private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

On 8/19/2019 at 5:35 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"It's not purely Equestria, but more ponies themselves, that tend to simply shun and hate what they do not understand, what is different from the group."

"P-Prejudice is a t-terrible thing. It c-can ruin your entire l-life..."

Void had not thought it possible less than a day ago, but she actually pitied the consul now, and felt sorry for what he had gone through. She and Null could if any, understand the kind of thing he had gone through. It were not for the same reason, yet were the results not the same? Attacks, hatred, exile... Others did not understand that the very thing that they feared, had been tough enough to deal with for both Illiad and them without that outside pressure, and with all of that on top, it weren't easy to get out well on the other side.

Just look at them. Null had become an anger fueled mare wrapped around a deep and shattered core of pain, whilst she had become a nervous wreck who didn't know who to trust, and had to be carried mentally by a sister who couldn't handle that, no matter what she showed. Illiad seemed to be okay on the outside, from what Void had seen of him so far, but even with getting help and support later on, she didn't believe that he were as whole as he seemed from the outside anymore. Being a hated outcast weren't something that didn't leave their mark, though she hoped that she were wrong here, or that it weren't too severe. It gave her some hope that perhaps Null and her could be fixed up as well.

On 8/19/2019 at 5:35 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"After everything we've done for you? If it weren't for the simply ludicrous amount of karmic debt owed to your sister..."

Null's eyes narrowed and between clenched teeth, a small growl escaped her.

"You... Are not doing this for me. You're doing this for them, or they'll be stuck in there."

She had another sentence entirely on her tongue. One that spoke of poison and her dislike for him too, but her sister were on the line, so she reeled herself in. Though she could taste the small amount of coppery liquid that came from clenching her teeth so much, in an attempt to keep herself from being aggressive towards this one.

She never asked him, or anything here for anything. If Troy had given some help then fine, she'd thank them later or whatever, but he better not Dare imply that her asking on behalf of his own, darned servant/friend/pet to get her out of Null's mind prison, were a favor to the wingless mare. It were not. It were for the sake of Selana, and more importantly, Void.

She used the time when he were yapping on and calming down himself afterwards, to try and get herself reeled in some more. it worked to some extend, though she let the sword stay were it were. She were still a little... Testy right now, and did not trust herself enough at this point in time. Nor did she trust this guy's talking. Avatar of Vengeance? Was that his alicorn title? Peh, how long before this one then blasted her into tiny molecules for all the things she had done, she wondered? Or well, would try, though she guessed that he could just crush her with a rock. Surprisingly few magic users had thought on that option throughout her life.

Whatever. She could ask into things like this later, if it ever mattered in the slightest. For now she better follow as he started to wander down, since she were likely to be the centerpiece for whatever ritual needed to go on. Y'know, seeing as the two were in her head and everything.

On 8/19/2019 at 5:35 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Though you surprise me, the hatred you bear towards those who have done nothing but help you since you've met them."

"This is the second time I've ever seen you, and the first time you stood outside that monster nest we had been kidnapped and forced into. And you know what I saw? An avatar of Troy. The place that took everything from us. How do you expect me to react to that? Pull a cake out of my flank and sing to you?"

Snarky were not aggressive in her mind. This were fair game to a pretty silly argument from his side, far as she were concerned.

"And this second time, I see you again sporting more wings that any pony needs. Tell me, how would it make you feel if that horn of yours got broken off, and you ran into someone with extras? Would you be happy? Cause I'm not. I were already in a bad mood from being in Troy, hearing Equestria is gone, trying to kill myself, and being stuck in my own head, faced with the memories of my dead and mummified parents belittling me, so frankly, I'm this close to decking someone right now, and getting envious is not helping me contain it."

Her barely contained, enraged honesty were the closest he were going to get to an apology out of her right now. Her mood were foul for several reasons, and though she weren't angry from being belittled per se, now that she were free of their constant words hailing down on her, she were rattled, and the only thing she knew to respond with when she were like that, were with anger. It were something she could fall back on, and then everything else came in and fanned the flames. It weren't healthy whatsoever, but it were all she knew, and a key point in helping her were going to have to be to make her let go of that anger somehow. Without that to fall back on, she'd be a mess for a while, but it were possible that she'd emerge better on the other side.

In the more immediate future though, perhaps giving her a pillow to punch a few dozen times would help vent the worst of it.

Soon as they got down, Null were somewhat surprised to be shown to stay out of the way, as she had figured she'd be connected through this somehow, but whatever. What did she know about magic and all the finicky stuff? Perhaps her just being in here were enough. Long as it worked, she frankly didn't care how, and just stayed out of his way, and observed what were going on.

On 8/19/2019 at 5:35 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The tendrils finally met, and with a bright flash the diamond statue regained animation, stumbling backwards out of the circle before falling to its knees again. The Consul too collapsed, breathing heavily as a bit of blood dripped from his nose. His khaki wings remained extended, but the shadow ones had morphed into a second set of legs, moving to stabilize him before he could fall to the floor.

Void would be able to wake up now, with a somewhat severe headache.

Void barely had the chance to respond to things like seeing Selena being jerked into the wall like she were being rattled around a snow globe, before suddenly she were back in the waking world. It had to be, considering she felt the furniture she had laid on earlier, as well as the dry air of Troy waft in. Plus, the dreaming world didn't make her head hurt this much. The only pain in there had been emotional,

She rose her head and gazed around, trying to find who were here. She'd see Null who instantly started to take a few steps towards her with worry and fear briefly managing to overtake her angered gaze, yet soon enough, they too fell on the consul, who seemed to be leaking blood, and stand around like he were about to collapse, despite the shadowy limbs that were trying to keep him up.

She'd get up and start to move towards him as quickly as she could, though she felt a little woozy, and would motion to grab him and escort him to a nearby couch unless he started to move around on his own, or Selena beat her to it. Hopefully he weren't injured too much, or at all, and this were just because of the strain. Troy needed him too much to lose him because of a couple of Troy's long lost daughters.

Edited August 20, 2019 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The shadow limbs were dispelled when Void drew too close, causing the Consul to suddenly collapse in her direction, he was surprisingly much lighter than one would have guessed. "It wasn't... such a good idea... to do so soon." He weakly waved off her attempt to move him, electing to lay down on the floor. His wings were still extended, drooped on the floor, until he turned to look at them, folding them inexpertly like he hadn't had them long.

He looked over at Null, "If I could give them to you I would, but I'm not sure you'd like what came with them."

Selena stood up, though looked just as drained as the Consul, and tried to come closer to him but he waved her off, "You need sunlight, go" She hesitated, a hoof a bit outstretched, but put it down before turning to go up the stairs to the room Null had found the Consul in.

Then, it was just the two sisters and the Consul.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Null's right eye had a small tick as she saw Void rush towards the consul and as he fell down, grabbed him and held him up. Getting this chummy with a leader of Troy were not something she could condone, but she kept herself from going over and trying to pry her from him right away. Mainly because she wouldn't be holding the consul for long before he seemed to wish to be set on the floor, rather than taken somewhere else, and as such, their interaction were brief.

Void's perspective on this were more that he had helped them, and that he seemed to have needed help himself, so she hadn't thought much on it as she stumbled over to offer what strength she had to give. It didn't seem wise in her eyes to have him just go down to the floor like this, rather than being dragged or lifted to a couch or bed - she could do that easily, as he were surprisingly light, compared to the cursed items they usually lugged around - but she would respect his wished for the time being, and even stepped back to not block his magic anymore, in case he needed it.

On 8/21/2019 at 2:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He looked over at Null, "If I could give them to you I would, but I'm not sure you'd like what came with them."

"...Nothing important is ever gotten without a price."

It weren't obvious whatever or not Null said that she'd take the wings regardless of the price, or if perhaps she acknowledged that the consul had a burden of some kind that came with these. All things considered, her tone were relatively natural, and didn't lean heavily towards either thing, and she weren't elaborating more. She just wandered over to Void and joined her sister in observing Selena being told to go and soak sunlight. A strange situation, but if plants could get energy from the sun, why not ponies made of crystals? Weren't the weirdest thing they had ever heard.

On 8/21/2019 at 2:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Then, it was just the two sisters and the Consul.

"So uhm... C-Consul? Are you o-okay? You look a b-bit uhm..."

"You look like a buffalo used you as a doormat."

"Big s-sis, that's not a v-very nice way of p-putting it."

"Yeah well, it's honest, and I'm sick and tired of lies.

So, what's gonna happen now, consul?"

Her tone here spoke well that she expected something bad, like say, a prison sentence of a public execution. Something bad at the very least, as that were what she expected from Troy. Even if this guy looked pretty deflated, his orders could still cause all sorts of bad things to start for them.

Sure she could try and care for his well being like Void did, with her worried glances towards Illiad, but if he wasn't dead yet, chances were he wasn't gonna snuff out from this process either, so she'd just move past her pretending to care, and right into what his big scheme were when it came to the two of them. He probably just needed a nap and some pain meds to be back on top anyway. Or a Galtherian Pulseflower, but where'd they get hold of that in Troy?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The Consul's breathing had gotten a bit less heavy, and he turned to look at them. "Heh, feels a bit like it too. It's been a while since I've used so much of my reserves, not since... well... then."

He didn't seem inclined to go further on that topic,

53 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

So, what's gonna happen now, consul?"

He looked a but surprised that she had used his title, rather than another of her colorful names for him. "What happens now? Sleep for one, I haven't done that in a good long while and it seems like a good idea now, and you two especially. As to what comes next, General Forerunner should have the team assembled by tomorrow, so we'd be able to begin the Hercules mission as soon as you two are ready." he turned to Null especially, "That can happen either before or after the whole deal with your wing..." he looked over at Void, "She knows, right?"

He moved to get up, the shadow limbs supporting his shaky legs. "Outside of that, you're free to do as you wish, within the bounds of the law of course."

If they didn't say anything to him, he'd proceed up the stairs that Selena had.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Null would indeed say something to the consul before he left, even though her first want were to talk over what the hay he were yapping on about with Void, as it seems like her sister had made bargains she wasn't aware off. However, this one had also poked at a touchy subject, and once more at a pretty bad time, which were also why her first action were to stomp hard into the floor a few times, to get the want to hit him directly in his face out of her system, before she'd try and have Void hold her back again. Her sister were looming over her too much right now to not be able to get her, exactly because she feared that Null were going to do something.

"Stop. Teasing me. About. My wing! I lost it because of Troy, and you poking me about it is making it real hard to not go over and-"

"Stop it! Just... Stop. P-Please."

Void raising her voice and booming out a slightly sobbing protest made Null flinch, as if she had just been whipped, and halted her words and actions.

"They're t-trying to make things b-better big sis. And you've s-seen in the p-place, and with the m-magic used here that t-they know things can w-work on us. Try and t-trust that someone w-wants to do something g-good for us for a change, and don't h-hate every being that t-tries to give you some h-hope."

Null turned slowly and faced her sister, who now were the one to flinch from the look in Null's eyes.

"That's easy for you to say. You could still live with it if they lied about your leg."

Null stormed out of the room after that, and would wander throughout the place until she found a quiet place to sit alone and get herself under control again, and would either do that, or potentially run into her parents as she looked for said place. She'd pretty much freeze in place if that ended up being the case.

Void would stand back, and not feel too good about this whole thing, but not chasing after Null either. When she got angry enough to actually begin a fight with her, she knew that her big sister were in a very foul mood, and needed some time for herself before she did something she'd regret.

"I'm s-sorry consul. I k-know that she w-wants help, but s-she doesn't know h-how to ask, or a-accept it. I'll t-talk to her when s-she calms down, and g-get her informed a-about everything, b-but... Please, if y-you are l-leading her along to g-get out help with H-Hercules, or n-neither you or S-Selena are sure the p-process will work, just t-tell her the truth. I d-don't think she can s-survive having her hope c-crushed much m-more, and w-we'll still help a-anyway."

She stood in awkward silence for a little after that, averting her gaze from the consul, and bowing her head somewhat in shame for questioning him. She wished to think the best, but things lately had made her doubt the sincerity in everything they said, and honestly, she would not put it past anyone to lead others along, if it meant saving the world from the Tartarus monsters. But they didn't need to lie to get that, if that were indeed the case. Null and her would do it anyway. If for nothing else, then to leave a livable world for their parents and new little brother or sister, and for Celestia. Illiad may have dealt with Discord, and gotten some vengeance for her by defeating the lord of chaos, but she would wish for the creatures he unleashed to be thrown back to where they came from, and the gateway sealed shut. If they could fulfill that wish, they would.

Hopefully if Illiad and Selena did indeed have the ability to fix Null's wing, they would somehow find it in themselves to understand her predicament and forgive her big sister, as well as Void for doubting them. She truly had hope that the two could help Null, yet at the same time, she had doubts, like most beings did.

In case he didn't say anything over the next ten seconds or so, Void would awkwardly talk again, in a regretful voice befitting her embarrassed and apologetic stance.

"S-Sorry, I didn't mean..."

Who only had a mouse hole to crawl into right about now.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Null stormed out of the room after that, and would wander throughout the place until she found a quiet place to sit alone and get herself under control again, and would either do that, or potentially run into her parents as she looked for said place. She'd pretty much freeze in place if that ended up being the case.

Her parents were not in the building, and just as before there didn't seem to be anyone else in the building either, it was dimly lit and quiet throughout, though there was no shortage of seating in the hallways.

[Void]

The Consul had stopped moving at Null's outburst, but didn't respond to it. As Void offered her explanation he turned to face her, he looked tired.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"S-Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Stop," he held up a hoof to stop her. He put the hoof down and shook his head, "You don't..." he sighed, then looked right at her "The worst thing, since becoming an alicorn, is the groveling. I'm not Celestia nor Luna. You're not going to 'disappear' for upsetting me. Being an alicorn doesn't make me perfect, I'm not infallible, it's okay to doubt me." He thought for a moment on what to say, "It's true that you and your sister are likely critical to the success of this mission, but I have no reason to lie about something like her wing to gain your compliance, I have too much actual power to even consider stringing her along by hope. We offered it to you because we know it can be done, Selena herself has used the cloud diamond wing before, and given she was able to get inside her mind we know the interface will work. The only potential hiccup is Null herself, if she doesn't believe it will work she wont be able to control it. If she doesn't see the wing as a part of her it won't be contained in her field, or better said the field won't move with her wing, it's complicated" he waved a hoof dismissively.

He looked to go back up the stairs, but turned back towards Void instead, "I know you have no reason to trust us, but I appreciate that you do. Go, find your sister. I get the feeling she doesn't remember where the two of you are sleeping."

If Void were paying close attention she'd notice that the shadow limbs on the Consul had disappeared.

[Null]

Null would hear a voice, but without a discernible source, as though it were coming from inside her head. "Not that I'm ungrateful, why did you spare me? I was actively trying to get you killed" For whatever reason, she felt like the voice was coming from the ball of dark tendrils that Selena had tied up in her head.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 8/25/2019 at 3:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I know you have no reason to trust us, but I appreciate that you do. Go, find your sister. I get the feeling she doesn't remember where the two of you are sleeping."

"I'll t-try and do w-what I can to c-convince Null, and m-make her ready f-for the mission. S-Sleep well consul."

Void did not think that she were going to get smithed, or disappear, or anything like that if she accidentally insulted the consul. It were more that she didn't like to insult others, and with everything that him and those around him had done so far, she didn't want to seem ungrateful either. With how Null reacted and how Void then made it sound afterwards, she had felt awkward, rather than scared, and wanted to try and take some steps back when the consul had stayed silent and more worries began to rise about whatever or not he might feel insulted or hurt over her still having doubts.

The doubts would never end, but she'd try to take his words to heart, and act upon those, rather than her basic emotions in this matter. What did she have to lose in trying to put a bit of hope in this after all, right? Convincing Null though... *sigh* That was going to be an uphill battle, but she'd start by finding her, and seeing if perhaps she had cooled down yet. If not, at least she'd know where Null were. Her big sis normally liked to remain in a place when she had to vent, rather than wander.

SO Void would say her goodbyes, and wish for the consul to get a good rest, then bow her head towards him and be on her way. She did bite notice in the shadowy limbs not being there anymore, but neither that, nor his seemingly spontaneous extra wings now and again were something she understood anything off, and there just didn't seem to be a time to ask about it yet. So many other things to do, and worry about.

On 8/25/2019 at 3:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Null would hear a voice, but without a discernible source, as though it were coming from inside her head. "Not that I'm ungrateful, why did you spare me? I was actively trying to get you killed" For whatever reason, she felt like the voice was coming from the ball of dark tendrils that Selena had tied up in her head.

"You and half of all the other creatures I've ever met. Join the dang club."

When the voice popped up seemingly in her head, Null had found a small room with no light in, went inside, and closed the door behind her/gone into a corner where the shadows covered her, and she could just sit still and take some time to think. She didn't like the parting words that had come out of her muzzle towards her sister, yet with everything just stacking on top of one another, she had lashed out at her. Thankfully just verbally this time, though she still felt horrible about that, and hated herself for not being able to control herself in that situation.

Honestly, whilst she should be annoyed that Nine apparently were still in her head for some reason, the voice were a welcome distraction in this moment.

"Difference is that at least you pushed us through that for a reason I get. Just a couple of pawns that might get axed, for the sake of the bigger picture. Nothing I wouldn't have done myself.

I'd still pummel you senseless if you ever get in front of me though, for dragging Void through this too. If you're lucky, I'll spare your face."

Null still thought little of her own worth, and it would likely take a lot of time and support to truly change that, but she were certain of Void's worth. She had chances at life, and a lot to give to the world. She just needed to find that calm, peaceful place where she could settle down, far from all the fighting and everything else that dragged her down.

*sigh* Guess she had to settle with Troy instead, no matter how lousy that sounded, but at least she'd have their parents to lean against for support now. The very thing she had always needed, but had been denied her for twenty long, miserable years, where she had to settle on an unstable wreck of a sister instead.

...Was Void even going to need her now? And if not her, then who? What purpose did she have left if her little sister didn't need her there anymore? Whatever Troy decided she were good for? Like that whole Hercules thing that Void and the consul had briefly mentioned? And then what, groveling at their hooves and go on their other errands?

Urgh, being alive just because Troy needed her, and actually briefly thinking that it didn't sound as bad as it could be. Now There was a depressive thought.

Maybe she should have listened to Void, and heard them out about the wing thing. It were through that they did get past their curse after all, were it really beyond reason to think that something could be done? Her stubbornness and mind said yes, and that it were just a carrot dangled in front of her to lead her along and be an obedient little servant, but a small flutter in her chest refused to just accept that, and she hated how she could understand that part of her more.

What did she have to lose after all? Go along, give it a few weeks or so, and see whatever something happened. If it didn't, she'd just be exactly where she already were, just with another lie weighing her down and rushing the inevitable a tiny bit closer. And if it worked... It seemed too foolish to think that it would, though she'd literally do anything for that to happen, up to, but not including, killing members of her own family. Other creatures were fair game though.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'd still pummel you senseless if you ever get in front of me though, for dragging Void through this too. If you're lucky, I'll spare your face."

"Still, you should know that I didn't care in the slightest about the Summer War and how it'd turn out. I just knew that if you died in there I'd be just as trapped as before, only with less interesting things going on. I wanted you to die where I could escape, and the lab wasn't it. I tried to get you to attack the Consul, that would've been a swift end for you. I nearly got you to kill yourself..."

"Again, not that I don't appreciate being spared, I just find it hard to understand mercy after having served vengeance for so long."

Given the darkness of the room Null wouldn't notice initially, but as her eyes adjusted to the dark she would be able to notice a silhouette sitting across the room from her. Furthermore, her eyesight seemed, enhanced? somehow she was able to see quite a bit more than one would expect in the darkness. The room seemed to be a sort of antechamber, another door situated on the far side of the small room from the one she'd entered, and a pair of chairs to either side of the room, the ones she sat in, and the ones the silhouette sat in across from her.

It was hard to tell, but the silhouette seemed to be looking right at her, it had the shape of a stallion, tall and thin, and it seemed to have wings, but it remained perfectly still.

"You've managed to intrigue Karma herself, not a task lightly accomplished." When it spoke it was a deep quiet voice, but still it did not move. "You could serve Vengeance well, if you are so inclined."

[Void]

The hallways were empty and quiet, there seemed to be no indication of where Null had gone, nor was there anyone around to ask. She'd have to use her knowledge of Null to guess which way she'd gone.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 8/26/2019 at 6:57 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Still, you should know that I didn't care in the slightest about the Summer War and how it'd turn out. I just knew that if you died in there I'd be just as trapped as before, only with less interesting things going on. I wanted you to die where I could escape, and the lab wasn't it. I tried to get you to attack the Consul, that would've been a swift end for you. I nearly got you to kill yourself..."

"Again, not that I don't appreciate being spared, I just find it hard to understand mercy after having served vengeance for so long."

Null growled ever so slightly as she heard some more details of Nine's work.

"If I knew that, I would've told her to light you up. Peh, whatever. Done's done. I got other fish to fry, like that... Consul, and his irritating words.

...You've been around the block, right? Y'know if what he's claiming is possible? Could I get a new wing?"

Asking advice from the dark ball stuck in her mind, who had just admitted wanted to kill her for some petty reasons. She had got to be pretty desperate for any sort of outside opinion on this to even try... But again, Nine had been around for a time, and had seemingly been able to, or were still able to, see the future. If he'd have a shred of decency, he'd give it to her straight, just like he had about wanting to make her die. She really should be more furious about that, but she'd been wanting to kill herself for twelve years. The idea wasn't new, and she honestly couldn't get herself to be as furious as she tended to be for some reason. Perhaps it were just everything else going on, or it had something to do with how it just wasn't as easy without the thing getting to her having a physical presence she could attack.

As she looked around whilst speaking as, y'know, there weren't a Nine to physically focus on, she'd eventually get to a point where she bit notice in a another presence. One who were looking a bit weird, as it were pretty much just an outline of a lanky pegasus by the looks of things. How lowly, more freaky types in shadows... She should perhaps be more surprised at this, but she had seen three different shadowy things in the last two days. It didn't feel as impressive anymore, even if this one were less complete, if you could say that.

That she saw well i the shadows she didn't think on. She had some more important things on her mind, along with the question she had asked Nine before seeing this wonky one, and then again, y'know, said beanstalk. That the darkness seemed less dark were not a high priority.

On 8/26/2019 at 6:57 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"You've managed to intrigue Karma herself, not a task lightly accomplished." When it spoke it was a deep quiet voice, but still it did not move. "You could serve Vengeance well, if you are so inclined."

"What am I, a magnet to you weirdos? Why does everything that likes lurking in shadows here in Troy wanna come chum with me?

And what's your deal then? Another one of those balance creatures? Gods above, this is juuuust, bloody, perfect.

Whatever. Fire off your sales pitch. What sort of thing are you trying to rope me into, and what's in it for me, If I joined your little gang?"

Vengeance were something Null understood. Had inklings towards too for certain, but this weirdo were trying to make her say yes to what, be a follower to some mysterious being she hadn't heard off? Yeah, that wasn't a purpose or a job offer, that were literally how cults operated, and she wasn't gonna join a cult. Too many sacrifices and rules for her taste.

Frankly, being accosted by weird creatures trying to rope her into things were also not to her taste, but she just didn't have it in her to go furious and fight it right now. She were just done caring that much about these sorts of creatures right now. Guess everything weighing on her shoulders were making it hard to even fall back on anything but her natural snark and semi-hostile curiosity.

That, or she just wanted to not think about things right now, and were willing to listen to any random schmuck who came along and tossed her a bone. Just another part of her life where she ran away from the hard things, rather than confronting them, and settled on focusing on something simpler, and right in her face.

Third option could also be related to her fear that had just presented itself, about the lack of Void needing her, meant that she had no purpose anymore. Someone coming along and offering her some degree of purpose to desperately cling to afterwards, could well be drawing her in to be willing to listen.

Void would probably say that it were all three things to some degree, but she were currently making her way, and wouldn't be there for another four minutes or so. She knew the sort of area Null would go for when she sought peace, so it weren't hard to guess where she needed to go to find her. She just went a bit slowly in it to give her sis a bit more time to cool off.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

...You've been around the block, right? Y'know if what he's claiming is possible? Could I get a new wing?"

Null could feel Nine's hesitation at her previous comment, but it didn't delay its response. "I've seen a mare rip her own soul in half in order to achieve what she thought was necessary. So you could say I've seen a few extraordinary feats. Given what I've seen... it's not impossible. Give me a minute, I'll scry the future and see what comes up."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What am I, a magnet to you weirdos? Why does everything that likes lurking in shadows here in Troy wanna come chum with me?

And what's your deal then? Another one of those balance creatures? Gods above, this is juuuust, bloody, perfect.

Whatever. Fire off your sales pitch. What sort of thing are you trying to rope me into, and what's in it for me, If I joined your little gang?"

While it didn't seem to have facial features, it seemed intrigued by her response. "I think the shadow scepters were drawn to you because you resemble them in nature. My deal is Vengeance, so yes one of the 'balance creatures' as you say. What Karma offers you in terms of duty is to bring to pass the vengeance called out by others, punish those who've so far escaped their just reward. What Karma offers you in terms of compensation is the power to do so. She knows how your curse may be broken, but more she knows where each and every one of those that have hurt you are, and how you can exact the vengeance they rightly deserve. She offers you this information on the condition that you act on it, and that once you've finished your tally of vengeance that you be willing to do the same on behalf of those without the ability to exact it for themselves. You would become their avenging angel."

He waved a hoof dismissively as he started to fade away, "Think on it. The scepter in your head once served Vengeance, it can answer your questions. When you choose to 'join' as you say, we'll speak again."

It was a moment or two after the silhouette had dispersed that Nine's voice was back in her head, "Alright, I checked the immediate future and signs point to yes on the wing being possible."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I've seen a mare rip her own soul in half in order to achieve what she thought was necessary. So you could say I've seen a few extraordinary feats. Given what I've seen... it's not impossible. Give me a minute, I'll scry the future and see what comes up."

Meddling with your own soul. Null would like to say that she were surprised about that, but it were unfortunately not as unusual as one may hope to find stuff that meddled with your soul, and she had sadly run into those who had damaged their own in pursuit of power before. Rarely granted, and mostly it seemed to be by accident, but it rarely looked pretty regardless of the circumstances.

On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He waved a hoof dismissively as he started to fade away, "Think on it. The scepter in your head once served Vengeance, it can answer your questions. When you choose to 'join' as you say, we'll speak again."

Throughout the explanation given by Vengeance, Null remained silent, and try as she might to not be, she were clearly showing interest in the sales pitch she were given. And how couldn't she? There were no sugarcoating things, or making it seem like she would get a wonderful life if she chose to accept this offer. It would be sacrificing what life she might've had here, to wander the world and doing what Karma wanted her to do instead. It sure didn't sound like there were any happy ending in that sales pitch at least, which at least seemed more honest than many of the other *everything will be alright* alternatives that seemed to be further and further away from her every day.

It were certainly a tempting position to be offered too. A promise of vengeance upon all that had wronged her and her sister, and then on to find others who had escaped justice after their action, and made sure that they paid their dues too? It would likely make her a hated outcast or criminal in most places, as taking the law into your own hooves like that were rarely looked fondly upon, but were that really different from how her life had already been? Hardly any being liked her as it were now, and public perception might well be in her favor in some places, depending on who were being dealt with.

The offer of power to do this job were something that caught her ears too, yet it didn't run through her mind as much as what the job would entail, and so far, she could not find much of a downside. Murder perhaps, yet whilst she carried the memories of those she had caused to die that did not deserve it on her shoulders, any creature who did deserve it, she could care less about anymore. They were but trash that were crumbled up and tossed aside, and she could always sleep soundly with their blood on her hooves, as she knew that they had just gotten exactly what they deserved. With added power, it would just be easier to do too, rather than having to rely on cursed items to give her an advantage in a tough spot, which could also hurt innocents if she wasn't extremely careful.

"Vengeance..."

She let the word roll off her tongue, as she listened to how it sounded. Somehow, it felt right, didn't it? Null didn't think herself as one who had a future, or much of a chance for peace as it were, yet like this, she could have a sort of life. One who had to be far from her family likely, yet, hadn't she just been thinking on the fact that soon, Void wouldn't need her there to protect her anymore? Void would be able to grow strong and find a calm, normal life in Troy of all places, long as her sister were not there to mess things up for her. So Null could leave her behind with their parents, and who else would be part of her life, and go find others who needed her protection instead. She'd be giving them hope... And all she had to sacrifice, were herself. A broken mare with no future, given in exchange for a worthwhile purpose. Were that really such a bad trade off?

Yet, as Null had told the memory of her parents, that Void and Selena had used to drag her out of her slump, she were tired. Running, struggling to stay alive, protecting her family- Just everything. She were tired of fighting the world, and knowing that she couldn't win. It had already broken her on a fundamental level, and going through it all again were a burden she weren't sure she could handle again.

The same feeling that others out there must also have...

On 8/29/2019 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It was a moment or two after the silhouette had dispersed that Nine's voice was back in her head, "Alright, I checked the immediate future and signs point to yes on the wing being possible."

"...Alright, thanks."

Null's response were absentminded, though she did appreciate this information, even if it did come from an unreliable source. She had a lot to think of before she made her decision, and something told her that for once, this wasn't something she could just keep to herself, like she had when Void had the chance of being adopted the first time. And much like then, there were no going back once she made her decision.

Speaking of Void, she'd get to them within a minute or so after this, and poke her head around the corner to see Null, looking surprisingly calm all things considered.

"Big sis? Are you feeling better? I'm so-"

"No, I'm sorry, lil sis. You were right."

Void were surprised with this response, as Null got back on her hooves and started to move slowly towards her, with her gaze directed towards either the ceiling or floor, rather than keeping focus on her sister. It seemed like she had something on her mind.

"Are you okay? Anything I can do to help?"

"I want to see them"

Ah, their parents. That made a lot of sense. Surely Null wanted to see them for herself, and especially their mom. The relationship the two of them had when they were small were close, so of course now that she were calmer, she'd want to go see them. Void truly hoped that seeing them, interacting with, and clearing up the misconception that she were at fault for their deaths, were going to mean a whole lot in both mending her big sisters mental wounds, as well as giving her some more hope. She were going to need that.

"Of course. I'll get us there.

You're okay though, right?"

Null nodded slowly at the question, jumped up on her sisters back, and laid there as Void started to move.

"Just got a lot on my mind. Nothing you need to worry about right now."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The only issue with their plan, was that they had no idea where their parents were, all they knew was that they lived here in the city, and were in the process of being moved to a larger dwelling.

The hallways were, as before, vacant of anyone they could ask. They could either go to the Consul and ask, or go outside and look for themselves.

(If they go outside)

The guards out front were different from the ones that Null had seen when she had previously left the building, and they would not react to their presence unless the sisters did something to get their attention.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

As they wandered through the halls, Void filled Null up on some details on what had happened in her absence, as well as what were expected from them in regards to Hercules, and the importance of doing so.

"Saving the world, huh? Never thought we'd be called in for that."

"Me neither, big sis, but I think it's a good thing. Gives us a chance to repay Celestia."

"A bit of vengeance..."

Null seemed thoughtful as she said this, but still didn't share her thoughts on this whole matter with Void. It wasn't the time.

"I guess we can look on it like that. The consul would probably put it like that too."

"Why's that?"

"He says that he's the keeper of vengeance, and that he's somehow related to Celestia, through the house of Rose? I'm not sure how it works. I didn't think to ask."

So that were Nine, and now the consul too, who were connected to vengeance? Null certainly needed to have a talk with that one, that were for sure. Not about the lineage things that much though. She honestly didn't care, as considering how long Celestia had lived, it weren't a surprise that she had some blood relatives somewhere. That were the sort of small talk thing that could be taken up if there ever came a time when there weren't important things to deal with.

"Might be important. Anyway, how long is it until we get there?"

"To mom and dad? I uh... I'm not entirely sure. I know they left this place, but I can't remember an address. I'm sure if we ask around though, we'll find something."

Null grumbled, but said nothing, as Void came to the front door and wandered outside. Once there, she'd turn and try to get the attention of the guard to her left, though not touching him/her. Some guards got very... Aggressive about civilians making physical contact.

"Uhm, e-excuse me? Do you k-know where we c-could find Septicity Bunsen, and Exquisite C-Calligraphy? Or p-perhaps the injured who g-got in from the desert e-earlier?"

She figured that if these didn't know where their parents were, perhaps they at least knew where the patients were. Sounded like as good a place as any to start looking if it were.

If they were told where to go, they'd follow, but if not, Void would sigh, and start going in the direction of the gates to the outside, where she remembered there being some injured when she had run into Pen and the doe. As good a place to start as any too, right?

...Perhaps she should tell Null that Pen and the doe had made it out actually. It might be important.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

Outside the streets were mostly deserted, the sun was already fully above the wall and while it was still early it was starting to warm up. The guards were both wearing an Equestrian day guard helm, so thus were likely more inclined to the day anyway.

The guard they had approached was an earth pony mare, "Bunsen..." she thought for a moment. "He's a medic right? They're typically housed near the hospital, and the hospital staff would have a directory." She pointed to a road about half way to the far side of the central oasis, "Head around to 5π/4th road, hospital's on the corner between 2nd and 3rd. They can tell you where to find them. Plus most of the injured that came in from the last desert convoy are there, at least those that aren't still out with the field medics on the air strip."

(provided they follow those directions)

Walking the main road around the oasis they'd first pass a somewhat clover shaped building with many windows and columns which was labeled with a marble sign out front as the Trojan Council Chambers. They would then pass a large building surrounded by smaller buildings, the large building labeled atop the pillars as the Trojan Supreme Court, the smaller buildings appeared to be residential, but it seemed they hadn't always been that way. The corner past that building was the indicated street, turning up it would reveal a residential block, followed by the indicated hospital. It was an unremarkable building, clearly built with function in mind with little thought for aesthetic. It bore the hospital symbol clearly.

(Should they enter the building)

The reception area was surprisingly crowded given the vacancy of the streets, though most of the occupation was temporary beds and dividers set up to house extra patients, most of which were asleep. There was plenty of room for them to pass to the reception desk without their aura affecting the patients. Stationed at the desk was a buck, dressed in medical garb, typing out paperwork on a sophisticated looking typewriter. He would look up as they entered but would not address them unless they either spoke up, or loitered at the counter long enough. By the points on his antlers he wasn't very old.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 9/2/2019 at 7:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Bunsen..." she thought for a moment. "He's a medic right? They're typically housed near the hospital, and the hospital staff would have a directory." She pointed to a road about half way to the far side of the central oasis, "Head around to 5π/4th road, hospital's on the corner between 2nd and 3rd. They can tell you where to find them. Plus most of the injured that came in from the last desert convoy are there, at least those that aren't still out with the field medics on the air strip."

Void bowed her neck respectfully at the guard, after she had provided an answer to their question, which had frankly included far more information than she had expected.

"T-Thank you for your help."

Null just ignored them, not wanting to make contact with the guards if she could help it. Partially because the idea of being friendly with officials of Troy were still feeling dirty to her, but mainly because she had other, more important things to think about. Such as how to interact with her parents once they had found them.

To think that they were alive... If Void hadn't assured her off it, she would have never believed it, and even then, it were hard to fight the stubborn urge to just think it were a lie she had been fed, to mislead the both of them. Still, the things she had seen, and how insistent Void had been about it, made it so that she had a hard time not imagining that she were indeed going to be seeing them again soon, after having only had a visual of them as shriveled up corpses for the past twenty years, haunting her mind.

It annoyed her how she couldn't just feel happy, or excited about this. The best news there could possibly be, which she had once dreamed of fervently, and yet she were more conflicted than anything. She felt nervousness certainly. Anger over feeling like she had mourned them for nothing as well. Joy, apathy, guilt, etc. It were a confused mess, and she weren't sure what to do with it all. Much as she tried to think of how she would react, and how best to present things, it just didn't lead to anything tangible, nor consistent.

On 9/2/2019 at 7:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The reception area was surprisingly crowded given the vacancy of the streets, though most of the occupation was temporary beds and dividers set up to house extra patients, most of which were asleep. There was plenty of room for them to pass to the reception desk without their aura affecting the patients. Stationed at the desk was a buck, dressed in medical garb, typing out paperwork on a sophisticated looking typewriter. He would look up as they entered but would not address them unless they either spoke up, or loitered at the counter long enough. By the points on his antlers he wasn't very old.

it were probably for the best that she were caught up in her own thoughts about this, as well as the prospect of vengeance, as they entered the hospital, and they got addressed by of all things, a buck. It weren't a changeling granted, but as could be seen on Void, it still caused a reaction. In her case, her right eye twitching as he initially addressed them, and a few seconds to mentally get herself in line, before she started to whimper, or act foolish.

As for Null... Well, she sent a glance at the buck, and tensed up, with a sneer on her face, but she were still mostly focused on other things, rather than trying to be concerned about this one. Up front he looked like a pushover too, so worst came to worst, she could take him. If she had more of a mind set on this, she would've then gone on to think what would happen if she were to attack him, and how there might be other, more buff ones of his kind somewhere nearby, but she had better things to think about.

He'd likely not be too afraid of Void, despite how she seemed to tense up in his presence. She were a tiny pegasus with one wing, sitting atop a larger than usual earth pony. She'd seem more like a filly being dragged around by her mom, or some sort of pet, rather than a threat.

"O-Oh dear... Uhm, e-excuse me? We're l-looking for Septicity B-Bunsen. The g-guards told us s-she might be here, along w-with da- I mean, E-Exquisite Calligraphy. If t-they're busy, we c-can wait somewhere, but i-it's kind of i-important that we f-find them.

..."

She almost asked about the mechanical doe that were perhaps here, but considered it sort of moot. Even if she were in this place, she'd be heavily guarded, and them asking were probably just gonna cause a lot of suspicion, and potentially make anyone here unwilling to lead them towards their parents.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The buck looked over a bit skeptically at Null, but only offered a sigh in response to their query before turning to look through a nearby book. He would pass a few moments paging through the book before turning back to face them, the book held in his magic. He didn't say anything as he passed the book over the counter to them, pointing to their mother's name.

It was a schedule book, it seemed to indicate who was on schedule to work, and their mother wasn't scheduled to come in until just before dusk, which judging by the sun, was in six hours.

The buck left that book as he turned to look through another book, it was thicker, before with a satisfied snort he turned back and placed the new book atop the old, pointing again to their mother's name. It read: 'Septicity Bunsen; 200 3rd, apt 13'. The buck looked at them for a moment more, then pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil, marked the symbol of the hospital, a line that went to one side of it, turning right at a corner, then a star where he wrote 200. It seemed to be a map of sorts telling them essentially to go up to third street, then turn right and go till they found #200.

He would continue to watch them with a raised eyebrow until they left.

(If they go to follow his map)

The streets were still quite vacant, making the trek easy. The buildings got taller the further they got from the oasis, some of the ones they passed looked like they had been added on to vertically, somewhat makeshift tents erected on the roofs of the buildings. They'd be able to find #200 without much difficulty, and the door labeled #13 was on the close corner to them. There was a window next to the door, and it was dark inside.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Seemed like they had come off as odd, or suspicious at the very least after all, judging by the way the buck acted around them. She supposed it couldn't be helped, right? Null had a certain way of meeting others, even when not speaking, that were off putting of shunned others, and whilst she couldn't see her, Void were certain that Null were doing something. This were a buck after all. She hadn't expected kindness from her big sis.

Still, she weren't innocent here herself. False leg, carrying around a smaller pony, nervous and physically standing out like a sore thumb. Even if she were trying her best to be friendly, an odd glance or suspicion of someone like her were understandable. Something she were more or less used to, though it were still discouraging. A reminder of how far they still had to go to find acceptance, and to let go of old grudges themselves. *sigh* Perhaps in due time, things would work out.

As for now however, the buck at least helped them, and informed them of how to get to the address he had jolted down. Considering they had nothing else to work with, Void would thank him and get out of there in a healthy walking speed, wanting to get out before she either messed up royally, or Null spouted off something.

As they went on their way, Void would eventually let out a shaking sigh, and shake her head a little.

"B-Bucks and c-changelings... We h-have a lot to get used t-to, but at l-least we didn't get into a f-fight with this one."

Null gave a small snort in response to this, and looked around her, seeing the occasional other creature out in the streets, as well as the seemingly cobbled together additions to provide some more space to the buildings. Sure didn't look like the shining jewel of the desert they'd once been told stood proudly in the middle of Troy. Might be they were in the slums, or the time after Discord went rampant had really done a number on this place too. Somehow, the later sounded more realistic.

"I could've taken him. Just wasn't worth the hassle."

"I think w-we have to try and g-get along with them e-eventually, but not s-starting fights is a s-start. Second we s-start doing that..."

"We'd be put in a cell until we've gotten done what they wanted us to, and then booted out into the desert."

The two did not speak more after that as they went on their way, both having this grim thought of the aftermath of the Hercules situation in their heads now.

On 9/4/2019 at 5:53 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The streets were still quite vacant, making the trek easy. The buildings got taller the further they got from the oasis, some of the ones they passed looked like they had been added on to vertically, somewhat makeshift tents erected on the roofs of the buildings. They'd be able to find #200 without much difficulty, and the door labeled #13 was on the close corner to them. There was a window next to the door, and it was dark inside.

"...Big sis, I-"

"I'm not gonna yell at them. I have a lot of things I want off my chest - Celestia knows there's plenty of everything I can throw at them right now to fill the time - but I'm aiming to start off that way."

"You sound a little unsure."

"I don't know what I feel anymore, Void. It's usually do simple, but with everything that happened after they died, and now learning they're still alive... I want to be happy, but I just don't know. I'm all messed up lil' sis."

"I've seen what haunts you, big sis. I don't blame you for this.

*sigh* I just hope that you'll find it in yourself to be happy to see them again."

Though it were dark, they attributed that somewhat to the six hours until their mom had to go to work thing, and though it were not kind to disturb her rest - especially since she were pregnant - they had nowhere else to be right now. Hence, Void took the last few steps, and knocked thrice on the door, then stepped back and held her breath. This might be a pretty intense moment.

Edited September 5, 2019 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

It was quiet for a moment, almost so long that they might consider either knocking again or giving up on the endeavor, when there'd be the sound of shuffling hoofsteps from within. As their father approached the door the sounds of his muttering could faintly be heard, but not loud enough to tell exactly what he was saying until he swung the door open. "Whatzit now Ceder, ya know she-s sleep...ing." His voice trailed off as he saw exactly who was at the door, he shook himself a bit more awake. "[However he'd casually greet them]! I thought you'd be staying with the Consul... did something happen?"

The worry in his voice was apparent, and he kept looking between the two of them, a bit of confusion coming to his face as nothing seemed the matter.

He motioned for them to come in, and gestured to the worn couch that dominated the small living space. He spoke in a whisper, "Let's try not to wake your mom though... the pregnancy's tough enough without these hours we've been pulling at the hospital and field stations. But anyway, what's happened?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Whatzit now Ceder, ya know she-s sleep...ing."

Void kept her breath, but nothing came from Null. No bursts of anger, no shouting (thankfully) and sadly too, no happy outbursts. She didn't need to look up to get what were going on either, with this meaning that Null had more than likely just lost her words, and just sat with her muzzle hanging.

It were not entirely correct, as her jaw were not slacking, yet Null had indeed lost her breath as she saw the aged up, yet obvious form of her father in front of her, and her mind had just drawn a complete blank. Even if she had tried to prepare for this meeting, actually being in the situation, and seeing that he was indeed alive, were something that she had a very tough time to process.

Nit a word were said as they entered by her, as she just sat atop of Void, with eyes speaking of conflicting disbelief, yet otherwise as neutral in her face as their father had been privy to seeing earlier.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

I thought you'd be staying with the Consul... did something happen?"

"A lot happened, but we can talk about that after you've slept, okay? We... Kind of have things to do, so it won't be long anyway. Just uhm... Bear with me, please, and you'll understand why we're here."

Their dad were clearly in need of sleep, as much as their mother were, and though the original plan had been to come here and truly have time together, Void could tell that it were best that they didn't linger for now. Besides, it were true that Null and her had something else to do. A certain shadow that had approached earlier, who might still linger nearby, had entered her mind again as they wandered here, and considering what went on here, it were perhaps for the best to go and try to use this downtime not to sleep, but to see what it - and by extension Pen - needed.

Still, before anything, Null needed to know that this were real. So Void took a step forward as she spoke, and gently put a hoof on their father. A strange move to him perhaps, but she had to do this to make Null believe, and see that this weren't some sort of illusion, or changeling. She had to know that this were, without a shadow of a doubt, their father. Or uhm... No, covering that would have to be another time. When things had calmed down.

"...Dad?"

The weak, breaking voice of Null finally broke through as she got up, and wandered further along on her sisters back, so that she could lean in and get closer to the old stallion herself. Now her face were more full of expression, yet again, it were conflicted between several emotions, like fear, desperation, joy, and guilt. Her emotions were fighting that voice in her head that would always tell her that nothing good happened for Void and her, which were a dash of self-deprecating logic that clashed radically with seeing that their parents were actually, truly alive, with their dad being right in front of her.

Meanwhile, Void would smile at the aging stallion, as she heard and felt Null finally go into some degree of action.

"We found her again."

What more did she really ned to say now? Well, a lot honestly, but that were history time for another encounter. Right now, it were all a matter of sharing the news with their father, and instilling some actual hope in Null. She wouldn't be able to deny they were really here anymore at least, and if that didn't do something, then Void didn't know what would.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

There was a tear in their father's eye as he cautiously, then firmly drew Null into a hug. "Your mother and I... we were so worried when you were all..."

He released her from the hug to get a better look at her, staring right into her eyes with a worried, yet somewhat relieved expression. "We were happy to have you two back in whatever state. It will make her so happy to hear that you've been recovering. Nonetheless, she needs her sleep, so I'll patiently wait to tell her until evening." A smile came to his face.

He sat down, "I... hadn't really thought you'd make it, I know you're strong of course but when we saw you like that..." he sighed "We've seen so many who didn't have it half as bad who've yet to make even half the progress you have. It's a miracle to say the least."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 9/7/2019 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a tear in their father's eye as he cautiously, then firmly drew Null into a hug. "Your mother and I... we were so worried when you were all..."

Null desperately clung to her father after he pulled her in, and he'd feel tears roll down the fur of his neck, as the emotional mare were unable to hold it back. It were not something she had allowed herself to do for years on end - discounting rage-fueled episodes where her emotions got erratic and tears sometimes fell - yet her stubborn attitude weren't trying to toughen through it this time. She couldn't muster the strength to even try. She just clung to her father, head on his shoulder, and continuously whispered "I'm sorry." over and over again, until he eventually moved to let go of her.

She didn't want to let go off him. Not after all this time thinking that she had felt his touch the last time, on the sandy hills on the day of their escape, as he pulled her from the sands and halfway threw her along to make sure she had a chance to get out of reach of the incoming Grey.

Yet, even though she could probably keep him in her grip, as she slid back, he'd find that she didn't even attempt, and made no movement to either restrain him, nor clear the tears from her eyes as he began to talk to them. She just looked at him with a desperate mixture of grief and longing in her tear-filled eyes, and a facial exepression that got progressively more pained.

On 9/7/2019 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He sat down, "I... hadn't really thought you'd make it, I know you're strong of course but when we saw you like that..." he sighed "We've seen so many who didn't have it half as bad who've yet to make even half the progress you have. It's a miracle to say the least."

"...I don't deserve this. I've done too many things, and hurt... No, Failed you. All of you."

"Null, please d-"

"If I hadn't been so weak, you would've gotten away from all of this. How can you not look at me with anger over that? Yell at me? Thrown me out in the dirt? I am the reason you were stuck here in the first place, and I almost left Void alone when it got too hard. I broke my promises and ruined our family. Why don't you hate me?"

Null's voice were surprisingly low as she went on her guilt ridden tangent, which Void silently thanked whatever deity cared to listen to her words. She had spoken earlier on how she were sure that their parents wouldn't accept them, soon as they knew all the horrible things they'd done in the past, but right now, in the moment, all her logic - All those tiny things she had mustered up to try and be ready for dismissal - just crumbled, as she laid bare her argument in the most basic of forms: That she didn't deserve to be welcomed here, because as far as she were concerned, all of it were her fault. How couldn't she think that, seeing as several situations could have been avoided, if only she hadn't been part of things.

From their parents stopping on their escape to help her out of the sand bank her leg had gotten stuck in, to her denial of Void's future, when she scurried them from the town where she could have been adopted and find some stability she sorely needed, plus many other things throughout their tumultuous years. Null perceived her own weakness and selfishness to be the reason for most of the bad things that had happened to them, and while Void had the excuse of not knowing better, as Null had hidden several situations where she acted in her own best interest, instead of Void's, their father wouldn't be the same.

He knew what happened that day, and she didn't understand how she weren't blamed for that, or outright just shunned.

She weren't an idiot. In her heart, she knew that they wouldn't hate and shun her for this, but her emotional instability were not playing off logic. It were roller-coasting around her guilt, and on that ride, their father was a main figure, as feeling like she had been the cause for what happened to their parents all those years back, were the most fundamental part of her guilt, and she felt like she deserved to be punished for that, as well as many, many other things.

Thankfully this weren't their mother though. Considering how close Null had been to her when they grew up, she would've likely just ran out of the house whilst crying, unable to get a word out, and just wishing to not pollute her life anymore.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

Their father looked on with concern as Null spoke her piece, he thought a moment on what exactly he could say to her, opening his mouth a few times in the process before closing it again as he rethought his words. He took a deep breath to compose himself before speaking. "Null," he waited a moment to see if she'd turn to look at him. "When we decided to get the two of you out of there... we knew what was at stake. We knew we'd likely die trying, but we couldn't live with ourselves if we didn't try." he shook his head, "We were both surprised when Grey Mane didn't have us killed, or inducted... but we didn't have long to think on that before he sent us back to TrUST to have us removed their way, and thus the whole memory thing. But that's besides the point. Even if we had made it to Dodge with you, we knew we couldn't stay with you, we'd have just made you easier to find."

He sighed as the tears continued to fall, "Really it should be us apologizing to you, we forced you to take that burden, you never should have had to make those decisions, we should have planned better, been more patient..."

He paused for a moment, as a smile grew on his face, "But that's behind us now isn't it? It's been too long to hold on to that any more. Last week my family was just two with a third on the way, and now it's about doubled in size! My daughters, once lost, are found. It's a rare treasure in these times, let's enjoy it together."

He looked like he wanted to say more, but decided thatadditional physical affection would speak more to her that his words.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

If physical contact were what he wanted, he'd get it, as Null lounged forward and rose up, so that she could hold him around the neck in a tight hug. A pretty unusual sight as far as Void were concerned, but this weren't the usual sort of situation. This were their dad, and there were a lot of emotions going off in this moment, with Null finally getting a direct answer to something she had beaten herself over the head with for the majority of her life. She'd say something to that regard too if she could, but she weren't talking, as much as just silently crying, and trying her best to not start sobbing. She had moderate success with that at best, if their father listened to her breathing, yet Void couldn't hear it from her distance.

"Big sis haven't done well in a long, long time, dad. And with what Selena and I saw... Well, I think she really needed to hear that."

She'd be happy to explain another time, but they had to move on soon. Both their father and their mother needed their rest, and not be disturbed by the two of them, who were going to have to go and deal with other things. Still, Void were certain now that this had been the right thing for them to do now. They might have a lot of things to talk about still, and some things could go wrong, but Null were in a very vulnerable state, even after she had been taken out of her own pit of despair. The damage in her mind weren't just vanished because they had dragged her out after all, and were going to need a lot of things to get right again. Yet, this forgiveness, and understanding that she would have still needed to carry the burden of caring for Void, were probably going to do a whole lot for her ailing big sister's mind. Perhaps not right away, but in due time, it might work on making her forgive herself, and try to collect the scattered pieces that she left of herself, because it pained her too much to carry them.

*sigh* Well, she'd hope for that at least, but it were time for them to leave. Just a few seconds more, and if Null hadn't dragged herself off, or their dad taken her away from him, she'd have to gently, but insistently do it herself. Callous as it may sound, they had work to do.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

As content as their father would be to simply hold his long lost daughter, he knew if he didn't get back to bed soon he'd end up sleeping right there. And with each passing second the thought of that grew ever more tempting.

Regardless, he gently released Null, "Now, we heard you two have something special to do for the Consul... staying up all day likely isn't the best way to prepare for it, you both look like you've missed more than a few nights sleep recently." he stood up with a yawn, "You're welcome to sleep here of course, space is at a bit of a premium but we'll make do. You'll have to come visit your mother after her shift in any case, she'll be so happy to see you back."

Their father trailed off a bit, he seemed to be almost falling asleep on his hooves, and probably would if they didn't do anything about it.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Null reluctantly let go off her dad as he pulled away. A time which Void also took advantage off to draw her big sister towards her, and place the small pegasus on her back.

"We got something we need to do dad, but we'll try to get some sleep later. Get some sleep, okay? Tell mom that we love her, and that Null is safe."

"..."

Null looked like she wanted to say something after that. Even having her muzzle open and ready to get the words out, but she just didn't have anything. Much like with their father, it seemed like she might just have to see where the wind blew her once they'd eventually get to meet their mother. Null might actually start to audibly sob at that point, considering how she had always been a mothers filly, whereas Void had a stronger connection to their dad. Calligraphy that were. Their blood relative were not now, nor ever would be their father. He had thrown that away before the two of them were even born, and there were no gaining something like that back, with how he had soured their lives afterwards.

"See you later dad."

Void more or less scurried out of there as quickly as she could,e ager to let their tired father gain some much needed rest. Something the two of them could use too in due time, but there were always things to do sadly, so they had to squeeze in a few hours later.

Void would aim directly for the nearest dark, abandoned alleyway or substitute for that which she'd lay eyes upon, and wander in there. A lot of shadows like that were probably going to be the place were the shadow from before would be, if it were still following them. if it weren't... Well, she'd know then, and the two of them could go sleep a bit earlier instead.

"...We're going to finish this."

"Huh? W-What do you mean?"

"The gate. I don't care what it takes, we're going to slam it shut."

"Oh... Of course. It will help a lot, and I think we owe it to Celestia, after what happened to Equestria."

"Yeah, and for the new one on the way. I'm not letting our little sibling grow up in a world more wretched than the one we walked through. He or she will be safe. They all will."

Void nodded as she heard Null's stubborn mind set flare up and take over from her previously rattled state. She could always count on Null to think about family above everything else, and their parents - along with the little new on the way - seemed like it were giving her drive to go into whatever the mission would entail, and aim to finish it. Perhaps... It were best to keep the truth about their actual family ties hidden. Just until they were finished with the mision that were, as Void wasn't sure what it would do to Null to learn all the gritty, vile details in their family history that close to a mission. Seemed safer to just keep it to herself until further notice, and hope that Null could forgive her for that.