open Casual stroll

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@Rising Dusk

The mares looked on in amazement, as they glanced upon this honestly fantasy land that they were now standing in. The feeling of the place was one thing, but the visual, the sound... Even Chirpy squawked in surprise, and flapped his wings a little. To her credit though, Caramel had done as she told, and patched him up. You couldn't see any holes in him like before, making him pass as living much easier. Though compared to the local crows, he'd be gigantic, so he'd catch some eyes regardless. As would the two mares in their weird, extremely dated outfits.

But that were worries they simply did not have. They were just aghast in what they saw, with Will-O being a bit slack jawed. Though as Chirpy spread his wings and took a fly, she'd get back to her senses and try to grasp out for him. To no avail of course, though he'd be back soon. He just wanted an actual bird's eye view of this peculiar town, and would return after going in a small circle up above them a few times. It'd only be a few minutes.

"C-Chirpy! That's-"

"Oh, let the poor thing live a little. He's just taken aghast with what he is seeing. And how couldn't he? Just look at this place. Like taken out of a fairy tale. So bright and colorful. Brimming with life and opportunities, the liked we've never seen."

"I... Yes, it's very pretty. Almost looks unreal."

"And that's just from a distance! I cannot wait to see it all up close."

On 2024-01-15 at 12:59 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"It was a pleasure to meet you both," Grace bowed.  "Ho ho ho.  Farewell for now!" the jovial father chuckled.  Then the three were simply gone, leaving the pair with Rising on the hill. 

"It were an utter delight to meet you both. I hope to see you again some other time."

"M-Me too. May you- No, that isn't... H-Have a good day."

Will-O almost gave a Harrowish farewell, but that didn't sound like it fit this bright, colorful land she were now in. So she just went for something a little more generic, as they waved goodbye to Rising's family.

Not more than a few seconds had passed before they were out of sight though, before Caramel would take a deep breath, and look towards the city, as Chirpy would head down from the skies, cawing a goodbye to the other ponies.

"Now then, let's go explore the market. They take gold here, yes?"

"Shouldn't we wait?"

"Oh probably, but looking over all that in front of us. Certainly we can get a little closer, and have a peek at what this place offers. I'll just carry these around with me."

She indicated the boxes she had with her, as well as the saddlebags, as she took a few steps towards town. Though she'd listen, if Rising asked her for patience. She supposed she'd listen to his words... For now. But the allure of the market would get her to go there before days end.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-01-15 at 5:17 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I don’t know if Mother could say she is proud of me. If I had cared so much about finding Sen, I wouldn’t look like this or go to the lengths I did for some selfish goal. For too long, I was focused on finding some way to get my revenge on the village, even if I had to turn to dark magic to do it. Look how that turned out… Maybe you don’t see me that way, but I’m not a shining example of a good sister.” 

"Mother says, that family is the most important thing. We can disagree. We can fight. But in the end, we will be there for one another. It is the same now. We did not stop, when we were told we would need to go in here, just like I know you would not.

Master Discord used to tell me, that no one is perfect. We are all flawed, and when we accept that, we can be our best selves. Then he made the bunnies fly. I do not think you need to do that, but I think what he said was good."

She considered it good advice at least, because he were right, yes? Everyone were flawed. Some more than others, like her, but everyone had faults, and it were important to accept that, to get better. His idea of better were different from what others thought, but still, it were a good thought, and she used that when she tried to learn, and get better. Maybe someday, reaching the point where she were good enough, to pass off as an actual pony. That would be an interesting time.

"It sounds like your mother cared a lot for you, if she did not want them to take you. The elder who took your father... Salosan, is a bad creature, for making her say that to you."

On 2024-01-15 at 5:17 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Uncaring monster! You will not touch my family! I will make you regret this!”

Without hesitation, Sen pounced forward intending to claw and wound Elder Zhao with all of his might. He took several wide swipes, though, in his rage, his form made him sloppy and predictable. However, the entity was certain that no one would try direct retaliation, not when they found themselves in a situation where they would hurt a child. Sen was a wounded animal now, and to him, he had little to lose. It was all that was needed to fight, sending him into a berserker rage. However, that was enough to snap “Lin” out of her funk. Regardless of what she felt, seeing and hearing her brother like this was wrong, and she had to do something. 

"Lin" quickly took up her position next to Elder Zhao, ready to help. This wasn’t what she wanted, but if fighting her brother now was necessary, they had little choice but to do so, especially if they wanted to get the weed off Sen without hurting him too much.

“Elder! Omen! Let’s try to tire out my brother. How do you want to do this?”

Elder Zhao avoided the hits with ease. He were attacking like an wild beast. Untrained, unfocused, and relying more on the might of his swings, than precision. Elder Lui Ta would have laughed in his face at this display. She however, would merely remain silent, judging him with narrowing eyes as the slashes went around her, until she finally just let go of him. It appeared that talking would not bring him to his senses, and his sister saw that well enough too. No, this were time for another kind of lesson.

"You would do best in standing there, and watch what a fight in the mindscape is like.

Come and be taught, boy."

She would stand ready, and as he'd try to hit her again, she would not simply avoid it, but would move speedily to the side, then pounce forward, flat paw smashing into his chest. The force would cause an ox to slide back a meter, and feel their breath taken away. He should feel it too. Yet this, were but a warning shot. He would end up feeling a lot worse when she were done with him.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Evil Pink One

The hallucinations wouldn't answer at first, but as the infection spread, he'd be able to swear they were laughing, then eventually, whispering voices came out, saying that they were after Shark. That they wanted to hurt her. To make her scream. Every body they were touching, would be theirs, and all they would make these little puppets do, were to make her scream.

The worse the infection got, the more they would seem to blend in with others, their faces overlapping the regular beings in here, who looked around as if nothing were happening. But would that last? How long before one of them would move forward, and try to hurt Shark?

Though as his delusions would get closer, even she would begin having another face in front of hers, ever so faintly. Who knew how bad it would get, if the infection would be allowed to spread further? Perhaps the whispers, getting ever so more faintly familiar to him, begin to overrule the words of her, as she booped against him with the top of her head.

"Shark want mate okay. No hurt. No hurt! Friends help. Help mate."

She'd start to panic, as her voice raised, calling out for anyone really, to come and help him with whatever were happening. Which she just hadn't a clue about what were.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Meanwhile outside, Stargazer would fly into view, and down towards the peculiar, metal guard. It seemed like Sheez had left now, but... Where to? What had she done, and what would she do?

"*clears throat* My apologies about before. It was a stressed situation, and I haven't had much sleep recently.

Could I ask of a status update please? And are things safe now? Have she moved on from Ponyville?"

Further away from them, in the direction Sheez and the dragons had went, if they were moving out of town, they would eventually see a dragoness. Around human sized, walked on two legs, and had a slim build, as one of those mythical primates likely once had in general, if the fairy tales were to be believed. Her scaled were yellow with purple dots, and though her scales were covered a fair bit by the adventurer's garment she were wearing, the robe did not cover that a line of small spikes from the neck up - and likely going further down - would reach the back of her head, and then split into multiples, giving the impression of short, slicked back hair.

She'd be sitting on a stone, with a large satchel on her knees, that were open to show various books, crystals, and smaller crystals, kept in locked, clear boxes. There'd also be a fist-sized pouch, filled by the looks of things, a bulbous vial of something dark-pink, and a sleeping, pink-furred bunny.

The dragoness wore a sling going over her shoulder, likely meant as an arm rest, and were currently sitting with a bottle of something that looked like liquid moss, that she were rubbing on her right arm, from shoulders to hand. What of the arm were not covered, were seen to be larger than the others, indicating that the underlying flesh were swollen. Potentially some kind of infection, or impact damage. Either way, the gnashing teeth, did not indicate that touching it were great.

Seeing them, she'd look at them, and nod, whilst keeping to applying this to her arm.

"Huh. Can't say I've seen one like you before. Well met."

She'd raise her swollen hand slightly in greeting, then wince as she felt he ramifications of such an act.

Her voice were slightly raspy and neutral, while her expression showed she weren't in the best of moods, but tried not to let it affect her actions.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom

Light would quickly look for Shark. But knowing this illusions... Whatever his senses gives... May be inaccurate.

He is trapped at not making an action as he might make a mistake. He can only stare at things and adjust to either move away or evade.

Eventually if he finds Shark he'd pounce at her and guard her by pinning her down and above her, covering her.

"Shark you're Shark right?" Hed visually, touch and smell if it was really Shark he just pounced and protecting.

Hed touch her and determine her height if its right and her softness and bumps. Her smell that is unique and quite familiar. And her actions and movements that define Shark.

" I'm okay ... As long as you're okay." 

He would frantically guard her and announce to everyone not to get near.

" what is Anomaly up to!?"

Edited January 17 by Evil Pink One

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-01-17 at 8:03 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Mother says, that family is the most important thing. We can disagree. We can fight. But in the end, we will be there for one another. It is the same now. We did not stop, when we were told we would need to go in here, just like I know you would not.

Master Discord used to tell me, that no one is perfect. We are all flawed, and when we accept that, we can be our best selves. Then he made the bunnies fly. I do not think you need to do that, but I think what he said was good."

She considered it good advice at least, because he were right, yes? Everyone were flawed. Some more than others, like her, but everyone had faults, and it were important to accept that, to get better. His idea of better were different from what others thought, but still, it were a good thought, and she used that when she tried to learn, and get better. Maybe someday, reaching the point where she were good enough, to pass off as an actual pony. That would be an interesting time.

"It sounds like your mother cared a lot for you, if she did not want them to take you. The elder who took your father... Salosan, is a bad creature, for making her say that to you."

“Accept that we are flawed? I used to think Sen was the best brother in the world, that he knew best… And now that I’m seeing him like this, maybe I’ve had it wrong. He didn’t have the answers to everything, and he could get things wrong. Smaller things I could understand, but for something as big as this, I don’t know if I could accept or forgive it.” 

“Sen’s been keeping this all to himself, the truth. But maybe now it has to come out for all of us to accept it for how it happened. Maybe that’s what I, no — what we — need. As much as I don’t like it, we all have to see the truth. I thought we put this matter behind us when we defeated Legion; he could no longer hide behind Solasan’s face. Maybe we are wrong, and there is more to work out.”

Lin wasn’t happy that she conceded to Omen’s point, but what she and, by extension, Discord said was true. She and her brother are flawed; it’s something she has accepted for herself, but it’s a point about her brother that she couldn’t reconcile, not yet. Regardless, this may be what they need to truly begin to heal and move on from this terrible memory, and while this whole mess started from a different reason, this was a matter they needed to come to terms with, lest it put another strain on their relationship. 

However, the matter would need to be set aside for the moment, as a much more pressing concern needed their attention. Sen was losing himself to the influence of the entity, and his control was slipping little by little. As much as Lin wanted to help, she’d stand by and watch, waiting for an opening of some kind to step in and help. Elder Zhao sounded like she wasn’t going to hold back, but Lin quietly hoped her brother wouldn’t be too badly beaten.

On 2024-01-17 at 8:03 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You would do best in standing there, and watch what a fight in the mindscape is like.

Come and be taught, boy."

She would stand ready, and as he'd try to hit her again, she would not simply avoid it, but would move speedily to the side, then pounce forward, flat paw smashing into his chest. The force would cause an ox to slide back a meter, and feel their breath taken away. He should feel it too. Yet this, were but a warning shot. He would end up feeling a lot worse when she were done with him.

Sen, or rather the entity that has taken over him, sensed the immediate threat to this kitsune elder, and one misplaced strike sent him careening backward to the crystal. However, this did not deter the young longma, not one bit. A setback was a learning opportunity, and this adversary was not one to underestimate. To the longma, he saw an experienced hunter, the kind that he hoped to be but would rather not emulate now. The pain radiating through his body from the impact left him winded, but the entity would not be satisfied there.

The thorns now gripped tighter, and a crimson light radiated through the longma’s body, pulsing with energy and invigorating him. Now he’d let out an animalistic sneer, staring down Elder Zhao and leap forward, striking forward with controlled swings before backing away to recoup. A smarter approach was required for this encounter, and he’d continue to stare down the elder in case she tried to make a move. He'd dodge the next strikes Elder Zhao would throw and take his approach slower.

However, there were some moments when he’d eye “Lin” instead, watching her as if preparing to make a move on her instead. Likewise, “Lin” noticed this and prepared, expecting that even she was now a target. Now and again, Sen’s eyes darted between her and Elder Zhao, though a slight glance would go in Omen’s direction. He was eyeing all three, looking to take someone down.

“I don’t know what the entity has in mind, but it’s got my brother watching all of us. Omen, I think you should get ready as well. Whatever’s got hold of Sen just marked you as its target.” 

It was a long shot, but if they were to get the thorns off her brother, it might be able to get him back to his senses. They needed to restore the memory the right way, and Sen’s recollection of the event was necessary. It seemed the entity knew this and would use the young longma to stall, maybe possibly change what he knew to stop everyone from achieving what they set out to do. 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@EQ_Theta

23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Accept that we are flawed? I used to think Sen was the best brother in the world, that he knew best… And now that I’m seeing him like this, maybe I’ve had it wrong. He didn’t have the answers to everything, and he could get things wrong. Smaller things I could understand, but for something as big as this, I don’t know if I could accept or forgive it.” 

“Sen’s been keeping this all to himself, the truth. But maybe now it has to come out for all of us to accept it for how it happened. Maybe that’s what I, no — what we — need. As much as I don’t like it, we all have to see the truth. I thought we put this matter behind us when we defeated Legion; he could no longer hide behind Solasan’s face. Maybe we are wrong, and there is more to work out.”

"I were told to tell the truth. Sometimes, I think others do not like hearing that. Maybe this is the same? Sen did not want you to know the truth, because he did not think you would like it?"

It were well within the range of possibility, that he had wanted to shelter Lin from more pain, by changing the truth some, as well as cover over for his own guilt. A lie to make things better for them, after what had happened. Or at least that may well have been the intention.

Omen however, did not comprehend emotions to that extend. She were grasping some variation of how others acted, when there were something they did not like, but the deeper reasons of how and why, were a bit more up in the air, one might say. But the words from Lin made it easier for her to tell that this were not a truth that she liked. Hence logically speaking, there might be a reason why Sen had withhold it.

It seemed to affect him, so maybe the lie had been a better thing? She were not sure. This whole thing seemed complicated, but at least it sounded like Lin were willing to accept things, and move past it. That was a good thing, yes?

On 2024-01-18 at 2:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I don’t know what the entity has in mind, but it’s got my brother watching all of us. Omen, I think you should get ready as well. Whatever’s got hold of Sen just marked you as its target.” 

It was a long shot, but if they were to get the thorns off her brother, it might be able to get him back to his senses. They needed to restore the memory the right way, and Sen’s recollection of the event was necessary. It seemed the entity knew this and would use the young longma to stall, maybe possibly change what he knew to stop everyone from achieving what they set out to do. 

The elder would take a few more swings as she had before, watching as he were starting to dodge those, just as he made more controlled swings of his own. So it were not full berserker stance. Fascinating, though it wouldn't help him, she'd dodge his strikes all the same. Empowered or not, he were not at her level of practiced in this matter, and were still clearly bound by certain limitations, and lack of experience. It would be foolish to be careless though. The entity were adding some of its own to things, which were an unknown quantity in this. Perhaps she should broaden her lesson plan, before he lounged at his family? The glances at least showed that she were not the only object of his interest.

"Is that all you got? You are boring me, boy. Strike like you mean it."

She'd lounge forward again, for another palm strike. A predictable hit, as it should be. She wanted him to avoid, and strike at her, and this time, she wouldn't move. Instead she'd let the hit impact her.  Likely done with notable force too. Perhaps aiming at slicing her in half? By all means, let him try. Because he would not hit something solid. It would be as if his claws sliced the very paint she seemed to be made of, as if he had tried to strike with a paint brush. Where his claws would impact, her *paint* would begin to latch on, and slide over the thorns, beginning a fight with it over Sen, while her regular form contracted to how she had looked before.

This were the problem when you were inexperienced. The mind were a delicate machine, and to make tasks easier for it, there were certain things it would automatically tend to do. Such as consider yourself a stable, solid form, with the limitations of your normal self. It were what it knew, and it worked better to visualize one self like that. Mastery over the mind, meant that in a place such as this, you could surpass your own limitations, and mold your form as you saw fit. It were one reason why she did not look herself fully, but more a 3D painting of herself. It were a part of her mastery of the mind, and thus the self in this place.

Some had initiate ability to do so though, despite her having spend many years reaching that point. Certain highly creative beings had far more broad and fantastical minds, so being unlike yourself, came easier for them. Though mastering it still did tend to take some time.

"You will nor like what I am going to do to you, but this is for your own good."

If he had lounged for Lin instead of going for her though, Omen would have jumped int he way, to take the strike. And if he went for her, she'd just bounce as normal, and take it. She weren't able to do much more than bounce right now. Well, there would be one thing, if she were hit, in that she'd be stuck to him, and if he started to try and shake her too hard, or stomp/cut/untie her in some fashion, she'd loosen up, and become a hazard that might entangle him, as part of her would still hold on.

She wasn't a master of the mind though. She were just weird.

Who knew though? He might do something unexpected instead, throwing them all off guard.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Evil Pink One

Shark would get in closer, nuzzling him more as he were seemingly confused about if she were her. Bad things were happening to him now. Very bad. She didn't have any idea what, but it wasn't good. Had special one done this to him? Why? What reason did she have to do that, and if it had broken him, then how would she fix him?

"Shark here. Shark no leave mate. Stay, make good."

She start to let out a worried, low whine though. He were wrong somehow. He were being rude towards those who came near, trying to help, and seemingly didn't know if she were her. What were this? What had happened? She would ask special one, but she were not here. The little one she thought might be her, were probably dealt with by Chega by now, after it would attempt to infect them too, but then who were there to ask?

Well, one did enter, but he probably wouldn't know the answer. It was just a guard, looking around worried, seemingly checking for something, or someone.

Light's illusions would start getting worse, putting faces of those he knew and feared/hated on the shadows haunting the place. Even the one on Shark, who'd end up playing off his trust, and make her seem as someone he couldn't ever put his trust into, from his past. It were not real per se, but if his mind worked like others, it would begin to get worse than that, with him imagining soon enough that various ones would begin to move forward, even if they hadn't moved at all. If his mind were as unusual as he were though, perhaps it would make this better, or eventually neutralize the poison entirely, while it were roaming through his blood vessels.

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-01-20 at 4:09 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I were told to tell the truth. Sometimes, I think others do not like hearing that. Maybe this is the same? Sen did not want you to know the truth, because he did not think you would like it?"

“I don’t know the truth of it, but he will have to come clean once this is over. There is no doubt he can’t hide this matter. We will find out why he did it, and there will be no more doubts.”

In a way, “Lin” didn’t like the idea of withholding the truth, but it was something only Sen knew, and something made him prefer to hide the truth. She was already in a bad situation when she found out what happened, but she didn’t know the whole story. A convenient lie to mask something more… but what could Sen have hoped to achieve by lying about it? Perhaps it wasn’t accepting the truth that was the problem, but whether there was enough trust to accept things as they happened. The idea wasn’t an appealing one, but there was precedent in his actions that made it seem that way. 

His overprotectiveness, a destructive willingness to throw himself into danger for someone else’s sake, and his excessive need to make sacrifices… it all started to make sense. Combined with his perceived guilt, one would begin to see what drives Sen. “Lin” started to piece together the information, but all of it would make sense if she could just see what truly happened that fateful night. They had to get Sen back from the entity’s control.

On 2024-01-20 at 4:09 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Is that all you got? You are boring me, boy. Strike like you mean it."

She'd lounge forward again, for another palm strike. A predictable hit, as it should be. She wanted him to avoid, and strike at her, and this time, she wouldn't move. Instead she'd let the hit impact her.  Likely done with notable force too. Perhaps aiming at slicing her in half? By all means, let him try. Because he would not hit something solid. It would be as if his claws sliced the very paint she seemed to be made of, as if he had tried to strike with a paint brush. Where his claws would impact, her *paint* would begin to latch on, and slide over the thorns, beginning a fight with it over Sen, while her regular form contracted to how she had looked before.

At the moment, Sen continued an aggressive string of attacks, taking swings when he could and dodging those that came his way from Elder Zhao. The taunting got him to take careless maneuvers, striking hard to slice this kitsune into ribbons, though he ended up having no success, instead giving the Elder an advantage. The entity was still bound by the limitations it set by taking over the body of a younger, inexperienced Sen. Unfortunately, that meant lower stamina and less endurance, leaving him unable to fight back and focused on self-preservation. 

This led to something rather unexpected; while the entity, through Sen, continued to fight over control, the weed latched on to the longma was more restless, launching spiked vines out of itself and wildly around. Though seemingly uncontrolled, it was mostly directing them toward Omen and “Lin,” likely aiming to injure them or worse. Simultaneously, what control the entity had over Sen made him begin madly charging toward the two of them. Alas, pushing the young longma to his limits burnt him out, leaving him unconscious, as he collapsed near the edge of the floating island, just short of an endless fall.

However, it wouldn’t be the end of the battle. The weed continued its struggle against Elder Zhao’s attempts to remove it, but the entity wasn’t going to give in. Aside from the thorns launching all over it, the vines fought back to tear away the kitsune, while four more larger tendrils erupted outward. These would then continue moving the unconscious Sen through spider-like motions, while more vines took swings at “Lin” and Omen, all in its task to fight back with everything it could use.

“What the — That weed has to go!” “Lin” dodged another few thrusts from a barrage of tendrils, though one managed to gash her left foreleg and leave a large, open wound. She’d let out a loud yelp, but otherwise powered through the pain, but the opening on her hide was ripe for the piece of weed on her to begin growing immediately.

“No, no, no… This is not good! We’re going to have to act fast before this weed takes me. I have an idea, but I don’t know if it will work. Elder, I’ll lend what help I can and try to slice off those tendrils. Omen, can you see if you could tie down Sen and the weed once the larger tendrils are cut? That might just be enough to weaken the weed so we can all remove it from my brother.”

There was no guarantee that the plan would work, but “Lin” threw herself into the fight. She recalled Elder Zhao’s words and used the nature of the mindscape to manifest larger spectral claws and dark, smoke-like mist to conceal her movements, taking out several smaller vines gripping her brother. It even got her close enough to slice off two of the four large tendrils upon detaching those claws like thrown knives. She'd keep at it while Elder Zhao could wrest the weed's control over Sen's body. Likewise, taking as much control away from the entity and the weed could do wonders for the group and give them an advantage. As long as everyone kept the pressure on, the entity couldn’t keep its grip on Sen for long, and they’d be able to tear the weed away from Sen in short order. They were close to ending this battle. 

Edited January 21 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,580]

@Blitz Boom@Evil Pink One
Sear and Chega, who were at one of the tables, stayed back as things went on, and when the spider thing suddenly launched towards them, it was met by Sear's axe, which regardless of looking like a blunt stone axe, was surprisingly sharp, and Sear didn't hold back any strength, as the axe ultimately ended up lodged in the table, from which she easily pulled it off, while Chega gestured the staff to put the damage on her tab. Neither of them approached Light, as while they could see something was happening, and Shark's pleading was hard to listen to, this was far beyond their skills or knowledge, and they were wary of there being more of those things around. 

At some point during all of it happening, Sheska would make her way down the stairs and stop mid step, scanning the situation with her eyes, before muttering under her breath something. She quickly but calmly walked to grab whatever was the closest, non-glass container, and went to scoop up the remains of whatever Sear had killed on the table into said container. "Nothing that can be done here, get him to the hospital and give them this so that they can figure out what this thing is." it didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened, there was Light, clearly going through something, and a dead creature on a table, with Sear and Chega in defensive stance.

She had seen chemicals that caused hallucinations, even taken care of kobolds affected by them, so she could see from body language and such that Light was probably going through something, however, with lack of any equipment and medicine, and with her being tired from not only everything that had already happened, but having to deal with her brother going through a mental breakdown, the only thing she could have done realistically, would have been to isolate the bite location by stopping the blood flow, however, with it seemingly having reached the brain already, it was bit too late for that. 

So when the guard came in, before he, or anyone else could really do or say anything, Sheska pointed at him and shouted "The pony needs to be moved to the hospital, he was bitten by whatever is dead in there..." she gestured at the container "...and as you can probably see yourself, he's not doing good." "And if that metal guard is still outside, he could also make himself useful for once by helping with that." she didn't really leave any space for arguments "I have my hands full already." she would ask any nearby staff for jug of water, but if there was no staff, or if due to the ongoing situation they didn't give her one, she would get one for herself, even if it meant going to the staff-only areas. 

Probably for the first time, stress was visible on Sheska, both visually and in her voice, and if it wasn't for the fact that she had Trox to worry about, she would have probably just stopped and screamed to get it out. 

--

"No need to apologize, I've been threatened with worse for less." Solar responded "And honestly, I would have done it to myself if I had failed and survived." "The situation is under control now, I don't know if she has moved on or not, but she won't make it here alive if she hasn't." "What comes to paperwork, you are only required to report up to the point of my arrival, after that point, is my responsibility." "Which reminds me." he took out a paper, an official document explaining who he was, and gave it to Stargazer, before verbally stating the same, be it in less official language "Solar Silver, the commander of an unit that combats threats beyond this world's technological and magical understanding." "And currently the only member."   

"It is safe to proceed with normal operations." 
--

The trio wasn't exactly a force for joy, as the dragoness's greeting went unanswered by two of them, the metallic kobold, who looked like she wanted to kill someone, which she probably did, seemingly not even acknowledging her existence, though she did seem to realize something, as while she moved, she touched her body and the metal started to turn orange, until few moments later, the kobold seemingly made of metal, now looked like just a regular kobold, be it with four arms and a blade stuck to her tail. 

Meanwhile the fully covered dragon, just turned her head slightly to glance at the stranger, and after not seeing a threat, returned her focus on the kobold.

However, the male dragon was bit friendlier, as he gestured at the two others "Go ahead, I'll catch up."  before smiling at the stranger "Well met, I apologize for my companions, they have had a bad day." "I see you have been injured, could I inquire about the type of injury? I know some healing magic and may be able to help." he spoke in polite manner, in fact, the way he spoke probably reminded some of a priest or other such figure.

-------------------------------
Usually Ruby liked being able to say 'I told you so' but in this case, she had really hoped she would have been wrong, but, once again her instincts had been right, she had felt from the start that this would go wrong, and look what had happened. It wasn't that she was scared, nothing scared her, after all, what was the worst that could happen? death? she had never been afraid of death, however, that didn't mean she necessarily liked getting into these situations, just because you aren't afraid of something, doesn't mean you seek it out.

From everything that happened around her, the sound of moving stone was the thing she focused on, sure magical symbols and stuff was ominous and all, but after seeing someone rise from the death, it wasn't really that surprising, especially since she had faint idea of undeath, having read a bit about a rumor of one such dragon, and while the writings were quite worthless, the strong magic of such a creature was mentioned. But the sound of stone? you didn't need to be as smart as her to understand what it meant.

Luckily the bone-door wasn't any harder to pass as it had been before, so she found herself from the room she had named in her head as the 'skeleton transport room' , though now it was bringing in skeletons instead of sucking them away, with metal weapons, which actually made things bit easier for her, as she now knew their location without needing to see them. So it was a choice time, and she needed to make it fast, not that quick thinking had ever been a weakness for her, it was what had kept her alive all this time.

She could stop and fight, the room had just about enough room for her to be in her real form, but it would be very inconvenient, and she'd be stuck there until she would transform back to a pony, which considering the fact that the enemy was already dead, could be never. Then there was the most obvious choice, the exit, however, she could hear skeletons from that direction too, and since she could tell that Charir was still inside, it would also mean she'd be blocking his and Leviathan's way out by bringing those following her there; that of course assuming one of the moving stones didn't block the entrance already.

And then there was the mystery route, which would take her away from freedom even more, and could have something lot worse, which normally she wouldn't even consider, but now there was that new weird worry about the other two, and it told her to try and pull the skeletons away from them, and, there was a small thought that maybe there would be a bigger room that allowed her to at least fight properly.  There was also the fact that she found it unlikely that the exit would be just open, the temple clearly changed, so why would they leave the most obvious escape route open?

And so, after a whole second of thinking about it, she took the mystery route, if this was how she was going to die, so be it, she had expected death to get its due eventually, and what more fitting, than in the hooves of a literal skeleton, after her own mistakes she knew in advance to be mistakes. Not that she was giving up, if she would go down, she would go down smiling and swinging.  

--
The roar was what activated Charir's fight or flight, he still didn't see the skeletons as a true danger, as they were just that, skeletons, and even with weapons, that to him looked like they were just regular metal weapons, they weren't that threatening, considering regular metal didn't go through his scales. However, seeing them get up after Leviathan's lightning, and from his own potential attacks, as he cut at the legs of any that came too close, he realized that dangerous or not, they would outlast them, since even the greatest stamina didn't last forever, but these skeletons apparently did.  Though in more tactical move, if any did come close enough for him to strike at them, he'd cut the weapon instead, just to shorten their reach, certainly the weapons didn't heal too?

He didn't much convincing to leave, and would follow Leviathan, he had no need to fight for sake of fighting, and seeing Leviathan's magic's lack of effect was enough proof for him that he couldn't do anything either. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

Light's hallucinations worsen and began to see what he fears, himself.

Hed see multiple clones of himself wanting him dead as he abandoned his duty.

" eliminate everything the traitor tampered. Anomaly detected."

" anomaly detected"

" anomaly"

" anomaly" 

"Detected."

" anomaly"

" die."

" You will do no such thing while i still stand!"

Light began to attack the hallucinations with haste and vigor. 

Vigilant and careful in his every move he swiftly weave to his opponents while knocking them down. He would activate his ability on Becoming Light so that he can quickly move at an incredible speed. And when landing a blow he'd switch his Lightness into heavy, increasing damage. 

( don't know who'd he hit but im sure there's gonna be more tables and furnishings thats gonna break. Sorry bartender.)

Edited January 21 by Evil Pink One

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-01-21 at 2:19 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“What the — That weed has to go!” “Lin” dodged another few thrusts from a barrage of tendrils, though one managed to gash her left foreleg and leave a large, open wound. She’d let out a loud yelp, but otherwise powered through the pain, but the opening on her hide was ripe for the piece of weed on her to begin growing immediately.

“No, no, no… This is not good! We’re going to have to act fast before this weed takes me. I have an idea, but I don’t know if it will work. Elder, I’ll lend what help I can and try to slice off those tendrils. Omen, can you see if you could tie down Sen and the weed once the larger tendrils are cut? That might just be enough to weaken the weed so we can all remove it from my brother.”

 "Okay. I think this works, yes?"

At this point, after being attacked various times, Omen had completely unraveled, with her voice coming from somewhere within the threads that were clinging to Sen. It'd be a time getting her properly put together later, but that weren't important now. This were but a representation. Elder Zhao could fix this, or just send her consciousness back again properly. So for now, she could work as impromptu rope.

As for the kitsune's attack on the vines, it were a struggle between them, as she were looking for an opening to do something more drastic. It had to be at the right time though, or she might end up causing more harm than she intended. The exact opposite of why she were here in the first place, and thus not an acceptable option. So she were currently dodging by dashing around, fit as a young kit, and blocking what she couldn't as easily avoid. Kitsune were annoying to deal with in their prime, due to their nimbleness, and in here, she were as spry as could be. She did get hit a few times though, but it were nothing that she couldn't handle. Even if the weed would try to grasp hold of her, she were still fully in control of her mind. It could try and grow, but it would not take her over. Though she did need to address this before it got much further, or it would hinder her movement.

"Sounds like a plan. Let us move on him quickly, then I'm finishing this before you both succumb."

She would strengthen the parts of her fighting the weed, making it split and grab hold of the various parts of Omen, to begin entangling the possessed youth. It should help somewhat in Lin's plan, that Zhao would do hers to play along with, rather than having them try each their own thing. It would only cause friction, and trouble, if you didn't cooperate.

On 2024-01-21 at 2:19 PM, EQ_Theta said:

There was no guarantee that the plan would work, but “Lin” threw herself into the fight. She recalled Elder Zhao’s words and used the nature of the mindscape to manifest larger spectral claws and dark, smoke-like mist to conceal her movements, taking out several smaller vines gripping her brother. It even got her close enough to slice off two of the four large tendrils upon detaching those claws like thrown knives. She'd keep at it while Elder Zhao could wrest the weed's control over Sen's body. Likewise, taking as much control away from the entity and the weed could do wonders for the group and give them an advantage. As long as everyone kept the pressure on, the entity couldn’t keep its grip on Sen for long, and they’d be able to tear the weed away from Sen in short order. They were close to ending this battle. 

Elder Zhao would launch and slice through the last two tendrils, sending Sen down hopefully, and leaving them closer to the finish hopefully. If it tried to launch him off the edge, she'd grab the threads of Omen, and pull him far away from the edge. It wouldn't get the chance to toss him down there, even if she had to dive down to rummage him out. Which were annoying, as the lower subconsciousness were a chaotic mess. Better to pull him out from that in advance.

When they'd eventually have him somewhat subdued, she would move on with her part, before Lin would become the next troublesome one. Quite frankly, the longer this went on, the worse for them at this point, so it were time that they worked towards fixing this, before the entity just became more difficult to uproot, as it were.

"Commendable spirit. Now brace yourself, this will hurt."

She would launch herself back, and then unravel entirely. Her whole being being diverted into string that would launch at Sen and Lin, striking hard at the vines, and start tearing right into them. If the entity wanted to fight via these, then she would fight on its level, tearing into them, and destroying them from the inside. It would make it more of a battle between them, but she believed that best. Let the youngsters have a bit of rest, whilst the grown ups took care of things more personally.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Evil Pink One

On 2024-01-21 at 3:04 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

So when the guard came in, before he, or anyone else could really do or say anything, Sheska pointed at him and shouted "The pony needs to be moved to the hospital, he was bitten by whatever is dead in there..." she gestured at the container "...and as you can probably see yourself, he's not doing good." "And if that metal guard is still outside, he could also make himself useful for once by helping with that." she didn't really leave any space for arguments "I have my hands full already." she would ask any nearby staff for jug of water, but if there was no staff, or if due to the ongoing situation they didn't give her one, she would get one for herself, even if it meant going to the staff-only areas. 

Probably for the first time, stress was visible on Sheska, both visually and in her voice, and if it wasn't for the fact that she had Trox to worry about, she would have probably just stopped and screamed to get it out. 

23 hours ago, Evil Pink One said:

Light began to attack the hallucinations with haste and vigor. 

Vigilant and careful in his every move he swiftly weave to his opponents while knocking them down. He would activate his ability on Becoming Light so that he can quickly move at an incredible speed. And when landing a blow he'd switch his Lightness into heavy, increasing damage. 

( don't know who'd he hit but im sure there's gonna be more tables and furnishings thats gonna break. Sorry bartender.)

The pony were taken aback as she were called out, but looking over at the pony with the strange looking pony near him, trying to seemingly hold him back, as he tossed a patron several meters, did definitely tell a story of something being wrong. The lines on him even more so. So she would rush over to see what were in the container, before he'd toss around too many, and cause some legal and medical damage that he'd come to regret.

Looking at what were in the box though, she'd have to blink a few times though, and look closer.

a bit.

"W-What the- How is this thing in Ponyville?"

She'd look over towards Light, who were currently having Shark trying to drag him away from the patrons, who in turn were going further away from him, not wanting to help somepony who were beating them up. And with ease, one might add. Shark were the only one who did not move, and if he tried to toss her, she'd just return. She were not leaving him when he were feeling bad, and something were wrong.

"Okay.... Okay, I know what to do. But I need a bit of help. You uhm, look strong miss. Think you can help me hold him down? I need to know if the eggs entered his bloodstream."

She'd speak to Sear, who seemed well versed in battle, considering her weapon. She might be able to help her do this better. If she were willing, of course. She couldn't force, but it would be appreciated, as she herself were not much of a fighter.

Another helper she'd have in this endeavor however, were Shark, who would have enough, and try to wrap herself around Light, all legs used to clamp down, as well as her tail. She were hoping her weight and mass would stop him from thrashing around, and hurting more friends, while screaming weird things like he did.

"Mate stop! No hurt friends! They help. You need help!"

She had never tried crying before, but tears were falling from her eyes now, as se felt fear over this. Over what were happening to him, and what that might mean. Maybe he'd die... She did not want that. She had barely met him. It were far, far too early for him to be out of her life already.

She'd clench to him even tighter, shivering, as her tears would hit his coat, provided that she were touching him of course. To Light, it would still seem like an illusion, but perhaps it would break through to him somewhat, that this were Shark, and not just another one of himself, eager to try and inflict harm upon him. It might make it easier to hold him down, so that the guard could get a closer look on those lines on him, to check if there were eggs in them. It were probably not good if there were.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2024-01-21 at 3:04 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Solar Silver, the commander of an unit that combats threats beyond this world's technological and magical understanding." "And currently the only member."   

"It is safe to proceed with normal operations." 

Stargazer would look at the paperwork, and the official lettering and seal. He knew this well enough to know that this were more than likely real.

"They've been talking about having a task force for unusual things, stretching beyond our world for years... I never thought they'd actually get it done though.

Well then officer, I'm thankful for the help, and the information. I will leave the cumbersome paperwork to you, but if you need something from me, please inform me, and I will see to it.

Hmm, may I ask actually? You say you are the only member of your group currently? What requirements would there be for your unit? I am not volunteering myself, but Ponyville gets a lot of oddballs passing through, including from the various guards. Perhaps as a thank you for helping the town, I could redirect some possible candidates your way?

I do apologize if I seem pushy, but considering what I just saw, I am faced with a very real, close to home example of what can happen, if a department like yours doesn't come off the ground. It could have ended substantially worse than it did."

Even if he could not help, he would at least offer it. it seemed the right thing to do, both for the help, and to try and prevent things like this in the future.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"The color changing one seemed to have had the worst of it. But it's fine. I was just trying to be polite, as the locals do. What others do with it, is their business.

As for my injury, it's pressure. Had to make a speedy escape for myself and a pony, a few days past. A sphinx, if you can believe it. Used some geomancy to cover my arm to drill fast, but between that and a few other things during the day, it caused damage to the underlying flesh. I got some medication for it, but it is slow working. By all means, if you think you can handle it, be my guest.

My name is Nerzhei, for the record. The bunny is Lotus. Try not to wake her up, she's gets aggressive when roused."

She had no interactions with priests, so she didn't know how they were supposed to sound like. Weren't anyone like that on the Dragon Isles. Hardly a smart mind to find in her experience, limited as it may be. Harder still to find books, which were thankfully not an issue where she were now. Plenty of them everywhere, ready to feed you knowledge of a wealth of topics. Far more fascinating than the closeminded dullards from her old home, that much were certain.

She'd present her arm as best she could, though stretching it out showed notable pain on her face. As it stood, the herbal medicine helped to cleanse and soothe, but the pain were still present. More so when she had to move it, which she tried to avoid. She were not a fan of the amount of pain that could jolt up her arm when she tried.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2024-01-21 at 3:04 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

And so, after a whole second of thinking about it, she took the mystery route, if this was how she was going to die, so be it, she had expected death to get its due eventually, and what more fitting, than in the hooves of a literal skeleton, after her own mistakes she knew in advance to be mistakes. Not that she was giving up, if she would go down, she would go down smiling and swinging. 

The skeletons would begin to wander in the direction she had taken, once they were assembled. They would continue to try and seek her out but they were slow, walking at a regular pace. It shouldn't be an issue to outrun them. And yet, one set were still keeping track. The priestess were not as bound by limitations as them, and would keep good pace, to get to the stranger that had disturbed their temple. Not that she were the only one, but they had others to chase after those too. One way or another, they would get hold of these, and bring them before their leader.

Ruby would find that the path she had taken, would eventually slope downward, and thus, get her further into the temple. Into the depths perhaps? As it turned out, that wouldn't be the case, as it would make a left turn, and move upwards again, indicating that there were likely a chamber above where she stood now, that had required more space at some point. Either way, the sound of the priestess catching up would be behind, if she started to slow down, and ahead... There would be other trouble.

Six skeletons, holding metal spears, would stand and be about to wander into a path in the wall. The path were oozing with dark magic around the edges, indicating that trying to go this way were ill advised, if you were among the living. As she approached though, they'd all turn their heads, and look directly at her. They would then turn to intercept her, pointing their spears in her direction as they did.

The spears were simply metal. Beyond being seemingly slowly de-rusted, there were nothing special about them. The skeletons could also be just smashed through. They would reassemble, but it would take a little. Enough to get through, if she were quick and ambushed before they got into position proper. She could still get through otherwise, but it would perhaps get her hit a little. She wouldn't get infected though. The rust were gone from the sharp parts, and didn't have active curse magic or the like on them. They'd still be sharp though, so painful, if hit incorrectly.

There were more skeletons in the pathway, but they were headed forward through the path, and would not turn back.

If she got through them, and took the normal way forward, she'd find the path she were on would take a sharp left, and in the distance, she'd be able to see light. Not light of day, but that of flames. A room where large bowls of flames roared in the corner, with bones scattered all around. A lot of deer, but it were apparent that there were from more races than just that. There'd also be treasure hidden in the room, beneath the bowls of flame. Gold and jewelry, with jewels stuck in the eye sockets of various skulls, along with gold spread around the ribs and other bones. She might be able to grab a souvenir. Or she could head straight for the path in the other end of the room.

On 2024-01-21 at 3:04 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

The roar was what activated Charir's fight or flight, he still didn't see the skeletons as a true danger, as they were just that, skeletons, and even with weapons, that to him looked like they were just regular metal weapons, they weren't that threatening, considering regular metal didn't go through his scales. However, seeing them get up after Leviathan's lightning, and from his own potential attacks, as he cut at the legs of any that came too close, he realized that dangerous or not, they would outlast them, since even the greatest stamina didn't last forever, but these skeletons apparently did.  Though in more tactical move, if any did come close enough for him to strike at them, he'd cut the weapon instead, just to shorten their reach, certainly the weapons didn't heal too?

He didn't much convincing to leave, and would follow Leviathan, he had no need to fight for sake of fighting, and seeing Leviathan's magic's lack of effect was enough proof for him that he couldn't do anything either. 

Sadly for him, the weapons would repair. The ones cut would take the weapon to the ground, and it would slowly reassemble. Yet it would give them time enough for the wind attack, and then haul rear, backtracking the way they had arrived. They hadn't been so far in, and the paths seems a little clearer for them. Must be their lucky day, unless said skeletons were just in another part of this place, and getting towards them. Best not to linger and find out.

Sadly when they reached the entrance, they'd see it covered in dark magic. Heavy stuff, that would make Leviathan's scales shudder a little. No way were she gonna even touch that. She'd lose a hand. But this were also their only way out. Could she blast it, or... No, probably not. Dark magic corrupted. It wouldn't work, and they could still get hit by splatter, if this were more liquid than smokey. Now what though?

She'd ponder this, as she looked at the door, and then suddenly, she saw movement. From the other side, came something. She almost thought it was Ruby, and felt her heart nearly burst out of her throat. Yet it would turn out to be someone else. A peculiar looking one, but well fitting this place.

(ignore the sign and leash)

It was a deer from the looks of things. One that were wrapped in gauze, but looked to be all fleshy and regular of build. However pale white deer with a bit of pink were rare, and this one had two signs making her know something were wrong. The first being the eyes, which were dark, with small slit whites and red in them. Those were not natural. The other being that he walked right through the dark magic, without anything happening, which you just shouldn't be able to do. Making her think that this one were saturated with enough dark magic, that he were essentially immune to it.

He looked at them in silence, then took a step forward, with Leviathan taking one back. Something which seemed to cause him pause, as the dark eyes looked between the two dragons. He didn't seem hostile... yet, but something were still not right with this one. Especially considering the rest of this weird place. For all she knew, this were the one who had started to activate things.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@EQ_Theta

 "Okay. I think this works, yes?"

At this point, after being attacked various times, Omen had completely unraveled, with her voice coming from somewhere within the threads that were clinging to Sen. It'd be a time getting her properly put together later, but that weren't important now. This were but a representation. Elder Zhao could fix this, or just send her consciousness back again properly. So for now, she could work as impromptu rope.

As for the kitsune's attack on the vines, it were a struggle between them, as she were looking for an opening to do something more drastic. It had to be at the right time though, or she might end up causing more harm than she intended. The exact opposite of why she were here in the first place, and thus not an acceptable option. So she were currently dodging by dashing around, fit as a young kit, and blocking what she couldn't as easily avoid. Kitsune were annoying to deal with in their prime, due to their nimbleness, and in here, she were as spry as could be. She did get hit a few times though, but it were nothing that she couldn't handle. Even if the weed would try to grasp hold of her, she were still fully in control of her mind. It could try and grow, but it would not take her over. Though she did need to address this before it got much further, or it would hinder her movement.

"Sounds like a plan. Let us move on him quickly, then I'm finishing this before you both succumb."

She would strengthen the parts of her fighting the weed, making it split and grab hold of the various parts of Omen, to begin entangling the possessed youth. It should help somewhat in Lin's plan, that Zhao would do hers to play along with, rather than having them try each their own thing. It would only cause friction, and trouble, if you didn't cooperate.

Elder Zhao would launch and slice through the last two tendrils, sending Sen down hopefully, and leaving them closer to the finish hopefully. If it tried to launch him off the edge, she'd grab the threads of Omen, and pull him far away from the edge. It wouldn't get the chance to toss him down there, even if she had to dive down to rummage him out. Which were annoying, as the lower subconsciousness were a chaotic mess. Better to pull him out from that in advance.

When they'd eventually have him somewhat subdued, she would move on with her part, before Lin would become the next troublesome one. Quite frankly, the longer this went on, the worse for them at this point, so it were time that they worked towards fixing this, before the entity just became more difficult to uproot, as it were.

"Commendable spirit. Now brace yourself, this will hurt."

She would launch herself back, and then unravel entirely. Her whole being being diverted into string that would launch at Sen and Lin, striking hard at the vines, and start tearing right into them. If the entity wanted to fight via these, then she would fight on its level, tearing into them, and destroying them from the inside. It would make it more of a battle between them, but she believed that best. Let the youngsters have a bit of rest, whilst the grown ups took care of things more personally.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Evil Pink One

The pony were taken aback as she were called out, but looking over at the pony with the strange looking pony near him, trying to seemingly hold him back, as he tossed a patron several meters, did definitely tell a story of something being wrong. The lines on him even more so. So she would rush over to see what were in the container, before he'd toss around too many, and cause some legal and medical damage that he'd come to regret.

Looking at what were in the box though, she'd have to blink a few times though, and look closer.

a bit.

"W-What the- How is this thing in Ponyville?"

She'd look over towards Light, who were currently having Shark trying to drag him away from the patrons, who in turn were going further away from him, not wanting to help somepony who were beating them up. And with ease, one might add. Shark were the only one who did not move, and if he tried to toss her, she'd just return. She were not leaving him when he were feeling bad, and something were wrong.

"Okay.... Okay, I know what to do. But I need a bit of help. You uhm, look strong miss. Think you can help me hold him down? I need to know if the eggs entered his bloodstream."

She'd speak to Sear, who seemed well versed in battle, considering her weapon. She might be able to help her do this better. If she were willing, of course. She couldn't force, but it would be appreciated, as she herself were not much of a fighter.

Another helper she'd have in this endeavor however, were Shark, who would have enough, and try to wrap herself around Light, all legs used to clamp down, as well as her tail. She were hoping her weight and mass would stop him from thrashing around, and hurting more friends, while screaming weird things like he did.

"Mate stop! No hurt friends! They help. You need help!"

She had never tried crying before, but tears were falling from her eyes now, as se felt fear over this. Over what were happening to him, and what that might mean. Maybe he'd die... She did not want that. She had barely met him. It were far, far too early for him to be out of her life already.

She'd clench to him even tighter, shivering, as her tears would hit his coat, provided that she were touching him of course. To Light, it would still seem like an illusion, but perhaps it would break through to him somewhat, that this were Shark, and not just another one of himself, eager to try and inflict harm upon him. It might make it easier to hold him down, so that the guard could get a closer look on those lines on him, to check if there were eggs in them. It were probably not good if there were.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Stargazer would look at the paperwork, and the official lettering and seal. He knew this well enough to know that this were more than likely real.

"They've been talking about having a task force for unusual things, stretching beyond our world for years... I never thought they'd actually get it done though.

Well then officer, I'm thankful for the help, and the information. I will leave the cumbersome paperwork to you, but if you need something from me, please inform me, and I will see to it.

Hmm, may I ask actually? You say you are the only member of your group currently? What requirements would there be for your unit? I am not volunteering myself, but Ponyville gets a lot of oddballs passing through, including from the various guards. Perhaps as a thank you for helping the town, I could redirect some possible candidates your way?

I do apologize if I seem pushy, but considering what I just saw, I am faced with a very real, close to home example of what can happen, if a department like yours doesn't come off the ground. It could have ended substantially worse than it did."

Even if he could not help, he would at least offer it. it seemed the right thing to do, both for the help, and to try and prevent things like this in the future.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"The color changing one seemed to have had the worst of it. But it's fine. I was just trying to be polite, as the locals do. What others do with it, is their business.

As for my injury, it's pressure. Had to make a speedy escape for myself and a pony, a few days past. A sphinx, if you can believe it. Used some geomancy to cover my arm to drill fast, but between that and a few other things during the day, it caused damage to the underlying flesh. I got some medication for it, but it is slow working. By all means, if you think you can handle it, be my guest.

My name is Nerzhei, for the record. The bunny is Lotus. Try not to wake her up, she's gets aggressive when roused."

She had no interactions with priests, so she didn't know how they were supposed to sound like. Weren't anyone like that on the Dragon Isles. Hardly a smart mind to find in her experience, limited as it may be. Harder still to find books, which were thankfully not an issue where she were now. Plenty of them everywhere, ready to feed you knowledge of a wealth of topics. Far more fascinating than the closeminded dullards from her old home, that much were certain.

She'd present her arm as best she could, though stretching it out showed notable pain on her face. As it stood, the herbal medicine helped to cleanse and soothe, but the pain were still present. More so when she had to move it, which she tried to avoid. She were not a fan of the amount of pain that could jolt up her arm when she tried.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

The skeletons would begin to wander in the direction she had taken, once they were assembled. They would continue to try and seek her out but they were slow, walking at a regular pace. It shouldn't be an issue to outrun them. And yet, one set were still keeping track. The priestess were not as bound by limitations as them, and would keep good pace, to get to the stranger that had disturbed their temple. Not that she were the only one, but they had others to chase after those too. One way or another, they would get hold of these, and bring them before their leader.

Ruby would find that the path she had taken, would eventually slope downward, and thus, get her further into the temple. Into the depths perhaps? As it turned out, that wouldn't be the case, as it would make a left turn, and move upwards again, indicating that there were likely a chamber above where she stood now, that had required more space at some point. Either way, the sound of the priestess catching up would be behind, if she started to slow down, and ahead... There would be other trouble.

Six skeletons, holding metal spears, would stand and be about to wander into a path in the wall. The path were oozing with dark magic around the edges, indicating that trying to go this way were ill advised, if you were among the living. As she approached though, they'd all turn their heads, and look directly at her. They would then turn to intercept her, pointing their spears in her direction as they did.

The spears were simply metal. Beyond being seemingly slowly de-rusted, there were nothing special about them. The skeletons could also be just smashed through. They would reassemble, but it would take a little. Enough to get through, if she were quick and ambushed before they got into position proper. She could still get through otherwise, but it would perhaps get her hit a little. She wouldn't get infected though. The rust were gone from the sharp parts, and didn't have active curse magic or the like on them. They'd still be sharp though, so painful, if hit incorrectly.

There were more skeletons in the pathway, but they were headed forward through the path, and would not turn back.

If she got through them, and took the normal way forward, she'd find the path she were on would take a sharp left, and in the distance, she'd be able to see light. Not light of day, but that of flames. A room where large bowls of flames roared in the corner, with bones scattered all around. A lot of deer, but it were apparent that there were from more races than just that. There'd also be treasure hidden in the room, beneath the bowls of flame. Gold and jewelry, with jewels stuck in the eye sockets of various skulls, along with gold spread around the ribs and other bones. She might be able to grab a souvenir. Or she could head straight for the path in the other end of the room.

Sadly for him, the weapons would repair. The ones cut would take the weapon to the ground, and it would slowly reassemble. Yet it would give them time enough for the wind attack, and then haul rear, backtracking the way they had arrived. They hadn't been so far in, and the paths seems a little clearer for them. Must be their lucky day, unless said skeletons were just in another part of this place, and getting towards them. Best not to linger and find out.

Sadly when they reached the entrance, they'd see it covered in dark magic. Heavy stuff, that would make Leviathan's scales shudder a little. No way were she gonna even touch that. She'd lose a hand. But this were also their only way out. Could she blast it, or... No, probably not. Dark magic corrupted. It wouldn't work, and they could still get hit by splatter, if this were more liquid than smokey. Now what though?

She'd ponder this, as she looked at the door, and then suddenly, she saw movement. From the other side, came something. She almost thought it was Ruby, and felt her heart nearly burst out of her throat. Yet it would turn out to be someone else. A peculiar looking one, but well fitting this place.

(ignore the sign and leash)

It was a deer from the looks of things. One that were wrapped in gauze, but looked to be all fleshy and regular of build. However pale white deer with a bit of pink were rare, and this one had two signs making her know something were wrong. The first being the eyes, which were dark, with small slit whites and red in them. Those were not natural. The other being that he walked right through the dark magic, without anything happening, which you just shouldn't be able to do. Making her think that this one were saturated with enough dark magic, that he were essentially immune to it.

He looked at them in silence, then took a step forward, with Leviathan taking one back. Something which seemed to cause him pause, as the dark eyes looked between the two dragons. He didn't seem hostile... yet, but something were still not right with this one. Especially considering the rest of this weird place. For all she knew, this were the one who had started to activate things.

The drop of tears on Light felt like a punch to the gut.

It stunned him and wasn't able to move.

Somehow the clones of himself swarming glitched for a second before continuing what they were suppose to do.

This gave Light enough time to think.

He'd close his eyes and ears and his senses. He'd go into a zen state. Detached himself from his body. Pulse and heart slowed to hibernation. Temperature focused into the core.

" Shark will protect me..." his inner thoughts radiate within him.

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

[Widdershins 9,959]

On 2023-09-03 at 6:07 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Perish the thought, if you think Alonsus believes your friend to be mean of spirit, my young colt.

Ah, but if you wish to enter and see the building as you said, then you should go on. Worry not for me, I have much work I can yet do, and Berry shall take ample care of you. Be it drinks of food, we at Sloppy Joe's will endeavor to be of service."

He'd be plenty happy enough to speak further if it were, but they could also just go in. The place were spacious, and scarcely populated right now, as it were work hours for a fair few, but about a fourth of the place were still in use by customers. Most drinking something. Coffee primarily, as that were their specialty. Just like the buns were at the bakery.

Behind the counter, humming to herself, and writing down some things on a long piece of paper, were a mare. The one they had to deal with, if they wanted to order anything.

 "And YOU, my handsome friend, are a wise and honest judge of, like, character!" Whett Kindle quickly adopted the other stallion's way of speaking in a clear act of inspiration and admiration. If he were being honest, by which anyone could deduce, the kirin had assumed nearing the front roof of a building was as much as inside. Kirins' structures were sparse and shallow, rarely much depth for more than two rooms of much size at all. While to an outside traveler this may make them look mystical they were in practice mostly cots for temporary sleeping on account of how often things burned down. 

 In truth, Whett had been inside towns before but for small visits at a time, barely more than a day. As outgoing as he often came across, it required someone to start him up first. Most who did notice him as a stranger often found it more prudent to carry on with their daily tasks rather than ask the drifter his life story he clearly wanted to belt out on a moments notice. At that, most of Whett's travels were through forest and wilderness with months between finding anyone and more often than not he found himself getting along better with feral animals that were far more accepting of random wild outbursts of expression.

In short, he was exactly the kind of recluse to assume a server's kindliness meant an immediate, lifelong bond of friendship.

 "Kindle trusts you fully already! Why, me and my dude here are as thick as theives! You'll never meet a stallion so caring and skilled at his art! LIKE, EVERYPONY SHOULD BUY FROM HIM!" Whett would practically bellow to all within earshot a glowing recommendation of his friend's art while lifting Cover's front leg to show Alonsus his art, tugging the former stallion almost off his hooves like he assumed friendship involved literally chucking one pony at another. If anyone had asked what emotion he was feeling (and Whett would, loudly offer) he would profess that he was overwhelmed. Rarely did he speak to more than two ponies in a day, much less get a glowing recommendation of sentiment in such flowery attention as Alonsus had given. And, like most of his emotions Whett needed To Make This Everypony Else's Problem  to both keep the situation going & positive.

Unfortunately the thought of going actually inside the building towards the mare at the counter had escaped the kirin, as he had forgotten the simple fact that buildings had insidey parts. Given the notion, he would have gladly proceeded to drag both the other two stallions forward by their necks in exuberance as if they were equipped inventory.

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-01-23 at 9:17 PM, Blitz Boom said:

 "Okay. I think this works, yes?"

At this point, after being attacked various times, Omen had completely unraveled, with her voice coming from somewhere within the threads that were clinging to Sen. It'd be a time getting her properly put together later, but that weren't important now. This were but a representation. Elder Zhao could fix this, or just send her consciousness back again properly. So for now, she could work as impromptu rope.

“That’s good! Just need to have Sen tied down so he and the weed won’t be able to move around much.” 

“Lin” saw the whole plan unfolding, with Omen holding down her brother while she and Elder Zhao were slicing and fighting off the weed’s influence. The plan came together well, and they were on their way to getting back on track. Just as expected, tiring out Sen meant the entity’s hold over him waned, and all it could do now was retain whatever it could, which didn’t amount to much. 

When all of the fighting was over, “Lin” breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that there was no more fight coming from her brother or the entity controlling him. Though fleeting, she sat and took in what moments of respite she could because they were still not out of danger, not with the weed still attached to them. It was apparent that the weed was digging deep into her hide, especially when she could feel something wriggling. She wasn’t looking forward to the sensations she’d feel when Elder Zhao made her move to remove the thorns and tendrils. 

On 2024-01-23 at 9:17 PM, Blitz Boom said:

When they'd eventually have him somewhat subdued, she would move on with her part, before Lin would become the next troublesome one. Quite frankly, the longer this went on, the worse for them at this point, so it were time that they worked towards fixing this, before the entity just became more difficult to uproot, as it were.

"Commendable spirit. Now brace yourself, this will hurt."

She would launch herself back, and then unravel entirely. Her whole being being diverted into string that would launch at Sen and Lin, striking hard at the vines, and start tearing right into them. If the entity wanted to fight via these, then she would fight on its level, tearing into them, and destroying them from the inside. It would make it more of a battle between them, but she believed that best. Let the youngsters have a bit of rest, whilst the grown ups took care of things more personally.

Sen remained unconscious for the moment, a perfect opportunity for the kitsune elder to now remove at the weed lodged into the siblings’ hides. “Lin” couldn’t say how her brother was feeling, or if he could feel at all in his current state, but it was a rough experience for her. The weed’s thorns were tightly ingrained into them, and removing them felt like tearing pieces of themselves off. She’d only power through the pain and allow it simply because she wouldn’t want to make things worse. After all, it wasn’t an appealing idea to rip the whole thing off. Fortunately for her, the piece of weed lodged in her hide was but a fraction of the size found on Sen, so it hopefully wouldn’t take long. 

When all of it was over, Sen slowly returned to consciousness, he looked to the mindscape, seeing little of it had changed. However, there was a distinct and sharp pain radiating all over his body. It made moving difficult, though the whole experience got his body to shift back to his present-day form. It seemed like the entity’s hold over his perception had dwindled into nothing, though they still had work to do. 

“Ugh… Oww… What happened to me? And, Omen? Why are you untangled and wrapped all over me?”

“The entity got its hold over you, made you fight us. We had to fight back so we could free you from its influence. Try not to move; Elder Zhao’s working to remove the weed attached to you.”

Sen looked down to see this large, spiny weed now on his chest, surprised that something like it even manifested in this place and made him fight everyone. Even now, he seems unable to escape being a thrall to someone or something; just another one in an ever-growing list. Still, it was good to be freed from it, though he wonders if his next nightmare will include some pang of guilt about attacking everyone who stood by his side to help him. For now, he and "Lin" stayed put and awaited the removal of the weed, but they'd be back to restoring the memory. Sen wasn't looking forward to that, but he and very likely the others knew what must be done.

“Thank you, everyone. I know we aren’t done here yet, but thank you all for helping, not just for freeing me but for helping with restoring Lin’s memories. I’m sorry for getting us all sidetracked when we are so finishing what we set out to do. Is everyone all right?”

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom & @Props Valroa

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"While it is true ponies can have meat, we can't exactly digest it properly," Twilight told Magnolia and then stared at Last like she grew a second head. Her description of what shrine maidens had to fight against in the forest sounded eerily similar to what she and her friends had fought against in Ponyville some years back. "What did you just describe Last? Drone? That plant that was in the forest? There was a brief infestation in Ponyville a while ago by blue plants called Plunderseeds. What you described sounds like what the Plunderseeds did."

@Blitz Boom

DAZZLE GLEAM & DAWN STREAK

Dazzle did her best to look around the empty bedroom and lifted a hoof to brush some dust off the wall. "... I don't think anything was left here. No indication of them having ever lived here," Dazzle told her and walked out of the bedroom. It wasn't much but she ducked into the empty room next door. It was relatively the same size as the other one and she did a slow spin in the middle. She stared at the bare walls and then looked out the window overlooking the Everfree Forest. "Why ... why aren't you here? Where did you go?"

Dawn moved her head from side to side, watching the dust get funneled out and then the magic working away at cleaning the front room. On the fifth dust cloud being removed she approached the magic tube and dug around in the dust. "I think I see something," Dawn said and cautiously sifted through the sand before lifting out a dark blue dragon scale with her teeth and showed it to Scarcity. "Howd dis look?" she asked through her mouthful. She wasn't sure if it was from Dazzle's dad but at the very least it sort of matched her coat. It was slightly jagged and upon closer inspection, it had the markings of being torn off rather than naturally shed.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"A fully pacifist hive. I know I keep saying it but it's kinda hard to think about," Aurora admitted. She took a breath as she watched the changelings work for a bit and approached. She was tall like a Changeling Queen should be but at the very least she didn't hold herself regally like most did. Her most prominent features though was that she looked almost like Chrysalis with none of the fear factor or over-inflated ego. She still held herself in a demure fashion in spite of the confidence boost. She took another breath after spotting a changeling on the ground, the one in the old-fashioned dress, and went to them. "Uh, escuse me? Hi, s-sorry to interrupt," Aurora said nervously. "I would like to talk to the queen? If that's possible. I'm Aurora Lights and I'm new to this queen changeling business."

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"You like Pinkie more than Rarity because she is chaotic like you?" Atzy guessed, still feeling sick from the amount of joy Blitz was exuding. At the very least she is getting used to the bloated feeling rather quickly. "That makes a lot of sense. Do you two go around and explode things?"

"Atzy, Blitz, you two coming!? We're going to the ocean!" Karmic called out to the pair from beside Molotov and in front of Enzo. If those two kept going they'd probably not stop for anything.

[tryxp0ny 2]

On 9/15/2014 at 2:00 PM, Rainbow Eclipse said:

@@Midnight Starfall,

 

"Interesting," replied Anala, nodding.

 

Before she could get another word in, she felt her belly gurgle, with a matching *gurgle* sound to accompany it. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. Wanna go to Sugarcube Corner and get something to snack on?" she asked Stoneheart.

Tryx sat by the lake that resided in Ponyville, staring into the crisp water with massive boredom in his bright yellow eyes. 

 

Tryx was a dark blue alicorn with a rainbow mane and rainbow tail. His cutiemark was a rainbow spiral with a star in the middle. He had rainbow freckles and small rainbow spots on his body. He also wore dark purple glasses and rainbow socks. He had a more feminine appearance pony-wise, but he was a male. 
 

He was known across Ponyville as the “fish nerd” who “spoke to fish.”

 

 

 

 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,580]

@Blitz Boom@Evil Pink One
As Light started to fight things, Chega moved behind something bit more solid to avoid it, while Sear took a position to keep her safe, Sheska meanwhile skillfully dodged anything that may have flown in her way while she got the water, this was more what she was used to with her work on the battlefields, dealing with things while avoiding getting hit herself. Sheska ran upstairs again, though this time she would come back down pretty quickly, after two minutes or so.

Sear agreed to help, though considering that Shark took care of the whole holding Light in place thing, she was there mostly to add extra weight, and if needed, to hold a specific spot in place, she didn't say anything, or really even emote, holding a determined and serious expression on her face, the same one she had had this whole time, sure it was somewhat emotionally painful situation to watch, but it wasn't in her style to get emotional.

--

"The exact requirements are still under work, but to put it bluntly, anyone with nothing to lose are welcome." "Due to the nature of the threats, we'll need those who are capable and willing to sacrifice everything for it, so if one has family, or anything else they could lose, they should look elsewhere." "They also need to be mentally strong, as in worst case scenario, the things they will see is beyond your understanding of horrible." "Outside combat, anyone with knowledge about magical, technological or other such things, that you don't find in any textbooks, that some would call crazy, should also be directed to our way, because when fighting things outside one's normal understanding, you need tools and weapons outside that understanding too." 

"Truthfully speaking, our main obstacle is equipment, there has been a boost in development thanks to what I myself know, and few other sources, but it will take a while before we have unit worth of required hardware." "Thankfully, while they were unwilling to join, the two dragons you just saw are willing to help, buying us enough time to eventually have a proper way to deal with these things." 

--

"I am Brother Myrkr, it's nice to meet you." Myrkr responded, as he held his hand above Nerzhei's, a faint glow in his eyes indicating use of magic, though nothing happened yet, as he was just checking the injury "I'm only a beginner in healing, but I believe I can do something." He put his hands together, before pulling them apart slowly above Nerzhei's arm, and as he did this, the swelling would subside, not heal entirely, but get notably better, and same with the pain, the injury would still clearly be there, but the pain would have gotten bit lesser. "Did that help? You should still keep taking care of it as you have, as the damage is still there, but the swelling shouldn't get as bad anymore." 

While he did all this, if Nerzhei paid attention, she would be able to get a glance inside Myrkr's robe's sleeves, where one would see what could best be described as some kind of skintight metal armor, the only reason why one would be able to tell it wasn't wasn't actually part of him, was the fact that it ended at his wrists, and there you could see it being a separate layer from his scales. On top of that, on the top-side of his arm, there was a thicker, bronze colored piece of armor. 

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

Ruby didn't really think much when the route sloped down, nor did she start wondering why it turned and climbed again, mostly because she was starting to think about her own situation, she could hear the priestess keeping up, she also knew that this sudden turn and uphill was bound to slow her down, but most importantly, she realized, that she had the weakness of being alive. She had been running this whole time, and while she had good stamina, that was in her real form, she was currently only barely bigger than her lungs alone normally, and in general this body lacked lot of things that made it possible for her to keep going for hours. 

She could feel the need to stop and catch her breath, as this form couldn't keep up with how much air she needed, her legs were starting to hurt, as they lacked the usual agility she had, and the hooves had no grip on the hard floor, so every turn and hill slowed her down, she really needed a space where she could ditch the pony form, if she wanted to have any hope to lose her pursuer.

And then one of the things she had worried about happened, she was cut off, and they had weapons, which usually wasn't a concern to her, but unlike her real form, the pony form was very much vulnerable to metal, and while infections weren't something she worried about, an injury of any kind would slow her down even more. She didn't want to smash through them directly, as she hadn't tested it yet and didn't know how much it would slow her down if even possible, but she also didn't slow down, meaning that she instead did her best to avoid them, however, she did cut herself on one of the spears, and it just had to hit her back leg, so while it didn't slow her down right away, it did make running just that bit more inconvenient, which showed itself in the next sharp turn, as she stumbled with the turn, and hit the fall sideways before managing to keep going. It didn't stop her, or really even slow her down hugely, but it was quite the painful hit for her already tiring body.

When she arrived to the room, she slowed down, she noticed the treasure, and made a mental note of the room, as she had good enough sense of direction to know the route she had taken there, however, looting treasure had left her mind at this point, as the whole thing had become more about survival, She almost just continued on, but a sting from the wound made her look at it, and she realized it was deep enough to bleed, and thus would cause her trouble if she didn't do anything to it. So, thinking quick, she took whatever was the biggest piece of gold she could get, heated it up in the fire, and pressed it against the wound to burn it shut. 

After that, what she did depended on few things, if any kind of trap had been activated from her doing that, she would react to that to best of her ability, and if the priestess was close enough to catch up to her, she would get ready to try and fight it, if neither of those happened, she would continue running, though she couldn't keep up the same speed much longer. 

--

Charir was bit annoyed to see that even the weapons repaired themselves, he kept finding himself in situations where he couldn't do anything it seemed, maybe his mother had some truth behind her words after all, he was useless, but unlike was his mother's intention, his conclusion was that he needed to make sure he'd stop being useless, though that was if he actually made it out of this first. When he saw the state of the front door, he was considering to blast it with fire, since that's how Leviathan had gotten rid of it from her claw before, but seeing her reaction, and lack of action, he decided against it assuming she knew something he didn't. 

What came to the newcomer, Charir still followed Leviathan's example, so he didn't do anything sudden, however, for obvious reasons he didn't exactly trust this thing, and seeing it still had flesh, meant that it could burn. So, as he backed away with Leviathan, he took a defensive pose and started letting smoke out of his nostrils, some of it coming out of his mouth too as he exposed bit of his teeth too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@Sekel @Props Valroa

"Wasn't in the forest. We'd never touch anything from that place, nor would the manetids. You've been there, you can guess why."

Cursed grounds that place, or home to some sort of higher sentience, working through the natural aspects. Either way, when the very ground rose against you, and wished for naught but to consume and indoctrinate, from the lowest molecule and upwards, it became downright suicidal to try and eat anything from that place. Not that there hadn't been some who tried over the years, but the princess were soft. She wouldn't have appetite left, if she got even a few of the details about what happened to those.

"Her majesty gave it to our ancestors. Never had a clue what it was named, nor did anyone else for generations. Might be plunderseeds, or something like it. These were pitch black though, but did you try tasting the ones you saw? Ain't a bad food source if you're deprived of options."

Was after this that Chow would return with their food. The sandwich for Zeehva was placed down first, followed by the garlic sandwich and fish filet for Magnolia. The fish had a nice aroma to it, showing he knew how to use spices, and prepare meat.

Speaking of meat, next were the meal for Drone, which were aside of boar ribs, barely cooked, to give it some heat, with a bit of spices to it, but mostly meant as it were ordered. Raw and oozing juices.

Then at last, the covered plate with the house specials. Which would turn out to be stew and bread. The stew had a rich aroma of a little spice, and fresh spring veggies, with a hearty taste and tender veggies, that would taste as alluring as it smelled. There were also a bottle of hot sauce next between the bowls, and the garlic bread were formed like small coffins. The spoons for the stews also had the shape of a metal bone, with a sugar skull on top. A bit of local flair.

"The sauce is if anypony's aching for a bit more spice, but I'm thinking this will do ya well."

He'd finish off getting a can of water, and some glasses. At which point Drone were chewing through her meal, holding it up with her main arms, and gnawing through it, intending on eating the flesh down to the bone. Zeehva were halfway done with her sandwich, seeming ravenous. Last would wait for the princess to start, though her stomach told that she were drawn to what she smelled.

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

 

@Sekel

Stare wouldn't have words, as she followed Dazzle around. Understandably so, she just couldn't believe what were going on. Why were they gone from this, their home? Why were there seemingly no note, or message of any kind left behind? Had they not cared for her like that? Were it swept away with time? She hadn't any answers, but her heart ached for the hybrid. As one who's parents cared not for them, Stare could sympathize with the feeling, but it wasn't something she hoped were the case here. Hopefully they'd find something. Anything, to help ease things here.

Meanwhile in the main room, Scarcity would observe what had been found, after she had cleaned a dreadfully large amount of dust out. This place needed a deep cleaning honestly.

"Familiar colorations indicate it could be from her father. Not a shed one though. This were torn. You can see the signs of it on the underside, if you know what to look for. May I?"

If yes, she would take the scale with her magic, and then flip it, to show the telltale signs. Well, if you new what to look for, but she could educate a little here.

She'd direct them to go to the other room, and meet up with the others. This might prove some degree of... Minor dread, but there were good in the bad news too, and she would lay it out when she saw Dazzle.

"Not much luck finding something, I assume? Our search have carried some fruit. Might this perhaps belong to your father?"

She'd have the scale presented to Dazzle for inspection.

"If it is, it would seem there may be more to this story than them simply moving."

Shye might need to have this place checked from top to bottom, by more professional beings, but at this point, she were getting curious enough to allow the investment. It was so annoying when such things would lurk in the back of her mind.

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

 

@Sekel

The changelings fixing up the place halted as they were called out. The one with the chef's hat would take a step back, but the rest would come down, and wander over, presenting the queen with a great big smile.

"Hi there, and welcome to Hive Cheshire. I'm Bling. That over there's my brother Upbeat, my other brother Pirouette, and our sister Gloop.

Our queen is just inside. How about we go and meet her? I promise, there's nothing to be worried about."

Pirouette - the one with ribbons - were looking behind her, then widened his eyes.

"Happy Hour? Is that you?"

"How's it going, little butter bug?"

"You... When did you change?"

"Few days ago, long story. Came here to have a chat along with my queen, but Aurora's first in line."

"Sure, sure."

"Hey, what's the ruckus?"

The one stepping out were the size of a regular pony, and looked that way too, but Happy knew differently, and bowed.

"Queen Cheshire, I assume."

"Well of course. And it looks like I have guests, how nice. Let's start with... You. How are you dear? You seem nervous."

She'd go over and present herself to Aurora first, smiling, and extending a hoof. As friendly as could be, and radiating naught but joy, their signature emotion.

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

 

@Sekel

"Nonono, Pinkie Doesn't explode things. She defies logic in fun ways! But I sometimes give her fun kaboomies for her party cannon. I also bring her fireworks, and one time, hoof grenades! Mayor Mare took them, and said they were too dangerous."

Not the first, nor last time Mayor Mare had to take things from Blitz that was dangerous, and every time she asked herself how the filly even made those things in the first place, when there weren't any normal raw materials for these things in the area.

When called out, Blitz's ears would perk up, and she'd halt from running around, to instead look in the direction of Karmic.

"Ocean? *gasp* Fun! Let's Goooooo- Oooh!"

She had begun taking off, but Enzo had grabbed her gently, and lifted her up on his head instead, where she could run around in safety.

"Thanks mate. She sometimes ain't thinking 'bout where she goes off too, if she gets too excited."

"She is fortunate that she is likable."

"Hah! That's what the chemistry lab director used to say too. Now let's get going."

He'd lead the way through the forest, with nothing really getting close enough to harm them. Sure there were predators, but they had a sphinx with them. Who or what were gonna be that dumb?

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-01-25 at 4:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ugh… Oww… What happened to me? And, Omen? Why are you untangled and wrapped all over me?”

“The entity got its hold over you, made you fight us. We had to fight back so we could free you from its influence. Try not to move; Elder Zhao’s working to remove the weed attached to you.”

"You and the kitsune pulled me apart. I think I were helpful like that.

...I think normal beings say it hurts when that happens, yes? I do not think this hurts. I am just long."

The voice would come from around his left side, which appeared to be where her *mouth* were centralized then. Didn't seem like she had any issues being like this, beyond the fact that she couldn't move by herself anymore. That were a peculiar experience, but not one that she disliked. Nor were it being this stretched. It were just something new to try, and she were probably okay, yes? The elder could likely get her back together again, when she were done rummaging around inside the vines.

On 2024-01-25 at 4:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Thank you, everyone. I know we aren’t done here yet, but thank you all for helping, not just for freeing me but for helping with restoring Lin’s memories. I’m sorry for getting us all sidetracked when we are so finishing what we set out to do. Is everyone all right?”

"I am long."

The elder did not answer right away, though a string would pull out of him, dragging the remains of one of the vines she had destroyed with it. When out, the string would cut off, then reassemble into a miniature of the elder, standing on Sen's chest, and looking down on him.

"You've gotten into quite a mess young man. These things are well ingrained, but it seems we're getting you back to some semblance of self.

When this is over, you need to focus more on your meditation. It worked well at the start, but you cracked under pressure from a mere memory. You need to have a disciplined mind with things such as this. If you intend on pursuing more about this entity and the story behind it all, you will more than likely end up being confronted with something testing your mind again, and there is no guarantee you will get out of it unscathed.

That goes for you too, Lin, but we will discuss this further after everything have concluded. My job is almost complete in cleaning you up. Though mark my words, if you fall under again, I am knocking you out until we are done. I have treated you with soft paws thus far. That can change, if you become more a hindrance than a helper."

Her tone and glare, being that of a strict teacher, should tell that she were not kidding around. They already had to spend extra time sorting through this issue. Much more, and it would go simpler if he just weren't able to worsen things.

When she would eventually be done, she'd leave his form, and then after gathering herself, would take the red pins that had been stuck in Omen earlier, and use them to rapidly form the Ki'nathar back into a ball, as she had been before, then stick the pins back where they had been. Certainly this were weird, but Omen were a kind of adaptable weird. Strange compared to normal beings, and acted unnatural in many, but it were in such minute, simple ways, that it were easy enough to get used to. And she would begin to bounce in place right after, as if nothing had ever happened.

"There, that should sort that issue out for now. Now this time Sen, try and keep your composure, and remember that whilst the truth may be ugly, it have already been mostly seen, and thus you cannot avoid speaking of it later regardless. You would do best in simply accepting the past, as ugly as it may be. As you can also see, you have not been abandoned from that being shown. They yet remain at your side."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Evil Pink One

On 2024-01-23 at 10:42 PM, Evil Pink One said:

He'd close his eyes and ears and his senses. He'd go into a zen state. Detached himself from his body. Pulse and heart slowed to hibernation. Temperature focused into the core.

" Shark will protect me..." his inner thoughts radiate within him.

Shark kept hold of him, refusing to let go, even as he seemed to stop being aggressive towards others, clinging to him like her life depended on it. This would make it far easier for the guard to examine him in a moment, and she sure seemed relieved/confused about that. Long as it would work though, that is what mattered, and she would try and take advantage of it soon, as Shark did hers to keep Light in place, shivering slightly, wanting for help to come to him. She did not understand the concept in some higher power to pray to. if she did, she likely would have done that too.

On 2024-01-28 at 2:48 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Sear agreed to help, though considering that Shark took care of the whole holding Light in place thing, she was there mostly to add extra weight, and if needed, to hold a specific spot in place, she didn't say anything, or really even emote, holding a determined and serious expression on her face, the same one she had had this whole time, sure it was somewhat emotionally painful situation to watch, but it wasn't in her style to get emotional.

"T-Thank you both for your help."

Shark would look up at the mare, as she got closer with Sear, eyes puffy from tears.

"Help mate?"

"That's what I'm here for. Just try and keep him still."

She'd be quick, drawing out a needle, and used it to poke hole on one of the inflamed blood vessels running around on his body. His blood would be tinted by a green'ish glow, from the poison, but she would keep examining, poking a few more holes elsewhere, trying to stay out of sight of Light, so that he couldn't see her. Every time she did, the result were the same. Tinted blood, dripping from the wound.

"No eggs, that's good. I can do s-something here."

She'd pull out a box of syringes from the bag, then rummaged around and found a small bottle. She'd draw a few inches of lightly blue liquid from it, then push the air out of the syringe, and look down on Light.

"It won't cure him, but it should help with the illusions."

If he stayed still, she'd jab the needle right into his bloodstream, and inject the liquid. After about thirty seconds, his delusions should start to flicker, making them easier to discern from reality, and ease the pressure he'd feel in his head.

"Sir? Can you hear me? You've been infected by a Harvest Mite. I've given you something for the symptoms, but we need to get you to the hospital right away. Can you walk?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I see... It is good that you have temporary helpers, but I can definitely see a need for more permanent members.

I will keep your requirements in mind, though I have met one who might fit your bill, though she haven't been in town for a few days. A peculiar mare with burning ears, and otherworldly magic. Said she predates Equestria, and seek meaning in her life. I cannot say how much of it is true, but I saw some of the peculiar things she could do, and she definitely were not normal. For a start, you don't normally get decapacitated, and later end up walking around as if nothing happened.

I might also suggest trying to get in contact with the O.M.I. in Manehatten. Relatively recent a bureau dealing with magical threats. While they might not relinquish any members, they might know somepony who would be of interest, considering their history of dealing with unusual magical situations.

In either case, I wish you luck finding new members.

Do you have lodging, while you stay in town? Or will you be returning to Canterlot soon?"

He missed Canterlot to be honest, but he were asked to go here by the princess, and thus, he would do as asked. Truthfully, he worried more about his daughter these days. He wasn't sure how she'd acclimate to a whole new town, but so far at least, she seemed to have settled well. Even got herself a few more friends. Hopefully it would last. He knew she'd be devastated if he wasn't there.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

She'd let out a sigh of relief as she felt the pressure and pain ease up. It might not be a full cure, but she appreciated the help that it did provide all the same. The pain were testing her sanity sometimes.

"I appreciate the help you could provide all the same. Thank you, Brother Myrkr."

it wasn't something she said often to others, but she did truly mean it, and felt a fair deal better, as she put her arm back in the sling. Best to not overexert it, after the heal. No need for taking foolish risks, when it were not yet fully okay. This should help the process by several weeks though. The worst weeks even, which she were genuinely thankful for. The pain made it hard for her to focus on her studies at times.

It also helped her better notice his peculiar garments.

"It is unusual to see a dragon wearing armor. Might you be a soldier of sorts? I'm a scholar myself. Researching the properties of magic-infused crystals, as well as the origins of the dragon-pony wars."

Dragon soldiers in armor were not regular, but then, neither were scholars. Especially those studying history, as most dragons couldn't give a toss about the beginnings of the divide between pony an dragons. Only Ancalagon were still alive to remember that time, and he did not answer questions about it specifically. She had only asked him once, at a chance meeting, but wished to simply know if hers were a fool's errand. When he had said it were not, that were all she needed to hear, to continue her work.

If the dragon needed to continue, she would follow him for a little, after taking up her satchel again, so that they could speak a little. It were rare that she found some worth talking to, among her own kind, and this one seemed peculiar. If he allowed it, she would wish to speak with him a little further.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Getting hit with the weapon, she'd find that the skeleton were not providing resistance, and thus the wound wouldn't get too deep. As if it were intending to have used it to halt her movements, rather than kill her. Or it could simply have been a bad angle for it, when she had gone through. Regardless, it at least wouldn't have hit something vital, so that were a good thing. The details around that though, were debatable in how good or bad they were. It did show she could be hurt regardless, and a more motivated creature would likely have an easier time causing her trouble.

As for the room she came to, it were nice and quiet. Until she had picked up that piece of gold. As she did so, dark mist would roll from the walls, out of large symbols that started glowing in onyx out of nowhere. The skeleton parts on the floor would merge into grotesque amalgamations, and start to rise, reaching out towards Ruby, as they wanted to get the thief, and add her to the pile already in the room. One more defender of the temple's treasure.

She could try and fight, but something would happen as the fog would impact her too. Not at first, but if she tried to actively use any magic, she'd feel it rise up and cling to her, grasping harder the further along her spell went, causing excruciating pain, until she seized casting further, at which point the mist would lower and grow dormant again. The defenders of this place, had not wanted interlopers to so easily handle themselves in this room. So the dark magic inscribed in the walls, had a twist for meddlesome unicorns. Though the effect would end if she got out of the room, and no longer touched the mist. It would not pass out of this room.

If Ruby decided to run away, and try to get out of the room before the amalgamations would get much of a chance to gather in full and grab at her, she could, though she'd need to hurry.

If she fought them though, the priestess would soon enough be in the room, and with staff risen, would begin to prepare dark magic to apprehend the living morsel in their temple. She would be brought before her leader, if she wished it or not. And she best prepare for a fight, for this one were ready to wield spells that did not cause her pain. How could it, when she were already dead.

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

 

On 2024-01-28 at 2:48 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

What came to the newcomer, Charir still followed Leviathan's example, so he didn't do anything sudden, however, for obvious reasons he didn't exactly trust this thing, and seeing it still had flesh, meant that it could burn. So, as he backed away with Leviathan, he took a defensive pose and started letting smoke out of his nostrils, some of it coming out of his mouth too as he exposed bit of his teeth too. 

"Hey, back off."

The deer would take a step forth.

"I'm warning you."

Another step taken towards them, calmly and with no haste to his steps.

If Charir would try and set the deer on fire, he would succeed. The deer would be engulfed, but soon after, the flames would die out, the gauze would be torched to ash, but the deer would be fine, with whatever scorched patched were shown on his fur, rapidly regenerating.

If Charir did not, Leviathan would, and blasted him with a thunder-infused fireball. The same result unfortunately, leaving it a problem, as he did not stop following them.

"Tactical retreat. We'll find another way. Come on."

She'd signal to Charir to follow her, as she ran in another direction, blasting some wind if she saw any of the skeletons, though the first few they'd run into, seemed to have zero interest in them, and just wandered past them, towards the one that had entered, his steps clacking calmly behind, as he followed the living.

If they kept running, they would eventually find themselves having not just bashed through a few dozen skeletons more, but also facing Ruby. Either in the room she were fighting, or the path beyond the room, that she could run through, that would connect to the path they were taking. So they'd be reunited soon at least. How fortuitous, yes? So much easier to catch when they were in the same place.

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

 

@Widdershins

When she were brought into the spotlight as it were, Cover-Up were blushing profoundly, and trying to hide his face behind his long mane. A sight which combined with the enthusiastic words of Whett, made Alonsus let out a hearty laughter.

Yes, the two got some funny looks from a few nearby, but seeing how this were a peculiar outsider, along with one of their more peculiar residents, they weren't approached. It kinda also jaded folks around here over time to things like loud noises and weirdness, when Pinkie Pie lived here. She set a very high bar for loudness and enthusiastic behavior.

"You have a bombastic personality my friend. Had Alonsus a want for tattoos, I would fly at the chance. Alas I do not, but this young stallion is clearly a maestro at his work. Certain are Alonsus, that there shall be hides covered in finest work, ere long."

Cover-Up were just about bursting into flames from pure embarrassment. He knew that Whett meant only well. That were obvious, but he did not do well being put in the limelight like this. At least no one were seemingly having a poor reaction out of it, and there were a few eyes going on the leg that had been risen. The one where he put a full sleeve of art on. It would likely increase business a little, but it wasn't like there were anyone who'd just pop out and go-

"Oooh, that's sick!"

The mare at the desk inside had come out to check up on whatever Alonsus were the source of the sudden noise, and would find that no, it were a kirin of all things. She had only read about those. Guess she were wrong about them not being real. Unless this were a changeling, and They were trying to fool her again. Best not take any chances, and just act normal here. Besides, she cared more about the kid anyway. He were the one with the sick leg tat. And not just that, but he had them all over! Sure he were wearing a mare's shirt, but who cared? Might be a new fashion thing. What did she know? She only had an apron.

"How long does a half leg take you?"

She'd go over and touch it, just to make sure it wasn't something that just rubbed off. But nope, not even a little bit. Felt as soft as a coat would in fact, and as firmly set in on it as could be. That were awesome.

I uhm... D-Depending on pattern, maybe... F-Fifteen to twenty minutes? It's magical, not m-machine, so it goes faster."

"Wauh. Hey, don't leave town anytime soon then, okay? I want in on this."

"Perchance when you are not at work, Berry?"

"Well duh, you big ol' goof."

She'd grin towards Alonsus.

"Nopony needing a fill right now though.

Say, who's your friend here? I could hear you all the way inside mate. Did Pinkie Pie give you one of her Happy Muffins?"

Sure sure, they claimed there weren't any proof of it, but that was just because others didn't see the connection like she did, when it came to the real deal behind Pinkie's oddities and behavior. Or they just pretended not to, to not hurt her feelings. That were fair, and she wasn't gonna drill Pinkie about it honestly. She'd just wait until the mare slipped and one of them went into the trash, so she could get it and rummage it properly. She already had a ton of other weird stuff just lying about in her trash. Not as funny to go through as Twilight's trash, but whatever. Still fascinating.

Really was funny how many important things were just tossed into the trash by other ponies sometimes. You'd think they were crazy.

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-01-30 at 7:49 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You and the kitsune pulled me apart. I think I were helpful like that.

...I think normal beings say it hurts when that happens, yes? I do not think this hurts. I am just long."

“We are in a mindscape, so I guess seeing you like this is to be expected, but it’s good you are all right. Still, I remember seeing hunters holding down mother while father was being taken away. Then, I only had a look at you and Elder Zhao for a moment before two more hunters were holding me back from them. You… you were those two, weren’t you?”

“That weed made you see us as your enemies, made you want to fight us. It’s over now, but we still have work to do.”

“Right. I’ve got more to say, but this pain is making it difficult to focus.”

Sen looked around and took in his surroundings, now clearly seeing that he was safe and in the presence of good company. Omen being… unraveled… was still strange, but if she wasn’t hurting, then he’d accept it. Lying down on the ground, he and the others had a moment of respite to gather their energy for the task ahead, though the longma knew it wasn’t one he could avoid. Likewise, time was of the essence, and though the entity wasn’t bothering them at the moment, no one could say when it would try something else. After all, its presence had not yet been expunged from this mindscape. 

However, it wasn’t the only thing that Sen wasn’t looking forward to, as Elder Zhao had some choice words for him. They definitely stung, but he understood that this could have been avoided. It was true that he could hold his own, but a memory got the best of him. As much as he could try debating how this one was different, it simply boiled down to excuses. Getting knocked out isn’t exactly on the longma’s agenda, and he knows he needs to be here to restore the memory to what it should be. All the more reason to get this one right.

On 2024-01-30 at 7:49 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"There, that should sort that issue out for now. Now this time Sen, try and keep your composure, and remember that whilst the truth may be ugly, it have already been mostly seen, and thus you cannot avoid speaking of it later regardless. You would do best in simply accepting the past, as ugly as it may be. As you can also see, you have not been abandoned from that being shown. They yet remain at your side."

“All right, elder. We have to finish this now, but I don't know if I can.” The longma breathed a long sigh but his heart now raced. His nightmares only showed glimpses of this event, but having to confront it in full wasn’t an appealing proposition. Unfortunately, there was no backing out now, and he had to truly see it, warts and all. He shuddered, but “Lin” reached out and placed one claw on his back. 

“Brother… I need to see the truth.” 

Unable to hold back any further, Sen slowly walked his way to the crystal and touched it, restarting the memory from the beginning. All the events everyone saw leading up to the interruption played out as they did before. The siblings’ father was pulled away, while their mother cried out for the hunters to let him go. All the while, an uncaring elder stood by and directed these events; in the distance was Sen, staring as this nightmare happened once more. He ran to his parents, yelling and screaming for the hunters to let go. As he was getting ready to fight off every last one of them, his father and mother both saw their child and uttered the words he didn’t want to hear. 

Sen! Get out of here! You’re not safe if you stay!

Run, child! Run and save yourself!

No! I'm getting you out of here! Get away from them!

For a moment, Sen stood by, horrified but unwilling to go. Yet, when he took a step forward, he felt something hold him back. Or rather, his body wouldn’t move or defy how this memory was meant to unfold. Outside, the real Sen was visibly struggling, as if attempting to will every last bit of strength to try and make this memory play out differently. Two opposing forces were at play, but Sen couldn’t win over this one, remembering the words of Elder Zhao and his sister. He had to accept what really happened and honor what he was told.

Sen relented, giving up his resistance, and the memory, still for what felt like minutes, resumed. The younger Sen began backing away, holding back his tears as he had to let his parents go. All the while, the hunters pulled his father away from his mother until they were no longer visible. He could still hear them begging their child to turn away and run, to keep his gaze away from them. With one more look back, he tried to change his mind, but he could no longer see them despite still hearing their impassioned but heartbroken pleas.

Run! Don’t look back!

“Papa! Mama!”

Returning to the others in the mindscape, Sen jolted back, regaining awareness of his surroundings. His first instinct was to immediately look for his sister, who sat by the edge of the island they were on, not even glancing back or around her. It didn’t take long for him to realize that she would have seen exactly what he saw, but his doubts on the matter lingered more so.

Around them, the island and the mindscape began to heal, so to speak. Where flames raged and burned, only ashes and embers remained. The oppressive crimson shade in the night sky made way for a clear sea of stars; the crystal at the center glowed a calming cerulean, and the entity’s spider-like structure holding the realm together slowly began dissipating until nothing remained. This was a victory, but Sen could only see regrets. He wouldn’t look at Omen or Elder Zhao, but he’d air his concerns anyway, hoping he’d find some assurance from his companions. 

“It's done... Was this the right thing to do? Or did I just make things worse?” 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,580]

@Blitz Boom@Evil Pink One
Sheska observed the situation from the stairs as she came down during the latter part of the 'operation', she made a mental note about 'Harvest Mite' for when she got a chance to study this world's medical information, it wasn't that she had never seen creatures who's bite caused hallucinations, but the world of magical creatures was such that even seemingly identical cases could need opposite things to deal with. Not that she would have been able to do much even if she did know what the thing was, as she had no equipment, no medicine and no anti-venom, and at the point of her arrival, it was too late to stop the venom from spreading, so at most she could have paralyzed/numbed Light to stop him from attacking everything, but that could have made things just worse as far as she knew. So really getting him into the hospital was the only option left, and at that point she had no need to be there, as she couldn't do anything to ease the symptoms, and Light was two to three times her body weight at least, that without considering his ability to make himself heavier, so she couldn't help with the transport either.   

Chega had enough idea to have heard the Creature's name before, but that was about it, she didn't know how they would be dealt with, until now, so there hadn't been anything she could have done to help, as much as it hurt to watch, she was a bard, not much a song or clever wording did in this type of situation, and she lacked the physical strength, or mass in that matter, to be help in that aspect either, in fact, it would have taken just one poorly aimed kick from Light to kill here there and then, so she rather didn't take the risk. 

--

"Undying creature could indeed be useful." Solar stated in humorously dry manner, "And I'll look into this 'O.M.I' whenever I get a change." the first thing he probably should get was a secretary, all the literal paperwork was eating so much time. Before ending up here, his 'paperwork' went automatically to his commanders in real time, he hadn't touched actual paper since joining the military. 

"I'll be returning to Canterlot right away after I'm done here." "Which actually reminds me, since you are most likely one of the first ones around if anything involving the kobold twins happens here again, that requires guard attention, I feel it's important for you to know who you are dealing with." "I don't know what kind of experience you have already had with them, but if you haven't already, you may notice certain hostility from them." "Try to not let it get to you, where they come from, where I come from, we guards aren't a symbol of safety for them, quite the opposite actually, Sheez is what guards are to them, just to paint you a picture, Sheez was outcasted by the entire species for joining the military. And I do mean, the entire species. Not for the lives she took, not for the homes she destroyed, but for associating herself with the guard." "The guard, Pony guard specifically, is to them a symbol of suffering, there's a reason why I have gotten something thrown at me almost every time I've shown up." he said the last part with bit of humor in his tone. 

--

Myrkr wasn't in a hurry, even his travel companions had stopped, be it a bit of a distance away, so he answered the question "I believe the term used is Paladin." "I am, or should I say, was, a part of an order." "I'm the last remaining member." He sounded slightly somber, before smiling "Don't worry though, I won't preach your ears off, it's not that kind of order." 

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

Ruby wasn't in the correct mindset to notice the lack of resistance, however, if she would have, her conclusion would have been that the skeletons just didn't have much strength to use the weapons, after all, she had seen in the raising ritual exactly that, skeletons may be never tiring, but without muscle, there's only so much you can do. She didn't really even think about her injury, before the before mentioned pause in the room, as adrenaline, or equivalent of it, did its job keeping her running. 

Since things happened the moment she picked up the gold, she forgot the whole burning the wound shut thing, tossing the gold down on the ground and backing up from the mist, the skeletons weren't her biggest worry here, as even she knew enough about dark magic to not test it out, and having seen similar mist rising the dead, she didn't really want to know what it would do to the living. So she didn't take the risk, and continued moving past the room.

However, even if she would have stayed to be engulfed by the mist, the effects of it would have stayed a mystery to her, as she was not an active magic user, the only magic she used was the one keeping her in the pony form, and spells to seal things, the latter not being useful in fights until the enemy was wearing something that can be opened and closed, and the former not really being her doing spells as much as it was leashing her inner magic to the task. There was of course the weird fire magic, but she had no idea how to use that, since it had only ever happened once.  

Now that she was aware of her wound, it suddenly hurt notably more, and while it hadn't hit anything vital, it made running quite a chore, and Ruby started to actively wish for a room, any room, with enough space for her to shed the pony form, she still didn't feel fear, but being in this form was getting seriously suffocating, and that feeling was great enough that she didn't even notice that Charir's jewelry was getting closer to her. 

 --

Charir did try to set the deer on fire, after seeing Leviathan's demeanor, he could tell that she didn't see this as a friendly creature, and it wasn't just regular fire either, it was especially hot for fire, even dragon fire, so, when he saw the thing unfazed, he was both annoyed, and bit scared, he was out of weapons. He didn't hesitate fleeing, and for the skeletons they met in the way? if leviathan didn't blast them fast enough, he simply flew over them, he was small, and was used to moving in small spaces, so if there was a cap anywhere between skeletons and a wall or roof, he'd go through no problem, and if not? he'd go through.

--

When they met, the reactions were...mixed, Charir was happy to see Ruby, be it surprised, while Ruby wasn't as happy to see them, because she knew what it meant, and she let out frustrated words, they were in her native language, but it very much sounded like cursing. She then told Charir something, after which he, after very short hesitation, walked next to Ruby, and breath fire at her wound, making Ruby flinch a bit.  Ruby spoke towards Leviathan, out of breath from all the running "So we are trapped." 

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@Catpone Cerberus

"That would explain why they have had such a hostile attitude to my presence. I assumed it were more due to me being a thestral, as we do tend to be judged harshly by some. I will keep it in mind, and try to limit my interactions, to not cause them further distress then. Thank you for the information."

He had assumed it that, or it being something with kobolds and equines, which seemed to be somewhat true, though he couldn't guess where the point of equines being the way he spoke of might be exactly. He could endeavor to learn, but he supposed that were not the reason for the nudge as it were, from Solar. More of a reasoning to their behavior, and potentially an indirect notion to simply try and let them be for now, lest it were necessary to come into contact with them. Truthfully he appreciated what he were told, as it would help regardless of what their prior story were in more details, as Stargazer wished not to be a burden upon others. He already had been a burden upon society for most of his teenage years, and when he were given the option between getting his life together, and joining the Night Guard, or prison, he had sworn that he would not fall off, and end up a burden once more. That were even more important now, that he were a father, and needed to set a good example for his daughter.

"And you are correct, that I am likely the first one they would come to, as I am the only official guard in town. On lend from the Night Guard, until Princess Twilight establishes a guard of her own. Which I believe she is beginning on, as she got a peculiar mare to defend her currently. I know little of her, but she seems very driven, and duty bound. She would likely do well.

In any case, I assure you that I will send others along, if they match your description. I assume I am to direct them towards the headquarters in Canterlot, correct? Or do you have another base of operations?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Hmm, can't say I've read or heard about Paladins before. I assume it is related to your healing prowess? If so, I wish you luck in re-establishing your order. The ability to heal others, can be highly useful for a great number of beings.

I can't say I have as lofty aspirations. I merely wished to study, and find an answer that have long since been forgotten by all but Ancalagon, the oldest of the elder dragons. Yet the dragons care not for the answer, and I not for them, so I've accepted my informal exile, and found contentment that ponies have more hunger for history. The princess of this town being among the most studious. I find more kinship with her, than my own family."

Not that it said much. She never got along with them, and she imagined they felt the same way about her being gone, as she did about them being home: Indifferent.

Hmm, perhaps her younger brother would miss her she supposed. He were not studious, but he didn't hate the topic, and mostly just caved to peer pressure from others, when things came up. She did wonder how Malefic were doing at times herself, truth be told, but it had been what, ten years or so since last she saw any of her family members. She doubted that they'd speak again, if they hadn't for that amount of time. Or when they would, centuries would have passed. Not like he had reason to come to Equestria.

"Might I ask, what the life of a Paladin entails? It holds the ring of power to it, so is it presumptuous of me to imagine that it involves at least a certain degree of strength? If not of body, then mind at the least?"

She were a scholar by nature, and thus, had a hard time not being curious, when something, or someone that fascinated her crossed her path. This one were among those she found rather curious, as it were clear he carried a weight of history upon her shoulder, as he were the last of his kin. It could not be easy to carry all that, and yet have none to share it with. Not that she were volunteering... Currently, that were. She were studious of her own topics currently, but she were one of an open mind. If his were an order that appreciated strength of mind and had a good cause, she couldn't see why perhaps her studied could not happen alongside her pursuing goals such as his.

Grumpy as she might seem at times, Nerzhei wished to help, and find purpose, beyond translating the ancient tome that had ultimately gotten her banished. Who knew if perhaps this were such a purpose?

Of course, there might be issues, that meant she couldn't even attempt as it were, but one wouldn't know without inquiry, correct?

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

There were some skeletons in the way, but they were swatted aside by Leviathan. It wouldn't destroy them, and she darn well knew it, but at this point, she were just trying to keep them one step ahead, and this seemed the only way so far, for her to keep them out of her way. It were brief, but it were all she had currently, and there weren't any turning back, because of the weirder one back there. Hopefully they'd find an alternative exit soon.

Instead, they would find Ruby, which made Leviathan halt, before she hit the dark mist on the floor, and open her maw.

"R-Ruby?! Are you okay?"

She sounded worried, because she darn well were. Sure it were nice seeing she were alive, but she should not be in here. This were not a nice place, and judging by them not having faced her before, she were surmising that they would not find an exit that way either. Bugger! Were they stuck in the middle then? What else were going to happen now?

The answer would come, when the priestess then entered the room. This one looked troubling, so Leviathan would take a step forth, and prepare to blast her aside, giving them time to get away if possible. Instead she yelped in pain, as the mist reached up on her and clamped down, making her stop her magic again.

"Son of a drake. Freaking anti magic measures, I swear."

That stuff hurt, and she were none too pleased about it. Though it seemed to be affected by the mist...

She'd stay out of that, and throw in some ice spears that would shatter and freeze over the risen abominations. They'd be able to shake it maybe, but she had to work fast here to do something.

Charir would be able to *mend* her wounds in peace for a bit , while she did this. Not too unusual for dragons to do this sorta thing in a pinch. heck, she'd done it more times than she could count, and not only on herself. She could tell some stories. But it weren't the time for that right now.

"I dunno if we're trapped. something came through the door. It's blocked entirely by black magic.. That thing got through, but we'd probably rot. We're gonna have to- Duck!"

She'd use wind to yank the two away, and closer to her, as a glob of dark magical most hit them, though it took some effort out of her. They weren't light, and she felt as if something were still dragging in her magic, making things feel harder to use than normal. Bloody dark magic and all it's nonsense sometimes. Pain in her rear almost every time.

The priestess however, would simply prepare something else, and use smaller globs, that she'd fire at the dragon, who'd use use ice to encapsule it, so it fell to the ground. She were aiming to tire out the dragoness, and it would work, as the priestess were not bound by mortal limitations, nor magic reserves. It might take time, but she had all the time she needed, as she knew the sound behind them, indicated that there were more coming this way. A single sound of clacking yes, but more were bound to follow.

And all the while, the frozen abominations were starting to break off the ice encapsulating them. This were not a fight she would win on her own.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-01-31 at 3:05 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“We are in a mindscape, so I guess seeing you like this is to be expected, but it’s good you are all right. Still, I remember seeing hunters holding down mother while father was being taken away. Then, I only had a look at you and Elder Zhao for a moment before two more hunters were holding me back from them. You… you were those two, weren’t you?”

“That weed made you see us as your enemies, made you want to fight us. It’s over now, but we still have work to do.”

“Right. I’ve got more to say, but this pain is making it difficult to focus.”

"Pain makes it hard to focus? Seems like a hard emotion to learn about then."

At least to her, you had to focus to try and learn stuff, so if pain made it hard to focus, would it not be hard to learn? She'd need to think about this, but it were a weird concept that she had to mull over some, she'd recon.

Elder Zhao might have given a few choice words to this, but she were busy, and would sort through peculiarities like this later. Or perhaps not. In some way, it would be good for Omen to find out such simple things herself, rather than being subjected to it to understand, by the kitsune. Of course, no guarantee that they could cause her actual pain, but she would think they had a few things that could work. Not that she endorsed it though. They usually reserved such things for poachers, and for good reason.

On 2024-01-31 at 3:05 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Returning to the others in the mindscape, Sen jolted back, regaining awareness of his surroundings. His first instinct was to immediately look for his sister, who sat by the edge of the island they were on, not even glancing back or around her. It didn’t take long for him to realize that she would have seen exactly what he saw, but his doubts on the matter lingered more so.

Around them, the island and the mindscape began to heal, so to speak. Where flames raged and burned, only ashes and embers remained. The oppressive crimson shade in the night sky made way for a clear sea of stars; the crystal at the center glowed a calming cerulean, and the entity’s spider-like structure holding the realm together slowly began dissipating until nothing remained. This was a victory, but Sen could only see regrets. He wouldn’t look at Omen or Elder Zhao, but he’d air his concerns anyway, hoping he’d find some assurance from his companions. 

“It's done... Was this the right thing to do? Or did I just make things worse?”

Elder hao would go and silently place a paw upon his shoulder. Gently this time, as she did not intend to lecture him now. This were not the time to be a teacher after all, but to be a force of support that he needed, in his trying moment.

"You did what was right, both then and now.

You were but a child, Sen. You saw them being taken, and you knew not what to do. But they did. They knew that if you had interfered, they would have only taken you too, and they couldn't bear that. I think that deep inside, you know this too. beyond this guilt you saddle yourself with, there is the part of you that understands how powerless you were then, and I hope that the day comes soon, when you can come to terms with that in full.

But you are not the only one who feels these old wounds cut up. Your sister does too, and are having to face a bitter reality, hidden behind a kind lie. Go to her. Both of you. I will scour around, and see if there is something of it lingering still."

She'd give the youngling a smile, then flake off into small fragments, blowing around on unseen winds, trying to find any remnant of the entity. She needed to ensure that things were truly done, before they left.

Meanwhile, Omen would look up at Sen, bouncing in place with her tongue dangling out, as it had done most of the time in here.

"Let us go to sister."

Omen would bounce over towards Lin. She would think her sister needed them, and so, she'd be there, to lend what aid that she could. As she always would, from the beginning, and until Lin were nothing but dust in the ground, fermenting new life. Family were not meant to abandon one another, in their time of need.

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

 

@Sekel @Cheerilee

Chow would grin at the compliments from the mare.

"Darn right. Garlic's good at adding a bit of spice to things, and really get the blood flowing. Ain't changing on eating meat myself though. I tried, and it ain't sitting well with my stomach, so I'm gonna stick using it in cooking and pet food, as I outta. 'Specially the pets. poor things outta eat good and healthy too.

How's the food for the rest of ya?"

"Krrkrkrhthhxxx. I did not expect a pony to impress me with food."

"Heh, I've met meat eaters of all sorts. Glad I'm able to leave another with a full belly."

Granted, it were mostly pets, but hey, pets of creatures, all needed to eat, and all showed their own kinds of appreciation for good food. This one for instance, seemed to be on semi-neutral appreciation in words. Lack of facial features to show something proper probably.

"How about you, lass? Did I manage to get through that steely exterior of yours?"

"I don't eat before her majesty, my treacherous stomach be damned."

"A mare of conviction, eh? I can respect that. How about you sugar?"

Zeehva would suddenly stop as she were addressed, and reach for the water, then pour a glass, and put a few spoons of hot sauce in it. Then she'd take a big gulp, before finishing off her sandwich, acting as if she hadn't eaten for days. Made her feel rather embarrassed when it were done actually.

"S-Sorry. It tasted well, t-thank you."

"Nah, no need apologizing. I've met mares in your situation before, and I know the hormones can really mess you up. Don't worry 'bout acting weird here.

Anything else you'd need?"

"I'm good for now, but uhm... M-Maybe later."

"Just lemme know, and I'll get right on it. Can't leave you starving at a time like this, eh?"

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Catpone Cerberus

"That would explain why they have had such a hostile attitude to my presence. I assumed it were more due to me being a thestral, as we do tend to be judged harshly by some. I will keep it in mind, and try to limit my interactions, to not cause them further distress then. Thank you for the information."

He had assumed it that, or it being something with kobolds and equines, which seemed to be somewhat true, though he couldn't guess where the point of equines being the way he spoke of might be exactly. He could endeavor to learn, but he supposed that were not the reason for the nudge as it were, from Solar. More of a reasoning to their behavior, and potentially an indirect notion to simply try and let them be for now, lest it were necessary to come into contact with them. Truthfully he appreciated what he were told, as it would help regardless of what their prior story were in more details, as Stargazer wished not to be a burden upon others. He already had been a burden upon society for most of his teenage years, and when he were given the option between getting his life together, and joining the Night Guard, or prison, he had sworn that he would not fall off, and end up a burden once more. That were even more important now, that he were a father, and needed to set a good example for his daughter.

"And you are correct, that I am likely the first one they would come to, as I am the only official guard in town. On lend from the Night Guard, until Princess Twilight establishes a guard of her own. Which I believe she is beginning on, as she got a peculiar mare to defend her currently. I know little of her, but she seems very driven, and duty bound. She would likely do well.

In any case, I assure you that I will send others along, if they match your description. I assume I am to direct them towards the headquarters in Canterlot, correct? Or do you have another base of operations?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Hmm, can't say I've read or heard about Paladins before. I assume it is related to your healing prowess? If so, I wish you luck in re-establishing your order. The ability to heal others, can be highly useful for a great number of beings.

I can't say I have as lofty aspirations. I merely wished to study, and find an answer that have long since been forgotten by all but Ancalagon, the oldest of the elder dragons. Yet the dragons care not for the answer, and I not for them, so I've accepted my informal exile, and found contentment that ponies have more hunger for history. The princess of this town being among the most studious. I find more kinship with her, than my own family."

Not that it said much. She never got along with them, and she imagined they felt the same way about her being gone, as she did about them being home: Indifferent.

Hmm, perhaps her younger brother would miss her she supposed. He were not studious, but he didn't hate the topic, and mostly just caved to peer pressure from others, when things came up. She did wonder how Malefic were doing at times herself, truth be told, but it had been what, ten years or so since last she saw any of her family members. She doubted that they'd speak again, if they hadn't for that amount of time. Or when they would, centuries would have passed. Not like he had reason to come to Equestria.

"Might I ask, what the life of a Paladin entails? It holds the ring of power to it, so is it presumptuous of me to imagine that it involves at least a certain degree of strength? If not of body, then mind at the least?"

She were a scholar by nature, and thus, had a hard time not being curious, when something, or someone that fascinated her crossed her path. This one were among those she found rather curious, as it were clear he carried a weight of history upon her shoulder, as he were the last of his kin. It could not be easy to carry all that, and yet have none to share it with. Not that she were volunteering... Currently, that were. She were studious of her own topics currently, but she were one of an open mind. If his were an order that appreciated strength of mind and had a good cause, she couldn't see why perhaps her studied could not happen alongside her pursuing goals such as his.

Grumpy as she might seem at times, Nerzhei wished to help, and find purpose, beyond translating the ancient tome that had ultimately gotten her banished. Who knew if perhaps this were such a purpose?

Of course, there might be issues, that meant she couldn't even attempt as it were, but one wouldn't know without inquiry, correct?

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

There were some skeletons in the way, but they were swatted aside by Leviathan. It wouldn't destroy them, and she darn well knew it, but at this point, she were just trying to keep them one step ahead, and this seemed the only way so far, for her to keep them out of her way. It were brief, but it were all she had currently, and there weren't any turning back, because of the weirder one back there. Hopefully they'd find an alternative exit soon.

Instead, they would find Ruby, which made Leviathan halt, before she hit the dark mist on the floor, and open her maw.

"R-Ruby?! Are you okay?"

She sounded worried, because she darn well were. Sure it were nice seeing she were alive, but she should not be in here. This were not a nice place, and judging by them not having faced her before, she were surmising that they would not find an exit that way either. Bugger! Were they stuck in the middle then? What else were going to happen now?

The answer would come, when the priestess then entered the room. This one looked troubling, so Leviathan would take a step forth, and prepare to blast her aside, giving them time to get away if possible. Instead she yelped in pain, as the mist reached up on her and clamped down, making her stop her magic again.

"Son of a drake. Freaking anti magic measures, I swear."

That stuff hurt, and she were none too pleased about it. Though it seemed to be affected by the mist...

She'd stay out of that, and throw in some ice spears that would shatter and freeze over the risen abominations. They'd be able to shake it maybe, but she had to work fast here to do something.

Charir would be able to *mend* her wounds in peace for a bit , while she did this. Not too unusual for dragons to do this sorta thing in a pinch. heck, she'd done it more times than she could count, and not only on herself. She could tell some stories. But it weren't the time for that right now.

"I dunno if we're trapped. something came through the door. It's blocked entirely by black magic.. That thing got through, but we'd probably rot. We're gonna have to- Duck!"

She'd use wind to yank the two away, and closer to her, as a glob of dark magical most hit them, though it took some effort out of her. They weren't light, and she felt as if something were still dragging in her magic, making things feel harder to use than normal. Bloody dark magic and all it's nonsense sometimes. Pain in her rear almost every time.

The priestess however, would simply prepare something else, and use smaller globs, that she'd fire at the dragon, who'd use use ice to encapsule it, so it fell to the ground. She were aiming to tire out the dragoness, and it would work, as the priestess were not bound by mortal limitations, nor magic reserves. It might take time, but she had all the time she needed, as she knew the sound behind them, indicated that there were more coming this way. A single sound of clacking yes, but more were bound to follow.

And all the while, the frozen abominations were starting to break off the ice encapsulating them. This were not a fight she would win on her own.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"Pain makes it hard to focus? Seems like a hard emotion to learn about then."

At least to her, you had to focus to try and learn stuff, so if pain made it hard to focus, would it not be hard to learn? She'd need to think about this, but it were a weird concept that she had to mull over some, she'd recon.

Elder Zhao might have given a few choice words to this, but she were busy, and would sort through peculiarities like this later. Or perhaps not. In some way, it would be good for Omen to find out such simple things herself, rather than being subjected to it to understand, by the kitsune. Of course, no guarantee that they could cause her actual pain, but she would think they had a few things that could work. Not that she endorsed it though. They usually reserved such things for poachers, and for good reason.

Elder hao would go and silently place a paw upon his shoulder. Gently this time, as she did not intend to lecture him now. This were not the time to be a teacher after all, but to be a force of support that he needed, in his trying moment.

"You did what was right, both then and now.

You were but a child, Sen. You saw them being taken, and you knew not what to do. But they did. They knew that if you had interfered, they would have only taken you too, and they couldn't bear that. I think that deep inside, you know this too. beyond this guilt you saddle yourself with, there is the part of you that understands how powerless you were then, and I hope that the day comes soon, when you can come to terms with that in full.

But you are not the only one who feels these old wounds cut up. Your sister does too, and are having to face a bitter reality, hidden behind a kind lie. Go to her. Both of you. I will scour around, and see if there is something of it lingering still."

She'd give the youngling a smile, then flake off into small fragments, blowing around on unseen winds, trying to find any remnant of the entity. She needed to ensure that things were truly done, before they left.

Meanwhile, Omen would look up at Sen, bouncing in place with her tongue dangling out, as it had done most of the time in here.

"Let us go to sister."

Omen would bounce over towards Lin. She would think her sister needed them, and so, she'd be there, to lend what aid that she could. As she always would, from the beginning, and until Lin were nothing but dust in the ground, fermenting new life. Family were not meant to abandon one another, in their time of need.

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

 

@Sekel @Cheerilee

Chow would grin at the compliments from the mare.

"Darn right. Garlic's good at adding a bit of spice to things, and really get the blood flowing. Ain't changing on eating meat myself though. I tried, and it ain't sitting well with my stomach, so I'm gonna stick using it in cooking and pet food, as I outta. 'Specially the pets. poor things outta eat good and healthy too.

How's the food for the rest of ya?"

"Krrkrkrhthhxxx. I did not expect a pony to impress me with food."

"Heh, I've met meat eaters of all sorts. Glad I'm able to leave another with a full belly."

Granted, it were mostly pets, but hey, pets of creatures, all needed to eat, and all showed their own kinds of appreciation for good food. This one for instance, seemed to be on semi-neutral appreciation in words. Lack of facial features to show something proper probably.

"How about you, lass? Did I manage to get through that steely exterior of yours?"

"I don't eat before her majesty, my treacherous stomach be damned."

"A mare of conviction, eh? I can respect that. How about you sugar?"

Zeehva would suddenly stop as she were addressed, and reach for the water, then pour a glass, and put a few spoons of hot sauce in it. Then she'd take a big gulp, before finishing off her sandwich, acting as if she hadn't eaten for days. Made her feel rather embarrassed when it were done actually.

"S-Sorry. It tasted well, t-thank you."

"Nah, no need apologizing. I've met mares in your situation before, and I know the hormones can really mess you up. Don't worry 'bout acting weird here.

Anything else you'd need?"

"I'm good for now, but uhm... M-Maybe later."

"Just lemme know, and I'll get right on it. Can't leave you starving at a time like this, eh?"

( sry busy going to be active again around feb 20)

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-02-05 at 8:35 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Pain makes it hard to focus? Seems like a hard emotion to learn about then."

“When pain is all there is, it’s difficult to see or feel past it. Sometimes, you can ignore it, but it’ll be there to draw your attention back to it. Physical pain can be softened, and in time, it will go away. I can’t say the same for… well, this. Now that the truth is out, there’s no point in denying anymore. I just hope things don’t get worse.”

Pain isn’t something unfamiliar to Sen; after all, training as a hunter didn’t come without aches, but the massages his father gave him worked wonders to soothe tension. Emotional pain, like the one he’s carrying, was a different story. If there was a way to make this hurt fade, he wouldn’t know. For now, he had to accept that something was broken, and more could be on the way once he spoke with his sister. There’s no telling what he’d hear from her, though a tongue-lashing wasn’t out of the question. He had to prepare himself for that at least, but Omen being there might be the only source of comfort he’d get.

On 2024-02-05 at 8:35 AM, Blitz Boom said:

You were but a child, Sen. You saw them being taken, and you knew not what to do. But they did. They knew that if you had interfered, they would have only taken you too, and they couldn't bear that. I think that deep inside, you know this too. beyond this guilt you saddle yourself with, there is the part of you that understands how powerless you were then, and I hope that the day comes soon, when you can come to terms with that in full.

But you are not the only one who feels these old wounds cut up. Your sister does too, and are having to face a bitter reality, hidden behind a kind lie. Go to her. Both of you. I will scour around, and see if there is something of it lingering still."

She'd give the youngling a smile, then flake off into small fragments, blowing around on unseen winds, trying to find any remnant of the entity. She needed to ensure that things were truly done, before they left.

Meanwhile, Omen would look up at Sen, bouncing in place with her tongue dangling out, as it had done most of the time in here.

"Let us go to sister."

The longma would brace himself for the worst, though Elder Zhao’s words gave him some reassurance. Maybe one day, he’d forgive himself for the faults he saw in himself that fateful night. Now just didn’t seem like the right time, not when he still carried the guilt. He nodded to the kitsune elder and walked alongside the Ki’Nathar, readying himself to take in the worst his sister could muster, whatever she was feeling at the moment. Each step felt heavier than the last, and when Sen was just by “Lin,” dread hung in the air. 

“About… what you… saw. There’s no point in me denying it now. When I could have tried to help, I ran. Are you angry with me?”

“Lin” paused and let out a sigh, though she would remain silent. She understood what happened, though some part of her still didn’t expect to see how things truly turned out. “I am. But not because you ran. Why did you need to lie about it?”

“I... I wanted to spare you the pain had you known what really happened. If you knew it back then-“

“I did. Mother told me when I returned home to find you and father gone and her heartbroken. I’m angry because you acted as if you knew how I’d feel. Don’t you trust that I can process my grief?”

Sen didn’t have an answer to the question posed to him. Or rather, he was tempted to say no on account of Lin seeking out dark magic to get her revenge for what happened. However, even he didn’t expect her to go that far, and they only learned of the consequences much, much later. It didn’t feel right to answer the question. All of this harkened back to another conversation earlier about trusting Omen’s capabilities to defend herself and how they didn’t need to fight her battles for her. In the end, all this boiled down to a matter of trust.

“I’m sorry. After what happened that night, I’ve become scared that I couldn’t help those I care for, that I’d lose them too. It’s why I have to put myself between anyone who’d hurt you or Omen. Better that I take the hits instead of you. No one should have to experience what we saw. And Omen? I hope you never, ever have experienced that.”

“Yes, but now we’ll work together so anything like it will never come to pass. I should’ve told you that I knew. Maybe we could have spared ourselves having to go through all this trouble. Maybe now we could start to heal and move on from this.”

Both siblings nodded and took this moment to sit, even inviting Omen to stay with them for a while to watch the stars. It wasn’t quite stargazing in the real world outside the mindscape, but it was a beautiful sight nonetheless, especially with their surroundings now appearing to heal and form into a single landmass. There wouldn’t be any more of the entity to bother them in this moment of serenity and respite, a moment they can just enjoy. After a while, the entryway to the siblings’ hut would shine a bright, golden light, marking a path forward, but it was merely a way out of the mindscape. The way out was present and when everyone was ready, it would bring them back to the material world. 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-02-06 at 4:36 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“When pain is all there is, it’s difficult to see or feel past it. Sometimes, you can ignore it, but it’ll be there to draw your attention back to it. Physical pain can be softened, and in time, it will go away. I can’t say the same for… well, this. Now that the truth is out, there’s no point in denying anymore. I just hope things don’t get worse.”

"It sounds complicated. It must be hard to be normal sometimes."

It sounded like Sen didn't even know how to explain pain probably, so what hope had she of understanding it? She understood as far as this being different from physical pain, like if you had been stabbed, but beyond that she couldn't understand. Especially when talking about this mind scape, because she understood so very, very little of it. It were just a place to her. Not something that she related to pain, as much as just some thing that shouldn't be here, they were trying to get out.

But then, she knew that she did not see things as normal creatures did. She were flawed, and chaotic. To her master, that were a compliment. To her, she were uncertain of it. When the world were filled with chaos, she fit in, as everything were abnormal, and many other creatures were too. Now though, in this stable, mostly orderly world, she were an outsider, trying to blend in when her very being were opposite of everything it stood for. Not just a child, but a child alien to it's surroundings, with no one that could relate to how and why it struggled.

Were she able to understand frustration, it might have led her down a dark path, being in the situation that she were, but small blessing there, in her being unable to grasp such a thing. And when one day she might, it probably wouldn't matter, as at that point, she would likely have figured out how to be whole, in this world.

As for what happened right now? She had no idea how to probably approach it. Maybe after she'd have some time to think over things, she would be able to. Right now though, it simply seemed so beyond her, with everything going on. She were best served simply focusing on being there for their sister, and then see where things would go.

On 2024-02-06 at 4:36 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m sorry. After what happened that night, I’ve become scared that I couldn’t help those I care for, that I’d lose them too. It’s why I have to put myself between anyone who’d hurt you or Omen. Better that I take the hits instead of you. No one should have to experience what we saw. And Omen? I hope you never, ever have experienced that.”

“Yes, but now we’ll work together so anything like it will never come to pass. I should’ve told you that I knew. Maybe we could have spared ourselves having to go through all this trouble. Maybe now we could start to heal and move on from this.”

"I have experienced that. That is what Mother tells us to use the gates for. To protect our masters, and stand between them, and danger.

I could get hit too I think? Maybe that would teach me something."

She were still processing things here. Apparently, Lin had known about this deep, dark secret already, and the break from her end, came more from a mater of trust? She had no better idea anyway, though it sounded like some miscommunication to her. Now that they both knew, it should not be hard to move past that, no? Not for her anyway, but she assumed it were different with them. Maybe because they were not supposed to keep secrets from one another? That sounded like something she had heard siblings say before. That would fit with this in some ways.

"It is good that you both know what each other knows now, yes? About that day? Does it mean that you are going to be okay, and that Lin is healed?"

"She is, yes."

Elder Zhao's voice would return before she did, paint streaming out of nowhere, and getting painted into the form she had taken throughout their adventure in here, whilst the lands reformed properly around her.

"I did not find more traces of it. Best I can tell, it must have lost its grip when you were confronted with a traumatic memory, and chose to accept it, rather than fight it. That goes for you both.

However, I do not believe this to be the end of this entity. It had planted itself in your mind, but it were gotten rid off too cleanly. I suspect this might have just been it imprinting a copy unto you. If others encountered it, they may well fall under this same spell. I would advise that you kept clear of wherever you were affected, or at the least bring an escort with you, who understands such things.

As I am led to believe, your kin prefers being secluded, and handling things amongst yourselves? Let it be known that I can offer a helper, provided such things change. until then, simply stay clear, or send this one to test things. Her mind is a mess, that would not be simply overtaken."

She would point towards Omen, who were beginning to jump towards the gate, curious at what it were, but Zhao grabbed hold of her, and lifted her from the ground in one paw.

"I will deal with putting her where she needs to be. This path would simply cause her issue.

Peculiar that it is here though. It is not all whom ends these sorts of things with an open mind. You two are peculiar creatures. But we can talk more when all have awakened. Provided that you do, young lady."

She would now look towards Lin, as she spoke further.

"You have been through an ordeal, and it will tax your mind. You might find that it can be anywhere from an hour, to a few days before you actually wake up. No need to worry though. I will ensure you a bed until you are back on your feet, if it comes to that.

As for you Sen, you will most likely wake up with a severe headache, after the troubles you were in. It will pass fast, so just endure it."

"Will something happen with me too?"

"I haven't a clue. Your mind is too peculiar to make assumptions.

Now then, any questions before we finish here? If not, simply walk through, and we can speak after. And be advised that if this is a trap, you will be awakened far more forcefully than you'll appreciate."

She would wait 'til the end, and then take Omen out via her own ways. She did not need a presented path to traverse here. Though in the waking world, they would find that the elderly kitsune's front paws were on Sen and Lin's heads, and her eyes closed. The tip of her tail, resting on Omen's unconscious face. It had only been a few seconds after they had fallen from her knocking them out, despite how long it must have felt in the dream realm.

The mind worked fast. Though she would need a few more long seconds, before she would be done with Omen. Taking her out were one thing, putting her back as she had found her, were another entirely.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,580]

@Blitz Boom
"The headquarters yes, while my unit is an unique one, regular procedures are still followed for now." Solar confirmed, doing both the office duties and the field duties, he couldn't really ensure his own presence for any specific times, so things like this had to go through the headquarters, but eventually he'd have more direct way of recruitment "And before I forget, Good job with Sheez, you chose the right approach." "The more reckless ponies may not think you did, but you can rest knowing you saved lives today." being a guard was a thankless job, so Solar figured he should make his own effort to thank others "And in more practical terms, you made my job lot easier, I thank you for it."

--

"There is no all-encompassing answer, as it depends on the oath one follows, but in general yes, the title comes with expectation of certain strengths, and certain obligations." "For me personally it has meant a life of scholarship, as I have spend most of my years studying to hone my abilities." "Healing is only one part of it." "As you are unfamiliar with the term, I should most likely explain the general idea." "In its simplest, a paladin is a knight, who's devotion for the cause is absolute." "It is often religious in nature, but it is not necessarily linked to any being." 

"As mentioned, life of a Paladin is not universal, but I can tell about my own." "My order was build around justice, the protection of the weak, the destruction of suffering." "I was but a youngling when I became part of all of it, I was chosen by forces outside my understanding, fate leading me to those who were to become my teachers." "My upbringing in the order was as you'd expect from any religious group, however, instead of religion, I learned history, and instead of praying, I learned combat." "My life as a Paladin was rather simple, when I wasn't out there fighting, I sat in the library learning, or was on the yard practicing fighting, I have vowed to fight for justice, so when I wasn't doing that, I spend my time learning how to do it better." "Thus my studies in healing, I am not naive, I know I'm but a single individual, so as time went on, I focused more and more on the small scale, how can I help individuals." 

"Which brings me to today, with the order gone, with me being the only thing left, my life is different, yet, I am driven by my oath still." "So to answer your question, What does the life of a Paladin entail? It entails the willingness to give your all to work for what you believe, willingness to constantly work on your mind and body to become better..." Myrkr again turned somber "...willingness to carry on, to have faith that even in the deepest darkness, you'll find light." 

Nerzhei probably didn't expect that kind of response, but she had been right in that Myrkr had nobody to share the weight with, so when he was actually asked about it, he may have gone bit overboard with the answer. 

--
"I'm alive." was Ruby's response to Leviathan's worry, and while she was as hard to read as always, minus the obvious pain caused by the wound and then Charir's fire, she was very much not 'okay'. Physically she was fine, what was a little cut here and there, and even the burn caused by Charir, since the pony form was not fireproof, was nothing to her, but mentally? She was good at hiding it, but she wasn't nearly as calm as she seemed, she was starting to feel more and more claustrophobic due to lack of room to transform, and thus was staring to feel extremely uncomfortable about being, quite literally, trapped in her own skin. She did not like being this helpless.

Leviathan's yelp got both of the other dragons' attention, Charir being more visibly worried, but as they both could see that she wasn't in active danger, and her words told Ruby what had happened, neither of them did anything, Charir wanted to do something, but didn't have the means to, nor time really, as his attention turned back towards the threats themselves.

 After the yank, Ruby spoke quickly, exhaustion audible from her tone "You already met the one chasing me." she gestured to the priestess "It reanimated some special mummy deer that speaks and can sense us." "Said mummy told the skeletons to bring us to it" she dodged and moved as necessary while she spoke "Have you tried to blow up a wall or a roof or something? if that doesn't work, we are out of options." 

Ruby was no help with fighting here, only way to do any real damage in this form, needed her to turn her back towards the enemy, which was just simply idiotic to do here, especially since they knew it would do nothing, however, Leviathan wasn't alone in fighting, because Charir still had plenty of energy, and while he knew it was ultimately useless, he rather went down fighting. So Charir went around slashing, mostly legs and the priestess's staff, yes they fixed themselves, but at least they would be out of the fight for that period of time.

While useless in fight right at this moment, Ruby still didn't just stand there doing nothing, rather she worked as extra pair of eyes, warning Leviathan and Charir about any incoming hit they may not notice, and if necessarily, even take a hit for one of them, fully aware that in this form that could be quite lethal. 

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@Catpone Cerberus

"I spend most of my youth being reckless, and cause problems for everypony around me. Almost got me in prison, until I were given one last chance, to turn my life around. So you can trust it when I say, that I've done enough mistakes to teach me about not doing something you might regret, and accepting when I'm out of my depths. You and the kobolds, all warned me plenty that she should not be confronted with hostility, so I listened, and acted upon it. And fully am I glad you were right about that, else who knows how things might have gone?

So while we are extending gratitude, please accept mine to you, for the warnings, on top of everything else you did. The town have had enough problems as it is, without her adding actual carnage to the equation. For a one pony operation, you so far have a good track record."

Stargazer were not ashamed of his past. His years as an orphaned thestral, left at night at the Canterlot Orphanage, were well documented. As were his criminal record for the time, as he lashed out, the more time went with him getting passed on for adoption, or even worse yet, sent back. A thestral had to be raised a little differently than you would a pony after all, and it were not something all wanted to get through the hassle dealing with. So he lashed out in anger, and a desperate attempt for attention, and in the end, he got it. From a high ranking officer in the Night Guard, that came to his cell when he had turned 18, and thus were able to be tried as an adult.  And the choice she gave him were simple: Accept the upwards of twenty years in prison that his various non-violent offenses had raked up, or follow her, and let the guards give him the purpose and discipline he sorely needed.

He wouldn't want to think of how his life had gone, had he not taken that offer, and dedicated himself to being better, and if asked about it by others who heard something, or knew him when he were young and reckless, he hadn't an issue telling the story. He had even been called in to tell it in details, at some places like school, and youth criminal holdings, to try and be both an inspiration, and cautionary tale for others, before they got too far.

Of course, it had become more problematic now that his half brother had shown up. Somepony he didn't even knew existed, much less who his mother were. The former of whom were a fugitive from a notorious spy organization, and the latter a dangerous criminal, who had escaped prison after capture. That part of his family history though, he kept to himself. There were still much he had to deal with there himself.

"I apologize for cutting our meeting short, but I have to go around and make sure that the locals are informed that they can come out again from the bunkers now, as well as find in which one my daughter have hidden in. If there is nothing else, I should go and do this, before somepony start going stir crazy.

Though know that I wish you all the best of luck, finding new companions for your group. I worry that we might need you sooner than others might expect. Times have been odd these last few years."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Nerzhei would have pulled up a notebook from her bag, and begun making some written notes about the things he were saying, on the back pages. Her gaze were still squarely on him, as she did not need to look down to write. It was just a matter of practice, and she had had plenty of that, as she grew up around dullards and brutes. Things like practicing writing without looking at the paper, having good penmanship, and refining her geomancy, were things she had done that were more worthwhile in her mind, than going around, having wrestling matches with small-minded individuals.

"I know some who would mark Paladins, as zealots. I for one, am impressed with your degree of devotion. It takes a strong mind to not bend before hardships or pressure of others, and stick the course for something they believe is right. I do not compare it with my own ordeals and trouble in staying my own course though. It seems an unjust mockery to compare the two equally. Yet it allows me some degree of understanding and relatability, of what you are saying. And for what it is worth, you have my sympathies, for going through all that, to now stand as the final piece of your order. I can imagine you must stand with a heavy weight hovering above you, knowing that the order stands or falls, depending on your actions."

She wouldn't stop him from speaking of his order, and had waited respectfully for him to finish, before offering her own words. Truthfully, she were impressed with what she heard. The Paladins sounded like a fascinating order of essentially combat scholars with a cause. A good one at that, wanting to work for the betterment of others. For a dragon especially, that could be tough to do at times. Draconic pride were a harsh enemy to conquer, and she knew many who simply couldn't do that. Insufferable ones she'd say, though she were not without fault. She openly admitted to still having her pride, but she were not controlled by it. It were simply part of her. A part that she could mostly ignore, when the situation did not call for her to be self centered.

"I am a scholar by choice. I always found words and knowledge more worthwhile, than lumbering life with no other purpose than to toughen up, grow older, and try to prove physical superiority to others. When I dove in the ocean for crystals to study, and found the sealed box, wherein the tome that seem to hold answers to the long forgotten past before the dragon and pony war, I were told to toss it. Some even wanted to outright destroy it, as the mere notion that there were a time when we might have even gotten along well, were seen as blasphemy. So I beat them up, and left.

That's what I've been dealing with on the Dragon Isles for decades. Ignorance and persecution, amongst a collaboration of mostly dullards and hardliners. Getting somewhat exiled have frankly been a blessing. I'm provided somewhat peace to my studies, and for once one who are curious of the story too.

Just imagine. The book is written in an ancient combination of equine and draconian, and depicts cities where dragons and ponies wander close. What were this? What caused it to end, and the schism between dragons and ponies to happen? I know not the answers, and are appalled that some would wish to silence such knowledge."

She'd let out a sigh, and press her index finger and thumb on her brow for a moment, before shaking her head slightly.

"My apologies. I did not intend to rant. It is not many I have had to speak with over the years, beyond Lotus here, but she cares little for these things. She simply craves food, company, and violence. I acknowledge being at fault for the last trait.

I do not wish to keep you from your companions, if you need to move on, but if not, I would like to hear more of the Paladins. If not now, then perhaps some other time? Your order sounds like a worthwhile, fascinating organization, with good ideals. I'd like to know more of it, if the time allows it. Or if not, find a time that might suit you better?"

She were not saying that she wanted to be a Paladin. She didn't even know what the qualifications for it were, but at the very least, she'd like to know more some time. For now it had her interest, as Myrkr did. He were the first scholar as such, that she had met among dragons. Even the smarter, more magical in nature ones back home, had not been fitting for such a title, nor wanted it. Meeting one who also had good values, were highly fascinating to her.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

9 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

After the yank, Ruby spoke quickly, exhaustion audible from her tone "You already met the one chasing me." she gestured to the priestess "It reanimated some special mummy deer that speaks and can sense us." "Said mummy told the skeletons to bring us to it" she dodged and moved as necessary while she spoke "Have you tried to blow up a wall or a roof or something? if that doesn't work, we are out of options." 

"I'll try when I find an opening. Annoying skeleton isn't making this easy."

She were trying, but she were forced into defense moistly here, to keep the dark magic from causing more trouble, while she waited for an opening. Maybe she could collapse some of the ceiling or wall, and then solve some of the issue that way, but she couldn't try, if it would cause the others to get hit. Her want for self preservation could take a hike, she needed to keep them safe. The beings who actually mattered to her, more than anyone had in a long, long time.

9 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ruby was no help with fighting here, only way to do any real damage in this form, needed her to turn her back towards the enemy, which was just simply idiotic to do here, especially since they knew it would do nothing, however, Leviathan wasn't alone in fighting, because Charir still had plenty of energy, and while he knew it was ultimately useless, he rather went down fighting. So Charir went around slashing, mostly legs and the priestess's staff, yes they fixed themselves, but at least they would be out of the fight for that period of time.

While useless in fight right at this moment, Ruby still didn't just stand there doing nothing, rather she worked as extra pair of eyes, warning Leviathan and Charir about any incoming hit they may not notice, and if necessarily, even take a hit for one of them, fully aware that in this form that could be quite lethal. 

There were mistakes made here. The first being by Charir, who would feel the impact of his hybris, as the priestess did not need the staff whole to cast her spells. It were but a conduit in some cases, and in others, a ceremonial thing. When he got close enough where he slashed it, he would find two things. The first being that while he could slash through it, her bones would give, but not break and vanish. It would jerk back into place, with her stance not showing her to have been impacted by the sudden lack of a leg. Dark magic likely held her somewhat stronger in place that the others.

The other thing he'd find, were that he'd be trapped, with dark tendrils sprouting from the ground, and quickly wrapping tightly around him. He wouldn't be able to do much, as it were a strong grip, capturing him in a ball that would begin to hover in front of the priestess. He'd be physically held in place in there, and unable to use magic, as it would sting at him if he tried, but he could breathe in the darkness.

"Charir! NO!"

Leviathan would panic now, and that would be the second mistake. She'd use a force of magic to hammer into the wall behind the priestess, to let loose some rocks to smash her with, but it were no use. The dark magic were making the walls stronger it appeared, and the stone would not budge. So she would dash forward using what reserves she could to reach out to Charir. It would pain her greatly, as she were needing to use her magic to do this, and the tendrils started grasping her, but she'd keep doing this, and yank him out forcefully, tossing him back towards the hallways they had come from. He were sadly still covered in thin tendrils, restricting his movements, but he were out of the priestesses grasp at least.

Same could not be said for Leviathan though. As she had used her magic and focus on this, and not been aware enough, some of the dark blobs that had been tossed about would start to impact her, and rag her forcefully into the orb that Charir had left. Ruby could take some hits herself, but she would find the same. That they latches to her, and began spreading, with intended to restrain, and capture. The priestess wanted to bring them back alive. And now that she had Leviathan, she would send the dark orb towards the main chamber, where she would soon enough stand ready to face the mummified deer.

Ruby could avoid this though, if she rushed in and took her place in the orb instead. Got taken before Leviathan got in. She could also try to take form if she wanted. Maybe she could just about be in the room if she tried, but she'd be unable to move much. All the easier for the dark magic to grasp her, and eventually cover her in darkness, and lock her in place. Though she might also be able to grab the priestess, and smash her into small portions, and crush the bones to dust. It were the only way to completely destroy them.

If she did neither, the priestess were likely to just try and grasp her now, tendrils rising from many angles, as she wanted all the living here, to come with her. And if she got to Ruby, and got her away in her pony form, she too would feel herself being lifted, and taken elsewhere. To where Leviathan were though? That were hard to say.

There were also one more option, of course. That she had tried to intercept Charir as he were thrown, and thus would get tossed back into the hall with him. If not, he'd have to face the grim sight approaching by himself, a few seconds later, as the deer from the entrance would show up, and look curiously down towards him. If Ruby were there though, his eyes would focus on her instead, as she were a new sight.

[EQ_Theta 455]

@Blitz Boom

On 2024-02-08 at 8:15 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I have experienced that. That is what Mother tells us to use the gates for. To protect our masters, and stand between them, and danger.

I could get hit too I think? Maybe that would teach me something."

She were still processing things here. Apparently, Lin had known about this deep, dark secret already, and the break from her end, came more from a mater of trust? She had no better idea anyway, though it sounded like some miscommunication to her. Now that they both knew, it should not be hard to move past that, no? Not for her anyway, but she assumed it were different with them. Maybe because they were not supposed to keep secrets from one another? That sounded like something she had heard siblings say before. That would fit with this in some ways.

"It is good that you both know what each other knows now, yes? About that day? Does it mean that you are going to be okay, and that Lin is healed?"

“Had we known and understood the full picture, maybe we could have handled this differently. But you are right; it’s good we now know what each other knew. It still hurts thinking about what happened that night, but we’ll remember the best of our parents, about how much they loved us, and that scar will heal in time.”

“As for getting hit, let’s try to avoid that when it’s not necessary. There are other ways to learn without getting hurt.” 

A matter of trust, a matter of communication… Sen didn’t think this was the root cause of the rift between him and Lin, and she was already aware of what happened. Perhaps it was truly an error on both sides, and they could have just come clean with each other about what they knew, trusting that they handled the situation the best way they knew how. Had they worked together to process their grief, things could have turned out differently. The matter isn’t completely resolved, but they could slowly learn to ease the pain. No more anger, no more sadness.

However, that was for another time. Elder Zhao’s examination of the surroundings was complete, and her findings didn’t sound completely optimistic. Whatever it was they found in the ruins wouldn’t be the last time they’d encounter it, but Sen still recalls a previous matter. It may not have an established connection, but some aspects lined up just right to feel like there may be more than just mere coincidence. 

On 2024-02-08 at 8:15 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I did not find more traces of it. Best I can tell, it must have lost its grip when you were confronted with a traumatic memory, and chose to accept it, rather than fight it. That goes for you both.

However, I do not believe this to be the end of this entity. It had planted itself in your mind, but it were gotten rid off too cleanly. I suspect this might have just been it imprinting a copy unto you. If others encountered it, they may well fall under this same spell. I would advise that you kept clear of wherever you were affected, or at the least bring an escort with you, who understands such things.

As I am led to believe, your kin prefers being secluded, and handling things amongst yourselves? Let it be known that I can offer a helper, provided such things change. until then, simply stay clear, or send this one to test things. Her mind is a mess, that would not be simply overtaken."

She would point towards Omen, who were beginning to jump towards the gate, curious at what it were, but Zhao grabbed hold of her, and lifted her from the ground in one paw.

"I will deal with putting her where she needs to be. This path would simply cause her issue.

Peculiar that it is here though. It is not all whom ends these sorts of things with an open mind. You two are peculiar creatures. But we can talk more when all have awakened. Provided that you do, young lady."

“Before we go, there’s something you need to know. Whatever it was that latched on to sister… it may not be the first time something like it happened. Something took over and spoke through her. A while back, the rest of the longma in our village, myself included, also experienced it when someone took the face of our previous elder and used similar magic. It was purged from us the first time, but I am afraid that whatever it was that spoke through Lin will do it again when it comes.”

“We weren’t the only ones exploring the ruin when this whole mess started, but measures were taken to seal away the area so no one would stumble upon it. As far as we know, no one else is aware of it. But, you're right; this isn’t the place to speak of these matters. Let’s head out and continue elsewhere.”

Sen wasn’t looking forward to the headache, but it that was just the tip of the iceberg. Lin being out for several days meant she’d likely be left behind while the talks with the elders were happening. It’ll be one less voice who can provide perspective, but they’ll have to manage until she is ready to join them. Travel wouldn’t be an issue if opening gates was their primary mode of transportation; making good on their greater task and ensuring their success was the objective when the time came. 

Hopefully, Lin could be lucid enough within a short while to talk things over with the rest of the group to figure out their next move. At best, some method of fortifying their minds against external control could be good. It’ll just require figuring out what method of mental manipulation they were dealing with. 

For now, the siblings walked through the entryway into the hut, beyond the bright glow, and into the other side. No more traps lay before everyone, and the transition to the waking world would be smooth. Or perhaps it could be as smooth as it could get with some minor complications, but nothing that would cause major issues. Sen opened his eyes to find a paw on his head and aches radiating all over his body. An uncomfortable feeling, but he’ll manage. He’d be ready to talk when everyone is back. 

[Blitz Boom 4,608]

@EQ_Theta

On 2024-02-11 at 2:38 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Had we known and understood the full picture, maybe we could have handled this differently. But you are right; it’s good we now know what each other knew. It still hurts thinking about what happened that night, but we’ll remember the best of our parents, about how much they loved us, and that scar will heal in time.”

“As for getting hit, let’s try to avoid that when it’s not necessary. There are other ways to learn without getting hurt.” 

Wasn't like it would cause issue if they did try to hit her, sorta. She would automatically summon a gate to swallow them up if they tried, out of instinct, unless she tried to keep herself from doing so. And if they then punched her, they'd find that it didn't affect her much. At most, she'd be somewhat confused. Wasn't like she hadn't been hit in the face with things before after all. She were about three thousand years old. Even if she had spent most of that in Mother's realm, she still had plenty of time to try things. Getting accidentally hit with things were among them, but none had really left her with any damage. usually the things dented or broke when they hit her. or weren't all that strong. Not that you needed that sort to defeat her. A ball of yarn usually did the trick.

Mother sometimes wondered why that were, but found no answer. Omen herself did not know it either, and when she asked Discord, he couldn't point to that being something he had caused. Least not intentionally. He did find it amusing though, and sometimes tossed various amounts of string, or rope over to her, to see what would happen. Worst time, she had gotten what amounted to a thimble of thick yarn, and somehow ended in a position that if she did breathe, she would have suffocated.

On 2024-02-11 at 2:38 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Before we go, there’s something you need to know. Whatever it was that latched on to sister… it may not be the first time something like it happened. Something took over and spoke through her. A while back, the rest of the longma in our village, myself included, also experienced it when someone took the face of our previous elder and used similar magic. It was purged from us the first time, but I am afraid that whatever it was that spoke through Lin will do it again when it comes.”

“We weren’t the only ones exploring the ruin when this whole mess started, but measures were taken to seal away the area so no one would stumble upon it. As far as we know, no one else is aware of it. But, you're right; this isn’t the place to speak of these matters. Let’s head out and continue elsewhere.”

"It could have made you more susceptible to being taken over, though I couldn't say for sure, without more insight into the smaller details, that you are likely not aware of. Regardless, it might mean it is simply not safe for any longma to go to those ruins you encountered this presence. I would suggest all of you avoid it, and either let Omen examine it alone, or wait until a professional can take the charge. A non-longma one, mind you."

Yes they were isolationists, but if they wanted answers, then they had to let others take care of it. Omen appeared welcome, so letting her try would likely be fine, although she of course wouldn't know what to look for, or what to do, even if she did find something. She should be protected against the influence though. Ideally, she'd say to have one of the better students in this sort of field from equine or kitsune  origins handle it, but if they were isolated, who were to say how long it would be before something like that would be allowed? And sneaking them in? Would likely get these three exiled, or executed.

It were not lost on her that she essentially did say, what she had grasped were a rule with the elder that had split their family apart had said though. He too wanted them to not examine that place, and were at least right about it being a bad place for the longma to be. It did not mean that his response to that had been just. Disobeying should have some consequences, but what she surmised had happened... It were too much. Even for her kind, who did use exile as an extreme punishment measure, would not allow executions. If that punishment were to happen, it would not come from them, but from the ancestors, if the villain had done something harsh enough to deserve judgement by them. And even then, death were an extremely rare judgement. About once every century or so.

Hmph. If she got the chance someday, she'd have some choice words, and harsh truths to show their current elders. And she welcomed them to try and have her chained up because of her opinion, or harm her. Magicless creatures, who had no true experience dealing with things from beyond their limited scope? It were unlikely to be a large concern to keep them confused and unable to do much of anything to actually find her, much less hurt her. Her kin were masters of illusions, and at the best of times, it were hard to pin them down. Inexperienced beings wouldn't have much of a chance. It allowed her to approach them more brazenly, if for some reason, they would meet.

But something told her that a generation might pass on either side, before that would have to be a concern that any of them had to consider. It appeared the longma had a convoluted, narrow sight upon things and beings from what they considered outside, and used archaic rules to keep it that way. A pity really. Tradition were all well and good, but one should welcome outside perspectives.

On 2024-02-11 at 2:38 AM, EQ_Theta said:

For now, the siblings walked through the entryway into the hut, beyond the bright glow, and into the other side. No more traps lay before everyone, and the transition to the waking world would be smooth. Or perhaps it could be as smooth as it could get with some minor complications, but nothing that would cause major issues. Sen opened his eyes to find a paw on his head and aches radiating all over his body. An uncomfortable feeling, but he’ll manage. He’d be ready to talk when everyone is back. 

It would still be around a half minute, before the elder opened her eyes, thought the others could move from her if they were lucid before that. All but Omen, who stood... Well, not stood per se. She more like... Were slumped over, standing on her front legs, with her face planted in the ground. Regardless, Omen would be the last to move, when the Elder finally took her paw from the Ki'nathar's head, though she'd start slowly. A few movements of limbs, and a few seconds to re-orient herself.

They would still have someone else there though, yet he were none too pleased. He had been comfortably resting for most of their time here, laying on Omen's neck, so most just assumed he were a necklace of some sort. After she had slumped over though, he had woken up, and seeing things, had gotten cranky, and tried to attack the elder. And long story short, that were why he were currently floating in the air, encased in a feint, green mist, seemingly fast asleep. He had been a distraction, and needed to get out of her hair. Him trying to blast and bite her were going to halt the treatment.

He were not totally alone there though. Another elder kitsune, this one entirely silver in coloration, barring a single stripe of red left near her face, were petting the floating creature, whilst leaning against a cane.

"Done so soon? What a shame."

"Longer than I would normally have preferred, Elder Sohe. Apologies for the impromptu use of your study."

"Oh pish posh. I've done the same in my time, so think nothing of it.

Will they all wake up soon, dearie?"

Omen would move and do a slow flip, before getting back on her hooves, and looking around.

"Omen at least seems awake. She were not easy to put together in her mind again.

I am also aware you are awake, Sen. Don't just lie around now."

Lin... She were uncertain, but she would use magic to float the longma with her, if she did not seem to wake up yet, and then their first stop would have to be a guest room. She'd need rest, and time, if she had not woken up yet. How long? hard to say, but they would see. She had passed her ordeal at least, so the worst were over.

Elder Sohe would stop petting the unconscious Shrimp, and would wander over to either look Sen right in the face, or if he were still laying down, hovering over him, and look down. Her movements slow, and eyes radiating with the sort of knowledge, that came with age. More so than the others they had met thus far. That and how Zhao had addressed her as elder, even when she were one herself, should inform him that this kitsune were a good deal older than Zhao.

She also looked at him with warmth, not strictness like Zhao, or mischievousness like Gao, whilst leaning on her crooked, wooden cane.

"Hello there, Sen. How are you feeling?"