open Casual stroll

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boom

AJ watched  Berry make her way towards the leaf, " Its gonna be a long day " AJ said under her breath " what's this about attacks on the town? AJ said right as the big stallion carrying the water Bucket had dropped the bucket right in front of AJ.

[Sekel 694]

 

@Blitz Boom, @Lloyd

KARMIC FATE

"Don't do that," Karmic hissed at Zhu and pushed against his shoulder to push him out of the way. "If we're gonna leave, then we got to hurry, don't we?" she asked crisply and shot out of the bushes, running in a random direction.

@Blitz Boom, @Moonlit, @Seamore Sandwich

AURORA LIGHTS

"Where did you come from!?" Aurora practically shrieked. Her eyes had initially narrowed upon seeing something pop out of the doorway she had been listening against. When she realised the thing was transparent and not solid, her eyes practically bugged out of her head and she skittered a couple steps backward.

[Rising Dusk 27,737]

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk spun the floating filly around so that she'd face the same direction as him.  Hopefully moving her away from the alley, and not allowing her to look at it, would help that hyper mind of her's want to switch subjects.  Fillies like her belonged on playgrounds, not in seedy back allies of the large city.  Trotting out of the alley and into the city streets to be greeted by the morning sun.  And a few curious looks at a floating Blitz Boom and mechanical spider following behind the midnight blue pony.

"Rising Dusk.  Dusky is fine."

He chuckled at the nickname he'd recently gained from the Boom siblings.  Ignoring the strange looks they were getting, he started making his way back to the fortress workshop.  Not really wanting to put the filly down, for fear that she'd probably run off again.  The pouch of his hoodie had a lot of neat knickknacks in it, but a leash wasn't one of them.  Dusk listened to the filly ramble on about her victory over her brother's security system.  Sadly though, she wanted to bring up the electric fence again.

"Rather clever of you to beat your brother's security system.  But I'm sure a lot of it is there for your safety.  Molotov really does have your best interest at heart.  Let's try not and make his stop by running off.  Okay?"

He tried to reason with the hyper pony.  It was like those times he went to local schools to have a speech about safety and being good ponies as an officer of the law.  The thought make him smirk as he rounded the corner and took the two back to the fortress workshop.

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@Rising Dusk

"Awh, but there's so much to look at, and big bro always wanna put me on a leash. It's no fun."

Blitz knew that her big brother wanted to keep her as safe as you could for one in their family, because he didn't want to have the mourn the loss of her again, but she still figured that he was being way overprotective. She knew how to run off, and not follow strange ponies anywhere. Sure, she hadn't brought anything to defend herself with, but ponies got weird looks in their eyes when she ran around with a bomb half the size of her head, with the fuse stuck between her teeth. The mayor in Ponyville had straight up forbidden it, and this place was likely going to be even less fun when it came to that.

The rest of the way towards the shop, Blitz had just spent rambling on about what sort of adventure she had wanted to do, including how she had hoped to find a playground to modify, and how fun it had been to do so at the orphanage in Canterlot she had briefly been sent to. You know, before she were seen as too dangerous to keep chasing down whenever she ran off to have fun and create things, so they stopped sending ponies out to catch her. At least, that is what she thought were the reason, which of course, she also told Dusky. Just in case he didn't have enough reason to consider her dangerous to society already.

When they got there, the door would be closed, but with the security systems off, it would be easy enough to get through. It seemed Felicia were either powered down or something too, as she didn't show herself over the door this time, or left any messages behind on the inside. The only thing they'd find, were Molotov snoring on his half-build machine, still unaware of everything that had gone on.

"Hey, he's still sleeping. Wanna draw on his face?"

The filly wriggled under the magical control to get loose, so she could go fetch a marker or a pencil somewhere, though without her magic being available currently, it were pretty much guaranteed that she were going nowhere, unless the officer wished her to do so.

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@Dji @Lloyd

"Your path is incorrect."

Zhu usd his wind magic to push her in another direction, about 24 degrees to the right of her planned route.

"The time before they regroup grows short. We must make haste."

He had already begun running as he said this, following, and eventually running side by side with Karmic. Why they needed to make haste he hadn't divulged, but much like his quiet paws, he considered it something that were not meant to be heard. There were words he could use to explain their haste without alerting her if he needed to, yet it were likely for the better that the mare did not know the likely chance of them being spied upon, and the need to move before the witches began to regain too much of their power. The best chance they had would be for the magic users to be somewhat exhausted and strapped for time, just long enough for the delivery to be done to Emerald.

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@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Dji

"Uhm, p-please don't be afraid. M-My name's Cherish Heart, and I'm... W-Well, I'm a ghost. Not a d-dangerous one though."

It had taken a few seconds of flickering for Cherish to get talking after the reception she had been met with. Something she were rather used to with the ones she talked with at the old castle, the few times somepony came around. Most didn't really like ghosts, and considering the bad one Cherish had met in the old castle, it wasn't like she could blame them. He was plenty scary, and highly dangerous.

That he were there didn't help Cherish back then, and it wasn't now either. Plus she couldn't exactly hide what she were, as she were somewhat see-through. It wasn't that bad, but if you had a good pair of eyes, it would be hard to miss it, ad a griffon seemed right to have that. Predatory creatures needed good eyes after all.

"Are you a c-changeling?"

Serenade should be able to hear the conversation easily, in case the shriek had not alarmed the siren enough already.

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@Moonlit

"T-That didn't sound good..."

"Don't be alarmed Brittle. I'm certain it is simply one of the animal asserting its dominance. I highly doubt it will become an issue for us, and if the situation regrettably wanders down that path, I will handle it. You will remain safe, as I have sworn."

Briar had decided that with everything going on in Ponyville and the nearby area today, that taking Brittle on a trip to the far, far side of the Everfree Forest would be a good idea, to get some distance to everything. He knew the place well enough to avoid the majoirty of the dangerous things such as the Tatzelwurms at this point, so they made it here with little problem so far.

Of course, there had been a few... Incidents, but the carnivorous Evergrown knew how to assert his own dominance through crude, yet effective methods. Usually it involved beating something with his vine, but certain variations were there, though he didn't find enjoyment in it. Violence should be the last of ones options, not the first one to come to use. Briar were not a barbarian after all, and he didn't wish for Brittle to think of him so.

He were more of a guardian for the little one, though he had been told a few times by certain ponies in Ponyville that he acted more like an overprotective father. It were a remark that Briar usually just shrugged off, as he did not see himself as that in any way. At best, he could be described as a *Legal guardian*, if he recalled the term correctly. It were not something he had spent a great deal of time learning about, so he may well have understood it wrong, but it were the only words that came to mind when it came to stretching the definition of Brittle's and his relationship to the ones who viewed him as a father, and even then he thought of it as really stretching it thin.

But ponies would think what they wanted. He could not fault them for that, nor should he. It were a harmless mistake to make at worst, so it were of little consequence, and didn't need him correcting anypony. Regardless, it became tiring to do so constantly too, which certainly did influence his choices somewhat.

Yet those thoughts did not belong here. They were nearly at the edge of the forest, which they had reached in well enough time, considering the delays they faced getting here. Not so much the territories they had to avoid, but rather the issues of certain things scaring Brittle even further, where they then needed to stop and get her calmed down, and Briar wandering slower to take in the sights around him. He were still trying to get used to having eyes, and the sensation of sight took some readjustments, as well as made many mundane things spectacular to him.

Granted, the eyes did seem weird, as they were slit like a snake, and a vibrant jade green, but he were not one to complain. Besides, it fitted his color scheme better than the original shade of them, which had been dark red. How fortunate that they had encountered that bored draconequus that wished to make it fit better, and not mutate him somehow in the process. A kind being.

"We're here now, Brittle. beyond these last few trees, lies a beautiful meadow that we can traverse in relative peace for a few hours. Simply ignore the small critters that lingers there, and everything should be safe."

With that, Briar led them the last meter past the thicj trees that marked the edge of the Everfree Forest, and would then gaze over the several kilometer long, wide, open space in front of them. Surely, this would be just the bit of peace and quiet that they may need.

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@Pr0m4NV14

"Well, duh. I said I could see and hear the dead, remember?"

Sorrow pointed towards the gem after that, seemingly keeping most of her focus on the ensouled piece of precious rock embedded into the blade.

"And I'll let you know that there isn't that much dark magic used with Legion. Sure, the skull is a necromantic focus, but that's just because that's the only kind of thing that can house them properly. They're perfectly safe, and harmless."

"The pony that carries us talks true. We are but Legion, and we are many."

"I swear, there's always at least one of you who likes that cliche line."

"Don't fear us, sword spirit. We don't wish harm, just to see and experience before we move on. Every lost soul that makes us want this peace, and the pony called Sorrow helps us there. She also finds more to our collective, who needs us to calm them. To free them. Do you need to be freed, Jennifer?"

"Oh right, you can't hear them. Basically, Legion is asking if Jennifer is trapped and needs help. Could be her spirit got locked into your blade after all. From how you said it, it could've been her way of getting away from where she were bound, and see the lands. Huh, you're pretty much doing the same I am, just for one spirit. Cool."

Legion wasn't acting threateningly, they just wanted to know if Jennifer needed to be freed, and otherwise simply talk with her. It was rare that they talked with somepony who were not part of them, and there, they all shared the same thoughts. It were not the same as a conversation. Sorrow frankly found this pretty harmless, so she figured she'd mainly do well in translating for Mike, who might be able to hear his sword, but didn't seem to have heard Legion.

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@woodchunks66

"Were you one of those not in town during the event?

As it were, a large, shadowy creature attacked your town, in the midst of an unnatural, dome-shaped hurricane. With bravery and determination, a few dozen heroic souls managed to defeat the monster, yet many a building were found to be broken. This is why so many are now in the town, who does not belong. They have come from far and wide, under the command of the great dragon you may see flying above our town, to lend his efforts to the forepony, managing the rebuilding of Ponyville.

Far as Alonsus knows, the princesses have spoken their thanks towards those heroes who had not fled the area before their arrival, yet it seems that you may have missed so. Fret not though, fair maiden. You did not miss much, as they needed to discuss things in private shortly after, so it were as brief as a spring breeze."

Alonsus explained things pretty basic, but it were the gist of things, and surely Applejack wouldn't want for him to keep the focus on the details of a large, defeated monster for long. Certainly, he could have shared his own part in making sure the town got evacuated swiftly, though he supposed the she wished to hear of other things too, as delightful as it were to speak about himself.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. This here's the interesting thing, and you're not gonna like it. See, your trees have been poisoned. Some pretty nasty stuff too if this here's the thing I know of and if it's not handled, you're gonna loose your orchard in a month or so. At that point, nothing's gonna grow 'round here again. That would suck pretty hard."

Berry were so close to yelling *Drat!* though, as this were not a zebra toxin, like she had expected. It would've been so much easier if it were, yet this were something different. Darned if she could remember what though. She'd have to find the book again somewhere for that.

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@EQ_Theta

The two groups would meet up more or less at the same time, and waved over to the side, to not disturb the exhibits or the buyers who wandered around and observed potential purchases.

"I see that you return with several things in tow. Did you get what you needed for the trip?"

"We'll need a place to store the items while we're away. Lin can help us acquire what is needed, instead of it weighing us down."

"Splendid. Brick, would you be so kind as to transport these things to the room cleared for the statue, and then inform my workers that they are not to touch it, while the remove the rest?"

Brick nodded and began taking what Rosa had been carrying thus far, so he could get it where it needed to be. After that, he'd have to get cracking with getting the workers to continue clearing the room. It should keep him occupied for the time being.

"Lin knows well the room of which I speak. Now then darlings, is there anything else you need, or do you find yourself ready to begin your trek?"

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@Lucid_Nightlight @Storm Shine @EQ_Theta

The dracolisk didn't really know how to socialize, but he attempted. Giving a few more croaks, easing his stance further, and moving a little closer to Pringle to see what would happen.

"This should be interesting. What sort of thing will instinct tell this little new one to do? Never can tell before it happens.

Writing personality into the new ones are boring. I mean yeah, sometimes they can get somewhat docile, like this little thing is, but it's way more interesting to see how they react on their own. Except for the squidmonkeys. Mean, mean, mean things.

Hey, perhaps his personality can get more lively and stuff if he's around somepony who gets him? Heh, want a lizard Flutterpony? He doesn't seem to mind you."

Good chance Anomaly would just release the little thing somewhere else if Fluttershy wasn't going for him, since he were fairly normal, so there wasn't much of a point in keeping them on her island. That was more for the real freaks of nature she came up with.

"And Lucid? No way you could win over Discord in a fight. He's like, the strongest, and things like silver doesn't work on him. He'd just take any strike, and then turn you into a pinecone. You'd likely beat me though, but that's because you'll cheat. Cheating Mr. Cheater, just taking on an iron armor or something and headbutt me. I know your weird ways!"

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

Pringle was socializing with the dracolisk, just being a lizard.

Meanwhile, Lucid laughed at Anomaly's comment.

"That's hilarious! You honestly think I'd need to cheat? And as for your celebrity crush Discord, you're probably right he'd destroy me since I'm not nearly has powerful as him yet. Keword, YET."

Who knows when Lucid will reach full power? He hopes it will happen soon even though there's not much he'd really do with it besides take down the stick's creator who he still considers a threat.

He thought for a moment. He had an idea.

"Hey Anomaly, how about a little challange. We can fight and see who is more powerful! Of course, there will be some rules."

Lucid clapped his hooves twice and a small list of rules appeared.

1. No killing, that's impolite

2. No iron or silver

3. The first to give up loses

"So, are you up to the challenge or are you a scootaloo?"

Lucid spawned a chicken as he made that remark.

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight

Now that the immediate behavioral concern is settled and Pringle is looking much better without that splinter hurting him, things seemed to be looking up for the two reptiles. The dracolisk,  being new and having about as normal a personality as it can get without Anomaly writing in a new one, looked like it might be settling in and getting along with Pringle. The animosity didn't last, though knowing what Fluttershy was about to do gave Angel pause, hopping out of the saddlebag and making some wild arm gestures and squeaks in protest. Fluttershy leaned in and listened, nodding but a little iffy on the subject.

"I know we don't have food for the dracolisk but.... Wait, you aren't going to babysit? It's mature enough to make observations of you and you're not giving him a good first impression. Look, I'm aware we might not have enough room at home but I can always-"

Angel pouted and thumped his foot on the ground repeatedly, losing patience and waiting for the answer he wants to hear. Fluttershy didn't like this side of Angel but he was already having enough problems with keeping an eye on the other animals at home. One more wouldn't hurt, right? By the looks of things, even the dracolisk needed a place to go and some arrangements can be made to accommodate the new addition.

"Mind your manners, Angel bunny. You can always ask Harry to split the responsibilities with you, and he's more welcoming after setting down some ground rules. It's still up to the dracolisk to decide if it wants to come home with us."

The rabbit sighed and approached the dracolisk, seemingly hating himself for putting up with this but he squeaked and gestured to the lizard albeit coming off as vague. The pegasus then came close and asked, "Do you want to come home with us?"

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@Blitz Boom

If Lin has her details covered, it didn't seem like there was anything else to set them back. They were about as ready as they could get and Sen was itching to get moving. Lin, however, wasn't as antsy about moving along. Thorough and careful as she was in getting ready, she had to take this opportunity to really nail the details in her head, mental notes and all.

"Just before we go, let me make sure I got the task and the details just right," the longma hybrid paced back and forth before everyone in the group but staring down at the ground. "We're going to a village called Salty Breeze and the temple nearby houses a granite statue with three figures. Avoid a gold box and a statue in the area. A swamp along the way could speed up their travel but it could delay us further if we're not careful. Did I get that right, Scarcity?'

Truth be told, she wasn't as careful in most other things she sets herself to. This time was much different, working on an assignment for somepony she didn't know enough and the task itself takes her to a very foreign place she knew nothing about. Lin needed to take the extra precautions to make sure she does this right and would prefer to have her information accurate, even if she has to get reprimanded for repeating them.

"I suppose we have what we need. We're ready to head out." Sen looked to Scarcity, though more concerned that Lin might be irritating the antiquarian now. The sooner they can get on the road, the sooner they can accomplish their task.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich @Dji Serenade rolls her eyes, she was getting used to the unique denizens of Ponyville. "Of course a Primordial would call Ponyville home" She sits back, waiting for Cherish to finish, trying to hide a smile.

@Blitz Boom A massive giant wolf sits in the middle of the field, staring into the sky unlinking. It's coal black fur shimmers, and dark heavy chains wrapped around his forelegs, back, sides and legs. His ears swivel back and forth, taking in all sounds.

[BloodDrops 762]

On 6/17/2018 at 6:27 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Nerzhei grimaced at Droppy's last comment.

Whereas she could ignore the rest of the comments going toward the temple, and knew that she deserved these at least, the last one struck a chord that she hadn't considered.

"That's a problem, yes. Lyriel is... Naive. Believes that everyone have a good side, and doesn't think they want to trick her. It's a possibility that she'd agree to a deal and not know what it would entail."

Honestly, the dryad were far too trusting for the dragoness's taste, and right now, that were a problem. One that she should have thought off before the two groups split up and the naive forest spirit got left with a being whose race were about as known for manipulation and trickery as the changelings. They might end up going into a situation that were going to require them to fight, though Nerzhei would really hope not. Even at her best, she had high doubts that she could defeat a sphinx, and she were not well currently. Her energy were drained, whilst the sphinx were likely strong and ready to duke it out if needed be.

Speaking of deals who may be in play, Lyriel were faced with thinking on what she had been presented.

It sounded like a good arrangement. The sphinx would have her little part of the forest to herself, and she could govern the building as she pleased, and she would get this privacy and freedom in return for stopping a great threat. What were not to like in that deal? It were not as if Lyriel had not wanted to discourage the animals in the forest to leave this part of it alone anyway, so it seemed perfect, honestly.

Yet something were concerning her. A feeling that came up from her roots/hooves, that she were not used to interpret from the earth mother: Caution.

Lyriel knew not if it were caution about the plague bearer getting closer, or something about what the sphinx said, but it made the dryad hesitant to simply say yes.

Drying the tears from her eyes, Lyriel slowly looked upwards, and gazed upon the large form of her creator.

"May I ask, mighty creator, how much land would your greatness require? This forest contain many creatures, and if you take much of their land, I have to know what is left that they can live on. They need me to know."

Lyriel prayed that this would not anger the creator, but this were one thing that she might see the earth mother being worried about, as well as something the animals most certainly would care about, so she needed to ask. If there were still room for them in a blossoming, free part of the forest, then she could accept this with little worry, though the sphinx might trick her into agreeing anyway. The plague walker were near after all, and if the sphinx kept going on about Lyriel failing and the urgency on a choice, she could be pressured into agreeing to something she knew nothing about.

 

Droppy giggled and smiled at Nerzhei, "Well it would have some sort of catch, Sphinx's always have a catch with there deals. even the good ones" she remarked with a small snort. She let out a low snort and glanced at the door, before turning back to Nerzhei, "So should we go in or should we knock first? I'm not about to go and trespass inside a temple owned by a Sphinx" she remarked to the dragon.

She instead stared at the large door and the statue of the Sphinx and the plant pony thing. "Seems your friend is apart of the temple, maybe she decided she had a better use as a support then a walking being" she remarked staring at Nerzhei. She then licked her lips, she was getting hungry again. "Maybe I could wish for a endless supply of steak, that would be nice" she finished.

 

The Sphinx stared down at Lyriel coldly, "This forest did contain many creatures, though some have seem to have been eaten by a plague that walked this land. It was not me that brought her here, but your dragon friend and in addition yourself for allowing her entry knowing full well her disease she brought with her. The question is not how much land I will take from the creatures that they live on, the question is why did you allow this creature into there land to taint it in the first place? You know she has a disease that can spread to anything, you think it was a smart idea to bright her into the middle of your forest? I wonder how long until she infects other creatures, that is what you should have asked me, 'how much has she infected?'. not how much land you will lose of it, weighing up the amount of land against the well being of the creatures under your protection" she scolded. 

"I am disappointed in you Lyriel, maybe I should give the plague walker what she wants instead, if you don't like my offer, I gave you a genuine offer and you question it, that offends me. More to it that is insulting. I can simply leave and let you deal with the plague walker but I was nice enough to offer you help and you question it" she snorted, "I hear she smashed some timber wolves like they were twigs, wonder how you would fare up to her wrath. Being the last sane one of your species, I would have thought you would do everything in your power to prevent such a disastrous end and leave your species in ruin. Instead you haggle over land you can offer me like I were a beggar asking for change" she tutted.

The Sphinx got off her throne, and stood up glaring down at Lyriel, she didn't suffer criticism or fools likely."I was going to just take the area inside my temple though i'm now thinking of taking the whole forest and taking guardianship off your hooves." she growled at Lyriel. "I will give you this deal instead of my previous offer, I will take the land my temple stands on as my own. Though if you fail in your duty to protect your charge of keeping this forest safe, I will take all your forest as a reprise for your shortcomings and banish you back to the land you came from. You can take that deal or deal with your plague walker yourself" she remarked

"You should remember what happened the last time your species disrespected me and be grateful that I've giving you a easy way out this time. If I cure the plague walker all her disease she has ever spread will be removed from the world and she will return home none the wiser of her plague days, if she stays here your forest will be infected and die if its not already infected. Then her infection will spread to the ponies you like so much and they will die because of you. That would make you a murderer Lyriel, are you a murderer?" she asked her slyly. 

The Sphinx flicked her tail and stared at the plant, "So do you agree to my deal or not?" she asked her finally. 

[Rising Dusk 27,737]

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk did what he did best on their trip back to the fortress workshop.  He listened to the young floating filly as she rambled on about her want of adventure and the overprotective nature of her older brother.  If she wanted to find a playground through, she was definitely heading the wrong direction for that.  The kind of playgrounds one finds in a back alley are not the one's for a filly, or any normal pony really.  

"Is there perhaps a way you can convince your brother you won't run off and get lost?"

He inquired, having a good feeling he knew the root of the problem that caused the need for a leash on the filly.  Heck, that was part of the reason he was using magic right now to levitate her to get her and Carmen home.

Arriving at the fortress workshop, found the door closed.  Doors that closed on there own did seem like a rather nice thing he'd like to have in his own home.  Pretty sure that the security system was down, he still approached the front door with a healthy dose of caution.  Walking up to the door step and tapping in a couple of places to see if anything would pop out.  Nothing did, which was a good thing.  A quick glance up to the ceiling to see the absence of a large mechanical spider he still hadn't met.  Double good thing.  The spider web from last night was gone as well.  Phew.

Trotting into the workshop proper, sure enough, there was the sleeping Molotov.  Looking back to watch the door close and more sure nothing was going to spring out at him.  Satisfied, he lowered the wiggling filly to the ground and released the spell that held her in control.   

"Go for it."

Dusk chuckled and moved to see the half-built machine Molotov appeared to have been working on all night.

[Sekel 694]

 

@Blitz Boom, @Lloyd

KARMIC FATE

Karmic watched Zhu guide her onto the right path and ran alongside him. "Sorry," Karmic apologized, shaking her head to get her mane with an ever-shifting array of grey patterns out of her face. She had no idea where they were going but didn't think it was the time to ask any questions.

@Blitz Boom, @Moonlit, @Seamore Sandwich

AURORA LIGHTS

"A ch-changeling? Wh-wh-whatever gave you that idea? Creepy ghost?" Aurora asked, staring in avid shock at the ghost she was having a conversation with. She had no idea how the ghost figured out she was a Changeling but she also knew that the fishy lead her to whatever room was beyond the door the ghost was poking her head out of.

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

@Dji 

 

“Anyway, I’m here because I was wondering how the restoration of the clock tower was going.  It’s an important landmark that-” Celestia was interrupted by the echo of a shriek in the castle.  “What was that?  Is somepony else here?” she asked as she took a few steps in the direction of the noise.

 

@Blitz Boom 

@Dji 

@Moonlit 

 

“I’m on my way here now.  Twilight and Last will manage to slow me down, but I need you, Serenade, to go out there and talk to Aurora.  Tell Cherish to hide herself.  I can’t be allowed to see her here.  Keep in mind that I won’t yet know that you’re a siren.  Can you do that for me?”  Celestia knew they would find a way to let Twilight know who was who between Aurora and Serenade, whose Pegasus form had not yet been seen by Twilight, since she had already seen it happen.

 

@Blitz Boom 

 

Charlie’s crackling subsided a little, but not completely.  “This is so much fun, exploring new places.  It’s so much better than seeing what you want to see or what others want to see in the Realm of Dreams.”

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

 

(Continued from page 278)

“I would be honored to have you join me for a mission.  I know not of this Merc Assault of which you speak.  I have been away for a very long time,” Marcus responded.  She didn’t seem to be a trusting pony, but maybe he could earn her trust somehow.  “As for the rest of our team,” he says, turning to face Hunter, “we’ll need to cover all possibilities as we’ve yet to select a mission.  It would be wise to include someone specializing in long range attacks, and another who is good with close to midrange weapons.  I see by your bow, fox, that you may be able to fill the long range role, depending on your aim.  Maybe a demonst-”  Hunter took his bow off his shoulder quickly and fired an arrow before Marcus could finish his sentence.  The arrow cut the wick off a  burning candle at the far end of the long table, which then flew to the side and hit the end of a black Earth Pony’s cigar, lighting it.  The arrow itself struck an apple as another pony was taking a bite of it.  “Any questions?”  Though Hunter’s question was rhetorical, the Earth Pony spoke up in an Irish accent.  “I’ve got one.  First of all, thanks for the light, but I need to know, mister Silvermane, do you have any use for a powderman?”  Marcus, not knowing this more recent but slightly dated term for an explosives expert, turned back to Brute Force and asked quietly, “What’s a powderman?”

Edited June 23, 2018 by Seamore Sandwich

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@EQ_Theta @Lucid_Nightlight @Storm Shine

"Please, he can chase down his own food. I know your ponies in the area have a weird thing with the animals needing to be cared for constantly, or whatever the deal is, but this here's no local critter. I batched him up, and I'm never making a creature without the base instincts needed for survival. Gotta have to be able to survive on their own if something happened. All this little fellah needs is a place to rest, and I can build that in a snap. In fact-"

Anomaly snapped her tail, yet nothing seemed to happen.

"There. Put a place he can nest in above your house, and added some flowers that'll help attract insects. Just don't get worried if he's suddenly not there. Little thing is probably just going to a lake so he can snag up a fish now and again."

As for the lizard in question, he were in the process of socializing with Pringle still, but lazily lifted his head towards the pony and just looked at her indifferently after a little while. Then he gave a small shrug, and went back to Pringle for the time being. The message seemed to be a *Why not?* which might not be the most enthusiastic of answers, but it were likely as good a *yes* as she Fluttershy were going to get from him. She'd need to work with him some time to make him more lively and responsive to things more than likely.

Meanwhile, Anomaly figured that she couldn't ignore Lucid anymore (though she wondered how he'd react if she just did) and turned to him with a big grin on her face.

"Silly poquus. I used to be the spirit of destruction, and you want to fight me? Well, phooey to that. I don't wanna. Bad things happen when I start to really fight somepony. Like, seriously, bad things, and a couple of instinct things starts to pop up again. I mean yeah, I've fought another draqonequus with large pancake bats, but that's just fun, not a battle.

So... Cluck cluck, I'm a duck? Chicken doesn't rhyme with anything fun. Expect fear-stricken, but that's kinda the thing I'm trying to get away from."

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@EQ_Theta

"Close, but you have a few things mingled up.

The statues I seek are connected into one, large statue, and the statue you are not to touch are golden. What it looks over is a heavily inscribed box which is not to be touched, or the golden statue will most likely retaliate. Potentially lethally.

Beyond that you seem to have the basics in check. I will eagerly await your return, and prepare my end of the deal in the meantime. Best of luck."

With that, Scarcity walked away to the other side of the store to inspect something there, done with this group for the time being. They'd get themselves sorted from here on out, and leave her with ample time to gather the information she needed to get Filigree convicted properly. The mare might be a cunning one, that hid her evidence well, but Scarcity highly doubted that she were good enough to not fail somewhere. Not when Filigree relied solely on herself. Even if she had though, evidence could still be procured in other ways, yet they'd see what were to be found first. Who knew? This might even prove entertaining.

"We should be on our way. The further we get before we need to rest, the better. Try to conserve some energy though, Lin. You're our sole link to our supplies currently."

Rosa could still go at night with little issue, and go on for a few days before needing sleep if he had to, but Sen and Lin weren't professionals in a field that required it, far as he observed. They'd need rest like regular beings, and at night as well. A prime time for his kind, yet it mattered little to Rosa what time of day he had to wander around in. If day were needed, he would, even if it weren't the best time and he didn't blend in as well when the sun were out.

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@BloodDrops

Lyriel fell lower and lower with each word thrown her way. Reprimanding her, painting her as a failure to her creator, and the forest itself... And where it not true? She had tried so hard to make everything well, blend in with the ponies and preserve a harmony here, and what had happened when the first major threat appeared? She gave it a day to leave, causing plentiful of innocent creatures to fall to Droppy's voracious, unending hunger, and then when she tried to fight off the sickly mare, the dryad had failed. She couldn't get this mare out of her forest, and if they were coming here, it seemed as if her dragon friend couldn't either, or were reluctant to hurry the creature out.

It would just lead to mare animals dying pointlessly, more imbalance and suffering... All because she were too weak, and now had the audacity to ask questions where they did not belong? To the one being who could set this all right, and for what price? To alter some of the forest? What were that, compared to fixing that which the dryad could not? To remedy a plague that could engulf the entirety of this country that had been so open to her, and turn the ponies she wished saw her as a friend, into nothing but husks?

The sphinx's last comment especially stung, as it touched the fear that Lyriel had about being what she had escaped. Of the mad, crazed siblings that had done such a horrendous act, and seemed to revel in it. It were as much a fear to the dryad, as it were to touch polluted or too pure water. She couldn't fall for the same, corrupting addiction they had, and she couldn't do what they did. Even when she tried to end Droppy, it were an action she did with sadness in her heart and as a last resort. Doing it on a far greater scale, like the sphinx threatened Lyriel would be responsible for...

"...Do what you must, if it means saving them. I... I accept the deal."

"Lyriel! Don't listen to her!"

Lyriel heard the dragon's voice, but didn't turn to look, too ashamed of herself to face anyone right now.

Nerzhei hadn't broken in, but the sphinx and the dryad hadn't been too far inside the temple currently - as if it were that big to begin with - and the sphinx the beings spoke loudly enough for the dragoness to hear it. She didn't hear Lyriel'd response, as the dryad couldn't find the strength of will to raise her voice too much as she accepted what were likely going to be an ill-fated deal, and if Nerzhei had, she would likely have not waited at the door, not wanting to break into this place as she weren't suicidal.

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@Rising Dusk

Blitz didn't waste any time looking for something to write with, and eventually stumbled over a stick of coal. Grinning from ear to ear, she'd go over and begin to doodle on Molotov's face, adding fake glasses, a mustache and so forth, before going on to his torso. He weren't waking up from it yet, so she didn't see a point in stopping. Not whilst it were still fun.

As for the machine Molotov slept on, it were still only about half finished. You could see the framework going into the  elongated semi-rectangular shape, but the appendages that seemed to be added as well were not on, and for some reason, it appeared that there were no space for wheels on it either. There did seem to be a large holding tank though, albeit it were uncertain if it were going to be used solely for carrying items, or if more of the framework or some wiring needed to go into it.

The part where Molotov were asleep seemed to have an opening too, though for what weren't certain. There were some blueprints on the table near him though, in case the officer wished to look. It were likely still gibberish to him, but it did give the base form of some kind of..: Well, easiest way to put it were a hollowed out tank mixed with a beetle, including a horn that were seemingly going to be useful in digging. The text on the page under it were likely going to give Dusky a headache if he attempted to read it, even if this were a simpler software installation than the AI testing programs Molotov had put in his spiders. This were a simple program for a machine that just needed to do one thing, though there were some notes beneath with question marks. Perhaps he had not yet decided if he wanted this to have a degree of free will or not. Could have something to do with the new shape, as he had so far seemingly only had luck doing so with spiders, but the officer would have to ask him.

Speaking of spiders, they weren't alone in the room anymore. Though she didn't make a sound, and slowly moved around her web in the darkness of the ceiling to remain out of sight, Fielicia had decided to come out and observe them again. Well, not them per se, just one of them, though if Dusky would realize he were being observed were anyponys guess. He seemed to have good senses for it, but there were several other things to see as well currently. He might also want to wake up Molotov soon, before he became completely covered in charcoal by the enthusiastic filly.

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@Dji @Lloyd

"You should save your apologies to somepony who deserve them."

Zhu were far from a saint, as the conversation with the other group had likely made painfully obvious, even if he did what he did for the greater cause in the end, and he were well aware of it. Had accepted it, and what the perception of others would end up being.

As part of that, he had to face himself and in his eyes, whilst what he did were with purpose, he did not deserve apologies. If anything, he should likely be the one to tell others that he were sorry, though when he did, it tended to sound hollow and fake. It often were too, but that came with having to realign your moral compass to do what had to be done. It made him care less about how it hurt others, because if he did care, it would be impossible for him to do what he did.

Karmic were honestly a rather good example of somepony who would likely deserve a few apologies actually. Zhu had dragged her out of prison, dragged her towards Emerald because he wanted to keep an eye on the mare, and had in some ways, pushed Karmic to do what she saw fit to evade capture. Certainly, the mare were not without fault, but Zhu were certain that she would not have gotten to this point if he had never taken her along with him.

"We should be at our goal soon if we can keep up the speed. Tell me if it gets hard to do so."

Their goal were a little south of the old castle of two sisters, which were looming in the distance. There were some way to it, but it should be feasible for them to get there in time. If Karmic couldn't though, he have to use his wind magic to carry the mare. It shouldn't impede his speed, but he found that ponies - excluding pegasi - tended to not enjoy being in the air too much.

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@Dji @Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Cherish felt bad about how she were apparently scaring Aurora, but this were sadly the reacting some beings had to seeing ghosts. She didn't think she were scary herself, but she couldn't just change someponys view on it with a flash. She'd need time to talk with the being in question, and it were pretty obvious that they weren't going to have the time for that currently. Perhaps later, they could be so lucky as for that to happen.

"T-There's somepony in this room who can s-sense changelings. She said there were one n-near, and then you s-showed up. Just t-thought that maybe... Y-You know."

Hearing the princess and Serenade talk behind her, Cherish poked her head through the door again to better hear what were going on, and from the sound of things, it seemed like they needed to do a few things. including getting Serenade and Aurora to speak.

"I-I can hide princess. J-Just don't throw the piece of the o-old castle away, p-please."

She turned around and looked back out at Aurora after that part were settled.

"Somepony will c-come out and talk to you now. G-Goodbye."

With that, Cherish flickered and disappeared from sight. She were still there, but as a ghost, it wasn't an issue to turn invisible, and it were only a few, select beings that could see her like that. The princess were unlikely to be one of them, or she'd see dead ponies all over the place. The princess were a lot of things, but Cherish doubted that she were a shaman, or some kind of spirit guide.

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@Seamore Sandwich  @Dji

"Princess Twilight is the princess of friendship. I'm sure there's somepony she were dealing with that needed that, and they just stubbed their hoof or something."

Last gave a stare towards Twilight that she hoped conveyed the *Act on this, and don't blow it* message she were trying to get across. Not the best thing to do to a princess, but Celestia had given them specific orders to keep this Celestia away from her, so it were an unfortunate necessity. What else was she going to? Tackle this Celestia and knock her out? That would be insane.

"As for the clock tower, it's done. The glass came in about a half hour ago. I gave the clock worker who sets it specific orders to wait for the time to be 16:00 before they start it, so it match up with every other clock in town. It should be between 3-7 minutes until that."

The clock had been an absolute nightmare to get right though. The glass had been destroyed, the engine keeping it going had been in five different pieces, spread all over town, and the tower itself had been rubble. Fixing everything up had been a priority for a select group of workers, and it had remained that way, even as the extra help came around. It were better that way, and they had managed to keep the time schedule she set, so things worked as planned.

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@Seamore Sandwich

So the stick weren't that much in control about his own containment it seemed? As if this trip were not going to be irritating enough now that they had to take use of the forest route...

Much as she disliked the idea, Vivid began to run to save some time - For about three seconds before she slowed down again, with a pained expression on her face.

Running fast had an unfortunate side effect in making her clothes scuttle around somewhat in the wind, which in turn made it so that she got some pretty solid experiences of feeling like she were falling into a frozen lake with every hit of said wind on her torso, neck, or upper parts of her legs. Vivid had at times been able to manage through that, but it were somewhat windy right now, so it weren't that easy.

How she hoped to one day soon meet this Princess Twilight, and hear if she had a way for the demon mare to not feel this chilling cold anymore...

In any case, they were at most a few minutes away from the castle by now. If she could just keep Charlie contained, they could make it there and get on with the process. Perhaps if she suppressed him a little, it would do something? It might also influence him poorly, but it wasn't as if she had many options at this point.

"Tell me if this makes things worse."

Still moving on, Vivid's horn glowed with a deep purple, and a string of veil magic came around the stick, and clamped down around it. It should help suppress things, or it might make Charlie feel trapped. Potentially cause him pain. Though if it were keeping him in control, it were debatable by her if a small amount of pain wasn't worth it.

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@Seamore Sandwich

"Nice shot."

Brute had to give credit where credit were due: Hunter had made a really good shot, without much time for aiming. Good reaction time she'd say, and a quick overlook on everything going on to know how to make his shot count. She could respect somepony who knew what they were doing, without going on in long terms and boastful phrases, and who were willing to prove they could without just talking about it. They might end up getting along fine.

Marcus on the other hoof... Even if he were a good warrior like these beings seemed to claim, Brute didn't care much about his personality. It reminded her too much of somepony who just liked to talk, and more specifically, talk about themselves. Kind of similar to a show wrestler honestly. A lot of hype with a disappointing payoff, if you hadn't lost interest from the hyping up to begin with.

However, it seemed like she were going along, and he were in charge, so she'd have to try and get used to him. Such as now, when he asked her a question she weren't sure of herself, though she could guess what it meant.

"Sounds like somepony working with explosives. Can't say it wouldn't help having that around, in case we got stuck somewhere, or some creature became too annoying to deal with."

Throwing bombs on living creatures were an iffy topic, but Brute would go tentatively on the side of it being okay, if there weren't many other options. It shouldn't be the way to deal with things in general, though as the old saying goes *Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it*. Seemed to fit well in this situation.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

Lucid took a look at everything Anomaly had made in this garden and also took in account the fact that she creates creatures. He looked at her with a mischievous grin.

"Hmm... you've seemed to have CREATED quite a few things. Made a garden, created some objects, and judging by that lizard... you even created life."

Lucid let out a chuckle.

"Some spirit of destruction you are!"

He continued with his mischievous grin, probably trying to get her ego to take over if she has one.

"But hey, bad things can happen, right? Or maybe you are scared of this silly poquus. Heck, I could even go into that head of yours and read your thoughts like a book, of course I won't even read your mind to check if you are scared since it's quite obvious."

Of course Lucid has nothing against Anomaly. The poquus was only playing around.

Edited June 24, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight
Added mentions

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

"Gold statues and the box they're overlooking... definitely will avoid those. You hear that, Sen? The ones we're looking for are connected into a lard statue."

"I'm right here, sister. I'm sure you'll remind me again when we get there." Sen sarcastically replied, fully aware that he may be reckless but he's not an stupid and hard of hearing.

Right now, he'd need to be alert but Scarcity's instructions are clear as day and simple enough to follow. The journey and what creatures and locales they will encounter will pose the bigger challenge. Without further hesitation, the two left Scarcity's shop and headed outside the city limits. Sen, having some of the supplies on him at the moment, kept his pace and took in the familiar sights of the city fading further and further away in the horizon. Hopefully the day's travels will be smooth, and by nightfall, they will have made enough progress. Sen, however, is aware he will be the one to hold back the group. Lin didn't have the limitations he had, sleep being the most apparent.

Lin, had kept a mental image of a map in her mind back in Scarcity's shop, though she was in Canterlot long enough to know to make a quick detour to grab an actual map from a stand outside a visitor center. A place for tourists to get acquainted with the city layout but there was a rack with a map of larger Equestria proper, a good reference for future travels. The hybrid made sure to grab two extra copies for good measure. 

It was a fair bit away on the trail to Salty Breeze when Lin walked up beside Rosa and asked, "have you heard of the swamp Scarcity mentioned? Know anything about it? I'm getting ahead of myself but I'm fairly worried about that place."

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@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @Lucid_Nightlight

Fluttershy's overjoyed at the newest member of the household and could make the necessary accommodations when needed. She left the dracolisk to mingle with Pringle though Angel seemed to get the share the responsibility of helping the lizard integrate with the other animals. It wasn't going to be easy with plenty of the critters likely unable to go back into the house without Harry escorting them around, or probably sleeping anywhere near him just to feel safe. The pegasus thought about that possibility and worried for them all the same.

"Hey, Anomaly, does the dracolisk eat small animals like mice? I've got a lot of them living under my roof and they probably might look like a tasty snake to the dracolisk. I'm concerned about how they might want to move away that poses a problem for them.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Sapphire looked at the general, nodding. "I will be sure to keep track of him." She walked down the tunnels soon after, finding the cave in. Sapphire teleporting past the rocks and debris, Astral following her after. "I wish I could see where Void was with magic, but her curse keeps me from doing that." She said to herself as she kept walking.

"Curse?" Astral stepped in front of Sapphire. "I thought they were born with it."

"You can be born with a curse, But I can only assume it is one. Considering the consequences of cancelling out magic." She maneuvered around Astral, continuing the search for Void in the tunnels "Only problem is, if it was a curse, they would've found a solution for it by now. There usually is after all."

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

@Blitz Boom

"Possibly, Although if I had missed advances then my knowledge might be outdated." He chuckled to himself, the idea of helping them was more intriguing than he thought. But if he was behind on the times, then the spells he created could've been known. "Although from what I can tell, earth pony magic hasn't been made use of, since I know only six ponies who use it."

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

@Blitz Boom

Watching Chow lift the book wasn't as impressive as, anything really. But Iron Star nodded as Chow lifted it, but then adopted a wincing expression when it started bouncing up and down. "Do you own that thing just for this purpose?" Misty asked.

"I just practiced levitation on it, but since I barely read it now, yes." He pointed at her. "You might have more trouble, but practicing this at a young age usually helps."

"That applies to most things though."

He chuckled. "True, but magic relies on that more so, it's like learning a language. It's easier when your brain is still developing." He said, pointing to his own head. "But it's slower when you get older."

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

 

“Yes, such skills could be quite useful,” Marcus replied to the Earth Pony.  Already ideas were swirling around in his head about the uses of well applied explosions, and if the craft had evolved from the mediocre displays he had seen in the time before The Forgotten One had taken him, it could be a great tactical advantage to have an expert in such things with them.  “What do we call you?”  “Name’s O’Powder sir, but you can call me Keg,” the Earth Pony responded, raising his hat off of his head slightly as a polite gesture while introducing himself.  Under his hat, he might not have much hair, but he still had his manners.  “Welcome to our team Sir Keg.  It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Marcus said, guessing that such mannerisms and skills would indicate that he may be of the upper class.  “Does anyone else have any particular skill sets we’ve yet to add to our team?” Marcus says, now addressing the room again.  Then, turning his head slightly to look toward Hunter and Brute Force, he adds, “Any suggestions are welcome, since I am unfamiliar with this modern world.”

Edited June 25, 2018 by Seamore Sandwich

[Pr0m4NV14 839]

@Blitz Boom

“I dunno, I think she is supposed to part of the sword. In that old picture of my ancestor, Jennifer looked like it did now, and there used to be this little indent, before the gem sorta slotted itself in.” The young Earth Pony described, Looking at a couple of large ponies with building supplies walk down the alley. 

“Gee, of course I need help. It’s not like every pony who tranfers their spirit into an object is dead, now ain’t it?” Thought Jennifer, in a sarcastic tone, before going silent and resuming it’s former dim glow.

”I think that was sarcasm. Say, is there a library in this town? I think we could learn about how Jennifer came to be and who my ancestor is. There weren’t any writings about him at my old village.” He said before sheathing his sword.

[Rising Dusk 27,737]

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk couldn't help but smile as the little filly did just as she had just spoken of and went to work finding something to draw on her brother with.  Even though Dusk himself was the youngest in his family, he was too close in age to his sister for antics like this to happen.  Maybe it wasn't an age thing though, perhaps him and his sister were just weird for siblings in their own way.  Now that he thought about it, their pranks were probably rather tame.  Setting Dawn and him had a great brother sister relationship growing up, and while they weren't as close as they once were, they were still brother and sister.  It would be interesting to see what kind of relationship the Boom siblings would have had if they were much closer and age.  Yesh, all this thinking about siblings made his mind drift for a moment, wondering what his sister was up to.  Meh, probably not that hard.  Twenty to one odds she was out charming somepony.

Oh well.  Leaving the filly to go about her work turning her brother into a piece of artwork.  In the eye of the right beholder of course.  Rising Dusk walked around to take a closer look at the machine Molotov was building, glancing over the blue prints, that were indeed still gibberish to him.  The drawings were by far more helpful.  He did notice something rather interesting about this invention though.

 "Your brother have an interest in insects?"

The stallion inquired.  Noticing a bit of a theme in his inventions taking on bug like appearances.  Yeah sure, spiders weren't insects per say, but it was close enough to hit to correct ball pack.  He'd have to ask more about what it was suppose to do or be though.  Feeling Blitz had pretty well drawn over all of Molotov, he decided it was time to wake him.  That was before a chill ran down his spine.  He was being watched again.  The mystery was bugging him though. 

Raising a hoof, he pointed at the darkness.

"You.  Show yourself."

Rising Dusk addressed the darkness.  Yeah, probably not the best move, but he was tired to being secretly watched.

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boomar

Applejacks head was spinning " Soo...you two...Interesting ponies" AJ had trouble finding her words  "are going to help cure my trees because you were sent her by your boss who follows orders from a dragon the flying over ponyville right now!?!?" AJs hearts started to race.

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@Pr0m4NV14

"A spirit without body is dead. We have a vessel, but it doesn't mean we are alive. Just like you."

The skull were more or less just a holding facility for Legion. It didn't keep them forced there like some necromantic trinkets tended to do, but it were a comforting place for the spirits until they were ready to move on, so it was rare that one of them even attempted to leave in the first place.

"We wanted to help, but if you don't need us, we won't interfere. Enjoy your lonely cell, Jennifer."

Legion's eyes dimmed after that. They had spoken enough for now, and needed to have a little internal dialogue over things before they wanted to come back again.

"Alright, that could've gone better. But hey, we learned a few things, and they didn't begin fighting at least, so let's look at the positives.

Anyway, library, yes. The library is in the castle far as I know, though shouldn't we go to the hospital first? Keep your priorities, dummy."

Sorrow playfully poked Mike on the head as she said that, with her tongue slightly poking out of her smiling muzzle, before turning to look at the hospital. Not too far off really, though of course, would've been faster if Mike could fly. Not by much though.

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@Seamore Sandwich

"Never go into battle without a medic."

"Many are we, who can save a life here. Certainly there is one who would follow us."

Sugar had stayed silent for a while whilst the others had kept on with their talks, showing off, and gathering of the party, but now seemed like a fine time for him to interfere, and try to ease the buff unicorns mind. After all, so many of them in this place could draw upon the powers left behind by Marcus before he vanished, to both shield and mend simple wounds. Some were even better, having been actual medics in a variety of places out in the world before they got recruited to their order. They simply needed for one to raise their voice and offer their words.

"The order saving life? What a lackluster interpretation."

There were likely several eyes directed towards the one badmouthing the order, but none more than Sugar, who would stare over at the mare who had just wandered through the main opening of the room.

"B-Belladonna?"

It had been what, five years since they had last seen one another at this point? And by the heavens, she had changed.

Back then, his big sister had been a ruffled looking thing with narrowed eyes plastered to a book - her glasses never did do all that much back then - and a scowl from the disapproving looks her digging into the ramifications of the orders actions caused. And that was before the elders had regrettably taken her to a solitary part of the temple, to try and educate her, and steer her away from her heathen thoughts.

Now though, Belladonna looked like life had treated her well. She were in good shape, dressed with some standard to it, and even wore a thick monocle that likely did her eyes good. It at least looked like she saw well now through those analytical eyes that always seemed to scan over everypony. That part had never changed, even if she had.

Somepony else were with her too, that Sugar didn't know. A strange-looking mare with varied colors of grey and black spotted all over her coat, three tones mane and tails that seemed to sway ever so slightly constantly, and curious, pale eyes. She looked harmless, though her inclusion to what were already a strange meeting were confusing.

"You've grown paler, brother. I find myself disappointed, but not surprised."

"Please, not here. This is a glorious event, not a place to spread doubts about our goals."

"I have only informed you of the hard truth you refuse to face. That everypony fails to listen is not on me.

But I am not here to enlighten you. Not this time anyway. I'm looking for information about an interloper that would have infiltrated this dismal place several years ago. What your little gathering is about is of little concern to me."

Sugar felt a blush on his cheeks, and embarrassment over what he heard. Even after all this time, Belladonna still didn't come back to embrace t heir beliefs, but just to spread doubt. He had far too much of that as it were, and her presence were not helping on keeping those thoughts away.

"Great hero, I beg forgiveness for my sister. She knows not what she is talking about."

"Incorrect, I know exactly what I am talking about, but find myself trying to talk to the deaf. Considering what you called this one though, I wonder if he's willing to listen. About what the elders did to his apparent legacy, that this charade is build around. That is, if he doesn't already know what have happened in his absence, but thought it acceptable?"

Belladonna were a logical pony, that didn't openly attempt to offend others, though this place were a sore spot, and even though her voice remained calm and even, the words she chose were not exactly showing her as looking upon this place favorably.

As for Omen, who had brought them into an adjourning room a few minutes before - the reason Belladonna had been let in to begin with, as the guards would likely not be thrilled by her presence if she had approached them - she just looked at everything happening and wondered how it would go. Seemed like a lot of things had gone on between Belladonna and the others in this room, and she wasn't sure if it was good or bad. She lacked information to be sure of that.

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@Rising Dusk

"Big bro says spiders are easier to make move, and get to work right. Something about things like dogs and fish being extremely hard or something. He can tell you more when he wakes up. And had a shower, hehe."

Blitz happily carried on *assaulting* the sleeping engineer, whilst something began to stir from the ceiling. At first, nothing much happened, but then suddenly, something stumbled down and hit the floor with a semi-loud wham. The sign from yesterday, bitten in pieces so there were only one word left on it.

"Interloper."

Something else would follow soon after, though this were no mere piece of wood. It was a complex collection of gears, wires, steel, electricity and Celestia knew what else, gathered together in a partly see-through exterior. No sound were made as the thing descended. Not even a small clack, like you something heard with Carmen. Just silence, and the methodical pace of the things descend, before it finally cut off the line of web that came from it's bulbous end, and landed on the floor with a soft clink.

(Found it on Google. I claim no ownership or credit for the incredible work)

Felicia were not something small like Carmen, that were for sure. Her body were as large as a full grown stallions torso, and then came the legs and abdomen. To put it in simple terms, there would be room for both Dusky and Blitz on her back if she allowed them too, and if somepony felt okay laying on their stomach and holding on, another spot on her abdomen.

She had fangs in front of her face, but seemingly no mouth, and it were uncertain if said fangs were sharp or just to hang on to things. Judging by the sign, it were likely she could only grab and not pierce, as it seemed like it could be done by pulling things apart and breaking it by bending, rather than actual bites.

Whatever metal and potential plastic she were made from, it appeared to be a light variety, as not more sound had been made, and her moving did not leave deep marks in the floor. It could simply be from the floor being solid though, so it were not good to assume she were too light weight, especially as she had been designed to protect this place.

Something of note too, were the thick bundle of wires that were attached to the upper part of her abdomen, and connected to something in the ceiling. The thing keeping her in this place no doubt, and one f the things that irked her about Molotov. Keeping her chained like this made her resentful, though at least she did not meet the two currently awake ponies with hostility. She simply had the lights that made up her eight eyes focused on Dusky, and rose herself slightly whilst letting out a louder version of the sounds that tended to come out of Carmen. After that, she stood mostly still, and waited for what Dusky would do. Attack were likely not the smartest idea though, if that were his idea.

The little spider were likely going to seem much cuter after this encounter. At least Carmen were fuzzy and could fit on your head. This one had not a hair on her, and looked as if she could crush a head, depending on the situation. Much like Carmen though, he should also be able to tell one more thing: Felicia had not a shred of magic on her. Potentially, she might even have the opposite, to make her more efficient at protecting against magical sources, though he'd either have to try using magic on her, or ask Molotov to be sure.

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@EQ_Theta

"I don't know much. Just the warnings that have been told about the place."

Rosa had remained silent for their trip after leaving the shop, saving his breath and focusing on a methodical, even breathing whilst they made their way.

Much to his surprise, the two siblings had actually turned out to be doing well on their trip so far, and hadn't run out of breath. They didn't move with great speed either, that was true, but he knew many a being who couldn't handle more than a few kilometers without rest, and he had expected that might end up being an issue.  Perhaps he should encourage them to run some of the way at a later point, to save them further time? Truth be, they could use all the time they could get.

"Stories goes that there's creatures hiding in the swamp, spreading fog through mystical brews, and attempting to obscure the way for travelers. They hide out in the trees and wait with lights held high and illusions to boot to steer anypony they can off the trail and towards them. Apparently, nearly nopony comes back, and the few who does, have gotten insane.

I can't say how much of it is true, and what's just folktales, but I consider it real enough when we get warned about it when training as spies, in case we're trying to take a shortcut. Whatever goes on in that place, you have to keep your mind focused, or you're not going to come out again. And most importantly, you can't split up. It's why I brought rope, so nopony's getting confused which ones are real and wanders off.

Don't know how illusions work for your kind though. Some creatures have a hard time getting fooled by those kinds of tricks, or at least aren't gullible enough to follow strange lights. Personally, I think we can make it through, unless you're susceptible to that kind of thing. I've learned a varied number of things throughout my career, where a few might help there. Not all of them were about causing damage."

Running into illusions you had to pass wasn't an uncommon thing in his profession. At least in his town it weren't, and they had been taught long and hard in how to detect, pass, and not be affected by that sort of thing. Some of it would still get to him - he weren't emotionally dead after all - but Rosa should be able to keep most of his composure, and not follow the mists off the road. if they decided to go there that were.

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@Lloyd

"Hey, brainiacs! Mind picking up the one without magic?"

Tidal couldn't follow the conversation going on with the two witches. Not because it went by slowly or anything, she just had no real idea how it were with curses, being born with the stuff, or whatever was going on. her experience with cursed objects were to get hold of it the second it was found, then get it under secure transport to the specialty divisions. Preferably that guy in Manehattan she had heard a good deal about He sounded like he had control over things.

Of course, she might have said something about it regardless, if she had been able to hear it. Yet the two bozos had just teleported past the rocks, leaving the general to try and get past them by.. .Starring at them really meanly? What did they expect here? That she'd just turn into mist and get through the small cracks here and there? She were a pony, not a fictional character! Hay, she didn't even know if said witches could hear her yelling right now, or whatever they had just left her on purpose.

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@Lloyd

"The practice were outlawed some time ago. I assume that uhm... Well, with all due respect, the way you use it is sort of... Not good, and I'm sure others kind of did something bad with it too. It would still be used otherwise, I'm sure of it."

Hogweed weren't certain what might have happened, but there were a chance that Warlock were directly part of why earth pony magic hadn't been allowed or wide-spread for generations. A good chance even, considering his uhm.. Imprisonment and overall willingness to hurt others. It seemed a little extreme to ban from only that, but she weren't there, so how could she know that there weren't many more factors than this? Emerald had apparently been a witch too, and she leeched on to other beings bodies. So far, not really a good representation of things.

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@Lloyd

"So what you're saying is that you're slow in the hea-*clonk*"

The option of making a joke at what Iron had said had turned out to be too irresistible for Chow, who had directed some focus into a bit of sass towards the stallion. Go figure though, much like last time he hadn't been entirely focused on the book, this one flung across the room and battered into him. This one had some weight to it though, so he didn't just get slapped. No, he stumbled back from the impact and ended up scurrying over the floor for several feet.

"I might've broken something... But it was totally worth it."

Far be for Chow to be the sort to never anger, but he didn't see the point when it was his own idiocy that had caused this. Curious though. He had figured that since this book was heavier, it wouldn't be propelled like that, and currently press against his chest. What were he, some sort of magnet when he used magic? That would be juuuust great, really. Why be afraid of anything, when Sucky McLightningRod over here could just take the beating and get dusted off for the next use?

"Think you can tell me why this keeps happening? Is something wrong, or are my jokes just so bad that the books feel like I deserve a smacking?"

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@Lloyd

Alright, he were almost there then. Throne room, or as it were currently used for, central for the combined generals of Equestria. Well, if Tidal Wave were still there that were...

Captain hailstorm were not the biggest fan of Tidal Wave, or her ascension to general at all honestly. The way it should be done properly should be through selection of the strongest and wisest, that would lead the guard forward the best they could. Instead, the Coastal Guard had their whole *test of strength* yearly ritual instead to determine who got to lead them... Granted, it were only qualified officers that were allowed to compete, as they weren't completely stupid, but it could lead to ponies like Tidal Wave taking charge, and it often felt like she didn't think about her position with the reverence it should be taken.

The mare were always scruffy looking, uniform in disarray or destroyed, and that personality, urgh. Really not interesting.

But like with most other things, Hailstorm kept such thoughts to himself, and generally kept it professional. She were still a general, and as such, he had to respect that. At least publicly.

In any case, he'd gnash his teeth when he met her, and get it over with as he had done before. For now, he had reached the throne room, and knocked hard on the door three times. Now it was just to wait for the generals to say he could enter.

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@Lucid_Nightlight @Storm Shine @EQ_Theta

"Well, duh! I said I used to be the spirit of destruction. It was before I died. Now I'm a creator draconequus, and make all sorts of things. including life. It's much more fun, and ponies won't start to scream like little foals when they see you. They just get kind of weird. Aaaand I suppose, sometimes they scream, usually not a biggie. Well except for that Coast Guard... You know, i really should check up on her one of these days. She looked kinda weird when I last saw her."

Lucid could go through her nogging all he wanted to, but he wouldn't find fear. Anomaly wasn't generally speaking afraid of anything, besides silver and pure iron, she just didn't want to fight. Friendly banter with nerf bats or something was just fun, but real fighting? Nuhuh. That was a bad idea.

Anyway, she had a mare to talk to about some lizard things. Lucid were gonna have to wait, though he'd probably just make more silly trash talk. Kinda funny really.

"Nah, fish and bugs only. Easier to find without somepony getting offender over nature taking its course."

As a point, Anomaly summoned a small mouse (with horns) and dangled it in front of the dracolisk. He sniffed at it briefly, but didn't seem to have any sort of interest in the furry, squirming little thing, so he went back to try and socialize with Pringle instead.

"See? It's fine. Now off you go critter."

Honestly, Anomaly had considered eating the mouse, but she guessed doing so in front of the *all lives matter* pony wasn't gonna score her any brownie points, so she put it down on the ground and let the little thing run off. It'd be fun to see if horns would start to sprout around mice in the area now, or if it would be seen as a freak by the other mice, and left without heirs. Nature were fickle sometimes.

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@woodchunks66

The two ponies looked at eachother, and began to laugh.

"Awh man, that was funny.

We don't work for that dragon. The dragon's controlling some of the workers in town fixing up the place."

"We on the other hoof, are employed at a coffee shop that have been in Ponyville for quite a few years."

"Our bos, Single Straw, figured that with everything going on in town the last few days, the farm here might've not gotten that much attention, and since it was a slow day anyway, he said we should come around and help. We're still getting payed long as we help out, so I'm game for giving a hoof with whatever here."

"Alonsus shares the sentiment Berry said. If there is help that can be given, it would be abhorrent of us to simply leave you hanging with it on your own. The city needs you and this farm after all, so little are our reasons to not do what must be done."

These two really were a piece of work, but they meant well, and it wasn't like they were hostile. Just a little... Paranoid or full of themselves, depending on who you focused on. And if the trees really were in danger, getting help wouldn't be a bad idea. A good deal of Applejacks friends were busy after all, what with Rarity needing to sort torn clothes for ponies, Twilight meeting with the princesses, Rainbow Dash directing the pegasi in town to help with the town repairs, Pinkie Pie entertaining the ponies at the tent camps who were feeling down from not being back in their homes yet, and Fluttershy... Well, Applejack wouldn't know that she hung out with a draconequus and other weird things, but with all the unrest she might be busy with the animals regardless.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine @EQ_Theta

Well, he tried at least. It was pretty obvious that Lucid was a bit too competetive for his own good.

"Oh well, it was worth a shot. So, were there any other spirits besides Destruction? Maybe death? Are all of you the spirit of something? Oh! Can I be the spirit of scented candles?"

The poquus looked over to Discord.

"So when you popped into existence, did you show up as a baby or did you show up fully grown? Or did you show up as one of those squeaky kids who make crazy insults on some of the multiplayer games I play?"

Edited June 25, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @Lucid_Nightlight @EQ_Theta

Discord shrugged, watching soap bubbles shaped like turtles swim around, eating other soap bubbles shaped like sharks in some bizarre backwards soap food-chain. "I was brought into existence as a formless consciousness formed by the chaos before existence. I had an awareness, yes, but only a basic one. Over time I gained proper intelligence and, due to my very nature, my propensity for creating chaos in the new world that appeared shortly after.. Later, more draconequus were formed or born in their own ways. Some of the early ones formed from ideas, concepts, or elements - Of the wilder variety of course; such as wind, fire, destruction, nature, the ocean, Draconequu rarely form around things that could represent a form of Order -. Some were even born like ponies or hatched like dragons or gryphons." He chuckled slightly, "If I'm not mistaken, Anomaly was formed from the forest fire that overtook the largest of the Wilde Woods, during a large gathering of the Fae races. It would certainly explain her fairy nature and her affinity for wildlife, both flora and fauna, not to menton the... well.. " Discord rolled a paw as he looking for the best way to phrase it, "Latent destructive urges? or at least currently dormant. Mostly." The chaos spirit shrugged again, "Then again, perhaps I'm thinking of someone else entirely."

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Storm Shine @EQ_Theta @Blitz Boom

Discord's explanation was interesting. His species was something different than most.

"So, that explains how Novia spawned the way she did. Oddly enough, she is rather tame. So I know that they can appear in different universes."

On that subject, Lucid remembered something.

"Speaking of different universes, I did some searching and could not find any alternate version of myself. I even checked the human world that has alternate versions of ponies and there was not another me! How does that even work?"

Lucid has been confused by this for a while. How could there not be another version of himself in other universes or even other multiverses?

Edited June 25, 2018 by Lucid_Nightlight

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Storm Shine @EQ_Theta @Blitz Boom

"There could be many reasons, not all alternate universes have another version of you. There are infinite possibilities in the multiverse, infinite opportunities for alternate versions of you and just as many chances for you to not exist in a given universe." Discord shrugged, conjuring a rainbow trout (Literally a trout made of liquid rainbow, not the usual species) to chase down and eat all the critters of the now-thriving bubble ecosystem, like a multi-chromatic glowing fish of the bubblepocalypse.