private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,747]

@Illiad Easle

(Null and Cherish)

On 2025-10-08 at 10:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Null felt a bit of extra cold despite the chill of her vengeful cloak, like someone with freezing hooves was pressing against her. Nine spoke up, 'I think that's the ghost there, trying to get inside. There is a spirit here, once quite vengeful. I'll see what it wants.'

There was a moment of quiet before Null spoke again, 'It claims to be Rare, the filly that Elef was with before. It says that Elef didn't kill her, that she died on the sharp rocks by accident, but she thought that Elef had bitten her.'

'It seems that Elef believes himself responsible too, what a strange case... Regardless, the spirit now wants Elef spared. I'm not a practiced necromancer, so I can't tell if the spirit is speaking truthfully, nor do I know what Arcade or Elef will believe, but it seems... plausible.'

Arcade still seemed to be psyching himself up to do what he believed needed to be done, and Elef was still resigned to that outcome. Null would have to speak carefully to diffuse the situation. And quickly, as the noise from the tunnel was growing closer.

"Look at her. Both of you. The kid were was cut on the rocks, she even said so. And if she'd been unlucky, those wounds could've gotten a lot worse. Like it did with Rare.

Elef, I've been there, and it's easy to blame yourself, and think that it's all your fault, when someone you care about gets hurt. But this wasn't you. Not then, not now. It were an accident, just like it were now.

You haven't hurt her, even if you had the chance, have you? She's bleeding, but you're not going in to do anything. You're not a monster, Elef."

Cherish would get up on her hooves, and get closer to Elef, trying to see if she could give him a hug, or if not that, stand next to him, eyes closed, and her head leaning on his shoulder, to show that she trusted him, and wasn't going to leave him.

Bad things had happened here, and if she were unlucky, she could've ended by these rocks too, but she were more lucky than his friend had been, and she didn't blame him. She felt bad for Elef. Her friend, who hadn't hurt her, and she believed Rare when she said, that it hadn't been him either back then.

She wanted to go home, but she wanted him with them. He hadn't done anything wrong, and shouldn't be punished for that. Especially not by the stallion with the knife.

If only they had some way of proving what had happened, like how it seemed Rare had talked to both herself and Null.

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

 

(Void)

Sound ahead, either meant an enemy, or her friend and the other pony. Either way, it meant that she needed to get in there, but the hole were still too small, so she would dig, and wouldn't stop, until eventually she'd be able to get through herself. Even if that meant she'd be the last to enter, after the rest made entry.

It might well get a bit more loud, the more effort she put into digging through, but she were completely unaware of how it were perceived by those inside.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-10-08 at 10:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She turned to Speck as well, "You shouldn't steal, not from Kozue, not from anyone. If you're hungry or need something I can get it for you, if you just take things it could get you or I into trouble. What if that picture is cursed? You could end up spreading it around or carrying it with you like you did that rune for Basher."

Bah, she'd forgotten to feed Speck before, she'd surely do it again. Speck had to be smart, store food. Right? Given the limited mental capacity of the paper fox, the effects wore off much faster than for Kozue.

Kozue were going to say something. Words that later on, he'd definitely regret, if they were anything like the words in his head right now. Yet, those very words brought him pause, and made him question what were wrong here.

While yes, it were hard for others to truly understand the kitsune - mostly that were intentional, as the secrecy were safer for them - he had come to enjoy educating about that, rather than exclude others, and look down upon them for not understanding. And those last words? For Ranger? That wasn't him. Or it was, but it wasn't like he should be thinking, and he knew it. It was vile and hateful, for no other reason than she were talking poorly about a picture.

The very picture they were now fighting over. A mere photo, and they were acting like this... No, it wasn't right.

"I... No, you're right. This isn't how I am supposed to act, or think. I'm sorry. Both of you.  I should've listened."

His ears and tail drooped somewhat, as he felt shame. He had fallen for a trap, and gotten engrossed fully by it. Something that had clearly been stuck in that room with a purpose, but he had been a fool thinking of easy ways out of the reality that they lived in. The kitsune wouldn't get a blessed savior, to pull them from the ashes. They had to do it themselves.

The thoughts were likely to pester him for a time more, but being aware, at least he could probably reason against the horrid ways his mind had gone down. To think he had actually thought such vile things about Ranger, and threatened to unmake Speck. That was horrid.

Speck's mind was smaller, and not as capable as Kozue's, but it still felt shame, being scolded like this. Maybe it should think more before it acted another time... Even though, if the picture were bad, it seemed a good thing it had stored it somewhere else, yes?

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-10-08 at 10:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

'Keep your focus on Red, at least until the shield fails. Agents inside are moving to secure the Host.'

Red wouldn't be hard to find, having apparently gotten used to her new wings she hovered above the top of the tower watching the others work on breaking the shield.

Well, the plan to burst through a window wasn't gonna work, which were good in one aspect, he supposed. Sure it kept them outside, but so were Red and her followers. Though judging from the look of the inside, she had some in there already, that were likely looking for a way to shut this down. Maybe it wasn't as unplanned and rash, as Yannit had thought?

They seemed to have agents inside too, so at least The Grey weren't defenseless on this, but it did leave them with the unenviable task of dealing with Red. Which considering she were surrounded by her minions, and stronger than before, seemed like it were bound to go poorly, if they just rushed in. They had to try and find an opening, right?

Well, he wasn't the one in charge right now, Yannit were, and she had told him to follow his lead, as well as what to do in case a few scenarios might play out, where she needed him to take action fast.

For now, they were circling the dome, seemingly aiding in the attacks, as later arrivals. But Yannit did observe what happened with the changelings with interest. The followers were seemingly told to attack them, but the effort weren't intent on killing so far, more intercepting and shooing off. Which did work really, as though the changelings here had volunteered to aid, they weren't keen on dying for nothing, and would rather pester at the edges, and wait for more reinforcements, than to go in and get team diffed. Though if they could get someone a bit away, to where they could snatch them up, and put them to sleep, before carrying them off, they would. But as they were apparently ordered to stay close, that wasn't gonna work as well, or efficient yet.

Others still, would realize who they were up against, and left. Red had a certain... Reputation, and though she had changed, some would know her enough to figure it were her, or at least be concerned it might be. For them specifically, that'd be enough.

An opening would come, sooner or later. Either when they had bigger numbers and could begin to whittle down the enemy forces properly, or when Red messed up, and got inattentive. Though right now, she seemed all too focused on her troops, and thus, too difficult to go after. Too well protected too, as if she needed it.

On 2025-10-08 at 10:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If he had been to the party before, he would know that it was about time for the dancefloor. Even if he hadn't, that seemed to be where the flow of ponies was headed. On the band stage a pegasus was setting up a DJ deck while another ran cables up to the speakers and lights above the floor. The Host was on the mic while the floor was crowded, but the time dilation enchantment wasn't running yet. So he could cross the floor without strangeness. There was no sign of Ninja though.

He could make it to the Host, but what would he say or do? Even from here the Host seemed a bit... intoxicated.

Mongoose wasn't really the sort to be invited to parties, or seek them out, so the only time he had been here before, were when his business with The Grey sent him here the last time. He heard stories of course, and did see some last time, but thankfully, things were calmer than that this time. At least the weird dance floor wasn't being active right now it seemed, as he tentatively went near it, to get towards The Host, who had been surprisingly easy to find. Though he didn't look to be at his full senses... Well, someone near him might answer, that were more at it than him, if he approached, yes?

So he'd go towards The Host, trying to get his attention. Though the crowd were not the best for that, so he likely had to get past that to get to that. And to make him hear him too, of course.

So he'd ideally move past the crowd as fast as he could, which might mean going around it instead, or above, worst case. Either way, he'd keep going until he were near The Host, or managed to get the attention of a bodyguard of his. Likely Ninja, whom he had not seen yet, but that were well in line with his usual reputation.

"Uhm... Excuse me? M-Mr Host, sir? There's a small army, attacking your hotel, and I think they're aiming to kill you. Probably your guests too.

I've been sent to try and help. You, I mean, not them. I'm not with the murdering army."

In fairness to Mongoose, there were a reason why Yannit generally spoke for him, as he didn't adapt well to situations being suddenly abnormal like this, and him having no one to rely on to make him shut up, before he said something dumb.

So he were confused, in a rush, somewhat scared, and so far out of his depth, that the ocean beneath him seemed bottomless. So unless They Grey intervened in his head, he'd just truthful and blunt. An improvement in his mind, as he barely stuttered, and actually did something social on his own, which he hadn't always been that good at. Though if Yannit were here, she'd have smacked him in the back of the head.

[Illiad Easle 3,255]

@Blitz Boom

(Null & Cherish)

On 2025-10-29 at 9:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

You haven't hurt her, even if you had the chance, have you? She's bleeding, but you're not going in to do anything. You're not a monster, Elef."

Null's words gave them both some pause, and a small amount of relief on the part of Arcade, but he didn't stand down yet, especially when Elef spoke.

"It doesn't matter. It's only a matter of time."

He looked at Arcade, "I saw... I saw what happened to Ayjay, when you had to... take care of her. I'm infected too."

"Even if I didn't bite her, it's my fault she died."

On 2025-10-29 at 9:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Cherish would get up on her hooves, and get closer to Elef, trying to see if she could give him a hug, or if not that, stand next to him, eyes closed, and her head leaning on his shoulder, to show that she trusted him, and wasn't going to leave him.

When Cherish approached, Elef lunged, not towards her, but towards Arcade, almost aiming for his knife, nimbly dodging around Null if she were still in the way, only to be stopped by Nine's tendrils grasping him mere inches away from the jagged blade, which Arcade pulled back in shock.

Elef thrashed in the shadowy grip, begging to be killed, before falling more or less limp, sobbing.

Arcade moved beside Null, keeping his front towards Elef. His expression deeply conflicted at Elef's pain.

He spoke softly so that Cherish wouldn't overhear, "I... I'm sorry I stormed off earlier. I can see that this is much more complicated than I thought it was. What... what should we do? He's right... about Ayjay. She got infected and turned violent pretty quickly. I... I don't know why Elef never turned like she did. Maybe he didn't actually get infected? Or it's different for him? I... I don't want to risk it just being delayed, and having him turn one day while he's with your sister and the others."

 

The noise from the tunnel was getting closer, so Arcade turned to leave, "I'm going to make sure we aren't getting trapped in here. I wasn't too careful getting up here, so there could be monsters trying to follow."

With that he turned to leave, back to the tunnel.

 

On 2025-10-29 at 9:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

If only they had some way of proving what had happened, like how it seemed Rare had talked to both herself and Null.

Nine was quiet, thinking during the events and discussion between Arcade and Elef, "While I'm not great at Necromancy, I've got some experience in mental magics. I could maybe convey a message from the spirit to Elef, since it seems he's resisting the spirit from being able to speak to him. Hopefully this spirit is truthful. Alternatively, I could likely bring the spirit with us, take it to a proper necromancer, and maybe they can serve as a more proper medium?"

"With Elef subdued though, we should look at leaving. Once we're somewhere safe we'll have more time to figure out a plan."

 

(Crow)

It took some doing, but she eventually got through enough of the tunnel to reach the T, and there she was face to face with a smaller than average white unicorn wielding a jagged knife. "Best you went back the way you came, there's monsters in here and nothing of value to scavenge."

 

(Ranger)

Ranger nodded, a bit surprised that her words had been enough to cow them both into giving up the fight, but she wasn't about to push the matter any further than she had to. "Good, let's get moving again, we're almost there."

She led the way again, this time with the proper protection of Kozue's invisibility charm, stopping at a large area with a big hole torn in the otherwise solid back wall. "Here's the last place we were, before Null saved us, luckily no one died here. Which means that the last place we need to go is..." She turned down another hallway, revealing a crowd of monsters bunched around a small opening in the wall, all of them trying to squeeze into it but failing as the others jostled for position. "...where they're all trying to go."

She looked thoughtful, though Kozue might not be able to see it on account of the invisibility, "Maybe some sort of distraction? Could you make an illusion on the other side of them to draw them away? Maybe with some noise or scent to attract them?"

 

(Mongoose)

On 2025-10-29 at 9:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Uhm... Excuse me? M-Mr Host, sir? There's a small army, attacking your hotel, and I think they're aiming to kill you. Probably your guests too.

I've been sent to try and help. You, I mean, not them. I'm not with the murdering army."

The host looked even more intoxicated up close, but when he spoke softly he seemed quite coherent, "Yeah, I'm aware, I'm trying to keep the guest casualties to a minimum by pretending to not be a threat while Ninja Briar takes them out. Could you get off the stage? You're blowing my cover."

Before he could do so however, the pegasus setting up the deck plugged in the last cable and turned it on, getting everyone's attention with a record scratch, cutting off the host's mic, before a new song began to play. The tone was discordant, like several different songs trying to play all at once, and a small rift opened up in the dance floor as it clashed with the runes.

A second pegasus swooped down to kick the Host into the rift, following several of the guests that had fallen in when it opened. Those who didn't fall in who were still on the dancefloor seemed entranced by the song.

The pegasus who kicked the Host into the rift landed beside Mongoose, "You care about saving the Host? Better go in and save him then." Before attempting to throw Mongoose in as well.

 

(Yannit & Craven)

Something shifted inside the party, like a hue shift in the emotional atmosphere that they could detect through the dome. A number of the ponies inside were now curious, and a bit frightened, with more fear growing towards the center of the penthouse where the dance floor was. The shield also flickered, letting a few of the pegasi who had been swooping in through, maybe even one of the two of them, if they were close enough, before it hardened again. This got Red to have her followers redouble their efforts. They seemed convinced it couldn't hold out much longer.

[Blitz Boom 4,747]

@Illiad Easle

(Null and Cherish)

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When Cherish approached, Elef lunged, not towards her, but towards Arcade, almost aiming for his knife, nimbly dodging around Null if she were still in the way, only to be stopped by Nine's tendrils grasping him mere inches away from the jagged blade, which Arcade pulled back in shock.

Elef thrashed in the shadowy grip, begging to be killed, before falling more or less limp, sobbing.

Arcade moved beside Null, keeping his front towards Elef. His expression deeply conflicted at Elef's pain.

She did a good effort, but Elef were a slippery sort. Avoided her grasp and heading right for Arcade, likely wanting to force an attack out of him, judging by the way he acted before. A moment that once again, proved that she really didn't have much in the way of a career in motivational speaking, in case this whole *Vengeance upon the deserving* thing turned out to be a fad.

Thankfully, nine were even faster, and got him wrapped up nice and tightly, thankfully without Arcade stabbing him per instinct, or something similar.

The look she got from Cherish though were... Familiar, and she'd probably be spooked of her for quite a while, after seeing her literally sprouting tendrils from her wing. Or maybe Null could feed her some vague statement, and she'd be frazzled enough for now, to buy it. At least for the time being, when her choice in allies were fairly limited.

Cherish would get her attention back on Elef, grabbing him once he started to thrash around, unsure what to do, but being very, very concerned about him. She'd seen others act like this, after the war. It'd be a lie if she said the thought hadn't passed her mind too, every once in a while. But she had gotten help, and Elef needed that too, once they got back to Troy.

Now she wasn't gonna tattle on him to anypony, but she'd definitely encourage him to have some talks with her mom. He could use a psychologist to help him through his grief, and self-loathing.

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He spoke softly so that Cherish wouldn't overhear, "I... I'm sorry I stormed off earlier. I can see that this is much more complicated than I thought it was. What... what should we do? He's right... about Ayjay. She got infected and turned violent pretty quickly. I... I don't know why Elef never turned like she did. Maybe he didn't actually get infected? Or it's different for him? I... I don't want to risk it just being delayed, and having him turn one day while he's with your sister and the others."

"*sigh* I ain't smart enough to tell what's different between 'em, but I know who we're outta talk to.

I think it's best if we get them back to Troy, and keep him isolated from the others until we got everything sorted. I don't think he'll turn, but if it happens, Nine and I will handle him."

She'd respond back in a low voice too. This were not good for either of the kids to hear right now, as thing were already messy enough, and Cherish clearly cared a lot about him. She'd likely be less agreeable, if it sounded like they were preparing to snap Elef's neck, or something of the sort.

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The noise from the tunnel was getting closer, so Arcade turned to leave, "I'm going to make sure we aren't getting trapped in here. I wasn't too careful getting up here, so there could be monsters trying to follow."

With that he turned to leave, back to the tunnel.

"Hey, be careful, alright? I want you to come home too."

She got his point, and knew he were durable, so to speak, but she still worried about him, going and dealing with monsters by himself. She well remembered how that went the last time they were here, and she had not taken it well, to see him perish. Sure she knew that wasn't the end for him anymore, but that still didn't mean she enjoyed him getting killed.

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine was quiet, thinking during the events and discussion between Arcade and Elef, "While I'm not great at Necromancy, I've got some experience in mental magics. I could maybe convey a message from the spirit to Elef, since it seems he's resisting the spirit from being able to speak to him. Hopefully this spirit is truthful. Alternatively, I could likely bring the spirit with us, take it to a proper necromancer, and maybe they can serve as a more proper medium?"

"With Elef subdued though, we should look at leaving. Once we're somewhere safe we'll have more time to figure out a plan."

"If you can, take her with us. Ain't anyone that deserves to be stuck in this place, and I doubt Elef would listen right now. Best we sort this out later, if we can even find a necromancer.

I'd have suggested that zebra that used to hang around the markets, but he'd working in the big city now, and we're better off going straight for Troy.

And Nine? Well done on grabbing the kid, before he got himself into more trouble. It's good I got you to count on."

With that, she'd go over and poke at Cherish some more, who'd sniffle, and look towards her, clearly still spooked, but less terrified, and more just severely conflicted.

"Hey, you ain't got nothing to worry about from me, okay? It's just a weird spell.

Come on, let's get you two home, okay?"

Cherish would slowly nod, and let go of Elef, then stick close, as Null would be faced with a choice: Where to go, that seemed the safest to exit this place?

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

 

(Crow)

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It took some doing, but she eventually got through enough of the tunnel to reach the T, and there she was face to face with a smaller than average white unicorn wielding a jagged knife. "Best you went back the way you came, there's monsters in here and nothing of value to scavenge."

Crow would audibly growl at the shrimp of a pony, that dared to stand in her way. Her eyes angry, as adrenaline still pumped through her veins, from getting herself so hyped up on worry and panic, about needing to save Cherish.

"I am not leaving, without my friend."

She'd sniff the air deeply, and narrow her eyes towards the pony, and his jagged knife, which thankfully for him, were not currently coated in blood. She might well have gotten some idea about why that were, if it were stained crimson right now.

Yet even if the sight of Cherish's blood were not on it, she still smelled her friend's blood and sweat. Vague, as if the pony had been near her some time ago, or only around her, rather than touching her, but the smell were clear, and the sudden panic that entered her eyes, betrayed her otherwise angry, pumped up look, of someone ready to bash things, that were standing in the way.

"I smell... Blood, sweat. What did you do?

Where is Cherish?!"

Panic entered her tone too now, though she took a step forth, towards this pony, eyeing the path behind him. It had to be where Cherish were, right? And... And she might be hurt! In a place with monsters! She had to get her out of here.

She swore, if this pony had hurt her, he were going to live to regret it. Briefly as that might be.

Her tone also rose a few octaves, as she were now angry and scared at the same time. Not a yell, but a cave system like this? A voice could still carry far, if you were unlucky.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked thoughtful, though Kozue might not be able to see it on account of the invisibility, "Maybe some sort of distraction? Could you make an illusion on the other side of them to draw them away? Maybe with some noise or scent to attract them?"

A proper kitsune camouflage spell, would make you fully visible to whoever you wanted to see you, down to even the small details.

As Kozue were still young though, his skills were not as fantastic as his teachers had been, so while they could see one another, it were more like they were made somewhat of water, lacking in the finer details, even if their form were still well represented. So he could unfortunately not see her facial expressions proper. Nor could she see his well, which were somewhat looking like he wanted to take a biiiiig step in another direction, seeing what they were now up against.

A monster were somewhat simple. A flock of monsters? That were less ideal. The sort that normally, he'd suggest they simply avoided. But since she asked, he gave it some thought... And soon after smirked. Which sadly were not visible either, beyond his mouth clearly moving in some fashion.

"Wanting a distraction, rather than a fight? Heh, now you're thinking like a kitsune. Lemme see..."

He'd hold a paw up, and in it, would slowly rise glittering streams of magic, mingling and intertwining, until it formed a pony, wearing a lab coat. Brown coat, barely-healed head wound, looking rather scruffy, dirty, and spooked. A miniature of what she wanted, but he had to work from not knowing what were beyond here, so she had to bear with him for a bit.

He'd sit down, close his eyes, and place his other front paw in front of his eyes. With that, the figure would slowly fade out on his paw, and then, on the other wise, he'd make it reappear on a pathway. Least he hoped it were He were aiming for a surface in roughly the same height they were, and not into anything solid. This was the hardest part.

Once he had that though, he'd grin, as the figure would wander on, and towards the opening, on the other side. The sounds and smells lingering, would be as if it were a pony, with a faint smell of blood hanging on to him, and the sound of gasping for air, and hoofprints. She'd be able to see the whole thing, as the figure emulated the movement of what were n his paw, and he'd see through the eyes of his illusion.

Now, it wouldn't fool say, a vampire, probably. Though he could fake the smell of blood, faking bloom pumping through someone, were a whole other level, and he wasn't sure f he could do that right. But he could do as good a job as he were able, and would have the pony-sized illusion wander forward, on the other wise, until it got the attention of the monsters. At which point *he* would turn tail, and stagger down the path he had come from, running if the monsters gave chase too.

"It won't... Last forever, but... I can hold it for maybe ten meters. Go, I'll... Catch up."

He couldn't move right now, and sadly, it would also mean she'd get out of his field. Which Speck knew was its queue, to unfold, clamper on to Ranger, and then take over, getting her properly camouflaged even after moving out of said field.

Of course, if the monsters didn't actually clear out, this was not gonna help, but he were trying, okay? This would be a lot easier, if he were on the other side.

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

 

(Mongoose)

On 2025-10-31 at 8:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The pegasus who kicked the Host into the rift landed beside Mongoose, "You care about saving the Host? Better go in and save him then." Before attempting to throw Mongoose in as well.

The pegasus didn't even have the chance to say anything. once The Host was kicked in, Mongoose would jump in after him, not really thinking about what might be happening right now, with the rift and things. He were just jumping after to get hold of The Host, as his instinct were somewhat *The Host keeps up the shield. You were sent to save The Host. The Host have just been kicked of stage. Grab him.*. The fact there were a rift had not registered with him until after he had already jumped, nor had the thought that it would probably have been way easier to use a spell, rather than to toss himself down to try and maybe give him something to land on, so his focus wasn't broken.

Yannit would've done that She were great in pressured situations like this. Not him though. He were less... Certain of things, though considering his other potential reaction, it were maybe best that he had jumped before listening. He still had his knife on him, and he knew where to use it on a pegasus, to make sure that it hurt. Hurt so very, very much, as he could cut, and carve, tear and rip, without killing. Pain, raw and exposed, making for macabre art.

He hadn't yet kept one alive like that. He were not evil enough for that, but he had thought about it, several times. long and hard, as he glanced at others, seeing before his inner eye, how easy it would be. How beautiful art would bloom from the maddening pain, spread across the area like a natural canvas.

Things were more manageable these days, and he didn't get these visuals as often as he used to. But they were still there. Especially when it came to some that he didn't like. Some whom might even deserve such grotesque pain. But he didn't act on it! He hadn't even been uh... Artful, ever since he got here, to New Las Pegasus. Though he knew that those who were aware of his story, were worried. If he fell back into things, what could it not mean for the reputation of all of them? Sure The Grey had been vile in their own ways, but to an extend, you expected The Grey to sometimes handle things harshly. The old Grey at least.

It had often worried Bling, and she had made sure to have someone keep an eye on him at most times, while trying to figure out what to do. When the call came, she had thought about sending him, assuming They Grey could keep him better in check than she could, but she did not want to force any to this duty.

Thankfully, others had been less considerate of that, and dragged Mongoose into service. Something that had overall, been good for him, if you had to look at it objectively.

And now he were jumping into a rift, trying to save The Host... If he survived this, he would definitely think this situation over quite a lot. If not... Well, guess he wouldn't be able to worry about it then.

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

 

(Yannit and Craven)

Yannit weren't close enough, but of course, in his infinite luck, Craven had been bashing towards the shield, when a hole had decided to briefly open, leaving him in the inner circle. Nothing Yannit could do about that, nor give him any orders, so he would need to think on what to do here himself, and quick.

Not that there were much of a choice in reality, were there? There were now several hostile pegasi that had gotten through, and they seemingly had agents inside. So he would work on incapacitating them, knocking them out, hitting them downwards, or use magic to make them sleep, or stun their wings, to make them fall downwards. He figured they'd either be trapped by the shield, keeping them in like they were on te inside of a fish bauble, or they'd pass through, as this barrier were more meant to keep things out, than in, and then the changelings below would snatch them up. Which they would, in case any fell down, as that were already their tactic.

Of course, if it turned out hitting the shield from the inside would kill them, he'd need to think of something else, after the first showing of that, as he wasn't a heartless murderer.

[Illiad Easle 3,255]

@Blitz Boom

(Null & Cherish)

Once restrained, Elef didn't react much to being touched by Cherish, continuing to hang limp in the tendrils' grasp and sob. Cherish would find that the shadowy tendrils were pleasantly warm, if she touched them while trying to console Elef, just a bit warmer than a pony would be, though not at all fuzzy, instead quite smooth like a dragon if you rubbed the right way.

 

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"*sigh* I ain't smart enough to tell what's different between 'em, but I know who we're outta talk to.

I think it's best if we get them back to Troy, and keep him isolated from the others until we got everything sorted. I don't think he'll turn, but if it happens, Nine and I will handle him."

She'd respond back in a low voice too. This were not good for either of the kids to hear right now, as thing were already messy enough, and Cherish clearly cared a lot about him. She'd likely be less agreeable, if it sounded like they were preparing to snap Elef's neck, or something of the sort.

Arcade looked down at the end, "You've done too much for us already, if anyone should need to handle him, it should be me. It should have been me before all of this happened. I hope whoever you have in mind has the answers we need. So much of this has been caused by us not knowing what to do, not understanding things."

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, be careful, alright? I want you to come home too."

She got his point, and knew he were durable, so to speak, but she still worried about him, going and dealing with monsters by himself. She well remembered how that went the last time they were here, and she had not taken it well, to see him perish. Sure she knew that wasn't the end for him anymore, but that still didn't mean she enjoyed him getting killed.

Despite the otherwise morose atmosphere, Arcade smirked at that, "It'll take more than this facility has to stop me. You get yourself and the others out, and I'll be fine."

 

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If you can, take her with us. Ain't anyone that deserves to be stuck in this place, and I doubt Elef would listen right now. Best we sort this out later, if we can even find a necromancer.

I'd have suggested that zebra that used to hang around the markets, but he'd working in the big city now, and we're better off going straight for Troy.

And Nine? Well done on grabbing the kid, before he got himself into more trouble. It's good I got you to count on."

Inwardly Nine would nod, and after a few moments one of Null's diamond feathers would glow white, "There we go, another passenger for the journey, temporarily."

"You're welcome, but I'm just doing my job. While his judgement is in question it wouldn't do for him to suffer more than he deserves, whether he believes it reasonable or not."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, you ain't got nothing to worry about from me, okay? It's just a weird spell.

Come on, let's get you two home, okay?"

Cherish would slowly nod, and let go of Elef, then stick close, as Null would be faced with a choice: Where to go, that seemed the safest to exit this place?

The only way out from where they were was the way they came, and it seemed like there was a bit of commotion in the tunnel. Hopefully Arcade would be able to keep any issues on the other side of the T, so that they could get out the way they had come in. Otherwise, they'd be trapped in here.

 

(Crow)

Given she was in a tunnel that she had dug herself, and quickly, she didn't have much room to maneuver with any degree of speed. Unlike the much smaller pony she was confronted with. When she moved forward Arcade stepped aside, positioning himself between Crow and where the others were, and thumping her on the back of the head with the hilt of his blade. It likely wouldn't hurt at all, but it would remind the young dragon that she was woefully outmaneuvered in this tunnel, and that this pony could do some real damage if he wanted to. While his blade might not be able to penetrate her scales, there were many softer parts left vulnerable in this position.

Her outburst was also responded to by movement from the opposite direction, one of the monsters had entered the tunnel as was now coming their way.

Arcade hissed at her, "Quiet, you'll attract the monsters. If your friend is a small white filly, then she's fine, for now. But she won't be if you don't get out of the way. You're blocking the only safe way out, and it won't stay safe for much longer"

Crow wouldn't have much time to respond before the monster in the tunnel got close enough, already she could smell the decay, the death, that seemed to cling to it as it drew closer. From the sounds it could be a griffon, similarly slowed like her in needing to widen the tunnel, but it seemed to be making faster progress than she had.

 

(Ranger)

To his luck and credit, most of the monsters were enticed by the promise of an easier meal, but they were much faster than Kozue might have anticipated, closing the distance in seconds.

Luckily, there was enough of a crush on the figment that one of the monsters in the lead was mistaken by the others as being the new prey, and was set upon by the others in a frenzy.

Remaining at the hole in the wall was one that seemed stuck halfway through, which Ranger was quick to approach and dispatch, taking advantage of the vulnerable position, before pulling it out of the tunnel. From the sounds inside though, it seemed like at least one was making its way deeper in the tunnel, which gave her pause before continuing, pulling herself into the hole and motioning for Kozue to follow her, and to close the entrance behind them. The monsters were distracted enough for the moment for him to follow without getting noticed.

Once in the tunnel she'd speak quietly, "There might just be one more, then there shouldn't be any issue with us getting to where Rare died, and a second tunnel out. Any tips for fighting in cramped spaces? I don't know how we'll get around it if we kill it, but there shouldn't be enough room for it to turn around and attack us."

 

(Mongoose)

Mongoose landed in a brightly lit area along with several other ponies who had fallen through the rift when it opened, and a few others that fell in behind him as it remained open. There was a bit of music that he could hear through the rift, but it paled in comparison to the music surrounding him in this new domain.

Looking around there were creatures of all types, and not just types that he recognized. In fact, most of the creatures here seemed almost abstract, like nothing he had witnessed before. He did see the Host, picking himself up a short distance away, but things seemed to kick off here before he could approach.

"WELCOME TO THE INTER-PLANETARY BALLROOM, THE ONLY DANCE HALL PLAYING HITS FROM THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TEMPORAL SECTORS SYNCHROTANEOUSLY."

The voice seemed to be coming from a strange entity manning a large sound booth, but also seemed to be coming from everything, everywhere, all at once.

"A LITTLE WARNING TO ALL OUR DANCERS TONIGHT WHO ONLY PERCEIVE IN THREE DIMENSIONS: THIS NEXT ONE'S A BIT OF A DOOZY!"

Then the whole world started to shift around them.

[Watch up to about 30 seconds.]

Spoiler

Most of the ponies who had fallen into this strange dimension of song and dance seemed deeply disoriented, but there was enough of a pause here where the ground wasn't moving for him to reach the Host. If Mongoose tried to speak the Host would quickly shush him with a hoof, looking much more in control than he had before they arrived, "Just play along for now, we'll have an opening to get back to the rift soon. Try not to die in the mean time."

[Watch up to about 1 minute]

Being taken through the strange dance by the efforts of the entity that seemed to be in charge as well as the other strange creatures that inhabited this dimension was rough, and the void...

...the void...

The strange entity in charge seemed to have taken notice of Mongoose in particular, who had not seemed too willing to participate, but this new host's presence was captivating.

[Watch up to about 1:30]

And then there was another copy of himself, one that, from all outward appearances, looked identical, falling through a similar rift that closed behind them. The one difference was that this version of himself appeared to be a whole-hearted participant in the song and dance.

Then another verse of the song hit, stronger than before.

[Watch up to about 2 minutes]

Finally, a pause, and one longer than usual. Mongoose found himself in a line outside the center of the dance floor. He could see the events continuing, but he seemed to have been granted a momentary reprieve.

The Host appeared behind him in line, "How you holding up? I'm surprised you lasted this long, most didn't." He sighed, "This... this is why there's a party here so often. Long ago, I made a deal with the host here, Trazom, God of Music. I tied a piece of his domain to the penthouse, and it seeps through, only contained by the festivities. It was easier before everything fell apart, Las Pegasus was a city that never stopped partying, and Trazom was appeased." He waved a hoof, "Anyway, in order to break the deal, someone is going to have to beat one of the lords of music here. I've been practicing, I've brought this on us so I'll stay behind. You need to try and gather the others, get them ready to head back through the rift. Be careful, Trazom won't tolerate efforts to through off the groove. And if you kill any of the lords, you'll be stuck here forever as their replacement. So unless you're really good at some obscure form of music, try and follow the track."

 

(Craven)

Once inside the shield he'd get a message through his blindfold, "Strange occurrences on the dance floor, Host may be compromised. Investigate and shut down the party if possible." He would be able to disable the other hostile pegasi who had entered with him without too much difficulty, as they had not expected a betrayal, and was able to approach the dance floor.

Once inside it was clear that something strange was going on, the large rift near the front being one indication. The other being that the rest of the ponies who had not fallen through seemed to be in a sort of trance, continuing to dance at the whims of the pegasus at the DJ deck.

Spoiler

If the lyrics of the song weren't enough, some pegasi would try to stop him from getting too close to the DJ booth, "You stop the music, the rift closes, and all the ponies on the other side get stuck there." They didn't seem too bothered one way or the other about it, but the rift was growing in size. Maybe there was a way to slow the growth without closing it? Or to keep any more ponies from falling in?

 

(Yannit)

Yannit was also informed that the Host might be compromised, and was instructed to bring down Red at any cost. Hopefully there would be a way to call off the other pegasi if their leader was captured or killed.

Yannit would be able to request some extra support or supplies, which would be brought to her, but she was left in charge of disabling Red in the absence of Briar and Null.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,747]

@Illiad Easle

(Null and Cherish)

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once restrained, Elef didn't react much to being touched by Cherish, continuing to hang limp in the tendrils' grasp and sob. Cherish would find that the shadowy tendrils were pleasantly warm, if she touched them while trying to console Elef, just a bit warmer than a pony would be, though not at all fuzzy, instead quite smooth like a dragon if you rubbed the right way.

It were an odd feeling for Cherish, these tendrils. Reminded her less of a pony, and more of Crow, in the places where she weren't damaged, that were. Her branding especially, were a place that she assumed were not as smooth as this, though she didn't know really. Crow were very cagey about what that meant, and wouldn't let anyone touch it. Not even her. Only thing she really did know, were that Crow sometimes mumbled that she were looking forward to the day when she grew out of the afflicted scales, so Cherish just assumed it were something very bad. She could understand that. After the war, they all had scars. Some more physical than others.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade looked down at the end, "You've done too much for us already, if anyone should need to handle him, it should be me. It should have been me before all of this happened. I hope whoever you have in mind has the answers we need. So much of this has been caused by us not knowing what to do, not understanding things."

"I hope so too."

If Null were honest, she only had an idea where to start: Speaking with that vampire guard, whose name she couldn't remember right now, and then maybe set the kid up for some therapy. It wasn't easy to accept sometimes, but stubborn and reluctant as she had been, Null could affirm that it were good to talk to someone, and maybe try and straighten out some of the mental issues at the same time, if you were lucky. Facing trauma were a hard one, as it were so easy to just... Burry it all, and not think about it. Just grief, and self-hatred, regardless of your own, actual fault. An all too familiar feeling...

But it seemed like he might be innocent in everything. He hadn't hurt Cherish at least, and rude as it might sound, the filly were ideal prey. Smaller and weaker than most pegasi her age, in a cave - so she couldn't fly away - and alone. If he had any semblance of a want, she would be done before they got here, but he hadn't as much as licked a droplet of blood off of her, and she clung to him, like he were a close friend.

Still, convincing her and Arcade were one thing. Convincing Elef himself... Now that were going to prove difficult, unless they could have this lingering spirit and him, have a face to face later.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Inwardly Nine would nod, and after a few moments one of Null's diamond feathers would glow white, "There we go, another passenger for the journey, temporarily."

"You're welcome, but I'm just doing my job. While his judgement is in question it wouldn't do for him to suffer more than he deserves, whether he believes it reasonable or not."

"Y'know, sometimes you make it hard to try and be grateful, you know that?"

Inwardly she smirked, her inner tone having a small bit of amusement to it.

Some might say that considering what they were doing, and the way she were trying to be appreciative and open with him, he were being a bit of a flank right now. But in fairness, she hadn't always been easy to work with either, so it were probably evening out over time.

*sigh* Thought he more pressing matter of Elef's judgement... She did not look forward to that, but it did not get better, by her avoiding it. Though still, she wanted to hear what this soul had to say, and ask Arcade some more questions, about him specifically. She didn't want to be too harsh, if it turned out things were a good deal less punishment-worthy than it seemed.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The only way out from where they were was the way they came, and it seemed like there was a bit of commotion in the tunnel. Hopefully Arcade would be able to keep any issues on the other side of the T, so that they could get out the way they had come in. Otherwise, they'd be trapped in here.

Null would make her way towards the T, preparing herself mentally for a fight, just in case. A shame she hadn't put on the wing blades, but they were still in Troy. She hadn't thought she were good enough with them yet, to bring over a solid blade. Might be something she had to reevaluate, as well as up her training with them. They were very practical for travel, and on the spot fighting.

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

 

(Crow)

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade hissed at her, "Quiet, you'll attract the monsters. If your friend is a small white filly, then she's fine, for now. But she won't be if you don't get out of the way. You're blocking the only safe way out, and it won't stay safe for much longer"

Crow wouldn't have much time to respond before the monster in the tunnel got close enough, already she could smell the decay, the death, that seemed to cling to it as it drew closer. From the sounds it could be a griffon, similarly slowed like her in needing to widen the tunnel, but it seemed to be making faster progress than she had.

Her heart shipped a beat, then raced ahead, as she felt the hilt at the back of her neck. She were not in a good position here, for any fight, and she had been careless in thinking it would be easy. Or that she could just push through it. But she had to, or... Or Cherish might...

She'd find she had held her breath, after he told her that Cherish was okay - the description fit - and she'd let out the withheld air, in a shaky breath. Some relief letting itself into her chest, followed by worry, as something were approaching. Something with the smell of death above it, though from the sound, not a pony. Maybe a griffon? It sounded like claws at least, but regardless of what it were, it would be dangerous, and it could end up hurting Cherish too...

"Wh- What I should do?"

She'd let the pony tell her what to do here, as it seemed likely to be the best chance she'd have, of helping Cherish right now.

If she had to get out of the way, back where they came from, she'd back off/turn and wander out (depending on how maneuverable the tunnel would be), towards the entrance she had made, though her gaze kept onwards, looking for the enemy, as well as Cherish.

If instead he told her to get ready to fight, she'd prepare,. arching her back, and getting ready to use any dragon's first response to most things: Fire. Might be all dragons couldn't use magic - herself included, since as she far as she knew, didn't have any - but most could breathe fire, as it were a natural, biological process, rather than a magic one. Though of course, those possessing fire magic, could make a much stronger breath attack.

(if I misunderstood, and the monster is coming from the direction of where she came from herself, adjust accordingly)

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

To his luck and credit, most of the monsters were enticed by the promise of an easier meal, but they were much faster than Kozue might have anticipated, closing the distance in seconds.

Luckily, there was enough of a crush on the figment that one of the monsters in the lead was mistaken by the others as being the new prey, and was set upon by the others in a frenzy.

Since he looked through the eyes of the imaginary prey, Kozue wasn't gonna lie, he did almost feel his fur grow white, when the things jumped his illusion in seconds, rather than taking time. He had clearly, woefully underestimated how dangerous these things were. Thankfully, they then settled on one of the fast ones, as the target of their frenzy, so that worked out fine, and the illusion was dispersed. Though he still were shaken from the experience.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Remaining at the hole in the wall was one that seemed stuck halfway through, which Ranger was quick to approach and dispatch, taking advantage of the vulnerable position, before pulling it out of the tunnel. From the sounds inside though, it seemed like at least one was making its way deeper in the tunnel, which gave her pause before continuing, pulling herself into the hole and motioning for Kozue to follow her, and to close the entrance behind them. The monsters were distracted enough for the moment for him to follow without getting noticed.

Once in the tunnel she'd speak quietly, "There might just be one more, then there shouldn't be any issue with us getting to where Rare died, and a second tunnel out. Any tips for fighting in cramped spaces? I don't know how we'll get around it if we kill it, but there shouldn't be enough room for it to turn around and attack us."

Still cloaked, as he didn't trust things that much, he'd slip through the entrance, and join up with his comrades again. It seemed they were in the clear. That were until it were brought up, that there were one between where they had to go, and here. That were going to be... Annoying to deal with. Especially as this were a closed area, so they also had to think of how to move past it afterwards.

"Open spaces is easier. Could lure it off a cliff there. Cramped spaces, and us needing to go past after... I think I can manage something, but we have to be quick. If it starts making noise, we could be in real trouble."

Was it the best plan? Maybe not, but there weren't much of an area advantage to work with here. The ground were strange, and not as lively as one could want, and there were limited space to work with. So instead of a larger area, where he could mess with the thing, until he could get a solid strike in when the time was right, they had to try and strike fast and hard.

"Be ready to shoot."

Once she were ready, he'd move ahead, mentally preparing himself, as well as magically, as both of his front paws began to glow slightly.

Once he had a visual, he's stop up, swirl around 360 degrees, and then extend his front paws. The magic springing from them, forming into flexible green cables, that would shoot ahead, attempting to hit the monster, and once it did, it would begin to try to spread and restrain it. Around like rope, or through any decayed holes- Whatever he could see might work to tie it up.

It wasn't the best way to actually kill something, but he lacked space here! Anything too destructive, would take time to be more refined, or it might potentially cause a cave in. If he could hold it though, and Ranger give it a bolt through the head? Might work.

If this didn't, he had to chance something more dangerous. Long as it didn't include him getting within range to touch it, should be okay. He wasn't sure what the things in here could do, so he'd like to avoid close combat as much as possible. Who knew what could happen otherwise? He might melt, or get possessed, or have his skeleton sucked out through his skin. The last of those being an actual nightmare he had, that he really didn't want to become reality.

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

 

(Mongoose)

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Looking around there were creatures of all types, and not just types that he recognized. In fact, most of the creatures here seemed almost abstract, like nothing he had witnessed before. He did see the Host, picking himself up a short distance away, but things seemed to kick off here before he could approach.

"WELCOME TO THE INTER-PLANETARY BALLROOM, THE ONLY DANCE HALL PLAYING HITS FROM THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TEMPORAL SECTORS SYNCHROTANEOUSLY."

The voice seemed to be coming from a strange entity manning a large sound booth, but also seemed to be coming from everything, everywhere, all at once.

"A LITTLE WARNING TO ALL OUR DANCERS TONIGHT WHO ONLY PERCEIVE IN THREE DIMENSIONS: THIS NEXT ONE'S A BIT OF A DOOZY!"

Mongoose felt his jaw slacking, at the strange sight that beheld him. A giant dance floor, with creatures defying logic inhabiting it. Yet before he could comprehend what he were seeing, or even react to noticing The Host, close to where he were, a voice came out of everywhere. It were very disorienting, but so were everything in here. What kind of crazed place had he fallen into?

He got the urge to grab for his knife, rising in his chest, as the strangeness of this place began to mess with his nervousness. The *announcer* were a great part of this, though he could hardly imagine how to even begin carving this up. Considering they might be able to read thoughts, maybe it were good that things got a lot weirder, before he even got the chance to think further than his knife feeling like it would be nice to hold right now.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Most of the ponies who had fallen into this strange dimension of song and dance seemed deeply disoriented, but there was enough of a pause here where the ground wasn't moving for him to reach the Host. If Mongoose tried to speak the Host would quickly shush him with a hoof, looking much more in control than he had before they arrived, "Just play along for now, we'll have an opening to get back to the rift soon. Try not to die in the mean time."

He could honestly say he had never been this confused in his entire life. Not even when he had his artistic hallucinations, though thinking over it, there were some similarities. Were it not because the faces were so un-equine, this would be slightly less weird, but the strange ones, that he could not give name to, made this worse, and he had the feeling that it would only get worse.

By some miracle, he managed to get over to The Host, still without grabbing his knife, though his eyes were jittering from side to side, nervous about what might next come at them.

He'd try to open his mouth, though The Host hardly even had to shush him, as frankly, Mongoose wasn't sure what words to even bring up here. What could he even say? At best, he could just slowly close his mouth again, and do a small nod, though his eyes still went around, as old urges began to come to mind. To the point where he were fumbling to grab something in his pocket.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Being taken through the strange dance by the efforts of the entity that seemed to be in charge as well as the other strange creatures that inhabited this dimension was rough, and the void...

...the void...

The strange entity in charge seemed to have taken notice of Mongoose in particular, who had not seemed too willing to participate, but this new host's presence was captivating.

Mongoose were thrown along, his mind feeling like it were about to crack, as the various movements stopped him from getting what he were looking for, as he were yoinked around: The half pack of gum he had on him, for emergency cases. It weren't as effective of a hampering effect for his urges, but in a pinch, it helped to take the top off.

Yet as he were pulled closer to the strange entity, and made to watch face to face a strange smile began slowly spreading on his face. His eyes glazing over slightly, as it seemed Mongoose were slipping away, mentally.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

And then there was another copy of himself, one that, from all outward appearances, looked identical, falling through a similar rift that closed behind them. The one difference was that this version of himself appeared to be a whole-hearted participant in the song and dance.

Then another verse of the song hit, stronger than before.

He gazed upon this copy of himself, with a small, slow laugh escaping him. Images of himself going through his head, skin peeled back, the eyes, strung far, upon pillars of leg bones and teeth. The beautiful swivel of inner organs, stretched far and revealing the inner beauty. The one which rested deep inside, beneath the hide, the flesh, and even the ribs. The beat of a heart, engrossed in music, dancing upon a stage of bones, draped in the finest skin.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Finally, a pause, and one longer than usual. Mongoose found himself in a line outside the center of the dance floor. He could see the events continuing, but he seemed to have been granted a momentary reprieve.

The look of faces without a body, were not helping his delusions. Nor did it, that he were grabbed again, shown such deprived sights, like the very flesh scraped back from himself, exposing the pure bone beneath. Art and music, in glorious harmony... He almost felt like singing, as this muse of madness made a toy of an already unstable mind.

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The Host appeared behind him in line, "How you holding up? I'm surprised you lasted this long, most didn't." He sighed, "This... this is why there's a party here so often. Long ago, I made a deal with the host here, Trazom, God of Music. I tied a piece of his domain to the penthouse, and it seeps through, only contained by the festivities. It was easier before everything fell apart, Las Pegasus was a city that never stopped partying, and Trazom was appeased." He waved a hoof, "Anyway, in order to break the deal, someone is going to have to beat one of the lords of music here. I've been practicing, I've brought this on us so I'll stay behind. You need to try and gather the others, get them ready to head back through the rift. Be careful, Trazom won't tolerate efforts to through off the groove. And if you kill any of the lords, you'll be stuck here forever as their replacement. So unless you're really good at some obscure form of music, try and follow the track."

The Host would find Mongoose in a haze for a few seconds as he talked to him, before the stallion turned to look at him. He seemed to slowly become more aware, but a creepy smile were spread wide on his face, and his eyes briefly spoke of inspiration, and dark thoughts, that would scare a lesser being.

With a shaky hoof, he'd rise his hoof, and fumble the package of gum from his pocket, and look at it, giggling like a mad pony for a few second, before tossing the entire thing into his mouth, paper and all.

The Host would have to give him a few more seconds, as he tried to get himself under control. It were... Marginally successful. He still looked somewhat crazed, and if The Host knew others well, he should be able to tell that less than sane thoughts were going through his mind, but he were present to speak at least, as his jaws went crazed on the strawberry-flavored gum.

"Gather them, not... Hehe... Get them ready, yes. I can do that. But heh... What about you then? Will you end here forever, stuck with this god, my- This, Muse of Madness?"

It would be glorious, would it not? Bring one down, tear them apart, and make a display worthy of a god, out of the carcass of such lesser beings? These crazed creatures, dancing eternity away, ignorant of what art this god could inspire? What wonders he were deserving of?

It were... It were wrong, wasn't it? To think this? To want such things. He knew that. He had been told that, for so, so long. But that were in the other world. This were a world of madness, were music were king, and reality a fleeting memory. Was it not okay, to listen to that voice? To dance and carve, sing and create, upon an endless stage?

"Hehe... Heh... Dance? I am not a dancer. I'm... An artist, yes. Not dancer. But I can follow the melody, yes. Move my body. Try to... Help, yes. I were sent to help. I can try to dance, for that. That should be fine."

He'd begin to look around, see what ponies were in line with them, and would try to wander off to gather them, if nothing were said.

He would not brandish his knife currently, but if he did at any point, it were not going to be pretty.

The Host might want to consider the options of either shaking him out of his crazed state, or consider an... Alternative way to create a distraction, than he had intended.

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

 

(Craven)

On 2025-11-11 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If the lyrics of the song weren't enough, some pegasi would try to stop him from getting too close to the DJ booth, "You stop the music, the rift closes, and all the ponies on the other side get stuck there." They didn't seem too bothered one way or the other about it, but the rift was growing in size. Maybe there was a way to slow the growth without closing it? Or to keep any more ponies from falling in?

Craven had handled the ones outside, and headed towards the dance floor, new orders in mind. To shut down the party, and find out about The Host, to figure out how compromised he might be. It sounded like he could not shut down the party, or the rift would close, and everyone who had fallen through - including The Host - would be stuck in whatever pocket dimension was there.

So he approached the DJ booth, as clearly that is where everything happened, but he were halted, before getting up there. More lackeys, it seemed, pulled into something that were rapidly getting worse than he could have believed.

Being told that stopping the music would trap them all, made him halt, but he did not step back. He would face these two, wanting for answers.

"Tell me what's going on, or I'm tossing you into that rift."

It were really an empty threat. He would at worst, dangle them near it, with some basic levitation magic, but he wouldn't be able to actually throw someone through. He would just at most scare them, as he wanted answers here. Without answers, he couldn't really do anything, but he also wasn't gonna torture, or banish someone for them. He were... He were not a Good changeling, but he were better than that. He had to believe that, or else... What were the point of his grief? His remorse? What were it all worth, if he could callously take life, without it being absolutely necessary?

So he'd try this, and keep his game face on, even if he internally knew he did not have it in him, to throw anyone in there. He just wanted to know what to do here, and he needed information for that.

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

 

(Yannit)

Seems she had her orders to be more direct now. She could not wait for any others. Not that she assumed she could leave it to others. Mongoose were not here, and Craven... He were doing his best, but he were soft. She knew he would hesitate. That's why she volunteered to take the last stab, if it came to it. She could do what he couldn't.

She would request some help, as she needed more to attack Red at the same time. Ideally with some weaponry, and an extra blade for her. Something with a longer blade than the daggers she had with her. She also requested that they were made aware of what magic she had seen being used earlier. Yannit would keep Red occupied until then.

Until more would arrive, she would circle, looking for an opening to strike, and if she saw some, would then throw a dagger towards Red. She assumed this would be deflected, which were why she were prepared to use telekinesis to grab it, and change directions into a surprise strike. It would be ideal if she could get a good stab in her chest, stomach, or throat, but they'd see what were possible. Which also included the dagger might be grabbed.

It were not the anti-magic one. Even though Red hadn't followed them, she had left that covered near the dumpster regardless. It seemed too big a risk, now that Red were no longer a changeling, as that could be turned on her, or Craven, and take them down far too easily.

[Illiad Easle 3,255]

@Blitz Boom

(Null, Cherish, Crow, and Ranger) (They're all together!)

Arcade told Crow to go back the way she had come, as the tunnel wasn't large enough for her to get out of the way by coming forward. Whether she could turn around would depend on if she had made the tunnel large enough to accommodate that, but if she wanted to keep her gaze towards the potential danger she'd likely be backing out of the tunnel anyway.

Arcade moved past the T to give Null, Elef, and Cherish a clear path to the exit. He had been planning to sacrifice himself, blocking the tunnel with his own body, and hoping he reappeared on the right side of the blockage, but he would wait until the young ones were out of sight.

That plan was thwarted by Kozue's restraining attack, which was able to restrain the infected griffon and, at Ranger's instruction, pull it back towards them where she could dispatch it before it could try and turn around, not that the narrow tunnel would allow it to.

 

Then came the matter of getting it out of the way, so that they could get around it, and shoving the body to once again block the opening in the wall.

All that settled, Ranger nodded, "Alright, that's settled. Next stop then-"

"What are you doing here." Arcade approached from the other end of the tunnel, not looking too happy to see them.

Ranger raised an eyebrow, but the effect was mostly lost given the darkness and the illusion. "I could ask you the same. You remember that kitsune that made the paper fox? Well, he's got some spirit magic, and I thought we'd check if any of the others were still... lingering... I guess."

She'd indicate that he should stop the cloaking. Then continued, "We checked where Ajay and Effs... and they weren't there, so we were headed here to look for Rare. Now, what about you?"

Arcade sighed, "Something happened with Elef, and he came back here. The Gray Mare told us so we could come help."

"Is he alright?"

"He's not hurt..."

Ranger sighed, "That's good at least."

Arcade turned to leave, "I think Null knows something more about Rare too, actually... she knows a lot more. Don't take too long in there, and head up top as soon as you're done, we'll figure out next steps once we're all gathered."

 

Unless Kozue had something to say to Arcade, he'd leave.

 

(Void, Cherish, and Crow)

The airship with the rest of the group from Troy was landing near the excavated tunnel just as Crow was backing out, with Null and the two young ones quick to follow. Nine would set Elef down once they hit the surface, both because they didn't need to move him much further, and because the rising sun would make it hard to keep the tendrils going without pain.

Llambda and the white accented changeling would follow Void's lead, not wanting to overstep on this reunion.

 

(Ranger)

Ranger would lead Kozue and Speck to the large area where the rest had been just a bit ago, "Well, here it is. Anything you can sense here?"

This time, there was evidence that a spirit had been through here, quite recently in fact, like it had left only moments before they arrived. What more he could tell about the spirit would depend on his skill, or the limits of the spells he knew.

 

After the search, they too would be able to go to the surface to join the others on the top of the mesa.

 

(Craven) 

Holding them over the rift wouldn't be much of a threat, as he couldn't really drop a pegasus without them just flying away. But if he broke a wing or two first? Even a dislocation would be enough to make dropping a risk, while still being reparable later. Or, if he wanted a minimum of violence, he could push them slowly closer to the rift with his magic until they started talking. Though he'd find the threshold a bit closer than he thought, and one would be sucked in by accident.

Still, it was enough to get the other one talking.

"Woah woah ! I'll talk!  I'll talk! The plan was for us to hijack the dance floor, hold the host here so that Basher could take his place. We don't know how it all works, we're just supposed to keep the DJ safe so that there's no issues with the song."

Well, with the guards incapacitated, he had a clear angle towards the DJ, but they seemed fully engrossed in the song currently captivating the dance floor. 

 

(Yannit)

She'd get confirmation that the reinforcements she'd requested were on their way, and given a few minutes before they would arrive. Given the altitude of the fight, only pegasi could be sent, and they were understandably in short supply at the moment.

So she had some time to fill.

One benefit towards her about Red's much larger wings was that they made much larger targets, while making her body much harder to strike as she could more easily move her body around in the air. The other benefit was that Red was still unused to her larger form, and thus a bit weaker at dodging. So, Yannit's dagger would miss the body, but she could get some hits on her wings, slicing a few feathers.

That got Red's attention, momentarily angry at the supposed friendly fire, but her grin returned, "Ah, back already? You won't get away so easily this time."

Red would launch toward her, only a bit slower than before given the partially trimmed wings, but still faster than most pegasi.

 

(Mongoose) (saved for last)

18 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Gather them, not... Hehe... Get them ready, yes. I can do that. But heh... What about you then? Will you end here forever, stuck with this god, my- This, Muse of Madness?"

It would be glorious, would it not? Bring one down, tear them apart, and make a display worthy of a god, out of the carcass of such lesser beings? These crazed creatures, dancing eternity away, ignorant of what art this god could inspire? What wonders he were deserving of?

It were... It were wrong, wasn't it? To think this? To want such things. He knew that. He had been told that, for so, so long. But that were in the other world. This were a world of madness, were music were king, and reality a fleeting memory. Was it not okay, to listen to that voice? To dance and carve, sing and create, upon an endless stage?

"Hehe... Heh... Dance? I am not a dancer. I'm... An artist, yes. Not dancer. But I can follow the melody, yes. Move my body. Try to... Help, yes. I were sent to help. I can try to dance, for that. That should be fine."

The Host looked a bit disappointed, and no small amount concerned at the state Mongoose was in when he spoke. The Host had smoked a lot of champagne in order to shield his mid from the psychedelic nature of this place, and had more or less microdosed the ballroom for several years. It seemed like that preparation paid off, while for those like Mongoose, who as another entity might have called 'predisposed to madness' was not faring as well as could be hoped.

Still, there was an opportunity there, and the Host wasn't going to try and dissuade a madpony from their passions.

"Best of luck to you, see you at the end, maybe."

 

And soon the song kicked back into high gear.

(Watch to 2:22)

Things shifted even harder than before, it felt like he was transported into several other worlds where Trazom held influence, or they were bleeding in here momentarily. Then, that glorious Host noticed him, seemed to see him!

(Watch to 2:34)

Perhaps it was just taunting his twisted up mental state, or commenting that he was only now seeing the world clearly for having seen this world of pure music and song?

(Watch to 2:50)

There they were! The Lords of Music! The celestial beings playing the instruments behind the song!

Most seemed unapproachable, others incomprehensible. Mongoose wouldn't know where to begin trying to hurt them, much less kill one. Maybe they were more fragile than they looked?

Then, there, that one at the end. It looked like a withered old husk of a diamond dog or a particularly malformed minotaur playing a small keyboard. The sound it made was pitiful, lacking all of the power of the other lords, yet captivated the attention of even Trazom. Clearly this was the weakest of the lords, and the easiest one to kill. It wouldn't matter that his knife had been replaced with a baseball bat at some point, it looked like a stiff breeze would be enough to do this lord in.

(Though he's free to attack any lord he wants, including Trazom if he so chooses, just drop a timestamp of when the lord is on screen)

 

(If he chooses not to attack any lord of music)

The moment passed, and the song seemed to be entering it's final crescendo. The surfaces were gradually consumed by Trazom, or perhaps had always been a part of the god, and so all of the dancers were now floating in a void of stars, all moving towards one central point of light. 

It was glorious.

The rift leading out was nearby, and some of the other pony dancers seemed cognizant enough to make their way towards it, with varying degrees of success. Mongoose too would find that while the light was exerting a bit of a pull, he still could move in any direction he wanted to.