmic shook her head to relieve herself of the dizzy spell she had gotten from the teleportation. She kept close to the only pony she really knew in the group, Zhu, and stayed by his side while the others talked.

'You know, you aren't really a social pony,' Atzy commented in Karmic's mind, her voice echoing around her skull.

"Yeah, well, you try being social when you get random visions of ponies you look at, and then we'll talk," Karmic snapped out loud, uncaring of everypony else hearing her one-sided conversation.

Blitz Boom · August 2, 2018

@Rising Dusk

Molotov couldn't see the intricate network of magic that was going into the spell, as Dusky began infusing the prototype cage with magic, but he was almost holding his breath regardless, as he looked at the delicate work of runes and magic drawn towards the cage that the officer had worked diligently on preparing. This were the first step in a great leap forward for science, as well as something which Princess Celestia would surely praise them for making. A new era of law enforcement that was going to change everything, and write both Dusky and him into history books for making Equestria safer from the magical beings that attacked it.

Just thinking about it made him shiver with glee. It was going to be a great time, as soon as they made a workable version that were. Even if it were looking good so far, there weren't a breakthrough in anything that came out the first time you tried to get it done. It was a matter of trial and error until everything was just right, and as could be seen some seconds into the process, this wasn't any different. It was cracking down from the pressure, and working towards imploding upon itself, as Dusky and him had theorized it might earlier.

Amazingly, the officer actually managed to stop the process entirely, and Molotov got the first real look into what this stallion could actually do. The counter magic that Dusky were such a great user of that even his old towns-mate had found it more efficient to inspect him, rather than work in his own lab, and honestly? It didn't disappoint. It was a fairly seamless, non-flashy process, that could only really be noticed by the new aura that presented itself on Dusky's horn. A black, wispy aura that contrasted strongly with his regular orange one. Highly fascinating. Was this the color of anti-magic? Did that mean that it was some kind of dark magic originally? Perhaps sacrificial or necromantic? Quite a thing to look into later, but right now, looking at the gnarled piece of metal that had once been a cage but now more reminded him of an art installation made out of trash, they had some other priorities to work on first.

So he went over and looked it over, noticing the way the bars had been twisted, the direction and what seemed to have been the center or the pull on this, before looking back on Dusky with a grin.

"A gravitational pull towards the middle that needs to be more spread out, and I need to work on reinforcing the design, but this is pretty good for a first attempt. I think we need to work on both the issues together for the design and the casting next time, instead of being separate. I'm thinking perhaps adding a cross design on the walls to make them more solid, adding a few more inches of thickness on all the bars and then going with some kind of receptors in the corners could help with things? Sort of like lightning rods you know? What's your thought on it Dusky? You'd know best what happened on the magical side of things."

Really, the base design seemed to work well enough, as the metal hadn't been disintegrated or warped instantly under pressure, and the magic were seemingly more having some issue with concentrating a pull in the middle from what he could speculate, so to him at least, it seemed like a rather excellent try. Perhaps he had given them too little credit when he speculated this could take up to ten years, but they'd see when Dusky would start talking. How the magic had reacted exactly were his expertise, so his input were going to mean a ton on their way forward.

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

@Dji @FanOfManyShows

The general looked around, seeing a few of her guards going towards them in their blue and lime-green uniforms with the fins down the side and tridents on her backs, around with a bundle from the Solar and Night Guards.

"Yeah, I can handle him from here. You folks go on and do what you need to, and if something happens with Emerald, keep me posted. Hey dorks! We've got a prisoner to drag to the cells. Give me a hoof here, will you?"

The second half of what she said were directed towards her own guards, who neared them faster and glanced on the other folks around their general.

"And these?"

"They're cleared, leave 'em be. This sorry sack of bones is what I'm concerned about. And don't take any chances with him. He's a flight risk."

The other guards seemed to slow down and walk away instead as they got confirmation that the general only had one prisoner to deal with. Her own guards could handle that with ease, although one went closer, and from the sign on his plate, he seemed to be a part of the infirmary. He rose up Zhu's head, felt on his pulse and grimaced for every step he took beyond that to check up on the prisoner, whilst Tidal Wave looked on somewhat annoyed.

"Are you done groping my prisoner, skippy?"

"He needs to go to the hospital."

"And risk him escaping? No way. We'll drag him to the infirmary, but I won't take the chance that he's faking this and makes a scene in a hospital to escape."

The pony in question put his hoof to Zhu's mouth and then shoved it to the others, so they could see the blood staining it.

"Nopony with a pulse this low and leaking blood is going anywhere else than to a surgeon. You might outrank me, General Tidal Wave, but I am not going to accept sub-par medical attention that might cause your prisoner to perish. He is going to the hospital, and that's final. If you want to dispute that, then take it up with Lieutenant Hogweed. I'm far more afraid of what she'll do to me than what you could, if she finds out I neglected a sick prisoner."

Tidal had no idea who this *Hogweed* were, but it seemed to be somepony that the medical pony didn't want to have any beef with. Considering everything, Tidal would agree that the best course of action were the hospital too then, but she were going to make sure that he wasn't gonna run away there, and keep him watched over 24/7. He was going to live through this so he could give her some answers.

"Alright, you heard him, but you're coming too doc, in case something goes wrong, or if he tries to make a run for it and I need something to throw after him."

Zhuw asn't going anywhere on his own. Being thrown through a wall wasn't something that was easy on the body for somepony like him. Sure, Chow had managed to get through it, even though it had hurt like hay, but he were also in better physical shape. Zhu was more focused on being agile and use magic, rather than physical altercations. A point where he'd mostly rely on venom too, if it came down to being that close with somepony.

So the group departed from the others, leaving Karmic, Astral and the rest back to get some weird looks from onlookers, and trying to decide on where to go from here. Chow had an extra thought, being this close to Astral, but it wasn't so much on what to do in general as it were figuring out what to do with her. She had been pretty silent ever since she had lashed out the last time over her mother being an illusion, or trapped in the Element of Deceit, and he wasn't sure how to handle this. Where he came from, everything were so much simpler. You moaned about stuff, had a brawl to sort the worst tension, and then had a chat with whoever you just had a spar with. You got things sorted brutally, but effectively.

Ponies were far more emotional and hard to grasp for him. Especially if he didn't get any input. His gut instinct told him to try and give her a hug since so many other ponies seemed to use that for a lot of things, yet he just wasn't sure. She might well just smash him through a building and scream at him to leave her alone if he did that, and he didn't want that.

"Well uhm... Seems like that pickle's getting sorted elsewhere, yeah? So what're we going to do now? Perhaps getting the gals home would be a good idea, with the day they had?"

He looked desperately towards Iron, hoping that the geezer had some idea what to do here. Darn ponies and their- Wait, what?

The other mare that he had a beef with before, had suddenly blurted some nonsense out of nowhere, and provided just the distraction that his awkward brain were looking for to not wander in circles regarding how to handle his friend.

"What the hay was that all about? Are you prone to talking to yourself girly, or is this a weird seer quirk? Cause you're the second one I've met now, and you both are sounding coo coo."

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

The hovel they reached and gazed upon were not exactly left untouched by the elements. It were overgrown, the windows were smashed and debris scattered all over the inside of the place. Yet overall, the structure still stood, and a small cleaning could get things in here fixed. The question really were if the basement were okay, and as Emerald entered and wandered towards the hatch, she would find that the seal on it were still intact, even after all of these years. No looters had either been here, or found that place, which were nothing but a blessing. The two of them had quite the amount of things in there that was going to help things to move on, along with some sentimental objects.

A tattered frame that once held a painting of the two of them came into view by Emerald, before she opened the seal on the hatch. Much as she hated how it had ended, they did have some good days, once upon a time. Getting that painting done had been one of them, and something which Emerald had cherished at the time. Partly because it were the first time she could go more than three steps without collapsing due to her illness. The dark magic had helped her get better, and the day they had gotten this made, had been a mark of that to her.

It had been left up here before her last battle, because she wanted it to stay and remind her sister of what she had helped Emerald overcome, once she got her back with her. That she had lost and gotten trapped were an... Unforeseen outcome.

She let out a small sigh and shook the memories from her head. Perhaps there'd be time for those later, though for now, the seal were broken and the hatch opened to reveal a staircase going downwards. Even after all of these years, not even dust had managed to get down there, leaving the place pristine, though from the air blasting out, also stale. She'd leave the hatch open for a time to get something fresher in here, up until she found what was blocking the ventilation duct, and fix it. Likely a stone or a bundle of leaves.

"Remember this place Sapphire? The home that you cast aside, with all of our secrets buried beneath the floor. It's still all here, waiting and welcoming us, as if nothing ever happened."

The staircase would end soon enough, leading to another door that opened without a creak, and lead into a place that Emerald hadn't set hoof in for centuries. The little sliver of home that the two of them had left in this world, hopefully intact, and not cleansed of value and literature by Sapphire in the time between Emerald's death, and her own.

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

"Oh dear, I guess that is a weird thing to ask about. Sorry..."

Hogweed fidgeted a little and let out a cough, trying to get her mind straight. Why had she started to talk about pigeons, of all things? Had she really run out of everything to talk about with Warlock? Well, realistically no, but she couldn't just pry him for every bit of information he might have and wanted to keep private either, so in a way she perhaps had run out of things to talk to him about that didn't directly include the past that he seemed to want to keep hidden.

Perhaps it was best if they just had some quest time now, and waited for the captain to return?

(Your choice to leave this for now until Warlock is needed, instead of filling onto it)

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

Screecher were taking a step towards the new general when Dew put his hoof in front of her to stop her in her tracks.

"General Wing. When others you are working alongside needs you to share information, talking about it as if they have read it is improper behavior. They need you to give them the most important information, and then the details can be read over by them personally later if they feel they want the entirety of the story. Tell us what it says in there of important information. Name, the year it's from, what story is there to explain why he were imprisoned and stricken from our records, and so forth. Anything that can shed some light on what got us to this point."

It may seem somewhat harsh, but Wing needed to know how to work alongside others, or he could end up as one of the old time generals, that only communicated through written orders and kept to themselves most of the time. Or there could be conflict in him withholding information and acting on it before anypony else could find out what he was working from.

So yes, Dew had scolded the new general for his lack of proper procedure, and now it was time for Wing to do it the right way. Read to them what it had of the most important information, and then any details he thought important, leaving the others to either ask questions, or read the last small bits themselves.

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

@EQ_Theta @Dji @Lucid_Nightlight @Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Storm Shine @BloodDrops

Rosa let out a short, weak chuckle at the concern that were given him.

"Strange to have beings care about my well-being... But you needn't worry. I have been taught well in distractions, traps and physical combat since I were six. I know what I'm doing, and how to draw the attention towards somewhere else. It makes it easier to knock somepony unconscious if they're away from everypony else, and a bear is not much harder to draw away."

It was a curious case, to have some that cared for him. His father had for a long time as the only one, but with his dementia reaching the levels it had now, the old stallion wouldn't remember it. He barely remembered who Rosa were the last time he had visited, and it had broken his heart to see his father like that. The only good thing were that it made the decision to turn traitor easier, as he didn't have to worry about his father getting concerns from being related to somepony who had abandoned them, and stolen so much gathered information. Couldn't worry about what were lost to your mind, and the doctors had said that his time were short regardless.

Nopony knew it, but he had held a memorial for his father as he had been welcomed by King Thorax. A small burial site where nopony were likely to fall over it, marked the point where he had said his final goodbyes, to a stallion he didn't know were alive or dead. The only one that had ever cared about him... Until now.

Thorax were a good being, but he cared for his subjects first and foremost. If it came to it, Rosa knew that he himself would be thrown under the bus in an instant if Thorax needed to make the choice. With Sen and Lin, he were more uncertain. They seemed to care about his well-being, and showed worry when he told them how to deal with things if it came to a dangerous situation, yet he wasn't sure if he could trust that it were more than words. Paranoia and lack of trust were a common work hazard of being a spy, nd it were hard to shake the feeling away, even if he tried.

Oh well, they would see as things went along he supposed. For now, they should keep moving.

Their travel were uneventful for the longest period of time. The roads were deserted, and though growls, howls and roars were heard in the distance now and again, nothing had so far neared them.

They'd reach the riverside about two hours after they started walking, which were making quite good time, and the trees growing near the banks should prove a good place for them to halt and take a breath in the shadows. They'd need to follow the river, rather than to cross the bridge after this, so a few minutes to prepare before going off road shouldn't delay them for too long.

"What the heck is that?"

"No idea, but I don't think their hides are any good, even if they would be in season."

The two voices came before a large wagon came down the road, and went for passing the bridge. It was drawn by a grey ox, who looked towards the group near the river with barely any interest, but just kept on moving along the wagon full of.... Well, animal hides. A stack of at least forty of them. cured and piled up, ready for sale. On top of them, two griffons lounged and looked down upon Sen, Lin and Rosa. The female a typical white and brown with purple freckles, and the male a more base grey, with faded-pink feathers and a scorch mark on his chest. An old one it seemed.

"Oh, there's a bat pony too. Guess that means these ain't beasts. Their kind are terrible hunters."

The female lead the word it seemed, and started to stretch herself while her companion just kept laying on his stomach, and looked down on them cautiously.

"I've seen stranger than a bat pony hunter. You three, who are you?"

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

@BloodDrops

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

It were clear that the two of them were not likely to find common ground when it came to what looked the best, but what did it matter anyway? They had use for one another, and Onache for one wasn't going to be the one to sour that. Not unless the sphinx tried to force it through that she should change. These... Mutations, were abhorrent to even watch, and she wished for nothing more than to arrange for a meeting with the other hives, and put forth that they should crush that hive before the sickness that caused them to become so deformed would spread.

Perhaps others of them would have use of it, but not her. She didn't want to become weaker, and working with ponies. She were above the equines, and nothing would happen to her, nor her hive, that should change how things worked.

Who ruled and who served were based on power. The strong should hold the reigns, and the weak should do as they were told. That was the only truth in anything, and the very reason why she had - albeit reluctantly - given over her old hive, and followed Chrysalis. The other queen had proven herself stronger in a fight for the hives, and as such, she were the strongest to follow. Until she lost her hive again, and her strength diminished. She wasn't worthy to lead anymore then.

It were how Onache would tolerate working under the sphinx too. The large feline were stronger, and as such, this were her place to rule. That being said, it didn't mean that Onache would not retaliate if for example, she were to be forced to change into the deform creatures. It might end up not only weakening her, but give her more of those pesky emotions they were to feed from, not own themselves, such as love, pity, and remorse. There were no room for that in her life, nor her hive.

As for the rest the sphinx babbled on about, Onache saw little reason to respond to it. It was just confirmation, and telling who were boss. It wasn't something she needed to reply to, and she were content to simply ignore t hat, and await questions, or the arrival of their *guests*.

It was then that - out of the blue - Discord suddenly appeared nearby, holding a strange device in one of his appendages. The shock of suddenly seeing hi here, caused Onache to hiss at him, before walking further away, to let the sphinx deal with the lord of chaos herself. Especially seeing as he had said the dreaded K word to the large feline, it was likely the best to get out of the way of these two, before she got caught in angry crossfire.

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

"Sir? Heeeey, I'm a girl. It's ma'am. Or wait, that's lame too. It's just Anomaly."

She turned to face the two of them as she spoke, and sniffed the air around them, noticing a weird smell off... Was that ocean water? That was kinda weird. The other one smelled strange too, but she couldn't place it. Had to be some kind of griffon thing. Those creatures were well weird sometime, and kinda meanies too. Sometimes. At least when you poked their eggs, but she guessed she kinda, might've asked for that one.

"And Discord went off to play with the large kitty first. Spoilsport is gonna have her all riled before we even get there. Look, we've only reached the edge of the forest, and he's already there."

She addressed Twilight's question as they kept on walking, getting some weird looks by the citizens considering the strange troupe, but as they had reached near the forest, there were barely any stares anymore. Only a few who stopped up and looked behind themselves a few times to make sure they had seen it right.

"Now, friendship students of princess magicbutt. What do you do as a friendship student? Is it all hugs and stuff, or is it like, binge drinking and socializing? Weird party games perhaps? Oooh, or pranks? Pranks can be friendly."

As for the bunnies, Lotus did lounge forward as their feet met and pinned him alright. With a big fluffy hug, whilst giving a little chittering laughter.

(in critter tongue)"That was fun. Thanks Angel."

Before letting him go, she gave him a little peck on the nose as a thank you. She weren't entirely aware if this wasn't okay among bunnies, but she had seen other creatures do this, so no harm, right? Plus, it had really been fun, even if it were just a mock fight, and not a real one.

Getting back on her feet, she looked towards the others, who had actually gotten quite a bit of way away from them while they had been playing, and jumped up.

(critter tongue)"Hey, they left us! Let's get to them."

(They have to stay in motion, so pushed the group along a bit)

Lucid_Nightlight · August 2, 2018

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich

"With Discord ahead of us, who is gonna cause all that chaos? Well, good thing I'm a poquus and may or may not be part draconequus, that part hasn't been confirmed yet, but I'm definitely a poquus we know that."

In Lucid's mind, SOMEONE has to cause some kind of chaos.

"I don't usually do this, so lemme think... OH! How about four fishbears, walking trees, and a wolfsnake. Yea, that'll do for now."

Lucid clapped his hooves and all the things he listed appeared, and the wolfsnake decided to go after Anomaly for some reason.

"Don't worry, he's not venomous."

Edited August 2, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

FanOfManyShows · August 2, 2018

@Dji

Zealous looked back, tilting his head a bit. "The pharmacy shouldn't be too far from here." He said, looking back to her. "Hopefully you can manage the distance anyway." His concern wasn't expressed in tone, this was merely a pawn in his plan, although helping her was only a plus for her end, not his. Since he could manage it without helping her. While they walked, the pharmacy would come into view soon, Zealous taking his time to walk there. "Why wouldn't you have medication on hand as often as possible?" He asked, looking back to her.

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

@Blitz Boom

When Emerald spoke the smoke inside the element made a nodding motion, although likely not noticeable, there was some sadness behind it, Sapphire regretting a lot of her decisions she made to fix the problems around her, but now she was focused on fixing them permanently. Maybe after this mess it would be as if nothing happened.
===========================

@Blitz Boom

"Oh so the generals can handle it, whatever it is." There was a bit of worry now, but hopefully the generals didn't plan to hand something over that was bad. Maybe it was just a big enough room for the sphynx to sleep in. "Well if you seek something to solve the boredom, conversing with those who pass by could entertain you, since most of them already express interest in you." She turned around a bit, preparing to leave the sphinx. "Maybe they could even see you more as just a entertainer too."

===========================
@Blitz Boom

She sighed to herself as she watched this stuff unfold, Emerald got what she wanted, she got Sapphire in her hooves, and now the element in addition. Whatever she would do with it Sapphire was up to her, if it was Sapphire at all. Astral looked around, glancing at Chow, she would've been an idiot if she tried to face this sooner. To think of the amount of times they could've ended this earlier, way earlier, heck they could've even ended this by never freeing Warlock to begin with. Even then they always managed to meet each other, but Chow was aided by the fact Iron was watching her all the time, Astral would've figured as much though. "I don't know where we should go, or if we should go anywhere." She mumbled to herself, almost wanting to forget that Sapphire was possibly in trouble, or that Emerald was still out there, or even that Warlock could escape. After some compilation, she just walked away from the group, even she had no idea where she was even going. "I'll just go on a walk Chow, to calm down after this whole mess."

===========================
@Blitz Boom

Wing stepped back, he wasn't used to this yet, so he just retracte the files and read them. "Apologies." He looked over it again, sighing a little at his own idiocy. "General Chariot Ironheart, date seems to be about 300 years ago, but the day and month are redacted for some reason." He held it a bit tighter as he read more details, having glossed over it earlier. "He was a skilled earth pony general, who started using magic after his family perished while he was off doing work, unknown if there is a correlation, he was part of a project to discover and protect the elements of disharmony in secure locations, except he stole the element of greed when he was suppose to hide it, before the rest's locations were changed completely, rumors arose that he attempted to resurrect his family with this element. After he attempted to get the other elements, he was then fought by a mare in on the project, of the name Sapphire star, who took it upon herself to imprison him in stone. It is to be noted that if this individual escapes, he is capable of taking on an army himself, even prior to losing his limbs or when he used magic." He sighed a little, taking a breather. "That's about it, next to it is a picture of him, with his family I think." He turned the files around so the others could see it, the picture held on with a paperclip. Chariot looked identical to Warlock, but in this picture he had his legs still. "I do recall reading a file on Warlock similar to this, but his real name was redacted. Somepony was trying to hide this part of the general's history."

That guard from long ago had checked the archives thoroughly, and even the bathrooms to be sure. Arriving at the assumption that Hailstorm went to the throne room 'Hope I'm not mistaken by checking here' He thought to himself as he approached it, and if the door was still closed, he'd knock.

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

@Blitz Boom
Warlock would chuckle to himself, he knew this pony would rather wait in silence, she was digging for topics after all. "If you don't know what to say, we don't need to talk. I've gotten used to silence."

Edited August 2, 2018 by FanOfManyShows

BloodDrops · August 2, 2018

On 8/2/2018 at 3:32 AM, Storm Shine said:

@Blitz Boom @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich @EQ_Theta

Discord caught the laser pointer, clicking it on and off a few times while chuckling. "I suppose I am quite distracting." He preened slightly, checking himself out in a mirror. "It'll be fun to see where this goes!" The chaotic being quickly disappeared, off to mess with the sphinx.

"Here Kitty Kitty, I've got a fun little friend for you!"

The Sphinx flicked her tail and glanced down at the newcomer, "Welcome Discord, I'm slightly disappointed in your arrival, though seems I was expecting too much from a former chaos maker. Suppose you can't just raise and lower the moon at will nowadays unless you wish to be turned into stone. Which is rather unfortunate, since that was a rather amusing thing I did enjoy watching, many seasons ago. Though that makes it easier to get what i want I suppose" she giggled flicking her tail and turning the laser pointer into a disco ball.

She sat down on her throne, "since you've arrived first, i'm going to give you a nice deal. You can have your old kingdom back and all I ask of is that you respect the borders of my kingdom of old. Since you didn't cause me much problem in the past then i'm rather happy we can get along as we always have done. Though if you don't like that deal then i'm afraid we will have to wait for your friends to arrive, slow as they are" she told the draconequus.

"Well i'm sure I can offer you refreshments in the meantime" she offered, making a wide arrange of food to appear on a golden table. She pointed to each item as she explained it. "Fresh apples from that family farm down by apple acre. Cider and juice from there too. Some books about my kind from that princess of friendship, if you want to read up about myself" she remarked watching him intently.

This was another of her tests. Unknown to him.

On 8/2/2018 at 9:17 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

It were clear that the two of them were not likely to find common ground when it came to what looked the best, but what did it matter anyway? They had use for one another, and Onache for one wasn't going to be the one to sour that. Not unless the sphinx tried to force it through that she should change. These... Mutations, were abhorrent to even watch, and she wished for nothing more than to arrange for a meeting with the other hives, and put forth that they should crush that hive before the sickness that caused them to become so deformed would spread.

Perhaps others of them would have use of it, but not her. She didn't want to become weaker, and working with ponies. She were above the equines, and nothing would happen to her, nor her hive, that should change how things worked.

Who ruled and who served were based on power. The strong should hold the reigns, and the weak should do as they were told. That was the only truth in anything, and the very reason why she had - albeit reluctantly - given over her old hive, and followed Chrysalis. The other queen had proven herself stronger in a fight for the hives, and as such, she were the strongest to follow. Until she lost her hive again, and her strength diminished. She wasn't worthy to lead anymore then.

It were how Onache would tolerate working under the sphinx too. The large feline were stronger, and as such, this were her place to rule. That being said, it didn't mean that Onache would not retaliate if for example, she were to be forced to change into the deform creatures. It might end up not only weakening her, but give her more of those pesky emotions they were to feed from, not own themselves, such as love, pity, and remorse. There were no room for that in her life, nor her hive.

As for the rest the sphinx babbled on about, Onache saw little reason to respond to it. It was just confirmation, and telling who were boss. It wasn't something she needed to reply to, and she were content to simply ignore t hat, and await questions, or the arrival of their *guests*.

It was then that - out of the blue - Discord suddenly appeared nearby, holding a strange device in one of his appendages. The shock of suddenly seeing hi here, caused Onache to hiss at him, before walking further away, to let the sphinx deal with the lord of chaos herself. Especially seeing as he had said the dreaded K word to the large feline, it was likely the best to get out of the way of these two, before she got caught in angry crossfire.

The Sphinx tilted her head, "And if I lined up ten ponies and showed them a rock. Would they deem it beautiful? I don't think so" she remarked before flicking her tail. "No you are a tool and nothing more. A useful tool but not a pretty one, which I think you are happy with regardless" she replied before being interrupted by her guest. The one she did want to meet most of all.

"Ah, seems we have visitors, lets see if my plan will work" she remarked to Onache, though she didn't berate her on hissing, other all that is what changelings do to enemies.

Edited August 4, 2018 by BloodDrops

EQ_Theta · August 3, 2018

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @Seamore Sandwich @BloodDrops

A big fluffy hug... that was a little more unexpected than the beating Angel thought he'd get. It reminded him of the hugs Fluttershy regularly gives him, if not the occasional brushing he'd get after bathing. A pleasant surprise all the same despite being pinned to the ground at that moment. And then came the nose peck. The bunny was stunned by that, and admittedly blushed a bit, just standing there and smiling. He really couldn't say much after than, just as he stayed there trying to keep himself from collapsing to the floor and making happy squeaking noises.

Well, maybe he would have continued for a bit longer if it weren't for Lotus letting him know everyone left. Angel sprang up and rounded the corner to bump into Fluttershy.

"Angel! Where did you go? Everyone is leaving us behind and-" The pegasus paused upon seeing Lotus as well and couldn't help but stifle a giggle, guessing what Angel did a while ago. She knelt down and approached the pink bunny.

"Oh, I see you made a new friend, Angel. Hi there, I'm Fluttershy. Can I give you a lift? I'll take you back to the others but we have be fast. They got a head start."

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

"You know, I could help out if we ever get ourselves into a problem. I know how to fight. We'll be careful and avoid conflict if any of the local wildlife shows up though."

Sen hesitantly said, though he seems to be a little more confident now. Growing up training in self defense was something positive for him, and he taught Lin a few things too, should she ever find herself in a pinch. It was a good thing to know, and by their instruction, it was not exactly picking a fight with anyone. That was an important lesson: learning to fight didn't mean picking a fight. Not every encounter had to end in a fight but expecting the possibility that there will be one. Non-aggression but showing a face that was just enough to suggest the longma aren't one to be picked on was the basic philosophy of their methods. As much as Sen thought their history, however unreliable the narrative could be, had a lesson for him to take away, a fairly reliable one at that.

But a time for rest was a time to wind down for now, and fortunately by a river. The siblings needed to freshen up a bit until they caught sight of the ox-pulled cart. Sacks of... something they couldn't identify, and two griffons appearing to take note of their appearances and making comments. The two have never seen griffons before and weren't sure how to go about it. Even whispered rumors about those creatures couldn't give them a rough idea of what their personalities were like. It was a little too much for them to jump to conclusions without getting to know the griffons, they didn't have anything to work with.

Lin cautiously stepped forward with Sen backing her up slowly in case they were hostile.

"I take it you haven't seen any longma yet in your travels. Are you two traders? How about you introduce yourselves first."

Blitz Boom · August 4, 2018

@BloodDrops @Storm Shine

Onache declined to signify the sphinx's inane babbling with a response. If the overgrown mutated cat wanted to discuss what was true beauty, she should have the high ground to do so. A changeling's exoskeleton were far prettier and superior to a coat of scruffy fur on a dolled up house cat with powers.

Of course, she wouldn't be stupid enough to say that. Useful as she may be to the sphinx, insolence would try the borders of the leniency she had gotten, and likely break them. Thoughts like this would remain in her head, although if the irritating mistress of the desert then wished to do things such as change the physical aspect of Onache, things were going to get strained between them. While Onache could change how she looked as any changeling could, the aspect of looking like one of the rainbow beetles were far too revolting, and were likely going to cause her to cause some issues for the large sphinx. Might well be that she could not fight the feline herself, but Onache could seek out others who would, and eventually, the sphinx would be defeated if she stood on her own.

It might be that Onache believed in strength making right, but she had limits to what she would do willingly in the long run, no matter who were the strongest.

But a rebellion were a maybe somewhere in the future, and perhaps not needed. Considering how Happy looked when not draped in his disguise, it might be satisfying enough as a view for the sphinx to focus more on that, than on Onache. The queen certainly did enjoy the sight, as revolting as several of her peers would likely find it. Yet the total obedience, even when he wasn't forced to do so like most drones under her hivemind, combined with his ruthlessness and adaptability into becoming who and what he needed without causing trouble too often, made her watch him favorably in most aspects. Physically... That were none of anyone else's business, now were it? Let it just be said that she liked the unique, yet familiar sight of what Happy were now.

Certainly better than Discord. A hybrid was one thing, but this? Urgh. He looked like a zoo exhibit made up of random parts from animals that had been feasted upon. Not a sight for sore eyes to say the least, and even less so when he were now welcomed as a guest, and apparently one that the sphinx knew about and were trying to cut a deal with. An interesting tactic, yet from what her now former servant had told her, Discord had done so once, and found out what he would lose in his new life as a glorified pony pet. She found it doubtful that he would accept to turn back to his old ways and just leave be this area, over just words again.

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

Everything seemed to still be here. The cauldron, the books, the personal affects and even the couch where they had once sat upon and talked about spells, when they didn't want to lurk around upstairs, where their secrets were hidden beneath their hooves, in case anypony came snooping around.

Emerald did what she could to enjoy it as she sat down, and fell back into the seat, but it wasn't the same. The seat might be hers, and the couch itself were exactly the same, but she wasn't. This body were useful, yet it wasn't her. It was just a shell, or a set of clothes, while the carcass that had once lounged her next to her sister were gone. Nothing more than dust, and the ground up mist that made for her *physical* form.

"If everything's here, we have the plants required at least, so we don't have to meddle around with the chimera grounds again. However, going to need you for the other parts, so let's reminisce, sister."

And by that, Emerald meant that she would begin to work on a concoction that should help invigorating Sapphire with some power, even in her current form. It might be that they didn't use the cauldron all that often, compared to raw magic, but they were still witches. Also, the book they had... *Borrowed* from the zebras, were useful in adding some needed information to the elixir book that had been in their possession at the time. It should be possible to get something mixed up in a half hour or so, with a little tenacity.

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

"My demands are nothing but reasonable."

A roof over his head, some fish, and a large, fluffy pillow. Frankly, they were getting the better deal by having him stick around and help with things, just by giving those minor quality of life things to him. It wasn't as if he demanded the castle broken down to make room for a temple or something here. Just someplace to sleep, and preferably without too much noise. The nearby forge would likely feel nice and cozy in the winter, but it was too active to get any rest near it.

"You see interest in their eyes, I see fear. If they wish to speak they can show the courage to step forth first, before I am seen as some simplistic aggressor."

The mare seemed like she were getting ready to leave. A pity, as he were starting to find her company enjoyable, and it felt great to have someone to rant to, other than just himself. He could just keep her... But it wouldn't seem great, would it? No, it was better to wait for her return. It wasn't as if she could miss him after all, in case she came looking for him later.

"May the winds lead you well, little one. Remember to take your miniature with you. It may prove more useful than you think."

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

@FanOfManyShows @Dji

Chow tried to give Astral a grin as she met his gaze, but it was admittedly a little lackluster. There came a limit to how often he could put a fake smile on it and try to act fine and dandy, yet he kept trying for the sake of not bringing everypony down. Internally, he weren't really getting through this with the calm he had presented for the majority of it. Mostly just charging into things before he had a chance to think to much about it, and then screaming inside every time he inevitably got smacked away. Or, as had been the case when Astral and him had been bound together at Warlock's hideout, desperation and dread slowly setting in over how they were going to get out of that mess.

But it wouldn't help that he wimped out. Didn't matter how often he got beaten down, he had to stand tall and defy whatever was going at 'em, with a sneer or a grin. Honestly, he were pretty sure it was some kind of macho idiocy that had gotten stuck from his foalhood of needing to show that he could take what was pushed his way, just like the rest of his classmates. But he tried to reason sometimes that it was to keep morale up, and not be seen as a weak link, or to try and get a smile on the face of somepony else. You know, to seem less like an idiot.

That or he was overthinking this, and he was just too stupid to listen to the rational side of him, which were generally the part screaming.

It had helped on things before he got to meet these folks too - to varying degrees - but now, he wasn't sure what was going on. It was all old history, emotions running high, and confusing signals. Like with Astral, who he wasn't sure what to do with. Was he supposed to follow her and make sure she was alright? Should he give her some space? Did she need a rest? He had no idea what to do with her, though he felt like he had to do something.

So in a panic, he turned with an awkward look to Misty, who if anypony should understand how Astral worked. Iron were fine enough too, but they had words. Might not be the finest moment to ask about how to handle his daughter. Especially not in that way. Would earn him a well deserved smacking.

"I don't like seeing her down and alone like this, but I don't know what to do here. Does she wants me to follow her? Does she need somepony to?"

This was why he was great at hunting, but sucked at interacting with others. It was easier to poke something than it was to understand mares. Case in point, he was asking advice on what to do from a filly. Had to be some kinda low point for him.

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

@BloodDrops @Dji @Moonlit @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Seamore Sandwich

"...A former general should be given the curtsy of trying to defend himself in court. My opinion on that haven't wavered."

Screecher's judgement of what was in the file were needing a few more seconds to process for her. It was a pretty large bombshell, especially as it painted the former general in a more sympathetic light. He wasn't the first to go down a wrong path to try and regain loved ones, and he wouldn't be the last either.

"We'll have to take this information into consideration when he's judged, and confront him about it. I also think we should invite Sapphire Star to join us in deciding his fate, when she returns with General Tidal Wave and the others. As his original captor, she would know what to expect from him, and if he is capable of redemption."

"Seconded. Though, don't take the photo to court. There is no need to tempt fate. What is your verdict, General Wi-"

The knock on the door caused Screecher to veer away from her sentence, and instead answer what may be an important visit, or news about the princesses, Chariot, or the ambassador in the hospital.

"Enter."

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

Lotus looked up at the yellow mare with the pink mane and tail. The animal hoarder, as Lotus had nicknamed her.

Since she figured that the mare couldn't understand a chirp from a squeak, Lotus just shook her head up towards her, pointed towards the others and stomping into the ground with her right foot before running after them herself. She didn't like others carrying her around, other than Nerzhei. It felt strange to not be with her dragon too right now, but there were lots to look after her at the castle now, right? Wouldn't it be okay if she left her alone, just for a little bit?

Lotus had a want to just wander off randomly and check up on things, but she did tell her dragon as best she could that she were wandering off. Right now though, she hadn't. Nothing had indicated that she'd wander with them, instead of staying with her friend who was hurting.

It made the bunny stop up, and look towards the castle. It wasn't too far away, she could go back, and make sure her dragon was okay. Butt hen again, she were having some fun with this adventure, and brawling with Angel, and the later was going there...

After standing and looking between the two possible outcomes for a time, Lotus started to hop towards the desert-seeking group again. Nerzhei would be fine, and she were among ponies now who might know lots of stuff, so the dragoness were probably going to talk on and on about things that would keep her occupied anyway.

Meanwhile, at the group in question, the being charging at Anomaly would find her mouth open around two meters up, with a cobra hissing in the middle of it with fangs dripping of venom.Between the sharp, pumpkin teeth and the venom, the creature would either back off, or be swallowed whole. Anomaly was fine with either, and would close down after getting a mouthful or the creature to back off. Pain could be lots of fun, but not right now. They had an adventure to push through here.

"How's a fishbear gonna work in a desert? Lots of not-water in there Are they gonna swim in sand? That'd be pretty funny."

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

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine @BloodDrops @Dji @Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

"Whoa, what's with the hostility? Sheesh, I know some griffons can be all up in your face, but that doesn't mean that we are."

"Unless you're prey. Then you're fair game."

"That goes without saying."

"What do you consider prey?"

"Oh, you know, bear, wolf, the occasional bugbear, beavers, giant salamanders, those kind of things. Stuff with good hides and or meat, whose worth chasing down.

Is that what got to you? We weren't actually gonna skin either of you. I might not know what a longma is, but at worst you'd be exotic pets. Can't chase pets or the law will get all up and ruffle our feathers."

The two of them weren't really aching to get into a fight with creatures they could understand. It wouldn't be hard, as ponies especially tended to have some easy buttons to push, but they had a hard enough time selling their skins in pony settlements as it was. It wasn't going to get easier id they acted like... Well, griffons.

"I'm Travis, and this is my mate, Goldie. We're hunters."

"Now it's your turn. And add in why you're wearing that ridiculous outfit, would you? Is it some kind of extreme sun protection?"

So these two didn't know about longma, or spies? Interesting. Not something that was going to help them immensely, but interesting nonetheless.

"I'm Sub Rosa, and these are my associates. We're just resting before continuing on our hike up north."

Goldie scratched the back of her neck, and let out a small chuckle.

"If you're aiming to go through the canyon, you might as well turn back. Massive rockslide have left the road impossible to pass through without wings for several miles. We had to go back since Muskrat here couldn't walk through."

"We'll just have to go another way then."

The two griffons now looked on the bat pony like he was mad, and then over at the siblings, with worry glistening in their eyes.

"The only other way is through the swamp. Do you know how dangerous that place is for tourists? The Will-O'-The-Wisps will lure you apart and drag you into the bog. It's no place for folks not seasoned for it."

Edited August 4, 2018 by Blitz Boom

Lucid_Nightlight · August 4, 2018

The wolfsnake slithered away quick, knowing that it would not win that fight.

"Fishbear swims in sand. It'd be stupid to make a water breather in a-"

Lucid looked down to his pet bearded dragon lizard.

"I'll feed you later, you've already eaten."

The lizard stared back.

"What do you mean you want to go on a walk? This adventure is enough to count as your daily walk."

EQ_Theta · August 4, 2018

"I apologize. I wasn't trying to be hostile, though I suppose I did sound like it," Lin dropped her overly cautious stance and motioned Sen to do likewise. "My brother and I aren't familiar with these roads. We wouldn't know if we were going to run into troublemakers but you seem alright. I'm Lin and this is my brother Sen. You mentioned those Will-o-wisps? What are they?"

At this point, Sen was extremely worried. Hearing about the swamp being their only way around was leading the group to an obvious trap. Even he, who was known for his risk-taking back as a child, would not go along with the odds now. Both he and Lin were likely to be liabilities. And then who knows what will happen? The griffons are pretty much giving away the warning signs right at them but the obvious approach here is to simply disregard them for the sake of their agreement with Scarcity.

Sen pulled out some of the packed apples he picked out, intending them as a snack while on the road, and approached the two griffons.

"Here, it's not much but it's terrible you had to go back. Something for you or Muskrat to eat on the road. And about that bog... how big is it? Is there anything else to expect besides the Will-o-wisps?"

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

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Moonlit @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich

Seems like Lotus is one of those free-spirited types, a rare thing to see in animals of her kind. The pegasus didn't mind it, although she was disappointed that it didn't take to her now. She learned her lesson back at her first Grand Galloping Gala and wouldn't push the matter further. Angel hopped aboard Fluttershy and squeaked, letting her know he was alright. He wouldn't sit close to the saddle bags for now and wanted to keep his distance from the dracolisk riding in there. All things considered at present, it was time for them to catch up with the group heading for the desert.

Edited August 4, 2018 by EQ_Theta

Rising Dusk · August 5, 2018

@Blitz Boom, @FanOfManyShows

Rising Dusk reached up with his hoof and cautiously poked at the gnarled heap of scrap that they created. He expected it to crumble under his touch, but it was still quite solid, producing a satisfying 'clank' from his hoof. It seems he managed to remove the enchantment fast enough to prevent the Deep Iron from breaking down, and well not be the size of a ball barring. Taking himself into a train of though, he moved the scrap heap off the magic circle so that he could study it and see if he could pinpoint what went wrong. He didn't expect their first attempt to be flawless of course, part of the reason they decided upon doing a small scale experiment first, not to waste the Deep Iron. Time to see if they could figure out what went wrong and a take two.

The structural reinforcements that Molotov suggested did indeed sound like a good thing to include, but he felt it wasn't the biggest issue. That blame was more on him than the builder of the cage. Starring at the magic circle draw out on the bench top, he started to trace it around to see if anything stood out to him. Studying it wasn't all that necessary as it was already burned into his memory. The pages in the file provided by Turntable flipped through his mind just like if he'd been looking at them right now. Referencing and cross-referencing both his own work and that of the other engineering pony. The circle was fine, it did what he wanted it to do, so the problem was necessarily there. The content perhaps? Maybe Turntable and himself were a little off on the basic principles of what they were trying to achieve.

Finally turning his attention back to his construction partner.

"It would appear attempting to use the principles of my own Suppression Spell will not work as an enchantment. I'll need to adapt the circle."

Dusk explained and ignited his horn to pick up a rag nearby and start erasing the chalk he drew the circle with. Enchanting was not his area of expertise, and he could partially hear his sister laughing at his attempt. The thought brought out a small smirk. Challenge accepted. Removing the chalk from the pouch of his hoodie again, he went to work redrawing the circle. Pulling from old memories of several more books on enchanting he borrowed from the library. From the first few markings, he became rather apparent the whole circle would be different.

"I think trying your structural ideas will also greatly help us Molotov. Can we salvage another cage?"

Sekel · August 5, 2018

KARMIC FATE

“What?” Karmic asked in a small voice, looking at the being who spoke to her like a deer caught in magic. “N-no ... no, nothing like that,” she shook her head quickly and her nervous actions of shifting from hoof to hoof made it seem like she was lying about her answer. “It ... um ... it was ...”

‘Smooth,’ Atzy commented with a hissing chuckle in Karmic’s mind.

WATTS MECHANO

“To be honest, I don’t usually travel by train. I normally fly to wherever I have to go to get my items and unfortunately, Ponyville isn’t big enough to have an all items surplus store like in Canterlot or Manehattan. This time, I needed to get quite a few and my saddlebags are already kinda full and I can’t exactly fly with all this extra weight. So I had to go by train and I need motion sickness tablets to help me get through it. I left the ones I usually take at home by complete accident because I was in such a rush,” Watts rambled all in one breath before taking in a deep breather to get it back only to blush in embarrassment. “Eh heh, I ramble when I meet new ponies. You and that mare with the origami pony. You have a ... thing ... for her, dont’cha?”

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta, @Moonlit, @BloodDrops, @Storm Shine, @Seamore Sandwich, @Lucid_Nightlight

AURORA LIGHTS & TWILIGHT SPARKLE

“Of course he did,” Twilight groaned in frustration, having been over with Discord many times before not g and cause chaos with villains. “We have to move faster to make sure Discord doesn’t do anything stupid!” She called out to everypony before breaking into a gallop to get to the Sphinx faster.

”Anomaly ...” Aurora hummed as she said the name and managed to smile at her. “That’s a fun name,” she giggled before hearing Princess Twilight speak. “Looks like we have to go faster now,” she sighed before breaking into a run to catch up to the princess.

Blitz Boom · August 6, 2018

@Rising Dusk

"Yeah, I'll see what I can find in the box. I'll melt this down to something usable when we got a shape that's working."

The sound of a piece of metal clanging down on the floor right next to him, made Molotov cringe like he were expecting several more things, that were all going to fall on top of him. Usually what happened back home when the materials were loose. One fell, and the rest would start to follow troop, usually with a painful ending.

Instead he looked over to see Felicia had done so. Helping them once again, but this time clearly showing her irritation by doing something that she knew would get to him. If it wasn't because he had no idea how to do that without frying her system, Molotov would find what part of her programming had had attitude, and tone it down under the pretense of maintenance.

...Alright, he wouldn't, even if it was safe, but it helped to think thoughts like that when this sort of thing happened. helped on the stress.

"Cut it out, would you? That wasn't funny."

"ℕ𝕖𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝔾𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜."

Felicia wanted to be outside, and wandering the streets to see what was beyond this place. Something she had only seen from the hatch she could barely get her upper body out of because of the restriction of the cables that had been in her abdomen. That the fleshlings now went on and on with this fools project carried no interest to her, and were in fact just seen as another delay. She'd give them one more chance to make something that they were happy with, but if they still kept this up afterwards, she'd leave with her smaller sibling. That the two ponies would join were in her mind, simply a workable addition, not a necessity. Not enough to keep her from at least wandering around the outskirts of town and see what lurked there.

So she kept looking for a few more parts that could be used, and threw them over into the stack, each clang causing Molotov's right eye to twitch from the sound.

"...Control yourself Molotov, you're not gonna loose it from the taunting of a three week old... So what's your process in the circles, Dusky? Seems pretty intricate. Some kind of magic blueprints by chance that you're putting together?"

He'd get to work on the metal he were given one by one, but this time, he'd need more time on each piece, so he might as well talk in between, if Dusky could hear him that were. Hopefully he'd be able to, otherwise Molotov had to hum along in his own little world for a few hours while he got this done. He didn't mind honestly, but it just seemed a little anti-social to do when he had company. So did not having refreshments set up he supposed... Huh, they should probably get something to eat after they tried the next one. Wonder if the pizza he and Blitz nibbled on a few nights ago still were any good?

...Yeah, it likely were for them, but they had low standards to what constituted a real meal. They should go somewhere and have a bite when time came so the officer could also join in, rather than try to decide whatever mold should just be scraped off or if it was so bad it had to be tossed. Likely with Felicia dragging along with them if they wandered out, whatever they liked it or not...

If today didn't end up getting him either run out of town, arrested, or being labelled as some kind of dangerous, crazy scientist, it were frankly gonna be a miracle.

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

@Lucid_Nightlight @EQ_Theta @Dji @Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Storm Shine @BloodDrops

"No one knows. They roam around swamps and conjure mists and illusions to lure travelers off the road. If you're ever getting back from their grasp, it could be years, and you'd be a hollow shell of yourself."

"Met one who got there before Griffinstone got build."

"Don't remind me. That look of his have haunted me enough."

"Far as I heard it, nopony came out if they were first lost."

"You should stop getting your stories from taverns then."

The griffons snickered between each other whilst Rosa thought through what they had just been told. It was true that the rumors he heard of this were just that, rumors, and that it were not something he had researched a lot into, but he wasn't sure if these two talked any more truth than that. It might well be a trap of sorts, for the two to gain more hides for their stack, or to lure hapless fools into a trap so they could rob them blind.

"I'll take that under advisement."

It was about then that the griffons were offered something to eat by the two longma, though neither of them seemed too enthusiastic about that.

"Look, thanks for the offer, but we don't know you folks. Tend to be some shady types on these roads that aren't shy with using sleep powder, and we spend a week catching and curing all these hides. Only road we're going is - urgh - to Canterlot."

Goldie rolled her eyes and could almost feel herself gag at the notion, and looked over to make sure that their ox as still standing there, and hadn't made a move for the apples. Frankly good he had been fed not too long ago, so it didn't interest him. If they were poisoned, it could've been bad news.

"Nothing like trying to sell animal hides to snobs and other griffons, while everyone else looks at you like you're a monster. But until the road is clear that's the only option."

"You could take the swamp."

"Yeah, no. See, I have something to live for. If you're crazy enough to go there, then that's on you, and really, we wish you the best of luck with that. If you want to have a fighting chance then remember that you can't trust your ears or your eyes, but you can trust gravel. Keep your hooves and stuff on the road, and pick some moss to stuff in your ears before you get there. The less you can hear, the better."

Goldie started to saddle up again, and get ready to go, when Travis went a little closer to the adventurous group and drew some lines in the ground with his talons.

"The road through is only about two miles, though it stretches for a lot more than that to the sides. They haven't been able to shrink down the area any further far as I've heard. Last we went through there, it took us four hours, and there wasn't a moment's rest in that time. The Will-O'-The-Wisp's do everything they can to drag it on for whoever gets in there, and they're good at what they do. There is a reason nopony likes to go through there without special escorts, and their kind aren't all that welcome."

With that, he jumped up on the wagon again, and laid down next to Goldie.

"If we see you again, I hope you have a story to tell. Good luck."

They'd get the ox into gear then, unless anypony interrupted them with any parting questions. If not, the three of them would soon be on their own again, as the weird hunter couple would be on their way.

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

The dracolisk were still gnawing the last bits of fish down, and didn't much care for what was going on around him. Originally, he had wandered off along with the other animals, but as Fluttershy had called on Angel, the reptile had decided to follow them too, as they both seemed to be the ones leading the animals around for some reason. He had gotten to the pony a little before Angel returned, and had been down to a fish tail at that point, which thankfully wasn't dripping as he crawled up the mare's leg. He'd likely lose interest in this whole thing once things went too far, but for now, it had seemed to be the thing he wanted to do.

Lotus on the other hoof, had to speed up her own running and was determined to see this through, rather than let the others escape. They had sped up to get to the desert faster, because the princess pony had wanted them to do so. It made it annoying to catch up, but she didn't care right now. It was either catching up, going back, or relying on someone else to get her there in time. The second option were giving up, and the third was relying on someone else for too much, and she had her pride. So jumping along faster it were. It was okay really, reminded her of the times she chased mouthy dragon kids around to teach them a lesson.

Meanwhile, Anomaly looked at Lucid and Pringle going at it again, and a thought popped up that she were surprised she hadn't thought of before. Or had she, and forgotten? She could search her memory... Or just get it out there and be done with it.

"Okay, how do you even talk to that thing? There isn't a whisper coming out of him, and you just keep talking anyway. Is it like a telekinesis thing?"

Anomaly hadn't heard of something like that before, but it could be, right? As a draconequus, it wasn't like she didn't make things that should be impossible too, or did something that defied logic too, like eating herself. That trick usually made everypony freak out. Cracked her up every time.

Then before she had the chance to think too long on that, Twilight spoke up, apparently surprised that Discord had wandered off to make something happen. Or annoyed, worried, one of these sort of things. Possibly angry, but she didn't stand still long enough for Anomaly to get a good look, but just started to speed up instead into the forest.

Everypony else seemed to begin to get a move on too, so not wanting to fall behind, Anomaly snapper her tail, turned her legs into wheels, and with a pull in her tail started herself up and went on the way. It was brilliant! Sort of. The roots made it kind of a bumpy ride, so she had to snap again to get some better tires before she slammed into a tree. Proper off road style ones this time, but changing it caused her to fall behind a little. So when she got in motion, she singled out the princess, and somepony near her: The student pony who together with her friend smelled kinda ocean-y. Gret... Gerch... Gargamel? She couldn't remember the name. Something starting with g.

"Anomaly is a fun a name as I am a draconequus, G-bird. When this adventure is over, I'll take you on a more fun one, like shark hunting, or booping sleeping changelings. They really don't like that, but it's funny to see the look on their faces. Especially the queens."

The wind blew in her h- Oh wait, nevermind. The wind blew over her pumpkin, as she followed the others speed through the forest. Her wheels rolled over the brambles and roots that popped up now and again without an issue, and if you discounted the bush she drove through, it was looking almost flawless. But hey, a drive-by salad wasn't too bad to have either. Had to be fed before playtime.

Clearing a huge chunk in a single chomp, Anomaly then turned to Twilight, with several branches and an old bird's nest - thankfully not occupied at the time - out of her gnawing maw.

"You should come too, Princess Magicbutt. It'll be fun. We'll do some thrill-seeking, hunt for some treasures, run for our lives, and then: s'mores!"

At their current speed, they should reach the edge of the desert in about a minute or two.

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

@FanOfManyShows @Dji

Chow sent a glance towards Karmic, carrying the look of somepony who wanted to say she was off her rocks, but quickly returned his glance to Misty again, and hoped for an answer before Astral would get away. A boon for Karmic perhaps, as she wasn't going to be drilled for more answers about her potentially lying over this, though perhaps it would be safer if she had been caught. Atzy had already meddled with her body some, and it wasn't as if there had been shown a reason for her to stop making it worse for Karmic. The seer would need some help, unless she had resigned herself to being something else entirely? Unlikely, but some liked the idea of losing their control, and becoming something else entirely. Likely not this literally though.

Canterlot was a big city, with many varied ponies and some other beings too. Finding somepony who would know something about Karmic's situation were possible, even if she looked for changelings. The capitol were not so free of them as the citizens might hope for.

Edited August 6, 2018 by Blitz Boom

Lucid_Nightlight · August 6, 2018

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine @Dji @BloodDrops @Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

"You know how Fluttershy can understand exactly what animals are saying? It's basically similar to that, but my ability is because that stick I got came with knowlege of language, certaim things about the universe, and even the multiverse."

He picked up the lizard.

"So because of that chaotic power, I can understand this little guy. Unfortunately he has a bit of a swearing problem."

Edited August 6, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

FanOfManyShows · August 6, 2018

The silence would surely be a relief for a pony who'd been trapped in the head of others for years, until Sapphire realized something she could've done for a while now. With only a little bit of illusion magic. "Sister?" It'd sound ethereal, surrounding Emerald with the sound, sounding like Sapphire as it was Sapphire speaking. "I have realized, I could speak using an auditory illusion spell." She chuckled, but only coming out eery with how the element emitted the sound. "What would you need from me?"

===========================================
@Blitz Boom

Astral turned around, her face distraught, and a little irritated,barely haven walked that far. "I'm right here, just ask me. Wouldn't really mind if you walked with me if you felt like it." After saying that, it occurred to her, as much as she did crush on chow once before, they never really spoke to each other that often, outside of a fight. Can't really call that a blossoming relationship, though, and she wasn't even old en- wait... 'My birthday is next week...' She thought, and sighed to herself. "If you want to follow, chose now." She turned around, and resumed walking again.

Misty turned close to Chow. "She needs the company, especially yours." She whispered, smiling a little. The odd part of her shipping these two would be jumping in place right now.

===========================================
@Blitz Boom

He entered, looking to the general, landing his view onto Hailstorm. "Ah, I was sent to find you Hailstorm, so Hogweed can know what info you uncovered on the prisoner." He said, nearly forgetting the very reason he came here mid way through his sentence, but luckily he recalled it. General Wing looked to the guard, glancing to the others, although then deciding to wait to see if Hailstorm would respond before doing so himself.

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

Crystal looked to the miniature, deciding to take it, figuring there wasn't much reason not to. Placing the miniature into her saddle bag. "It's been nice talking to you, and thanks for this thing, whatever it does." She chuckled to herself as she went off, walking to the boutique she heard so much about.
===========================================

@Dji

His walking paused, the pharmacy was now in sight yet he paused walking, turning back to her as she finished rambling. "I suppose rambling involves asking who you are interested in, then?" He looked to her, a odd smirk as his expression. "Although I suppose I am too obvious with my glances, so yes, I am. She doesn't know." He chuckled, barely caring she figured that out, although while it had a place in his plan, it wasn't a big piece of it for it to tear it down for just one pony to figure it out.

EQ_Theta · August 7, 2018

"Safe travels, you two," Lin called out to the griffons, bidding them farewell.

Same information, eyes and ears aren't going to be reliable in there, but what else is left for them to do? No other options but to go through. Lin sat by the river as Sen did, torn with what they've learned and what it could mean for them. Bad enough to piece together something from the past with information that gave his old memories a name, but now a swamp that could make him possibly relive that? The siblings thought they were making progress; now it seems they are taking a step backwards.

"Sen, it's going to be tough to get through that swamp, but I need you to-"

"I know. It's just I hate the idea of reliving that night. Seeing them in nightmares is one thing, but to know something out there could toy with those memories... I don't know if I could ever move on from it. If those Will-o-wisps could do something like that, I'd be holding everyone back."

All true, even Lin conceded that there was something holding her back from fully accepting their own past. She sees a bit of herself in Sen's position, but he was closer to their parents. She understood it, even if she didn't like seeing him moping about it. She wouldn't know how to deal with that if she ever came face-to-face with it. Rummaging around her pack, Lin pulled some cloth and folded it into a bandanna before placing it onto her brother's head.

"This should help. Some rope to tie around our torsos and moss to cover our ears, we should be prepared. Unless I'm missing anything. Rosa? Is there anything we could do to prepare?"

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

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich @Moonlit

Fluttershy caught up to the rest, though it seemed like the temporary diversion is leading to something much bigger. Having some animal companions eased her worries, but this Sphinx... another adventure and still unsure what her role in it would be. Always a little passive unless she played her role, and even the pegasus doesn't know. It was somewhat comforting to have a few powerful magic wielders now, a plus in her mind.

For now, she caught up with Anomaly and Lucid, still unsure how things will turn out.

"I just had to stay back and grab Angel. Did I miss anything important?"

Edited August 7, 2018 by EQ_Theta

Rising Dusk · August 8, 2018

Nodding as he got Molotov on board with wanting to give this cage another shot with just a few minor changes to the design. He figured getting Molotov on board would really be all that hard though, the other stallion did seem pretty excited in the work. Rising's ear flicked as he also heard the piece of metal clang to the ground, but he was all too focused on the new circle he was designing for round two. Letting Molotov and Felicia go off to work on their own parts of the project, but Molotov came over instead to inspect Rising's work. Not that it bothered him in the least, multi tasking was pretty easy for the detective. And it was only fair, as Dusk looked in on Molotov's work and blue prints.

The chalk zipped around, drawing complex designs that ultimately looked like several sigils mashed together into as much harmony as Dusk could manage. He had to be careful though, magic circles can be rather easy to mess up and all it took was one line out of place to cause the whole thing to collapse. Manehattan's resident 'Spell Breaker' knew that all two well. The trick was knowing how to take down a magic circle without it exploding in one's face... or leveling a city block.

"A blueprint could be rather accurate to think about it."

He agreed, but just like how Molotov did in explaining those engineering blueprints, he'll keep it simple.

"Magic circles are for more focused spells. Magic used by your horn is more akin to doing a sketch. It's quick and dirty, but you get the message across. The lines in a magic circle serve as channels. Guiding the magic into the right 'shape' and 'order' to perform more powerful, longer lasting spells."

Blitz Boom · August 8, 2018

@Rising Dusk

Molotov looked and listened with great fascination to what he was told about these magic circles, and how they worked to focus magic better than a horn could hope to do.

"I think I'm starting to get it. You're working like an engineer sorta. Electricity in itself is powerful, but adding cables and funneling it through to an object better suited for it makes it far more refined and gives the possibility of endless options. It seems to be kind of like the same with your runes. You funnel magic through 'em, to refine and make them possible to work on. Before that you work on your frame, add some gears - or in your case, symbols - and your creation is ready to work. Just needs the power funneled through to power it up.

Hah! And here I thought we were pretty different in our specialty, but we're just two different kinds of inventors. Magic or electricity, metal or runes, it's not far off being the same, even if the results aren't.

Right, now I'm fired up. I'll go and get suited up, then get to work on this. Can't go delivering sub-par work to a colleague."

Molotov would wander off quickly, so he could get everything he needed to be ready for this, and really get into the thick of things. Especially his goggle would be great, so he could make sure to really focus on the minuscule details without missing anything.

Felicia just kept finding new materials while this went on, not caring for talking at this point, though Carmen did skitter over closer to Dusky and began checking out what he was working on with interest. Her mind couldn't fathom all of this, as she were a pretty basic AI with less software development than Felicia, but she could still store things in her memory, and if her creator thought this was good, she wanted to know more.

The creator in question were back within five minutes, suited up and went straight for the forge where he'd get to work hammering away at the metal provided with great enthusiasm, and an almost maniacal look on his face. Even if it weren't exactly the truth, the way he now looked at this collaboration had put a fire under him (not literally) and a will to really get into this, and crush forward, instead of cautiously trying a few minor steps. It would shave off some time, so it wasn't as if there was anything to complain about either, though it were still going to take some time, and about a dozen different tools floating around at any given time when the metal he were working on cooled down enough for him to work further on it, and weld certain things together. It would be stronger than simple screws, and should have the additions added in the corner more efficiently - in theory - funnel power, without rattling around or get loose.

Molotov would likely want to get some sketches of what Dusky made later, to try and see if he could learn to fathom more of the officers work, but Carmen could help with that. He'd noticed her look at Dusky in the work, and she'd be able to help him recreate it when there was more calm to things, even if it would take some time. She wasn't all that good at writing, though they had made some small progress the times when he had been bored and wanted to see what she was able to learn. Her issue were mostly that not all words came out as they were heard, but instead as others that meant the samee, so when he tried to make her write *One coffee please* she instead wrote down *Number drink beg.*. Not the greatest success, but considering her first written word had been an expletive she heard in town a few weeks ago, he'd take misplaced words in a hoofwriting that could rival a doctor, over having to explain to someone why his assistant had insulted them.

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

Rosa thought long and hard, as the conversation went on between the two siblings. The fact of the matter were that they needed to get through the swamp, but there were certain challenges to that. If Lin could follow his track, instead of having to be a place herself first, he could have simply just flown over and she could get the other two to him, but as that were not an option, they had to look at the other ways, which did involve travel through the swamp itself. A place it was likely bad to place these portals, as Lin might get disoriented, which could work badly for them. Plus, there were no way to know how the spirits in there would react to the portals. It might cause them to go completely insane.

So Lin would have to go through, and seeing as Rosa considered himself to be level-headed enough to stay on the path, he'd have to follow. Which brought them on to Sen... Somepony who seemed to be the focus on Lin's worry, as apparently, he had a lot of skeletons in the closet that could come out to haunt him. Even deafened, it could be an issue, and if he were blinded... It were workable, but there were another solution that seemed safer, though he wasn't sure if the two would agree on it.

"...There is one thing, but the two of you will need to think of it as we walk there.

The swamps inhabitants will assault us as we're in there, and personal demons will end up coming out to haunt you, if they think it will make you stray. That makes anypony who have a lot to work with a risk, and we'd need to consider an alternative.

I need to go through the swamp, as my personal demons are things that would make me bow my head in shame, not wander into the fog, and I have training in stressed situations. Lin is also required, as her gates are important for by-passing this place later, and she will need to be in an area before she can travel there. Sen, you are... Non-essential, in a sense."

Rosa knew well that his words weren't likely to be taken kindly, but he didn't know how to phrase it better without making his point somewhat hard to follow.

"What I mean is that there is no reason to try you with what rummages in there. You could wait in safe distance from the swamp, and when we have passed, Lin could transport you through a gate. There would be no reason for you to face something which sounds like it's grinding you down, nor cause Lin worry about your safety.

As I said, you two will need to decide on this, but I would personally advice that Sen waited. The less that wanders through the easier it would likely be to keep check on everypony. The only other alternative would be to muffle your ears and your eyes alike, and guide you through that way, but it carries risks in itself, Sen."

Rosa began to move to the side, following the riverbank to the most direct way towards the dreaded swamp. The two siblings would need to decide on this themselves more than him, though his input would likely remain the same: That it would be safer if Sen were to wait, and they wouldn't have to take risks. It would make them worry about his safety, and if he would run after them perhaps, but what then if he were there, and the Will-O'-The-Wisps lured him away by playing on his emotions, or false promises? Logically, to Rosa at least, the way were to keep the male longma behind when they neared the forest, and just use the rope they had gotten for Lin and himself.

But again, he didn't know the full story, and what demons Sen might be wrestling with. It might not be so bad as he expected, or it could be far worse. Only those two would know, and that was one of the reasons why it were up to them to decide in the end, what they ended up doing here. Rosa had given his suggestion.

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

Emerald chuckled at the question. Her sister had always been the more ambitious of the two, and the most knowledgeable. To be the one in the front seat now, doing things that Sapphire didn't know of, gave her some degree of satisfaction, as she set a small, magical fire under the cauldron and opened the old cabinet of ingredients. Usually something which should have perished long ago, but this place had been sealed well, and their ingredients were varying degrees of easy to keep efficient, even when held for long. A few lizard feet that hadn't been pickled seemed to have turned to dust, but she didn't need those really, so no worries for the time being.

"Patience sister, patience. Remember all the times you said that to me?"

A foul-smelling, green liquid were the first to hit the bottom of the cauldron, where it would slowly start to swirl. A meager amount, but they wouldn't need much. A pint at most should do the trick.

"Tell me Sapphire, what do you remember of this place? I sealed it off not long before I came for you. Couldn't stand looking at it for too long at a time though, so it weren't often I stayed here. Reminded me of your... Departure."

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

"Thank shorty. I owe ya."

Chow rose a hoof to ruffle Misty's mane, then recalled their little interaction last time he had done so, and put it down again, resorting him to give her a somewhat awkward grin instead. How he missed the simple times where just ruffling some head feathers would be the way to go, even if it sometimes included being bitten or pecked for the action.

He quickly turned around after that, and wandered over to Astral with some degree of speed to his step, until he could walk to her right.

"Hi. Uhm... Sorry 'bout that. I know I must've looked like a right tool for asking Misty like that instead of just getting a hold of myself."

Ah, awkward talks. One of the many *joys* in being 'round ponies and messing up things with them constantly.

(internal dialogue)"Honestly, I just wasn't sure and I panicked. Been living 'round ponies for years now, but I still don't get how to interact with anypony. Emotions, subtlety, all that sorta thing, it's foreign to me, and while I can sometimes just brush it off, you're not just somepony, Astral. I care 'bout you, so I try. Sorry for coming off like a right fool doing that."

The talk went through his head a few times, but it didn't sound any less idiotic the more he thought about it. Well, all or nothing he supposed, here it went...

"H...So how're you doing?"

Oh great. Went from a sentence that sounded moronic, but was at least heartfelt, to something so cliche and stupid that he frankly wanted to kick himself for it. Nice work there Chow, you did it again. Coming off like a chicken who had smacked it's head too many times into the stable door, instead of having the guts to just blurt out the sappy, clumsy stuff. Great start...

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

"Unsettling things, soldier."

Hailstorm wanted to remind the stallion here that to him, it were Captain Hailstorm, but there were more important things going on right now, so he would let this one slide. For now.

"We will need to think on what to do from here. Could you-"

"Tell the prisoner that his trial will commence at sunrise."

Dew looked towards Screecher, who usually were not one to interrupt him when he was saying something unless she found it important.

"Screecher? What is your reasoning for that?"

"The guards need to see that the one who hurt them have been caught, and will be judged. Whatever said judgement will end up being, it will give them peace to see the trial. At sunrise will give us enough time to get the inauguration completed first, so General Wing can proceed over his first trial with proper rank. We still have guards who doesn't know his new responsibility in Canterlot."

"I see your point, yet it is still early. We know not even about the ambassadors condition yet."

"Much as I like him, his current condition isn't important. He were attacked, and that will be the crime added to the myriad of others. His condition is stable, so it can't be a murder charge regardless.

So tonight, we will have the guards we can gathered, General Wing will properly be given his new title, and the courtroom can be prepared through the night. It will give time for the princesses to perhaps return, Sapphire Star to be brought in, and Chariot's defense to be established."

Dew sighed at that last point. He knew where this was going sadly, and had the second that the guard had come in and told them who were looking for Hailstorm.

"Lieutenant Hogweed will likely be defending his right to prove himself, yes. Always a mare to help others, if they deserve so or not."

"She were the only one readily available, Adviser Dew."

"It's for the better. Considering the attack, I doubt volunteers would be lined up. Regardless, General Wing? Do you have any interjections to the proposed plan?"

Screecher would assume that Wing would want his title properly sooner, rather than later, so his new authority could be recognized, but his opinion mattered, so she would wait and see what he said. If he had a counter point, he had every right to let it be heard, and they could discuss it from there. If not, they could get to work.

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

@Lucid_Nightlight @Seamore Sandwich @Moonlit @Dji @Storm Shine @BloodDrops @EQ_Theta

The miniature wouldn't really do much, but it was sturdy and made for an acceptable head-rest. She may find some usage for it, though Enzo mostly cared that it were a won prize, and that he didn't want to see it cast aside. Whatever usage it might have for the pony, he would hope that she found.

Laying his head down again, he glanced once more at the ponies who stared at him with wonder and/or fear, though none of them stepped forward yet. How disappointing...

Letting out a sigh that made a nearby foal stumble a little in his tracks, Enzo slowly began to close his eyes, aiming to see if perhaps he could take a small nap. It seemed as if he were little more than forgotten and set as a tourist attraction now, with the one who wished to speak with him moving along. What was the point in staying awake for that? At least sleeping, he'd pass some time, and the grass on the lawn were better than the slab of stone he had for the past three centuries.

It were still no large pillow of course... Stupid pony generals... ZzZzZz"

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

"Nah, I'm just inviting Princess Magicbutt to come on a fun adventure after this. All pent up and boring she is, hehe."

Anomly took another chomp out of the bush that had engulfed her - after she ran into it - and chewed that down whilst looking at Fluttershy, and her weird little rabbit. Looked like one of them small trouble makers, though Angel should have horns. Wolpertiners were just more interesting. Especially the violent ones with the sharp teeth. Fun little monsters.

"And you're speaking nonsense Lucid. I can understand animals all fine and easy, but Pringle doesn't talk. It's just silence and you talking. Bet you're the one with the potty-mouth and the lizard just likes to be a little, scaly jerk."

She pulled her tongue on Pringle, which gave him the option to bite it, if he was quick about it. Not a thought she had considered when she did this, as much as just showing her displeasure against this one, particular animal. Not a friendly little thing.

Lucid_Nightlight · August 8, 2018

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine @BloodDrops @Moonlit @Dji @Seamore Sandwich

"Of course he talks, you are just deaf an-"

He looked over to Pringle.

"Wait, it's telepathy and I'm stupid for not realizing that?"

Pringle stared blankly directly at Lucid.

"And Novia gave you telepathy abilities without me knowing?"

It made sense, it sounded exactly like something Novia would do. The lizard was looking at Anomaly, so Lucid tried reading the lizard's mind trying to see what was going on. It seemed like Pringle was trying to say something to her.

"Pringle, quit swearing at Anomaly. Just because she called you a scaly jerk doesn't me-"

Lucid's eyes widened.

"Where'd you even learn that one!? I didn't even know that word even existed!"

Pringle's ability to communicate is confirmed, but his *colorful vocabulary* is a still a problem.

"Anomaly, you didn't teach him any new words did you?"

Edited August 8, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

EQ_Theta · August 9, 2018

Rosa's suggestion was a sensible one. With Sen pretty much fearing everything that could go wrong and holding the rest of the group back, it is a no-brainer. Better to have him stay behind and wait until the Rosa and Lin were through. Lin knew this and they didn't need to converse to agree to the suggestion. Then again, what Sen feared in there could possibly get to Lin as well. Deep down, she knew she was posing as big of a liability as her brother, and she wasn't too keen on expressing that. It wouldn't matter anyway, as she was the only one among them who could go back for Sen, should she need to pull everyone back. Hopefully it wouldn't have to end that way.

"Alright, Rosa, we'll go with your suggestion," Lin calmly said as she prepared to wash up on the riverbank.

"I'm too big of a risk to bring along. At least with sister crossing the swamp, she'll be able to get a gate open and bypass the swamp for me to safely move past it."

There was also the what ifs... The plan was sound, but there was also the possibility of it going south. It would be folly for Sen to go in when something happened to both Rosa and Lin.

"One question. Do we have a back-up plan? What happens if things don't go right?"

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@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight @Dji @Moonlit @BloodDrops @Seamore Sandwich

"I should introduce you both to Pinkie Pie and her pet alligator Gummy. Pinkie has lots of conversations with him! Sometimes I don't even know how she understands him, what with Gummy always looking like he's staring into space. Maybe you can ask her how she does it, Lucid."

Then again, what would Fluttershy know? Gummy might not really be saying anything, or maybe he is but even she can't understand it. Pinkie Pie knows Gummy better but all that strangeness might just be part of the package. It's hard to know how the two are compatible with a silent baby alligator and a loud earth pony.

Edited August 9, 2018 by EQ_Theta

Victoria Sponge · August 9, 2018