private Corrupted Harmony IC (1x1 with Driz)

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer nodded. "Nah. I can already tell that you have a pass with...Lory here. She does seem to be rather...violent when it comes to things at times honestly." she stated, walking towards the castle. Starlight just stayed silent. 

[Driz 1,552]

"That seems to be the correct term..." Helios nodded, walking alongside them.

"I had been working with Miss Vox for a couple of months prior to the incident. After having committed a series of delicts against Manehatten's authorities, she was sent to me in order to become... rehabilitated, so to speak." He explained. "We were separated when the whole Sparkle turmoil took place. I had managed to infiltrate the princess' defenses in order to learn of her whereabouts, and now... here I am." The Pegasus sighed.

"...You are able to sense it, are you not? I am no longer under influence of the Light spell, nor am I bound to the Crystal Heart's Dark energy."

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer nodded. "I am able to sense it. You are... a regular pony for all terms and purposes. However, what are you going to be doing about Lory? She seems to despise you, how would you even help her?" she asked. 

[Driz 1,552]

Helios thought for a while, letting out a soft chuckle in response. "I would assume that is true... She never truly enjoyed my presence and guidance. Yet..." He lowered his head. "I... care for her. As I do all of my students. Miss Vox... Lory... She was not like that before the incident. Something has changed. And I imagine her well-being might be in danger." He explained.

"Do pay mind, Miss Shimmer. I am not one to judge your legion's ways... I, myself, do not condone to Princess Sparkle's ideals. Miss Vox, on the other hand, as I had mentioned, is different." Helios took a deep breath. "You see. During the time we spent together, I had the opportunity to study her behaviours, her background and the likes. Something about such behaviour patterns are inducing a certain disturbance within herself... Those sudden losses of consciousness are proof of that." He pointed his snout towards the fainted Lory.

"I am afraid the exposure the Dark magic is the true cause behind it. I just require a bit more studying to be able to pinpoint exactly why that is..." He turned to face Sunset Shimmer. "Are you with me so far?"

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer nodded to Helios. "But how do you know so much about magic...if your just a pegasus? How do you intend to help her? Cut her off from the influence of the dark magic?" she asked Helios, slightly confused and a little offended. 

[Driz 1,552]

He snickered. "I am but a scholar. Most of my knowledge towards the arcane came as result of years of studying under Princess Celestia's prestigious academies of magic. Additionally, I have been trained by the zebras in the art of herbal medicine and potion making." He explained with a slight tone of pride in his words.

"As for what I intend to do with her... I am afraid I cannot provide you with an answer just yet. Now that I found her at last, I need to observe what patterns she follows. How she behaves. What were the changes to her mind and soul - if any. And finally, if her constant collapses are indeed related to overexertion under the Heart's powers." He stopped for a bit, looking at Sunset straight in the eyes. "But if it is true; that the Dark magic is affecting her health... I won't hesitate to take her away. For her sake... I hope you understand."

"That said, Miss Shimmer. I have but one humble request to make." Helios bowed down. "Would you kindly allow me to join forces with your army? To fight alongside you in your quest to save Equestria? I am certain I can provide assistance whenever your allies become injured."

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer sighed. "Fine. However. I will not allow you to take her away...I am thinking of putting a sort of, magic inhibitor on her. One that is worked out in a way so it blocks dark magic from affecting her, However without dark magic...she will be more vulnerable to Twilight's light magic. You can join our army, and heal ponies when they are injured, sure." 

[Driz 1,552]

Helios shook his head. "No. That would not be favorable... Despite the circumstances, I know for a fact that she is safer under your domain than under Princess Sparkle's." He looked into the distance. "We will find a way. I am certain that she will remain in good shape; with us by her side." He bowed. "Forgive me for worrying you with these theories of mine, Miss Shimmer. And thank you, for allowing me to fight by your side. I will not let you down." After all, he was feeling confident. With that, Helios believed that he would be able to down two birds with one stone: keeping his student safe, and combating the threat that became of Twilight.

"Shall we proceed to the castle then? Perhaps she needs some rest."

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer nodded to him, and they started to walk into the castle. "Because you have no dark magic...you will be extra vulnerable to Twilight's light magic. When we enter the room and influence of the tree of harmony, you'll probably be in for a shocker. " she states.

[Driz 1,552]

"Yes... I am aware." He nodded in agreement. "Please, do not be concerned about my being. I do not wish to become a burden. I am ready to face whatever consequences emerge from my decisions alone." He affirmed.

"Nevertheless, Miss Shimmer... I feel the need to inform you that we may need to prepare ourselves more carefully next time we advance." Helios said with a tone of uneasiness. "There was a reason I appeared in front of you and blocked your passage back then. Princess Sparkle possesses abilities much greater than we expect--"

"GO AWAY!!" Lory suddenly exclaimed. "I swear... I'm gunna beat'ya... if you don... mm..." She continued to mutter nonsense during her sleep. Helios simply raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly.

Edited September 18, 2017 by Driz

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer did a slight nod, and did a slight growl when he ckuckled lightly. "Don't do that." she stated and then sighed. "How do you suggest we prepare for our next advancement? What abilities does she have? I haven't fought her in person..."

[Driz 1,552]

Helios brought a hoof to his chin. "In fact... For the most part, I do believe you are set. Your Dark magic can directly nullify the hive-mind effect of the Light powers; not to mention the ability your weapon possesses of bringing back those who have fallen for the spell... That is the first step towards facing Princess Twilight." He told. "However, as I assume you are aware, the location of your base of operations - the Crystal Empire - has already been revealed. Furthermore, the Princess has eyes scattered all across the Everfree Forest... Her army is of titanic proportions." He strolled around a bit, deep in thought.

"If I would be so bold as to suggest a strategy, sneaking by would be a viable option. Princess Twilight has her attention focused on the Tree of Harmony, while her soldiers make sure yours cannot reach her. Thus, we would require to go around their defenses." He shrugged. "Of course, this is merely a proposition - an opinion."

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer agreed. "Yes, you are right there. But how would we go around their defenses?" she stated. "We fly there with a cloaking spell." Starlight glimmer said to Sunset. She looked at Lory for a second with a slight narrowed eyes.

[Driz 1,552]

"That is an option." Helios nodded. "But perhaps that would demand a large quantity of magic... Not all of us have magical abilities." He shrugged, apologetic. "Either by the air, or through the ground below... Excavating tunnels, for instance, may just be our best bet." He concluded. "Otherwise, we could simply try traveling to behind the Tree of Harmony and move from there. Albeit that is still quite dangerous."

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@Driz

"Perhaps we could use the tunnels that I dug...we would have to go to my town first though." Starlight pointed out. "Well, the last I was there...the tree of harmony radiates light magic, and a good deal of it...it seems to pulsate occasionally, and there are crystal eyes all over the wall. Quite strange." 

[Driz 1,552]

"So she has taken siege of the town as well?..." Helios inquired, deep in thought. "So long as we make sure we are able to reach the Tree undetected, we will be safe. We do best exploring our possibilities and planning our next step with care. If we find the time, we could inspect the town ourselves." The stallion concluded. "But for now... Perhaps we should rest easy. Let our ponies repose and restore their energies." With that, he bowed politely.

"If you would excuse me, I shall look for a location to wait until the morning sun."

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7 hours ago, Driz said:

"So she has taken siege of the town as well?..." Helios inquired, deep in thought. "So long as we make sure we are able to reach the Tree undetected, we will be safe. We do best exploring our possibilities and planning our next step with care. If we find the time, we could inspect the town ourselves." The stallion concluded. "But for now... Perhaps we should rest easy. Let our ponies repose and restore their energies." With that, he bowed politely.

"If you would excuse me, I shall look for a location to wait until the morning sun."

Starlight Glimmer shook her head. "No, but some occasionally come and annoy my skeleton forces." she said. "What are we going to do about Lory?" 

[Driz 1,552]

"Let her rest for now. She needs it more than anything." He said. "For the following days, I will keep watching over her. I shall make sure her conditions always remain in check. If my studies are fruitful, I might be able to assist." He closed his eyes and then looked at Sunset.

"It would be better if she is not informed about any of this; at least for the time being... Knowing her, I am certain she would not take well to the fact that she might be at risk. You understand, do you not?"

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer nodded. "Alright, I'll have her taken to a bedroom in the castle." she states. She tells a few guards to go take her there, also telling Helios where she will be. The guards take her off and put her in bed gently. Starlight heads off to bed. 

[Driz 1,552]

Helios Whitequill repeated the noble gesture, bowing down his head before Sunset Shimmer. "Good night, Miss Shimmer." He bid his farewell as he departed towards his designated chamber. Once there, he settled his belongings onto a table. Then, he retrieved a scroll from his bag and opened it, dancing his eyes over the words.

Soon enough, morning would come.

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@Driz

Eventually, after a little while more or less the group met in the throne room. If Lory should happen to have a freaking out scene, Sunset attempts to clam her down. Starlight doesn't really care what is going on and simply just sits down. 

[Driz 1,552]

Helios had arrived at the throne room as soon as he was summoned. He'd spent most of the time reading in his enclosure, barely getting any shuteye. Despite that, the stallion seemed ready; attentive to whatever his orders as the newest ally of the corrupted Crystal Heart would be. Yet, they were still missing one specific member...

A couple of minutes past, Lory slowly made her way to the throne room. Sloppily wobbling about, she had her eyes half-shut against the strong sunlight that shone outside. The mare then released a big, lengthy yawn.

"Morning..." She dimly greeted the rest.

"Pleasant day." Helios answered, turning his attention to her.

Lory took a seat. She scratched her forelegs: head drooping forward as if she was constantly battling against the need of going back to sleep. She'd rested so heavily that it would take some time for her to retake her bearings. Still significantly drowsy, she was.

For his part, Helios Whitequill stared at her for a while. Something about that situation seemed off. It seemed like he - as well as both Sunset and Starlight - expected a different reaction from their pink rebel unicorn after all. Nevertheless, silence took control of the room for a short moment.

...

At that time, Lory froze in place. She then lifted her head sharply and turned her attention towards Helios. Her eyes shot wide. Instantly so, the mare abruptly jolted a couple of feet into the air, landing a safe distance away from the group. She took a defensive stance, gritting her teeth. Like that, she'd woken up completely.

"WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" She inquired rudely.

"Settle down, Miss Vox. I am merely accompanying you in your journey as your most recent... ally." He eyed her, somewhat evilly.

Lory gasped. She became completely dumbfounded, not able to properly respond. "W...Wh..." She stuttered, shaking her head. "...You exploded my face!"

"Technically speaking, you triggered that explosion yourself." He promptly replied.

Once again, Lory was shocked by his response. She was completely and utterly confused - lost in her words. Then, she simply turned to face Sunset Shimmer with a frustrated look decorating her feature.

"Sunny, what the hell!?" She asked, demanding answers.

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer did a loud long sigh, she paced about for a few seconds. "You need help, you really do. He is the only one...that I know of that can help you, Lory. Lets face the reality here: You need help, you easily angered and need to work on that aswell as a few other things." Sunset stated calmly and frowned slightly at the end. 

[Driz 1,552]

Lory's eyes twitched as she was standing still in place in utter disbelief. For a second, she wondered whether or not she was still asleep: dreaming. The mare wasn't quite able to grasp those words she'd heard. Instead, she just stood silent and disheartened.

"...So that is what this is about..." She murmured with an evident tone of grudge present in her voice.

Helios Whitequill simply placed a hoof on his forehead, sighing with sorrow.

"...What, do I have to deal with this everyday now? With you bunch just telling me how to live my freakin' life?"

"Miss Vox, please... We are here because we care about you. This is for your own good--"

"TO HELL WITH IT!!" She sharply cut the professor's sentence short. "I know what's good for me, you idiots keep thinking you know me when you don't know crap about me!!"

"Y...You misunderstand--" At that moment, Lory abruptly approached Helios: her eyes flaring with anger.

"I swear I'm gonna smash your face in if you open your mouth again." She threateningly stated. Helios did not know how to properly respond. He simply stared back at her, trying to maintain his composure.

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@Driz

Sunset Shimmer grunted. "Calm down, Lory. The first thing that must be done is for you to calm down...right now. Or, we might have to resort to...other methods I don't really want to use." she said, a little annoyed.