open Casual stroll

[Rising Dusk 27,985]

@Blitz Boom

This was the first time Rising Dusk had really looked at the ceiling of the O.M.I.'s basement, at this angle anyways.  Sure, he's replaced a light bulb or two in his early days, new guy doing all the little odd jobs while they get their hooves wet.  His mind auto filling in the rest of the lay out of the office above him.  Base on this, he could pretty well determine he was laying on the floor just below Scarlet's desk.  The detective wasn't hurt to any true capacity, it was a controlled fall after all.  Well, as controlled as possible anyways.  A short moment of pain, but nothing to complain about.  The urge to get up though just wasn't all that high a priority even though he knew it would be a good idea. 

The basement use to be carpeted, but was now tile after an incident some years back where it caught fire.  Couple of freshly graduated wizards from Canterlot visiting to try and make a name for themselves by solving one of the great mysteries in the O.M.I.'s vault.  If Scarlet hadn't been here to deal with the mishap at the time, the agency wouldn't be here anymore, at least the building anyways.  The rest of the O.M.I. didn't have Rising Dusk's particular talent in Dispel Magic, but they were all resourceful and talented in their own ways.  He'd gotten plenty of questions on how a Pegasus or Earth Pony like Bash could work at an agency devoted to magic.  So many just think Unicorns have magic, but the other two have it in their own way like weather control or power of the earth.  Rising Dusk has yet to meet a pony more versed in potions than the gruff stallion occupying the front desk right now.  And of course like any agency, there are the office workers and just overall investigation teams.  Not to say most of the O.M.I. wasn't unicorns, just not all.

The sound of metal scraping on wood caused his ear to flick and snap him back to reality.  Likely Null taking up the knife she warned him with.  Would he really know if he'd actually been turned into a blood thirsty chicken?  Probably not.  Made all the more evident when he soon saw Void enter his field of vision and he wasn't filled with a bloodthirsty urge to attack her.  A good sign.  Taking her offered hoof to help him up off the floor.  Picking his stool back up and setting it back next to the table.  It was understandable that the sisters not knowing him all that well yet wouldn't know of his delayed 'owws' were just a quirk of his.  Smiling to the worried sister, "I'm fine, no damage done."  Deciding not to bring up this being the second time he'd fallen to the floor today.  Climbing back onto his stool, ready to continue with the last item they brought back today.  

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna looks down, "We remember you Nadanna" Luna suddenly smirks, "Tis been far too long. And as for your reintroduction, The Triarchy has kept...the common knowledge of Sirens relegated to that of myths...for numerous reasons." Luna rolls her eyes, "Young Twilight not withstanding." Luna turns her attention back to Nada, "And yes We can help. Several popular singers are Sirens."
 

[Blitz Boom 4,652]

@EQ_Theta

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

How exactly did you come across Shrimp? I mean, he hatched from an egg if I am not mistaken?

"Nephew found it underwater. Thought it was a pretty rock. Little thing that bites came out of it."

That particular nephew came from a world where almost all of it were underwater, so it had just been a regular swimming around when the little multi-limbed thing had found what he thought were a rock, and wanted to give it to his aunt. His mother didn't minded really, as Omen and her talked well with one another, thought it had surely surprised all of them when Shrimp had suddenly hatched and started it's life by chomping down on Omen's tongue.

It was a strange thing that a creature from this world had ended in theirs, but Omen knew that sometimes, rifts between worlds had shown, even without her and her sibling's involvement. Might well be that one had shown and the egg dropped in there by accident. She for once couldn't remember dragging anything like this through at least, and she were - far as she knew - the only one of her kind in the Equine world.

As for Yazma, she just starred at Omen and tried to get a sense of whatever or not the creature were telling the truth. It didn't seem like there were lies in the voice, but everything Omen said were in the same, dull, monotone voice, only vaguely touched by curiosity as far as the kitsune had heard. It were hard to gain anything from that.

"...I will have your mind scoured later to make sure, but I will tentatively allow you to move around in here, under supervision.

As for your friends, I doubt the thestral is ready, but the damage to Lin were minor. We can go see her. Follow me, and try to ignore the feeling of being watched. I can decide who does what in my classroom, but the principal dictates the rules, and curiosity is encouraged. Strange ones like you two will draw quite the attention by the kits."

Yazma wandered towards the west-most door, and pushed it open, revealing a long, gnarly hallway with little to no decor. Some pictures were there once in awhile, but portraits were generally hung up with the responsibility of how it went laying on the teacher or principal in question, since the kits liked to play pranks on them. Several of them were marked with this too, with a few kitsune having bad hair, strange, at times inappropriate fur patterns and varied degrees of strange expressions. What could not be done with enough magic and bored youngsters sometimes.

They wouldn't see anyone else on the way though, but the feeling of someone watching were there quite a lot, and at times, some whispering words were vaguely possible to hear, though never loud enough for any words to be recognized. Yazma could honestly have avoided this, by shielding them, but she considered this a good chance for the students to show that they knew at least the basics of keeping out of sight of outsiders, as well as gaining some idea of how to treat what were currently considered guests. It would prove a useful example for some of her colleagues in the days to come.

As they crossed a corner, they would be able to see the tip of a red tail vanish into thin air, from one who weren't too quick on the pull, but judging from the size compared to Yazma, it was a pretty small, and therefor likely young one, who hadn't mastered everything enough to be as quick as some of the other students, or just hadn't been attentive to the smell of outsiders wafting through the hall.

Eventually, she'd stop, and push into seemingly solid wood to her right, to reveal a door that would open before them, and show a small room, where two kitsune around 2/3's of the size of Yazma, with green hearts colored into the side of their torso fur were seen, jumping around and gently pushing Lin, chanting in the local tongue. With every jump, pat or slide of their tails, Lin's wounds started to patch up, as if it were simply being brushed away with only the small glittering trail of highly pale green showing that something were even happening.

Lin should begin to wake up about now, as the sedative would wear off, and she should feel somewhat okay. er leg was healed up nice and well, but some surface wounds were still not done. She weren't restrained though, so she could move around if she wished to. Restraints had more been used on the refraction, who sat in a small bird cage with a muzzle on, looking down on the kitsune messing with Lin and tried without luck to wriggle through the bars to get down there and if not bite, then scratch them.

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@EQ_Theta @Dji

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"I... I'm sorry. For bringing that up, that is. Just hearing that from you is difficult but I can't imagine what it was like when those things were happening."

Lyriel gave a tired smile towards Fluttershy, as the mare expressed her sadness over hearing the dryad's story.

"To lose my family to madness is still hard to think of, yet many things have been recently, and I'm trying to manage. Thank you for your concern though, my equine friend. Your compassion warms my heart, and lifts some of this burden from my mind. As does yours, Angel."

A warm smile spread on her muzzle, as she slowly rose a hoof up to give Angel a gently few pats on his head. Such a lovely little creature this one were, but she could imagine that he took after Fluttershy on this point. Being around one with such a big, all-embracing heart were bound to affect a critter such as him, surely. Of course he might simply be a kind heart from natures side, but bunnies in her experience tended to be very varied, so it were hard to say. She liked to think that it were the mares influence though.

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"If you like, there is the Everfree Forest near the town," Fluttershy quietly continued. "You wouldn't need to worry about bodies of water turning animals into plants. Apart from the odd chimera or cockatrice, that area is more or less safe. We can go there if you'd like."

"The Everfree have been my home for the past three weeks now. I wished to stay less hidden, but Nerzhei thought it best to ease everyone into things, rather than all of a sudden dump into town. It is part of the reason why I aimed to regrow myself in the image of ponies. To try and seem less like an outsider, so that I may blend with your equine kind.

Not that there is not much to do in the forest. It is vast and with many creatures within, some of which needs to know that there are those who will watch over them out there, and others who merely needs someone to understand them. This cockatrice you speak of, were one of such creatures. It held so much resentment and anger, from what it could do and the exclusion it got from it, and it have been difficult to speak with. I feel there are progress being made, yet not all are easy to connect with, and time is needed. In time though, I hope that it, as well as many of the other creatures, can come to trust me, and be more at ease around your kind too, knowing that I will be there to try and keep them safe.

I cannot say that I have heard of this chimera though. It sounds as if it have been a creature who have brought trouble in the past?"

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@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

Cherish got big eyes as the princess said that there were apparently other sirens active, and working as prominent singers no less. Here she had thought that Serenade were a special case, although... Thinking about it, it were going to be the exact case though, right? Not sirens showing off in full glory, but having to hide in equine forms, like Serenade did. This were not the life that Nada wished for, though it sounded as if the princess wandered into this thinking that this would be a somewhat easy solution, like with others of the watery half-equines before.

She kept quiet and didn't want to interrupt the meeting, but Cherish hoped that Nada were going to bring up that point about wanting to live among ponies, but in her siren form. It were likely going to be a thing that would test things somewhat, yet as had been discussed, the very thing that Nada wanted.

Luna and Twilight had been in talks about this very thing earlier today, along with Serenade, but it had been somewhat abruptly interrupted. Yet plans were at least being discussed about this between the two princesses, and potentially Celestia too. Cherish weren't sure about whatever or not the princess of the sun were aware of this yet, or if she were being kept out of the loop at this point in time.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"She is certainly not physically capable of doing much, yet she represents the phrase *Knowledge is power* quite well, by being prepared for things. Information and the correct tools are her weapons of choice, and in case things go sour, I have come to believe that Brick will do anything in his power to protect her, and his physical prowess is not as unimpressive as one might think.

Regardless, it sounds to me as if you have a healthy idea of how things are currently, with the auction as well as our contact. It pleases me that you take to these things so well Ruby, yet we do still need to find something to do as we are waiting. Is there anything in particular you may find of interest to do? Perhaps we should enjoy something to eat, if that is to your liking? I know you do not wish for your... Alternative side to be glanced at, yet it is not hard to get hold of some takeout with a healthy meat focus. Griffons does make their home in this town, and we are not only to what grows from the dirt, so there are some select establishments where one can procure something with plenty of natural proteins.

Ah, but of course, it is up to you. I have little to merely spend my time on, rather than wandering around and perhaps getting a pedicure, but that seems pointless before the auction. Such a messy place will just get me all dirty and scuffed again in no time. Quite the waste of hard earned bits at that point."

Some griffons liked to be scruffy. Others enjoyed merely preening themselves and keep it more or less than that. And then there were those like Marley, who enjoyed a more clean, well cared for exterior. Full spa treatments, feather products, fine preening, and so on. He could still get dirty if needed be, but overall, Marley wanted to look as good as he could, to have a better chance at catching the eyes of potential mates. Well, he also really liked a spa treatment regardless, but that had a good deal to do with his training too. Made his muscles all sore, and a good, relaxing hour or three in a good facility really helped ease himself up.

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@Rising Dusk

"Good, let's get it over with then."

Null stuck her hoof in the bag again, but paused as Void got nearer.

"It's e-enough now. He n-needs to rest."

"That isn't up to us."

Taking her hoof back up, Null put a solid gold puzzle piece on the table, around 10 inches in diameter, and carrying a partial, left half image of a cartoony heart. Nothing else seemed obviously wrong with it, except for the material and weight of it.

"Number 3, rank 5, from the outskirts of the Zimnawha Jungle. Pick it up, and your heart bursts out of your chest 10 seconds later. "

"B-Big sis, please..."

Void's pleading tone were impossible to ignore for her older sister, yet regardless, Null leaned back, and kept her eyes on Rising.

"It's his call sis. If he isn't up for it, I'll take it back, but it's not our decision. Besides, this shouldn't be a big deal. It's pretty much the least dangerous thing we own."

Disturbing statement, but it were true. As were it that they had gotten this item when they had been chosen to be sacrificed to it, but Null didn't want to bring back that memory. They had been very young at the time and the fanatics that had gotten hold of them weren't exactly kind in their lodging, what with the cages and all that. Plus, she knew that Void didn't like to think of the times when the two of them had used some of the dangerous stuff they ran around with for their own protection, and at that time, both the puzzle piece and the first two items they found were used as they had basically no physical power to work with, and Void were very slow, as her first false leg were little more than a glorified peg leg.

The officer would likely not be thrilled either to know the state of the temple after they left it. Or well, the ones who had inhabited it at least. Messy sight that had been, and wouldn't exactly put either of the sisters in a good light, even if it had been out of necessity more than anything.

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"Really? Darn pidgins! Should've eaten 'em all when we had the chance."

Anomaly sent scowls all around her, trying to find one of the nasty little critters, but she had no luck.

"Bah, humbug. I'll do what I want, and if they don't like it, I'll send the squid-monkeys after them. That should teach whatever survives a lesson."

Nasty critters from her island, those squid-monkeys. Good to defend the coast with, sure, but it were some darn bad days when she heard a spectacle and got towards their territory. Ink and toxic spit everywhere, even for their creator. Some creatures just had no sense of worship and praise.

Hearing that she were allowed to run this thing though, Anomaly let go off those nasty thoughts, and vengeance plans towards the pidgins, and went over tot he steering mechanics. She hadn't followed how the others had done it one bit, but how hard could this be, right? Press some random buttons, pull the thing, and then go!

...Ooor she'd end up messing with a sprinkler system of some sort. Either way, button mashing until something started to move.

[Lucid_Nightlight 925]

@Blitz Boom

Forgetting how the tank worked, Lucid started giving random suggestions.

"Try the red one. Maybe it'll make the tank move."

"Oh! Maybe the tank will turn into a giant mech suit or something!"

Lucid decided to add something about the pidgins.

"I wouldn't underestimate the pidgins. They've gotten powerfull ever since the war against those stupid penguins."

[EQ_Theta 462]

@Blitz Boom

"If you don't mind me asking, how do you scour minds? I mean no offense but it does come off a little sinister and if it will hurt a lot, I will take action against it. I don't want Omen and Rosa getting hurt even if you are taking precautions." 

Perhaps it was a little extreme to jump to a more confrontational tone, but as the Kitsune are protective of their own and their young, Sen is also displaying some level of protectiveness for his own companions. Maybe he might be at a disadvantage with illusions but in a straight up fight, he is confident he could hold his own. That is not saying much, as he hasn't seen what a Kitsune is like when angered and threatened. His tone didn't come off as threatening, but merely conveying his fears could drive him into action if something were to go wrong though it could probably be construed the other way and Yazma might understand it differently. 

"I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I'm just worried about them, that is all."

He followed Yazma around to where Lin were resting and to his relief, she was awake. A little tired and still gaining her strength but she was aware of what was happening around her. Not exactly the kind of methods she expected when nursing someone back to health but it is what it is. It didn't do much to make her less confused but she was safe at the moment. 

"Sen? Omen? That you? Didn't think I'd be awake sooner but it's good to see you two making friends with these fellows."

"How are you feeling?"

"Sapped but I'll manage. Hopefully able to walk about within the next hour. I still need to make that delivery before Scarcity deems us a lost cause. Besides, we already offered to help Rosa sort this out and find his brother."

"One thing at a time, Lin." Sen turned around and stepped aside so his sister could see their guide. "This is Yazma and we are among the Kitsune. She says your injuries are minor. You might be able walk soon." Lin nodded respectfully towards the kitsune and smiled. This meeting could've gone a little differently in her head knowing that she might be able to start walking and getting her leg used to movement after it has been broken. 

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@Blitz Boom @Dji

Angel greatly appreciated the gesture. It wasn't normal for him to receive any gestures of the sort from anypony except Fluttershy but being around Lyriel gave him an air of positivity and calmness that is very similar to the vibe gets from being around Fluttershy. For a time, that is; once Discord started visiting frequently, it was a lot more difficult to get some peace and quiet when a being of chaos were making it well... chaotic, at times. Eventually, he grew to accept it, and that is already a generous way of putting things. Lyriel's presence alone makes for a much more benign and calming one, something he will always welcome. Something about her makes it feel like he's around Fluttershy after a nice, warm bath.

On Fluttershy's end, it was good to hear Lyriel was adjusting well. Even with the poorly studied Everfree Forest, there was some progress made to scout out and learn about it, mapping out ways in and out of the forest. Much has been done to make it seem less terrifying than it once was. Having some familiar landscape markers from frequent visits make regular trips in there more of a chore than anything. Still, the Tree of Harmony makes its home there and the Castle of the Two Sisters has become an attraction of sorts to ponies all around so there is testament to the ponies' efforts. 

"That chimera though... I guess it got lost and somehow ended up in the Everfree Forest. It isn't native to that area; normally it is found in the Flame Geyser Swamps. I've only seen it once and it was content to leave after some convincing. It didn't cause any problems for Ponyville as far as I can remember. And the cockatrice? Its stare can turn ponies into stone; anypony wouldn't want to be petrified though I sometimes wish I could speak to them and maybe teach them to control their abilities if they could."

Edited January 3, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,639]

@Blitz Boom@Moonlit

"But do they appear as Sirens." Nada asked right away, because the fact that Berry hadn't told her there being sirens in public made her believe she didn't know about them, which to her meant they couldn't be in siren form because Berry was too paranoid to not know about that. "Because part of my problem is that I don't want to be forced to disguise myself as different creature like Serenade does." she purposely avoided saying 'in limited form' because she didn't want to insult the princess "Because it would be no different from just going back to hiding."  or leaving Equestria altogether, that was probably what she would do next, because she was sure there was some place somewhere where she could be herself if not here. 

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@Blitz Boom

To her usual manner, Ruby just listened as Marley spoke, she was going to question what would Scarcity do to someone who you can't control with knowledge, but decided against it because Marley most likely wouldn't know, he being fully under the mare's control. "It really depends on if they have something else than fish, in bigger pieces than fish." She replied "I'm not necessary hungry, but there's never reason to not delay hunger, and I'm always willing to learn...less risky ways to gain something to eat." "But before we go anywhere, I need to try something now that we are out of sight."

She loosened the strap holding the box and put the box one the ground, she then muttered something that was either gibberish or other language and opened it. If Marley was to look inside, he would see bunch of shiny things, everything from piece of mirror to valuable gems and metals. She then took hold of the Dragon's eye on her neck and took the chain off from her neck, holding the eye against her chest, after which she took the eye and put in the box, holding her hoof against the box, but soon she took back out and put it back on the neck, cursing.

 

Edited January 3, 2019 by Catpone Cerberus

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna shakes her head, "Well...One does. We saw her show in Canterlot, and she appears in her Siren form as part of an act." Luna holds up a silver-clad hoof, "However, if you would be willing to work alongside Serenade and Princess Twilight, We believe we can reintroduce Sirens to Equestrian Society....with a minimum of fuss. Except for the Nobles" Luna rolls her eyes. "But I'm sure once we have a plan, we are confidant Sirens can take a place next to the other Equestrians"

[Sekel 696]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"That's all well and good but I see ... um ... a small sphinx. Walking around. Docile," Karmic whispered, her eyes having gone a cloudy white. Something in what Enzo had said coupled with the temple around them forced a vision upon of the past rather than the future. At the very least, this could give her some insight as to what Enzo meant by his angry tone.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I had no idea what was happening to me at the time. My parents told me that they saw a bug pony thing change into a griffin upon noticing them. They still took me in but they wouldn't say why or anything about any other changeling being near me. I didn't get found out because I stayed as a griffin. Despite my best wishes, I kinda assimilated, maybe? I'm not entirely sure, but I know that you met the majority of griffins because they're all like that. It's where we live in a run down city. It could be an easy target for Chrysalis, yes, but I doubt she'd be able to get to it. Mainly because it's hidden away in the mountains and the only couple of ways to get in and out is by flying or going through a series of twisty tunnels within the mountain itself," Aurora poured forth her words in an effort to get Onache to understand her. She wanted to make sure that Onache was fine with her answer but if she wasn't, more information could be provided.

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"It was a natural reaction. I don't really interact with Changelings much," Watts confessed but ran after Zealous anyway. "At the very least, we could catch up if he falls."

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Greetings, Lyriel, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm the newest Princess to be converted into an Alicorn," Twilight told the mossy pony with a kind smile and a small bow of her head. "This is a large crystal castle that has been grown from the Tree of Harmony itself. That may be why you feel nature within it," she explained further and was content to listen to Fluttershy and Lyriel talk with each other. It brought a smile to her face to know one of her friends had found a kindred spirit. "Something bothers me though. I understand you don't really want to talk about your home, and forgive me, but how did you escape from becoming like your family?"

[PickFairy 41]

@Blitz Boom

Butterscotch Puddin' listened as Circle commented on each candy, and shyly smiled at a few of the comments. She nodded at the taffy remark, and gasped at the idea she had for the "Starlock"s. "That does sound nice, and well.. very enticing, one may say." She said, her ears folding over at the word, having a tough time pronouncing it. She didn't particularly read the ingredient list yet for the package she gave her, but started to once mentioned. A few she didn't recognize, but that would explain itself as she mentioned earlier how often she liked to travel. 

"I've only traveled a little since my adventure began. I thought I'd start local first then expand from there." She adjusts her guitar case on her back. "You see, I come from an inn of sorts, located inbetween Canterlot and Ponyville. My mother owns the place, and she, well, welcomes just about every creature. I learned a few things from travelers that visited, and well it built up my own desire to travel. But to make a long story short.." She pauses, taking out the bunny-shaped caramel toffee. "...I hope to one day open up my own shop."

She analyzes the caramel toffee, and takes a nibble. She smirks, enjoying the taste and takes another bite. "To be honest.. I still have a long time to go before coming close to that." She sweatdrops, her hoof behind her head as she nervously laughs.   

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Dji

He looked around from above, seeing them following him. "Great, they're probably trying to get me captured or someth-" Conveniently, his distraction leads to him not realizing where he was heading, and that there was a glass window there. This followed soon after Watts finished talking. He shakes his head, fluttering his wings as he nearly touches the ground, flying back over the building.

Zealous chuckles to himself, looking to Watts "Guess I called it huh?"

The building would block their way soon after, requiring them to lose sight of the changeling to catch up. "Lost them for now." He said to himself, sitting on the rooftops as he took a breather.
==========================

@Blitz Boom

Sapphire let out a snicker, breaking her serious tone as a funny idea crossed her mind, of all ponies to like it had to be the one Sapphire personally imprisoned. "Yeah, let's call it irregular behavior." She said, giving a wink at her, an oddly childish one at that. She let out a puff of air to relax herself before putting her serious tone back on. "Well, let's check Iron's home. I know he did lots of research into weird and strange magic. There's also Warlocks and our own, but you'd remember if we had any magic books like that." She said, looking to the book shelf. "Potentially Astral has some, but I really doubt she'd find any that special.

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

@Blitz Boom

"What are you saying this again for? We're nearly to the station, and on the way to a place where we can relax and rest." She said, stepping closer to him. "And I sleep just fine, I wouldn't need tranquilizers."

"She actually sleeps too well. She over sleeps aallll the time." Misty added, Astal looking to her. "What?"

"Anyway, I get it Chow. I need to rest, we discussed this already and we are working on doing that." She said while looking back to Chow.

[Rising Dusk 27,985]

@Blitz Boom

Compared to yesterday, this round of artifacts wasn't too bad.  Well, at least when it came to his energy reserves in the dispels.  Each of them were still dangerous in their own way, but at least these were in most ways familiar enough for the detective to work through.  While rest would be nice, it wasn't all that necessary for the task at hoof, especially if this was the last of the artifacts they brought with them.  Void's concern for him was understandable and sweet as well.  He'd be sure not to push himself too hard though, for her sake.  That and he'd need at least a little energy left over to possibly deal with the scry spell hanging over the agency.  Now that he thought about it though, Rising Dusk should have asked one of the other officers to look into it while he was down here.  Tussle or Nova probably could have dealt with it in the time it took him to knock out these artifacts.  Considering it was likely after him though or the sisters, better to deal with it himself until he had more information.  Last thing he needed was for Scarlet to catch wind that somepony was scrying for him.  She'd get in her mind somehow that some secret admirer was looking in on him and he'd never hear the end of it!  Office rumors are the true horrors of agency work.

The amusing thought lifted his spirits though as the two sisters talked.  Ultimately ending with the metallic thud of a solid piece of gold being placed on the wooden table.  Ten inches of solid gold was nothing to sneeze at, it had to be quite heavy.  That poor pegasus' back.  At this point he hoped that even with new wings from Molotov that she'd be able to fly.  With the artifact identified his memory flashed over the list Null had given him with the brief details.  A large slab of gold in the shape of a puzzle piece and all it did was make a pony's heart explode?  Not much a rhyme or reason to it.  Best guess was that it belonged to a bigger picture.  Something he should be able to figure out here shortly.

With the removal of Null's hoof he brought the spell weave into his field of vision.  A gold tapestry rather fitting of the material it was made of, shimmered around the large slab.  This wasn't right.  Rising Dusk cocked his head to the right, then to the left.  Back to the right another time before straightening up again.  A puzzled look crossed his face as he just stared at it.  While he could understand why the puzzle piece did what it did now with the whole exploding heart thing, but that was not it's original intended purpose.  The spell work that he saw had been gnarled and mangled into a really big mess.  Somepony else had, however long ago, tampered with the spell originally case on the artifact.  In no way elegant or delicate in any sense of the words, brute force like taking a hammer to a piece of art had a once over on this poor thing.  A common mistake seen in amateur unicorns trying to dispel magic above their heads.  Also another great example of what can happen when a pony tries to dispel and actually ends up make the spell worse.  Reminds him of this time he received a rather mangled magic chalice from Ponyville and a letter from a very apologetic Princess seeking a little help.

All in all though, Rising Dusk couldn't make heads or tails about what the spell use to be while how badly twisted it was.  The very edge of the spell though looked to still have a bit of its origin, confirming his theory that the spell linked with another one.  Another large spell out there made up of many pieces.  Efficient, but annoying if you happen to not have all of them together.  Considering the part of the spell that linked it to others was still, mostly, intact he could figure the other pieces had similar magical hammer bashings in order to make whatever overall spell the pieces made different from its origin.  Igniting his horn to get ready to work, he took a moment to point at the puzzle piece, "Somepony actually broken this spell.  Like when you break a piece of metal and it becomes jagged.  It wasn't meant to explode hearts."

Time to file down these jagged edges, as it were.  The black wisps of his dispel magic leapt out again as the detective worked to untangle the golden weave so that he could safely bring it completely down.  When a spell has purpose its much easier to unravel as it has a more defined shape.  Here where it's more random from a bashing, he had to be a little more delicate.  The only way the sister might be able to tell this would be from the occasional black wisp snapping away from the others to catch a runaway flow of magic trying to burst free.

Soon the soft sound of a sizzle from the artifact gave the death toll of the spell woven into the golden puzzle piece and the detective extinguished his magic with only a minor rush of dizziness that passed just as quickly as it occurred.  A little tired, but no where near the state he ended in yesterday.  Pointing at the piece again he smiled at the sisters, "You could probably melt that down for a good number of bits."

[Blitz Boom 4,652]

@Lucid_Nightlight

A big red button? Sure, when did that ever go wrong, right?

Anomaly smashed her hoof down on the button, and watched in excitement as... Nothing happened. What a darn letdown! Well, what was this blue one gonna do then?

The resounding splat that came as Anomaly got a pie smashed in her face answered that question. Why would this tank have a pie option though? Guess in case the driver got peckish? Yeah, that did make a bunch of sense actually. Must be the deluxe model.

Licking the remnants off, she eyed a green button with the small print of "Push me!" written on it, and hovered her hoof over it, only pausing briefly to answer Lucid's remark.

"Well duh, penguins are stupid. They're easy to win against. Now give 'em better brains and functional wings, and now you have a fair fight. Oooh, poisonous beaks too, maybe? Gonna have to try that. You know, if this doesn't kill us, hehe."

With that, she bashed down on the button, and just in case, opened her mouth. Who knew, this might be the cake button.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 1/3/2019 at 3:46 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"If you don't mind me asking, how do you scour minds? I mean no offense but it does come off a little sinister and if it will hurt a lot, I will take action against it. I don't want Omen and Rosa getting hurt even if you are taking precautions."

"It's a simple mind reading spell. You won't even know that it's happening."

The undertone in Yazma's response were one of slight teasing and mischief, as if to say that anyone at any time might be reading their mind, and they wouldn't have a clue. She may be a teacher, and one who took her duty seriously, yet she were still a kitsune. Causing trouble and paranoia were an integral part of what she were, and when an easy opportunity such as this presented itself, it were impossible to resist it.

In reality, it took more than a mere first year student to make a successful mind reading spell work right. It were among the advanced studies, and if cast by one who didn't know what they were doing, would instead give their target full insight into the casters mind. Not a result that anyone wanted to happen. Especially as the mind of a kitsune tended to be... Difficult to interpret for some races, as studies had shown time and time again. Messy situations with many a mind wipe spell needed, but it provided plenty of information at least, and examples for students who thought themselves better than they were.

She wouldn't respond with anything else on the trip to the nurses office, and afterwards, she'd just sit quietly and watch the interaction between the awakened Lin, and Sen. At least until they were done speaking, at which point she'd consider it her turn to say something. preferably before the whispering one interrupted.

"I would give it more like four to seven minutes. Jasmine and Meadow are top of their class in healing, and a broken leg is among the more plain injuries. Just let them work in peace, which includes that you keep your muzzle shut, Omen. If you disturb their thoughts, things may get ugly for your friend."

Yazma didn't think that it wouldn't be all that bad really, but why take the chance? This creature were unusual, and though these two were the best students they had for this kind of thing, they could still get distracted, and end up mending something together the wrong way. Then they'd have to cut it up again, start over, and so on and so forth. It would just be a mess.

Fortunately, it seemed that Omen took to what were being said, and didn't say a peep. She just went over and began trying to get Shrimp out of his cage. Seeing as the door were locked, it weren't all that easy, but she'd try. Not much else she could do now either.

"Anyway, you seem to be getting healthier, so our magic doesn't interfere with what you are at least. Care to tell me what that cargo you're transporting are though? It sounds important."

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@EQ_Theta @Dji

On 1/3/2019 at 3:46 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"That chimera though... I guess it got lost and somehow ended up in the Everfree Forest. It isn't native to that area; normally it is found in the Flame Geyser Swamps. I've only seen it once and it was content to leave after some convincing. It didn't cause any problems for Ponyville as far as I can remember. And the cockatrice? Its stare can turn ponies into stone; anypony wouldn't want to be petrified though I sometimes wish I could speak to them and maybe teach them to control their abilities if they could."

"I know not if all of them can control their ability, but the one I met claimed to be able to. If the times when he chose to stone others were caused by some shadow in his mind, or a need to show dominance towards others, I know not, but I hope to get through to him eventually, and see if perhaps him and others of his kind, can be convinced to leave ponies be, long as they stay away from their territory too, of course. It's a balancing act that needs all to agree on some ground rules, yet I hold hope that it may happen.

As for the chimera, I hope that it found peace in its homeland once more. Being out of your environment is not an easy thing to adjust to for everyone."

Some beings - like herself - tried having an open mind in a new area like this, but animals were more delicate than that. New areas unlike where they lived tended to cause them to be scared and if they were predators, that could well show in them lashing out at anything they perceived as a threat, or easy prey if they wanted to carve out some new place for themselves while they thought over what to do. At least that had been her experiences, but they were limited mainly to the valley she grew up in. There were no saying if it were the same here.

On 1/3/2019 at 2:27 PM, Dji said:

"Greetings, Lyriel, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm the newest Princess to be converted into an Alicorn," Twilight told the mossy pony with a kind smile and a small bow of her head. "This is a large crystal castle that has been grown from the Tree of Harmony itself. That may be why you feel nature within it," she explained further and was content to listen to Fluttershy and Lyriel talk with each other. It brought a smile to her face to know one of her friends had found a kindred spirit. "Something bothers me though. I understand you don't really want to talk about your home, and forgive me, but how did you escape from becoming like your family?"

The princess suddenly starting to speak caught Lyriel by surprise, yet still, she faced the royal pony and gave a bow of the neck.

"Well met, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I know not of this tree you speak of, but anything grown of the ground are blessed by the Earth Mother. Be it a tree, an acorn, or this glittering place, grown from within the soil. I hope that it will hold long, and that those who resides within its walls will have many prosperous and fertile years."

It may sound a little strange, but to Lyriel, wishing for a long, extensive family line were a high praise to give to someone. She knew not if that were welcome among ponies, yet in her village, and among the animals that had once been there, it had been a great kindness to say so. Even more to give an actual, magical blessing, yet she were too drained now to even attempt. Another time perhaps, if the princess would let her do so. She seemed kind and welcoming, so it would hopefully not be an issue.

The princesses curiosity also pushed through as part of her characteristics however, and hit a point that made Lyriel's smile fade away for a moment, as a bad memory passed her mind. It were brief, but the sounds of what she had once seen almost echoed through her head when she thought of it. Hopefully the little while it took for her to gather herself and snap out of it, wouldn't start to make the princess think she had hurt or offended her in any way. It were just memories after all. Painful, dark memories, but still, just part of her mind, connected to a point that the alicorn were curious about. It were not asked with malice after all, that much were certain to the dryad.

"...I wandered out of the town when the first returned, changed by drinking from the sacred water. When I saw how others began to listen to their heretic ramblings, and talked loudly about how this water were our birthright, and kept away from us by the greed of the Earth Mother, I became worried. The others simply cast the few who listened away and thought little more of it, but I didn't think it were over that simple.

I begged my brother to follow me into the wilds, at least for a few days, but he stayed behind. Saying it was nothing, but I could see that he didn't stay for that. His eyes betrayed his thoughts, and I knew that when the offer would again be made, he weren't going to cast it aside again.

Two days were all it took for our people to turn dependent on the water, then starting to forcefully convert or... N-No, please don't ask of me what happened that day. I can't bear to see their faces before me, or what the heretics did. Just know that I escaped their fate because I were a coward, and kept hidden in the forest from both them, and the dragons who were once our friends, but now had to be ready to cut the fallen down. That Nerzhei gave me a chance, is a kindness that I can only hope to one day repay. Among all the other things she have done for me. Such as saving me from the sphinx's grasp, after she revealed herself as my flocks creator, and subsequent cause of our downfall.

I'm sorry, I think I've begun to ramble. Please, if you have other things to ask of me, feel free to do so, but I beg of you: Ask me not for details about what the heretics did. Some wounds may never heal, and poking to them makes nothing better."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

So the princesses had a whole integration plan for sirens going on then? What a strange time it were when that were a thing, but she supposed, ponykind couldn't keep being isolated and afraid of others. The three tribes hadn't been able to, and now, it seemed to be all the higher thinking lifeforms. Dragons, griffons, changelings, you name it. All of them were apparently starting to become part of the scenery in Equestria.

If somepony had told Cherish this back when she were alive, she would never have believed them. Even with the few, vague memories she had from back then, it just didn't seem right. But this weren't her time. This were a new age, with new ideologies and rules. Things would change whatever she liked it or not, and honestly, it were a good thing all in all, right? If sirens and everything could come back into society, then surely ghosts wouldn't be that big of a deal, r-right?

Cherish grumbled over this, as she kept watching Nada and Princess Luna speak. She'd have to keep this in mind if one day she would get her own audience, though right now the focus were on Nada, and she were frankly thrilled to hear that the princesses would work together to try and integrate sirens back into society without having to rely on disguises. it were just what Nada wished for.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Marley looked at the entire show happening with curiosity, thinking that something were about to happen that he had not expected. Perhaps Ruby were going to suddenly reveal herself and wander around Canterlot without her disguise? Could it be that she were trying to cast a strange spell on the eye? Those two were the most prominent ideas in his head, but more were not far away, as a few more plain and mundane ones followed troop, as nothing seemed to happen and the expectations went down.

It seemed that Ruby herself had not been too pleased with how things went, as she eventually broke into some... Colorful language, and put the necklace back on again.

"I take it that things did not go as you expected? Do you feel like sharing what the idea were?"

Regardless of whatever Ruby answered that or not, he would go on to answer the other inquiry shortly thereafter.

"In any case, if we move on to your request... I believe I know where to find something, though it varies what they have in stock. Hunters around ponies are seldom looked upon kindly, yet they have their place for the non-equines who require their protein. This one caters mainly to dragons, but the name... I believe it was Raw Shank? Well, whatever the case, he will be our only option to gain a beast of some potential size in this town. He should be a little further out than the fish market, if he's not out hunting."

Ruby had so far shown herself to not like delays or much nonsense, so as soon as he were done speaking, (unless Ruby had something to share first) Marley went on his way to lead her to the area he spoke of, whilst trying to stick to back alleys and the like. It wouldn't be long before the smell of fish began to hover faintly through the air, and the griffon slowed down to take a deep sniff, at which point he'd let out a pleased sigh.

"Oh, how I've missed the smell of Star Trout. Nothing quite like it."

It would just be a short stop, but he bit notice in it regardless, as someplace to halt on their way back. These fish were an acquired taste, but for those who could handle the acidic, peppery taste, it were quite the treat.

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

 

@Dji

The sphinx saw not her eyes, but simply wandered forth, through the halls in the large temple.

"If you're saying that, then you're seeing a sliver of my humiliation. Bound by spells and forced to wander around like a pet, guided by invisible string.if you see no armaments there, you have also found the point where they were about to force the first of my necklaces upon me, to make me accustomed to carrying the Element of Hatred. Vile little rock that is."

He stopped up abruptly and bashed his paw into the wall, causing a series of clicks to be heard from within it, before something collapsed, and a singular arrow slid out of a barely visible opening in the wall, and fell weakly to the floor. Simplistic little traps like this would not keep him away.

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

 

@Dji

"Changelings adapt. it is our most prominent skill. You found yourself in a situation that required it, and you blended in as needed. You would have made for a good scout with your instincts set so early on."

Most scouts required some time to really settle in, stay with their form and learn to get into things. Sure, they were adaptable and most of this were instinctual, so that even the less bright of the drones could follow, but there were still some degree of refinery needed. Aurora having been able to keep up the act from that early of an age, with no teacher though, showed a stronger, almost natural talent to simply blend in with your surroundings, even if it wouldn't have been perfect all the time. This sort of trait tended to make for the best scouts and spies, since they caught the least suspicion and could map out an area well in advance of a hive ambush. A very useful brick in the foundation of a functioning hive.

"Regarding your town, there is a point where the effort required to get to victims aren't worth the hassle. From the sound of it, a hive would need to be near mindlessness of starvation to press an attack on your town, and by then it would be a simple matter to fight off, as they wouldn't be focused on infiltration anymore.

It can work defensively too. My old hive used to be in a large, unwelcome desert, and migrated around it as needed to keep one step ahead of those who may wish to retaliate against us. This new desert does not cover an area even close to that, but it does have a degree of comfort I suppose. Never been one for lush forests or jungles either, even if the prey would be more abundant."

Onache had to get used to some things now though, such as her hive no longer needing to be culled, fighting tooth and hoof to scour up some food for her hive to feast on, or being forced to migrate. It would be a tense period, but she would adapt to the role, as she always had, and as Aurora proved, even a tremendous shift in your life could turn out okay. The drone seemed happy enough at least, even if she acted skittishly at times now. Being in a foreign hive with all that entailed were likely the reason for that though, at least from what had shown itself so far.

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

 

@PickFairy

"We all have to start somewhere, Butterscotch. Nopony who does well tends to just open a shop out of nowhere. It requires time, effort, and honing your skills, but when you finally make it one day- Heh. Trust me, when you open the doors to your own place for the first time, and ponies who have heard of or already tasted your goods comes in, hungry for more, it will be worth all the sweat, tears, and hard work. You just got to hang in there.

That being said, learn from my mistake: Get a savings account, and put in whatever you can afford there whenever all your bills and stuff are paid. Having the bits ready for a space and some interior will be a god send when you know you're ready, rather than having to wait several years after that to have everything set up. I lost out on a prime position in Canterlot because I weren't ready, but I got lucky with Ponyville. They like some regular, solid flavors, and this town attracts beings from all over the place, who's happy to see something familiar to them on the shelves. It's been good, but I look forward to when I can move to Canterlot. Such a bigger market, and being closer to my mate too... Aaah, the dream."

Pop got a distant look in her eyes, and a pleasant smile as she thought of her big, goofy lover. He had said he'd come around to visit one of these days, and she were really looking forward to seeing him again, and really make a day out of it.

The mare let out a giggle and refocused herself on Butterscotch again, after her little stroll down memory lane.

"Sorry, a good memory there of- Well, it's not important.

Getting back on track for a moment, I really think that you have the potential to be somepony that'll be known throughout Equestria one day, Butterscotch. Your use of Equestrian ingredients are on point, and I'm sure that with a bit of refinement and training, you'll perfect something extraordinary. There is a lot to be said about sticking with local ingredients and perfecting them, rather than working on a plethora of things.

Do you mind me asking though, are you looking to go to a town with your shop when it is, or perhaps settle it in near where your mom works? An inclusive inn sounds absolutely lovely, and travelers needs their treats too. It's risky, but where there's a will there's a way. And well, you sounded like you liked the inn, even if it sparked more of a wanderlust than a want to eventually take it over."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

If Emerald had a face, she would be using it to scowl at Sapphire for that response to the Warlock situation. It was just a small fluttering in a chest that had never reacted much to anypony, nothing more. Besides, it could be the influence of the body she had at the time, or... No, just... No. They had more important things to think of now, and she bet that Sapphire was just trying to rile her up. Elder sisters sometimes.

"Fine, let's rob your husband. And keep an eye out for a new vessel for me while we're there. This state is impractical. No dogs though. You know what I feel about those."

A dog had once dragged the enfeebled Emerald along on the street for a solid five minutes. The owner claimed it were just a big puppy that wanted to play, but Emerald's reaction had more been one of fear. Then anger. Then blind hatred that lead to a failed attempt at... Never mind. Fact were that she hated dogs, and would sooner hide in a lamp like a genie than to occupy one. She'd prefer no animals at all, but beggars couldn't be choosers.

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

"To be fair here, I kept alluding to you folks needing sleep for a long time before you started to listen in. Sorta figured I had to hammer it through a few times, but alright, alright, I get it girlie. I yapped about this too much, time to get on with things."

Chow coughed once, then looked over towards Misty with a grin on his muzzle.

"As a finisher though, I'm hoping you're right lil' miss, cause somepony's sounding like they need to sleep off a big ol' cranky mood."

He gave her a wink, and Astral a small eye roll, trying to emphasize that this were a joke, and that they didn't need to have their knickers in a twist over all of this. Though really, he were just trying to see if he could get out of an awkward situation, that had gotten worse by the snippy remarks from Astral. To be fair here though, she did sound like she could use a lot of sleep right about now. Some ponies tended to get awfully cranky when they didn't get their sleep.

A flute going off in the distance distracted him, and he turned to hear the faint sound of the train moving along on the tracks. Sure had been lucky hitting this place around the time the train did these days, huh?

"Here's our knight in rusty metal. Once it get here, just pop on, and find a comfy seat. I'll square it with the conductor, considering I'm pretty sure that with all the action, none of us had the thought about bringing the bit pouch along. Don't sweat it though, I'll handle it."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

On 1/4/2019 at 1:47 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Somepony actually broken this spell.  Like when you break a piece of metal and it becomes jagged.  It wasn't meant to explode hearts."

"I just figured they lost the rest of it."

So now something had meddled with this spell beforehoof, and had apparently twisted it into the heart explosion? Great. How badly could one mess up things to making things start exploding hearts? And more to the point, what the hay had it done before this that required it to even be tinkered with in the first place? Melted ponies?

They'd probably never know since the rest of it were missing, and much as she'd like to drop some info on this, Null had no idea where the rest of it were, if there even were anything left anywhere. The cultist that used this had just been happy using it as it were, and never spoke of other parts beyond some metaphysical *one of us* sort of gibberish, but that were a load if she ever heard one. The lot likely stole this part, then whoever found the original got themselves killed and they lost idea of how to get the rest of it. Or they stole it from whoever messed up the magic in the first place. Or something third entirely, she didn't know, and frankly, she didn't give a hoot. The thing was clean now, that was the only part that mattered.

On 1/4/2019 at 1:47 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"You could probably melt that down for a good number of bits."

"Tried that before, and it didn't work. Sixth time's the charm."

While Null kept focus on the item, and put it back in her bag, Void's attention were on what it had been before, and several other times: The well-being of the officer. He seemed fine - thank the ancients for that - but the show before had been different, with the black wisps seemingly having to try and snap at runaway magic, and he seemed a little worn down now. Thankfully this had been the last item they had with them, so he wouldn't have to be broken down further, but it did give her some idea of how long this may take. With the amount of items they had, him being able to take three-four things every second day, with more time between if he got other things to work on than what they brought... This were going to take quite a while. She'd have to cover this with Null eventually soon too, if her sister had not already thought over this yet, but let that be what it were for now.

"The w-wisps seemed to act weird before. Chasing a-around, snipping e-everywhere. Was it a d-difficult one? You look a little t-tired at least. Not like last t-time, but that was a t-tough bunch we brought in there.

It's still v-very impressive though, o-obviously. All of t-these items did t-terrible things, and having l-less of them around is only g-good. It's just... I-I'm afraid it might g-get too much for you, o-officer. Everything can't have a-always worked out p-perfectly, right?"

[Lucid_Nightlight 925]

@Blitz Boom

"I think that one floods your author's toilet. The cake button is the one next to it."

"Don't forget the black licorice button!"

"Yeah, that's one of the best buttons we have."

Lucid reached into a portal and pulled out some pink fuzzy dice that he would hang on the front mirror thing.

"For some weird reason, this reminds me of this one time that my friend Somnus tried to tell me I should be responsible with my abilities. Crazy right? Being responsible is boring."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,639]

@Moonlit @Blitz Boom

Nada looked thoughtful for a second "I'm more than willing to work with Serenade, and though I am yet to meet princess Twilight, based on what I have been told, I'm willing to work with her too, but...." she looked bit awkward, "....I need you to promise that I won't be...punished, for what my kind did so long ago." she felt...wrong, for demanding something from a princess, but this was something that was very important for her, because even if it didn't take away her feeling towards ponies, it would give the little assurance she needed to not just give up, especially considering that the bearded unicorn and his crew was still alive. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

@Blitz Boom

"I wanted to see if I can get the necklace off my neck by placing it against myself through the box due it being detriment for me staying hidden, because anyone who can tell it to be real have a chance to realize everything is not like it should." Ruby said before closing the box and again saying something in the different language. To her usual manner, she listened Marley's talk while strapping the box back on, and she didn't have anything to say, other than one comment "So local dragons do eat meat? I'm positively surprised".

Ruby let out unimpressed grunt at Marley's comment on the scent "I prefer blood and fear." she stated coldly, but it was clear that saying it out loud had made her mouth water. 

[EQ_Theta 462]

@Blitz Boom

Yazma's answer didn't really ease a lot of Sen's worries, but it calm him down. He was just about ready to go into a confrontational stance but it wouldn't do him any good where he is outnumbered. He took it for what it is and trusted Yazma. Maybe it was just him getting worked up over nothing. 

"It's a statue depicting three sirens. The Three Sisters' Symphony. I don't have other information on it but we are to bring it to an influential pony in Canterlot in exchange for a favor." 

Lin examined her previously broken leg and as much as she wanted to get moving, there was still the matter of Rosa and his injuries. That and being well-rested enough to move about and meet with Scarcity, maybe even explaining a possible delay. That last part may be unlikely but it is better to be prepared should that ever come up. These kitsune have some potent healing abilities to them, and the longma was relieved to know she could work on her task sooner than expected. 

But on Sen's mind, Rosa fared worse than Lin and while he is certain they could finish their delivery, their offer wouldn't really do much good if the recipient wasn't around to benefit from it. And indeed, Rosa was unconscious and severely injured last they met. The elfroot salves could only do so much before the kitsune took over. Even with their healing abilities, it would take some time.

"Yazma, just how bad were Rosa's injuries? What happened?"

"A fist came through the gate I opened out of the temple," Lin calmly added, though her looks suggested a hint of worry. "It hit him pretty hard but I couldn't tell what kinds of injuries he sustained. Might your healers know?"

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

There may be some hope yet to be able to reach out to the mythical creatures of the Everfree Forest. Though Fluttershy has already made progress on several fronts, it is uplifting to know it can be taken a step further. Cerberus and Orthros have already proven to be very sweet once they calm down, much like the one-headed counterparts ponies have already befriended. Perhaps now a cockatrice or maybe even a chimera could hide a more soothing personality underneath. That was certainly true with the manticore Fluttershy met during her first adventure in the forest. 

But that relief on Lyriel's voice came right back to a more disturbed and difficult, rather heavy tone. With bad memories like this, it was a delicate balancing act. One one hoof, it might do some good to talk about it and let out some emotions as a way to cope. On the other, this one was already proving itself to be too painful a memory to talk about, possibly doing more harm than good. 

"Twilight, maybe we should hold off on asking about Lyriel's past. And Lyriel? Is there anything you want to do? Maybe have a look around Ponyville? I'd be willing to accompany you."

Deep down, there was something that piqued her curiosity. Lyriel mentioned she and Nerzhei had some history but to say her flock's rise and downfall was her doing... that one seemed more than just something to casually mention and forget. If there was time, the pegasus will ask about it, preferably to Nerzhei. The dryad would need something to get her mind off the terrible memories of her past. Some animal therapy might be in order. 

[Sekel 696]

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Alright, alright, I'll back off," Twilight said in a disappointed tone. She knew that she was crossing a line when she had asked but she didn't expect both Lyriel and Fluttershy to call her out on it. She couldn't help herself! She was curious about learning and learning about everything! At the very least there weren't any fights over it. "I think Fluttershy is right. It would probably be best if you and her walk around the town. At least before I ask something else that's possibly harmful for you to think about, Lyriel."

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"You know, that would be harmful to a normal pony," Karmic said flatly, looking down at the arrow from her perch on his back. She faced forward once more and wasn't sure if she should be glad at seeing the past or worried. She knew that things could be learned from the past but she didn't really think anything could be learned if she saw visions of Enzo being tortured with the way he described it.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"It's only us three here. How can this be considered a hive?" Aurora spoke finally. She had wandered around the big main room, inspecting the walls, columns, and floor while she listened to Onache. However now, she made her way back and sat just in front of the throne. "I know I'm out on a lot of changeling ways, but shouldn't there be more than you, me, and Happy?"

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"You definitely called it. I'm going to see if I can spot him from above," Watts grinned, pointing to the sky with her hoof before flapping her wings. "It'll give me a chance to see my balancer in flight," she added with a laugh and flew up to the roof of the building. While she didn't particularly need the balancer hooked around her middle, it would help field test how it worked. Theoretically, the balancer was meant to autocorrect a Pegasus' balance when in flight if they were too shaky or had poor wing lift. Watts was perfectly fine with her balance, but this changeling may get some use out of it and give her some data. "Found you!" she called triumphantly so Zealous could hear, spotting the changeling on the roof.

[Rising Dusk 27,985]

@Blitz Boom

Understandable that the sisters would have at least attempted to turn the the large chunk of gold into spendable bits.  With it dispelled, it shouldn't be all that big of an issue anymore for them to try again.  Contrary to popular belief, trying to just destroy an enchanted artifact usually doesn't end well.  Most the time the magic enchanting them either makes it difficult or impossible to do so, or the annoying backlash of a spell latching onto another object instead, or worse a pony.  "With it dispelled now, you shouldn't have any further trouble in that regard," he explained while the heavy gold puzzle piece was put back away into the saddle back.

Now with the concerns of Void who appeared to be very observant in noticing that the black wisps weren't behaving like they had before.  Not that he considered it all that big of a problem, it was still best to explain that it was nothing for her to worry about.  "No need to be concerned.  The spell was such a mangled mess I had to be a little rough with unraveling it.  I had to clip a few strands that caused a runaway of magic I needed to catch.  Those were the wisps you saw stray from the mass."  Hopefully that would ease her worry a little bit, but he wasn't all that sure it would.  If this was going to be the pace he had to maintain, it was going to be quite rough on the unicorn.  Rising Dusk was tired, which was noticeable of course with the slight slump in his shoulders and heavier eyes.  He knew there were more, even more than what they brought with them to Manehatten.  Having other duties he needed to attend to both here in the city and Equestria aboard, he couldn't devote himself full time to them.  Luckily with his promotion, his movements outside the city were much easier.  He could make house calls.  "This is true.  I won't be able to do this on a daily basis.  Both from my other duties and the increase of fatigue will likely cause slip ups in the future," he concluded.  While he had gotten better over the years of experience, he was far from perfect.  New spells were created every day and he'd hardly scratched the surface of what was already out there.  It was an ever evolving job, and not just in terms of magic, but crime in general.

Getting up from his stool wasn't nearly as bad as yesterday, but he was slow to make sure his legs were ready to support him.  Pushing his stool in it was about time for the wizards using the basement before to return.  "I do not wish to keep you from your new home in Equestria.  If it would be easier, I can come to you instead.  Say, once a month for a few days?  It would give me the necessary time for recovery and my other duties.  It will just be a longer term case," he suggested.  It wasn't fair to keep them here in the city after they were just getting settled in Equestria at their new home.  Plus it would open up to Null the possibly taking the help from Molotov in regaining her flight without having to be here hoofing out cursed artifacts to the detective everyday.

Rising Dusk invited the sister to accompany him back up stairs so that he could see them off.  Glad that the last item didn't take everything out of him as he had a scry spell that needed dealing with.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,652]

@Lucid_Nightlight

Being told what the green button did, Anomaly got a devious look on her face, and quickly pushed it three more times. Somewhere, through the fourth wall, a lot of cursing would mix together with the sound of something akin to a water fountain or exploding toilet.

"Hah! That should keep that boring thing occupied."

As a reward, she pressed the black button a few times, to get her face filled with delicious, sweet licorice. Sorta akin to a lab rat, just the sort who were also able to eat the cage it was locked in, if need be.

"So let's uhm... Okay, I'm bored. Let's really get the show on the road, and show your friend what sort of responsibility a draconequus actually have. The responsibility to liven this party up!"

With that, she'd bash her head into the control panel, and push every single button there at once. Some levers and such weren't turned, but if it were a button, it was going down. This should prove to do something special, but they'd see if it'd be the good or bad way. No matter which one, it was sure to be a spot of absolute chaos! Maybe.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

"You can't be kept responsible for what they did, Nada. They made their choice."

She weren't aiming to interrupt, but Nada was a nice being, who shouldn't think that she were saddled with the responsibility of other beings, just from being of the same race. By the same logic, wouldn't all crystal ponies be responsible for Sombra? Every centaur for the actions of Tirek? Or pony-kind in general, for the several stories she had read of evil equines doing horrible things in the remaining library in the castle of two sisters? No race were perfect. They all had their dark sides, with individuals doing horrible things for their own gain, but that couldn't be the responsibility of the rest of them.

What the sisters had done back in the day, Cherish didn't know for sure, but even if they had taken over the kingdom like Discord once had, that was their own decision, and they had likely been punished for that. The princesses that Cherish had seen and read about weren't the kind to then carry an ancient grudge that hit every single individual of that race then. Dragons were around Ponyville from what she had seen, and their history were not exactly one of peace and joy, from what little she could recall on the spot.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Not all of them mind you, but yes, there are some who does enjoy a less crystal-heavy diet. if they are more to tasting the fear in their prey however, I could not say for certain, though personally I find it a less than appetizing idea. Stress like that sounds like it would meddle with the tenderness. But what do I know on this subject? I mainly eat fish and rabbits, struck down by quick attacks. It may well be different for those with a more... Shall we say *predatory inclined mind*?"

Marley chuckled, though scratched his chin for a little in silence, before looking towards Ruby once more, thinking that perhaps he might have an idea for her situation with the necklace, which of course sounded like a troubling mess for someone who wished to remain unknown as a dragon.

"In regards to your necklace, have you considered having it enchanted perhaps? There are several spells and wards specifically meant to keep objects or beings from being traceable. Perhaps one of those may prove useful in hiding the true nature of this for others who would know of it's authenticity?"

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@EQ_Theta

On 1/8/2019 at 1:15 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"It's a statue depicting three sirens. The Three Sisters' Symphony. I don't have other information on it but we are to bring it to an influential pony in Canterlot in exchange for a favor." 

"Interesting company you keep that exchanges favors for statues."

Yazma knew well of the three siren sisters, even if they lived a good deal of way from Equestria. Their kind were nuisances as far back as the records for both the kitsune and the Neighpon ponies went, and if it wasn't because it might reveal too much about her own opinion on this whole thing - something she wanted to keep vague, in case she learned more of this *influential pony* they were getting the statue for that might prove important - she would have chuckled at the thought of those three big ones having their depictions stolen. Served them right.

On 1/8/2019 at 1:15 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Yazma, just how bad were Rosa's injuries? What happened?"

"A fist came through the gate I opened out of the temple," Lin calmly added, though her looks suggested a hint of worry. "It hit him pretty hard but I couldn't tell what kinds of injuries he sustained. Might your healers know?"

Ah, and here came the question on everyone's mind apparently: How fared the thestral? A good question, though she weren't sure if they were going to like the answer. Surely they were aware that he'd be interrogated one way or another, but the state of him and his treatment, had an answer that were seldom well received.

"I don't know."

Yazma calmly wandered over to the side, when she noticed that one of the student healers needed to have a little space to do her next move. A jumping strike with her tail, which might sting a little in Lin's leg, but it were going to be efficient in the healing process. Besides, it were just the magic that were going to be an issue. The tail itself were about as soft as could be, and hit like a brush gently tapping her.

"I know what happened here, because my own students took Lin away, and reported back to me what happened with you, but the thestral is in the care of our full time healers. Nothing escapes their station unless they want it to. At best, I can lead you to where the room is supposed to be, and you can wait there to hear more.

From what I heard though, this Rosa were quite bloodied, and if you say a large fist impacted him, I can imagine quite a lot of things were wrong. Nasty business you all wandered into it seems.

In any case, it will take time, but he should survive your ordeal. Of course, if he makes it in time is another question entirely. When were your deadline again?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Dji

On 1/8/2019 at 1:15 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Twilight, maybe we should hold off on asking about Lyriel's past. And Lyriel? Is there anything you want to do? Maybe have a look around Ponyville? I'd be willing to accompany you."

On 1/8/2019 at 5:12 AM, Dji said:

"I think Fluttershy is right. It would probably be best if you and her walk around the town. At least before I ask something else that's possibly harmful for you to think about, Lyriel."

Lyriel gave a tired smile towards the princess. Such a curious mind this pony had, and one that she doubted had any sort of malice behind the questions it sought answers to.

"I know your heart is in the right place, but some wounds are difficult to dig into. If the day comes when I can speak of it, I give you my word that I will come and answer your questions. Though perhaps there is s-"

"I'll deal with her."

Lyriel paused, and looked curiously at the dragon.

"You heard Fluttershy. She offered to take you on a trip around town, which is something you've been asking me about wanting to see for two weeks now. Take her up on her offer, and get to know the place some more, while I talk with the princess.

And Fluttershy? Don't think I've forgotten our arrangement. We will pick that up when everything's settled down, or the sun rises next. Whichever comes first. If it's the latter, I will track you down."

The last part sounded almost like a threat with the tone Nerzhei used, but it wasn't meant like that. She were just run down and not exactly in the highest spirit she had been in recently, which made her seem more cranky than she actually were. She just meant that she would show up at the pony's home in the morning if it came to that. Tracking a pony weren't all that hard, especially not when she could just ask what way to go, or follow the trail of animals.

As for Lyriel, she looked conflicted about this for a moment, but it made a good deal of sense really. She wished to see the town, and if possible, to help Fluttershy with her sanctuary, or meet some more of the pony's animal companions. Also, she knew that Nerzhei likely wished to discuss something with the princess. Perhaps that book of hers? The princess seemed like a being wise beyond her years, who thirsted for knowledge. It may be something that the dragon thought were just what she were looking for.

"If it is okay with the princess, I would be honored to be lead around by you, Fluttershy."

She got on her hooves, waiting to see what the verdict would be. Hopefully nothing conflicting.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

13 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"No need to be concerned.  The spell was such a mangled mess I had to be a little rough with unraveling it.  I had to clip a few strands that caused a runaway of magic I needed to catch.  Those were the wisps you saw stray from the mass."

It helped some hearing this, but Void were still worried that the officer just spread himself thin, and were too proud or stubborn to admit it. Perhaps being around Null for too long colored her opinion on how stubborn ponies could be and she were just overreacting, but it didn't help that he also looked worn down. Not as bad as yesterday, though that was a low bar to set honestly.

13 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"This is true.  I won't be able to do this on a daily basis.  Both from my other duties and the increase of fatigue will likely cause slip ups in the future,"

It was strangely a bigger relief to hear Rising admit that he had his limits than it were to hear his reassurances from before. That he knew that he had limits, and had to concede that he couldn't do this every single day, were soothing in a way, though with that, also came guilt for Void. She knew that they were pretty selfish already, to push this pony alone with these horrible items, but keeping him away from other important work and wearing him down time after time wasn't kind either. Just think of how many others might need his help? The two of them could at least keep their own things protected and inactive, while others might find their lives in ruin with every passing second they had to live under some curse, or monstrous item.

13 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"I do not wish to keep you from your new home in Equestria.  If it would be easier, I can come to you instead.  Say, once a month for a few days?  It would give me the necessary time for recovery and my other duties.  It will just be a longer term case,"

At this point, Void were squirming a little from her thoughts, so she didn't manage to intercept things before Null began responding to the part she cared for. Sure, she wanted this officer to be fine and whatever, but Void were more the caring type, whilst Null were harder to get close to, and she mostly looked on what Rising saw with a mixture of resignation over her knowing that they weren't gonna be getting this done sooner, and annoyance that others would be taken over them, considering they had orders from the princess. Weren't there somepony else to deal with the small fry?

"Urgh, fine. We're in Ponyville, come around whenever."

"N-No!"

The sudden outburst from Void made Null's eyes go wide and turn to give her sister a confused look, whilst the large earth pony put a hoof in front of her muzzle. The blush spreading on her face told tales of how embarrassed she were, though that weren't something that Null were focusing on, as much as what she just heard. Did Void actually say that they shouldn't leave this place?

"I uhm.. I m-mean, there's something we n-need to do b-before we go home."

Null looked between Rising and Void, with her eyes narrowing further and further every time they landed on the officer.

"What's going on here? Did you set her up to something behind my back? I swear, if this is some sort of trap-"

"Null, s-stop it. He's not... T-This isn't about him. Please let's j-just go, okay? We'll talk out t-there."

"Fine, but there better be a good explanation for this, or I'm going to have some choice words for you, officer."

The small pegasus growled slightly and wandered past the both of them to get towards the exit.

"I swear she m-means well. We should uhm... Y-Yes."

Void followed the officer, and then took off with Null as she got up there. She gave a small farewell, but it were clear that her mind were elsewhere. More specifically, on the talk she were going to need to have with Null. A difficult situation for sure...

Long away though, somepony else had some different ideas as the two sisters got into the streets and began wandering away. The crone had not expected to get a visual on those two as much as just whoever were helping them, but now she had them. Proof that they were there, and where they went to deal with their artifacts. This should please her master greatly.

The image of the two of them wandering out were frozen and sent to another nearby orb, before she returned to the scrying spell and began the tedious work of zooming further in on the building. She were going to find out who everypony that worked there were, and not only satisfy what her master asked of her, but exceeding it. Surely then he would return to her what he had taken some years ago, and return her to his grace. Perhaps not the kindest place to be still, yet as were evident from her current situation, serving were preferable to being on his bad side.

It was a shame she couldn't see through the walls of this building really. That should have provided her with many, interesting faces in quick succession. But it should be fine. They couldn't stay in there forever.

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

 

@Dji

"This temple were build to house the Element of Hatred, and keep it safe from outsiders paws. Traps are abundant."

Enzo threw a loose rock somewhere in front of them, and a snapping sound, like a bear trap had sprung, echoed through the empty halls.

"I were meant as the final obstacle. Tasked against my will to test the meddle of intruders, until one would prove worthy, and lift the burden from my being."

There were never any torture that happened to him here per se.  He was kept healthy, made to walk around and train to ensure a proper physique and some degree of magical skill, and were never intentionally hit.

Yet to him, being kidnapped, bound by powerful spells, and treated at best as a mixture between an object and a pet, wasn't much different. Neither were it when they all suddenly left a hundred years past, never to return again. What happened he hadn't a clue about. All he knew were that a bunch had scurried out with a lot of the tools and objects they had here, and made some vague comments about having to hurry, and that they would send someone out to deal with Enzo.

In whatever way that were meant he didn't know, but as the mature sphinx had been confined to his room, he had seen the passing sun tell him of the days that went by, as his mind grew weary, and his stomach grumbled.

He hunted for something to eat the best he could, and the watering system still worked, so at least there were always plenty of rainwater to drink, but the loneliness still gnawed at his bones.

It was about two months after that he finally realized that no one was coming for him. Whatever had gone on, he were left behind in the passing, and since several centuries had already passed without help arriving while the dragons were still here, he knew that there wouldn't be anyone out to look for him from home either. He were just... Forgotten by everyone.

A few had come throughout the years to plunder the place, yet none of them passed the trials to prove that they might be worthy to carry the element. Enzo often wished that he could just throw it after anyone, and he had tries that with the first who entered, but it didn't work. Without passing the trials or answering the riddles, the spells wouldn't let him leave, and the thief ran before the angry sphinx could lash out at him. He didn't get far before a trap sprung.

So Enzo waited. Alone, mostly famished, and getting more and more angry, until eventually  the anger broke way for the depression that tended to haunt him now.

At least sixty years had passed since then, with him thinking that this were going to be it until he either died if old age, or he'd be unable to get prey for an extended period of time. 

And then, Warlock had entered the temple.

His power radiated through the halls, and his meddle were soon tested - as could be seen in the scorched walls here and there - but nothing affectes him. He rushed through everything and as he gad reached the sphinx, Enzo felt a spark of hope that he had thought died a long time ago. If livened him up, and he stood tall to test the pony and his body-snatching companion.

Then finally, after three hundred years, someone defeated the tests, and wore the element as if it were nothing. An object that could consume the weak, wielded as nothing but a stone of power.  It had been fascinating, yet Enzo didn't know what to do with himself then, as this were all he really knew.

He had followed the two ponies on their attack on Canterlot because it were sold to him as a sensible action, and folded instantly when he had seen that they too had just left him behind, after using him for their own gains. And then the generals had offered him someplace where he could be welcome, yet made him wait for hours on end, with no indication that they would come anytime soon. It had honestly hurt him, though his pride stopped him from admitting that to anyone for now.

Strange how things had almost gone full circle since then, what with Enzo now finding himself back in the place he most wanted to escape from, but hopefully it wouldn't be long. This place made his fur crawl.

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

 

@Dji

Onache narrowed her eyes at Aurora, as the drone questioned whatever this would even be considered a hive, since there were only three of them. Two of whom were actually part of this hive, and not a tourist, more or less.

"As long as there is a queen, there is a hive."

The queen's voice were carrying a somewhat annoyed tone, and her colorful eyes seemed to darken ever ao slightly, as her gaze remained on Aurora.

Did this nymph not have any idea how their world worked at all? Not being in a hive were one thing, but not knowing of a queens role and importance? They weren't just rulers like the princesses were. They were the literal creators of life among their kind, and without them, there wouldn't be anything but a muddled flock who would slowly wither away into nothingness.

"Happy, explain things for her."

The changeling-human hybrid nodded as his order were given, and sat down to be a little more eye to eye with Aurora. Not too many listened in to larger creatures unless they were afraid of them, and considering his current look, he likely wouldn't scare a newborn.

"Yes my queen. You see Aurora -"

Happy leaned back and stretched his back before going on. The sound of joints cracking under his exoskeleton were noticeable, though considering the sigh of relief that came from him too, it were pretty much just what he needed.

" - Changelings come in several varieties. Soldiers, drones, caretakers, that sort of thing. But there's a reason why the queens are so important: They're the only ones who can lay eggs. Without 'em, a hive can't be sustained, or even go on.

Long as Queen Onache is around, she can remake a hive wherever she thinks it's feasible,  so yeah, it really does cover the criteria for this place to count as a hive.

Don't ask me how it's running with Thorax though. He can't lag eggs, so not sure how that's gonna turn out, unless being this stage changes the whole dynamic, or he merges with another hive. Pretty new grounds we're threading on here Aurora. Plenty that needs to be run more or less by guesswork for now."

Edited January 10, 2019 by Blitz Boom

[Lucid_Nightlight 925]

@Blitz Boom

"It had to be done. If I didn't flood that toilet, how would I be able to inconvenience the author?"

For the record, I have no control over him, don't blame me.

"Isn't being a reality warper great?"

Novia watched as Anomaly pressed the buttons.

"Green... red... blue... yellow... green... how convenient! That's the code 'go to the insane asylum and crash through the wall' code!"

You have a code for that?

"Yeah stupid-head, what kind of tank doesn't have that?"

Hey, I'm your author.

"You're technically a narrator, you don't even control over me."

"Yeah! Narrator!"

Edited January 10, 2019 by Lucid_Nightlight

[Moonlit 593]

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom "Cherish is correct, and you have Our Assurance that you will not be unduly punished for the actions of the Three Sisters." Luna looks around, "We have our own mistakes we are trying to atone for, but in all our Subjects can be quite forgiving for the past."

[EQ_Theta 462]

@Blitz Boom 

"I wish it were different but there wasn't any another option. Canterlot is where the most influential ponies reside and you either need coin or status to get anyone's attention. Where we're from, we don't have either. Probably saw us as backwater savages who knew a thing or two about being civilized; we were lucky anyone was willing to listen let alone glance our way."

Sen wanted to add more to this but looked towards Lin who was subtly gesturing him to let her do the talking. Though Sen may be a little too trusting with information, she wasn't going to give away more unless it was alright to spill. Right now, she wasn't sure what to make of the kitsune, what with their mind reading and illusory abilities giving her suspicion and pause. There was already enough experience to know not to be too open. And she was a little rushed by wanting to get back in the swing of things, at least before her deadline is up.

It was a relief to know Rosa is going to make it, but it was just as discomforting to not know anything about what kinds of injuries he got. For all they knew about how to quickly act and administer first aid, being left in the dark without any information to go with isn't lifting their spirits. The siblings knew they still have their obligations to finish the task but now, they would want to do this as best they can to provide the thestral with some relief when he awakens. Filigree has already done enough harm direct or otherwise. They were as much her victims as the miners, their families, and her associates. 

"If it's alright with Jasmine and Meadow here for me to start moving about and getting my strength back to my foreleg, I'd like to go and see Rosa. Today is the deadline of the delivery and I can get the job done fast."

"Bring Omen with you, sister. You'll probably run out of energy before you can make a round trip."

Lin nodded and looked to Omen and, by extension, to Shrimp. "Want to come along? I could show you to the drop-off point. That will make the return trips there faster. And Yazma, could you let Shrimp out of the cage? I don't think he likes being confined."

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

Something about Nerzhei's response to Lyriel, and talking about their agreement to boost her confidence, just rubbed the pegasus the wrong way. Although she may give it a pass because a lot of dragons she's met or come into contact with have some abrasiveness to their personality and way of speaking, this one didn't sit right with the pegasus. She's seen just what Nerzhei is like and to suddenly pull a different, somewhat more forceful tone... it wasn't right. 

"Nerzhei, I don't know what went on between you two before we met but that wasn't a nice way to talk to Lyriel." The pegasus spoke up, surprisingly with an air of authority in her voice. She walked up to the dragon, eyeing her confidently, in an attempt to convey how she wasn't comfortable with how the dragon was speaking. It wasn't even about their arrangements about future talks or how Nerzhei may waltz up her front door one day with the possibility of scaring away the animals living with her. Just this one moment, she wouldn't stand for the way she cut off the dryad. 

"You have your worries, and that headache, but that doesn't make it okay to interrupt her like that. I'm asking you to be mindful of how you speak. It might rub off the wrong way to some, or your tone can be misunderstood."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,639]

@Moonlit @Blitz Boom 

Nada seemed like she wasn't sure if she fully believed what she had promised, sure she trusted princess's word, but she didn't trust the common pony, and there was no reason to believe that common unicorn couldn't do something bad. "I take your word for it thy majesty, but what about the fear of mind-control?" "We are known for our magical songs, so would there be a way to prove my incapability to use mind-control magic." she didn't really know there to be any way to do that, but she knew that like everything else, magic changes with time, so it was possible there was spell or something for that now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

@Blitz Boom

Ruby gave a quick grin at Marley's choice of words to describe her, she didn't have any specific reason for it, she just happened to like the choice.

"I'm not that familiar with enchantments, so no, I haven't thought about that." She admitted "I was thinking of finding a way to remove the magic that causes the connection, but that would require one to know the exact type of magic it is." "So your suggestion is something to ponder, but there's one question I would ask, how well does magic detecting detect enchantments like that, since as you probably can understand, that could cause problems of its own."

[Blitz Boom 4,652]

@~Phoenix~ @Widdershins

"-And that's the last of you."

The skull around Sorrow's neck flashed up in a pale light briefly, as the final spirit returned to Legion's embrace. Well, almost all of them.

During their hunt for these spirits - as well as the elusive parts of Widdershins - the one who had instigated the *riot* so to speak, had managed to let go of his grudges, in a moment of lucidity, and had moved on. A for Sorrow beautiful sight, as a gate to the next would would open up in the sky as he floated through it, tears in his eyes, though for the others would just look like a fading light going up and vanishing. It was never as impressive if you couldn't see the spirit world really.

"I was starting to think this would never end."

Smokey stumbled back and sat down on one of the luxurious couches that were here and there in the halls. As they had retrieved the last spirit from the light fixture, this had been the nearest seating left in the mansion, and luckily also one who hadn't gotten turned around.

Be it from the spirits, Widdershins parts, or that other draconequus that had run out a window some time ago, the mansion was a mess. Barely anything was destroyed by some kind of miracle, but the cleaning job were going to be a nightmare. He'd have to call in the cleaning crew as soon as he could and make sure that they got a sizable bonus for straightening this out.

As for Widdershins, he hadn't a clue what happened there. Rose had gathered the parts up and when the last were added, he just seemed to melt together and vanish. Smokey were not much for admitting it, but he frankly liked that this were the case, as there had been enough chaos for the time being for him, and seeing how Rose had stormed off to her room, it likely had been plenty for her too.

"So with this sorted, we just need this place to look decent again. I'll get hold of Sparkly and Powder. Tell them to gather their team for a special case. You kids try to get some rest, and be out of here in around... Fifteen minutes or so. It might take a while."

Grim gave a tired smile towards the others, and a hug to Sorrow, before getting on his way again. He had a lot of work ahead of him, and then he were going home to take a long nap. This had been a testing day, what with the spirits, draconequui, and doors smashed in his face.

This left Phoenix, Sorrow, and Smokey left, with the first of those having wandered a little away from them and were whispering to her necklace, seemingly trying to make sure they were calmed down. Smokey in the meantime, were sitting down, and scooting over in case Phoenix wished to have a seat too after the last two hours of work they had gone through.

"It's good to finally have that over with. Quite the experience to say the least, huh?"

[Rising Dusk 27,985]

@Blitz Boom

Even though he couldn't say Null looked the most pleased with his request to extend the case and make it long term, her quick resignation was surprising to say the least.  Ponyville huh?  Home of Princess Twilight and the other bearers of Harmony.  Not a place he's gotten to visit yet.  It makes sense though that the troubled sisters of Troy would find a home there.  Yes this task would take longer, but it would be the safest and most efficient way to remove their burden.  With the letter from Princess Celestia, it wouldn't be very hard to schedule monthly departures to Ponyville from the Captain.

Rising Dusk's ears shot up when Void shouted, but it wasn't at him, luckily.  However, the wrath of the other sisters sure was and he didn't even say a word!  He sure took flak for the blame though even if Null didn't know what Void was referring to.  The detective though didn't react.  Choice words would be given and he'd be ready for them.  Hopefully they'd be much different than her tone now after Void was done talking with her in private.  Granted she'd probably think it some sort of trap.  A good chance for Void to finally step up there and put her hoof down, as a pony that seems to be having a more enjoyable experience in Equestria.

Following the pair upstairs, he bit them farewell with a smile, "I'll be in touch.  Please have a safe trip home."  Standing in the lobby he watched as the sisters disappeared down the street.  He wondered if they'd work on getting Null her wing or return to Ponyville to discuss it further.  A worry for another time.  His eyes glanced at sky from inside the warded building.  One problem at a time.  Wandering back through the lobby and to his desk to sit upon his chair.  The work he needed to do was a bit different than the artifacts he had just dispelled with the sisters.  Active spells were much different than magic that had been embedded on an object.  Easier in a perspective, but often more dangerous.  He opened a draw on the left side of the desk and removed a bright red piece of paper to place upon his desk top. 

Starting to fold the paper into different shapes when a red pegasus with a silver mane came soaring up to his desk with a panicked expression.  "Sir!  One of the security wards has triggered!" she exclaimed while fluttering behind him.  Quickly she noticed what Rising Dusk was doing at his desk.  "Oh, scry spell?" she inquired.  The detective had finished folding the red piece of paper into the shape of a bunny.  "Scry spell," he confirmed while getting up from his desk with the origami bunny in his mouth.  Returning to the lobby through the swinging doors, Bash had turned a page of his paper without looking up.  "Scry spell?" his gruff voice came from behind the newspaper.  "Scry spell," came Dusk's response as he walked through the O.M.I's front doors.

Tossing the paper bunny out onto the side walk.  He looked up into the sky.  Without a focus, the scry spell was an eternal mass that floated in the air above the O.M.I.  Difficult to do anything about until it became... solid was the best term he could think of.  Looking directly at the thin spell work in the sky, it wouldn't be hard for the pony on the other end to know he was looking right back at them.  If only for the briefest moment as the purpose of the bunny was soon revealed.  The paper had been soaked in a potent elixir that turned it into a tasty beacon for the scry spell to latch onto regardless of the original target after a short delay.  This way, it forced the spell to focus a target and become solid for the detective.  Sadly the only thing the pony on the other end would be looking at would be this adorable origami bunny no matter how hard they tried to move it.  It only last a few minutes, but always made for a good distraction.  Scry spells, this brought back memories of a rather nasty stalker case a year ago that was unhealthy for both victim and prey.

With the spell now easy for Rising Dusk to see, he took a moment to memorize its signature.  Familiar to him, and but different in subtle ways.  Like how a student picks up mannerisms or hoof writing from their teachers after extended periods of them with them.  With that done, it was time to get rid of it.  While he could dispel it in a similar fashion to how he did with the artifacts in the basement, there were other more efficient ways to do it.  Don't always need to kick in a locked door when one can pick the lock.  Scry spells all had one thing in common, they required a great degree of concentration to maintain.  Just the slightest slip up and the whole thing comes crumbling down.  Then they have to go gather up all those ingredients for the spell all over again.  His magic ignited with an orange glow and a single wisp did a lap around his horn before flying up to the weave hovering in the sky.  Dusk's preferred way to dealing with a scry spell?  The wisp clipped the lower right corner of the spell that sent a subtle backlash through the remote viewing magic.  Well, subtle in that the pony on the other end will be feeling the strong sensation of being poked in the eye.  Generally an effective way to break a pony's concentration.

Edited January 11, 2019 by Rising Dusk

[Widdershins 9,960]

@Dji

 Shoving impatiently up at her through his neck, Kaltrop made motion of his discontent.

  "Well I don't care what you think! This how you treat everyone you come across? Assault?!

 I'm not some dull cattle to cart you around: why can't you just haul yourself off me? What's wrong with you?"