open Casual stroll

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@~Phoenix~

Smokey frowned briefly when he saw her react on the clearly sore bump on her head.

"If there comes more problems, like dizziness, do tell me straight away. I will make sure a doctor gets here with some haste."

Considering the size and opulence of his estate, one might think that he had his own, private doctor, yet as he wasn't here most of the time he saw that as pointless. Rather, he made sure to make sizeable donations to the hospital in town, which gave him a certain priority, barring anything serious of course. He didn't want to be responsible for somepony's death. It was just that if it came between taking a few hours of extra work or a patient mainly just came in for a checkup, his name could move things around.

"And don't worry about the perfume. It is free to use, as is the bath salts. I will show you how to prepare a bath with it later. Trust me, you will not regret it."

He chuckled and imagined Phoenix leaning back in a bath, soft music playing and looking as serene as an angel... Even his imagination was breathtaking, how beautiful must it not be in reality? *sigh* Perhaps some day he would find out, yet for now, she had just taken a bath. Pushing her into another would be weird, even for him.

"But all in due time, yes? Please, can I offer you something to drink? A snack by chance? I can have a proper meal prepared or ordered, but I will need some time for that, to make sure it is done properly. I did promise you a grand meal after all."

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

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Cherish looked up into the moon. It had been a long time since she had been outside and could really take this in, and basking in it felt good. Perhaps one of these days, she should wander outside during the day and glance at the sun too? It had been centuries since she wandered around in the daytime, as her friend had only spawned in dark areas or at night.

It felt a little bad to think on how she no longer had the colt with her, but from how he had looked when the mare of demons and the bat pony had sent her away, she were happy for him. He seemed like the next world had been pleasant and welcoming to him. Perhaps even his family had stood ready to embrace him? It was a nice thought. Hopefully it were the case.

Reality took her back as she heard Serenade say goodbye from the riverbed. It was a little sad, but it were what had to happen. Ziggy needed help, and that came as a priority.

"Okay, hope to see you again. Make sure Ziggy gets to a doctor quickly, and tell her I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt her."

With that, and a small smile, Cherish flickered out of sight once more. It were now on Serenade to help her friend.

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

 

@BloodDrops

Sloppy Joe caught the coin as his heart plummeted. He had thought this would just be a one time deal, and then he could quit the guard and go back to have pies tossed in his face.

He had never thought he'd miss that life, but by Celestia, what he wouldn't do to return to that now...

Instead, he were now a forced servant to a mare that sounded like she were some kind of mixture between a cannibal and a plague cauldron, and now he definitely knew he couldn't say something to anypony, or dragon for that matter. Blood had made it clear that if Sloppy told a living thing about this mare, she would attack the town, and every life lost would be on his hooves.

He felt like he was about to cry when he lowered his head in defeat, and accepted his living Tartarus on earth.

"Understood... I'll m-make the perimeter, and get the b-blanket."

There was already a perimeter set, so it wouldn't be that hard to check up on it, though he had to tighten it up and make another, closer by, to make sure his apparent owner wouldn't eat anypony.

Owner... A depressing, but seemingly correct term for the one who now had him in a figurative leash.

Somepony he had to feed as well, which wasn't easy since he wasn't any good at hunting, and fishing were mediocre at best.

*sigh* Perhaps after he was done with everything he was asked, he should try and get hold of a rod, and practice some throws. Perhaps he would end up getting lucky and actually be able to do this at least.

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

 

@genessee

Berry pondered it, then shrugged.

"Eh, I suppose. It doesn't seem like he's going anywhere anytime soon anyway. See you around Pyhrus! And stay clear of the pudding. It's made of blended puffer fish and they don't always remove the poison."

The two Griffons gave varying funny looks to Berry after that last comment, before the conspiratorial mare turned around with a whistle and wandered out of the room, and towards exiting the hospital in general. Considering how Lance had it at that point, he'd likely be inclined to follow, instead of being left alone with the customers.

Edited November 13, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade smiles at Cherish, "I will tell her and hopefully see you soon" Serenade quickly sets off down the river, moving as silently as possible. She needed to stay out of sight until she could get to the Hospital, drop Ziggy off and then get home where she could...send....her thoughts shuddered to a halt, she was still in her Siren form, and if anybody saw her in the middle of Ponyville....the Elements would be called...she kept swimming, she needed to get Ziggy to the doctors. 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

Lin didn't miss a beat when the Refraction crawled up on her as she tried to pet it and knew it wanted to come along. Its breath will give her some much needed relief to speed things along as the two of them will search for Omen. Just by the entrance, she let the drake get to work draining the parasitic gems and clearing a way forward for both of them. While she waited until there was a hole large enough for her to pass through with ample space, she had some choice words for the creature. 

"Alright, little one, since you're coming along, I need you to behave yourself. I don't wandering far from me and once we're inside, I'll need your help sniffing out a piece of Omen left behind. I know the gems are enticing and all but we're not going to stay in there for long." 

For a brief moment, she gave herself time to breathe and realized then she sounded a lot like her mother. She could be stern but knew when to let that attitude drop for a moment to let her children do what they will within reasonable extent. Perhaps some of her rubbed off on Lin among many of those sleepless nights and restless mornings when she was still much younger. Thinking about it just makes her reminisce more, bringing back fond memories of her mother, and all the more does she miss her. Now she has that same motherly tone in her voice as she spoke to the Refraction like it was her own child. It was strange but some part of her liked it.

As the last bits of crystal drifted away and spread far from each other, a passage was visible before her with the last pieces draining away of their parasitic properties. Lin picked up the drake and with the same motherly tone as before she spoke to it as she set it on her head. 

"Stay close. We want to help Omen so we need to do this one by the book, alright?'

And only then did the longma proceed further into the mines again, careful and cautious to the secrets it still kept away from the light. 

[BloodDrops 762]

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Sloppy Joe caught the coin as his heart plummeted. He had thought this would just be a one time deal, and then he could quit the guard and go back to have pies tossed in his face.

He had never thought he'd miss that life, but by Celestia, what he wouldn't do to return to that now...

Instead, he were now a forced servant to a mare that sounded like she were some kind of mixture between a cannibal and a plague cauldron, and now he definitely knew he couldn't say something to anypony, or dragon for that matter. Blood had made it clear that if Sloppy told a living thing about this mare, she would attack the town, and every life lost would be on his hooves.

He felt like he was about to cry when he lowered his head in defeat, and accepted his living Tartarus on earth.

"Understood... I'll m-make the perimeter, and get the b-blanket."

There was already a perimeter set, so it wouldn't be that hard to check up on it, though he had to tighten it up and make another, closer by, to make sure his apparent owner wouldn't eat anypony.

Owner... A depressing, but seemingly correct term for the one who now had him in a figurative leash.

Somepony he had to feed as well, which wasn't easy since he wasn't any good at hunting, and fishing were mediocre at best.

*sigh* Perhaps after he was done with everything he was asked, he should try and get hold of a rod, and practice some throws. Perhaps he would end up getting lucky and actually be able to do this at least.

Blood Drops blinked at him and nodded "Good, you go do that. I like pink" I remarked putting that in as well for the request for a blanket. A pink blanket at that, she blinked at him thoughtfully, he might be missed from the guard duty's. "If anyone gives you any grief from not doing your guard duties, tell them the princess has reassigned you to different duty's, and if they want to meet said princess bring them to me" I add to the stallion. 

I wasn't about to let my newest servant getting reassigned to do something trivial. I then blinked at him thoughtfully, "And bring me a single bit of fruit or vegetable or something" I remark to him, having a idea. If it were possible for me to balance my diet then I wouldn't have to eat as much meat. Then I sat down and waited, he shouldn't be so long after all, he was just going to be checking a barrier and then bringing me some fruit and a nice blanket. 

  

[~Phoenix~ 196]

"i'll be fine, i promise you. it's nothing major" she explained in attempt to calm him. it was sure to be annoying for the next few days, but it was nothing she hasn't dealt with herself. she wasn't going to attempt to use healing magic on it either, as such would be a waste of her energy for something so small. she would simply let it heal naturally. 

the thought of food actually caught her attention. almost as soon as Smokey offered, her ears perked up, and she was made aware of an empty feeling in her abdomen. that made her think a bit. how long had it been since she last ate? "i actually have a question for you first... how long was i out?" she asked him. there was almost no way she could have gotten that hungry in a short amount of time. she must have been out for a couple of hours.

another thing struck her quite odd about Smokey's behavior. he was offering her so many things, it almost made it seem like he lived here. she wondered if Smokey even had a home, or if he lived in this hotel, and that's why he was so familiar with everything in it. or perhaps, he was the proud owner of this building. after all, she hadn't really seen anyone else around. the only other pony she saw in here was Rose, who he was clearly on a first name basis with. she started to seem like more of an occupant of this large place along with Smokey. curiosity prompted her next question "and, where exactly do you live?" she asked.

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"Our beautiful mares of course"

Royal slinked up to Red and put a hoof round her neck, she nuzzled him and pushed Angel towards him slightly, completing their family unit.

"Especially you Pop, it really was wondrous how you managed to tame Victoria like that, and I like the sound of this 'hooking her up' idea. You really have a grasp of this situation, I think love would do wonders for little Victoria."

Victoria had reappeared in the archway between the shop and the kitchen and huffed a little, though she seemed more embarrassed than angry this time, she looked at the floor and kicked up some dust, shaking it off her hoof immediately after with a slightly horrified look on her face.

"I-I'm not little..." She seemed unable to find any other words so pretended to preoccupy herself with the money in the cash machine.

"Perhaps not, but it is time you grew up and got to experience what the world has to offer."

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom

@Moonlit

 

“Aw, I was sure he’d be coming with us.  Otherwise, why did he bother putting that rock into the pink one’s pocket?  I thought it might be something like what’s happening with me, being tethered to this piece of myself.  Although, it’s hard to imagine what a creature made of stone would be like, not that I’ve met a lot of creatures to compare that to.”  Charlie was getting genders wrong again, but so far, they didn’t know enough other creatures to have learned to recognize genders in the first place.  “I’m kind of curious, if the limb is broken, why not just break it off the rest of the way?  Wouldn’t it be easier just to grow a new one?  I had a limb break before, and it was quite a relief when it finally fell off.”

 

@Blitz Boom

 

“I’m always willing to try something new, especially if it’s hard to find.  Have you ever tried any tea from Yakyakistan?  It’s a flavor that’s impossible to duplicate, though many have tried.  I heard they use such precise measurements that if they add too much of one ingredient by mistake, they throw out the entire batch, which is what makes it so hard to come by.”  Penny was impressed by Tock’s knowledge of tea, but she stayed out of the conversation.  She didn’t want to get in the way, it seemed like Tock was already falling for somepony else.  He’d never really opened up to her like this before, so it was a side of him she never saw.  He was always so focused on his work when she was around, not that he was impolite or anything, just busy.  To be fair, this visit was a bit later in the day than she’d ever seen him.  Her cheeks started to turn pink, so she looked away from Tock to try to make it stop.  Could she really be falling for somepony who was already falling in love with somepony else?  And somepony she had known for so long, too?  She was standing slightly behind Scarcity, so hopefully she wouldn’t see, unless her peripheral vision was really good.

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Ziggy would stir slightly in her sleep, but she wouldn't wake up yet, which was likely for thw best. With the amount of fractures in her leg, the pain would be unbearable currently, though sadly, it may have to be a factor in how she'd get to the hospital. Serenade may not want to be seen, but if Ziggy was placed around the edge of town and woken up, it was guaranteed that she'd be found. Nopony normal could sleep well enough to just ignore that much screaming.

It would however require her to cause her friend pain, but when most of the alternatives were that she were discovered, that she had to use her song on regular civilians, or hope that Fah'lina would somehow get Ziggy help, it may end up having to go that way.

So far though, they hadn't reached Ponyville yet, so that was for later. And as it stood right now, Fah'lina was the only part of the usual duo who could have an input, but since she didn't speak equine, and were still on edge, she instead started to hiss at Charlie. Spirits were not her favorite kind of beings right now, go put it mildly.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Shineling

A blast of glittery flames were ejected into the cave as the Refraction drained the last ones in the way and expelled the excess energy, which seemed to make the gems all around react, as even further in, you could see them reaching deeper into the rocks. It happened ever so slowly, but it was still noticable if you looked.

Busy as they were though, it were unlikely that either of them would. The Refractions had some idea what was asked of it, and kept to Lin, even though the gems around it looked tasty.

When they got to the inner chamber where Omen and the crystallized ponies had been before though, it slithered off her head, or would at least try to, whilst starring at the cluster in the middle of the room. It looked purer than the rest, and were likely more dangerous as well, so Lin should keep her distance, but she were likely focused  on looking at where Omen had been before, and keeping the Refraction focused on that too.

Sadly though, they'd not be met with anything. Either every sliver of what had been Omen had come with them, or the glittery flames had caused the small bits to go back into the rocks. They'd likely need to take a chunk out of the wall if they wanted to be sure.

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

 

@BloodDrops

Checking the perimeter wouldn't take long, and mostly all he really had to do was tighten it closer to try and keep it so ponies could still get the materials, without going near Blood. It might involve a short redirection that the forepony would be none too happy with, but he pushed some rubble over to try and explain it if it came to that. Hopefully it wouldn't, as Last scared him. Not as much as Blood mind you, but still.

When he were done,  he quickly went into town to see if he could find a blanket and some kind of fruit, which did take.him about an hour. He wasn't familiar with this town, and with the damages, not everything were opened either.

Eventually he managed to find a seller, and then scrounge through until he found a pink one. Gave him a few funny looks, but he was too worried about other things to care really. He just paid with the bit he had been given, along with some of his own, and then went to the food parlor he had been told about to see if he could find something.

He managed to get away after a half hour there. There were a line and he needed something to eat himself, so it took as it did. Especially since he had been told by the server to eat up, as he looked pale and she figured he was getting ill. He didn't have the courage to tell her the truth, and just ate, before returning with everything.

"I-I found something. Hello? A-Are you here?"

Sloppy looked around inside the perimeter, but didn't see Blood yet. Was she sneaking up on him or something? D-Dear Celestia, there was a horrible thought.

He turned around to look, just in case, with the pink blanket and apple in front of him on a crate for now. Apples were easy to get hold of in Ponyville, so that were the simplest solution. Wasn't like pineapple just grew out of the fields after all.

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

 

@~Phoenix~

Ah, the question that inevitably would always come, though at least Phoenix had the decency to not think he was breaking in. Some others had not had this kindness,  and it were irritating quite frankly. Just because he broke into tombs and took a few things here and there on his adventures, didn't mean he was a criminal.

But he digressed. Phoenix wished to have an answer to where his little slice of paradise were, and he would be happy to provide that. He so loved to show off now and again, and the thought alone increased the smile on his muzzle.

"Where I live? Why, here of course. I've owned this place ever since I bought the plot, had the old house torn down and got something build something I could think of as home. A long and expensive process, but so were it to have the interior designed and readied, and I for one think it was well worth it.

It is not as impressive as you might think though. Most of these things are just specially crafted to look like pompous antiques, without actually being it, as I detest the care rhat needs to be put into having those things. You'll barely be able to sit anywhere, and what then would the point be?

Hehe, but hear me ramble on and on. You asked me about how long you were out? Only about an hour and a half. It took me a little time to get you here and have one of the guest rooms prepared properly, and then Rose had some questions, so time just flew by.

Rose maintain the grounds, and my estate in general when I'm not home. I'm out adventuring often, so my times of simply enjoying my home is generally limited. Perhaps I can introduce the two of you properly later on? She lives in the north wing, so it could be arranged without much of an issue."

Rose were out currently though. She said something about having to check on the bushes and then get something in town, though she had seemed rather moody and dismissive when she said it. Perhaps the loneliness were getting to his poor cousin once more? Far as he knew, she didn't get many visitors up here, even if he had said she were more than welcome to do so.

During his thoughts and the small explanation of things to Phoenix, he didn't think much over how he had left out quite an important detail: How could he afford all of this? He didn't exactly look like a noble after all, nor a typical rich pony in general, no matter how well groomed his beard were.

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

 

@Battenberg

"Well, it's good to know that everything have turned out alright here. Might be we got off on a wrong foot, but it's always better when there's no animosity going around, and everypony wins."

"Well, let's see about the winning part."

"Oh come on, let's try and stay positive. I mean, you two got along now, so nothing is impossible."

Pop looked intok the grinning face of Benny and shook her head with a little smile. Silly dragon and his positive attitude were infectious sometimes, and he were right, things had went well, and it could do so with Snip Snap as well. She shouldn't try and think the worst right off the bat.

"Perhaps you're right. And I really hop that it will work out for you li- Victoria. It seems like it could help both you and everypony else if you had a stallion in your life."

Realizing what she had just said, Pop cringed, and put her head in her hoof, whilst Benny chuckled.

"Aaaawkwaaaaard."

"Not helping..."

"Awh come on, I think you managed to shove your hoof into your muzzle rather adorably, heh.

But fine fine, let's try and shift to... Asking about whatever or not it's just Victoria, or if Battenberg is also is a little down on her luck when it comes to meeting a charmer? Might be a sibling thing."

Benny looked Red Velvet as he said this, as he figured she'd know more than anypony, though he didn't think on about how he had phrased this question. More specifically, the last five words. A slip of the tongue, and a miss in his mind, but certainly something which made Pop's face get even redder.

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

 

@Seamore Sandwich

"I have tried several blends from them, and whilst I do admit that they have a unique and pleasing taste, I find that they are not the only contenders to the throne of the tea world. Perhaps I can interest you in trying a Neighponeese Lotus Tea when we meet? It is on the forefront of taste in it's own category, and something that you would be poorer for not having tried."

It pleased Scarcity to hear that Tock knew his tea. She were a great admirer of blends from all over the world, and though not every place had something you would drink every day, each brought their own uniqueness to your taste buds, and it was a cruelty to yourself to not try them all. It may well be that those from Yakyakistan were among some of the best, but even if they had no competition, one should never be satisfied and refrain from looking further. If she had, she would have never sought out a tea house in Neighpoon that had shown their skills could potentially rival those of the Yakyakistany tea makers. How well were of course up to interpretation, but she found that it depended on the day. Some teas just fitted better to different weathers, time of year, mood, and so forth. At least to her.

"But we can speak at length about this another time Mr. Tock. I'm afraid that Penny and I will need to prepare for the travel tomorrow, though I will bring you something as we leave which I think that you, as a tea enthusiast, would be able to appreciate."

She gave a slight bow of her head in goodbye, and then turned to wander out. Their meeting were done for now, though she could see their next one being interesting. Not in the morning, heaven's no. That gathering would be informal and short. She referred to afterwards, when they would have the time to talk business, and know one another a little more. His interest in tea would be tested by then, and either count in his favor, or against him, if it turned out that he simply boasted about something he had heard. She did not appreciate being deceived.

Edited November 14, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade rolled her eyes and kept swimming. Her options were limited but Ziggy's safety was paramount and if it meant getting Friendship Laser'd then well, she heard the moon is lovely this time of year. Worst case, she'd get caught and brought before Princess Sparkle....nay, scratch that, worst case was if she was brought before Princess Celestia. She had a ranking system of Alicorns she least wanted to meet, Celestia topped that list, followed by Mi Amore Cadenza then Sparkle and finally Luna, well originally Luna had topped that list but since had moved to last. The chase through the Gardens had seen to that. 

Serenade let her thoughts wander, keeping track of how close she was to Ponyville and the Hospital. 

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Blitz Boom

Phoenix's eyes widened as the answer to her question came from Smokey's muzzle. he lived here? as the answer sunk into her head, many thoughts, and many more questions began to swirl around in her head. why such a large house for only two ponies? was it common for Smokey to have visitors? and where did he get all of this money? was he royalty? or were his methods of acquisition a bit less savory than that? 

and then there was rose. his cousin? it must be nice having family around. although, she didn't appear too fond of Phoenix herself. perhaps she simply didn't like the sudden intrusion?

phoenix simply walked her way over to the nearest chair, and sat herself down to try and calm herself from all of these dizzying thoughts. there were no physical signs of anxiety, rather she was simply stumped. she had so many thoughts and questions that she simply didn't know where to begin "wow..." were the only words to escape her lips. 

as all of these thoughts swirled around, her empty stomach reminded her once more that it was there, and that it was empty. their little snack on the train had been at least three hours ago. as they approached the afternoon, Phoenix began to hunger for some lunch. perhaps she would have a chance to ask him some more questions over a meal? "about your offer for that feast... i'm actually kinda hungry right now" she let him know. she better get her blood sugar levels up before she fainted yet again. 

[BloodDrops 762]

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Checking the perimeter wouldn't take long, and mostly all he really had to do was tighten it closer to try and keep it so ponies could still get the materials, without going near Blood. It might involve a short redirection that the forepony would be none too happy with, but he pushed some rubble over to try and explain it if it came to that. Hopefully it wouldn't, as Last scared him. Not as much as Blood mind you, but still.

When he were done,  he quickly went into town to see if he could find a blanket and some kind of fruit, which did take.him about an hour. He wasn't familiar with this town, and with the damages, not everything were opened either.

Eventually he managed to find a seller, and then scrounge through until he found a pink one. Gave him a few funny looks, but he was too worried about other things to care really. He just paid with the bit he had been given, along with some of his own, and then went to the food parlor he had been told about to see if he could find something.

He managed to get away after a half hour there. There were a line and he needed something to eat himself, so it took as it did. Especially since he had been told by the server to eat up, as he looked pale and she figured he was getting ill. He didn't have the courage to tell her the truth, and just ate, before returning with everything.

"I-I found something. Hello? A-Are you here?"

Sloppy looked around inside the perimeter, but didn't see Blood yet. Was she sneaking up on him or something? D-Dear Celestia, there was a horrible thought.

He turned around to look, just in case, with the pink blanket and apple in front of him on a crate for now. Apples were easy to get hold of in Ponyville, so that were the simplest solution. Wasn't like pineapple just grew out of the fields after all.

Blood had been out settling a score. She was dragging something in a large sack, She moved towards her helper and blinked at him before inspecting his items he had brought. She picked up the pink blanket before wrapping it around herself. She found the price tag on it and snorted rolling her eyes "You got ripped off by that seller, my coin was worth at least triple this, and you gave it to him along with your own" I tutted "I also didn't like the odd look he gave you, wasn't very professional" I added giving the bag i had brought a kick. I then picked up one of the apples and nibbled on it liking the taste. "Very succulent" I remark. 

I rummage within the bag, and pick out several more of the bits before nudging it towards my helper. "you should learn to stick up for yourself, rather then letting people rip you off amazingly" I add frowning at him. "though there was no real harm done, I managed to get the full worth out of that coin I gave you" I remarked to him. I then blinked at him before yawning. "You have a new task, that is to buy two fishing rods, and teach me to fish" I add before blinking at him. I then blinked at him expecting him to go off and do that right away.

"oh and your gonna get written up for abandoning your post, apparently you weren't at your station several times, though I wouldn't worry since your on a special mission for royalty" I remarked helpfully. "Though if you do get asked about it give them this" *puts a royal pardon onto his deck* "gets you off anything up to murder" I remarked with a small yawn.

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Lance shrugged at the griffons, then turned and trotted away with Berry. He was beginning to calm down after the near-death (or so it felt) experience with the griffons.

"So where to next, Berry?"

 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

Back once more inside the cave and no more certain of what is needed to be found, Lin scanned each crystal formation she found hoping one of them might have something. Unfortunately, this was a dead end for her. The Refraction would be of much help if only there was a definite place to begin. The wall where Omen was found was the first thing Lin looked at though it didn't offer anything conclusive. The jagged ends of broken crystal was just where she left them and nothing more. Unless she wasn't looking hard enough. 

Lin picked up the Refraction and brought it close to said wall before putting it down. "We're missing something. You think you could burn off the crystal from this wall? Whatever we're looking for might be covered by the crystals here."

As for the longma herself, her claws would have to do while helping the Refraction go through the crystals. Despite having more in common with forest foraging animals, longma claws are honed at a young age. All young longma are trained in basic self defense with emphasis on strengthening their claws, often breaking them and growing them back with stronger exterior coating until these were unlikely to break or chip off after one bad swing. Only the hunters get specialized training but anything approaching that only Sen knows. For now, it was enough for Lin to start clawing her way into the crystal formations on the walls.

[Widdershins 9,959]

@PieStix, @Fehxsy Shecks & @Bits Bloom

  "Well, do beg my pardon, Darling. I don't rightfully know what you're talking about, but I simply must say this does carry a bit of your hallmark, shall we say?" Rarity nonchalantly begins talking while turning around to upright what had fallen over and brushing into a neat pile what had broken earlier. She continues on in a non-accusatory but only slightly mocking tone: "I must admit you do have a flair for pranks since you somehow made a nearly working replica of my sewing machine entirely out of cake. Though I had hoped we had cured that when we got the whole town to act out that whole "zombie" scenario debacle. How you didn't catch on, I'll never know. Applejack's acting is atrocious." 

   Turning back around to head past Dash and to the door, Rarity uses her magic to grab the collar of the dress and, lifting the pegasus in the air a bit with a gentle tug, slides the other mare out the wider bottom of the dress. "Do quit struggling Dashie. You'll ruin the fabric. I'm sure you've ran yourself into rougher things then a taffeta poult dress.

  I really should check on my guests now. After all that, what kind of hostess would I be if I didn't care for the wellbeing of my customers? Tag along if you wish, and maybe we can address whatever you wanted to crash into my house for today."

&

 While one could often argue about how much language a pet understood, it was clear that one way to get on Opalescence's good side was compliments. Guard down, calmer but still cautious, the Pampered Persian would bat at Foxy's hoof with claws retracted (that does mean in, right?) and letting out a low rumble of a purr. Eyes aglint with curiosity as much to match the glint of the small, spinning, be-gemmed nametag on her collar, Opalescence only has eyes for the green mare. Foxy has likely won the grumpy cat over as much as can be expected!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~**********************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Blitzy Boomie again:

  Despite having his back turned to Happy Hour, Ambie's entire body pulses an almost neon tint of scarlet for a minute as the other stallion momentarily misinterprets the last words said.

 "L-Love Muff-.... Oh, uhm... N-no, I'm not... It's just Earth Pony genetics, you know? They're built a bit s-sturdier then other ponies. I-is all. I'm sure.

    B-besides, think I remember leaving the cart right on the outskirts of the forest. Didn't need to take all the logs that had been chopped down so should still be a few left there. Right about where I met the giant talking fox."

*****************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~****************************

@Shineling & B.B. too!

  NOISE?!!? I HEART NOISE!

  With that, the llama-faced flowey lets loose its barrage on the two ponies and... vaguely pony-like being with a final warcry of:

 Don't WEED me, bro!

    ...Well. That was a little too blatant of a foreshadowing.

   Hey, what can I say, I like to leave some of the narrative open to the other participants! 

         The flowey quickly said as it gave a shrug of dismissal as its own assault covers the gap between the groups.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

   @D'jinn and B.B. and whomever else I may be forgetting...

    His head nearly halfway up Dawn Streak from where the drake had basically coiled around her lengthwise and still wincing from being struck, Kaltrop hisses up at the pegasus.

 " And I lost my family twice to you... ponies like you! You banished the mare that raised me when she didn't agree with them, then banished me without a second thought! Least I can move on & have an ideal to live up to and not weaponize it! Monsters are the ones that strike first!"

Edited November 15, 2017 by Widdershins

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Widdershins @Foxy Socks @Blitz Boom

Rainbowdash Shook her head in confusion. there was no way that whatever the heck happened had anything to do with her. she walked into the boutique and next thing she knows everyone turned into crazy spider robots and then she found herself in that strange dress. something certainly wasn't adding up here.

next thing she knew, the collar of the dress was tugged up into the air, and she felt her hooves flail helplessly as they searched for something, anything to anchor themselves to. she would have flapped her wings to fly out of this situation, but seeing as how this dress wasn't built for Pegasi, her wings were entangled in the fabric. next thing she knew, she fell a few feet down onto the wooden floorboards with an "oof!" she sat herself up and looked over at Rarity

"But, i told you!-" she began to try and explain herself once more, but quickly realized it was fruitless as Rarity had disregarded the situation. "... Ugh, never mind i guess" she muttered as Rarity had just about Exited the room. Rainbowdash blew a lock of her mane away from her face with a quick little puff, and began trotting behind Rarity as she had just about Exited into the next room.

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

DAWN & AURORA

“Oh no, you think I did that?” Dawn asked in a condescending tone, blinking down at Kaltrops. “No, that wasn’t me. That was you’re so called brethren. The other dragons. I highly doubt a pony can force a dragon to get lost,” she added, practically hissing at Kaltrops. She leaned further downward to try and exert a sense of control over the larger beast. His anger only amplified her own, and this had seemingly dire consequences. Dawn could only see red but was coherent enough to keep her wits about her. She knew she wouldn’t win against a dragon (besides, her hooves were pinned underneath him), but she could potentially outsmart Kaltrops instead.

”I don’t know why I thought they’d kiss. Maybe opposites attract?” Aurora guessed, looking at Pop with a small shrug and then remembered who Pop was in a relationship with. “You’re with a dragon , you should know!”

@Blitz Boom & @Seamore Sandwich

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

“You are very thorough,” Twilight commented after the speech, clearly impressed. “If I can get a list from you or one of your workers about the locations, materials, workers, and safety hazards that have been thought through, we should be able to go ahead with the bunkers. The school looks like it’s in very good hooves though. I doubt we could have a better organiser than you.”

Edited November 15, 2017 by Dji

[BloodDrops 762]

16 hours ago, Widdershins said:

retracted (that does mean in, right?)

Retracted means taken back, or in. So yes your right. Commonly its unsheathed (claws out) and sheathed (Claws in) when talking about claws though. generally they are normally half out since it provides decent grip and less likely to break the claws. 

Edited November 15, 2017 by BloodDrops

[dragon4111 914]

@Blitz Boom

Ancalagon sniffed the air with a look of disgust. He smell rotten flesh and stated "There is an undead nearby," Ancalagon stated to Lyriel. His claws scrapped thhe ground causing large gouges into it. He was growling slightly as he could feel his temper rising. "I knew I should have had my warrior here to defendthis place," he stated loudly.

[The Resident Brony 60]

@Blitz Boom

Vic stared in awe

"There are other creatures that exist here? Thats amazing, even if this is a place occupied by demons and that Bishop you mentioned. What kinds of creatures exist here?"

Invictus has a face of pure curiosity, his eyes full of wonder

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @~Phoenix~ @Widdershins

Foxy smiled when she noticed Opal feel more comfortable. She let her bat at her her hoof without moving too much, as not to startle her. One of the most important things to do to make animals feel secure is to not move too quickly, especially toward them. Foxy was so interested into the feline that she almost forgot what had happened a minute prior.

 

"Now please don't break anything else, Rarity would be upset, and it would be a shame if such a pretty animal like yourself would get into trouble," Foxy whispered in a soothing tone. Cats can be temperamental, so she had to be cautious not to disturb her. Foxy gently stroked Opalescence's fur with her right hoof.

Just then Foxy heard hoofsteps toward the room, meaning that it was probably Rarity. It couldn't be just her however, as Foxy noticed there was somepony else with her too, causing her to stand back up, and look toward the two. "Oh um, hello. I'm sorry about what happened." Foxy had difficulty on deciding how to explain the scene.

 

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

She almost giggled when he called himself a damsel in distress. "Well if you insist that. We can make sure Warlock and Athriel are defeated." She kept walking with Chow, thinking how if they did beat Warlock and Athriel they'd have to part ways. After that kind of feat they'd really have no reason to stay together. Not really much in common aside from both of them using magic purely for their own benefit, and causing trouble from it. Although that thought made her realize that they really weren't that different from the ponies they were fighting. "How far do you think the house is from here?"

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

Warlock looked around at the temple, it was astonishing to him. As he let go he raised a hoof and tried to feel for any magic in the temple, before attempting to take any. Although if there was he would steal it. "Which element was here again?" He asked looking to her.

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

Iron Wing stood straight when he was acknowledged, his wings extended outwards as he walked to Zhu. "The princesses aren't here. So they're safe." He said, approaching Zhu. "But if you are trying to hurt them, I'll have to act on it. but so far you've only harmed some gaurds and placed your claw on a glass case." He gestured to the guards as he spoke of them, and then the case around the egg. "Although I will have to take you in for harming royal guards." His look became more stern as he mentioned the last part. He didn't have cuffs on him, as much as he doubted that'd work anyway, but he had weapons attached to his body. one of his feathers slid out of place and flew behind Zhu, hovering behind his neck, although not intending to kill Zhu if he tried to escape. But if Zhu did try to escape, that'd let him know Zhu had more in mind than just touching a glass case. "Just follow me and I'll get you to somepony who can handle you." He turned his back on Zhu, leaving the room, hoping to not find Zhu taking advantage of this. Although if that did happen, he could let Dew know of it.

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

Nectar felt the love exit the room, feeling the hatred towards Chrysalis. "I understand." She found herself looking at Francis. "There's a reason I never told anypony that you know." Her wounds continued to heal from the minimal love she could get. Her army of changelings sharing some love with her that they gathered. Although the distance from her to the hive they returned to didn't help for her. "Might need to rest longer to heal, without any good sources of love."

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@Moonlit

Something was off when they got near Ponyville.

The town had been rebuild before they left town, and yet, damaged buildings could be seen under the sun, with the Courier Guild workers wandering most places. Had something happened while they were away?

Whatever the case, this was bad news. It would make it harder, if not impossible, for Serenade to just get back into town without being seen, though perhaps it may also present an opportunity.

An earth pony was sitting a little further up stream, back turned to the river and looking towards town. It seemed he had snuck away to have a breather for a time, and him being alone was something that Fah'lina took notice in.

She flew to the shore and looked at Serenade, pointed at herself, then the pony, and pulled out her claws. An evil grin spread as she made scratching and biting moves, trying to signal that she could jump him and distract him, then pointing to Ziggy and the town. She wanted to say that Serenade could leave her then, and she'd get the pony to take her to town, but charades were not always clear, and she wasn't perfect at it.

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

 

@~Phoenix~

Smokey looked on as Phoenix reacted to the news of his wealth. It were better than he had feared, but it still seemed to hit her hard,  and make her dizzy from the confronted facts. Unless that was from the head injury, which made him concerned as well as apolegetic as he wandered a few steps closer to her.

"I'm sorry that I did not bring this up previously, but I hate to flaunt my wealth. Ponies treat you differently when you proclaim your net worth, and I abhor being compared to the snooty nobles. From humble roots I came, and I don't forget that. I simply managed to scrounge a living out that occasionally pays well."

A dirty-hoofed, eccentric stallion. That was what some nobles in town thought of him after he had waltzed into town and purchased what once were a noble house, before making pavement out of it and one upping it on the remains.

Some had directly refused to speak with him after that, which had very much been by intent. He wanted to show those who had looked down on him so much, that just because he had wealth, he would not join their gatherings, but surpass them.

Some had still tried to get contact with him since, but it was few he tolerated. He had found that some were actually nice ponies behind the facade, and had kept contact with those, though he had to say no to a few things. Mainly the one family who tried to pawn him off to their daughter, who were a pretty mare, no doubt there, but... No. He didn't think it should be forced, and then see if love came further on, and she had openly said that he wasn't his type either. Blunt one she were, he'd give her that.

"Perhaps we should get you fed a little before continuing. Please, follow me to the kitchen, and we will see what we can arrange for you on short notice."

If she'd follow him to the kitchen in the north wing, she would be greeted with as large and filled a room as could be expected from somewhere like this. It seemed possible to hold several cooks without overcrowding in the slightest, though currently, there were only one. A purple stallion with a greying mane and tail,  whistling with his back turned and cooking something that smelled like a spicy vegetable stew.

"Grim? What're you doing here?"

The pony turned his head and looked at the two ponies with a pleased grin on his face, whist chopping up some roots for the pot.

"I was checking the garden when Rose said you had returned, so I wanted to prepare something for you to eat. Strange she didn't mention you had company."

"I fear she may be in one of her moods. Can we procure something to drink whilst we wait?"

"Sure sure. I'm mostly done chopping, so the kitchen is safe. I'd suggest the Cherry Wine myself. May I?"

"If you would be so kind. Have a seat please, Phoenix. Something tells me you may have some questions for me to answer."

Smokey would direct her towards a U-shaped table with a few large chairs around that they could place themselves at, whilst Grim went over to a cabinet, took out a few glasses, then went to a wine rack that covered most of the wall it was up against, and pulled one out before going over to them and pouring up. He'd be quiet and respectful of their conversation, and right after getting the flask back to where he had found it, he would return to stir the pot.

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

 

@BloodDrops

Every semblance of color seemed to drain from Slappy's face as he saw the sack being dragged over the ground, fearing the absolute worst.

"D-D-Did you... T-The shopkeeper? Oh d-dear C-Celestia have m-mercy upon m-me..."

He were sure that this couldn't contain anything else than the body of the shopkeeper that Blood felt had ripped him off. She seemed the type who would do such a thing, and now she had?

How could he live with himself, knowing he had been part of this? It might be he was a bad guard who had realized too late that the uniform was not for him, but he wasn't evil, and murder? Oh no... Nononono...

Urgh, he felt like he was going to throw up the more he looked at the closed bag. And here this... Mare were, and felt nothing? How could any being not think twice about just killing somepony like this? How evil did you have to be?

And... H-How did this reflect what was going to happen to him, if she ever found he were out of line?

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

 

@genessee

"Where? Heh, back to the shop we go before Straw think I've strapped you down for interrogation. Food's all delivered and the clock is ticking. What'd you think about it by the way? It's gonna be mostly your gig to bring out after all."

She for one, had a great day. Met some ponies that were rather nice, saw Lance almost keel over at the smell of the vile thing the blacksmith ate, and met an exiled hero that seemed to have gotten way rough around the edges from life beating him whilst he was down. All in all, a pretty fun little trip they'd been on.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Shineling

The Refraction stopped wriggling around as much to get to the main gem that were slowly sinking into the ground, and tried to focus on thew wall it were put at. It sniffed it, clawed a little, and then took in a deep breath to try and use it's glittery fire on the wall, yet what came out were little more than the small stream it had fired at Omen before. It didn't have the juice, as the Refraction was still too small to contain all the energy from gems for later use, which were why it had to discharge it.

It kept trying, and clawing at the wall, but to no avail, then stood still and looked around until its eyes again fell on the gem cluster from before.

Seeing an opening, it quickly slithered over towards it and would gnaw down on the gem, if it wasn't because it was suddenly pushed back by something. It looked confused at the cluster, then tried again, and again, but to no avail. Apparently, this one had some degree of defense against the small creature, which made it hiss and scratch at the invisible wall keeping it at bay, but to no avail. It wouldn't be able to get through that alone.

It looked back on Lin with a pleading look and chirping rawrs, wanting her to help it get past the minor energy field so it could take energy from the big gem, and hit the bad wall with it.

It wouldn't really be an issue for Lin, as it would feel to her like pushing through jello. Annoying, but not impossible, and only lasting for about a hoof's width before it could go through. Long as she didn't touch the cluster itself, things should be okay. And honestly, even if she did, her little helper would likely just get whatever tried to cling to her off again. It should be relatively safe. Provided that she knew what the little one wanted after all, though if she didn't, this might get more complicated than the Longma had wanted it to be.

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

 

@Foxy Socks @Widdershins @~Phoenix~

Briar rose a hoof to wave at the ponies now entering the room. he might not see them, but it was impossible not to hear or smell them. They didn't exactly wander on cat paws, even if to them they were likely wandering rather normally and perhaps even silent. His sensitive ears would disagree.

"Yes, we do apologize for this. It seems as if the feline have found our presence annoying, and decided to make a point. We have attempted to clean up as well as we could, but I fear that perhaps there may be some staining that needs to be handled by an expert."

It seemed as if Foxy had gotten better control over the cat, but he still did not like the entitled little thing. It had acted rather rude so far, and apparently, barely thought he was worth taking notice of. That last one was more of a petty thing, as it really did not matter if he were the main focus of Opal's or not, but he had been listing some things about said cat in his mind, and this had been inscribed as one of several things.

Still, he did not hate her. She may be bratty, but this was her home they were trespassing on, and a small mind like that would not be able to think too far on things such as this. It was somewhat of an instinct thing, plus really, hating an animal over this would be foolish. Getting annoyed with her, surely, but he would not directly hate her.

"You seem to have encountered a visitor more whilst you were away though, Miss Rarity. I don't think I have encountered this smell before."

He would sniff the air in her direction, not picking up something he knew. An unknown quantity, but a friend of Rarity's would likely be a good pony.

"No, definitely not. In that case, I greet you. My name is Briar Trapjaw. May I ask who you are?"

He gave her a big smile, showing off the row of sharp fangs lining his muzzle whilst the vine slid back from the corner and gently embraced Brittle a little. It would help her feel safer.

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

 

@Widdershins

"Well, more for me then."

Happy got a green glow at his forehead and floated the muffin back into his cart, whilst munching down the last of his own. These should be helpful to get something in whilst he were in this area, without having to drain anypony. This place was too guarded to safely do such a thing he'd recon, so like they'd said back at some store where he came from: Every little helps.

Getting on their way, he had a quick glance at the busy city and winced. Only about 11 AM, and yet already so crowded. And that wasn't even touching on the large dragon which didn't seem all that happy for some reason. Better stay clear of him.

"So... You set off the old parent trap you said? Guessing it'll take some time before they waddle into town, right?"

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

 

@Widdershins @Shineling

Anomaly laughed as she were battered in... Well, batter, and she shot back herself with her own flower power.

it wouldn't always hit, as really, what fun was there in aim assist? But some would at least, giving the flower a taste of it's own medicine. It likely looked pretty silly, but at least it was so far harmless regardless of what the flower was yelling out.

She had no idea why some human was interfering though. She already got enough flak from her own author, and now there were two of them? Geez, these people should get a life, rather than watch them have a friendly fight. Kinda creepy, and pretty sad.

"Oooh, gotcha right in the kisser. Hehe."

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

 

@Dji @Widdershins

"They're not anything alike. Benny is kind, attentive, and curious. He rarely gets angry, and when he does, it's mostly for a good reason. This one seems angry constantly, and looking for a fight. Dawn and him have more in common that he does with Benny. They both seem to have a lot of pain to carry around, and can't let go off it..."

Pop didn't know what to do here. They both slung arguments between one another that seemed valid, but only to a truly vengeful being. Somepony who was just so full of ingrained hatred and pain, that she couldn't even begin to understand what it was like. She had thought it was only Dawn that had something deeply hurting her like that, but now it seemed that the dragon had that too, and when the two of them kept insulting one another's pain, it would just get worse and worse... And there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Spicy on the other hoof, had half a mind to do something, but it was actually starting to get rather interesting. Some good information that came out here that okay, was pretty brutal stuff to go through, but were still something she might be able to use at some point. Doubtfully, but you never knew, and at least she were getting quite a show for free. Couldn't complain about that.

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

 

@Dji @Seamore Sandwich

"Keep your praise until the work is over and tested, Princess Sparkle. It's not good enough until every structure stands sturdy and safely."

Praise was a nice gesture, but she had yet to deserve it. There was still a lot of the town messed up, and even if she were the forepony, she had minimal control over the couriers as long as the lizard was around. It was like working with a sub-contractor, and all the issues that would arise would have to be passed along to him. And they surely were going to. If she found even the smallest issue, it would be fixed, and it would be done in a timely fashion. There was a town to rebuild, not leave patched up and prone to falling down on its own.

"As for the bunkers, I have ponies on the job of settling up material costs. Follow me, and I'll show you where the one furthest from the area is going to be."

Last wandered away from the school, and towards the outskirts of town, where an area near a river would be marked as a place to set up. It had seemed odd to the ones she had ordered to find a place near there that could be used, but it was all due to her paranoia, about what if somepony was out of town, or was getting towards it and saw something horrid happen? There wasn't going to be time to return, so having a few on the first part of the forest would be beneficial, just in case the worst happened.

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

 

@dragon4111

Lyriel got a sad look in her currently bright eyes, and hung her head in mourning.

"I had hoped she had listened, and left this place peacefully. It seems she returned instead."

She rose her head once more, and looked into Ancalagon's face, with sorrow murking the pools of her eyes.

"Please forgive me, noble one. The one who smells of death, I met yesterday. It is a mare, who devours without thought, and takes far more than she can give. I didn't want to harm anyone, so I asked her to leave the forest immediately, or I would be forced to do so regardless. It seems she decided to stay instead, and from your tone, it sounds as if this is not good news."

She had failed as a protector, if this mare were now a great threat to Ponyville, all because she did not wish to spill the blood of another creature out of nowhere... Were she too soft for her duties? Should it have been, that she should have struck Blood down without a second thought? The idea sounded horrid, but she could not deny that perhaps that had been the better way.

There was still much to learn for her it seemed.

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

 

@The Resident Brony

"Gaze down, and see for yourself. The shadowy figures that tries to lure you in are the denizens of this world, and you would do best in not nearing them. Even demons have been caught up in their honeyed words before, and now, those who were taken have joined them in their trap.

For all I know, it could just be one, large hivemind, eating the gullible and making the husk join its ranks, though I don't know, and really, I don't care. It's best to just pretend they're not there."

She took a glance over the edge of the vine,a nd scoffed as she saw all the lifeless, blank eyes whispering sweet nothings up towards them. Pathetic creatures, truly.

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

 

@Lloyd

"Of course we're gonna beat up those two fossils. How else will I have time to show you how Canterlot normally works, and see if I can't trick Misty into going to school? I know tricking ain't the nicest term, but you know, it'd be good for her to be 'round kids her own age."

That was provided that the two even wanted to hang out with him after they were done with the two evils. he had caused a lot of problems for them, so it wasn't exactly like he could say that he wouldn't understand if they showed him the door and told him to take a hike. He'd really hope that wouldn't be the case though. They were more or less his only friends in Canterlot, and without them, the city might end up wearing him down again, and he coudldn't keep moving around like that. He needed some sort of stability too.

"But let's take it a step at a time I guess. We should only be a few minutes out from the house, so long as we keep up the pace, and the crowd doesn't get too wonky today and starts clumping up. That always is an annoying delay."

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

 

@Lloyd

"I don't know. The wall mentioned depression some times, but we have already seen that one, so it can't be that. Perhaps it is one of ours, or something useless like Betrayal. We'll see when we find it."

Since the temple were as oveergrown as it were, they'd have to make way in there first, which were why Athriel were currently slicing and dicing at the vines covering it. They were rather thick, but she would get through them a little by little,a nd sooner or later, they'd get access, and then see what they were dealing with. Hopefully something they could use. Otherwise, this were an annoying, risque side adventure, and they couldn't keep having those if they were supposed to be ahead of their pesky adversaries.

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

 

@Lloyd

Zhu didn't even flinch as the feather got slung his way. He had expected a violent reaction, and now finally, it had come. Later than he expected, and not as forceful as he would have thought, but it seemed he had to watch specific paths with this one that were less on aggression, and more on threats. A less likely one, he would admit, but one that were more workable.

"She once taught me, that hurting innocents was something to avoid. That only in the gravest of circumstances, should you ever even consider it."

He turned around, and glared at Iron Wings, while his snake tongue slid into the light and tasted the air.

"I found she was wrong. Sometimes, you need to hurt those who doesn't deserve it, to do what must be done. How badly, will always be the discussion for those who perceives things in black and white, who doesn't see that morals have no place in the larger picture. You will understand one day."

An envelope floated out of his robes, and landed softly on the glass he had just been touching. Someplace he were certain that Celestia would see it, when at some point she returned.

The things he saw in this generals futures... So much fighting, and trying to lift a mantle that would be heavier than he might have realized. It would cause him to either adapt, or perish in his attempt to keep everything as perfect as could be, without understanding that such a thing were impossible. Though either way, he could see crisis. Moments of disbelief and his faith in something being tested. One way or another, he would learn what it truly meant to be neutral, though what e would take from it were hard to say. There were as many possibilities for him to accept and embrace it, as there were for him to fight it with every fiber in his being, and sadly becoming a pillar of order.

But there would be time to steer him the right way. The earliest moment he would need to be truly tested that Zhu may need to interfere in, were in 17 years. He had time to prepare, even if the general would likely prefer that he were still in jail at that point.

"But if you wish for me to pay for my actions, then I will follow. Let me see these cells that you wish to send me into."

Normally, he would just have used his wind magic, and hammered the general into the wall a few times until he was knocked out and the Stranger could just be on his way again. However, in what he saw, he had some interest. A face he had not seen in some time, imprisoned in their cells, whom he could use some time getting reacquainted with.

Besides, their cells would not hold him for long. Even he would simply break out on his own, or Iron WIng's predecessor would ask for his release. It was merely a matter of time, and waiting until he understood the usage of the Serpanther. It would just come down to whatever the understanding would come first, or if it got late, and Zhu would make his own escape.

In any case, he would follow the general, and not attempt an attack. It seemed pointless, when one way or another, Zhu would be free soon.

As he left the room though, he closed the door, took his paw to the lock, and mumbled off a simple spell he had learned once. A lock, which Celestia and him had used to keep others from finding them, by making sure only they knew how to open it.

Certainly, you could drain it, or just force your way through with enough power as it were. This were a spell meant mostly for regular ponies after all, not specialists. But it would serve a purpose for now, and alert Celestia of his presence when she returned. What happened from there, were hard to say.

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

 

@Lloyd

If she kept feeling out the love, she would soon find an increase in it once more, plus a slowly deflating hatred from the Lieutenant, as she returned with two ponies. An elderly couple from the looks of things, seeing as how greying their manes and tails were currently. Great shape for their age though, you had to give them that.

"The volunteers showed up, thankfully. This is Mr. Rum Stacker, and his wife, Mrs. Cider Slinger. They have kindly accepted to try and help you, as long as there is supervision, just in case."

The wife would go towards Francis, whilst Rum would wander closer to Queen Nectar, at which point he'd lift his hat in a greeting.

"Hello ma'am. I'm hearing you got into a nasty accident, trying to help our guards? That's mighty kind of you."

"You know, our son is in the guards? Got bruised badly when things happened near you during the attack, but he got saved from far worse, because you and yours were there to help. We figure that it's only fair that we save you then, aint't that so dear?"

His wife would go nearer Francis and correct her glasses.

"This little one needs some meat on his bones. Try an' feed him some pie after this, before he gets carried off by the wind."

The love between these two were so thick that you could nearly cut it into blocks. There should be plenty for the two changelings, though if something happened where they seemed to go too far, Shimmer had also brought a few guards in that would help her separate them if worst came to worst. Better safe than sorry, as they said.

Edited November 16, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade looks back and forth then nods, she'd find and apologize to them later...once she was in her pegasi guise. Right now, getting Ziggy to aid was paramount. "No blood" she whispered to Fah'lina then turned to the stick, "Quiet, and no. Ziggy is going to get help...professional help" She then let the mimic off her back and onto the shore then getting ready to make a dash once the Earth Pony was distracted. 

Edited November 17, 2017 by Moonlit

[BloodDrops 762]

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Every semblance of color seemed to drain from Slappy's face as he saw the sack being dragged over the ground, fearing the absolute worst.

"D-D-Did you... T-The shopkeeper? Oh d-dear C-Celestia have m-mercy upon m-me..."

He were sure that this couldn't contain anything else than the body of the shopkeeper that Blood felt had ripped him off. She seemed the type who would do such a thing, and now she had?

How could he live with himself, knowing he had been part of this? It might be he was a bad guard who had realized too late that the uniform was not for him, but he wasn't evil, and murder? Oh no... Nononono...

Urgh, he felt like he was going to throw up the more he looked at the closed bag. And here this... Mare were, and felt nothing? How could any being not think twice about just killing somepony like this? How evil did you have to be?

And... H-How did this reflect what was going to happen to him, if she ever found he were out of line?

Blood rolled her eyes "you're over reacting, i didn't eat him, didn't really see him. i just waited till he left and emptied his safe" I remarked. i was trying to get away from eating ponies, it kind of drew attention to myself, and it hadn't ended well. Blood then opened the bag revealing two fishing rods and some bait, "I'm trying to get away from my pony diet really, though i need something to replace it with, so I was thinking fish and apples perhaps, though i got to learn how to catch them" I remarked picking up my fishing rod.

"first though, I need to learn how to fish, then after that. I can catch my own food and not eat ponies, well I might have to eat the bad ones though not very often" I remark with a small yawn. I then blinked at Slappy. "Though if you want I suppose i can eat that shop keeper for ripping you off, though I thought taking his money was a better way of payback" I added blinking at him. Since I had already done that punishment, i wasn't going to do a second, since that wasn't really fair after all. 

*Stares at Slappy waiting for him to pick up a fishing rod*

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

"It was... interesting, to say the least."

Lance decided to leave out the bits about nearly vomiting all over himself and almost getting his head smashed in.

"Definitely one of the highlights of the week, though."

Edited November 16, 2017 by genessee