private Whisper: The City Of Darkness

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

 

 

and stepped forward to the front of the group, immediately projecting a well-practiced air of supreme authority and confidence.

Bramble turned back to Wilhelm, only to discover that he was already standing and confronting the mutated pony. Bramble swung his saddlebags onto his back, checked the straps were tight enough, just in case he had to run, made sure his knife was within easy reach and went to stand just behind Wilhelm.

[UnicornFilly 56]

The last question seemed to confuse it. "Shield? What shield? I..." and, with that, it paused, closed it's eyes, and, upon opening them, turned and issued a high-pitched screech of some sort, not unlike a seagull. The smaller ponies looked up, and, after a short, fearful glance at Marble, moved as fast as they can towards the city, while the large pony turned back towards you, eyes darkened slightly.

 

Ah!, boomed a voice in Marble's head, sounding both casual and formal at the same time... somehow. I knew there was a reason that the shield was disturbed! Yes, that's exceptionally pleasant for all parties involved. Hopefully. Hello, there, Marble the Batpony. My name is... well, it's long, so perhaps you can call me... Resh! Yes, Resh. Hello again. I'm kinda... trapped, you see. I come from... somewhere else. Another dimension, if you can comprehend it. I'm one of those 'magical spirits' that are taught about in your academy. I'm not out to steal your soul, don't worry, but I'm not exactly one of those 'helpful, healing' spirits either. I'm one for neutrality.

 

But... I kinda need your help. You see, a bunch of up-and-coming magic wielders decided to lock me in this... crystal thing. And, of course, me being not a natural spirit, began to have my influence 'leak out' into the city you see before you. Don't worry, I'm not contagious. A rather nervous chuckles comes out from this 'Resh' spirit talking through this mutated pony. The... influence I exerted caused some of these ponies some nightmares. Apparently, it caused an epidemic aaaand some demon slipped in and took advantage of it, and, between the nightmare-stricken... err, 'zombies'- not classic zombies, mind you, but they kinda act like it- and the mutants that this demon created, the ponies of the government decided to block the place off. With me still stuck in it. But now that you're here... are you getting my drift?

 

The seemingly-possessed pony continued it's dead-eyed stare into you as the spirit awaited your answer.

 

At the strange, hissing voice, Wilhelm woke with a start, ice pack falling off his head and making a dent in the burnt earth. One of the first things he saw was the mutated pony, and he shied backwards, skittering up until he stood (rather unsteadily) on all four legs. He sniffed primly, obviously annoyed at his reaction- while shooting a glance at the others not to comment, and stepped forward to the front of the group, immediately projecting a well-practiced air of supreme authority and confidence.

 

"I," Wilhelm began in a calm, placating tone, "am Sergeant-Major Wilhelm de Winter, chaperon and teacher to my companions here. I can assure you that our intentions are nothing short of benign, and that we intend no malediction unto you or the ponies under your command. We were originally headed for the Crystal Empire, but our transport's guidance malfunctioned and ran us into your intriguing archmage-level psychically-nonpersuasive hemispherical shield-type construct. Or, in laypony's parlance, an advanced quarantine shield." Wilhelm's tone grew sharper, though still diplomatic. "As I said, very intriguing. Nevertheless, to the matter at hand. We have been stranded in this locale, and we would appreciate your help in any way possible that you may be able to render."

 

Wilhelm leaned forward for a closer look at the guard. "Judging by your armor, you're presumably ex-Royal Guard, or..." You killed one and took his armor. "...Or you still consider yourself active, despite your..." Wilhelm gestured vaguely at the tentacles. "Never mind. What I mean to say is that by your vows as a presumed member of the Guard, you're bound to help us. Or, if not, I hope you can summon a bit of pony kindness, eh?" Wilhelm put up his best attempt at a winning smile.

 

Marble looked at Wilhelm and snorted, great while we are talking lets just wake up and interrupt the damn spirit, she thought as he went on a mumbling rampage. She put a hoof to her face and groaned as he continued talking, oh please, lets just presume this creature killed the guard for the armour because it looks ugly. She waited for him to finally finish.

 

She watched him finish with some sort of creepy smile, damn even I smile better than that, fangs and all. Why not just punch the thing in the face and scream 'hoofbump' she thought. She then looked at the spirit and smiled "one minute". She then dragged Wilhelm to the back, "yeah you stay here, and don't talk, be a tree or something" she told him before going back to the spirit.

 

"sorry about that, so you want us to lift the shield that's keeping you here? Do you know where the shield is?" she asked the spirit, before glancing back at Wilhelm, if he did piss this thing off, hes going to be first on the buffet list.  

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

At the strange, hissing voice, Wilhelm woke with a start, ice pack falling off his head and making a dent in the burnt earth. One of the first things he saw was the mutated pony, and he shied backwards, skittering up until he stood (rather unsteadily) on all four legs. He sniffed primly, obviously annoyed at his reaction- while shooting a glance at the others not to comment, and stepped forward to the front of the group, immediately projecting a well-practiced air of supreme authority and confidence.

 

"I," Wilhelm began in a calm, placating tone, "am Sergeant-Major Wilhelm de Winter, chaperon and teacher to my companions here. I can assure you that our intentions are nothing short of benign, and that we intend no malediction unto you or the ponies under your command. We were originally headed for the Crystal Empire, but our transport's guidance malfunctioned and ran us into your intriguing archmage-level psychically-nonpersuasive hemispherical shield-type construct. Or, in laypony's parlance, an advanced quarantine shield." Wilhelm's tone grew sharper, though still diplomatic. "As I said, very intriguing. Nevertheless, to the matter at hand. We have been stranded in this locale, and we would appreciate your help in any way possible that you may be able to render."

 

Wilhelm leaned forward for a closer look at the guard. "Judging by your armor, you're presumably ex-Royal Guard, or..." You killed one and took his armor. "...Or you still consider yourself active, despite your..." Wilhelm gestured vaguely at the tentacles. "Never mind. What I mean to say is that by your vows as a presumed member of the Guard, you're bound to help us. Or, if not, I hope you can summon a bit of pony kindness, eh?" Wilhelm put up his best attempt at a winning smile.

 

 

Marble looked at Wilhelm and snorted, great while we are talking lets just wake up and interrupt the damn spirit, she thought as he went on a mumbling rampage. She put a hoof to her face and groaned as he continued talking, oh please, lets just presume this creature killed the guard for the armour because it looks ugly. She waited for him to finally finish.

 

She watched him finish with some sort of creepy smile, damn even I smile better than that, fangs and all. Why not just punch the thing in the face and scream 'hoofbump' she thought. She then looked at the spirit and smiled "one minute". She then dragged Wilhelm to the back, "yeah you stay here, and don't talk, be a tree or something" she told him before going back to the spirit.

 

"sorry about that, so you want us to lift the shield that's keeping you here? Do you know where the shield is?" she asked the spirit, before glancing back at Wilhelm, if he did piss this thing off, hes going to be first on the buffet list.  

 

The mutated pony turned his gaze to Wilhelm, but back again to Marble. The spirit that was controlling this creature touched with Wilhelm's mind for a moment, and stated, Hello, Sergeant-Major Wilhelm de Winter. For the sake of not repeating myself multiple times- I can feel my control slipping even now- I'm going to finish my conversation with this young mare, and then she can tell you relatively quickly. Although, a word to the wise- get going with the rest of your group. As soon as the demon residing here realizes that there are ponies here, you're going to have a lot of bogeys on your tail and, as you know, a plain is not exactly the safest place for a group of ponies to hide in. But you may move faster and more openly for now. He is still unaware of your presence. Also, the spirit added afterwards, You're in the right spot. This is the Empire- one of it's southern outskirts, anyways. Don't you love how... I don't know, dystopian it seems?

 

As Marble dragged off his friend and returned, he sighed. Well, yes, actually. The shield isn't so important. I can rip a small rift to my home and disappear through it. However, the crystal I am imprisoned is acting as a... focus for the shield, making it more powerful and permanent. As soon as you destroy it, I'll do you a favor and dispel the remainder of the shield, and you can be on your merry way further north... or, rather, south back to Canterlot. I'll even make you a locomotive vehicle of some sort so that you can move faster. Does this sound like a deal, Miss Marble The Batpony? Can I trust that you can communicate this to your fellow... er...crash-mates? Heheheh...

 

Lavender, totally flat on the ground, gave a small salute with her hoof. "On it, chief."

 

She began slinking around the ground, looking much like a large four-legged spider, toward the bus. She spotted Wilhelm's bag and grabbed it, slinging it over her shoulder and sneaking around the strange ponies as silently as she could to regroup with the others.

 

All while whispering "Sneaky sneaky sneaky..." under her breath.

 

 

 

 

As you sneak through the nearby bushes, you are surprised to run into a small mare. She isn't mutated- at least, to the best of your knowledge- and she quickly jumps back with a small squeak, cowering against a nearby rock, still out of sight of the other ponies. Her eyes express fear and confusion, and she has a hoof in her bag, ready to draw something out.

[UnicornFilly 56]

The mutated pony turned his gaze to Wilhelm, but back again to Marble. The spirit that was controlling this creature touched with Wilhelm's mind for a moment, and stated, Hello, Sergeant-Major Wilhelm de Winter. For the sake of not repeating myself multiple times- I can feel my control slipping even now- I'm going to finish my conversation with this young mare, and then she can tell you relatively quickly. Although, a word to the wise- get going with the rest of your group. As soon as the demon residing here realizes that there are ponies here, you're going to have a lot of bogeys on your tail and, as you know, a plain is not exactly the safest place for a group of ponies to hide in. But you may move faster and more openly for now. He is still unaware of your presence. Also, the spirit added afterwards, You're in the right spot. This is the Empire- one of it's southern outskirts, anyways. Don't you love how... I don't know, dystopian it seems?

 

As Marble dragged off his friend and returned, he sighed. Well, yes, actually. The shield isn't so important. I can rip a small rift to my home and disappear through it. However, the crystal I am imprisoned is acting as a... focus for the shield, making it more powerful and permanent. As soon as you destroy it, I'll do you a favor and dispel the remainder of the shield, and you can be on your merry way further north... or, rather, south back to Canterlot. I'll even make you a locomotive vehicle of some sort so that you can move faster. Does this sound like a deal, Miss Marble The Batpony? Can I trust that you can communicate this to your fellow... er...crash-mates? Heheheh...

 

 

 

 

 

As you sneak through the nearby bushes, you are surprised to run into a small mare. She isn't mutated- at least, to the best of your knowledge- and she quickly jumps back with a small squeak, cowering against a nearby rock, still out of sight of the other ponies. Her eyes express fear and confusion, and she has a hoof in her bag, ready to draw something out.

 

Marble licked her hoof, "yep, you got a deal" she finished before frowning, "should we run from you before you lose control?" she added backing away. She would rather not get eaten, she turned to the group "lets go quickly" she finished trotting away from the monster.

[Unicorncob 5,684]

As you sneak through the nearby bushes, you are surprised to run into a small mare. She isn't mutated- at least, to the best of your knowledge- and she quickly jumps back with a small squeak, cowering against a nearby rock, still out of sight of the other ponies. Her eyes express fear and confusion, and she has a hoof in her bag, ready to draw something out.

 

"Wah!" Lavender yelped quietly, and quickly slammed a hoof over her mouth, as she ran into the small mare. She watched as she ducked behind a rock and looked ready to grab something from her bag.

 

"H-hey, it's okay," She whispered, putting on her best 'I'm not going to kill you but I might give you a hug if you like' face, "I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm a healer-slash-alchemist, so I kinda do the opposite of hurting."

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

 

 

"lets go quickly"

"Agreed," said Bramble, somewhat nonplussed at the deal that Marble had made with an apparently mute mutant, but relieved that she was finally thinking the same way. He looked over at the bushes he had directed Lavender towards.

"I guess not seeing her is a good sign," He thought to himself.

 

"Lavender's this way," He said out loud, "We should..." He stopped himself, "Let's not jinx it by coming up with a plan," He thought with a wry grin, "Let's go quickly," He repeated instead.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Trivy followed the others who had probably forgotten her now. She hadn't made a sound in a while, she had only been watching the mutant ponies from a distance. She ran after Marble, decloaking herself from her invisibility spell. She was surprised she was able to hold the spell for such a long time. 

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

 

 

"Lavender's this way," He said out loud, "We should..." He stopped himself, "Let's not jinx it by coming up with a plan," He thought with a wry grin, "Let's go quickly," He repeated instead.

 

 

"Wah!" Lavender yelped quietly, and quickly slammed a hoof over her mouth, as she ran into the small mare. She watched as she ducked behind a rock and looked ready to grab something from her bag.

 

"H-hey, it's okay," She whispered, putting on her best 'I'm not going to kill you but I might give you a hug if you like' face, "I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm a healer-slash-alchemist, so I kinda do the opposite of hurting."

 

"A healer... and an alchemist?" the mare asked as she slowly started to relax, especially as she now has vision of your back legs and can see that, in fact, you aren't a mutant. As she withdraws her hoof from her bag, you can see that there's some sort of mechanism on her forehoof. "Well... those are rare, aren't they? That's... really cool." She blinked and paused. "Sorry about that. I almost never see real ponies around here other than myself... oh, who are you?"

 

She flinches again as she hears Bramble speak loudly, but quickly hides it. "Are... those your friends, Miss?"

[Unicorncob 5,684]

"A healer... and an alchemist?" the mare asked as she slowly started to relax, especially as she now has vision of your back legs and can see that, in fact, you aren't a mutant. As she withdraws her hoof from her bag, you can see that there's some sort of mechanism on her forehoof. "Well... those are rare, aren't they? That's... really cool." She blinked and paused. "Sorry about that. I almost never see real ponies around here other than myself... oh, who are you?"

 

She flinches again as she hears Bramble speak loudly, but quickly hides it. "Are... those your friends, Miss?"

 

Lavender beamed proudly at the mare's praise, and put a hoof to her chest with a nod.

"Yup, Lavender Gleam at your service," she proclaimed, then looked toward Bramble and the others, "Oh yeah, they're with me. Don't worry, they're cool. Well, Marble's a bit of a meanie but she's not evil per say. I think."

 

She looked to the mare with a grin, and noticed the device on her hoof. "Ooh, what's your thingy?"

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

((Due to the removal of UnicornFilly, I am taking over as Marble.))

 

@@Once In A Blue Moon, @@Pucksterv, @@Orion Caelum, @@Unicorncob,

 

Marble quickly galloped away from the group before, lifting off from the ground and gliding through the air on her wings. "Come on, slowpokes!" she taunted behind her, "Unless you all want to be eaten by demon ponies... hey, who's that?"

 

Going in a loop, she zoomed down and landed right behind the rock that Lavender and the odd pony was standing behind. She climbed on top of said boulder and looked down upon the mare. "Another pony! Are you from the bus too? I don't recognize you. How did you get here? Who are you?"

 

The mare squeaked and jumped away from the sudden arrival (and subsequent bombardment of questions) aalmost colliding with Lavender. "I-I don't know?" she stuttered out, surprised by this sudden arrival. I mean, my name is Crystal Spark, if that's what you mean, but other than that.. who are you, exactly?"

 

"I'm Marble!" she said energetically. "I know, it's a boring name, but, eh, not much I can do about it. And these are my... 'comrades'. That's Lavender, and the other three ARE TERRIBLY SLOW!" she said, shouting that last part over her shoulder.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Trivy quickened her pace when Marble shouted at her. "Sorry, sorry... I'm here now." Trivy said with a ashamed voice. She then looked at the new pony. She wanted to ask who she was but then again, she could also have forgotten her because of her memory loss. Trivy didn't want to offend the mare so she just kept quiet, staring at her.

Edited August 11, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Unicorncob 5,684]

@ @@Pucksterv

 

"Nice to meet you, Sparky!" Lavender chirped, extending a friendly hoof to the meek mare, "Like Marble said, I'm Lavender Gleam, resident healer, alchemist and counteraction to the meanie-flanks!"

 

She looked to Trivy as she approached, then nodded to her, "This is Trivy. Trivy, Sparky!"

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

"Bramble," Bramble said simply, still keeping an eye on the mutated ponies, "And although I hate to sound like a broken record, we really should move." He put his right fore-hoof into his pack to check that his knife was still within easy reach before checking the straps again.

 

"Displacement activity," he realised suddenly, and made himself stop. Instead, he went to stand between the impromptu meet-and-greet and the mutated ponies, "Not that I could do much against five of them," he thought grimly, "But maybe if they see me being horribly devoured then they might gain a sense of urgency." 

Edited August 11, 2015 by Once In A Blue Moon

[Dust and Memories 557]

Wilhelm gave barest consideration to Crystal Spark's appearance, as Resh's statement that he couldn't hold control forever over the demons was unnerving, and should be dealt with first. To the mare- Crystal Spark-, he responded with an irritated tone, saying "I'm Will de Winter, Professor Emeritus, so on, et cetera..." He waved a hoof. "I think you get the point."

 

He shook his head slightly and turned back to the demon ponies, one hoof slowly edging to the hilt of his sword. There was a soft shiiink as the saber was pulled out of its scabbard, and Wilhelm held it in front of him in a ready position, wings flared backwards. Almost conversationally, he said "So, ...Resh, I suppose..., how long do we have until you lose control and these mutated creatures descend on us?"

Edited August 11, 2015 by Orion Caelum

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Nice to meet you Sparky." Trivy said with a smile. ''So this pony is new? I got worried over nothing." Trivy thought to herself. She looked at the mare. She looked scared and she had the right to. Trivy took a step closer towards her. ''No mutant pony, luckily. Bramble is right though, we need to get out of here, quickly.'' She thought to herself again. She waited for the others to move, not really sure which way she had to go.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Orion Caelum,

 

Well, you have about ten minutes until I lose control of this specimen... then he'll head back to the city, as by the time he wakes up he'll be about halfway there, especially since I'm sprinting him back. From there, I expect the demon will start to suspect something, so he'll probably tell his troops to start patrolling. Then, from there, it will only be a matter of time before a patrol with a direct link finds you. So, probably about two or three hours, more if you are particularly stealthy. By the way, don't worry yourself about the smaller mutants- drones, I've called them. All they are is weak, timid, and helpless unless one of those bigger things are around- they pretty much just fetch things and roam around.

 

And, with that, the larger demon pony sauntered off, back in the direction of the city. The smaller ponies looked at each other- two of them walked back towards the bus, noses to the ground, while the third one followed the bigger warrior and the fourth one took off in another direction entirely.

 

@@Pucksterv, @@Once In A Blue Moon, @@Unicorncob,

 

The mare smiled slightly. "Hello, everypon-"

 

"I hate to say it," commented Marble, "but Captain Lieutenant is right. We need to get going now before they eat us. Especially since you all are so slooow!" And, with that, she took off again. "Come on, slowpokes! Let's get going and find a suitable place to hide out for a few hours so that we can get some shuteye and I can explain what this spirit thing wants us to do! He says that if we do it, he'll let us on out of here! So that I can sue all parties involved..."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Trivy was now getting a bit annoyed with Marble and her behavior. She wanted to accept how she was at first but she was really getting under her fur (skin) now. Trivy kept her angry thought to herself and walked after Marble because her plan was still a good plan.

[Unicorncob 5,684]

The mare smiled slightly. "Hello, everypon-"

 

"I hate to say it," commented Marble, "but Captain Lieutenant is right. We need to get going now before they eat us. Especially since you all are so slooow!" And, with that, she took off again. "Come on, slowpokes! Let's get going and find a suitable place to hide out for a few hours so that we can get some shuteye and I can explain what this spirit thing wants us to do! He says that if we do it, he'll let us on out of here! So that I can sue all parties involved..."

 

Lavender rolled her eyes at Marble's impatience, but she did have a point; they needed to go, and they needed to go now.

"Alright speedy, we're comin'!" She called to the batpony, then looked to Crystal, "C'mon Sparky, let's go find somewhere safe so we can get better acquainted and become bee-eff-effs!"

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

 

 

C'mon Sparky, let's go find somewhere safe so we can get better acquainted and become bee-eff-effs!

 

"I'd settle for all of us remaining 'living and intact' ponies myself, but if eternal magical friendship is required then so be it," Bramble snarked, although his tone had lightened since the mutated ponies had dispersed. Marble and Wilhelm clearly knew more about them, but he was hardly going to stop and ask now that they were finally moving.

 

@,

 

He turned his eyes on the near horizon, looking for somewhere suitable to make a temporary camp.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Once In A Blue Moon,

 

As you get the best perch available and look at the surrounding terrain, you can determine that, as of right now, you seem to be in some sort of valley- relatively flat, with several rocks scattered about. However, about a mile or two out, you are able to see a rather large grove of trees. It seems to have been part of a larger forest at one point, but it was cut off by the force field- but it appears to be the only source of cover that is not the city for a long distance.

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

"We should head for those trees," Bramble called out to the group, "We can rest there and decide what we need to do next." He looked at the city, although he couldn't make out much in the eternal twilight.

 

"Some magically enhanced binoculars would come in handy about now," he thought to himself, "Or even some normal binoculars, I'm not feeling too picky at the moment." An idea occurred to him, and he trotted over to Trivy and Lavender.

 

@@Unicorncob,@@Pucksterv  

 

"Can either of you two use your magic to sense other living things? Or something similar - heat, magic, bad breath...?" He paused for a moment, "Or see in the dark, even? Any way we can try and spot those mutants before they spot us?"

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Once In A Blue Moon,

 

"I have a night vision spell I think I can use." Trivy said, walking after Bramble. "I do have to concentrate a bit though, it's a hard spell.'' Trivy said as she stopped walking and sat down. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her magic. Her horn started to glow, a few red sparks flew from her magic aura. A small flash appeared and Trivy opened her eyes. Her eyes were now yellow, the spell worked.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Pucksterv,

 

As you open your eyes, the first thing that you have notice is that  your entire sight had gone grey- you had gone temporarily colorblind for the time being, although it seems that your ability to perceive light and dark, as well as pick out detail, had gone up significantly. The second thing you noticed were that the spell seemed to highlight living, non-vegetable objects in the color spectrum- the mutants showed up green/yellow, while your friend was a yellow glow that, upon looking at him, turned into an orange, and then a bit of red near his heart and lungs.

 

Using this new magical sight, you are able to see that there are about three mutants within about a mile of you- two of them over by the bus (the same ones that went to go check it out when they split from the earlier encounter) and one that's meandering around by said grove. All three are small and seem to be jumping at shadows...

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

@@Pucksterv, 

"Ah, good," Bramble said, as Trivy's eyes went yellow, "Assuming you haven't just curried your eyeballs, could you keep watch whilst I scout out the woods? I won't go too far ahead, just far enough so that we don't blunder into anything unexpectedly." 

 

"And so if I meet something nasty nobody will go and have a natter with it," He thought to himself as he headed towards the woods at a gentle canter.

[Unicorncob 5,684]

@@Pucksterv

 

Lavender blinked as she spotted Trivy's eyes turn yellow. "Whoa, that's cool! Can you teach me to do that sometime?" She asked, pattering her hooves in excitement.

 

She glanced around, unsure of what to do next. Especially with Bramble's disappearing to look around.

"What do we do now, bright-eyes?" She asked, grinning at her friend.