open Casual stroll

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord shrugged even as he snapped his claws, instantly teleporting the rest of the crystallized ponies out of the cave and a safe distance away. "Well my dear Fluttershy is such a brave soul, despite being so terribly shy." He tapped his chin in thought, "Why, I dare say she's quite chaotic in her own right in that way. Not to mention that she is the first true friend I've ever had."

 

@Blitz Boom

Storm and Pinkie tilted their heads as they took in the many odd sights of Anomaly's world. "Why does that rock seem so familiar..." Storm wondered aloud.

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Widdershins @Blitz Boom

"Thank you, Rarity. Take your time." Of course it was a little boring just sitting around waiting. Foxy decided to converse with her friends for the time being.

"So, Briar, do you have a job of some sort? I'm lucky mine allows me more freedom, but with you traveling so often, it does make me wonder." To be honest Foxy had no idea if he even had one. Briar was a simple pony, who seemed to always be on the move. Perhaps it was because he had no home, due to him being exiled from his kind. 

Foxy's career started not too long ago, right after she moved to Ponyville. She started small by helping with the animals in her hometown of Swift Branch, though it was usually volunteer. It of course didn't matter to her, as she would gladly help with animals as much as possible. Though she never met her, Foxy looked up to Fluttershy as she became more well known, and always striven to be like her. In her own way of course. Perhaps one day they would meet, as they both lived in the same town.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich As soon as Fah'lina is released, Serenade takes her into her front hooves and starts to gently hum a tune, a tune she knows affects predators, calms them down. She then whispers into Fah'lina's ears, "I'm not sure you can understand me, but remain calm and once we get out of this I'll take you to my parents place, and you have all the food and snacks you want"

[cwhip9 1,078]

On 10/27/2017 at 5:28 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Y-You mean Hearth's Warming Eve?"

(on phone still) "Thats it!" Cresent said smiling "hearts warming eve, it was ethier a few days before or after that for my family" he said. "We had it in a small villige with other bat ponys that lived thier so things were peaceful for the most part. " he said getting lost in the fun memorys till he stepped on a stick the sound of the snap brought him too again. "But like I said this isnt a happy tail, one night I woke up to a loud noise coming from the living room. My older brother Willow told me to stay low, me being curious I didn't listen and wanted to see what the noise was" he paused letting the Colts imaginaction work "my father was arguing with Some pony that pony was a hunter that looked for vamps and acused my family, my father denied it. Then that idiot had to strike my father." Cresent sighed. 

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

 

@Blitz Boom

"Me take help from you?" She huffed and lifted a front hoof as if offended by the gesture, but then she stopped and put it down again. "That would actually be very kind of you Pop." 

She gave pop her best smile though it seemed less genuine than the one she gave the foal, she was obviously still conflicted on how to feel about other ponies.

"Though... to be honest... I probably would like to go for the more rough type... r-rough but respectable. It would probably do me some good; hanging about with those posh upper class ponies would turn me into one of them, then I genuinely would be a horrible pony, for the rest of my life, and I'd have children who would grow up to be horrible ponies and it would just soil my family's name."

It was strange to hear her referring to the posh ponies as horrible, considering the way she had acted you'd have thought she'd consider herself one of them.

"I'm sure a young ruffian would do you good"

Battenberg chuckled, it wasn't often she got to see her real sister.

 

"Five years you say? I love your commitment to your loved one, most wonderful. I can't quite relate because Red and I rather rushed into it all, only knew her a year and we already had a baby on the way. Sometimes I feel maybe we went a little too fast... A-anyway back to your request; I've never done work for a dragon before but I don't see why I couldn't do something for you, with the right measurements I'm confident I can do anything you need. I must thank you for complimenting my work, I'm glad the dress caught your eye. If I could help either of you with such a dress I'd be happy to whenever you make said request."

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

Double posting. Please ignore this.

Edited October 31, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Battenberg

"I know a few rough ones that doesn't have anypony currently. I can see if they might be interested then."

She didn't know if she would consider them rough, as much as just being honest and not taking things laying down, but this was a tenuous situation, and she couldn't risk it over something like that currently. Besides, a few of them were a bit rough around the edges anyway, so it wasn't completely untrue.

It did catch her attention that Victoria seemed to be less genuine than the last time she had to move past her boundaries with a comment, though hopefully this wouldn't mean that she would back out of things and leave Pop hanging with a stallion who had travelled to have a looksie. That was going to end up being so horrendously awkward that she wasn't sure she'd be able to face the other pony again.

Outside, Benny chuckled a little as he imagined himself in a dress. He'd likely end up looking worse than his inner picture as well, but he couldn't argue that it wouldn't be quite the story for everypony involved.

"I think I'll stick to a suit of some kind, but thanks for the offer. And thank you for being open to try this sir. I'm quite honestly shaking in my scales every time that I think over how it's going to be, and whatever or not she catches a whiff of this beforehoof. She deserves something planned out and perfect in my mind, though heh, I might just be a little sentimental really, I don't know. Guess it might be when I'm planning a wedding here before I'm even given a yes.

Anyway, I have some time off next week, so would a Tuesday or Thursday fit? It can be another time, but I'd have to make the schedule fit in that case."

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@cwhip9

Cover-up didn't know how bad it were to be accused of being a vampire, as he barely knew anything about bat ponies as it were, but considering how the story seemed to go, and what had apparently happened to Crescent, he didn't think it was a good thing.

Honestly, the only interactions he ever had with bat ponies in general were the few times when he had been asked to make a tattoo for one of them. An infrequent request, but it had happened, though it wasn't easy with most of them. He could only use black ink currently, nothing with color, so it limited things on the usually rather dark equines. Few outliners with lighter fur had crossed his path though, but they seemed to be rare among their kind from what little he could tell.

"W-What happened next then?"

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@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Fah'lina were not overly happy about things, but the tune had the wished effect in calming her down before she went along and did something stupid. The promise of food were also enticing when she had calmed down a little and could think about it, though at that point she were calm enough from the song that she only wanted to hiss as cherish a little, not attack.

Much as some might think otherwise, the mimic understood ponies well. It didn't always make sense, but that was more of an understanding the situation thing than not getting the words, and as soon as she had gotten better at writing, she were going to make responses to some of the weird, and at times stupid  things tht she heard now and again. So far she had gotten a very poorly done *Hi* written down, in a way that would make a doctors note seem perfectly legible, but she were still learning, and not focusing on it too much. She got along well on cuteness alone, and if that didn't help, agility or shock factor. This was just a side thing she did when she was bored.

As for Cherish, she kept up her work, and with the amphibian squirrel no longer seeming like ti would jump her, she calmed down too, and the rocks got less volatile.

It would be about a minute more before there were a clear path, at which point the spectre would turn around and look at the gathered oddities.

"There, the hall is clear. I don't know about the rest, but if there isn't, I thin there is a door to the outside not far from here. Please hurry."

With that, Cherish floated into the hallway and walked forward to see if things were okay further on, with the lit torch still in tow. Serenade should be able to follow that.

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@Foxy Socks @Widdershins

"I'm afraid that the longest I have found employment were for six days, and that was merely to help rebuild a settlement of my northern kin that had fallen prey to a storm. I did not wish for any payment for it, but they wanted to gift me this."

Briar pointed at the golden flower necklace he had on. It was hollow, and were he generally stored the few bits he had, but for now, simple showing off the exterior were enough for the story.

"A life on the road doesn't lead to stable work, but once in a while, when I feel like helping or need a few bits for something, I have taken day jobs as a menial worker. I was forced into this for much of my life before being exiled, and leaving there, it is my only real work skill. Besides, it is quite enjoyable when there's no whips, chains or degrading slurs being tossed at you.

I wonder though, what sort of work have you gone through? This seems a simple farming community mostly, yes? have you perhaps been a farmhoof at some point?"

Whilst all of this went on, the slightly orange pin that were Anomaly, silently chuckled to herself and directed tiny eyes upwards to the muzzle of the mare who were carrying her. She just had to wait a little longer, and hope to be the pin used, to have a great deal of fun with the mare. If she wasn't used... Hehe, that didn't stop fun now, did it?

No, just had to wait a little longer, until the mare started to work. Hopefully soon though, as she were starting to get bored waiting like this.

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@Shineling @EQ_Theta

Clayton got rather startled when his crystallized friends suddenly got teleported out of there. Not just because they had vanished, but because the magic used in here started a chain reaction, which meant that a loud creaking noise came through as the gems violently grew and reached towards Lin and him.

Thankfully, they had been near the entrance when it were, as Lin had helped him move things away before asking him about what really happened, so he only had to pull her out of the way in panic and jump out of the entrance, rather than making a run for dear life. The gems would still try to get out, but the juice went off them before they got past the entrance, so unless Lin had refused t get out and just stood still, things should hopefully be safe.

The businesspony rose up, heart pounding like a freight train and looked around before his eyes fell on his friends, and not far from there, the one who likely had gotten them all out.

"Are you out of your mind!? I told you not to use magic in there, or the gems would go erratic. You could have trapped us in there you... You..."

Clayton fell back on his rump and placed his head in his hoof to take some deep breathes before he said something he would live to regret.

He used the time to also polish his glasses, and run a hoof over his suit, though it were now so dirty and dusty that it wouldn't make a difference before he got it to a cleaner.

"Perhaps I was a little rash... But please, listen another time.

Especially... Yes, as you asked before, I have an explanation to give for this Lin."

He dragged on it, before letting out s sigh, putting his glasses back on, and getting to his hooves.

"Ten years ago, before I got into business, I worked here as a miner. We mined and carefully harvested the Changeling Emeralds, before sending it back to a warehouse i Fillydelphia, where an inventive stallion had found out how to counteract the gems predatory nature and just make it another harmless, special gem.

It were a great success, and though us miners didn't feel that much of the payoff from that, we did enjoy a nice risk bonus, even if the gems that inevitably hit us were handled before it spread too much. Evertything seemed to be going swimmingly, until she showed up.

I had been here about five months without issue at that point, and at first, it didn't seem like there was an issue anymore. It was just a mare who stumbled over the mine and got curious after all. We figured she had been disturbed by the noise since she were a bat pony after all, so there wasn't made a great fuzz about things.

She called herself Silky Rose, a night nurse that had just moved to Fillydelphia. The boss found that interesting, as we didnt have a doctor, so we could use the help. Or well... We were mostly certain that he were simply enchanted by her beauty, just like the rest of us, but we didn't speak up. It was a good gig after all, and having a beautiful doctor on premise? It seemed a dream come true.

It lasted for three months. Three months of more accidents than ever before. Walls caved in, gems started to get spread around the entire area, so that we had to be careful not to be latched on to constantly, and miners began to leave a little after little.. No explanation, they just left.

One day, I convinced some of the others to carve out a piece of collapsed wall that had been there for some weeks, as I recalled seeing a good vein in there, but what we found...

Four of the six miners we had lost were there. Trapped in crystal and far beyond our ability to help. We were horrified. Something which did not go better as the boss told us to open up other collapsed parts, which eventually led to us finding one more of the trapped miner, though with the time he had been gone, we thought that perhaps we could still save him.

We brought him to the little shed Rose had been given to store medical stuff she brought in, and got the door unlocked..."

Clayton seemed as if the next part were a spike in his throat, who didn't want to come down easily.

"We found the sixth miner. Crystallized, broken up in parts, and spread out into some sick examination. We finally understood there what had happened, and why our bad furtune had begun, but Rose were nowhere to be found.

Then we heard a scream from deep within the mines.

We rushed in as soon as we could, and found Rose, cackling in front of the largest cluster of gems we had found in this mine, and a pony rapidly being covered by crystals next to her. Far faster than we had seen happening before.

Any calm beauty were gone from her. She looked like a monster as she stood there, mane waving, reciting some strange spell and spouting about how she were going to control the power stored in the gems.

The others... They charged at her and held her down whilst she yelled at them to let her go instantly. A few others tried to do something else but were kicked away, and int o the runes written on the ground.

She started to furiously shouting at them about how they had ruined the ritual, and swore that she were going to take all of us down for what we had done. Another spell were recited, and the large gems started to shine... She got up and began to run, before the others caught her in ropes and kept her back. E-Even after she told them that if they stayed, they'd become devoured by the greedy light, they d-didnt't falter..."

Tears fell from his eyes as he looked at the statues of his friends, left behind so long ago.

"They stayed put, to make sure that she would be trapped with them, and then it got bright...

Two had almost gotten away, wanting no part of it, but we saw them as crystallized as her. Trapped for seemingly eternity in this last act of heroism by my friends, whilst the last three of us had to just sit back, and watch in horror what had happened

The mine was closed after that, and explosions were put in there to ensure that it would collapse, and stay that way, so that nopony would come in and disturb them. An entire mining system caved in, and yet when we got here, her statue is open and the path is clear... I-I know she is out there now. Somewhere, plotting and scheming what to do after a decade as a prisoner, and I know it will include vengeance on the last three of us. The miner... H-He didn't make it.

This is why I have to get back to Fillydeplhia. I need to warn them of what is happening before it's too late, and then spread the word. As for my friends here... If they still live, their lives will be shattered. Ten years is a long time, and even if I make sure to do everything I can to help them, I'm not certain if they can get back even a little of the lives they left behind..."

Clayton went silent, and looked at his encased friends whilst the tears kept falling down his face. What a world to return to for them...

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

 

@Shineling @Widdershins

"Well duh, of course you know Datt Mamon. He gave us a ride here. Isn't that right my sweet little rock friend?"

Datt gave off the same gravely, eerie purr as he had given the last time he had been nuzzled, before looking over at the two ponies. He remembered them from before. They seemed nice. perhaps he should say hello?

He walked towards the two ponies - knocking over Anomaly in the process - and spouted out the only thing he could say.

"Datt Mamon!"

A weird smile spread on the creatures face and he got closer, mouth open. He were either going to hug them, lick them, or potentially try to eat them. Which one was hard to say, but it'd likely be unpleasant regardless.

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

 

@Dji @Widdershins

"Kind off? I mean, she looks a bit lie you, but the color is all... Opposite. Weird coincidence to meet somepony resembling your opposite, huh?"

Pop didn't think more on it than this was one hay of a coincidence. That sort happened after all, though she would admit that she had a brief thought about this being a version of Dawn from a camera negative. It was ludicrous of course, but it did strike her that way for a brief moment regardless.

Spicy on the other hoof, rolled her eyes a little at the scene that Kaltrops had set up. He was turning out to be a sort of drama queen you only normally saw in a play, and quite honestly, if he could can the attitude, he might actually do well on a scene. Lot of boastfulness and showmanship going with him, and she could really see him live into a role and give it one hay of a moving performance.

Perhaps when he had calmed his flank, she'd give him the suggestion, but for now she'd have to just sit back and see what was going to happen when he clashed with Aurora as well, who had given up her disguise for anypony with a working set of ears.

A pity she didn't have popcorn.

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@Widdershins

Happy lets out a sigh and shakes his head.

"It really ain't the brain weighing you down, is it? It's me airhead."

Happy poked the pony on the forehead with his hand, as a green flame went over him and he returned to his pony disguise, now with a hoof planted on the confused plummet-pony's forehead.

"We were going to look at making you a cart today, remember? Or did that fall of yours rustle something loose on the top floor? Heh."

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@Lloyd

"Yep outside, where it's crawling with guards everywhere, looking for anything magical and suspicious."

The sarcastic tone that rolled over Chow's lips were pretty thick, but it seemed like a situation that required it too, considering how oblivious Astral had gone again.

"We're walking/running there. It's t he only way to not catch suspicion, and for the love of the sky, don't start talking about magic when we're out there. It was bad enough being caught out like that before the attack, imagine what will happen now if they overhear you. We can't keep assuming that nopony is looking or listening in when we're out in the public Astral."

It might sound like a bit of a scolding, but his voice had started to show concern after the initial sarcasm, not anger. He had already been worried about her being caught out before, but now? It would be downright terrifying. We're talking magic-suppressant chains, deep holes in the ground, unlikely anypony nice who'd speak with you- The whole nine yards.

Astral was a... Complicated associate, and he wasn't sure what would end up happening with her during all of this strife, but he sure didn't want this for her, and he'd do his to try and protect her from it. Yet, there were only so much he could do in the end if she wanted to be so openly and brazen about what she could do as she had shown a few times already.

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

 

@Lloyd

"Try and think about who it were. perhaps we can kidnap the fool and force him to do our bidding until we can make more natural ones."

Athriel didn't believe him one bit when it came to him not knowing where the element were, but frankly she didn't care. She just thought that perhaps he could use it for something right now, but if he didn't, then hey, his problem, not hers. Not like she could use it for anything after all.

The island got closer now, and they could almost land on the back if they so choose. Though that wasn't her target. She wanted to go directly to the temple, which meant having to find something through a large array of thick tree crowns pretty much blocking out everything from sight. Lovely. The entire place had to be more or less dark too, with a cover this complete.

"Keep your eyes peeled for a spire of some kind. it's likely overgrown, but it should be possible to find it somewhere."

 

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@Lloyd

"Go, follow the Stranger. I get more from speaking with this one anyway it seems."

Dew sent the dragon and narrowed, harsh look, though said dragon didn't care. The pony was small and not in his youngest years anymore. Might be he was a hero of renown that had led the army for a long, long time now, but those were the facts. As were it that he knew the pony wouldn't attack him, as his morals also followed the stories Scorn had heard.

"I don't agree with the way he said it, but I think it's best if you attempt to follow him. I don't know who he is supposed to be, but something is off, and I don't want somepony like that loose in the castle. Try to be discreet."

Zhu had thus far gone down the corridor leading to Celestia's and Luna's resting area, and if Wing asked the guard outside, he would tell him that too. Said guard had not tried to stop the robed one though, as going out of the throne room itself seemed to indicate that he wasn't a threat unless told otherwise.

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@Lloyd

"The containers are still a test thing, and I'm afraid we don't have all that many of them sir. And I apologize if it sounded like I was accusing you of something. I've just... Seen what happens when a hungry changeling jumps somepony, and it makes me cautious in general."

Shimmer asked for a moment as she wandered over to the door to pop her head out and ask the guard if he had heard any news, before entering and shaking her head.

"Still no news, but we will keep hope. Now, I need to see how your queen is doing for a moment, alright?"

Shimmer would wander over to the large bed the changeling queen were on, packages in gauze, casts and such in a way that made it look like she had really been through quite the nasty hit after the attack. But at least it seemed as if she were stable now, so that was good.

"Ma'am? Are you awake?"

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@~Phoenix~

It pleased to see that Phoenix had some appetite for what he had brought. It had been quite the awkward time if he had to sit there and eat himself whilst she just looked on with a growling stomach, and frankly, he wasn't sure if he could eat anything at that point. He'd just end up feeling guilty.

But that was unimportant. She had been ravenous and taken well from the things he had brought, just as he did himself, and they would soon be done with their meal. It were not the most fancy or filling, granted, but it should do until they managed to get to Canterlot at least. Just a few hours to go and they'd be there.

Time ticked by as he train rolled on, and the landscape passed by outside. A scene he had seen quite a few times, and which never failed to relax him.

Several years of exploring new and strange locations were thrilling, and he wouldn't give up this rush for the world, but it was adrenaline based and you couldn't sustain yourself on a high like that. You needed to calm down too, and nothing helped him relax like a rumbling train running calmly through a safe environment.

He had planned to just sit there, and looking out of the window, but the night had been short, and the previous day long, so his energy was still not perfect. That along with being dozy after the meal, made him slowly fall asleep, leaned backwards in his seat.

He wouldn't wake up when Phoenix ended up laying with her head on his shoulder, but his instincts seemed to take over some, as he right hoof rose up, slid behind her back, and planted itself around her shoulder, whilst his head leaned gently on top of hers.

If anypony came in to see them right now, they'd likely look like quite the lovely couple really.

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@genessee

"I kinda envy your innocence Lance. Knowing what really happens is scary ´for a lot of ponies."

On the way to the hospital, she would tell him about how pumpkins were originally meant as natural cages for turkeys, and the true nature of rubber ducks, before they got to the building on top of the hill.

"- and that is why taking too long of a turn in the tub can melt your hooves. Ah, we're here. Ready to enter the den of sickness and find the hungry souls that lures within?"

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@Dji

"Princess Sparkle?"

The voice of Last Stand would sound to the side of the princess, as the forepony moved closer to the princess with determined steps.

The two of them hadn't met prior to Last volunteering to lead the rebuilding efforts in Ponyville after the attack, which was a bit of a strange move to accept, seeing as nopony really knew much about her. But Celestia and Luna had accepted the offer, and from the looks of things, the town wasn't exactly sitting still. In fact, before the somewhat rough voice of Last broke into things, the sound of work would have been impossible to ignore.

When she got close enough, last would salute the princess, and grit her teeth a little as she accidentally scratched the stitches on the long stitching going over her stomach.

"I want to inform you of the rebuilding efforts and the time plan thus far. Do you have time?"

Edited November 1, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Posted too soon.

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom (( could've sworn I posted, sorry for late response ))

"That isn't very optimistic. Also, mail-mares aren't very dangerous-- they're usually the victims of angry pets, anyways."

Lance smiled weakly when he was told they would be heading to the hospital.

"That would be ni-- oh, we have an order there? Never mind, then. Let's get going."

 

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"Well I don't think..."

The nice Victoria began to flicker as her defensive instinct began to fight back, however Angel chose this moment to run headfirst into her leg causing a slight giggle from her and a look of affection for her little second cousin.

"I-I would like that, thank you." She was blushing slightly, conflicted between who she pretended to be and who she really was.

Red Velvet chuckled nearby.

"I should let Angel go and live with you, turns you into a completely different pony."

"I wouldn't say no to that."

 

Royal thought for a moment before responding.

"I think I have a spare moment on Tuesday, I normally work on more than one project at a time so adding yours to my list would be no issue whatsoever. Will have to be some time in the afternoon though, I have another client in the morning and I'm taking Red out for a suprise dinner at this new place downtown, I've heard they serve incredibly good cakes and I'm sure she'd appreciate that. You free just after lunch time, about 2pm?"

[~Phoenix~ 196]

On 10/31/2017 at 11:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

It pleased to see that Phoenix had some appetite for what he had brought. It had been quite the awkward time if he had to sit there and eat himself whilst she just looked on with a growling stomach, and frankly, he wasn't sure if he could eat anything at that point. He'd just end up feeling guilty.

But that was unimportant. She had been ravenous and taken well from the things he had brought, just as he did himself, and they would soon be done with their meal. It were not the most fancy or filling, granted, but it should do until they managed to get to Canterlot at least. Just a few hours to go and they'd be there.

Time ticked by as he train rolled on, and the landscape passed by outside. A scene he had seen quite a few times, and which never failed to relax him.

Several years of exploring new and strange locations were thrilling, and he wouldn't give up this rush for the world, but it was adrenaline based and you couldn't sustain yourself on a high like that. You needed to calm down too, and nothing helped him relax like a rumbling train running calmly through a safe environment.

He had planned to just sit there, and looking out of the window, but the night had been short, and the previous day long, so his energy was still not perfect. That along with being dozy after the meal, made him slowly fall asleep, leaned backwards in his seat.

He wouldn't wake up when Phoenix ended up laying with her head on his shoulder, but his instincts seemed to take over some, as he right hoof rose up, slid behind her back, and planted itself around her shoulder, whilst his head leaned gently on top of hers.

If anypony came in to see them right now, they'd likely look like quite the lovely couple really.

as the train rolled on by, so did the time. Phoenix, being the smaller mare that she was, was able to fill up rather easily on the snacks that Smokey was generous enough to provide. what was left of them, however, was nothing but a bunch of crumbs only signifying that at one point some snacks may have existed there. unfortunately, she hadn't really kept it in mind to save some room for when they arrived at Canterlot. perhaps they'll just have to wait a bit longer and have a late lunch when they arrive and rest for a bit. 

as Phoenix slept, her body instinctively gravitated towards the warmth of Smokey's body, and her hooves began to wrap around his midsection as if she were giving him some sort of hug. the soft feeling of Fur on Fur was enough to elicit a pleasant groan from her. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

even more time passed, and the train was rolling into station. anyone left on board the train was now exiting, and all of the commotion was enough to wake Phoenix up. her body may have been stubborn with her on that last bump, but not this time. her eyes slowly opened, and the sight she was greeted with was one that was pleasant to an unsettling degree. she looked up to see Smokey's face, and the realization dawned on her. In her sleep, she was cuddling with him! her face immediately turned a bright crimson red, and she pushed herself off of him. she shot up from her seat and shook her head a bit, as if trying to snap herself out of a daze. she turned back to Smokey, and luckily for her, it looked like he MIGHT still be asleep. she crossed her hooves that he didn't notice it before-hoof. 

a moment later, after she was able to calm herself down, she lifted up her fore-hoof and gave Smokey a bit of a rough nudge on the shoulder. "Come on, we're here" was all she said before turning her back to him, and waiting for him to get up. 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

@Widdershins @Foxy Socks @Blitz Boom

 

as the few of them were going about their business, a sudden noise could be heard as the door to the shop was suddenly thrust open. a very recognizable presence stood in the door way. who else but your favorite rainbow-maned Pegasus. she fluttered her wings a bit to announce her presence "Awe, come on Rarity. you didn't even try to stop me after i flew off!" she huffed as she rolled her vibrant Magenta colored eyes. 

her wings fluttered a bit more, and her hooves slowly lifted themselves off of the ground as she hovered over to the group of Ponies. she looked a bit surprised to see them there. "i see you've made some new friends" she says with a soft, friendly smile as she eyed the odd pair. her hooves regained contact with the ground and her wings folded to her sides. as she looked at Briar, her head cocked a bit more in curiosity. he most definitely didn't look like he was from around here. 

Edited November 1, 2017 by ~Phoenix~

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Widdershins @Blitz Boom

It was definitely a bit of a surprise for Foxy for Briar not to have a job of some sort. To her, it was part of her life, then again, perhaps if she didn't have a career she loved, she would understand more. "Really? I know you are on the move and all a lot, but I'd thing your skills could prove useful in a lot of ways. Of course, it's your lifestyle."

 

"Actually helping other farms was one of my first jobs. Definitely hard work, though I didn't mind helping out with the animals. Even still, that type of work wasn't for me, so I started my career in studying animals and conservation. It might not be a job that's common, but that's where I belong. Still, I don't mind helping other ponies in their farms either, especially when I do visit my home." The last time Foxy had visited her home was a few months ago, and her neighbors ran the only major farm around, so she often helped them. 

[cwhip9 1,078]

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"W-What happened next then?"

Cresent paused "from what I remember...me and willow both attacked the hunter seeing our father being struck woke a side in us up. That side took over the hunter had a second with him then like that" Cresent slapped his wings together "it was lights out for a while. I woke up in a burnt out shake and a pony I difnt recognize trotting away. " he paused "willow was soon found, he passed away but it was the first time I notice my bite marks, before he passed away he bit me. I think he brought me back from death in a way. I died in the black out but not sure if it was the hunter who originally killed me or not. Yet he likely have his life for mine.....hence the head stone you saw outside my tree house" Cresent said

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

If only Sen knew how to keep himself from making rash decisions without thinking about the consequences. He had the best intentions at heart but he forgot about the no magic rule. At least Clayton and Lin got out before something worse befell them but he couldn't just stop thinking about how bad he screwed up again; maybe that's what drove Omen to this place: his rash, ill-considered actions. He wouldn't know for sure but somehow, deep down, he was responsible for it. He couldn't look at Clayton or his sister knowing he could potentially mess things up again and would rather keep quiet and think about what he just did. 

As for Lin, she listened and as Clayton went on, some parallels became more and more apparent. Not that the kind of situations she has been in were just as Clayton explained but she could sympathize with him and his friends. At the same time, she couldn't stop thinking about the likelihood of the escapee from making an appearance at that moment. All of that hard work wasted... 

"Clayton," Lin walked up to the stallion and sat down beside him. "I'm sorry. What your friends did, that was brave of them, but now that they have a chance at life again, you shouldn't give up on them. Let me tell you something."

"My brother and I are village outcasts, exiled because of a tyrant. We lost our home, our family, everything that gave us stability and certainty. Nearly lost our lives as well but someone who didn't give up on us helped showed us we could start again. It was tough and we are still working at it but right now, you seem to be settling in these changes. A job, a home, maybe you could also give your friends that kind of help, something to help them get back on their hooves. If you don't, who else could? And right now, the one who needs to believe that is you."

"This Silky Rose character, I know it's important you warn others about her, but don't forget the friends your getting back today." Lin offered Clayton her pouch of mentholated leaves should he want some. 

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Shineling @EQ_Theta

Clayton listened to what Lin said, but didn't know how to respond to them. Speaking with ones who had been through loss was a hard thing for him to do, as he felt sympathy with them that made his eyes fill up with tears and his words shaken by sobbing. It wasn't the best way to speak with somepony, and he usually had to have Belladonna do this for him so things went well, but she wasn't here to help him right now.

Perhaps later, he would try and ask Lin more about her and Sen's tragedy, and attempt not to seem like a crying mess, but she drew up another point at the end of what she said that drew him away from this as a priority, and caused him too look at her with sadness in his eyes, and a depressed shake of his head.

"I will not stop trying to help them, but ten years is a long time. Their families and friends were told they died in a cave-in, and seeing them again now isn't going to be easy for either side. Who is to say they will even be accepted? And what of their foals, who have grown big in their absence, and might not remember them?

I will do what I can, and take my punishment for the lie we told them, but I still fear how it will go to return them to a society and a life who moved ahead in their absence."

Clayton were financially stable to help in whatever way he could. He could set up pensions, make sure they had housing, and ensure they could get through life without ending on the streets. But what he couldn't fix, would be broken family ties. He would try, but there came a point when it had to be between his friends, and those left behind.

Something brushed against his ankles as he were caught in though, causing him to yelp out, fearing it was a snake.

Instead, it turned out to be the Refraction, slithering through the air and gnawing down on one of his trapped friends.

Turning around, he saw Omen's encasing were now completely clear, like diamond. Whatever malevolence had been in this thing were gone now, however, they still needed to get one thing done before things would be okay, and for that, he had to turn to the last being he originally thought would help.

"D-Discord? Please, can you remove the casing on their friend? I don't have anything on me strong enough to pierce diamond."

Sen or Lin may have something that could pierce through the clear clusters. Or strong enough claws to rip them away, but he didn't think over that as much as how Omen would likely soon wake up, and she'd need to breathe.

He wasn't aware how Omen didn't breathe, nor something else he couldn't see from this angle. Namely, how her pale eyes were wide opened, and didn't seem to hold a flicker of light in them. Seemed like she were still knocked out from whatever had happened to her.

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

 

@cwhip9

A tear ran down Cover-up's face as he heard how the story went, and slowly walked over to pat Crescent on the shoulder. It might be hugs were more the norm when it came too showing empathy or whatnot, but he didn't feel to comfortable going around and hugging everypony.

"I'm sorry to hear that Crescent,. It had to have been tough to get through."

Loosing your family, your home, and ending up marred for life by the incident were something the colt understood. Underneath his tattoos, old scars ran over most of his body, and kept as a life-long reminder of what had happened when he had lost everything out of nowhere too, though he understood this wasn't the same thing.

Sure, they both hid behind a facade - either camouflaging as a regular bat pony, or by covering one self in tattoos - but their situations wasn't the same. Cover-up could hide what he looked like, and it didn't hurt anypony. Crescent had a disease that would eventually shine through to everypony around him, and drinking blood would make him a pariah to a lot of ponies more than likely. Even when it came to loss, it was worse for Crescent. The colt had the chance to see his again perhaps, whilst Crescent couldn't, and had to live with both finding and burying his family, as well as knowing what his brother had been. That sort couldn't be easy.

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

 

@Foxy Socks @Widdershins @~Phoenix~

"Menial labor is always a wanted skill, and I have a good usage for it in this town. I simply mean that I have previously not had the kind of want for stability that would dictate a schedule lasting more than a few days, and no need for bits in general, as I live off the land mostly.

I am a wandering soul, and have been ever since my exile. I didn't wish to settle down anywhere, and simply to travel the world. At first simply to experience everything, but eventually in my quest for sight. As that have concluded, I will eventually return to the roads, and seek new horizons, as well as old ones that I can now see for myself, rather than simply feeling them. However, I have made a promise to Brittle, and I will remain here for her sake, until the day comes when she feels ready to join me.

Ah, but I fear I focus too much on myself. You say you have a history now in animal conservation, as well as study? It sounds like a fascinating line of work, though it makes me wonder if you release papers with your findings, like most researchers or scientists I have heard about? Perhaps something to look out for when I have learned to read."

It was strange that he didn't seem to react to Rainbow Dash's sudden appearance, but then... None of  them seemed to do so, until the door slammed behind Dashie with a noisy *Wham!*

Webbing slid down from the door frame, covering the door and the walls slowly in a thick layer of webs, as the ponies slowly turned their heads towards the pegasus, and greeted her with distorted, ghastly grins on their faces..

"Welcome to-"

"- our web, -"

"- said the spiders-"

"- to the fly."

With the last remark from Rarity, all four ponies walked towards her, as their bodies twisted to the sound of creaking bone. They grew large, hairy legs out of their sides. Egg sacks emerged from their flanks, were tails had once been, and as their eyes split up in eights, the spider teeth grew from their muzzles, twitchy and ready to munch of the sweet pony that had just entered their trap.

IN reality, this was all an illusions. Not wanting her fun to be interrupted yet, Anomaly had cast a spell on Dashie that caused her to slam the door open into another phase, where the draconquus had full control of the scene.

So far her stage plays had shown up as goofy and comedic, but as the pegasus had bursted in with a cloud of confidence nearly being created around her, the mood had struck the draconequus for a horror scene. Minus all the iffy parts with actual feasting on ponies of course. This was a family show, not Nightmare on Elm Street.

It was a pity that nopony could see this really. To the rest, it would seem like the door was never even opened, whilst the pegasus were trapped in the little side show for a time. Perhaps Anomaly would let her pass through eventually, but right now, she at least were determined to enjoy the show, and then see what she'd do, depending on the response from Rainbow Dash. Who knew? Perhaps she'd earn herself a *Change of scenery*. Heh.

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

 

@~Phoenix~

Unfortunately for Phoenix, Smokey had been awake before her. Only by about ten minutes, granted, but that was still plenty enough time for him to enjoy the snuggling mare's embrace, as they slowly rolled into Canterlot.

He would lie if he said this had happened before. The closest he had ever gotten to waking up next to somepony else, was when he had to share a tent once, and that had been less snuggling, and more feeling a hoof repeatedly jamming into his jaw from his twitchy room companion.

There was nothing off that this time. Here, he were embraced like a giant teddy bear by a lovely mare, who didn't kick or twirl around to make his part of this unpleasant. Not until she woke up of course, and she did get a little... Kicky in it, so to speak.

There had been but a brief second as she woke up, where he imagined that she would find some joy in having somepony to hold as she had rested, but unfortunately it seemed that she were not there at this point, and would continue on the path of cat and mouse until she were ready for him to catch her.

It was an adventure in itself that he were starting to think might hold a treasure unlike any he had found before, and it made him feel quite the motivation for keeping up this hunt. Especially now that he had tried to be snuggled. This fuzzy feeling were not one he wanted to experience only once if it could be helped, no matter how determined he had to be in his pursuit.

Letting out a yawn and stretching his hooves above his head, he gave her a teasing look, with a voice to match.

"What, is my breath really that terrible?"

He chuckled a little to himself and put his hat back on, that had slid down on the table after he had been separated from Phoenix.

"We should probably get going before the train takes us back where we came from, though I will miss our moment. It was by far the best wake-up I can remember, even with the forcible ejection."

He grinned at her afterwards, though he had spoken quite seriously as he said this. How she would take it then... Well, considering what he knew of her and her reaction to finding herself so closely to him after she rested, it would likely not be with a flying tackle and a passionate kiss.

Though... A stallion could always dream, yes?

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

 

@Battenberg

Angel's antics were adorable, Pop couldn't deny that. Bumping into a pony like that were the sort of thing that just couldn't make you stop smiling, unless you had no joy in your life whatsoever. And even then, she couldn't imagine this wouldn't be at least worth a vague smile.

"You're welcome. Though, it might take a few weeks or something like that. I don't always travel around, so it's not too often I meet up with the ponies I know.

And you know... I think it will be important I check for somepony who wouldn't want to wait too long to speak about family. The more I see you with Angel, the more it becomes apparent that motherhood would be everything for you."

Thinking on it, she actually thought she might have a match too. He were a kind stallion, and very particular about being clean and presentable most of the time, but he never backed down from an altercation. If somepony tossed something at him, he'd answer in kind, and she had yet to hear about him loosing a verbal fight.

He also had a want for a family, but because of his blunt nature, he hadn't had much luck getting dates. Plus, with his profession, there were certain... Presumptions about him, that didn't make it any easier to look for a potential mate.

She should really visit him soon anyway, so it wasn't too much out of her way to just up her schedule, though if he'd give it a go was anypony's guess. Considering how Vicky looked though, there were a good chance. Especially with her mane. He tended to judge ponies some on how well they took care of their manes and tails, and Pop would give Victoria much bad rep, but she couldn't fault that with her.

Outside, Benny grinned and reached an arm towards Royal in an attempt to brohoof him. He even clenched his fist some, so it would be more akin to pony style, rather than a shake like he usually did. See? He could adapt to pony culture just fine... As long as they didn't involve dancing...

He had given up on trying that. Every time he had given it a go, somepony ended up getting hurt, and he couldn't keep apologizing between swinging around like a drunken sailor. It wasn't safe for anypony, including himself, as a certain fire fighter in Canterlot had pointed out to him after he had to dislodge the dragon from a swing set.

"Awesome. I'll make sure I can be there then. I got some stuff I should get delivered to the guards there anyway, so might as well combine it for a complete cover story."

He had to finish fourteen more breastplates before that then, but it was kinda slow at work these days anyway, so as long as he could keep the twins working, things should be done well in advance, and he could just deliver them himself instead of going with the couriers.

"If you don't mind me saying it by the way, it sounds like you got a pretty good marriage going sir. Might have been a bit rushed like you said, but you seem like two halves that was meant to be put together. Why keep that apart for longer than it haves to be, right?"

Edited November 2, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @~Phoenix~ @Widdershins

"Well, I have been contributing to projects and a few minor papers. I often have to write observations and certain behaviors of different animals in areas, but I also help care for the ones that need it too..."

Foxy briefly glanced toward the door as if she expected somepony to be there, however, the door had not been opened in the last few minutes. Foxy shrugged it off thinking it was just her imagination, though unknown to her, there was an explanation for that.

 

Foxy continued to speak. "...Some animals are injured as well so I help out with that, which is what we mostly do. It might sound complicated with all what we do, but I enjoy it. Since foxes and reptiles are my specialty they often have me work with them, but I help out with other animals too. Of course since this emergency I am unable to be there for now, but hopefully things will work out."

Edited November 2, 2017 by Foxy Socks

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Blitz Boom

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What, is my breath really that terrible?"

He chuckled a little to himself and put his hat back on, that had slid down on the table after he had been separated from Phoenix.

"We should probably get going before the train takes us back where we came from, though I will miss our moment. It was by far the best wake-up I can remember, even with the forcible ejection."

He grinned at her afterwards, though he had spoken quite seriously as he said this. How she would take it then... Well, considering what he knew of her and her reaction to finding herself so closely to him after she rested, it would likely not be with a flying tackle and a passionate kiss.

Though... A stallion could always dream, yes?

Phoenix rolled her eyes as smokey made his light-hearted remarks about his breath. she stood beside the seat, waiting for her companion of sorts to get up so they can be on their merry way. she peeked over Smokey and out the window of the train car, and that's when the realization hit her. she had been too focused on Smokey, rather than the beautiful city laying just beyond the walls of the train. she had never seen a city so magnificent in all her life. of course, she had heard it mentioned by the shop keeps and other passing ponies in the few moments she did spend in that rural town every now and then, but none of that could have prepared her. 

that's when Smokey's words hit her

"the best wake-up i can remember" she repeated to herself in her head. it sounds an awful lot like he was fully aware of their little nap. he could have been simply talking about how well he slept, but let's be honest. a nap on a train by itself isn't much to be desired. a couple of expletives went through her brain as she tried processing all of it. was it that she hated it? or is she just embarrassed at herself for secretly enjoying it? of course, when this curse was put upon her some years ago, never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd enjoy spending time with a stallion, and yet here she was. in any case, she needed more time to try and figure things out in her head before she could really warm up to the idea. at least napping next to him helped to stave off the nightmares...

expecting him to get up and follow her, she began to trot towards the train exit. once she got off the train and onto the platform, she noticed just how many Ponies there were, going to and from many different places throughout Equestria. it was a little overwhelming for her to say the least. for someone as introverted as her, it wasn't an easy bundle of information to process, and she soon found her breathing quicken, and her heart began to race. she was out in such a large crowd, without her cloak to mask her. not that it mattered, but it always made her feel safe anyway. maybe Smokey could help her out of this mess. "S-Smokey!?" she yelled out, and whipped her head around, trying to find him. 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

@Blitz Boom @Foxy Socks @Widdershins

Rainbowdash simply eyed her friend Rarity as she muttered that last phrase. clearly this was something they had rehearsed earlier. were they trying to prank her? "har har, very funny guys" she said with a smug grin. what a lame prank that was anyway. a little spooky, to be sure, but it's not something that's gonna give her nightmares. of course, what happened next was almost guaranteed to. "uhh... guys?" she prodded, trying to get a further answer from them as they began to shift and morph right in front of her. her eyes grew wide. after she realized what they were turning into, her eyes filled themselves with fear. "A-alright guys... i was just joking" she pleaded with them "It's actually a pretty decent prank" she muttered with a shaky voice. 

realizing that none of her words were working, instinct began to take over. her wings began to flutter, as her hooves quickly lifted themselves off the ground. her first instinct was to escape out of a window, but after trying one or two of them, she soon realized they were all covered in a very thick webbing. there was no escape. well, that's alright. if fleeing wasn't going to work, then that narrowed down her option to fighting. using her flight and her speed to her advantage, she immediately flew to the side of the shop furthest from the giant Spider-ponies. 

with a primal war cry, she immediately began flying towards the spiders at the fastest rate she could in such a confined space. as she drew near, she shifted her position so that one of her hind legs was pointed out, aimed at one of their faces as the blow connected. 

 

Edited November 2, 2017 by ~Phoenix~

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@~Phoenix~

As she swung around, she'd be able to see Smokey, standing face to face with a female griffon with a black beak.

Usually the ones he met caused him to smile, but this time, a grimace was on his face as the feathered being reached a folded note to him. An opposite to him, the griffon had a smug grin on her beak, and looked at him with a silent chuckle before wandering away again, and getting lost in the crowds of the busy capitol

.He clutched the note in his hoof, half-way crumbling it, but he didn't toss it. Instead, he put it into one of his pockets, and hung his head in silence.

It wouldn't last long. He had heard her, and would come for her soon after that, unaware that she had seen this, unless she would still look at him, or had actually wandered over to him. Either way, a smile and pleasant look had returned to his face, as he got closer to his companion, and tried to pretend that his mood had not changed in the slightest.

"Don't worry Phoenix, I will was just preoccupied for a moment. I wouldn't dream of leaving you to wander aimlessly here regardless. You need a guide to truly enjoy it after all, and I do owe you a grand feast at some point too. Should we look at that to begin with, or would you like that we took a grand tour instead? Of course, if you're still a little tired, or would like to see how I live, perhaps I could show you my house too? I have nothing I need to get done today, so whichever way you wish to experience our great capitol first, I'm game."

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

 

@~Phoenix~

As Rainbow Dash would hit one of the spider ponies, she'd find that it was a lot less squishy than it seemed. Specifically, it gave a hollow clank, and got a noticeable dent in its head as the pegasi's hoof would make contact, though it should also hurt said pony's hoof, considering the metal wasn't the flimsiest kind.

The Raribot would stumble backwards, spazzing out with the head spinning around itself and giving off sparks around it, whilst stuttering the last word it had said over and over again. Each time it got more metallic, until at the end, the light would start to blink in the creation's eyes, and she'd implode into a small cube of metal and fake fur.

The other three didn't let this stop them, and would lounge for the pegasi, aiming to wrap her into a cocoon, though they did seem faster after their companions fall. The energy were shared between them, and taking one out would just make the rest stronger. Rainbow Dash would have to think more tactical the further this went on. Especially with the Brittlebot, who seemed to be aiming to clamp down on her hooves and weigh her down..

Another thing happened too, with a light going off over the webbed door. It was faint behind the threads, but if one focused on it, it would be something to take note off. Especially since this was a lock that kept her here, and if she wanted out, she had to get all four lights lit. Something which could only happen if she took down the apparently living props going after her.

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

 

@Widdershins @Foxy Socks @~Phoenix~

"It sounds like a noble cause, and good, solid work. I'm certain that both animals and higher sentient beings can get much through your work.

Perhaps at some point, I could assist you? i may not speak with animals, but I am well versed in the comings and goings of nature, as well as building. Perhaps I could help reinforce a sanctuary with some of the experience I have as a builder, or help regrow barren grounds? Insect issues is also one of my more helpful skill sets if those becomes an issue somewhere.

I do apologize if it seems like I am attempting to push myself into your area of expertise, but I do enjoy learning, and helping in the process. It makes me happy to be of willing service to others, and I'm certain that it would please the Earth Mother to find more helping the beings that lives off her fertile soil."

There was not many things he liked in his culture, but the praising of the Earth Mother were one thing which he did keep, as she were to them what Celestia were to the ponies in a sense. A being that made the world revolve in her own way, and by praising her name, sharing kindness to her creations, and spreading the growth upon the soil she resided in, the pleased being would continue to make nature grow and return bountiful harvests.

Foxy would likely still have a different view, as Zhu had shown her what the Earth Mother would look like if she were angered, forgotten and tormented by barren soil, but Briar did not know of this. Yet even if he did, it was unlikely he would believe that the being which had given so much life to the world, could end up being its destroyer. Not from her own will at least.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

A wave of relief washed over Sen as the last bits of crystal sloughed off Omen. He quickly moved to her side and lay her down gently by his, leaning on him while the longma checked for vitals. She may be out of the crystal formation but being trapped for almost four days would likely alter normal signs of life. He wouldn't say anything for the time being but he always could just stay quietly by her side and let Omen regain consciousness on her own; no need to be abrupt for now. 

As for Lin, the same feeling would be apparent on her face but she still had some obligation to help Clayton. After hearing him out and noticing more similarities between the situation the miners were going into and the situation she and Sen were in, she felt there was more to this and more she could provide. Someone did what they could and they are still getting a hard time for it. Introducing the two might be out of the question but she could find an alternative. 

"You were working with information you didn't completely know about," Lin replied. "And maybe your friends' families might be more overjoyed to be reunited with them rather than get angry at you. If you need someone to help you explain all of this to them, just ask me and my brother. I don't know if they'll accept our explanation but at least you tried."

"We still don't know ponies behavior too well. Maybe they might not listen but we want to help. We're not sure we could pay back your kindness but we're willing to try."

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade nods, and gently puts Ziggy on her back, and let's Fah'lina go. She moves quickly but determinedly, not wanting to cause any more damage to Ziggy. She whispers to Fah'lina, "I will make sure Mom doesn't overfeed you too much"

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord nodded as he clicked his claws together, causing the diamond casing of the pony to spit the pony out... quite literally. It then proceeded to dance away from the area to the music of 'Hello my baby', decked out with a sparkling new obsidian tophat and cane (Quite similar to this, in fact. Except that it's actually dancing away, not back and forth ). "Even I recognize that suffocation may be serious business, but its prevention sure doesn't have to be." The chaotic being chuckled, watching the crystal shell dance away.

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Blitz Boom 

 

Phoenix had swung around to look for smokey, and through her shaky vision, she spotted the exchange. she noted the look on smokey's face as he received what looks to be a small piece of parchment. was this another friend of his? or was this face unwelcome?

 she stood there, waiting, as her heart began to run a mile a minute. all of these ponies around her, and with her out in the open. it certainly wasn't anything she was used to, and the feeling was overwhelming. she calmed a bit as smokey approached, but her condition was far from gone. He would clearly be able to see that she was distressed. her breathing was heavy, as well as deep, and she placed a hoof on smokey's shoulder for support as her balance began to degrade. 

she listened to Smokey as he rattled off their options, with her goal simply being to get away from all of these ponies. "L-let's go to your place..." was all she managed to get out. she sounded rather winded as she began to lean more on Smokey for support. 

as she leaned against him, she looked down at the wooden floorboards of the platform. the edges of her vision began to blur. the floor boards weren't staying still either. they waved and spun as her vision became less and less focused. to her surprise as well, they seemed to be getting closer... 

*WHAM*

and just like that, Phoenix had fallen to floor like a sack of bricks. 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

@Blitz Boom @Widdershins @Foxy Socks

 

Rainbowdash followed through with her kick, and felt the sting on her hoof as the strike didn't leave her unharmed either. no biggie, she'll just need a moment or two to walk it off. but this definitely wasn't the time for that. she payed almost no mind to the fact that it imploded into a small cube. at least now that she knew they were robots, and slow moving ones at that, she'd be able to defeat them rather easily. 

she smiled a devilish grin as an idea came to mind, she was about to attempt a move that she was pretty sure she had seen in a movie before. however, it seemed like it may be effective in this case. she attempted to dodge the spiders grasp as she did a flying corkscrew over them, and she immediately went to where rarity kept her stashes of fabric "Sorry Rarity, but also not sorry." she muttered as she took hold of the end of the spool in her mouth, and she immediately began flying towards the other 3 spider-bots.

as she drew near them, she shifted her velocity and began making wide circles around them. as she did, the long strands of cloth began to wrap around the robots, with the intention of constricting and trapping them in place, so that Rainbowdash can make things easier for herself. easy-peasy. 

 

[Widdershins 9,959]

 @Blitz Boom, @Foxy Socks, @~Phoenix~ , me, and the Lamppost. 

   "Oh, I shan't be long. Perhaps an hour, mayhap two. You do feel at home in the meantime!"

    With a practiced whirl, the seamstress spun out of the room, leaving her guests to their polite chitchat and to finish off the tea in the ornate china teapot and tea set. A few paces out of the room and back down the hallway to her workroom on the second floor, now out of view of anypony else; a slight feeling & muscle tinge goes through Rarity's neck while previously deep in thought about the new project. Somehow a sudden feeling of unease, like somepony making a mess of her house, had came to her. A feeling a big sister often is prone to. Shaking it off with a mutter under her breath, Rarity continues on to her workroom.

 "...Hmm. Odd. Sigh, perhaps Sweetie is just out with her friends again; getting into things as fillies do."

 Finally, within her workroom, she closes the door behind her and goes about gathering her materials. A few swatches of her color fabrics to mull over, measuring tape, a few pins tipped with colors to match, tipped with brown, red, orange & white, a few of those idly being held in her muzzle for the time being as she mulls over the design, and various other accouterments as needed. In silence, she sets down to one of her tables, usually the planning one to sketch a few things. For a time, she is left alone.

  After a few minutes alone like this, somewhere behind her and out of her sight, one of her long spools of fabric (a rather expensive one at that. Had to charm a rather grouchy merchant for it the last time the Farmer's Market had set up in Ponyville.) is roughly yanked out with a loud whir, the fabric disappearing some few feet out of the shelving. Her head whipping around just as this inexplicable action finishes, Rarity looks back with a bit of surprise. Finding nothing, she returns to her work with a slight whinny of annoyance. 

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

 Back to Bling Blang!:

     With cheeks puffed and snout scrunched as per usual, the still literally paled stallion responds to Happy Hour from his slouched position.

 "Well, hadn't thought I'd be seeing you again so soon... uhm, Sir.

                               ...what do I need a cart for? I made the delivery didn't I?... Oh! Mailed that letter off today! You did say you wanted to m-meet my parents, right?"

  Ambie asks the last question with the hopeful tone most usually reserve in failed attempts to foist responsibility onto others. Ambie didn't particularly care much to have to deal with his parents again. Not after just walking out of the house one day without warning some year to two ago; not with them being the ponies they were. But Ambie was still a stallion of honor & honesty... if not memory & common sense.        

Edited November 4, 2017 by Widdershins
Mentions again...

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @Widdershins @~Phoenix~

"That would be wonderful! While I won't be able to do anything for a while, perhaps you could help out. As long as Brittle doesn't mind of course." Foxy looked toward her. Foxy wondered if Brittle was back to her normal self after the spell, which while helpful, was only a temporary thing. 

Foxy wondered how much Brittle trusted her then. She hadn't been around her that long, but Foxy knew if she stuck around Brittle would probably get more comfortable. She wondered how long it took her to trust Briar, as she seemed to be familiar with him. She didn't know how much had gone on, but Foxy knew Briar was a good friend and could trust him.

 

Strangely, Anomaly seemed absent from the scene. Perhaps she left, but Foxy doubted that, knowing Anomaly. Hopefully she wouldn't disturb Rarity.

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

DAWN & AURORA

“It’s really ... strange,” Dawn said finally, quizzically looking at what was essentially her double. She didn’t know what to think of what to feel about the Pegasus. Then, the Pegasus turned and looked at Dawn and Pop. Her own eyes widened at seeing Dawn and she gave a hesitant wave.

”Wha ... this ... what?” Aurora questioned out loud, and ignored Kaltrops’ insistent moaning and griping to interact with Pop and Dawn. “You ... look like me!”

“I do not! You look like me!” Dawn immediately protested but when she felt the mare’s confusion, Dawn backed off slightly. “I mean ... I’m ... Dawn. What’s ... your name?”

Aurora blinked at the sudden change of emotion within Dawn and looked around their small group confusedly before answering back, no doubt cementing her failed disguise further. “I’m Aurora Lights. It’s not everyday you meet a doppelgänger, huh?” She asked with a grin.

@Blitz Boom & @Seamore Sandwich

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

“Oh, yes, please. You’re Last Stand, right? You volunteered to help with rebuilding the town?” Twilight questioned, smiling and looking at Last Stand expectantly.

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Holy butts, how many conspiracy theories does this pony HAVE?

"Yeah, that's one way of putting it. After you, ma'am."

He would motion towards the entrance, being prepared to follow. But seriously, she would make a great author.