open Casual stroll

[Blitz Boom 4,622]

@@cwhip9,

 

"Imagine being... Inside out... On fire. *gasp* Still better... Than this..."

 

Zinthar took a few, trying steps towards the batpony, but he didn't really look stable or like he were able to move fast for at least a while. Then again, where would they move in this place? There was just a hall with the occasional door here and there, and it wasn't likely that all of them could be opened. Best bet was likely just to follow one path and hope that something would change, and since it seemed like there was a slight incline in one direction... Well, up usually were the right direction. That is, if there actually were some incline and not just a low, dragged out hill.

 

There were still none of the dream spirits around who said something, though Crescent could perhaps feel the glare of something coming from somewhere in the dark spots of this place. Something, or somepony, that were watching them, though for all intents and purposes, not one that seemed to want to show itself for now.

 

That, or it were just the vibe of this place. It were hard to tell.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@Rapid Wind,

 

Ah, so there Were guards here after all. Not at first, but as he had stopped to admire the building, they had appeared, likely having been inside and now wandered out - excellent silent door there, really - or been around a corner on a patrol around the building. Not really an unusual thing for guards to do, though he would admit that he had thought more of the uniforms of these officers under the new princess. She were of a newer age after all, and were a being of magic and friendship. For some reason he just assumed that the uniform would be... Well, something more.

 

Regardless, Stargazer saluted the two guards in typical, respectful fashion, then went on to answer their question before things would start to drag out and become awkward.

 

"He is sir. A newcomer named Rapid Wind who wanted to see the town a little, including the castle of the new princess. Figured I'd use a little of my off time to show him around since I still have some hours before my scheduled meeting.

 

The name's Stargazer, from the Night Guard by the way. May i ask what the names of you and your partner are sir?"

 

Though not all guards treated bat ponies well - except in the Night Guard - he would meet and greet these with the assumption that they were better than the small minority and unpleasant guards he had sometimes met in Canterlot. It was very few, so the odds were rather low, and these worked for the princess of friendship for crying out loud. If these were intolerant, the irony would likely melt a hole in time. Or the princess would do that herself experimenting with magic, but he'd try to keep the thoughts of accidental doom aside for the time being.

 

He really hoped these were good ones though. The Solar Guards had been nice enough thus far - The general distrust after the ones that followed Nightmare Moon were barely there - and it would be sad in his mind to find that the local guard would be sub par. Emotionally distanced, sure, that was fine, but not harsh ones. The distant ones basically just went like that to remain impartial and professional anyway, which were just something to respect after all, even if he didn't particularly find it the best stance all the time. Difference between a job approach and a bad attitude after all.

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@Minty_The_Sweet,

@,

 

The sisters scratched their heads, trying to figure out what to do here. Or well, sort of what to do, as it were pretty obvious that they couldn't just leave a blind foal to get herself to Canterlot. Seriously, that sort got ponies sent straight to Tartarus for being heartless monsters, and rightly so.

 

"We'll get her to Canterlot, sure. But she haves a point, a pony's gotta eat, so perhaps finding you something first I guess? Not much I know about changelings I'll admit, but if she's thinking you ain't too good right now... I mean, I'd offer a sampling, but you know, anti-magical and all, so can't really."

 

Really, the few interactions they had with changelings before this had basically been less informative and mostly the same story about *We'd better start running* and then keep praying that they didn't figure out that their magic was useless around them. including them trying to drain them, which had been something that she knew from experience didn't do jack squat.

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

Omen tilted her head and thought about it for a little bit until she nodded and a new gate would open up some way from Lin, where on the other side, Sen would see her and carry out the order he had been given again, charging her again. He'd almost hit her before another gate opened in front of her, swallowing him again, but this time he would get through another nearby, leading to the back of Malvernis, as Lin had asked. He should have enough momentum going there to not be able to stop, and if not... Well, Malvernis still stood between him and Lin, so point of least resistance perhaps? It was hard to tell.

 

Omen for one didn't know what were going to happen, but she would do what she were asked from Lin and try to help that way. She were the one who knew what would have to happen to make this end well. or at least she hoped so. After all, if she didn't, who did? Nopony that they'd be able to get here in time to help anything at least, she were pretty sure about that. Perhaps if they had more time, but unless she were told they did, Omen would not think it true.

 

But they would see what would happen. For now, Lin seemed to have the upper hoof - Though she did look weakened - and knew far more about this sort of thing than she did. All Omen could really do were to just hope that the longma could get things done, and help in whatever way she were asked to. As if Lin were Master himself. Which, considering that she held the life of Omen's first real friend/her own brother in her grasp, she might as well be, both in terms of power and her want to serve without pause or question.

[BabylonSister 218]

"Uhm..." Nix pattered her hooves, wondering if she should follow either of them, and if so who?

 

She ran to the entrance of the cave, gazing out at both of them. "Well... Have a good evening then!" She called after them. As an afterthought she quickly added "Y-you're still welcome to tea!!" They seemed like they wanted to be on their own.

 

Nix plopped down at the mouth of the cave and heaved a sigh. "...suppose I'll head home soon then"

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@@Rapid Wind

@@Blitz Boom

 

More guards started to arrive at the castle. Though few if any would know what they were there for, some could guess after seeing some of the damages in town. One by one the guards arrived, mostly the Day Guards with a few Night Guards mixed in, having been summoned for a meeting in the castle. So too did arrive some of the citizens of Ponyville, called in to help out as well. None of them payed much attention to Stargazer and his guest. If anypony were paying much attention, they might see Princess Luna and Princess Celestia fly in and land on a balcony before walking inside. Spike opened the front door, then announced in an 'official duties' sort of tone, "The meeting is about to begin. All those who will attend please enter now. Thank you." It may have sounded like he had rehearsed it a couple of times, but he had never addressed the Royal Guards in an official manner before, so it was understandable.

 

 

@@Rapid Wind

 

Starlight was a little impressed by Discord's manners. It wasn't often that somepony pulled out a chair for somepony these days, except maybe Spike. She sat down and said, "Thank you," politely before picking up the menu to see what this place had to offer.

Edited July 18, 2016 by Seamore Sandwich

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

Just as she expected, her brother mindlessly charged straight into her. Lin immediately channeled her energy into forming a pair of spectral claws and dragged the weakened Malvernis into Sen's path, knocking him into the orb. The entity screamed and writhed in pain before the sound was muffled and all was silent. At once, Sen's eyes returned to normal and he went unconscious.   

As for Lin, once she knew it was safe to stop, she restrained her powers and let the last of her magic flow into the foci. Those objects, however, floated up into the air and revealed the "jailers" that Malvernis spoke of: six of her kind's ancestors just as the old stories told. The same ones who stole their kind's magic and locked it away, never to be used. The oldest-looking one with a long beard spoke first.

I didn't think it was possible to see our kind once more. On behalf of my fellows here, we thank you. He turned to Omen and continued. Your part in this will not be forgotten as well. You, too, have our gratitude. It is good to see that one of ours has found good company in you. 

A second voice, a feminine one, added. But while the balance of this ruin has returned, not everything is as they should be. She sadly looked at Lin and said, the curse of Malvernis lingers in you. You do not have much longer before it takes you. You must find a place where you can be cleansed and you must hurry. 

 

Lin breathed heavily and tried to catch her breath. She was conflicted by feelings of dread and concern for Sen and Omen on top of exhausted to the point of collapsing. She continues to hold on but is unsure how much longer she has left, and she knows the malevolent magic's destructive power has accelerated. "Where is this place? And how much time do I have?"

 

The remaining four looked to each other, then to the two elder ones. Once more the eldest spectral longma spoke, A wellspring to the north, buried under stones where the ivory towers of the twin rulers of the land make their home; a place where the stones hold back the sky and sky keeps the stones afloat. And you only have one day left.

Once she heard this, Lin was paralyzed. It was not just with fear but also with a deep sadness. Without much left to hope for, she walked towards her unconscious brother and looked at him, then Omen, a single tear rolled down her cheek. Somehow, she expected this and while she thought of something to say to her brother, all she could do was lie down next to him, keeping herself close to him like just like how their mother held him. She was severely weakened, only mustering enough strength to keep on breathing.    

Edited July 19, 2016 by EQ_Theta

[cwhip9 1,078]

@@Blitz Boom,

 

The bat pony moved forward catching his feline friend "ok, no more walking for you that's an order" he said getting under the cat soon letting him rest on the batpony back...for the 2nd time sense they met.

 

"the blimp was more real then I thought then, sorry about this zin" he said getting up walking down the trail with the cat resting on his back. The cats blood beat wasn't weak but he could tell the cat needed some rest of sorts after the dream collapse, and yet there was another he herd.

 

It wasn't his own but something distint, this had trap writtin all over it. "you can come out now im too tired to fight" he said addressing the odd blood beat that was unseen.

[Holiday Agnaktor 1,436]

@Blitz Boom

@Summer Breeze

 

Frosty's relief turned into more worry when Nerzhei went back inside. Was Nerzhei going to get smacked because of them? Frosty was already feeling bad. Plus, if Nerzhei was going to get punished, she would probably be less inclined to show him where the gems were at. He still wanted those, even if they were low on his priority list right now.

 

But even though he was worried about Nerzhei, he joined the...celebration? Yeah. Frosty was at least 74% sure that those were tears of joy. His suspicions were confirmed when Lyriel hugged them, whispering her thanks. Eeyup, definitely joy.

 

A bit later Nerzhei came back out of the Arena-House-Council-Place. She didn't look too happy. She didn't sound happy either. She was actually quite scary when she was angry, so Frosty didn't ask her how it went. He could imagine that it didn't go well.

 

So instead of saying anything, he just silently followed her. He was already getting pretty scared by Nerzhei. What if she had gotten the order to silently kill them outside the camp? And that that was the reason why she seemed so upset? Aaaargh, there were so many bad possibilities. Frosty was going to be extra careful from this point forward. He didn't want to get fried today.

 

When they finally got to the end of the camp, he saw a single, lonely tent. It was probably Nerzhei's because otherwise they probably wouldn't be here. A gust of wind confirmed that, when he saw a stack of books inside. Only Nerzhei would have more than one book in her tent.

 

Frosty cautiously walked up to Nerzhei, and poked her leg.

"S-so what actually happened in there?" he asked softly, ready to jump backwards if she tried to smack him, or do anything else.

[Blitz Boom 4,622]

@@Frosty Frost,

@@Summer Breeze,

 

The earth rumbled slightly around her as Frosty came over and poked her, brought on by the magic rolling briefly over her free claw before she got herself under control and turned towards him and his little entourage with a look going over her eyes of deflating anger, though not something that went away just yet. Something had still gotten her on edge, and whatever it were hadn't an easy time letting go.

 

"What happened? I've been put on babysitting duty, that's what happened."

 

She swayed her arm mockingly towards the camp where most of the others were.

 

"Do you know what I've gotten for helping these short-sighted dimwits in getting better defences and tracking? Nothing but grief, and hopes that I'd get over my *silly business* and act like a dragon., and Cronk have always been the worst of them. He wanted me out of here for years, but Krahvus was able to keep me here because he kept a majority and knew it wasn't pointless. Long as I had wards to make and test, I was given leeway... Wards that have been confirmed works now."

 

Smoke rose from her nostrils and she looked to the sky with her right hand clenched hard into a fist for several seconds before she were able to calm herself enough to lower her face and look over at the gathered ponies, and in particular, the dryad, before looking back at Frosty, and speaking in an official tone.

 

"By order of elder Cronk, Krahvus and Choval, I, Nerzhei, are to escort the lot of you out of dragon country and then stay in Equestria to oversee the relocation effects on Lyriel, and to make completely sure Krahvus didn't miss any corruption."

 

It was no wonder that she were angry with his in mind. She had her studies to do here, regardless of all the others and their opinions, and now she had been moved to what Cronk had described as *just another, more needed study* to make Choval go with him in voting out Krahvus's opinion. Something they didn't even have to, as the only elder who had ever truly held his claw over her, said that he agreed that it was more important for the time being. Even though it had been pretty clear to her that with this, it was unlikely that she'd ever get a chance to come back.

 

"I have a half hour before we have to be out of here to gather whatever things of mine I want, and then leave the rest.

 

Pass your judgements if you want. I have work to pack."

 

With that, she'd go into her tent and start rummaging around, packing the few, most essential things. If Frosty or one of the others would follow in, they'd see around twenty books stacked in there, a table with a few glasses of unknown things in them, some gems of varying size and color spread on said table, as well as papers hanging around with small writing on them. Likely made herself.

 

Not that many things were really here, but it seemed to be more from a lack of resources than anything else, and considering most of her stuff seemed focused around books and the gems - there were barely anything not work related in here besides a small nest of a bed - she had done with it what she could.

 

Outside, Lyriel would look around with surprise in her eyes, not knowing what to think of all of this. It had seemed a bit easy perhaps before, so something should be expected, but... Someone to watch over her, in case something went wrong? It sounded strange really, though she wouldn't be surprised if the elder that had set this in motion didn't even think something were wrong, but just used it as an excuse to get his own plans rolling. It carried that sort of ring to it in her mind at least.

 

"Well... At we'll know our guide out, right?"

 

____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@cwhip9,

 

Zinthar would complain about being dragged along halfway on the ponys back and halfway on the ground with his paws like this, but he were frankly too beaten up to go against it right now.

 

It wouldn't take too long before the cat went completely limp, having momentarily passed out from exhaustion and his wounds, which were about the same time that Crescent would call out for whoever were watching them to show themselves. Something that would take a few minutes before were answered.

 

"...Analysis complete for now. Subject have passed out, but seems to have survived thus far regardless."

 

The voice seemed sterile and uncaring, which fitted well the pony that stepped out of the shades. From the bound tail and mane to the sharp glasses and scanning look in his eyes, he seemed a pure business type, though he only had a jacket and not a full suit on his person.

 

"Subject successfully dragged from the fading dream and into the hall then. Yet, the damage percentage is still too high to move towards the next stage of the experiments. More tests will need to be run it seems."

 

The unknown pony - likely a dream guard as well, though one who had not taken much liberty with choosing his form here. Though you never knew, he might be a nightmare of a sort - took a few steppes forward in silence, before pushing his glasses up with his hoof and looking at the bat pony that were still well out of reach.

 

"Would you describe the subjects heart rate as abnormal? And if so, slower or faster? Do you sense any internal bleeding perhaps?"

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

Omen nodded to the... Spirit? Whatever it were, she nodded to it regardless when it spoke to her. She weren't sure what she could say right now, or even if she should, as things that came up now sounded important. Especially when Lin had asked how long she had left. Prior to this Omen hadn't really much idea of what the timer meant, but when she were answered that she had one day left, the look on her face... Were it time left to live? Why would this be? Would Mother not have done something if it were?

 

So many questions, and yet... When Lin looked at her, and started to cry before going down to her unconscious brother, something told her that this would not be a time to ask about these kinds of things. She wasn't sure what it were time to, beyond perhaps trying to help, but this kind of thing she wasn't sure what to do beyond perhaps patting her on the shoulder and say that things would be okay. But right now, she weren't even sure if That was a good idea.

 

After a while though, she walked silently forward until she stood just above the siblings, and looked down on them with the same neutral, curious look in her eyes that usually were there. Though, there was a tinge of worry there too, if you looked enough for it.

 

"Where should I take us?"

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@Seamore Sandwich,

@@Rapid Wind,

 

"Ah, hello there Spike."

 

Stargazer saluted the dragon when he opened the door and declared the meeting about to start. It were not the meeting that he were there for, that was more or less sure, and yet, he should likely go in and be part of it. After he had given his respects to the personal assistant of one of the princesses that was. Far as Stargazer were concerned, Spike were more or less the same as the guards in their duties, and so he saluted to him like them when he saw the dragon, though his smile towards the little wingless lizard wasn't something that was given to most of his fellow guards.

 

"If there is a meeting, I assume it will be better to attend. My excused gentlecolts, but we will have to depart you."

 

He looked at Rapid for a bit before giving an internal sigh and waving for him to come along. He wasn't certain if this were a good idea, but sometimes you just had to roll with it so to speak, and the pegasi had sounded very hopeful in meeting the princess. He could only hope that he would act with the correct manners that were befitting around royals. Heck, even if he were a friend of Princess Luna, he were also a guard and would salute her and call her *your majesty* before anything, as it was proper manners.

 

He would hope to have a little time to speak with her later and hear how she were doing, but it were hard to know with the princess. Some days she were dreadfully busy, and since he knew that at least one of the Night Guards he had seen belonged were a higher ranking officer amongst them that often were used as a protection detail, this would perhaps not be the time either.

 

Well, unless he were to hear that she were diverting more forces to Ponyville. So far, she had only sent him and hadn't sounded like she wanted to send more, but at times the dear mare would have to change her decisions, so you never knew. Perhaps he'd know soon enough, but for the time being, there was a meeting to attend.

 

"Is it just a direct way forward, Spike?"

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@BabylonSister,

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

"I would suggest you stay under the spell then. You don't need this sight to see how likely you are to catch a cold otherwise."

 

Zhu stood besides Nix with the hood well over his head, though the wind barrier deflected the water over his person and the nerby Nix enough for it to not be needed. Frankly, it seemed a bit as if he just didn't want to lay eyes upon many things, thought that seemed a strange reason.

 

"Copper have left to seek his power, but I have the time needed to learn more. Lead the way, and this cover will shield us from the harshness of the weather."

 

It were more than that, since it seemed as if the strong winds were also non existent near them, but it were just another part of the mystery that were Zhu and the powers he seemed to hold. Natural this did not seem to be at least.

[Rapid Wind 47]

@Blitz Boom & @Seamore Sandwich

 

Rapid Wind keenly followed after Stargazer and Spike and didn't much notice Spike as a threat in anyway as Fillydelphia was a large metropolitan city that had both species living in complicated harmony and disputes. However, granting Spike appeared to be leading the way, Rapid thought he was okay for now.

 

@Seamore Sandwich

 

Discord smiled a little from being thanked and decided not to play a small trick because of it and then took a seat at the table. He decided he would wait until the meal was served to ask Starlight about what had been bothering her previously when he had looked back at her. The waiter approached Starlight first.

 

 "Your order, mademoiselle," the waiter asked politely.

Edited July 20, 2016 by Rapid Wind

[BabylonSister 218]

@@Blitz Boom,
 

Nix was delighted

 

​"Right! Yes! Right! I'll lead the way." She grinned broadly and trot along under cover of the strange gale.

 

On their way back to their house she pondered what to offer a guest other than tea. Food I guess? uh... blanket? I hope he meant to lead him to my home for tea...

It wasn't far to her humble abode, an average sized home with a livable basement.

 

"So... this is it!" Nix motioned "Hope it's to your liking." She unlocked the front door

Edited July 19, 2016 by BabylonSister

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

Lin looked up to Omen, staring deep into her eyes and smiled. "I don't think we need to go anywhere. This place is fine."

She still hasn't stopped sobbing, though. Here she was, lying next to her brother and thought about whether or not it was ironic that the one whose time was coming to an end was the one comforting the living. It was a fairly amusing thought. She looks back on her fond memories of playing in the forest with Sen. He was a crafty tracker who always made the game unfair the better he got at what he does. It was aggravating at first but she misses those moments when she didn't have much to think about. If it was Sen in her place with him cradling her, he would've had it worse. He wouldn't know how to move on.

"You know," Lin wearily said. "I promised to help my brother with his bad dreams once we got this mess sorted out. When I looked into his memories, that was the one thing that kept awake at night. No closure or happy ending to that story. I had hoped to use magic to fix that when we got to.... wherever we needed to go but it seems that is impossible now. I've got enough energy to do that; maybe now is the best time to make good on that promise. And I want you to be a part of it. Will you help me one last time?"

[cwhip9 1,078]

 

 

"Would you describe the subjects heart rate as abnormal? And if so, slower or faster? Do you sense any internal bleeding perhaps?"

 

As the unknown pony approached cresent he held up his hoof the gauntlet blade extanding making more of a distance between them. The fact that this pony talked with what sounded like no care in its voice like a docter looking at an experiment sent many red flags going off in cresent to take this....well it looked like a pony. Yet with the luck he's had for all he know this could be another trick of mall or sompony/thing else

 

"you first, who are you and what do you want with us?" he said.

 

Tired as he was of this what energy he had left in him was being used to carry zin, he didn't want to get in a fight but knew if all else fails the fact he could here this pony's blood meant it could bleed.....which could be another source of energy if he needed it.

[Summer Breeze 2,528]

@@Blitz Boom, @@Frosty Frost,  

 

summer was so happy that lyriel would come live in the ever free forest now, this was going to be amazing! it couldn't have worked out any better. She hugged her big friend and couldn't wait to show her the forest.

 

but the hug didn't last long because nerzhei came angry out of the door. that didn't look good at all. Summer was highly concerned about the dragon, even to the part where she almost felt sorry for her. Quietly she folowed her across the camp to the place that seemed to be her home. Before she could ask her what had happened frosty had already asked it and the answer didn't sound good.

 

when the ground shook summer flew up scared and then she realised nerzhei did that. She landed again and took a step back. half of her wanted to give the dragon a hug but the other, smarter, side knew that she probably wouldn't want their sympathy right now. When she walked into the tent summer folowed her.

 

"So, cronk just abandoned you from your home. What a big, mean, stinking, idiotic, mean, stupid jerk!" summer said angry, stumping her hoof on the ground with every mean word she said about cronk. 

 

"And it's totally not deserved, you did such a good job, you detected us and frightened us and brought us here. you couldn't have done it any better. He is probably, almost certainly, just jelous of you. you are so smart, look at all the study, thingys you got here!" she gestured to the gems and papers on the walls and all the other smart looking stuff that she didn't fully understand. 

[Blitz Boom 4,622]

@@Summer Breeze,

@@Frosty Frost,

 

Nerzhei put down a heavy book on her table and breathed out, seemingly toning down her anger a little more.

 

"That stonehead doesn't know enough emotions to handle jealousy. He's too ignorant for that, just like the rest of these dirt-wranglers."

 

She opened the dusty, old looking tome and flapped through the pages a little, eventually settling on a page that she opened up for the pony to see. In it, a few ponies and dragons stood together in happy, harmonious poses next to one another in front of a large, crude-looking city in the background that were a little fades from age, and around the two, old text that were clear, but near impossible to decipher, read up and down like a story book. The letters, or runes, or whatever it were, weren't recent, that were for sure, but it showed well what she had told Frosty earlier at least. That there were a time when ponies and dragons were not at war, and from the looks of things, had gotten well out of it with one another.

 

"I found this during a dive once, and since then, I have met nothing but ignorance. Most dragons refuse to believe it, and outright mock me no matter how many evidence I find of it. It have pushed me away from every town but this hole, and now even here I'm now removed.

 

I know if I stopped this they would care less, as magic is appreciated, but this... This is what I have to strive for. Truth greater than they can accept. My research, more than anything..."

 

She gently traced the dull part of her claw down the main picture, before she clenched her hand into a fist again and looked at Frosty.

 

"You know what? You're right. If they are too ignorant to see what I do for them and  allow me to work in peace, I have nothing to do here as it is. I have done all they asked for and more, and if this is their thanks, I will seek my knowledge elsewhere. There have to be something amongst the ponies too about this too."

 

Nerzhei pulled a hand forth, seemingly to try and ruffle the mane of the pony, before stopping herself and instead just giving her a small bow of the neck.

 

"You're alright Summer. Guess I owe you one."

 

With that sort-of excuse and a somewhat clearer mind, Nerzhei began her work of putting the crystals in a box with a handle, making sure each got their own spot to not mix them up and mess with things. A few of the larger things, like the crystal she had tracked them with, she just threw outside like garbage. It seemed durable enough, but still, you could see what things she kept and what ones she had to leave behind.

 

She would keep an eye on Summer, and whoever else might enter though, in case they'd try to manhandle her book. It was old, and she took great pains to keep it well preserved to a degree where she might now leave it open so they could see, but would interfere if she saw anyone trying to step on it or something more forceful than gently tapping it.

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@cwhip9,

 

"Doctor Atrocious. And I am running a controlled experiment with you two for the time being."

 

The pony didn't seem like he were fazed by neither the question nor the answer. These were not ponies or people to him, but only beings he could use for his tests. It were why he had... Encouraged, a few of the other guards to remove the escort put on these two so he could begin his work on somepony else again. It were not easy to sway the dream guards, but he had some strings he could pull after the extensive research he had done on their kind and this world in general, and made good, though sparingly, use of it.

 

"Your chance of survival is about 97.60%, though the other subject have fallen to a more meagre 47% chance by now. 68.9% if it does not have inner bleeding. Additional 10% roughly if its heart rate is not declining."

 

A board appeared in the waiting hoof of the doctor,as well as a pen he began to write a few notes with whilst keeping his eyes onthe two others.

 

"If you care for the subjects survival, I would suggest you answer me then. Heart rate, and internal bleeding?"

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@BabylonSister,

 

Zhu looked around, and tasted the air. The place were small for one of his size, but he were used to that at this point, and he had slithered through less spacious rooms. Not literally, as he did not have much in the way of literally slithering on land, but he digressed. It were time to enter the room and have a seat. Something he did not long after entering, though he kept his hood on.

 

"I thank you for the hospitality."

 

He tasted the air once more, and stretched his right leg a little to get more comfortable on the floor.

 

"In three months and one day, a lantern will be dropped near here and it will catch fire. It will be early in the morning, and the one who drops it will run away.I would suggest you keep a bucket of water ready for that, so this place can remain intact."

 

The things he had seen on her when he were to look were many, and this one had stood out as being very close, at least in his perspective. Three months might be a while for most, but he had lived for a long time now and it started to fade more and more for him. Often, he even had to remind himself how long time were to not miss the timing of things he needed to orchestrate.

 

As for the delivery of this, it might have been possible to say so more tactfully, but he gave the facts as they were. They were not always pleasant, and he would admit to perhaps not caring much for how he said them or how he went from one topic into them, but as much as he worked in the shades, he were not always a subtle being. In how he spoke with others even less so, which were also one of the reasons he spoke in riddles at times.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

"...No."

 

Omen tilted her head and went a little closer, looking at Lin as she cried over her brother.

 

"Nightmares stop, but you being gone keeps the pain there."

 

A gate opened near the three of them and she looked between it and the siblings.

 

"One day went to three... Means if you do things, you loose time? Then use the time, fix things later makes more sense. Siblings can watch him, keep him safe, but we need to find the safe place for you too. Otherwise, he will wake up, and you might be gone. It will hurt him, and I won't let my friend get hurt. Not you either."

 

It was a sort of mixed way she said that she wanted to help both her friends, but Omen didn't think on it. It were more important to find whatever place they had to get her cleansed surely, yes? She had to spent more of her mind on trying to understand where they had to go, which far as she knew, could only be one of two places.

 

"Sisters are in Canterlot, but were in the old castle. One of them, yes?"

 

She took her head upright again and looked at Lin, hoping somewhere that the longma would follow her as she would have a harder time if she actually forced her along, but thinking somewhere that she'd do it regardless if it were. She wouldn't let her leave Sen without family again if she could do something about it.

 

"Let me help you. Friend."

[BabylonSister 218]

@@Blitz Boom,

 

"Oh... Thank you Zuh. I'll be careful." She closed and locked the door, then wandered into the kitchen

​"I put the kettle on, would you like some tea?" Nix called from the other room. She could be heard messing with stuff in the kitchen (lol great description, right? XD)

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

The ethereal longma looked to each other, some more sad and disappointed in themselves. They gave Lin and Omen the location they needed to go but what would be the point of telling them if they couldn't reach it in time? The eldest male and female of the group felt the bonds between the three of them and they needed to be given some form of recompense for helping them. They didn't expect it but they were grateful nonetheless; if they had a debt to repay, this was the perfect time to do so. 

A debt must be repaid and a promise must be kept. The eldest male began, approaching the weakened Lin and laid his claws on her. These three have shown us a great love for those close to them and it would be painful if it were to end here. We will give some of our powers so the cure can be sought.

 

The rest of the group approached and surrounded Lin, followed their de facto leader and channeled bright energy into Lin's body. A simple gesture such as this would go a long way. It reminded them of themselves once: seven friends, brothers, and sisters who made themselves the villains of their own kind to save them. Once the energy channeled through her body and the bright lights faded, Lin's body temporarily went limp and she fell unconscious.

It is done. Give it some time and she will awaken. We will look after your other friend until he returns to us. A younger feminine member of the group calmly chimed in, the youngest-looking one by appearance. She looked to Omen as she did so.

 

It is not in this Canterlot you must head to, but beneath it. What magic we've given this one can sustain for several days. While you wait for your friend to awaken, is there anything you'd like to know? About us, this place, or about the wellspring?

Edited July 21, 2016 by EQ_Theta

[Blitz Boom 4,622]

@@BabylonSister,

 

"Yes please."

 

It had been a long time since last he had the chance to drink tea. Proper one that were, and not the excuse for it he brewed himself with things he found wandering that couldn't catch the same aroma in the slightest, yet did its job of helping his throat. It might seem odd he needed this regularly in some regard, but as he had to growl slightly when speaking for his voice to remain deeper and not sound like a snake too much, it were a needed relief at times when he had to speak.

 

In times when he were alone, it mattered little as he could use his regular voice there, but he had found that if he spoke to others witht he voice of a snake, he would gain instant mistrust and none were too happy to listen to his voice. They found it deceitful, yet this one worked to make them give him slightly more leeway before turning a deaf ear to him.

 

Sure, he could use one of the many tea spots around Equestria and other parts of the world, but his role were to be as removed from society as possible so he could work in peace and move his pieces on the great board. Not something easy to do if you had others following you, which would happen if he wandered in public often, and besides, if there were reports of him slinging around often, it might reach ears he had not wanted to hear his name again. Not for a long, long time at least, before his job were done.

 

"What brought you out here in the woods, if I can ask? Most ponies care not for solitude."

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

"Does the well feel like here? Like it is without the mad thing?"

 

Omen looked to the spectral Longma that had given her friend a few more days to work with from the sound of things, which would help them in case she couldn't just teleport directly towards the place and they had to dig or something to get down to it. or seek permission from the princesses perhaps.

 

Perhaps that would be the way in? She knew Celestia, even if the princess didn't seem to like her that much back then as she kept brining messages from Discord, but Luna she had met recently and she seemed fine enough. Perhaps there was a way in through the royals. If she could find them again that were.

 

Regardless, a magical place tended to tingle sometimes, and this place did feel a little like that when the essence of Malvernis wasn't polluting it. Even more so for a short while when the old longmas gave  magic to Lin. The beam had felt like some different kinds of magic, so perhaps someplace like that were what she had to work with.

 

"And who are you? Or Malvernis? Why are you guarding it?"

 

She had to wait for Lin as it were it seemed, as the magic had apparently done something to knock her out for a small bit - perhaps it had to settle? - so she could ask a few things while she waited. She needed Lin awake if they were to save her anyway, so she might as well. Especially if they told the truth and she had a little more time now.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

@@GingerLightning,

 

*Bark* *Bark*

 

A nearby bucket started to move closer and closer to Ginger, not reacting much to what else were happening around it, whilst giving off a few scared, low barks. It wouldn't take much to realise that this were Meeko, who after the initial chaos when they had gotten in town had started to hide, but after a while had to go out and look for Ginger again when his hideout had started to fall apart. Granted, the cardboard box hadn't a chance to begin with, but Meeko was a scared, confused pup and it had seemed like a good place to hide to begin with. Now however, the large bucket were what he had to work with, and he could barely hide in that as it were. He couldn't see anything that were for sure, so right now he were just guided by smell towards Ginger.

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@@Rapid Wind

@@Blitz Boom

 

"Yes, it's right this way," Spike said as he led the small crowd to the meeting room. It took a few minutes to get everyone there, but when they arrived, they would be greeted with the three familiar faces of Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight. "Thank you, Penny Buttercup, and thank you Last Stand. Your statements have been most informative," Princess Luna said, addressing the guests that were already in the room. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia had papers in front of them. On those papers were Last's and Penny's statements as recorded by Twilight. Being royals, over the millennia they had to read many documents, so it made sense that it would only take a few minutes to read such a document, despite its length. Upon seeing the guards and volunteers arrive, Celestia says in her usual gentle voice, "Ah, the guards are here. Now we can begin." The three princesses were sitting at one end of a rather long table, and there was an empty seat at either side of them for a total of five seats. One seat was clearly meant for Cadence, having her cutie mark on it, but the other empty seat had an image that was half flower petal, half feather, split down the middle. Celestia sat in the middle, as that was the position that commanded the most authority. There were plenty of seats for all of the guests on the long sides of the table, and some of the guests were already finding seats for themselves.

 

@@Rapid Wind

 

"I'm not sure. What would you recommend, Discord?" Starlight didn't really know this place well, so it seemed best to rely on someone that has been there before to determine what was good. That, and the decision was a bit difficult to make with the number of choices they had on the menu.

Edited July 21, 2016 by Seamore Sandwich

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

The wellspring is a place only for the pure to find. Those like Malvernis would not exist in those kinds of places and the wellspring does not permit those like him close to its waters. 

 

The eldest female came forward and looked at Omen, or more of her visual features. She and her fellows have never seen anything like her and felt contented that some of her kind left the confines of their forest home to see the world outside it. She wouldn't ask of the circumstances behind the encounter but whatever it was, something good came of it, in a sense. 

We were once longma just like your friends here, but we had other comrades in ponies, mostly unicorns. Now we are only images of the beings we once were. We don't even remember our names. And as for Malvernis, he is the embodiment of our magic and corrupted by pride. His power to control others? That came from our kind. We realized that we, as a collective group, are responsible for creating him, so seven of us used that same magic to control our fellow longma, steal their magic, then come here to hide it and him away. We became the villains to save them. Sometimes, we regret doing that but we had no other choice.

 

The others who listened to the old tale were reminded of their missing brethren and looked down. It was an unfortunate event that continues to hurt them, the wounds always fresh. But as much as they disliked it, it happened and they cannot simply wish it away. Now they wish what happened to them wouldn't be the case with Omen and her friends. 

Edited July 22, 2016 by EQ_Theta

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Moonlit,

@@Seamore Sandwich,

@@Hazard Time,

 

"We'll count that as a mild allergy and keep it from you then."

 

Ziggy sounded happy and chirpy as she had been thus far, but she sent a short, worried look towards Serenade after seeing that this was a bit more than what the others thought, though she had no idea if it were actually the chocolate or whatnot. All she knew where that, judging by Serenade's eyes, she were getting close to going past the layer of pony and into her siren roots. Only way she could explain the eyes without having to just basically shrug and guess.

 

What she had said weren't helping that either, as going *You ponies* were telling more to Ziggy at least as she had more context, to a degree where she almost forgot that the rest didn't know and likely just thought she meant the group as a whole. That, or Serenade really had just meant the group, and she were just worrying too much. Happened sometimes.

 

"We should probably at least wait until you're settled down again before trying anything Serenade. Doctors orders."

 

The tone were chirpy, but it were still her professional evaluation, and if Serenade started to try and wobble up again before she could do so securely, she would zoom over and lay herself a bit over the siren to hold her down. She might not be that heavy since she had a lot of pegasi in her DNA, but she were still bigger than the average and Serenade were a smaller pegasi right now by a good margin. It'd do the trick without looking hostile.

 

"Something to talk about until then... Uhm... Succulent! I almost forgot that I wanted to ask you about crystal ponies. never saw any when I grew up so I don't know if there's like, any structural differences, or if its just cultural, or if you can shoot lasers from your eyes and rawr rawr."

 

She finished the sentence by pretending to shoot beams from her eyes like an old, theatre monster, adding little *pew pew* sounds as she were caught in the moment. It were directed in the end towards Derpy, apparently playing the part of the village that the monster would start stomping towards, though only in looks. Ziggy wasn't gonna go nearer and stomp on or hit the poor mare. That wasn't fun.

 

Succulent giggled awkwardly at Ziggy's performance, lacking the cultural context of the reference.  Monster movies had yet to make it to Crystal cinemas.

 

 

"Well, we're not really that different from other ponies," she began.  "The only real difference is our coats, and it's a long story about how that happened.  Long ago, before even Equestria existed, our ancestors...well, the ancestors of the crystal ponies...migrated from Ponyland across the sea.  They were the Twinkle-Eyed ponies, and unlike the ponies of Equestria, their eyes were literally gems!

 

"However, that all changed when they found the Crystal Heart.  The first time they activated it, driving away the ice and snow in the place that would become the Crystal Empire, it also changed them as well!  Their eyes became more pony-like, but the twinkle spread across their bodies, making them twinkle like gems.  Over night, the Twinkle Eyes became the Crystal ponies!  It was always my favorite story in school."

Edited July 21, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Moonlit 593]

@@Blitz Boom, @@Seamore Sandwich, @@Hazard Time "Cool" Serenade is on her back, legs tucked to her sides, staring at the sky. "Well doc" She turns her head to face Ziggy, "I'm feeling better, it's getting late and I don't want to keep Derpy" She rolls over to face the grey-coated mailmare, "up all night, so what do you say for a quick flight lession then a nice quick dip in the pond?" Serenade rolls again onto her hooves and stands up, smiling. 

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@@Blitz Boom

@@Moonlit

@@Hazard Time

 

"We'll be doing both at the same time! Now who's ready for some strength training?" Derpy asked enthusiastically as if she were addressing a whole class. It was part of her routine, so it couldn't be helped. She walked backward into the water, watching to make sure Serenade was following her.

[Rapid Wind 47]

@Seamore Sandwich & @Blitz Boom

 

 "Whoa," Rapid Wind couldn't help letting out a small comment when he saw how many guards were present and the faces of Celestia, Luna and Twilight. To be in the room with three of the four Princesses had to be a rare event for any outsider pony especially for one from the metropolitan city of Fillydelphia.

 

@Seamore Sandwich

 

"You would ask me?" Discord asked back with a bit of surprise.

 

 "Well, my favourite here is cucumber sandwiches," Discord said as he just loved the taste of them and in fact he usually snapped himself up some, but given they were already at a cafe, he would allow the waiters to serve him.

 

 "They're nice, but if I may, I would suggest a daisy sandwich," Fluttershy commented as she enjoyed that more and Discord instantly glanced down at her and then looked over to Starlight to see who she would agree with or would she make up her own mind.

[Holiday Agnaktor 1,436]

@Summer Breeze

@Blitz Boom

 

Frosty looked at the book that Nerzhei showed them. 

"Woah, that's pretty cool. So ponies and dragons really did live together. That really is cool. But I guess these other dragons don't see how cool this is. Ponies, on the other hand, will think tha- ...probably run away screaming once they see you, now that I think of it. I forgot about the whole 'dragon's are scary' thing for a second, sorry,"

 

"Why did you try to help the other dragons in the first place? I mean, they don't seem to like you very much, and vice-versa, I expect."

 

Frosty grinned mentally when he saw Nerzhei almost doing some sort of friendly gesture to Summer. Heh, she's nice, but she's scared to admit it. Heh, Frosty thought.

 

He then awkwardly watched Nerzhei start packing. What were they supposed to do? Just stand and watch? Help her pack? Go for a walk? Something else?

"Eeeh, Nerzhei? Should we... help you pack, or go for a walk, or what? Because if I don't have to help pack, I'm going to take a good look at that really cool book of yours."

[cwhip9 1,078]

 

 

"If you care for the subjects survival, I would suggest you answer me then. Heart rate, and internal bleeding?"

Cresent glared at the pony but eventually brought his blade down sheathing it, "on one conduction" he said keeping a level eye with the pony.

 

"no more tests for him, he's been through enough of your sick games of dreams and such there's a fine line between science and torture you crossed that line too many times for me to truly trust you at all"

 

Cresent had the answer and was prepared to work some blood magic of his own on the friend, now this pony shows up and too many red flags keep waving in his head to relax him.

[Moonlit 593]

@@Blitz Boom, @@Seamore Sandwich, @@Hazard Time Serenade's face lights up and she leaps into the water, avoiding Derpy but nonetheless splashing into the water like a filly. A few quick laps around the pond and Serenade is beaming. She swims up to Derpy, then stands completely soaked from mane to tail. "Let's do this" Her smile is a mile wide.