open Casual stroll

[Moonlit 593]

@@Blitz Boom, "Collector is one word for it, my previous Doctor is still waiting for a book she took out when I was a new born." Serenade smiles to herself, "As Princess Celestia's student she had access to the Archives, but when Luna returned her access to the Night Court's records didn't transfer over. My office in Canterlot got at least scroll asking for access daily via dragonfire. She got turned down every time because the books she was asking for, some are a thousand years old, some are even Pre-Discordian and she had a reputation for never returning the books." Serenade sighs and rolls over, "...with Luna it's easy to be friendly with, since once you get past the Royal Canterlot Voice and the Old Equestrian, she's really nice. Celestia I was always leery about, and as I said before, Princess Sparkle reeks of the magic from the Three Sisters. Which means she's come in contact with them, and that means her experiences with Sirens are negative."

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

@Denim&Venom 

 

"Oh right your all talking via your minds, I suppose I can stay here with the kits if others are looking for the doc then." She moved to go back to the pile of little ones and resume what she was doing before, no use in looking if other more coordinated searches were being conducted. "Looks like I can stay little ones." As she lays back down with them. 

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix ignored him as he followed. perhaps he'd loose interest and turn around sooner or later to leave her alone. She kept walking, not even doing as much as turning her head towards him. give him an inch and he'll take a mile. after about a minute of this, the trees started to thin out and she suddenly stopped, looking at what lay beyond the trees.  

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

Ghilan's moved through a silent village, making way forward on the dusty path to the healer's hut. It was a small place with a low roof, most of the grounds within it lowered. Within it was Xin lying as the lone patient along with the village healer. It was a misnomer; the healer was capable and knowledgable but healing magic was technically forbidden. More practical methods were preferable but knowledge served just as well. Healing didn't come immediately but she always preferred to let everyone know their bodies were more than capable of getting itself back in good shape with rest. 

The village healer turned to see the elder walk in and promptly approached him. "He is stable, elder, but his injuries are severe. It's a miracle he survived such an injury. Normally, damage to the back with such force often left victims paralyzed."

"We would like to have some time alone with Xin." Ghilan said. "Can you come back in a while?" The healer listened and respectfully showed herself out, greeting the rest of a group with a small bow before leaving the hut. Xin was conscious enough to notice the elder with Sen and the group in tow. He remained silent out of fear and curled himself up slightly as his injuries restricted his movements.

Ghilan turned to Sen, Lin, and Omen who likely have a few choice words for Xin. They were, after all, the wounded party and having their pent-up rage dictate their methods of questioning might make this longer than it needs to be.

"I might take a while with the questioning so if anyone of you have something to get off your chest, this is the time." 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Florence looked less and less depressed as Zen's tale went on, though enough worry started to take it's place as she could begin to hear where the story might drag and saw the effect talking about it had on the pony. A look of horror went over her eyes as the ending unfortunately went where she had hoped it wouldn't, though she couldn't have predicted with... Dear merciful gods, what kind of monsters would do that to a small, defenseless filly?

 

The box made a noticeable bump when it hit the ground, but Florence didn't care as she took hold of Zen, taking her into an embrace much like her mother had done to her when the world seemed to crumble and comfort

 

"To have been through something like that... You poor thing."

 

There wasn't a trace of mockery or a condescending tinge in her tone as she said this, just worry, some pity, and a lot of sympathy. How couldn't she have that, when something so horribly had happened to Zen?

 

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@@dragon4111,

@@ThunderCrush,

 

"Oh dear, oh dear, I hope that this one can help with this... I can't wait for it to get through the normal service. Not with her breathing down my neck."

 

The voice outside the door rose as the originator got closer, though how much of it Draco would be able to hear were hard to tell before the door opened and the pony that had seemingly spoken to himself got in and looked around in the establishment with a nervous glance, though why were anypony's guess.

 

Clayton knew well himself though, that it was a tick of sorts. When he got stressed out,  he reverted to many of the things he had been through when he were a colt. Nervous stares, fear that something were ready to attack him, continuing to correct his glasses, even if they already sat as they should... He had managed to get past these things over time, but he were wearing thin, and the old habits started to come forth again, though they did mingle with new ones. Like how he corrected his tie and cleared his throat before speaking with who he would assume were the owner of this establishment. He were done looking around at that point also, so he kept his eyes on Draco from there on out, unless something else would make a sound in here.

 

"Ah, yes, hello there. My name's Clayton Quartz, and I need to have a special package sent for in Canterlot, and then have it delivered back here. I take it that you are the owner of this courier business, yes? I sure hope so, I am already stretching the mailmares to the limit as it is, and the forepony will have my head if I don't get this particular thing here as fast as possible. I'm certain of it this time."

 

Clayton looked like you would expect from a Canterlot noble. Tied back mane and tail, a pair of small glasses likely more meant for reading and not general usage as they were too small for that, a finely crafted suit jacket and an overall look of being well off over him. Yet at the same time, he lacked the stereotypical snobbishness in the way he approached Draco, the way he talked or in his look. He didn't face himself in front of Draco as if he were above him, but rather just as you would a pony that were your equal. A bit strange, but not all nobles or rich ponies could be fitting the stereotypes either. Though the odds really were stacked against it being a good one normally.

 

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@,

 

"Some kind of demon attacked town yesterday. Took the effort of a lot of fighters, but we managed to get it bested before anypony got killed. Destroyed a good deal of homes though."

 

She would wish she knew exactly what had happened from up close and personal when Nemo got slain, but it was all just a red haze to her. The last thing she remembered were the cloaked being with the glowing, yellow eyes that somehow pulled her in when she felt the end of the fight were nearing for her, then something like a large cat paw planted on her head and then... Nothing. Just a red haze, and a brief feeling of pain before it.

 

According to others, she had apparently gone crazy and slashed at the being like there were no tomorrow, and had been front and center when the heart got exposed and the last strike happened, before she were apparently rushed in by some pony called Penny. She had tried to find her since and asked if she could tell her something on what happened before she were brought in, as others had their attention on the bones of the massive thing instead of her, but so far she hadn't had any luck. She had sent out words though, so perhaps at some point it'd reach her ears.

 

"After the rebuilding is done, I really need to bring forth to the princesses about proper defensive measures for this place. It's too easy to catch of guard right now. Too blissfully ignorant."

 

She said the last bits mostly to herself through gnashed teeth, but Gordan should be well able to hear the words. If he were going to react and show that he were listening in to her seemingly paranoid words were his own choice though.

 

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@@Lloyd,

 

Of course Astral had an invisibility spell up her sleeve. That mare seemed to know pretty much a spell for any occa-

 

"Wha, spells? Ehehe, nothing fancy like invisibility spells or stuff. Honestly I, uhm..."

 

Chow grinned somewhat nervously and looked around, making sure that they were still the only ponies in the train cart, not wanting to have others hear what he had to say.

 

"Remember how i said I tried some things to get wings or transform into a griffin, and I ended up with a thing in my head? Well, it... Left a few imprints in my mind before it got sealed. A few pretty dark blood magic spells to be exact. I've never used them, partly because I promised Giddon - the griffin that helped me seal it up - but also because it frankly scares me to no end to think what'd happen if I even tried. Would the seal start to get loose? Would I use it once, and then get consumed with the idea of how easy it'd be to solve everything, and everypony, that went against me?"

 

He shivered slightly.

 

"I know it's a thin line between being a good guy or a villain, and I ain't gonna tempt taking a step I can't undo, even if it could help me once. It'd be too near to try again another time if I first saw it work, and that is if I don't accidentally let this thing out instead."

 

A minor sigh got out of his system before he looked all cheery again instead of worried and to the point.

 

"I ain't off from learning things mind you, just not touching anything blood related. And I ain't telling what the ones I know of does when Misty's near. No offense to you lil' one, but there's things that ain't right to say amongst foals. Trust ol' Chow on this one, eh?"

 

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

 

@@Hazard Time,

 

Blitz didn't laugh, but she did give the pony a funny look, as if she thought he was a bit odd, before letting out a grin and a small giggle.

 

"Hehe, you're saying funny things. But it's okay, not everypony wanna tell me things anyway. They keep saying I'm weird, or they're afraid I'll lob a bomb at them. Bunch of silly silly's. Bombs aren't for ponies, they're for mountains, or to make big rocks go away. Oh! Oh! Or for timberwolves! Except they don't wanna play with me anymore after the last time... *grumble* No fun."

 

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@@Moonlit,

 

"Woah, that's kinda... Nerdy. I mean, there's nothing wrong with that, but she should at least give some of the books back. All sorts of ponies that would want to read stuff. Perhaps it would be better if she came to the places to read instead of sending for things? Like a... Museum, right. Some of those we have in Las Pegasus haves some pretty old books that some ponies are allowed to read in a sealed off room, to keep the books safe. My mum was in there to read one of them once, said something about it being effective, but kinda intrusive."

 

It was hard for Ziggy to not think of Princess Twilight right now as basically the princess of book worms rather than friendship. One of the reasons really were that she considered friendship to usually mean that you shared too, and she couldn't see it making much sense then that the princess of this were adamant about keeping books to herself then, unless she were trying to make her own library. But then, why wouldn't she just say that? Mighty odd..

 

"And I like Luna. She's the only princess I've seen and she seems nice. A bit shouty in it, but small quirks are fun. Can't say about the other princesses though. Only heard a tiny bit about Twilight, and Celestia is from books, though I think I like Cadence more. I learned about her too a few years ago, and she seems really cool, and being the princess of love means she's really important! At least, that's what I like to think. Love is always a good thing after all."

 

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@@BloodDrops,

A strange sight would meet Blood a few steppes further towards the hospital: A pink bunny, with a tuft of *hair* (longer fur) that she were pulling back to make it look a little more loosely spiked instead of going into her eyes, that would look up on the cloaked pony when she got into sight with a curious frown on her face and took a stance like she wasn't going to move out of her way. She didn't seem startled or anything though.Not over Blood, and not over the large figure that came walking across a corner and directly towards them with large steppes right after.

"There you were Lotus. Don't you know it can be dangerous out here?"

The one approaching them would be a dragon, roughly the size of a tall human with a base yellow/orange color with scattered purple spots here and there, and purple stripes on her back and tail.

She had no hair, but the lines of short, mostly-laid-back red spikes made it appear as if she haves slicked back hair. The spikes went into a single line as it trailed further down her back and tail, helping on a less rough appearance and more towards an intellectual one.

She didn't have horns, and much like Dragon Lord Ember, her mouth were a little long in it - though not as long and thin as Ember's - with smaller, more fitting teeth instead of ones that were too large to comfortably rest inside her mouth. They still looked plenty big enough though when her mouth opened, so one might have to be careful regardless.

A pair of folded back wings rested on her back, and on her person, a sort of adventurer's robe - much like an old school robe, but suited for long walks basically - looking rather worn and made from crude cloth. Same thing were true about the sash around her waist that, much like the rest, were a dirt-grey color.

Down from her left should went a strap that connected front and back to a large shoulder-bag that seemed to be made from worn, but sturdy leather. And it wasn't really all too big, as it fitted her perfectly in size, but considering said size, it'd likely seem large for ponies.

The bunny looked rather unimpressed at the dragon too and made some gestures that seemed to indicate that she didn't care before she jumped over towards a nearby crate and jumped up on it to get a better view of how it'd go between the cloaked pony, and the dragoness that now looked down on said pony with... Interest. There didn't seem to be any harsh tones or the general, dragon judgement in them, though the question did remain really: What were a dragon doing in Ponyville?

 

It'd be near impossible to avoid seeing her too for Blood, just like it were for other, nearby citizens who started to whisper between eachother at the sight. Not that Nerzhei cared much really. She didn't expect to be welcomed here with open hooves the first time she came around, and were it not because Lotus had gone in here, she wouldn't have come right now either. It was too volatile after the attack that apparently happened here yesterday, but she worried about the bunny. It was still a new area for them, and she didn't want for her to get hurt.

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

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

"..."

 

Omen took a few steppes towards Xin, looking at the longma that were doing his to try and curl up, regardless of what the healer had called severe injuries. And even she could see that it didn't look too good. The bandages, his position, what had been told by the healer before she had left...

 

"Are you okay Xin?"

 

When she had seen Xin get hit through the tree, she had thought it seemed fair considering what he had done, but him potentially not being able to walk, or being this hurt, that was going too far, objectively speaking.

 

Perhaps she should have known this would have hurt him a lot, considering the force he were pushed into the tree, but being sturdy as she were, it was sometimes easy to forget how frail some other beings could be. In a sense, this was a good reminder, but the others would likely not appreciate if she said that. Others tended to think even lesser of her when she talked about others like they were lessons to be learned, even if a good deal through the years had been that in her eyes.

 

She did find some genuine concern in her voice regardless for Xin, though she hadn't thought she would after what had happened. If he'd find that tone, or even care about it though, she hadn't an idea about, and right now it didn't seem the time to ask him how the vibes in her tone sounded like.

[Holiday Agnaktor 1,436]

@Summer Breeze

@Blitz Boom

 

 

The blue pegasus flinched when the pony with the pink manes narrowed her eyes. Yep, she had been caught. This was the end. Death, horrible death, nothing but pain awaited her. Probably. She closed her eyes, waiting for the swift and painful justice come.

 

But then it didn't come. Instead, the pony with the pink manes told her that she had really cool manes.

 

Sweet Chrysalis, thank you for letting this pony be blissfully ignorant of changelings.

 

She slowly opened her eyes, not quite believing that this was real life, and realized that ponies usually answer questions asked to them.

 

"Uhhh, umm... well...that's...ummm...thanks?"

 

She was trying to think of some way to explain her disco manes, but then someone else already did it for her.

 

"NO! I'm NOT a changeling! I...I...I've g-got...a m-medical condition! Yeah! That's what it is!"

 

She looked the now-not-anymore-blissfully-ignorant pony straight in the eyes and put a hoof on the pink-mane-pony's head.

 

"No. I'm not a changeling. I've got a medical condition. Those two are different, you see. One of them eats ponies, and I don't do that. Not a changeling. It's medical."

 

She took her hoof from the other pony, and walked a few steps, before turning around.

 

"Oh, and thanks for the compliment."

 

She smiled nervously, hoping that with this the whole changeling thing was forgotten. It probably wasn't, but she could still hope.

 

"Well, with that out of the way, how about introductions? I'm terribly sorry for barging in here without introducing myself, I just wasn't myself back there. Oh well, I guess I'll start, eh? My name is...eh...Blue...S-Skies. Yeah. S-so? How about you guys?"

 

In all the chaos she had forgotten to think of a name for herself. She had been so hungry too. Ugh.

Oh, her manes were still some different colour. She fixed it with a quick green flare, smiling nervously.

 

 

 

Frosty Frost looked suspiciously at the blue pegasus. Yeah...definitely suspicious. He didn't know a lot about medical stuff, but he was at least 68% sure that wavy rainbow manes weren't a thing. But then again... 32% chance that it was a thing. That's like one in three. He couldn't risk shunning a perfectly normal pony just because their manes were weird.

 

"So...Um...Hi, Blue, my name is Frosty Frost, and I do...stuff with ice? Yeah, I don't do much other than freeze things for fun."

 

He tried not to look too distrusting, but he wasn't very good at it.

[ThunderCrush 1,850]

@@Blitz Boom

 

 

@@dragon4111

"Oh dear, oh dear, I hope that this one can help with this... I can't wait for it to get through the normal service. Not with her breathing down my neck."

 

The voice outside the door rose as the originator got closer, though how much of it Draco would be able to hear were hard to tell before the door opened and the pony that had seemingly spoken to himself got in and looked around in the establishment with a nervous glance, though why were anypony's guess.

 

Clayton knew well himself though, that it was a tick of sorts. When he got stressed out,  he reverted to many of the things he had been through when he were a colt. Nervous stares, fear that something were ready to attack him, continuing to correct his glasses, even if they already sat as they should... He had managed to get past these things over time, but he were wearing thin, and the old habits started to come forth again, though they did mingle with new ones. Like how he corrected his tie and cleared his throat before speaking with who he would assume were the owner of this establishment. He were done looking around at that point also, so he kept his eyes on Draco from there on out, unless something else would make a sound in here.

 

"Ah, yes, hello there. My name's Clayton Quartz, and I need to have a special package sent for in Canterlot, and then have it delivered back here. I take it that you are the owner of this courier business, yes? I sure hope so, I am already stretching the mailmares to the limit as it is, and the forepony will have my head if I don't get this particular thing here as fast as possible. I'm certain of it this time."

 

Clayton looked like you would expect from a Canterlot noble. Tied back mane and tail, a pair of small glasses likely more meant for reading and not general usage as they were too small for that, a finely crafted suit jacket and an overall look of being well off over him. Yet at the same time, he lacked the stereotypical snobbishness in the way he approached Draco, the way he talked or in his look. He didn't face himself in front of Draco as if he were above him, but rather just as you would a pony that were your equal. A bit strange, but not all nobles or rich ponies could be fitting the stereotypes either. Though the odds really were stacked against it being a good one normally.

 

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

Thunder Crush wandered around looking for the place to send his letter to his parents. He was still quite new to the town. In fact he was pretty sure he was lost. No sooner than he thought this, the postal office cam into view. Excitement built up as he ran the rest of the way to the building. He stepped inside with a look of excitement and confidence.

 

"Finally! I thought I would be running around until somepony directed me the right way."

 

Out of his brief celebration with himself, he failed to notice a very nervous looking pony in front of him. "Say" He said to himself, "This pony looks awfully familiar, but where do I know him from?" He went and put his letter in the box and not long after did he then with a smile of confidence and out of courageous curiosity, he walked up to the seemingly unknown pony.

 

"Hi there! Excuse me for interrupting, but I couldn't help, but notice you. I'm Thunder Crush what's your name?"

[BloodDrops 762]

@@Blitz Boom, 

 

Blood Drops stared at the bunny in her way, waiting for it to move. Blood's cloak shimmered around her body, while she waited for it to move, it didn't. She blinked at it, It was a really brave bunny, to get in the way of a Zombie and its food source. I can wait , she decided for several seconds, she had just eaten after all. Then realized the obvious elephant in the room, How did I come to this? A Standoff with a bunny? Really? I could just move it, not like it could stop me.... Or..............

 

She then noticed the large shape behind her, being a zombie she didn't have that good visual awareness. she turned around as the bunny jumped up onto a crate. She studied the dragon, it had been awhile since she had seen one after all. Orange with purple spots, she hadn't seen this specific dragon before, though there blood type was more potent then normal ponies. Shame there were less of them, and the villages were more suspicious of ponies after all.

 

Blood was thankful she hadn't nudged the bunny out of the way, it seemed to know this Dragon. Somehow, the Zombie Pony looked at the dragon, studying her, no horns, maybe a female. Blood blinked and started to put the pieces together, though rather slowly. Firstly she glanced at the bag that the Dragon was carrying, It was a big bag. Secondly she worked out it was a very strong bag and would be hard to break. Thirdly she worked out you could fit a pony in it and it wouldn't be able to escape. Lastly she came to the conclusion that you could also put a Zombie pony in it, though said Zombie pony would be rather squished.

 

Blood Drops turned her attention back to the Dragon, staring at her right eye, "Can I help you at all?" she asked, she then glanced at the bag, "You need a bigger bag, i won't fit that well" she also commentated. Still having the scenario of her ending up trapped in the bag, in the front of her mind.

 

 

(Several minutes elapsed from all the hard working out Blood had to do ^^, while she was doing that she just looked rather blank at you)

Edited November 22, 2016 by BloodDrops

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Blitz Boom

 

 

"Do your parents know you play with explosives?  I would assume that you would have more friends if you refrained."

 

His thoughts were interrupted as the mare began stirring again.  "Deep breaths, Amy."  The mare leaned back against the wall and began taking slow, deep breaths, her eyes closed as her features relaxed.

 

 

"Thank you."

[cwhip9 1,078]

 

 

"Besides, I've spend enough time away from the world. It's time I get back."

Zeccora sighed "apology's then just remember its changed sense you have been here I need to make things clear tho" The zebra moved away from the colt towards zinthar looking at all 3 eyes or tried too.

 

"be carful, I know how your kind was but that was a millennia ago and everything will be on a different level for you now" The zebra said. Her stern tone was lessening probably seeing her error of the cat. Yet it was unmistakable that she still wasn't trusting of the feline in the least

 

 

 

"H-Hi Crescent. I'm Cover-up, I'm a painter. S-Sort of."

Seeing the colt nervously shake his hoof Cresent felt sorry for the youngster, best keep it light for him. "A painter, cool! I make maps of the everfree here" he said shaking the hoof smiling. He was still worn out from where he and zinthar were at but knew better then  to show it to the youngster here. Based of the blood flow he sounded more lost then most ponys and youngster in the everfree. After shaking the hoof and letting go he said to the youngster "I'm good with maps so getting lost wont be a issue for us where ever we are going. Yet I do need to swing by the tree house before we start our journey. You like pasta by chance, I know a mean dish that could cheer most ponys up" he said

 

Then he herd Zeccora, his ear twitch in annoyance not sure what was with his old friend he turned to the to of them, seeing the zebra close to his feline friend. He didn't know about zinthars past but saying something could be better then nothing to break the tension.

 

"Zeccora he helped me get out of the dream mess he'll do fine. Zin there's a feeding ground for some wildlife not to far from here for you that should fill your belly and get you strength again just follow the left path and you'll see them by this time I think" cresent said looking back at the feline and zebra "or if all else fails ill make you some pasta at my place with some meat I have left over from winter" he said.  

[Denim&Venöm 18,757]

@@Mentis Soliloquy, 

 

"Oh hai!" yipped the kit. 

 

"Correction, she has returned to the litter now that she knows we're on the search." 

 

"Any luck contacting the doctor." 

 

"No, my liege." 

 

"...guess I'll have to try then." 

 

Allure began reaching out through the hive mind, searching for Xeno's specific signature. 

 

@@Seamore Sandwich, 

 

"Paging Dr.Xeno..."

[Moonlit 593]

@@Blitz Boom, "Like I've said, I've only heard stories, never actually met her. Of the four, I've spent more time with Luna mainly because of my job and..I truly see her as a friend. I've been in the presence of Celestia and that is scary. Also, Day Court are a bunch of backstabbers. I saw Cadence once, when she was helping Luna with the Night Court, spotted me and...and SMIRKED!" Serenade tosses her forelegs into the air, "Pink Pony Princess Perplex's me"

[dragon4111 914]

@Blitz Boom

Draco chuckled and said "I am Draco O'Malley yes," Draco pulled out a piece of paper. "How quickly you need this thing delivered and what is it?" Draco asked as he pulled out three slips of paper that seemed to glow with magic, zebracan magic one to decrease the parcels size and weight placing it into his coat pocket. "It's the standard 30 bits for a normal delivery. But if express 90 bits," Draco stated simply with a raised eyebrow at the Canterlot colt. He tapped his hoof on the desk. And his filing cabinet closed with a slam.

Edited November 23, 2016 by dragon4111

[asdfmovienerd39 55]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix ignored him as he followed. perhaps he'd loose interest and turn around sooner or later to leave her alone. She kept walking, not even doing as much as turning her head towards him. give him an inch and he'll take a mile. after about a minute of this, the trees started to thin out and she suddenly stopped, looking at what lay beyond the trees.  

 

"Huh...guess I'm ​barking up the wrong tree​ tryin' to be your friend. Wait, dang it, I used that one already, didn't I? Shoot, I can't remember." Deadpan groaned, mentally slapping himself. If there's one thing he hated doing, it was repeating the same joke over and over again.

 

 

stuff

 

"T-That's how I found the Monastery...I was a starving orphan, p-poor...nobody to take care of me...Until one day I stumbled into the mountains, and collapsed out of exhaustion and hunger. When I awoke I somehow felt rejuvenated, like my body was fed while I was unconscious. While I expected to see the dull, uninviting cold colors of a hospital, I actually awoke to very warm and welcoming colors. I was taken in by Grandmaster Oakwood ever since..." Zen explained, sniffling as she slowly stood up, though her face was red from the crying.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@@Blitz Boom, Astral looked concerned, she knew desperate, so what she was going to say felt wrong. But before she did, she also checked the car seeing that it was empty, before speaking. "Why did that push you to blood magic though? Raising dead parents makes sense, but becoming another species?" She said with a partial shrug. "And to be honest, bringing back the dead can leave some scars as well." She held out a hoof, a scar visibly located over an artery. "I'd hope that what happened to you is the short end of the stick." She drew her hoof back. "Anyways, what inspired you to try and get wings?"

Edited November 23, 2016 by Lloyd

[EQ_Theta 458]

@@Blitz Boom

 

Xin turned to Omen, though telling himself not to out of fear, and grunted first. He thought about delaying the conversation to the point of not wishing to talk but he remembers the night before. He regrets having to go after his old friend but wonders whether if he was lucky to be alive or unlucky face them again.

"Healer says I got lucky. Mind as well go along with it and wait for full recovery. You must really think I'm not worth your time after what happened in the forest so here I am. If you have a few choice words to chew me out with, go right ahead. I'm not running anymore, not like this." 

The sound of defeat in his voice, he made sure it came out right. The elder didn't have the details of the encounter in the forest and so cannot form an opinion on it. Sen still remembered the words muttered to him earlier but chose to reserve it for later. Lin, on the other hand, could not stomach the sight of her brother's so-called friend and lashed out in anger, rushing to him and grabbing him by the neck. 

Sen saw this and quickly restrained her, pulling his sister away from Xin before any damage could've been done. Elder Ghilan joined in and grabbed Lin's free claw away.

 

"Do you really expect to be forgiven for what you did?! Maybe you got off too lucky! Maybe you should've been crippled! Tell me, do yo even deserve to be here right now?!" 

Sen watched with mixed emotions. He was angry deep inside but he couldn't fathom to see his sister snap. He could see her close to tears and while he could justify anger, he couldn't see how wishing ill of Xin could undo anything. Xin was paralyzed now, but not of the kind that the healer mentioned; he was paralyzed with fear and wished he was as far away as possible from Lin's rage. She was struggling to get herself free and with one deep breath, broke her right claw free but slashed Sen in the face, narrowly missing his left eye. 

With a horrified expression on her face, she ran outside and said no more.
 

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix simply stands there, looking in awe at the damages done to ponyvile. she turned and looked at deadpan "can't you see this?" she asks, with a concerned tone, gesturing towards the town full of damaged buildings. "what happened here?" she asked to herself. 

[asdfmovienerd39 55]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix simply stands there, looking in awe at the damages done to ponyvile. she turned and looked at deadpan "can't you see this?" she asks, with a concerned tone, gesturing towards the town full of damaged buildings. "what happened here?" she asked to herself. 

 

"Oh...Oh my Celestia. This....This is horrible." Deadpan said, his trademark smirk replaced with a very grim look. Its obvious he wasn't joking anymore, judging by the sound of his voice... He looked down in what looked like mourning. It was obvious he had someone close to him living in Ponyville, and he sensed they didn't make it out.

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@@Blitz Boom

@@Denim&Venom

 

"Oh yeah? Well who do you answer to? Because if it's not Commander Hurricane, you don't have any authority over us. We are Commander Hurricane's elite forces, sent to battle to protect all of Pegasus kind." The Pegasus clearly believed himself to be of higher rank than Stargazer. A unicorn in an elegant dress then approached saying, "I demand to see Princess Platinum immediately. The conditions here are deplorable. There are plenty of buildings here in this... village? Why can't we stay here?" Then an Earth pony cut in, "Typical unicorns, thinking of yourselves first, not willing to give up a single luxury for the sake of somepony else. We can't expect that they just let us into their homes. If Chancellor Puddinghead were here..." Stargazer, as well as most of the other ponies should recognize the names they mentioned from tales of Hearths Warming's origin.

 

 

@@Blitz Boom

 

On the other side of the portal was Ponyville, yet only a few buildings were built so far, none of them being the clock tower. The sun would soon be setting on a warm summer day. There were a few buildings being constructed, some ponies trading in the street. The young Granny Smith could be seen carrying bags of seeds toward the place that would become Sweet Apple Acres. When the portal closed, The Traveler would be standing behind Zhu. "I'm curious, what do you see when you look at her? Do you see several potential futures for her, or do you see what you know will be true?"

 

 

@@P-Jay

@@Blitz Boom

@@Denim&Venom

 

"I'm not a doctor." Charlie's confused response to Queen Allure would be both spoken aloud and directly into Queen Allure's mind. "Wait, are you referring to the one that visited us in the Grove of the Everspirits? I can sense him. He must be asleep. Should I contact him for you? Talking in each other's heads like this will be hard to get used to. I mean, it might be slightly similar to how my friends and I communicated in the forest, but we communicated with sensations and feelings, not words. That being said, even words are going to take some getting used to. 'Getting used to,' strange how this combination of words has a different meaning when used together than the combined meanings of the words when they're used separately." It seemed this distraction had taken all of Charlie's attention away from Vivid and her guest.

Edited November 24, 2016 by Seamore Sandwich

[Denim&Venöm 18,757]

@@Seamore Sandwich,

 

"Charlie? How can I be talking to you if I'm awake? Am I awake? I am awake aren't I? Wait. Wait a minute.  Weren't you being ripped out of my dream last night? What happened? Where did you go? How did you get back? Does my dream door still work? And yes, yes please do contact him if you can? And how are you using the hive mind?" 

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix simply remained silent, and looked over at deadpan. she couldn't help but feel bad. she might be a bit cold most of the time, but she could certainly recognize when someone else is feeling mournful, and in situations like this, she'd be respectful. she walked up to deadpan and put a hoof on his shoulder. not something she really wanted to do, but she thought it might comfort him.  

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

@Denim&Venom 

 

Star went back to looking after the kits, and more specifically on the sick or injured one, honestly she had no clue what was even wrong with him but she'd be there with the others of his siblings to comfort him someone at least. Least she could really do. "Anything I can do?" 

[Denim&Venöm 18,757]

@@Mentis Soliloquy,

 

"Best thing you can do for a sick or injured nymph is to be as loving and affectionate to them as you can. They'll feed off that and get stronger from it. As to the specific cause of young Petey's injury, it was due to the Queen being knocked unconscious  due to the Night Regents use of Everwood magic, and the entire hives telepathic signals going to young Petey, overloading him."

[asdfmovienerd39 55]

@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Phoenix simply remained silent, and looked over at deadpan. she couldn't help but feel bad. she might be a bit cold most of the time, but she could certainly recognize when someone else is feeling mournful, and in situations like this, she'd be respectful. she walked up to deadpan and put a hoof on his shoulder. not something she really wanted to do, but she thought it might comfort him.  

 

"My...My girlfriend may have lived in Cloudsdale, but her parents lived here in Ponyville...She was visiting them. I developed a spell to detect her heartbeat whenever I think she's in danger...the spell didn't pick anything up..." Deadpan explained, tears actually welling up in his eyes.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@@BloodDrops,

Nerzhei looked at Blood the way that you would a child that had asked a particularly stupid question, which were much how she felt it currently were, as she started to return the comment about her bringing her bag to carry ponies in it, in a dry tone.

"Do I look like a changeling to you, little pony?"

She took her hand down to her bag and flipped the top open, revealing not a large hiding place full of discarded pony hairs, as were implied, but simply books. Two normal sized ones where Blood would likely not be able to see them if the dragoness hadn't at the same time tilted the bag to show what was in it. A third book were also in the bag, but it were a bit larger than the others, and considering the wrapping around it, it would appear to be a freshly bought one. What kind it didn't say, but that wasn't all that important at the time either. At least not to Nerzhei.

"I need the space in here to carry books and other things of interest, not squirming ponies to potentially ruin my bag. Also, contrary to what you might think, dragons doesn't kidnap and eat ponies. You're stringy, and frankly speaking, we have standards.

But, jesting aside, it is actually against our laws to eat you. It would only end up igniting a spark that would lead to war, and both sides haves it best if we keep eachother at arms length, rather than a fight that, realistically, can't have a real winner. Only idiots such as changelings thinks that an all out war between races can end well, and we despise them as much as you do."

Nerzhei closed the bag again and took a glance at Lotus before looking back at the pony. The look going over her eyes had gone away from being the sort you saw on teacher, politicians etc. when they tried to educate you, and more relaxed in it. It had been another story entirely if she had found Lotus being hurt, or if a crowd made of the locals had pestered her all day, but Lotus looked safe, and overall the town had an... Acceptable behavior to her presence, so she wasn't in a bad mood. She had simply wanted to fight back against the things assumed by this pony.

 

She wasn't the first that had said some things, and she'd likely not be the last, but most things thus far had simply been questions, minor misconceptions - such as this - or simply genuine curiosity. There were still a ground of fear in most looks, but they were much more approving than she had expected, and considering she didn't have mush for brains, she hadn't exactly expected to be greeted with open hooves either. Especially not on a day after what seemed like a disaster of some kind had hit town.

"Draconic laws aside, is there other things you would like to fling at me? Because I'd be more than happy to..."

 

Her voice trailed off suddenly as a vague smell wafted towards her nose. Something she knew all too well, but why did she smell it here? Even if something had happened, it usually shouldn't smell this fresh.

 

A few more sniffs were done before the dragoness knelt down and took a waft near the pony, having followed the smell to where it originated from, though she hadn't the faintest idea how.

 

"Peculiar. All this damage, and yet you're the first one in town I can faintly smell fresh blood from..."

 

The seconds ticked by as she looked searchingly on the pony, studying what she could of her and taking in more of the smell that got fainter and fainter.

 

"I suppose it's nothing. You likely just stood near someone who hit a pile of debris recently. My apologies."

 

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

 

 

@@ThunderCrush,

@@dragon4111,

 

A shiver went through Clayton as somepony approached him from behind and started talking to him, though not so much by the action itself, as this pony had announced himself instead of just sneaking over and touching him, which would potentially have made him jump through the roof.

 

No, what startled him were the name the pony presented to him. One that he didn't have to search far from in his memories as he turned around and with big eyes and a falling jaw were faced with a grin that he hadn't seen for years.

 

"T-Thunder Crush? What are you... I-I mean, how... When..."

 

To see his old friend again after all this time were testing to break him as well now, but not from stress like before. No, this time it were trying to break his restraints from jumping over and hug him whilst crying over how happy he were to see a friendly face for once. Especially in this town, where he felt more tested than he had in a long time.

 

He managed to restrain himself from assaulting the pony, though a big smile did manage to spread on his face and lighten him up a bit. Perhaps, even before he started to say something else, Thunder would be able to see his old friend in the happy face, and remember the old times when he had taken the shy, nervous colt around with him as they got into the sort of trouble that colts tended to get into, were playing, or perhaps even the first time he had reached a hoof out and said hello to Clayton, and seen the colt lighten up and send him a hopeful stare and small smile like he did now.

 

"I-I can't believe that I meet you here, of all places. I don't know if you remember me though. I was sort of forgettable back then, but... A name. Right. Clayton Quartz, we used to be friends some years ago, before my parents had to move from Canterlot. Perhaps y-"

 

The voice of Draco behind him got him out of the little bubble he had been in for a spell as the memory of why he were here again rushed back to him, and he turned to face Draco. Rather him than the mare who would rain fire down upon him if he delayed things more than he already had, that was for sure, though he really felt the longing to turn around and speak with Thunder again, and to make sure that this wasn't just something he had imagined. Granted, Thunder looked a good deal older since last they met - they had been but colts after all - but the mind could play tricks on you sometimes when you were stressed after all, so he wouldn't rule out he had just mentally aged him a little and had been talking to thin air. Not before he had a chance to check again at least.

 

Yet still, the fear of what the mare would do to him were stronger than this, and as such, he directed his full attention to Draco for the time being as he went over what the cost of packages would be, especially if it were express. perhaps a little steep for some, but it wounded reasonable enough for Clayton, and in fact, it were the option he by far would pick, regardless of the price, if it could get the threat away from him for another hour.

 

"I will take express please, both ways. The first way will be to deliver this to the address written upon the envelope."

 

He pulled out a thick envelope from within his jacket that had the address of his construction company's store front, and the name of the manager of said store that handled minor things such as doorknobs, tools, nails, etc. for the ones who wanted to build or repair things themselves instead of hiring a complete crew. Usually this sort of letter would go to the company itself, and be directed to his assistant that would make sure the correct workers in one of the company's warehouses would get the things done, but the list he had gotten had made sure to tell him that this particular kind couldn't wait long, and as such, going directly to the *ground store* if you wanted to call it that, would be the better option.

 

The letter were identifiable from a scam as well by the wax seal that held the envelope closed, which carried his mark of the four gems. A custom made stamp that were always in one of his pockets, in case he had to send a letter such as this, and had no equal. Except for the one he had granted his assistant back in Canterlot of course, but he trusted that mare completely, so he didn't fear misuse of this seal.

 

"Spelt Hacker will prepare a box of things to return with with haste. Hinges, of various sizes to be exact. I have ordered more otherwise, but some of these are needed fast. As in today, if possible."

 

Clayton grabbed into one of his pockets and took a roll of bits forth. Not regular bits though, as for the type of business he usually had to run, having 1, 2 or 5-piece bits tended not to be enough unless he had a bag of them, and that seemed like a foolish thing to have. Granted, he still had some of the lower value bits in another pocket in case, and he had some gems that he used for higher cost purchases in another entirely, but for this, these ones should suffice.

 

They were much like bits these coins, except instead of the face of Celestia on them, they carried the mark of Princess Cadence, with one of the recognizable crystals from the Crystal Kingdom near the middle, making out her eye in the pattern. It were a legal tender, and had been since a month after the princess had taken over the Crystal Empire with her husband, but they weren't used many places outside Canterlot as, because of the gems in them, a single coin covered the same cost as a hundred, regular bits. And not many places outside the big cities and the capitol were expensive enough to require it. That, and other still preferred to simply have a chest or bag full of bits instead of this for various reasons.

 

Three of these coins he took from the roll and put down in front of Draco, before returning the roll to his pocket again.

 

"300 bits should cover things if it would be done today, yes? I truly apologize for having to ask for a rush on it this much Mr. O'Malley, i really do, but the locals rebuilding town are most insisting on things to be done as fast as possible, and I just try to stay on top of their requests as much as possible."

 

Considering what had been said, the extra that were presented in the 300 bits were between a 120 and 210 bit tip for a quick service to Draco, so from a business perspective, it was a pretty good deal. At least that is what Clayton thought, and hoped that it would be seen as as well. He knew that others in town likely had other things on his schedule, and that he couldn't fly nonstop, but he really needed to get thing done as much as possible, so just like at the post office, he paid extra for a direct service as soon as it were possible. Not something he always did, and this extra came out of his own pockets instead of being covered in the construction costs, but good service should be paid for, and good, fast service should be compensated for in kind as well.

 

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

 

 

@@Frosty Frost,

@@Summer Breeze,

 

Blitz tilted her head and looked confused at the babbling pony.

 

"Are you sure? The others in Canterlot said that bug ponies made green fire and *poof*, changed."

 

The details had been sort of watered down in the orphanage, and she hadn't been there long, but the little time she had spent there the talk about the changelings that attacked Canterlot had been around a lot, even amongst the small colts and fillies in there. And as some in there had seen the attack happen,t he part about the green fire were mentioned a lot from them, as how you recognised them. But then again, they did also say a lot of other stuff...

 

"But they also said a lot of nasty stuff too, and you don't look evil... So if you say you're not a bug pony, then okay."

 

Smart and energetic were a few words you could put to Blitz name, yet for all that were said and done, you could also add other things on that were less flattering, but just as true. Such as *slightly crazy* and in this case, *gullible*. She wanted to believe what others said, and could only go by what she knew, so if somepony that fit the definition of changelings this well said she wasn't one, and didn't act like a scary meanie, like the ones in Canterlot had, then she'd believe it.

 

Lyriel on the other hand, simply stood and looked curiously at the scene that unfolded, and felt bad for the pony that seemed rather flustered over things right now. She didn't understand anything regarding their talk about changelings, and her idea of how a bug pony would look like seemed very different in her head, so that were essentially gibberish to her, which led her to simply go by what the othes thought. Which so far seemed to be mostly positive.

 

"Well, it is nice to meet you then Blue Skies. I am Lyriel, these are my little friends, Blitz, Frosty and Summer."

 

She pointed at the different ones as she presented them, which included letting Blitz down on the ground who promptly went over and gave a big, happy hug to Blue Skies.

 

"The way your hair changed. Is it something you control, if I may ask? I am not judging, as I can do something similar myself, but I am rather curious."

 

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

 

 

@,

 

"It isn't my place to ask why the princesses do not refer to themselves as queens, but I would guess tradition in one form or another is part of the answer. And as for the workplace, we are almost there."

 

Last directed him around a corner, and toward the train station, which were the way most of the things were transported to town from Canterlot currently. Perhaps not the fastest, but it would do the trick as long as the wares kept coming in. And if they didn't, she and the fancy lad were going to have a talk that he wouldn't soon forget.

 

Perhaps it was wrong of her to put fear in the mind of Clayton, but she didn't have time to deal with him telling how much time something would take, or hear him endlessly babble on about something meaningless when there was a job to do be done, so she had made an impression on him, and intended to keep it going, since it made him work faster as well from what she had seen thus far.

 

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

 

 

@@Hazard Time,

 

"I don't know. I woke up in the forest a month ago, and the first thing I remember is a giant Kaboom! and then waking up with my head going owie and a lot of scrap metal around me in the crater. Nopony have come around looking for me since, so I sorta guess they're dead, which is sad, but it helps that I can keep building things. Makes me happy. Especially when it can go boom."

 

On some rare occasions when Blitz hadn't anything to do, she did kinda think on what it would be like to have a family, or even remember what it was like to have one before her amnesia, but she didn't like to dwell on it a lot. It made her a bit sad sometimes to think that there maybe weren't anypony out there who were looking for her, or knew something about her, but she snapped out of it and started working again quickly when she reached that point.

 

It was part of her plan. To work, become better, and making the most amazing things she could so that one day, she'd be a famous inventor. When that day came, if she did have any family left, or others who once knew her, they were sure to come to her, right? Made sense to her at least, so she kept building, thinking of new things, testing and perfecting, and nopony were going to be able to stop her.

 

"Usually everypony just comes around for fireworks though. Mayor Mare made me promise not to give explosives to others unless she says it's okay, and uhm.... Are you okay?"

 

The line of thought that Blitz had going vanished as she saw Amy standing and doing something that sort of looked like she were trying to calm herself, though what from now she hadn't an idea. Where she just angry a lot of the time? Nopony should be like that, not when there were so many good things in the world. like kittens, yummy stuff, and pretty, pretty fireworks. Loads of other stuff to be happy about too, but those were just the first things that came to mind.

 

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

 

 

@@cwhip9,

 

Many things had been said to Zinthar the past day that hadn't fazed him much, from the initial meeting with Crescent, to the things that went on in the dream and now in the real world, where even the bat pony's threat hadn't made him loose himself fully. And yet, when Zecora started to speak, for the first time since things began to finally move again, the color seemed to drain from his face and the light in his eye flickered.

 

"A-A Millennia? I was trapped in that place for..."

 

He had thought it long, but this long? A thousand years, trapped amongst the senseless nightmares? He had never thought... He always just assumed that at worst, a century had passed, and the world had moved along at a slow enough pace so that he could follow it again. At times he had jokingly said both to himself and to Crescent, that perhaps it had been several centuries, but that had not been something he actually believed in, and yet he had been away now for... What was even left of the world he knew?

 

Sure, the sins of his past had likely been forgotten by history, but he had never stood out that much in the first place, so not many would have reason to recall anyway in his head, and the few who did would likely have tried to keep it a secret. He could have tried to start over, albeit discretely again, but with it having been this long, he didn't even know if Canterlot still stood. The princesses were alive, that he had found out at least, but what of the kingdom? What of his life, or the grave of his owner he had sworn to visit?

 

He held a paw to his head, covering his eye as anger slowly rapidly went over his words and mind as the next words were spoken.

 

"Everything... Everything is gone... All because of that accursed ritual!"

 

He didn't explain as he turned and relatively quickly made a run for the outside, needing to vent at something, and having just enough sense to not let it be one of the three that were in here. He wouldn't run far off though to do this, but that wouldn't be known by the ones left behind. or at least not by Cover-up, who looked sort of nervous and slightly concerned towards the monster feline as he made his way outside.

 

"Should we uhm... Should we follow him?"

 

Crescent might have already taken off, but he hadn't taken notice if that were the case yet. But it'd be fair if it were really. During the commotion, he had forgotten what it were that Crescent had even said before. Something about him being good with maps, and... pasta? Could that be right?

 

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

 

 

@@Denim&Venom,

@@Seamore Sandwich,

@@P-Jay,

 

"It's more of a theory based on an actual location. A slight space where dream meets reality that we stumbled upon the last time Charlie came around here. A place that I take it that he knows of quite a bit better than me, which is why it was but a question and a suggestion that I brought up."

 

Whilst she did reply to Phantom, Vivid's eyes focus were mostly on Charlie, as he began to speak aloud about some kind of nonsense. Or more precisely, it did make sense, but how he were talking to somepony that wasn't here were beyond her. At least since he apparently couldn't repeat back with thoughts alone, but had to go on speaker mode.

 

From what she could gather, it sounded as if they might have a dream destination to go for soon though,. A doctor of sorts whose name didn't ring a bell with her. Perhaps somepony that were around after she had went away to handle the crafting and eventual storing of Charlie's new form? Might well be, but they'd see in time.

 

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

 

 

@@Denim&Venom,

@@Seamore Sandwich,

@@Mentis Soliloquy,

 

Meanwhile, in the real world, Briar and the doctor were making headway towards where Dr. Xeno and the others currently were. They had taken a bit of a detour, as Briar were somewhat disoriented after the severing of his vine imbalanced him a little and driving him slightly in the wrong direction at times, but they would be there soon. He hopes so at least, because he were running out of things to say after he had given a rundown of what he knew was wrong with the changeling. Something which wouldn't prepare her fully for things when they showed up, as other things had happened with the good Dr. Xeno in the meantime, but they'd take that when they got there.

 

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

 

 

@@Moonlit,

 

"You actually Saw Cadence? Oh, that's so cool! She's the only one of the princesses to have never been in Las Pegasus, so we only know stories out there, but she appeared to be pretty amazing from those. Weird too, from what you say, but that's okay. Weird can be fun!

 

Oh wait, not true. Twilight haven't been there far as I know either, but she's new in it so she might not have had time. Perhaps I should suggest it to her? We have a lot of books there, and the tourist attractions can be nice if you stay in the correct sides of town. At least during the night. The east side at night are a bit too loud. Like, blasting your ears off from the sky loud."

 

She wasn't exaggerating either. Once, after she had gotten out of the hospital, some of her friends at medical school wanted to take her over and check things out. She were mighty curious, so she followed them, right up until one od the disco's started to blast away and she quite literally felt stunned and plummeted down into a trashcan. That had been the first, and only, time she had ever been near the east side at night, and she didn't dare to try again because frankly, she liked her eardrums intact, and the chances of her falling from the sky to be pretty tiny.

 

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

 

 

@@Lloyd,

 

"Like you said, desperation.

 

You gotta understand something here. I grew up in Griffinstone, as the only pony amongst a race that isn't particular fond of them. My foster parents did all they could to ensure I got raised right after they found me in ages past, but I were still a wingless pony amongst hunters of the skies.

 

I had to skip out on a lot of classes at school because I got bullied to tears for being what I was, and when I finally managed to man up and fight back, I still felt separated because I couldn't follow them. Not in the skies, not in the cafeteria, and not on the normal things that were played by young griffins there.

 

I managed to adapt the best I could you know. I hunted like them, brawled, held my own and in most ways acted just like a typical griffin, but I still had a lot of times of being desperate, and just wanting to be like al the others. Able to soar the skies, have feather and talons of my own, you know, the whole deal. And even though I time and time again failed, I didn't stop trying until my stupid mind thought that perhaps a blood ritual sort of magic would help. And relax, I only used my own blood, I'm not mental.

 

I gave up after that, but that doesn't mean I still wanted to be like them. And after I lost my house and had to move away until I could afford to come back, it have just become worse. Among ponies... I never thought I could feel more alone than I sometimes did amongst the griffins, but I still do.

 

The culture I grew up with are alien here, the phrases and friendly taunting generally unwelcome, and don't even get me started on the hunting. If you could have seen the look on the other ponies faces the first time I came back from a hunt.... I felt like the dirt under my own hooves."

 

Chow let out a deep sigh and rose his right front hoof, looking at the appendage as he went on.

 

"I'm a pony by blood, but I've always felt like the griffons I grew up with. My parents, my sister, my few friends and coworkers... It wasn't easy up there either, but at least there I only had to adapt physically to things. Down here, I have to try and get used to a society that shuns me, full of ponies that want me to change to something I'm not, or questions why I have done the things I have, because they don't understand what it's like to be trapped in the body of a pony, when everything in you screams that you're a griffon.

 

I ain't saying this is a sob story. Everypony have their issues, and I plenty have it worse than me. I just hope you're getting a bit more why somepony would be stupid enough to mess with dangerous magics like I did, even when it didn't make a whole lot of sense from an outside view."

 

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

 

 

@@EQ_Theta,

 

Interesting turn of events.

 

Omen had expected somepony to eventually snap and attack Sen and/or Lin, as the first impression of the longma society had left a dim view, and as such she had said that she would send somepony away when it happened, but... She hadn't expected the one to hurt one of her friends to be the other. Especially not as they were family.

 

Mother were strict about very few things when Omen and her kind grew up, but one thing lasted generation after generation: You don't hurt family. Any who still did that, were looked down upon, and had to work hard to get back into Mother's graze, unless it had been an accident, in which case it could be talked about. Sometimes, things weren't under your control, and though their immediate reaction were to think badly about whoever had hurt one of their own, Mother were quick to assure them if it had simply been an accident, and then fix things from there.

 

Objectively speaking, it had been much the same now. Lin had lashed out in anger and accidentally hit Sen, which made Omen rush to Sen and look to Lin for answers about what she did before she could rationally think about it, which hadn't made a difference as Lin had run off.

 

So now, one were gone, another were hurt, and Mother wasn't here to fix things now. She had to think of something to do now instead, and she didn't have the time to ponder over things more than she already had.

 

"...Mend Sen. I will find her."

 

It wasn't what she would want to happen optimally, as she opened a gate and passed through it, but of the two, Sen were likely the one who were safest right now. He were likely worried, and Omen did not trust the elder fully yet, but compared to Lin, who ran away witht he blood of her brother on her claws, he were doing fine. She were the one who needed somepony with her right now, and considering she could make rifts and escape to places far, far away if it came to it, Omen were the only one of them that would be able to find her.

 

She might have lost her *scent* once before, when she went to the well and her energy changed, but that were then, and unless she could go another place on a whim and change what she were once more, Omen would be able to follow the *scent* until the very ends of their earth. It was just a matter of a little time.

 

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

 

 

@@Denim&Venom,

@@Seamore Sandwich,

 

Stargazer turned towards the ponies who were questioning both his authority, and mentioning names that were usually relegated simply to theater performances and history classes. SOmething whioch might seem odd with others, but began to make a little more sense in why they split up and acted the way they did then.

 

*sigh* these were going to be a bigger hoofful than he had first expected if that was the case.

 

"Very well, listen to my words then.

 

I am Officer Stargazer of the Night Guard, and I answer to the authority of her royal highness, Princess Luna. Sister to Princess Celestria, with whom she rules over the unified pony society of Equestria. Both have been appointed leader of this country for several millennia, since the tribes of the esteemed rulers, Princess Platinum, Chancellor Puddinghead, and Commander Hurricane, approached the alicorn sisters with the wish for a unified Equestria, instead of one split by minor differences."

 

Stargazer looked around at the three tribes, and the apparent commander of each, feeling slightly annoyed that he actually had to use his title as an officer for once, as he thought it sounded strange alongside his name, but knowing that it was either this, or they wouldn't listen. Frankly though, he wouldn't be surprised if they still didn't, but that was besides the point.

 

"If you question the validity of my words, it can be arranged to provide you with a history book to prove my words, though you can also just look around you, and tell me if this looks like the tribe difference you were used to from whence you came?"

 

He referred to the locals that were starting to show back more and more into town, with families of everything from earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns huddling together with neighbors and friends, and often in couples that were clear to spot, and even clearer to see where from other sides of the one separated tribes.

 

"And whilst I can sympathize with your plights, and the time you have been left in, the houses that still stands belongs to the citizens of Ponyville, and they are likely needing of the space they can get for the time being until reconstruction can be handled for their friends and family.

 

Now, if you have further things to say, you can direct it at a member of the Solar Guards, including in case you wish to have a reasonable representative of each of your tribes approach Princess Celestia, but I have other duties to attend in the meantime. Officer Dustbreaker, would you mind taking over here?"

 

A pegasi nearby that looked like a typical member of the Solar Guards - though as Stargazer, with some years behind him - stepped forward, opening his mouth to say something, but not having the time before Stargazer took to the skies and flew off towards the skyship that had gone over town earlier, and now were... Well, parked he assumed, some way from here. Not too far though. A mile perhaps, but nothing major.

 

As he got there, he would approach from a highly visible angle and with a loud voice proclaim.

 

"My name is Stargazer. Can I be allowed to board and speak with the one in charge of this vessel?"

 

The helmet and the medals should show well who he served without him having to actually say something about it, though he were rather lost on who would be running this ship, no pun intended.

 

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@@Seamore Sandwich,

 

"..."

 

Zhu were quiet as he let his eyes wander over the barely settled town, curious about one of those things that he had only seen in history books before.

 

He hadn't been near Ponyville in its early days, as he had to arrange things in other parts of both Equestria and to the east of it, but he had been here around twenty years after it had been settled. It had grown quite a bit at that point from where they were now, but such were it with towns. Or at least used to be, as these days there were plenty, and new ones were scarcely made unless another were destroyed first.

 

Eventually though, his eyes fell on the mare that The Creator asked him to glance at before. Granny smith, one of the founders of Ponyville, and one he had checked in on a few times over the years, as her granddaughter after all were a pony of significance, and making sure that things were arranged the right way for these things to happen were important.

 

"...I see the path that she landed on, shine amongst the paths that could be. It wanders like a golden road, easily seen as this have already happen. Her path is nearly guaranteed, even if the golden road is still but a possibility that could be changed. Though, to change the flow of what once were are not my decision to make.

 

It is curious though. On the probable path, I still see her end being like with the rest of creation prior to the defeat of the Forgotten One. She stand still amongst them all, at the exact date that have now technically passed. Not in this time though, here it is simply what is to be. But then again, I never could see past it before either. It seemed like such a constant, such a blockage, that the mere notion that it were not to be seemed ludicrous. A prediction I am thankful did not happen, or at least not on that day."

 

He glanced around on others, seeing the lives that spread out and ended, with nearly none of them surviving until the age when the Forgotten One had attempted to enforce absolute order. Somewhat sad, but the odds of regular ponies living long enough to see that were small to begin with regardless, so it were no surprise.

 

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@@asdfmovienerd39,

 

Florence slowly let go of Zen as she began to rise up, so she wouldn't smother the pony.

 

"I can understand why you keep your Grandmaster in such high regards then, Zen. To take one in who truly needs it like that sounds like the sort of pony that any being could learn something from."

 

The feeling of tears where there on her chest, but she didn't care as she kept her talon on Zen's shoulder and looked at her cry-marked face, nor did she think much about what she were seeing compared to giving a prayer to the ancients for this pony, and her grandmaster too. She had known many beings through her life that would not have taken an orphaned foal into their homes in the way that it sounded like he had done, be they griffion, pony, dragon or otherwise, and hearing that there had been one to give Zen another shot at life made her wish that she could see this grandmaster in person right now, and thank him for what he had done.

 

Perhaps it were weird to do when it regarded a connection to one she had barely met, but if she couldn't praise others for being good beings like this, then she would have to be a lot more cynical to life than she were, and she'd rather not go down that route if she could help it.

 

"Do you think you're ready for us to move on a little more? It's okay if it's not. I'll stay here as long as you feel you need. Zen, I promise."