private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Well, seemed like this was it then. The deal were made, she weren't feeling like she had been left in the freezer as much anymore, and the Consul looked like he were gonna go through the facility with a fine tooth comb. Might be she'd have to prepare for taking one for the team here, and act as a scapegoat to let Void escape from charges later on, if worst came to worst. Which really, would be fair. It had been her plan that caused the entity to take over, and whatever chain reaction came after that to come. Void were more or less just there, doing what she were told.

*sigh* But whatever. That were for the future, but for now, she had to get back home before shed make her sister even more nervous.

"So, baseline: I need to give a preemptive warning for the snow-cloak, so we need to sorta balance this going forward, until the whole scale have been evened out, yeah? Sounds like we got ourselves a lot to do then, cause Void and I didn't exactly leave a trail of happy faces behind us.

Anyway, mind filling me in on what these *gifts* of theirs can do? I get the idea with the eyes, and the cloak now. What about the head wear? And is the things in my wings just a power-up, or some other sort of drawback item?"

Whilst talking, she'd be walking too, dragging her hooves a bit as she wasn't looking forward to getting outside too much. It might be interesting in a way, but having to see the vengeance meter or whatever of others, sounded like it were gonna be a hassle that'd take some time to get used to. Guess they'd see in about fifteen seconds or so though, as she could see the door to the outside now, get closer and closer...

With a slightly shaky hoof, and a deep breath, she opened the door, and stepped outside, expecting this to be a sight to behold. A confusing one to be exact, though who knew? Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad, and she could just go home to her sister again. She wasn't gonna go to her parents though. There were risks now that she had to keep in mind when meeting others now, and with them... She had her concerns regarding their pasts, and what Vengeance might demand of her.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So, baseline: I need to give a preemptive warning for the snow-cloak, so we need to sorta balance this going forward, until the whole scale have been evened out, yeah? Sounds like we got ourselves a lot to do then, cause Void and I didn't exactly leave a trail of happy faces behind us.

Nine thought for a moment before responding, "The 'chill' of the cloak is something that will persist until you no longer serve Vengeance so long as you use the protection, the inward chill will go away as you resolve your personal grievances which I should clarify: You are only now responsible for taking care of those who YOU desire vengeance for, not those who may or may not have called vengeance on you. Only when you are satisfied that past actions against you are avenged will you be able to truly know what Vengeance requires towards those who have done you no wrong, but deserve it."

Nine would be silent for a moment before continuing, "I know your father is most of the vengeance you desire, who else do you desire vengeance against? You swore to put his head on a pike, are there others who hold a similar amount of vengeance in your mind?"

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, mind filling me in on what these *gifts* of theirs can do? I get the idea with the eyes, and the cloak now. What about the head wear? And is the things in my wings just a power-up, or some other sort of drawback item?"

Nine nodded, "The Eye is simple enough, it won't be too noticeable yet as you've yet to practice it. It was only so powerful back there because you had just received it. I'll help you with that later, it won't be too important until we're tracking down your father or going after more general vengeance. The Scarf is something of a concealer, I've deactivated it for now as we don't need to hide, but when we use it with the cloak then we'll be able to pass without notice, ponies will be able to see us, but they won't think anything of it, forgetting about us as soon as they can't see us. This with the exception of whoever we've targeted, who won't be able to ignore us. Without the cloak it just makes your words and movements silent, audible only to those you choose. The Wings are a boost proportional to the strength of your vengeance, essentially you'll be able to turn your vengeance into physical strength and energy, allowing it to fuel you and even heal you in some cases, but I don't think you'll want to test or practice that if you can avoid it."

Nine was again silent for a bit, "The physical items are not important in themselves if you were wondering, if you lost the cloak and the scarf you could replace them without losing the associated powers."

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

With a slightly shaky hoof, and a deep breath, she opened the door, and stepped outside, expecting this to be a sight to behold.

Nine's explanation may have helped ease her nerves. When she stepped outside everything looked just as it should, when she blinked there would be a faint afterimage of those around, faintly colored silhouettes that vanished before she could tell what color, if any, they had.

Nine would pick up on her hesitation with looking around, "Like I said, the Eye will take some practice before you'll be able to use it effectively, and here, with so many creatures about, is hardly the time to practice."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 4/6/2020 at 1:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine would be silent for a moment before continuing, "I know your father is most of the vengeance you desire, who else do you desire vengeance against? You swore to put his head on a pike, are there others who hold a similar amount of vengeance in your mind?"

"Not as highly as him, no. I got many that I'd like to see answer for what they did, and who I know's gonna be dangerous, but there's nothing that can compare to him.

He ruined all of our lives. Killed our real mothers, brainwashed our parents, left us crippled, and then suddenly twenty years later, we're still having to deal with his schemes and vile followers. If it weren't for him, my sister and I might've been raised well, and had as normal lives as we could with the curse we're carrying. We wouldn't have had to spend twenty years suffering, if The Grey had just done like he did when we were born, and stayed out of our lives."

Might be a lot out there that deserved her wrath, but there just weren't any comparison when it came to the one who had started it all. The Grey. The monster lurking in the shadows throughout their entire lives, who had scared them mentally and physically, and been ultimately responsible for sending them into the hostile world they had desperately tried to survive in. If it weren't because of him and his goons, none of this would have ever happened, and for that, he deserved her fury more than anyone else.

"But there are others out there. The siren brothers comes to mind. Monstrous things had us chased us for weeks on end after we escaped their cages the first time, and the things they did to their pit fighters... I hope they died during Discord's assault, but something tells me that they would have been more than happy to join him, and take their little *entertainment venue* on the road to keep him and themselves amused  Maybe just to go on a murder spree too. I wouldn't put it past them, from both what I saw and what I heard later."

Imprisoning strangers getting near their area, or sinking ships to take away the crew for the same reasons, were among the varied ways they had heard the brothers got their pit fighters. Though slave trading were seemingly also something they highly favored. Whatever would get them the best fighters for their show, that they may reap the spoils off all those high end, privileged beings who thought that betting on these blood sports were a great usage of their time.

Honestly, if Discord had any standards, he might never accept their help, but then again, what standards had a being that attacked the entire world? Probably none, considering the countless beings he had been responsible for killing.

She could bring up more examples of some she'd want to strike down, but she had to think more on that, to make a kind of hit list on who needed to be focused on the most, and which ones she actually considered to be the ones she had to hunt. A lot to think about with her new gig.

On 4/6/2020 at 1:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine nodded, "The Eye is simple enough, it won't be too noticeable yet as you've yet to practice it. It was only so powerful back there because you had just received it. I'll help you with that later, it won't be too important until we're tracking down your father or going after more general vengeance. The Scarf is something of a concealer, I've deactivated it for now as we don't need to hide, but when we use it with the cloak then we'll be able to pass without notice, ponies will be able to see us, but they won't think anything of it, forgetting about us as soon as they can't see us. This with the exception of whoever we've targeted, who won't be able to ignore us. Without the cloak it just makes your words and movements silent, audible only to those you choose. The Wings are a boost proportional to the strength of your vengeance, essentially you'll be able to turn your vengeance into physical strength and energy, allowing it to fuel you and even heal you in some cases, but I don't think you'll want to test or practice that if you can avoid it."

Nine was again silent for a bit, "The physical items are not important in themselves if you were wondering, if you lost the cloak and the scarf you could replace them without losing the associated powers."

"Stealth, invulnerability, and a way to get some dread into the target, by making sure they won't overlook you? Sounds useful, though I'm gonna have to get used to that chilling effect more long term then it sounds like. Guess going to the mountains for a while at some point could be a good idea, to sorta temper the old carcass.

Sounds like the boost is something I'm not gonna have much control of right now, and shouldn't try and force it out to test things. Thanks for the warning on that."

She didn't plan on losing the clothes, but if it came to it, it were nice knowing that she could replace them. Sometimes, cloths got ruined after all, so if this hadn't been the case, she would've had to pack these things in pretty safely all the time, to not screw things up. Might still be wise, but for now, she had some options if worst came to worst, so that were neat.

The talking helped calm her down some as they wandered outside, and she were faced with the world through the eyes of vengeance. Honestly not that different it turned out, but the sort of after image were gonna take some time to get used it. Felt like she had glared into a camera blitz as it went off, with that afterglow just lingering when she blinked. At least this wasn't a big blotch of light. If she wanted a silver lining, that sounded like that might be it.

"Guess it ain't so bad after all, but yeah, it's... Disorienting. Gonna need to train this small scale later. Have to get home first."

Keeping to herself and trying not to look at others too much, she might come off as rather shady as she wandered back to her workshop. Hopefully no guards would get attention towards her for this, and if they did, they'd know enough of what she did in town to figure it wasn't worth it to go after her. Just a weird midget mare, likely on her way to work. Nothing worth sticking your muzzle into.

"...I got a question for you. Void told me that she promised to help you get out of my noggin, when her and the crystal weirdo were rummaging around in there. Say she found a way, and you could be free, would you take it? Sounds like Vengeance have some plans to stick you to me now, but you were trying to kill me before to get out, so I doubt you're thrilled about this whole thing.

If she could, I wouldn't try and stop her y'know. I'd respect her promise."

The last were sorta tagged on to make it a bit clearer that she wouldn't be against it. Whatever it'd mean to the link she had with the powers of vengeance, a word were a word, and Nine hadn't tried killing her recently. Even given her some help here and there, so she guessed he weren't All bad. Seemed like he deserved to get his voice heard on something that must be pretty important to him.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

32 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

...I got a question for you. Void told me that she promised to help you get out of my noggin, when her and the crystal weirdo were rummaging around in there. Say she found a way, and you could be free, would you take it? Sounds like Vengeance have some plans to stick you to me now, but you were trying to kill me before to get out, so I doubt you're thrilled about this whole thing.

If she could, I wouldn't try and stop her y'know. I'd respect her promise."

Nine was oddly silent for a bit before responding, "Well, that is certainly a question. Were we not duty-bound, as we are now, I would still want to leave. It was my intent prior after all. As it is, so long as you serve Vengeance you'll need a specter or some similarly dark entity to serve as your conduit. If you no longer wished for my companionship then Vengeance could have me removed and another placed in."

Nine paused, "For so long all I wanted was to get out, I never really thought about what I would do on the outside. Now that I do... I don't know. I'm so far removed from my King, specters aren't meant to be alone, we're meant to be with a King or some other companion, similar to our relationship but more willingly. If I left you... I think I'd rather stay unless we could find someone else willing to have me. But I wouldn't stop you if you wanted me out."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

"I'm not planning to force you out. Just saying, if it came to it, you got a say in things too. Dunno how it'd go down to make you fully free at all though. Soul transfer into another body maybe? Not something I've ever wanted to know too much about, but I've seen enough things to know it's real. Nasty, disturbing things."

Nothing good came from messing with sacrificial magic. One of the reasons why it were one of the most outlawed kinds of magic around the world, with several dozen other reasons mentioning the reprehensible, immoral things you usually had to do as part of the varied spells as a good reason not to go forit. Only place she knew that looked like they accepted or tolerates it, had been Harrowmark, but she hadn't been there for long, so it were hard to say. Might be an isolated area sort of thing they had stumbled upon.

Shrugging that off, she'd keep her head down and eventually reach home, where she'd open up to find that her sister had been meddling around with some food, judging by the faint smell still lingering there. Something with a citrus smell to it, yet she herself weren't there. Likely at the workshop then.

When she got there, it turned out that she were right. Her sister were meddling with a large, yet narrow, multicolored glass eye. A little something requested by a small, stunted growth dragon, that had lost his left eye whilst helping to save a griffon's eggs. It had left him pretty battered up, with deep cuts on his scales, a nasty wound on his face, and several broken bones, but taking the brunt of what would have happened to the eggs, saved them at least, and beyond his eye, the rest would eventually heal up.

According to him, he wanted the colors she were swirling into this eye to stand out as something special, and didn't care about blending in, as most others did. Draconic pride made it hard for him to really show humility or open up to them about it, but word had come around eventually that the real reason were that he had seen the hatchlings, and after being named their godfather, wanted to keep something with him that'd always remind him of them. A swirling glass eye, with the colors of their feathers. Since he'd never get larger than the buffalo size he now were, it should work for a long time.

It were rather cute really, but there had been many that needed theirs done first, so his request had gone on the backburner for a while. Seemed like Void wanted to work on it to keep her mind off things.

She'd wait until Void seemed to be done, before raising her tone, all whilst doing her best to ignore the faint shade that would undoubtedly show on her retinas when she blinked in Void's direction.

She'd swing around, take one glance at Null, and then come rushing over to gather her up in a tight, almost bone breaking hug.

"It's okay sis. I'm fine. Don't need to. *gasp* Take my breath away outta worry."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(I enjoy these little side stories you add, it gives extra depth to the world)

Nine shook his head, "Wouldn't need anything so drastic. Vengeance caused your curse, and Vengeance could suspend it temporarily, which would allow me to leave you under my own power provided you allowed me to leave."

(As I mentioned in the OOC, if you're amicable to it)

Outside the workshop, a hooded figure approached, checking the address of the workshop against the paper they had before them, then went to knock on the door.

(Again, if you agree that is, it is the coast guard captain)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

"Door..."

Null were gasping for air whilst her sister whispered incomprehensibly into her ear, and kept her tight grip on her smaller sister. Might be that Null were a tough one for her size, but Void were big, strong, and currently about to cause Null to pass out if she kept this going. Wouldn't be the first time either. Not by a long shot.

"*wheeze* Sis... The door..."

She weren't listening, but one who did, were the hooded figure outside, whom quickly opened the door and came in charging, trident in hoof and pointed towards the inhabitants.

"Halt your attack!"

The authoritarian mare speaking to them finally got Void to rise her head and look with teary eyes towards the sudden *guest* they had gotten. She also inadvertently slacked her grip, at which point Null were finally able to take a deep breath again. Sweet powers above, that had been close. She could almost see the darkness fall across her eyes there.

As for the hooded mare, she stood silently in front of her escort for a few more seconds as Null took her breaths and Void looked at her mighty confused, then let out a deep sigh and returned it back to her back, where it'd sit still no matter her movements. You'd think it would fall off, but the power of a certain magnetized ore getting added to the creation of what she were wearing below her current garments, were simply amazing.

"Well shoot. And here I thought somepony were about to get strangled in here."

The fact that she sounded disappointed about that not being the case were somewhat disturbing, yet as Null finally got her breath under enough control to feel stable and less whoozy, she'd finally be able to get a glance, and could testify that this one didn't have much in the way of a karmic debt to pay. Not one she could see at least, as the outline on this unknown mare were so far the lowest she had seen since leaving the Consul's place. If there were some sorta karmic balance with this one, it wasn't her domain, and that seemed like it'd mark her as les of a threat, right? She also seemed to be followed by a... Solar guard, maybe? The former guards of Equestria were hard to pinpoint, but this one just sorta looked like either a Solar or Night guard at first glance. She might just be jumping to conclusions though.

"Who're you, and what the hay are you doing here?"

"Hey, take it easy there shrimp. Ain't no reason to get all testy."

Null's eyes shot lightning as she heard that, and tried to wriggle free so that she could go over and smash this one for talking to her like this. Something which lasted about the same amount of time it took for the mare to pull the hood back and reveal herself, at which point the anger turned to jaw-dropping surprise.

The mare grinned widely as she saw this reaction, and elbowed her escort playfully.

"See? I told you they'd be happy to see me. How's it hanging, weirdos?"

General Tidal Wave had never been the most regal of generals, even among the Coastal Guards. She were relaxed, dealt with others like she talked eye to eye with friends if possible, and didn't much care for fanciful clothes or trying to demand respect through shows of power. In the two Royal Guard branches, she would've likely never made it past sergeant at best, but the Coastal Guard worked differently, and as such, somepony like her were able to get to the top, and actually kept hold of her title for four years running before the crisis.

Whereas the other two main branches were proudly put forth and dealt with protecting the kingdom, and the princesses especially, the final branch that had been established a couple of years after the Siren Sisters had been banished, hadn't much direct contact with the princesses. They weren't even technically under their direct orders, but run more as an independent law enforcement group, until about one of the Solar Guard generals of old - Bright Herring - had made a deal with the Coastal Guard leader at the time, to work together harmoniously, since the protection of their shores were just as critical to their citizens as what the regular Royal Guards did.

At the time, the de facto leader of the Night Guard hadn't much of a say in things, and just had to accept the orders from Bright. After Princess Luna's banishment, the Night Guard had more or less become fully controlled by Princess Celestia's forces, and the title of leadership among them were mostly just ceremonial at that point. The general of their guard, were mostly just there to relay orders given directly fro the Solar Guard general, without questioning things, lest they get replaced with somepony who did.

Neither they, nor the Coastal Guard were seen as being as important or worthy of respect at the prestigious Solar Guards, who kept on as the de facto true leadership of the now three branches of guards, even tough the Coastal Guard were not as easy to force to do anything. A history of independence from the throne and doing things their own way, lead to conflicts throughout most of Bright's time in office, until his predecessor Horizon Star, took over and began the slow work of mending fences and set some ground rules that'd make the Coastal Guard able to keep operating as per usual, but with some restrictions on things such as how they handled their prisoners, and some higher ranking things that would have to be talked out with the other generals before they got approved.

It took him most of his military career to settle things well between both them, and the Night Guard, who had seen their chance at demanding more cooperation, rather than submission, but it had lead to a unified guard that stood stronger than ever. It made him widely unpopular though, and his next two predecessors were not helping things either with their stance on how things should return to the old ways, but at that point, there were laws in place to prevent things from returning to that, which they could not break. It were his lasting legacy, and these days, he were widely considered one of the more important and revered figure in the Royal Guard's history by all branches, but it had been a tough road for a long time.

Whereas the Night Guard would through both him, time, and more pushing Night Guard generals/Responsible Solar Guard generals, eventually claw themselves up to be equal, and ready the day Princess Luna returned, the Coastal Guard never got the same amount of recognition. They were still seen as the lowest of the three guard branch by some of the more snooty members of the Royal Guard branches, but it were rare that any of them cared about that. More often than not, members of the Coastal Guard, were the sort who didn't much care to line a hallway standing guard for 80% of their work hours, and far more enjoyed the active, less strict ways of the Coastal Guard. Sometimes, they were even openly laughing at their stuck up *colleagues*, and feeling rather sorry for the poor sods that had to stick around a dusty hall, whilst they were out on the beaches, tending to their communities, and often being in more dangerous, yet also more interesting, situations.

The dangers weren't the reason why their generals changed so rapidly though. No, whereas the regular guards kept their general until they willingly retired, died in the line of duty, or were disgraced, the Coastal Guard had an annual competition for the role.

Now, it wasn't just everypony who could take part in this. It had to be Coastal Guard members with at least six years of honorable history with the guards, were of a certain rank (or had done some great deed that entitled them to an honorary spot for the years competition), and were of the sort of mind and intellect that were required by a general. Usually this meant the field were around 20-30 competitors at best, with no general lasting for more than a record ten years in a row, or twelve if you included breaks from losing some years, but winning others. It also meant that their generals were mostly in their thirties to early forties, with only three recorded general being above sixty.

As for the previous general if they lost the competition, it were tradition that they were given a high rank in the guard so that they could compete again the following years if they so chose, as well as keep serving the guards as best they could otherwise. It had caused some hiccups throughout their history, but it generally worked alright, long as no one tried to stage a coup.

Tidal Wave had been the underdog in her year, and seen as unlikely to win, as the cheeky mare were barely given access to the ceremony to begin with, and were a far less impressive sight than her usually taller and more muscular competition.

Turned out that soon as a giant octopus attacked headquarters, all that brawn didn't do a whole lot, whereas smarts and nimble movements got them places. Tidal had gone right against their opponent as it went after their competition arena, and after about three hours of fighting off limbs, shouting at others to get into position to get it stuck right, and personally jumping in to hammer it straight in it's face several times with some large logs broken off from the docks, she eventually claimed victory. As the competition for the year had effectively been ruined, some debate were there to discuss if they should just redo it after rebuilding, but the majority ended up agreeing with the general public of Shark Bay, that Tidal had done enough to prove her worth over the rest, who had ended up either knocked about, or following her orders anyway, as she seemed to have a plan.

It were a feather in her hat that she had also managed to tame the octopus afterwards, yet sadly, during the crisis, Wrangle had ended up sacrificing himself to protect the boats leaving Shark Bay, as well as to allow a large school of younger sharks to escape as well. A sacrifice she would never forget, and cemented in the fact that both the uniform and tridents of what were left of the reformed Ocean Coalition (as they now called themselves) now bore the mark of the octopus. The lone surviving spawn of Wrangle were also kept well protected after he had hatched, and nursed as well as could be by her, or one of her more trusted carers of the sea animals they had with them these days. In twenty-thirty years, the thing would likely start to become a sight to behold, yet for now, he were but a little wriggly boy, swimming around his pool and living his life free of worry.

"General Tidal Wave? But... How?"

"Eh, long story, told a lot today. You mind filling them in, champ?"

She'd elbow her escort again, hoping that he'd be a good sport and fill the two in on what had gone on. Likely would be better for the word to come from her, but this one had wanted to follow her when he figured out that she were still alive (not the only one either, but she hadn't needed a crowd), so hey, he could answer them, what she had told him. The power of superiority, heh.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The accompanying guard looked more than a little surprised at being called on to speak, "Yes Sir, - I mean No Sir, err. I don't mind I mean." The guard in question was a pegasus, and wore an Equestrian Solar Air Division scarf over his Trojan wrap and armor. "So far as I have been informed, General Wave oversaw most of the seaside evacuation of Equestria during the incident, moving ponies south so they could get to the remaining safe sea routes to Cervidas and Troy. When Shark bay fell they moved back to North Port, and when it fell they moved to South Port. They were preparing to move everyone over to Zebrica when they got word that the Gates had been closed. So they turned their sights back northward, and now we want to start rebuilding. We're on our way to North Port to restore the trade route with Crevidas and Zebrica, so the Genreal went to meet with The Consul and the Leader at Troy, getting their permission to move through their territory and contract builders and soldiers to aid in their efforts. The Consul informed her of your efforts in closing the gates, and she demanded to see you two immediately."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

"I wouldn't say *demanded*, but yeah, I remembered you two back from when Celestia had you formally welcomed to Equestria, and there's not a whole lot of familiar faces left to say hello to these days. When he also said you were part of the team closing the gates, I might've been a bit enthusiastic. Also, if you're gonna insist on being formal all the time, at least say *Ma'am*. I ain't That much of a tomcolt."

She tried to downplay it a little, but she had literally said to the Consul that soon as she were done addressing the entourage her arrival had caused, she wanted to see these two with her own eyes, even if she had to flip him to get there.

She would've been here sooner honestly, but well... It weren't like her arrival had caused no amount of attention. The last remaining general of the fallen kingdom of Equestria? The locals had been curious for sure, and there had been a few with some choice words which she couldn't blame them for, considering the history between the two countries being pretty bad, though it had been a very limited amount of negativity honestly. More or less a few words, some turned faces, and that were about it. A good chunk more were still rather indifferent, and might've stayed that way too for a while, had she not been called out.

Fact were that she hadn't been a general for long before the crisis, and even though she had held on fairly well, it wasn't like with the other two, that had at least a decade of history to their name. As well as several more prominent deeds in battle, and more recognition in general for being the leadership of the princesses Royal Guards. Sure she had been having some degree of influence over one thing that involved Troy, but most of her direct contact there had been after the fact, and boy howdy had that been a nightmare. A testament to the disaster insubordination could bring in a tense situation.

In any case, likely wouldn't have been too much focus on her beyond some whispers, until she started to get recognized by some of the former guards of Equestria. Like this one, who had been pretty quick to fall back in line, regardless of the fact that he had never been under her command before. The same story with most of the others that used to work for Equestria, with sadly only one being a former Coastal Guard.

Yet, regardless of the connection, she were still the only leadership left from the old times. The final general, thought just as lost as her colleagues, yet suddenly standing in the midst of Troy, about to talk peace and cooperation with the Consul. They were drawn to her like moths to a flame, as she resembled something that they knew, and a familiar flag they could gather around again.

That wasn't to say that all wanted to. Some had gotten lives in Troy, were indebted, or simply just wished to be here in general for their own reasons. Those who had expressed a willingness to return and fall in line again though, she hadn't wanted to turn down. Might some be spies for Troy? Maybe, but what would be point be? They were about to start working together now, and put a final nail in that age old conflict that had divided them for too long, and ultimately, left both sides in a bad position once Discord started to threaten them. This here were a new world on the brink of being allowed to heal, and far as she and the reformed Ocean Coalition were concerned, there weren't any room for old grievances in that.

Besides, she wouldn't turn down the help from old allies, who wanted to return to the closest they could get to what they had once known. In this day and age, any semblance of structure and familiarity were a precious, scarcely available commodity.

Been wuite the thing meeting the Consul anyway though. A big, important step to take with somepony who likely mostly knew her from the disaster at the Summer Wars, which weren't gonna help things, but he had seemed to take things quite nicely. Been a bit busy unfortunately though, so they barely got anything done but some basic introductions, and her stating why she were here. Details about how they should get things done, the details that the former mercenary parts of the Ocean Coalition wanted to have addressed, and a whole lot of other minor things hadn't really been touched much upon, but they'd have a chance later, when they both didn't have a lot to do. In the meantime, he'd told her about what happened at the gate, and when she asked into a few familiar names in the roster, he gave her a few details and location for Null and Void. Likely figured that between them and the former guards etc. that wanted a chat with her, she'd be occupied for a time. Which he would've been right in, but she were thrilled to bits about most of it. Sure it got some bad memories back, but seeing anypony from Equestria, and know they were doing alright, were a sight for sore eyes.

And speaking of looking at things, she took some steps forth and went around to have a look at the mean average in front of her.

"Y'know, you two're looking real good. You even got yourself a new wing. Is it just for show, or is it good at something?"

She'd poke the side of Null's fake wing, and witness how the small mare folded it out, and spread the feathers a bit to show control.

"Well well well, leave it to Troy to find away around that aura of yours. Nice."

Suddenly, she'd find that Void would lean in over her, like the towering mare she frankly were, and drag the general into a big, one-legged hug.

"Seems like I've been missed too. You wanna join in, shorty?"

"Stop calling me that."

Null snorted a little as she looked annoyed at the general, much to Tidal's surprise. She were pretty sure Null would've tried to clock her one for that, or at least start yelling. Seemed like she had mellowed out a ton since last she met her.... Huh. Well, good for her. Ain't no reason to go through life as a powder keg.

"It's so good to s-see that there's still someone left f-from Equestria."

"I just wish it could've been more. We lost a lot of good beings there that day..."

Tidal's jolly facade fell dow and revealed a bit of a pained side for a moment, as she recalled the faces of several of those they had lost. From Wrangle, giving his life for the few that remained of them, to the guards and locals staying behind to function as scapegoats, that they might have a chance to get away before the attackers discovered they were retreating.

The face of her husband passed her mind too, in all his imposing, onyx-colored glory. Their head blacksmith, who had fallen in the second wave of attacks, despite giving off one hay of a last stand.

As always when she thought of him, her pierced ear began to vibrate slightly, which made the silver and gold rings in them jingle silently back and forth. Her engagement, and subsequent wedding ring, which were the most significant things that she had left to remember him by. A token of her loss, just as most other survivors of the crisis had, far as she knew. There had been so many lost that it were hard to find anypony not grieving at least some.

Doing her best to shake that out of her head though, she'd push away from Void to try and get some breathing air again, and the mare - seemingly reluctantly - let go of her.

Not before Null went over to this new face in the flock though, and gave a glance to his odd uniform, but without finding any markers she recognized. This particular branch of the Solar Guards weren't some that she were familiar with.

"And who're you supposed to be then? The Consul put her under guard or something?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The guard shrugged, "More or less, the General is rather popular among the former Equestrians like myself. I'm Lt. Convoy, I was a staff sergeant in the Equestrian Solar Air Division, overseeing the protection of refugees from Manehatten to Las Pegasus and then on to Deltrot during the crisis. Speaking of the Consul," he turned his attention back to Tidal Wave as he checked the angle of the moon, "You've got about half an hour until he expects you back."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

"Thanks for the reminder, Convoy. Gonna be a happy ol' time, I'm sure."

"Doesn't sound like you're too enthusiastic about it."

The general let out a sigh and shook her head.

"Look, I got nothing against Consul Illiad, but let's face the facts here: Equestria and Troy got a rotten history, and the Coastal Guards are no saints in it all either. Especially after what that insubordinate bottom-dwelling excuse for a Captain and his school of twits did during the Summer Wars. So yeah, there's a lot of bad blood that needs to be addressed, but I'm hoping that we can get past it and work together. For the betterment of us all, as we rebuild from the ashes."

"I guess this talk of u-unity must help you popularity some, among the former Equestrians, yes?"

"Ergh, partially. Few factors in it here, with this being one surely, but I still think the two major ones is the efforts the Coastal Guards put in when it came to trying to get as many away from the encroaching forces as we could, and then y'know, a matter of familiarity. Equestria's gone, and when the princesses fell, so did my fellow generals. I'm the highest ranking member left of the old country, and for some, seeing me still in charge and taking care of folks, is a welcome sight. It reminds them of better days.

A burden to have on your shoulders too I tell you, but life's not been easy in general since the crisis for anypony. And I for once's thankful that I get to do my part in making things better."

She were a jovial sort, but Tidal Wave were still highly responsible, and well aware of what she had to lift on her shoulders. It sometimes made things stressful, and had her feel like she could break down crying in the middle of the street, but that were just how things were, and it got better over the years. Especially since she had those whom she trusted in, which helped her on the more grim days, though most days, it were those like Convoy here who made things better. Those hopeful looks in the eyes of former Equestrians... It were like fuel, reminding her that there were those who depended on her, and she hadn't gotten this far to let them down now. Even if the next trial of hers were gonna be a tough one: Politics with an age-old enemy of her former nation.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

Convoy shuddered at the mention of the Summer War, "Yes, that whole debacle with the blockade. To be fair I don't think anyone could have expected the Trojans turning a cloud city into a battleship, or their general air superiority. I was on the Solar Wind when we took that thing down, and even grounded it kept fighting, took us down as well." He shuddered again, but turned his attention back to the General, "You know, there's quite a few former Equestrians who entered Trojan politics since they came here, so at the very least there'll be some guaranteed sympathizers on both sides of the negotiations. I can get you in contact with them before the negotiations get too far, this whole thing won't be sorted out in just a day after all."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Wave rolled her eyes as the last words came from Convoy, poking at something she really weren't a fan of.

"Urgh, don't remind me. I swear, worst part of the job? Days and days of negotiations, talking terms, and yada yada... Word of advice you two? Never get into politics."

She were the general, and would do her duty as best she possibly could, but by Celestia she hated this part most of all. It were just so boring!

*sigh* But they had to get through it, for the sake of everypony involved. She just looked forward to it being over with.

"Anyway, I'd be happy to get a few voices on my side, Convoy. It's appreciated.

We should probably get on our way anyway. You two seem like you got some things to sort out, and since I'm here for a while anyway, we can always just have a meet at a better time. Perhaps you two can tell me where you went off to all of a sudden when it were? Had some folks mighty interesting in finding out where you had wandered off to, like a month or so after I saw you. Said they were investigating some murders.

You didn't have anything to do with that, right?"

Tidal Wave looked them up and down as she asked this, and body language alone told her that they knew something. That cringe from the big gal, and how tense the small one got, told a lot before they even opened their muzzles.

"Not directly."

"Sounds like a story worth listening to later. Convoy, you ready to leave? I'm thinking we should try grab something to eat before the meeting, or the growls are gonna drown out Consul Illiad's voice."

Definitely something she had to ask into later, but they had a lot on their plates right now it looked like, and so did she. She'd cover it with them at a time where she could get the big heap of details instead of just the cliffnotes.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

Convoy nodded, "I know a few good spots nearby, the quality has definitely gone way up since the gates got closed, not as much scarcity means creatures can get fancier with their meals." Convoy would lead the way at the General's request.

(Not sure if you really want to RP the negotiations, or if you'd like to focus on Null's vengeance arc.)

Nine spoke up to fill the silence, "I'm sure you're aware, but she's clean. Built up a good amount of karma with her efforts these past few years, that'll help her get things started. Speaking of getting started, you should mention getting combat training from the brothers when you go to your next flight training, that way we can get prepared."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

"A whole new world's ahead of us, Convoy. Here's hoping we can make it right this time."

Tidal would wander over and grab hold of both sisters, to drag them into a big ol' bear hug. She sure wished she could stay and have a few more words with 'em, but sadly, life on top wasn't just tea parties and hanging out with friends, like you might've thought when looking at the princesses back in the day. Perhaps now when they didn't need to keep fighting though, things could change, and it'd all get easier. As well as involving less caskets... They'd had to make far too many of those for her liking in recent years.

"You two rascals take care of yourself, alright? Don't do anything I wouldn't."

"Yeah yeah, we'll do fine."

Null tried to wriggle out of this grip, having gotten past her shock at seeing the general in the first place, and gone back to wanting some degree of space to work with. Not get grabbed by someone who even this far from the ocean, smelled vaguely of saltwater up close. Must be ingrained or something.

"You try and t-take care too, okay general? It's still a dangerous w-world out there."

They all disengaged, and the general sent them a wide, cocky grin.

"Yep, but the tides have turned, and now it's our turn to have the upper hoof. Come on Convoy, let's see what we can chow down on."

(splitting it up from here on out)

(Sisters)

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I'm sure you're aware, but she's clean. Built up a good amount of karma with her efforts these past few years, that'll help her get things started. Speaking of getting started, you should mention getting combat training from the brothers when you go to your next flight training, that way we can get prepared."

Null suddenly got interrupted by Nine, who seemed to have been silently observing the whole thing. She probably should have expected that, but in the moment, she sorta just forgot about that. Just one more of many things she had to get used to she supposed, in the name of vengeance.

"Well, seeing what the Consul's been judging others on, this lack here's gonna help her in the negotiations then. Sounds like a pain in the flank to get past all that bad blood, but a necessary one."

Honestly, she hoped it would work out. The war between Troy and Equestria had never lead to anything good, and with the world about to rebuild, there'd be a whole lot less issues if such old grievances could be let go off. Considering a lot of the issues she knew about came from Equestria being a monarchy, it might be easy enough. Or there were so many more hidden layers that it'd be a mountain to pass, but either way, best of luck to the general. Doubly so when one day the princesses would return. Probably gonna be some issues if the old system tried to overrule whatever system had come in place in the time between now and then.

"When you say battle training, you mean with the wing blades, right? Cause the spiked club I already know how to hit with."

(General Tidal Wave)

Tidal would wait for a bit after they had left before talking again, thinking over a few things she wanted to get through when it came to the meeting later, so that she might be able to be prepared ahead of time. Never hurt to be triple sure, right?

"So Convoy, you're a smart young lad. What're your plans in all of this? Coming back to rebuild North Point maybe, but then what? Looking to climb the ranks? Focus on some family? Maybe ending up back here? Come on, share a sliver of who you are, and who you wanna be, with your general."

Might as well ask a bit more into things whilst wandering. Sooner or later, he'd open up about things, and then it'd get calmer. The whole *silent authority figure, raised above all others* thing just didn't work for her, and if there couldn't be a proper talk now and again, it kinda felt like she were trying to mosey into that kinda path. Mighty awkward if you asked her. She preferred talking to folks at eyes height, with just enough pressure on things to keep it true that she were in charge. Always worked better for her, as it created a better work atmosphere, rather than that rigid, tense one she'd seen among the old Royal Guards. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Nine chuckled, "While your form is far from amateur, I wouldn't consider you an expert either. Not to dis you or anything, you simply haven't had any formal training. But yes, I was referring primarily to training with the blades, they would have better expertise with those anyway and it ties in well with training to fly."

(The General)

Convoy was once again surprised with the General's openness, his previous commanders couldn't care less about what he wanted out of life. "Ma'am, I... I suppose I haven't really thought much about such matters. I never was much of a family Stallion myself, always preferred the maverick lifestyle, living life out on the plains, free of worries. I only joined up with the guard in the first place as a sort of repayment when my group got attacked by bandits and the guard came to our aid. I've stayed here out of a similar feeling of debt, Troy took in the refugees with open hooves, even when we put a strain on their resources they didn't turn anyone away."

He sighed as he made a turn down one of the streets, headed towards a building with a simple sign that read: 'Food'. "As it pertains to what's to come? I'll go with you and the rest to North Port, then I guess we'll see what comes next. It'll be a long time before the world is such that a maverick could roam free, but if I get enough ponies together for a herd then I might head for central or northern Equestria, on the other side of the dead zone, see if we can't clear out any remnants of Discord's legion." He shrugged, "Depends on the season I suppose."

He held the door open for the General, "After you Ma'am."

Inside the building was a rather cozy feeling cafe, tables with chairs arranged somewhat haphazardly, and about half full of patrons, it was quiet but warm with a general sense of cheer to the room. Convoy took a seat at the counter, leaving a spot next to himself for the general. The mare behind the counter was the same mare Void had worked with in Deltrot to serve food to the refugees there. She looked weathered, but strong, she had a butter yellow coat with her mane and wingtips grayed. She smiled when Convoy sat at the counter, "What can I get you two? Your usual for the both of you?"

Convoy smiled back, "I'll have my usual, but I don't presume to speak for the General."

The Chef seemed surprised as she got a better look at the General, before nodding, "Heard about you, caused quite the stir with your arrival. Still, what can I get you?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"Haven't died yet, formal training or not."

It were certain that with more of a real training session going on, with trained professionals, Null could be better. However, she still thought she knew well enough how to handle most things as a weapon, since she had done so via the training principle of *either you get it right, or you'll die*. Life could be a cruel teacher with no acceptance for failure, yet she'd made it through mostly unharmed in real fights, so she were clearly doing something right.

That being said, perhaps she might need a more precise teacher at some point, to gether away from her berserker/survival style, and into something less predictable. Might be something she'd need in the future, considering what sort of duty she had hung on her shoulders now.

"Anyway, you're right, I need something with the blades. Especially if they're to cut strong and precisely enough to decapitate someone. It's not as easy as it looks if you hit wrong."

"You're being really quiet, big sis."

"Just having a chat with Nine. Preparing some stuff for the next flying session."

"...I hope he's doing alright."

"He sounds fine to me."

They'd be talking over what happened when the Consul and Null met up after that (including Void's mother's name, and the chat with Nine about his stance on staying or going) for the next ten minutes or so, provided nothing happened. If it still didn't, Null would excuse herself, and go to where the flight training usually took place. Hard to say if the brothers were there, seeing as this were maybe later than usual she'd show up, but she might as well have a look. Potentially run some of the stuff through she already knew a few times on her own if they weren't, to get something done.

Void would stay behind and get prepared to go see their parents. Nul had made it clear that she were not okay to go see them yet, though she had been somewhag vague about why. Just mentioned something about *the implications*, which she had some idea about what meant, but she couldn't be completely sure. They'd see what their parents said when she showed up. Perhaps they had another take on it.

(General Tidal Wave)

On 4/20/2020 at 8:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Ma'am, I... I suppose I haven't really thought much about such matters. I never was much of a family Stallion myself, always preferred the maverick lifestyle, living life out on the plains, free of worries. I only joined up with the guard in the first place as a sort of repayment when my group got attacked by bandits and the guard came to our aid. I've stayed here out of a similar feeling of debt, Troy took in the refugees with open hooves, even when we put a strain on their resources they didn't turn anyone away."

He sighed as he made a turn down one of the streets, headed towards a building with a simple sign that read: 'Food'. "As it pertains to what's to come? I'll go with you and the rest to North Port, then I guess we'll see what comes next. It'll be a long time before the world is such that a maverick could roam free, but if I get enough ponies together for a herd then I might head for central or northern Equestria, on the other side of the dead zone, see if we can't clear out any remnants of Discord's legion." He shrugged, "Depends on the season I suppose."

The general listened in to all that she were told, genuinely interested in what were being said by her fellow Equestrian.

His reaction at the start seemed to indicate that he weren't used to that, but she weren't really surprised either. Not a whole lotta commanding officers in the Solar and Night Guards tended to be the social, down-to-earth sorta ponies. Usually more regal and getting to business, holding the strict line of rank in mind when talking on the job, that sorta thing. A bunch of boreholes far as she were concerned, which were not exactly an opinion she had been shy of sharing back in the day. Including right to their face. Man, the look on Shining Armor's face when he had met her the first time, and she went in for a shake and a joking comment about him being a princesses colttoy, had been one of the funniest things ever.

*sigh* Hopefully the poor colt went down with his family, instead of having to see them fall first. He might've been a bit too uppity at times for her taste, but he had been a good pony. He deserved to go down swinging, and face the grave with no remorse. Most of them did.

"I know a fair bit who'd scoff at this sorta goal, Convoy. The world's a right mess, and most wanna stick together and make sure we get back in numbers.

I get where you're coming from though. It ain't the sorta life you yearn for, and there ain't nothing wrong with that. We all make our own choices after all, right? These gloomy days, that should be based on what makes you happy, and not what others think are the best. Fudge 'em, y'know?

You wanna go be a maverick when thing's calmed down, and retake central Equestria from whatever's still looming there? You got my blessing for it, and if possible, my help too. I know a few who shares your kind of ideal that I could get you in contact with, and Cele- Sea be willing, we'd be in a stronger, military position by then, and could send some help if things are still too wild for you and your herd to handle.

The kingdom of Equestria might've fallen, but that sure doesn't mean we should just let those things have the grounds it stood on."

She'd give him areassuring smile, and a friendly bat on the shoulder with her right front hoof. Weren't how she had figured this stallion wanted to take his life, but it were a fine plan really, and she hoped he'd be able to follow it eventually. Was gonna be some years though, she imagined, but most had to have their dreams on holduntilthey could rebuild. At least the gates were closed now though, so they actually had the option to dream again. Too many had lost the sorta hope they needed to think there were any point in it anymore.

On 4/20/2020 at 8:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He held the door open for the General, "After you Ma'am."

"Awh, ain't you a gentlecolt? Thanks for it, Convoy."

Sure sure, she might have messed with him there a little, but come on. He made it so easy there. How were she supposed not to take the bait for a bit of well meaning sass?

Inside sure was a funky place to look at though. Reminded her of the first kitchen they got set up again in South Point after the Reef Stalker incident. Pretty scrambled together, but homely, functional, and carrying a good atmosphere to it. Just missed the harrowed looks of folks who had to face what had been considered little more than a ghost story, along with a smell of salty sea air, and it would've been near spot on.

On 4/20/2020 at 8:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"What can I get you two? Your usual for the both of you?"

Convoy smiled back, "I'll have my usual, but I don't presume to speak for the General."

The Chef seemed surprised as she got a better look at the General, before nodding, "Heard about you, caused quite the stir with your arrival. Still, what can I get you?"

"Mighty nice meeting you, chef. Got something spicy on the menu? If it's threatening to eat through the bowl, that sounds about ready to chow down on."

If there were one thing Tidalloved, it were spicy food. Sure she weren't the picky sort, but if she had a choice, she loved strong tasted. They were talking chili so spicy that it gave some ponies an upset tummy just from passing by the fumes, or coffee so strong that it were almost rising up from the cup and punching her in the muzzle. What could she say? She had a sturdy stomach, and no qualms when it came to giving it a challenge.

The general had a friendly, jovial grin on her face as she made her request, and took in what would likely be a few glances here and there in strides. No point in trying to hide who she were by telling these two to shush it, nor make a grand gesture and more or less demand attention and praise. Just sorta, flow with the tide, and let folks stare all they wanted. Unless there'd be some sorta attack from somepony not too keen on her presence, she didn't see a point in making a scene, and become the center of attention. She'd rather just get some food, and let folks gossip as they pleased.

Unless she heard anypony make some mean spirited comments about the fallen guards. She wouldn't just sit idly by and her anypony talk trash about those brave stallions and mares who gave their lives not only at the dawn if the crisis, but throughout the years since then. Dragging heroes through the dirt really got under her skin.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"He sounds fine to me."

"I mean, sure... but if it wouldn't be too much a bother it'd likely help us both if you visited a sauna. Specters mostly feed off heat, and steam's a good way to get it. Being your wing is a bit more taxing than just being inside you, so..."

Other than that he didn't add to the sister's conversation.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Hard to say if the brothers were there, seeing as this were maybe later than usual she'd show up, but she might as well have a look.

Sure enough, they were there lazing about on a cloud, though they perked up when Null arrived.

"About time you showed up"

"Thought you'd quit on us"

"So, what kept you?"

"Are you ready to start?"

(General)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Sea be willing, we'd be in a stronger, military position by then, and could send some help if things are still too wild for you and your herd to handle.

Convoy smiled, "I appreciate it, I'll keep it in mind if it comes to that."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Mighty nice meeting you, chef. Got something spicy on the menu? If it's threatening to eat through the bowl, that sounds about ready to chow down on."

The chef looked surprised, then got a look like she had been issued a challenge she was all too eager to accept. "A shame you're an Equestrian, as it means I highly doubt you eat meat. Otherwise I could break out some stuff that made the griffons' beaks melt. As is, let's get you on a scale, start you off lighter and go from there."

She turned back to the small kitchen to prepare their requests, breaking out a dusty box from under the counter full of potent smelling spices. She filled a tall glass from a nearby barrel with an amber liquid, not entirely unlike honey, before looking back over at Convoy, "Can you juice it yourself? Or..."

Convoy nodded, "No worries."

The Chef went back to her preparations, mixing in a few of the spices and a lime wedge before passing the drink over with half a lemon, which Convoy used in conjunction with the spoon to stir in the juice, in the process the contents turned a light brown crossing into teal color, as well as starting to glow by the time he started to drink it.

The chef then turned her attentions fully towards what to prepare for the General, mixing up what smelled like an aromatic potato curry until she started adding some of the spices from the dusty box, at which point the smell grew much spicier.

She returned with a small bowl of the curry, "Just to start you off, want you to enjoy at least some of it before I melt your mouth. So we've got Chipotle, Jalapeño, and a bit of Cayenne. That's 2500 to 50k Scoville."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 4/22/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"About time you showed up"

"Thought you'd quit on us"

"So, what kept you?"

"Are you ready to start?"

Ah, so they were actually here. Guess she could get a day's worth of training in after all then.

"I were busy with the Consul, accepting Vengeance as my personal savior. You want a pamphlet?"

Like with most others in this town, the brothers were likely on the good side of karma, due to the Consul having a good look on, and adjusting folks in town, so there were probably not really anything for her to do in that regard. Which left her with just answering the questions she had been given. Starting with a sarcastic one. Perhaps not the most constructive start, yet deep down, that were just how she were she supposed.

"And yeah, I'm ready to start, though I got another thing to add to the training list: Figuring out how to properly use these wing blades."

She'd spread her wings, and wait for a response to this, regardless if they had responded to what she said before.

(Void)

Void would knock on her parents door, and if she'd be allowed entry, she'd go in and tell them what had happened, just like Null had told her. She'd also relay that Null weren't there herself, because her big sister were - at least in her opinion - afraid that the two of them might have a karmic debt, and she couldn't bear the thought of having to punish them. Especially after being told that she could have someone survive their debt, if she took everything from them, and when it came to their parents, there were a very obvious target for that. And Null would sooner decapitate herself, than harming the little new one.

(Tidal Wave)

On 4/22/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"A shame you're an Equestrian, as it means I highly doubt you eat meat. Otherwise I could break out some stuff that made the griffons' beaks melt. As is, let's get you on a scale, start you off lighter and go from there."

"Well, technically I can deal with a bit of fish. Born and raised at the ocean, some stuff were bound to get mixed into our dishes now and again, and a few thin slices of fish, a mollusk, or other minor nip were something we got used to. Ain't a big fan of the texture though, to be honest. Especially not with shellfish. Better to me that I get the salat, pears and seaweed, and the gooey meats goes to the squid."

A bit of sadness briefly went over her eyes as she recalled Wrangle in all his glory, swimming up to the side of the building, and getting ready for his snack (about a barrel of oysters) before they took the rounds. How she missed swimming around on him, and feeling like queen of the ocean itself...

*sigh* But though he were gone, he'd never be forgotten. She'd make sure of that as long as she lived, his mark would emblazon the armor of the Ocean Coalition. And come Tartarus or high water, she'd take care of the singular spawn of his she managed to save, and make sure that one day, he'd live up to his daddy's legacy. Mark her words, the age of the giant squids, standing together with the rest of the creatures of the ocean to preserve and protect both ocean and land alike, were not done.

Granted, she still had a hard time getting training done for new shark riders, not to mention getting more options, but they had been trying to defend themselves for a long time, and their sharks were dwindling when they finally made a solid fort at South Shore. It'd take time, and now they might finally have it. Time, and more calm for the sharks. They were surprisingly good at catching on to nervousness and others feeling tense for whatever reason, and it didn't make things easier.

On 4/22/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She returned with a small bowl of the curry, "Just to start you off, want you to enjoy at least some of it before I melt your mouth. So we've got Chipotle, Jalapeño, and a bit of Cayenne. That's 2500 to 50k Scoville."

"Sounds like a mild lil' palate cleanser. Lets see what sorta bite it got."

Taking the spoon down, Tidal would get a big heaping on the spoon, and shove it right into her muzzle, where she'd start really swirling it around, and getting a good chew on this.

*munch* *munch* *gulp* "Hmmm... Pretty good. A bit of a singe in the aftertaste, coming right after a pretty good base taste. This right here'd surely make the eyes water of a beginner, and they'd like it all the way to the watering hole."

Sure she could feel the singe, and there were certainly some poking on her tongue, among other places, but it'd take more than that before she called it quits. Heh, her eyes weren't even watering up, and she considered that to be the starting point for the spice to finally show some backbone.

Where did the line get drawn for it going a bit too far? Varied, depending on the dish, but usually it'd be around the time that smoke started to pour out of her ears and/or nostrils. That Volcarnarock Chili were no laughing matter, and had shown her up for trying to challenge a fire dragon to a chili contest. A big slice of humble pie there, as well as a stomach ache that made her wish for damnation for days afterwards.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I were busy with the Consul, accepting Vengeance as my personal savior. You want a pamphlet?"

She'd only get as far as the word Consul when Nine somehow kept her from saying the rest of that statement. He spoke urgently, "You CAN'T go around telling creatures you serve Vengeance. It's not a secret who your family is, if it got around to those who know, or think they know, they owe a karmic debt, who do you think they'll go after to ensure you never come to collect? You need to be careful, I can't stop you every time. You owe it to them to keep this as secret as possible. Most of the creatures here don't know that the Consul serves Vengeance, for good reason."

(I understand if that derails the rest of her part here, but I really should have expressed it sooner. Null is not to tell anyone outside her family, and even then should tell them as little as possible.)

(If it doesn't significantly alter her reaction, then things continue as follows:)

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Figuring out how to properly use these wing blades.

The brothers looked quite impressed with the blades, coming closer to inspect them carefully.

"Very fine blades you've got there."

"Old Equestrian Solar Guard wings."

"They certainly don't make them like they used to."

"Looks like they were modified to your frame."

"It looks masterfully done."

"Props to your forge master."

The brothers stood back looking thoughtful, then nodded.

"You've been getting good at flying anyway"

"Might as well focus on these then."

"Let's go to the training grounds."

"And we'll put you in the care of someone more capable."

"A real Spartration."

"Not many of them left, noble bunch."

"Sacrificed themselves so the Æther could leave."

"They'll train you tough."

"Much harder than we did."

"But you'll be better for it."

They had started leading the way by flight about midway through the conversation, forcing Null to take to the sky herself in order to keep up both with the conversation and with their directions as they wound their way through the city to one of the city gates leading out into a military arrangement of tents and training soldiers, a surprising number of them wearing more complete sets of Equestrian guard armor.

At the head of the training was a pegasus mare garbed in a shorter version of the Trojan robe, revealing that underneath she wore an intricately carved set of armor, a metal weave that seemed to shift like cloth at the joints, but was stiff as stone everywhere else. She nodded to the brothers when they landed, and spoke to them in a quiet, yet hard voice. She had an aura that she didn't need to yell to get your attention, when she spoke you heard it on the inside. "Left, Right, congrats." she turned to look directly at Null, "Who's this?"

"This is Null, she helped us close the gates."

"The Consul put us in charge of her physical therapy."

"And now she wants to train with these wing-blades."

"So we've brought her to you."

The mare looked mildly impressed at the mention of the gates, "Indeed? Normally not worth time. Too small. Yet proved herself." She signaled for another guard to take her place leading the rest of the training, then motioned for Null to follow her to a clearing in the training ponies where she turned to face Null. "Strike me."

It seemed she wanted to test Null via combat demonstration.

(Void)

Their mother was home, their father performing his shift at the hospital at the time. Their mother was saddened by the news, but understood, remarking that she was glad that she at least got to see and know her daughters again, and knew that Null was following her heart to do what she thought was best. She remarked that she was happy she still had one of them to help at home while the other helped from afar.

(The General)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Well, technically I can deal with a bit of fish

The chef looked intrigued, "And here I thought it was just a pegasus thing. No worries though, I don't do spicy fish, they're made for more savory flavors. But to each their own I suppose."

The Chef looked quite pleased that the General had enjoyed the bowl, and started pouring another one, this time adding another set of spices and a few drops of oil before passing the second bowl over. "I hope you're warmed up, here's my blend of four habeñeros: the standard, the white, the red, and the chocolate. Looking at 100k to 750k Scoville, or about fifteen times the spice."
The chef had quite the smile, "Believe me it only goes up from here."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 4/24/2020 at 8:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"You CAN'T go around telling creatures you serve Vengeance. It's not a secret who your family is, if it got around to those who know, or think they know, they owe a karmic debt, who do you think they'll go after to ensure you never come to collect? You need to be careful, I can't stop you every time. You owe it to them to keep this as secret as possible. Most of the creatures here don't know that the Consul serves Vengeance, for good reason."

Null gritted her teeth after reaching the Consul part, and getting forcefully interrupted. Something that made her want to find some sort of way to go into her own head, to slap Nine across his non-existent face. She did Not like being controlled like this!

That lasted until the reasons were given to her, and she had to concede that as much as she hated the action, it made perfect sense. Also gave her some intel that she were not aware of, as she had thought it rather obvious that the Consul were a servant of Vengeance. He hadn't been too secrety about it around her at least, far as she recalled. Though he did tend to speak only of it when it were just them... Okay fine, perhaps he guarded his secret too, and she should follow his example. Blearg.

"Fine, fine. I'll shut my trap."

Probably meant that she had to figure out some sorta cover story as to why she were travelling around once she got on her mission, but... Well, still a lot of spawn and other monsters, and she had a nail bat and wing blades. Could always just sell it that she were acting as one of likely many, whom had wanted to go out and clear up the rubble for personal reasons. Seemed easy enough, and would give her time to think of a second excuse. Hay, maybe even a second *job* in general, as she'd still need to get food, water and shelter on the road, and it wasn't always easy to get those things outside of towns, depending on the area. Guess scouting out some wanted posters now and again would be important.

Anyway, she had gotten her warning, taken it into consideration, and now the two griffons were circling and talking. Time to focus on this.

On 4/24/2020 at 8:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Very fine blades you've got there."

"Old Equestrian Solar Guard wings."

"They certainly don't make them like they used to."

"Looks like they were modified to your frame."

"It looks masterfully done."

"Props to your forge master."

The brothers stood back looking thoughtful, then nodded.

"You've been getting good at flying anyway"

"Might as well focus on these then."

"Let's go to the training grounds."

"And we'll put you in the care of someone more capable."

"A real Spartration."

"Not many of them left, noble bunch."

"Sacrificed themselves so the Æther could leave."

"They'll train you tough."

"Much harder than we did."

"But you'll be better for it."

"My sister and I reforged them to fit better. They're family weapons.

What the hay's a Spartration though? Some sorta warrior race?"

Her and Void had been a lot of places in the world, but that didn't mean that they had been everywhere, and seen everything. Nor had they heard of everything either. Spartration beings were among those, though they sounded like some tough ones, with experience in wing blades... Some sorta wind dragon? Nimble little bugger from what she had seen, and some dragons had honor. It were possible.

On 4/24/2020 at 8:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They had started leading the way by flight about midway through the conversation, forcing Null to take to the sky herself in order to keep up both with the conversation and with their directions as they wound their way through the city to one of the city gates leading out into a military arrangement of tents and training soldiers, a surprising number of them wearing more complete sets of Equestrian guard armor.

At the head of the training was a pegasus mare garbed in a shorter version of the Trojan robe, revealing that underneath she wore an intricately carved set of armor, a metal weave that seemed to shift like cloth at the joints, but was stiff as stone everywhere else. She nodded to the brothers when they landed, and spoke to them in a quiet, yet hard voice. She had an aura that she didn't need to yell to get your attention, when she spoke you heard it on the inside. "Left, Right, congrats." she turned to look directly at Null, "Who's this?"

Alright, so not a dragon, but jeez. You could just feel this one were different, even before she spoke. That aura of authority were so imposing that even Null felt like standing still and listening, and she never respected authority enough for that. Usually she actively despised them more when they garbed themselves in that sort of rank and order.

And then she started speaking, and by the gods, she were impossible to ignore. This were a Spartration? Jeez, good they had never gone there then, or they might have willingly wandered right into a cell, and stayed there until they were told things were alright. Though who knows? Perhaps this military folk would've been better for them. Given them some strict rules and whip them into shape, rather than them becoming outcast vagrants. Guess they'd never know.

On 4/24/2020 at 8:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"This is Null, she helped us close the gates."

"The Consul put us in charge of her physical therapy."

"And now she wants to train with these wing-blades."

"So we've brought her to you."

The mare looked mildly impressed at the mention of the gates, "Indeed? Normally not worth time. Too small. Yet proved herself." She signaled for another guard to take her place leading the rest of the training, then motioned for Null to follow her to a clearing in the training ponies where she turned to face Null. "Strike me."

It seemed she wanted to test Null via combat demonstration.

"Yeah, step in it that I'm small, please. Really loving it."

- is what she wished she had said, but the aura around this one for some reason made her feel unable to do more than scowl at the taller mare.

But lo and behold, she'd get a shot at showing her displeasure some more it seemed, as she were asked to strike at the mare. So what'd it be? Kick? Or maybe strike with the wingblades? She would've smashed her on the side with the nail bat if she had it with her, but no, it were still at Void and her's establishment.

Considering what she knew best, she'd just go with what felt natural. Which were to go right for this mare, then just before she could rise up to smash her on the jaw, jump to the side, and like a spring, bounce right at the strange mare's side, right front hoof first. It were probably gonna be parried, but depending on how it were, she'd try to add in a headbutt to the proceedings.

Going right in wasn't always the best for one her size, so relying on more nimble movements and side strikes were the sort of thing she had to do most of the time to even things out somewhat. Not too unusual for her for example, to throw a weapon at someone, and then when they parried, slide down to deliver a less than honorable strike. Not like honor were worth anything if you were dead, and that were often the two choices in her life, so she'd pick the option that kept her alive.

(Void)

"I just hope that she'll be okay, and doesn't get consumed by this. It's gotta be a lot tougher than I thought, when she's even afraid to come home. Maybe I should try talking to the Consul about this one of these days. See if he can tell me if she'd be okay coming back here once in a while, without there being something for her to fear. Our little sister or brother should know her eldest sister by more than just letters and us telling him or her about her."

(General)

"Aaaah, now we're starting to talk. Sweet, spicy, and I'm feeling a tingling in all the right places. Making me feel all awake and full of pep."

A droplet of sweat tickled down the generals forehead, and dripped down pass her eye. A bit of a bad sign for some, yet for her? Just made her smile more and really dig in to this funny-tasting meal. Weren't like the ones she were used to, but that weren't so bad either, right? New experiences were good, and she were still standing, so it'd be fine.

Convoy might want to interrupt things eventually though, before she got too far. Mighty fine of her to want to test herself against the chef, but perhaps not the best thing to do so close to a meeting with the Consul. Wouldn't look the best if she were shaking, sweating profoundly, and had the sort of breath that'd knock out a lesser pony from three meters away.

"Don't think I've tried that chocolate one before though. It's pretty good. With a fine lil' kick to it in the aftertaste. Phew."

Few more droplets started to show now. Might be her stubbornness were gonna be her downfall here.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Glad you seem to like her.)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"My sister and I reforged them to fit better. They're family weapons.

What the hay's a Spartration though? Some sorta warrior race?"

(Before they arrive)

The brothers seemed impressed, "Indeed, yourselves?"

"The guard could use good forge masters like you"

"If you even need a job that is."

"Spartration is the term for anyone from Spartrot"

"Anyone not disowned that is"

"Only the very best survive there,"

"and are allowed to carry it's name"

"They take that honor very seriously"

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Considering what she knew best, she'd just go with what felt natural. Which were to go right for this mare, then just before she could rise up to smash her on the jaw, jump to the side, and like a spring, bounce right at the strange mare's side, right front hoof first. It were probably gonna be parried, but depending on how it were, she'd try to add in a headbutt to the proceedings.

The mare didn't even flinch when Null sprung into action, nor did she react when Null jumped to the side, following her with only her eyes as Null moved in to strike.

Then, when Null went to strike at her side, she leaned towards her, her wing shooting out to stick under Null's extended right hoof to the underside of her barrel. Then she leaned the other way and in a surprising display of wing strength she flipped Null over her back so she'd land on the other side of her, with the opposite wing to her throat.

The brothers winced at how quickly it had gone down, but a look from the mare got them back in line. The mare moved to be where Null could see her from her downed position. "Unskilled, Uncoordinated. You lack much. However," The imposing aura seemed to lighten a bit. "You have spirit, heart of warrior, fire inside. I can give what you lack."

She turned to begin walking away. "Get up, follow." She turned back to the brothers, "Dismissed."

They looked like they were about to object, but with another look they saluted and took to the sky.

The mare would continue forward, whether Null followed or not, to a large tent on the edge of the training ground. Within the tent there had been a large pit dug, with steps leading down on either side. The mare walked down to the bottom and sat, it was noticeably cooler down there, but not uncomfortably so. She would motion for Null to sit opposite her as she removed her helm, letting her short cropped mane flow a bit freer. Without the helm her demeanor seemed less imposing, the aura less strong. When she looked at Null again it was with a kinder expression. "Now, what is it you want? Do you want to be trained for the blades? Or do you want to become a true warrior? One is more difficult than the other, but you show true strength, not many have dared to even attempt to strike me when asked, fewer still with purpose as you had."

(Void)

Their mother nodded, "Indeed, if you would talk to him please? If there's something we need to rectify we'd like to do that as soon as we can, and if not, so that she can know it's safe to come home. No one should ever be without somewhere safe they can call home."

(General)

Convoy seemed impressed by the General's fortitude, but began to grow wary, "General... ma'am, I would be amiss in my duty if I didn't voice my concern as to this course of action, especially so close to your negotiations with the Consul. Perhaps this contest would be best concluded at a later time?" He looked pleadingly at both the Chef and the General to convince them to call a temporary ceasefire and resume later.

The Chef was similarly impressed by the General's tenacity, but encouraged by the sweat starting to form on her brow, nonetheless she nodded at Convoy's request, "I wouldn't want to spoil your negotiations General. Besides, there are yet spicier ingredients that I don't currently have at my disposal, given time I could acquire them and give you a proper contest when you have no pressing matters to attend to afterwards."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 4/26/2020 at 7:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mare didn't even flinch when Null sprung into action, nor did she react when Null jumped to the side, following her with only her eyes as Null moved in to strike.

Then, when Null went to strike at her side, she leaned towards her, her wing shooting out to stick under Null's extended right hoof to the underside of her barrel. Then she leaned the other way and in a surprising display of wing strength she flipped Null over her back so she'd land on the other side of her, with the opposite wing to her throat

Just as one could expect, she had been beaten by a more experienced fighter. No, not just beaten. Utterly trounced were more like it, as the mare had more or less defeated her with the same amount of energy and apparent effort needed, as one normally had when waving a fly away from their face.

So now she were here, to the ground, sitting in the right position to getting a final strike, and just glared upwards at the Spartration.  Might be she had lost, but no way in Tartarus were she gonna give this one the satisfaction of looking like she were scared, or about to beg for mercy. She'd need a bigger beating than that this, to give off that reaction.

On 4/26/2020 at 7:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The brothers winced at how quickly it had gone down, but a look from the mare got them back in line. The mare moved to be where Null could see her from her downed position. "Unskilled, Uncoordinated. You lack much. However," The imposing aura seemed to lighten a bit. "You have spirit, heart of warrior, fire inside. I can give what you lack."

She turned to begin walking away. "Get up, follow." She turned back to the brothers, "Dismissed."

There it were. Talking down to her, like she were some kind of unworthy peasant, wasting the mare's time. Why, she outta... Huh?

Seemingly out of the blue, the mare suddenly changed her imposing stance, and her words were somewhat kinder, as she acknowledged that Null weren't completely useless. Just untrained in proper battle which- Yeah, no kidding? Fighting for your life wasn't the same as military training. You learned to fight dirty and necessarily, not precise and efficiently. At least she hadn't. Plus this mare had a good deal of body mass on her, which were generally true about any pony above the age of nine or ten.

She didn't need the prompt before getting up on her own four hooves again. Soon as the mare weren't pressing her down to the ground, Null would start getting up, though she annoyingly could feel herself going a bit faster soon as she were told to. Why did it feel like she were already following orders on some levels, when it came to this one? It weren't natural. Then again, neither were that aura of authority that this one carried around, which seemed to also affect the brothers, who saluted and left without a word, after being dismissed. Were this one just naturally imposing, or did she actually have some sort of high rank in the Troy military? Somehow, she wouldn't be surprised by both being true.

Guess she'd see soon enough though, as she were told to follow, and so she did. Scowling and none too happy about what had just happened, but following nonetheless.

On 4/26/2020 at 7:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mare would continue forward, whether Null followed or not, to a large tent on the edge of the training ground. Within the tent there had been a large pit dug, with steps leading down on either side. The mare walked down to the bottom and sat, it was noticeably cooler down there, but not uncomfortably so. She would motion for Null to sit opposite her as she removed her helm, letting her short cropped mane flow a bit freer. Without the helm her demeanor seemed less imposing, the aura less strong. When she looked at Null again it was with a kinder expression. "Now, what is it you want? Do you want to be trained for the blades? Or do you want to become a true warrior? One is more difficult than the other, but you show true strength, not many have dared to even attempt to strike me when asked, fewer still with purpose as you had."

Entering what were essentially a gloried camp site in a hole, and waited for the mare to go through her prep work, whilst having a look around. If there were anything to catch her eye or not however, she'd remain standing for a while, forcing herself to show some degree of restraints before sitting down, roughly at the same time as the mare put her helmet down. Seemed like this one were a short-man, but that weren't really a surprise. Military mare and all, it made more sense to not have the sort of mane that'd get in front of your eyes.

It didn't really make her seem less imposing to Null though. Seeing the helmet had been imposing in a way, but the stance, demeanor and overall impression hadn't changed much to her, and in fact, having a face to the mare who affected her so, were making her somewhat more intimidated. Made it more real that the one affecting her so were an actual pony, and not some sort of golem or machine. The change in expression though, did help ease things a little. Even if it tingled her paranoia, and made her wonder if this were some sorta trick, before the mare would try to kick her face off.

"Yeah well, perhaps if I had any idea what a Spartration were in advance, I wouldn't have been so eager to go try and knock a rib lose. The small pre-warning didn't spoil any of what were gonna happen. As it is, you said to strike, so I did. Usually when I'm offered a chance at an open hit from someone thinking I ain't worth a darn, just because of my size, I find it best to take the shot, and hit where it hurts. Tends to end differently than this."

She'd been through her fair share of fools thinking that she wasn't worth the air she breathed, and openly allowed her to take an open shot just to prove a point. More often than not, it actually helped her, as again, she weren't above fighting dirty. Which including using some cursed items to gain the advantage. Something which were currently not an option, and were probably for the best. Troy would've likely not liked her having the chance to lob those things around, though something told her that she'd end up getting back to collecting stuff like this when out in the world. Curses and magic-infused items in general, didn't perish all that easily, so there were more than likely some stuff she could gather up out there, and potentially use to her advantage. Or she'd find somewhere to deliver them for cleansing. Depended on her morals at the time she'd find someone out there who could actually cleanse these things again.

"And I came here looking for help on these wing blades. Though just outta curiosity, what'd you mean when you say *A true warrior*? It ain't saying much, and I'd like to know what I'd be jumping into if I said yes. We talking non-stop training sessions, beatings to weed out the weakness, that sorta things? Seen some harsh methods to pull out some strength in my life."

She actively tried to find somewhere to put in a snide comment, or tell this mare to not mention her height again like she had before, but she just couldn't get it out of her muzzle. It were really weird to be near someone that made her feel like she better mind her tone, or she'd get a well deserved smacking. Only her parents should make her feel that way, not someone she only just met.

(Void)

"I will mom. Promise.

Things going okay here? With all the travellers I've seen these days, I kinda get worried that you and dad get stressed out at work, maybe. Especially you."

There were a lot of things to worry about these days, but primarily were the worry of all members of her family. Null were if not dealt with, then at least seen as somewhat doing okay for the time being, but her parents were another story. They might be swamped, which could cause stress, which might hurt the foal, and that were a constant worry of hers. Their little new brother or sister had a tough world to enter as it were, and any sort of potential danger, or stress-induced, early labor, were among the varied things that she worried might befall the little new one, as well as their mother. She knew that Null and her weren't related by blood to them, but considering their shared past had a mother who died due to labor complications, it had not been a concern that she could get out of her head. She honestly wished she had never been told this, but as it stood, she had, and it would haunt her until the birth, where (hopefully) everyone involved would be safe and healthy.

(General)

On 4/26/2020 at 7:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"General... ma'am, I would be amiss in my duty if I didn't voice my concern as to this course of action, especially so close to your negotiations with the Consul. Perhaps this contest would be best concluded at a later time?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Tidal swallowed the last bit of chili she had been presented with, and felt the burn glide all the way down, and then tingle her taste buds in all the right ways. Sure would be nice to stay and make a contest out of it, but he were right. She had a meeting soon, and were already sweating. Best to stop whilst the game were still all fun, then wipe her head clean, and get on their way. Couldn't be looking like an ill sauna-goer during the meeting, and keep any sort of professionalism about her.

On 4/26/2020 at 7:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I wouldn't want to spoil your negotiations General. Besides, there are yet spicier ingredients that I don't currently have at my disposal, given time I could acquire them and give you a proper contest when you have no pressing matters to attend to afterwards."

Tidal grinned at the chef, and gave her a salute.

"You got a deal. Thanks for the meal, and stay safe, alright? Tides watch over you."

One of about a dozen saying she and others were trying out in the Ocean Coalition. They still hadn't settled on one, unified expression of greeting, but she did like this one so far. Better than her actual contribution before that, which were *Beware the ocean deep*. It had sounded good to her at the beginning, but the more she had heard others say it, the cornier it had just gotten, so it had been stricken from the list. What'd remain eventually were hard to say, but the one she used now were one of the more popular ones, though there were a newcomer from one of the few shark tenders they had at South Point, that had made one that were taking the lower ranks by storm. Darned if she could remember what it were right now though, but she did recall it having something to do with unity... Probably best if she read up on that when they got home later. Or as close to a home as she had these days, considering her true home were, and always would be, Shark Bay. Mark her words, one day she'd have the town rebuild, even if their headquarters would no longer be there.

She honestly weren't sure how much of it still stood at this point, seeing the years that had passed, and the stance they had taken at the time, but perhaps one of these days she'd be able to go and see for herself. Now that the gates were closed, Equestria sooner or later had to be clearered out, and the Ocean Coalition could do their part well, by starting from the beaches whilst others went more inland. Sooner or later they'd have to end up near her old home, right? If nothing else, she could have this day to look forward to, even if it'd be a grizzly business of finding the ones who had laid their lives there, and give them the proper burial at sea that they all so richly deserved.

"Alright then. Convoy, let's get going. A bit of wind should help clear up the pores without me going all soggy, so we might as well start walking to our meeting."

A piece of cloth that she withdrew from beneath her armor also did well, but that were a short term solution. She had to wait for the spice to work around a little for the sweating to stop fully, and she found that a good walk and some air helped clear things up. Milk might be even easier but come on. She wasn't a wuss. She had signed up for a burn, and she'd darn well keep it then.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

On 4/27/2020 at 10:51 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"And I came here looking for help on these wing blades. Though just outta curiosity, what'd you mean when you say *A true warrior*? It ain't saying much, and I'd like to know what I'd be jumping into if I said yes. We talking non-stop training sessions, beatings to weed out the weakness, that sorta things? Seen some harsh methods to pull out some strength in my life."

The mare had the faintest of smiles at Null's words, "No, you're not from Spartrot, and as such won't be trained after that manner. A true warrior is one whose sole purpose is the defense of their nation, their homeland, their family. They are incorruptible, as they desire nothing but the safety and security of those they've devoted themselves to. Indominable, as they will fight to their last thought, as even in death their spirit is unbent. A true warrior forswears all so that they can become the perfect force of defense and protection."

The mare seemed to look deeply into Null, "You seem the type willing to do just that, yet there exists much anger in your heart. Perhaps when that anger is quenched you will be ready to start the path. But the wing blades I can help you with now."

The mare stood, and motioned for Null to stand as well, extending her wings to perform a series of stretches, slowly so Null could mirror them. "When using the blades, you must see the wings as an extension of your will, and not simply your means of conveyance. Every motion should be intentional, calculated, even in flight." She snapped her wings forward so the tips of her feathers were inches away from Null's face. "Well trained, they will be your greatest allies, bladed or not, a well times strike can down even large opponents, and skilled flight will make you master of the sky."

(I can't say I personally know much about wing combat, so I'll gloss over it a bit.)

The mare would demonstrate a number of stretches for Null to work on before outlining a training regimen designed to strengthen her wings and reflexes. Once she was sure that Null understood the regimen, she would send her away, "Return when you are ready to continue, study and train."

(Void)

Their mother smiled, "Nothing to worry about, the hospital's been lowering my hours in preparation for the birth, and they're only able to do that because of all the new travelers. Ever since you closed the gates the number of wounded by the spawn has gone down tremendously, allowing the hospital to finally catch up on the backlog of patients. While the newcomers have their own wounded they aren't coming in nearly as fast as the wounded used to, and for the most part not nearly as badly wounded as before. There'll be no complications with my staying home once the foal comes, especially with all this space we've been allotted."

(General)

Convoy would down the last of his drink in one go, passing the glass back to the chef with a salute before leading the way back out of the cafe, holding the door for the General as she followed him out. "On to meet the Consul then, I hope you're prepared."

Convoy would lead the way to the city center, now less crowded than when Null and Void had first come through, but still full of stall owners selling their wares, only now the wares had a wider variety in source and purpose, everything from kitchen implements to gardening tools to decorative art was being bought and sold in the grand market. The oasis was the highest it had been in months, cooling the air as it blew over it to in turn cool the whole city from it's otherwise desert temperatures.

They were not blocked in their path to the Consul's estate, though the stall owners certainly tried to draw their attention the whole way with tales of their products.

If the General was not swayed with the desire to purchase anything, they'd arrive at the estate in short order, the guards at the door nodding to the both of them as they opened the doors for them to enter.

Convoy would lead the General into the Consul's office, where he seemed to have been expecting them, "General Wave, I again appreciate that you were willing to return to discuss your plans in greater detail. If you're ready to begin?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"No, you're not from Spartrot, and as such won't be trained after that manner. A true warrior is one whose sole purpose is the defense of their nation, their homeland, their family. They are incorruptible, as they desire nothing but the safety and security of those they've devoted themselves to. Indominable, as they will fight to their last thought, as even in death their spirit is unbent. A true warrior forswears all so that they can become the perfect force of defense and protection."

The mare seemed to look deeply into Null, "You seem the type willing to do just that, yet there exists much anger in your heart. Perhaps when that anger is quenched you will be ready to start the path. But the wing blades I can help you with now."

"My life have been nothing, but trying to do right by my family. I live and die for them, and nothing will ever change that."

She had done a lot of things she considered to be her fault, that hurt her family. Causing her parents to be caught, keeping her sister away from the chance at a normal home, at the cost of her leaving her behind, among many other things. Even if they forgave her for everything, and kept saying it were not actually her fault, the debt she considered herself to have to them. were a heavy weight she'd carry for a long time to come.

One day, when she were able to let go and forgive herself, or think her debt paid in full, she could let it go. And along with it, the deepest, seething parts of her hatred. That would be the day when perhaps she could learn to move above and beyond, and start to become what this mare considered a true warrior.

The look in Null's eyes as she spoke to this mare, should show well that she meant what she said too. It were steely. Unblinking. Filled with the sort of spark that you saw in the eyes of those who were both willing to do much, and had already done so, for their cause. Just as the mare had seemingly guessed herself, judging by her response, and the gaze that were sent down to the shorter mare.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The mare stood, and motioned for Null to stand as well, extending her wings to perform a series of stretches, slowly so Null could mirror them. "When using the blades, you must see the wings as an extension of your will, and not simply your means of conveyance. Every motion should be intentional, calculated, even in flight." She snapped her wings forward so the tips of her feathers were inches away from Null's face. "Well trained, they will be your greatest allies, bladed or not, a well times strike can down even large opponents, and skilled flight will make you master of the sky."

Null mirrored the stretches as shown her. Still weird to get used to actually having a pair of wings to do such a thing with now, and something she were also going to need time to get used to. As evident by the fact that all the time since she woke up to this hectic day, she had not flown a single inch. Only walked.

The sudden movement that got the feathers in front of her face weren't something she expected though, and she instinctively took a half step back, before putting her hoof down again, and attempt to do the same. Which she would have some success with, yet not with the sort of speed and precision as the mare presented. No wonder really, since she had likely trained for years upon years to get to that level, and Null had spent a grand total of around five seconds.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The mare would demonstrate a number of stretches for Null to work on before outlining a training regimen designed to strengthen her wings and reflexes. Once she was sure that Null understood the regimen, she would send her away, "Return when you are ready to continue, study and train."

It were a rather short training session, but one who left her with much to do, as this seemed to be her *homework* for the... Day, she supposed? expended how long it'd take her to get this right to at least the point where her wing movements in non-flight related stunts would seem fluid, rather than jerky and delayed.

"I'll come back then. Once I start to get the hang of this. Thanks for your time... Ma'am."

It felt wrong saying such a thing, as did the awkward salute she made, but at the same time, there were a sort of underlying feeling that she had to show some proper respect to this mare. Blasted aura of hers were still affecting her it seemed.

Unless there were anything else, she'd leave after that, and get on her way towards first where she had met the griffon earlier, in case they still wanted to run her through things, and if they were not there, she'd just use the place to try out some of the movements for a time. About an hour, unless she were interrupted.

(Void)

Void let out a sigh after their mother laid out the facts about how things were going right now, with both her, their father, and the hospital.

"That's good. That's... Really good.

I'm sorry that I bring this up all the time mom, but I just keep being concerned that something's gonna happen to the little one. Or to you. The Consul told us what happened to Null and I's mothers and it's... I dunno. It's not the same situation, but I'm just worried that we're not done having bad things happen to our family. Guess I'm just not used to things going well yet."

Paranoia were a double edged sword. It could keep you aware and prepared for the worst, yet at the same time, make you question whenever something good came along, and wonder how long it would last. In her life, it had mainly been the first part that came into play, as not much good happened, but now things were changing. She had a home, their parents were alive, and had a healthy foal on the way soon, and though Null would be going out to fight again, Void did her best to try and think of it less as losing her, and more like it were helping Null find purpose, and that perhaps by confronting her past, she'd be able to stop being so confrontational about any perceived threat she ran across. It were not an easy one too convince herself off fully, but she tried her best, and who knew? Perhaps one day, she might actually believe it.

"It's good to hear that things are getting less hectic by the way. With less hurt beings coming into the hospital, even with more travellers, it's starting to feel like there might be some hope for the future ahead for everyone. and with General Tidal Wave going to speak to the Consul now, perhaps things will go even better. It would be good if when one day the princesses returned, they would find that there'd finally be peace between what remains of Equestria, and Troy. There's been enough pointless bloodshed over that. Surely they'd understand that, and not try to reopen old wounds."

She sounded uncertain about the last part of her ramblings, as she tried to force herself to think hopeful thoughts, rather than worry about her family in these relatively safe times. An uncertainty born out of the worry that whilst she saw the princesses in a good light, after personally meeting them, she knew well enough of the animosity between their countries, and that one of the reasons had been their eternal rule. If they came back and wanted to retake the thrones of Equestria, what then might happen? Who'd follow them? Who'd fight them? Would they become the next threats to the peace, rather than ones attempting to maintain it? A lot of questions remained unanswered, but at least there, it had sounded as if they had a long time to think over this.

Hopefully when it became an actual, tangible thing to worry of, Celestia and Luna would be able to see the logic and perhaps retain a kingdom, but not be the rulers. More like a traditional part of the institution, whilst the actual legal power went to whomever were elected. Or whatever system the general and the Consul came to.

(General Tidal Wave)

Tidal had been through her fair share of tourist markets trying to gain her attention, especially in Shark Bay, who drew a lot of tourism in for varied reasons, such as their shark wrestling contests. As such, she didn't stop up for anything, though she mentally checked off a few things that she wanted to go back and have a second glance at once she had more time to do so. Yet for the time being, she had a meeting to get to, and soon enough, she'd get to the building, be let in, and then lead on by Convoy to meet the pony in charge himself: Illiad Easle. Consul of Troy, and de facto sun and moon meddler, after the princesses downfall.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"General Wave, I again appreciate that you were willing to return to discuss your plans in greater detail. If you're ready to begin?"

She'd start of proper before speaking, with a salute towards the Consul.

"Consul Easle, I'm happy you're willing to chat with me again, and I thank you for both your patience, and for telling me where to find the sisters. Rattled them good to see me, but I think they were happy to see that not everypony they knew's gone and died.

Anyway, to get back on topic, I'm officially here on behalf of the reformed Ocean Coalition, to discuss cooperation between our forces now that we're finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Considering the story between Equestria and Troy, I know it might be a bit at odds to work with us. Me especially, since I'm sure the Coastal Guard doesn't have a good reputation after that coral-sucker of an underling I had going meddling up things enough to cause you to start raining fire down from above.

But this here's a new world we're about to embrace, and hard as it is to face for some of us, Equestria as we knew it is gone. What's left of its citizens are scattered into the small survivor areas that managed to hold during the years, including South Point, and as the last remaining general of the former kingdom of Equestria, they're starting to look to me for answers.

So after long talks with the other higher ranks among the Ocean Coalition, we've agreed that the best we can do now is to try and go up and rebuild North Point again, whilst also establishing some contacts and trade routes with the other surviving folks. Troy is one of the more important ones we're looking to reach an olive branch out to, and everypony back home, are hoping that we can sort something out that'll benefit all of us, and mend the old bridges that Princess Celestia - may she rest in peace - burned some time back.

I've come here personally because I wanna show the respect I think you deserve, Consul Easle. You've done a good job keeping things going as best you can after you defeated Discord, including taking over the rising of the sun and moon. You deserve better than sending an underling with no ties to Equestria, just because some are afraid that there's still old grudges. Me? I never had any personal issues with Troy, nor did most generals in the Coastal Guard. As outsiders, we could look on things a bit more objectively, and you had your fair points in not getting along with Princess Celestia. I'm hoping that perhaps the two of us can start on a fresh note though.

Wadda ya? Willing to hear us out, Consul Easel?"

She gave him a friendly grin, and reached a hoof forth to see if he'd shake on it. Usually a gesture she found got things started on a friendly, calm sort of note, and as mentioned, she wanted to show the respect he deserved, by dealing with him personally. Story be damned, he were the leader of Troy, and as such, deserved to be talked to be the leader of those who wanted to talk to him. Were only fair, at least for the first meeting.

If Illiad had asked around to learn more of Tidal Wave, he'd probably have some idea that the role of leadership had been somewhat pushed on her, as a good deal of the former Equestrians had needed a familiar face to keep them going through the tough times, and that put her in a position where she were unable to say no. Put some weight on her shoulder she weren't always feeling comfortable with, but she were a mare that hadn't been born with a silver spoon in her muzzle, so she'd be a leader that might not be as politically versed as the princesses or other generals had been, but she were easier to talk to, and a more neutral party that hadn't any beef with the nation of Troy, regardless of those she had lost back during the Summer Wars. The blame for which she put solely on that bottom dweller and his goons, who had initiated the fight. Not Troy. They had just reacted as could be expected, and she were honestly just thankful that it hadn't gotten far, far worse than it had there. Could have easily escalated well beyond that, seeing as the leadership in the area ignored her orders.