private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/3/2020 at 4:16 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she played the slot machine again it would behave normally, no sign of the scene that had previously appeared. She'd win a small payout on her third pull, it wasn't much more than she had spent to get there but it was enough to pass the secondary objective which now read: 'Get the key to the safe.' There was also, briefly, a hint that read 'The owner probably has the key, why not ask to borrow it?'

That was certainly a weird thing. A mare, running off on a field, seemed a bit off. But it were three in a row, so that meant she won at the machine, right?

Seemingly not, as it appeared to be glitching out, and then on the next attempt didn't seem to have that option. Nor had her coin total changed... Weird, but the entirety of this game seemed to be. Even if the patrons seemed to move more often in game, than she had seen whilst walking though. Though that might have been a slow moment, so what did she know?

Well, she knew when she were being set up for what seemed like an obvious trap, as the objective changed. Going from her having to win at the slots, to getting a key for the safe. And asking the owner about it, if need be... This were certainly seeming like it were trying to lure her into robbing the place, or something.

"Finding the owner, and ask for a key to the safe, huh? Interesting."

"What's your take on this, Nine? I'm thinking it's trying to set me up for actually stealing from this place, but I dunno. Might not be more than a game. Something's just off about this."

Null would wander around the pixelated casino, pretending to look for the owner, as she waited for Nine's reponse, though she were tempted to test things herself, by simply making the in game character, move to where Arcade and her were right now. They'd see what Nine felt about this

 Might be he had some semblance of idea, of what were truly going on here. Or at least some sort of perspective on the matter, that might be worth taking into consideration.

(Troy)

On 9/3/2020 at 4:16 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Um... if it's all the same to you, I think they'd be more comfortable if I helped them. I might be able to get Toupé to take off her coat if there's no one around to take it. Thank you again."

"W-Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable, Ardee. Here's the soap I had in mind. Just rub it on any major stain, and let it s-soak in for fifteen seconds or so, before rinsing it off. It should take the worst of it."

Void would hand over the soap she had been picking out, to Ardee, after rummaging through to find it. She had not been sure that her presence would be the best, so honestly, this were likely for the best.

"I'll uhm... Be nearby, okay? Call if there's anything. Oh, right, t-towels. Pen and Vale? Could you help me find them?"

She honestly didn't know where they were, though perhaps either of them did. Worth a shot at least, right?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

On 9/4/2020 at 2:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"What's your take on this, Nine? I'm thinking it's trying to set me up for actually stealing from this place, but I dunno. Might not be more than a game. Something's just off about this."

Nine was puzzling something out when addressed, "There is certainly something odd about all of this, but I can't seem to put a tendril on it. It doesn't seem to be casting any magic, nothing is being negated by your field that I can tell. I suppose we can only tell by playing along and seeing what, if anything, happens."

On 9/4/2020 at 2:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Null would wander around the pixelated casino, pretending to look for the owner, as she waited for Nine's reponse, though she were tempted to test things herself, by simply making the in game character, move to where Arcade and her were right now. They'd see what Nine felt about this

Wandering about she'd find that her avatar couldn't occupy the same space as any of the ponies on the screen, which was likely why they moved about more than the real ones, but whenever she was next to one the same button prompt would appear, indicating that she could interact with almost any of the ponies in the digital casino. Whenever there were more than one pony or game next to her there would be different colored prompts for the different entities so she could choose which of the adjacent objects to interact with.

If she got close enough to the bank that their guide pointed out an arrow would appear on the screen pointing to one of the boxes behind the counter, no doubt the safe she needed the key for.

Her character would soon come in contact with a member of the staff, and an interaction would start of its own accord, the view blurred as the screen was now dominated by a higher resolution image of her avatar, notably her avatar had both wings natural, on one side, an image of a staff member in the typical checkered suit on the other. Text scrolled past as a basic animation indicated the staff member was talking, "Good evening Miss, can I help you with something?"

On her side there were a series of dialog options, at the bottom was a picture of a microphone. The dialogue options were generic like What game do you reccomend? Where can I get more tokens? and I'm fine.

(Troy)

Ardee started up the shower and began to wash off the young ponies, cleaning herself in the process.

On 9/4/2020 at 2:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I'll uhm... Be nearby, okay? Call if there's anything. Oh, right, t-towels. Pen and Vale? Could you help me find them?"

Vale looked over, but was clearly still distracted by the foals, "Huh? Towels? umm..." She realized she was bing talked to and looked over with a more focused expression, "Oh, rot!" Piecey looked up in curiocity, then copied, "Rot!" with a smile. Vale looked surprised and worried as she looked back at Piecey before Pen laughed

"There are worse words than that for them to copy, don't worry."

Vale shrugged it off and turned back to Void, "I knew we forgot something, should've been obvious. We'll run out and get some. Be right back."

Vale had to drag Pen away from the crib to get her to come along, Peal moved over to the edge of the crib to watch as they left before sitting back down once they were out of sight.

They'd be back about fifteen minutes later with a pile of towels ready for the dripping ponies coming out of the shower. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Nine was puzzling something out when addressed, "There is certainly something odd about all of this, but I can't seem to put a tendril on it. It doesn't seem to be casting any magic, nothing is being negated by your field that I can tell. I suppose we can only tell by playing along and seeing what, if anything, happens."

"Guess so. Think we best not try any sort of violent option though. Still thinking it's going on in real time somehow, and we're mind controlling someone, or there's a copy of me out there, somewhere."

So Nine didn't know any better either. That were honestly not all that calming to hear. She figured if anyone had some sort of idea what to expect out of them, it might be him. *sigh* Oh well, best play along then, and see where this lead them she supposed. What other choice did they have, in the process of figuring out how this thing worked?

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If she got close enough to the bank that their guide pointed out an arrow would appear on the screen pointing to one of the boxes behind the counter, no doubt the safe she needed the key for.

Her character would soon come in contact with a member of the staff, and an interaction would start of its own accord, the view blurred as the screen was now dominated by a higher resolution image of her avatar, notably her avatar had both wings natural, on one side, an image of a staff member in the typical checkered suit on the other. Text scrolled past as a basic animation indicated the staff member was talking, "Good evening Miss, can I help you with something?"

On her side there were a series of dialog options, at the bottom was a picture of a microphone. The dialogue options were generic like What game do you reccomend? Where can I get more tokens? and I'm fine.

so now she knew where the safe she had to go after were. SO far so good she supposed, though how to get to it? That were the good question. If she had to get it from the owner, she supposed she had to try and get his attention somehow. How to do that though, without causing a ruckus, were the question.

She had been wandering around the place, trying to avoid walking into others, as she pondered this. Up until she were stopped by a member of staff, and asked if there were something she could get helped with.

Looking the options over, she scratched her chin, and started to get some degree of an idea how she might go along with this. A weak one though, that would require the option she had in mind to go somewhere, that'd end up making her stand out, in some fashion or another. If it would? She had no idea, yet the other two options didn't seem like they would get her far. Even if she felt the last one described her own look on things, fairly well.

So she pressed *What do you recommend?* and waited for the reply. Likely she'd be made to follow him, and be lead to some sort of table in here. Or pointed towards the food layer, per chance. It were hard to say, though they'd see soon enough.

At least she felt fairly certain that if the avatar in game, were wandering around the real casino, they couldn't blame her that much for things right now. Not if they saw what she saw, considering she didn't have two natural wings. Might just be what she saw though, and not them. She had to stay cautious here At least for the time being. Unless like, a bouncer were set on her. There'd be some hurting going on then.

(Troy)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"There are worse words than that for them to copy, don't worry."

"Well, since she a-already knows this one then, and it's not really a bad word, maybe we should just use this as a d-default? Like you said, it's not all that bad, and it might save us from them picking up some uhm... H-Harsher words, so to speak. I'd really prefer they didn't learn to swear already."

Rot. A natural thing, which they'd have to cover eventually, during the education phase of Piecey. Sure it might be a little weird if she yelled it out of nowhere every now and again, yet such were life. Small ones like this were like parrots, as they tried to learn new words, and she'd like to give credit, where credit were due: Piecey had said the word really well. Thankfully a rather harmless word too, and not one of several that she tried to avoid from circling around her head right now. Too many readily available examples to pick from, and not a single one should be uttered anywhere near these foals. And that included Ardee and the others.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Vale had to drag Pen away from the crib to get her to come along, Peal moved over to the edge of the crib to watch as they left before sitting back down once they were out of sight.

They'd be back about fifteen minutes later with a pile of towels ready for the dripping ponies coming out of the shower. 

Void would wave at the infants as they wandered off, and saw that Peal at least, were casting long stares after them. A shy, yet curious sort it seemed. Reminded her a bit of one of their neighbors in Ponyville really. One who were aptly called, Long Stare. A mare who liked to watch others, and frankly, had scared Void a few times, by accident. As she said herself, it were something that happened, since she moved so quietly that it were like she teleported around. It were an impressive skill, but real creepy, and were not made better, by her rarely taking the first word, and usually waiting until she were addressed. Which meant that if she had to talk to somepony, she'd follow them around, until they bit notice in her.

Hopefully Peal would be a little less... Ghost-like in her approach, once she grew up.

Anyway, they had to go, and find those towels quickly, before the foals would end up having to air dry.

Once they got back, Void and the others would put down the towels near the foals, and the former would look at them apologetically.

"S-Sorry about that. Things just went a little hectic with things, and we kinda missed this. Did you l-like your shower?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

The staff member looked thoughtful, then said "Hmm, have you tried Cabinet Mare? That's a pretty popular one. It was made locally you know, in a workshop just behind the casino. If you're more the gambling type though, I'd recommend Blackjack, there's a number of tables over there by the roulette tables."

Null may not notice at first, but there was now a 1/5 next to her main objective.

The dialogue ended and she was free to move about the casino again. The arcade cabinet she had started at as well as the blackjack tables now had a green outline, the outline would remain until she interacted with any of them.

(Troy)

Toupé was the first one out and nodded enthusiastically with a big smile, "That was the best shower I had since, well, since Mistress took us to that moe-tell on our way out of the laboratory. They didn't give us warm water back there, and we didn't have any, or showers, in the facility either."

She accepted the towel, though it was quickly clear she was not familiar with it's use as she began to rub it against her coat like it was an oversized dish rag instead of effectively drying herself off. She noticed that it didn't seem to be an optimal method and turned to Void, "Um, I've never had one so big before... how are you supposed to use it?"

(They also brought those twist towels to wrap up their manes/tails though they're all short haired enough that they'd be optional. Void can show them how if she likes.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

So this machine were local? Interesting detail, which might of course be wholly false. A mere plot point in this thing's narrative. But it were maybe something worth looking into later though. Just in case, this might be some sort of hidden objective in real life. Or perhaps in game itself? She'd go and investigate, but it seemed like she had to go and interact with one way of gambling or the other now, judging by the glowing tables.

It were not the only thing that changed though. It seemed she had made a progression of some sort, judging by the sudden 1/5 in the corner... Yet were it towards learning of this machine, or something related to the casino itself? Guess the only way to find out, were to pick a table to gamble at, and see if it'd change afterwards. Unless she somehow lost the game, right then and there.

She did find it a bit odd too though, that the machine referenced itself, in its own game. Were it toying with her or something?

Urgh. Best just keep this sort in mind, and get on with things. And that meant going to play... The arcade cabinet.  Everything she knew about blackjack, boiled down to it being real easy, to lose a boatload of cash, in absolutely no time. Plus she felt like the arcade felt more right. With so many things pushing towards this arcade machine she were on, right now, it might be the theme of the game, that she had to roll with.

With that in mind, she'd approach the in game arcade, and press to interact.

(Troy)

On 9/7/2020 at 6:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"That was the best shower I had since, well, since Mistress took us to that moe-tell on our way out of the laboratory. They didn't give us warm water back there, and we didn't have any, or showers, in the facility either."

"The water here should be n-nice and warm whenever you need a bath, just don't overdo it, okay? It takes t-time for the water to heat, so at some point, it'll grow c-cold if you go there too much. It's not good to go there too much a-anyway, unless you need it. Once every other day, is best, unless you r-really sweated, or got dirty. Though uhm, the small ones are likely gonna need it more often, I g-guess."

Another tidbit from Ardee. Another time Void felt sad for the lot of them. As well as sorry for the Mistress, whom had seemingly done what she could for them in this case too, though being limited in what capacity she were able to do so. She must have cared deeply for them, though seeing as she weren't here with them, she were probably dead. Nothing she had heard so far, indicated that she'd just up and leave these foals, without something preventing her to get to them. She could only hope that whatever had happened, they wouldn't have seen it. It would likely have broken them to the core, to see their primary caretaker die in front of them.

On 9/7/2020 at 6:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Um, I've never had one so big before... how are you supposed to use it?"

"Yeah, it can get kinda difficult, if you aren't u-used to them. Here. Let me show you."

Void would wander over, and take hold in the towel. Then she'd start to slowly, and carefully, dry off Ardee. This were something she had been well used to over the years, though Ardee were bigger than her sister, so it wasn't a complete exact. The basics remained though, and hopefully by doing it slowly, Ardee would get the idea on how to do it herself too. As well as not get concerned, over any sort of sudden movements, from Void's side.

She'd finish off by wrapping up Ardee's legs, and carefully drying them off, though she'd probably need a brush or something. None of them had long manes or tails, but they might still like to keep themselves styled up, a certain way.

"And t-that's how you do it. I'd show you how to wrap up your mane's too, in the s-smaller towels, but I don't think that's needed. Mostly for those with really l-long manes and tails. Maybe one day, if any of you grow longer hair, I can s-show you then.

Do you uhm... W-Want a brush for your mane and tail though, Ardee? Long or short, some like to have it well kept."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

Similar to the slot machine, interacting with Cabinet Mare shifted the perspective to an almost first person view of the machine. It looked just like it did in real life, maybe a bit better kept. The mane difference was that it appeared to be off outside of a short line of text that read 'Credits: 1/5'.

If she looked closely she'd notice that there seemed to be a reflection in the otherwise black screen, only instead of her own face or the face of her avatar it was the faint reflection of a grey mare, she looked just like the mare she had seen in the slot machine. If she looked too closely the screen would flicker and the faint reflection would disappear.

Regardless there wasn't anything here for her to interact with, at least not at the moment.

Behind her Arcade was talking to a staff member, he mentioned he was waiting to play and the staff wished him and Null luck before moving on.

(Troy)

(Going to assume you meant Toupé instead of Ardee, and speaking of I meant Teal for that whole interaction, switching the names here.)

On 9/8/2020 at 1:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Mostly for those with really l-long manes and tails. Maybe one day, if any of you grow longer hair, I can s-show you then.

Teal enjoyed being toweled off by Void, and Ardee was watching as Toupé showered, Elef had finished and was waiting for similar help if Void was willing to offer it, but he would try with a reasonable level of success if she felt uncomfortable drying a colt.

Teal smiled when Void finished drying, "Oooh, Can I?! They always kept our hair short, said it was safer and easier to keep clean. Mistress had a very nice tail, do you think I could grow one like her?"

On 9/8/2020 at 1:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Do you uhm... W-Want a brush for your mane and tail though, Ardee? Long or short, some like to have it well kept."

Teal would look confused at the term until one was brought out before she nodded, "Mistress showed me how to use that, can I use it?"

Ardee would flag down Vale to bring a towel over as Toupé finished up, "I'll help her get dry over here. Do you have anything that can quickly dry cloth?"

Vale quickly passed a towel over before nodding, "Pen is adept at wind magic, she should be able to get it dry real quick if she's willing to let her do so."

Ardee ducked back into the bathroom for a moment before poking back out and nodding, "But just her if that's alright?"

Vale and Pen nodded before Pen joined the fillies in the bathroom. The sound of air moving, not dissimilar to a blow dryer, began soon after.

Soon Toupé and Pen emerged, the latter now totally dry and her lab coat noticeably cleaner. She was squinting until Ardee gave her her glasses back and began her own shower.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If she looked closely she'd notice that there seemed to be a reflection in the otherwise black screen, only instead of her own face or the face of her avatar it was the faint reflection of a grey mare, she looked just like the mare she had seen in the slot machine. If she looked too closely the screen would flicker and the faint reflection would disappear.

What... The... Fudge?

Okay, this machine were trying to mess with her, right? First trying to show her this very machine, and showing off a grey mare in the reflection - which carried semblance to the one before, in the glitch or whatever - and then it would vanish again? It were teasing her with that odd mare somehow, right? Especially since the colors, and the way she were used as a reflection... Well, it weren't the only grey color related mare that she knew off, and it were starting to dawn on her what this might be doing. Hopefully that were just paranoia talking though. Otherwise, that'd be infuriating. As well as disturbing, coming from a machine that claimed not to be able to read her, yet used a representation of what might be an ancestor of hers... Urgh, she hated mind games!

Okay, okay, just... Keep on playing. There had to be some way through this, without her ending up trying to smash it with a brick. She were probably just overthinking this anyway. Don't let the wiry mess get to you...

Since there weren't anything else to do there, this seemed as good a time as any to get on with things. So she'd get away from the machine, within the machine, and start to look around for the next glowing object. Perhaps she could get to the second floor now, and find some sort of clue up there?

20 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Behind her Arcade was talking to a staff member, he mentioned he was waiting to play and the staff wished him and Null luck before moving on.

"The game's being weird. Keeps showing some sort of grey mare."

She wouldn't voice this, until she heard that only Arcade were with her again. Or at least the staff member had left, as she didn't intent to turn her head, and look if there were a sneaky lad or lass here.

(Troy)

20 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Oooh, Can I?! They always kept our hair short, said it was safer and easier to keep clean. Mistress had a very nice tail, do you think I could grow one like her?"

"Probably. Most ponies can grow their mane and t-tail really long, if they let it. I uhm... Well, my sister and I, we a-always cut ours to be about this length, so we didn't get caught on bushes or... P-Pulled around in them, but I still know how to c-care for a longer mane and tail, if it is. I helped a few places with washing manes a couple of times. It seemed simple e-enough."

Actually, Void's mane were starting to get a little on the longer side again. Soon it might start brushing down into her eyes, unless she had it cut, or started to style it. She never really thought on the option to just let it grow actually, and maybe try and get past the worries, that it would just mean more for others to drag them around in, or it being easier to get stuck in some thorn bush. Maybe... It were time for a change here, and let it grow? She'd have to think about this later on.

"Just remember, not everypony can grow it long, and sometimes, it t-takes a really long time, so try and be patient with it, Teal. I'm sure in time, you could end up with a r-really long, flowing mane."

Realism was important, but so were encouragement, so she'd still try and show support for the idea, that Teal wanted to grow it long. And really, it were very few she knew off, who couldn't get their mane and tail to grow long. Of which most were male. It were very unlikely that with enough time, Teal wouldn't be able to end up with a mane that'd be the envy of town. And an hours work every after every rest, but such were the price you paid for beauty, far as she knew. Not something neither Null, nor her focused much on over the years.

As Teal were nice and dry now, she'd go to the next in line, who seemed to want a bit of help. That being Elef. If he'd allow it - she would ask - she'd help him dry off as well, and not feel notably worse for doing so. Might be he were a colt, but it barely registered with her. She were just helping one of the foals here, and she weren't focusing on... Intimate places. For such areas, she'd just explain how it were done, and let him do so on his own, after handling his torso, head and tail. Same she had done with Teal, as again, she were trying not to seem too pushy, or make them feel uncomfortable. Though if he had issues, and asked for the help, she could go in front of him, wrap the towel around his backside, and just pull from side to side with it. That should do the trick in those areas, without pushing any boundaries.

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Vale quickly passed a towel over before nodding, "Pen is adept at wind magic, she should be able to get it dry real quick if she's willing to let her do so."

Ardee ducked back into the bathroom for a moment before poking back out and nodding, "But just her if that's alright?"

Vale and Pen nodded before Pen joined the fillies in the bathroom. The sound of air moving, not dissimilar to a blow dryer, began soon after.

Soon Toupé and Pen emerged, the latter now totally dry and her lab coat noticeably cleaner. She was squinting until Ardee gave her her glasses back and began her own shower.

Void wouldn't object to there only being one in the showers. This were a transition period, and the best she could do, were to not get too pushy. At least that's what she were thinking. Her experience with other foals were minimal, and it mostly boiled down to what she'd consider common sense. If that didn't last, she'd have to ask elsewhere, though at least for now, it seemed to be going well. Pen even got her lab coat to look almost as good as new again, after the wash. At least compared to how it looked before.

"It's good to see the s-soap worked. How's it feeling to have it clean, Toupé? Hopefully good.

And uhm, also good you could h-help with this, Pen. It's best if they don't go around in wet clothes, and get the f-flu, or something like it."

Void would smile at Pen. She really were thankful for this bit of help, provided by her odd friend. It helped on the situation substantially, and might prove useful again another time, as wind magic were not exactly a bad thing to have at hoof, for several things. Like when they were cooking, in case something got burned, when the foals helped her try and cook things. She imagined at least something would start to burn eventually, and getting the smog out faster would be really good.

"Soon as you're all clean, you can get some rest. It's probably bee a long, c-confusing day for you all. I'm just happy it ends here here in Troy, and not with you h-huddling up in some underground place. It's no p-place for a growing foal."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

Especially since the colors,

(I know she doesn't have any idea what shade of grey her father is, but I'll tell you he's a middle grey, the reflected mare was a light grey)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

look around for the next glowing object. Perhaps she could get to the second floor now, and find some sort of clue up there?

Once she interacted with the representation of Cabinet Mare the outlines disappeared from it and the blackjack tables. Wandering around the only indication she had was the arrow that pointed to the safe.

The ramps to the upper level were in the same place as they were IRL, and nothing stopped her from going up them. Only a few of the tables were occupied, only one of the tables didn't seem to have a drunk pony sitting at it, it was a stallion in a smart coat reading a newspaper. More interestingly he was the only pony on the floor she couldn't interact with, if she tried to she'd get a message saying 'You aren't far enough along to talk to this pony.'

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"The game's being weird. Keeps showing some sort of grey mare."

Arcade would look over with a concerned expression, "Should I be on the lookout for one? Or a picture of one? Do you think it's serious?"

(Troy)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Just remember, not everypony can grow it long, and sometimes, it t-takes a really long time, so try and be patient with it, Teal. I'm sure in time, you could end up with a r-really long, flowing mane."

Teal was pleased at that and took to brushing her mane and tail with the brush. Despite her young age she didn't seem to have any difficulty operating the brush with her magic.

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It's good to see the s-soap worked. How's it feeling to have it clean, Toupé?

She gave a small smile, "It's... nice. It smells more like Mistress did now, not exactly like her, but less like dirt and such." Her mane and tail were poofy fresh out of being dried by Pen, similar to how Pinkie had it usually, though she would soon get a brush of her own to start brushing them straight again.

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Soon as you're all clean, you can get some rest. It's probably bee a long, c-confusing day for you all. I'm just happy it ends here here in Troy, and not with you h-huddling up in some underground place. It's no p-place for a growing foal."

Teal would be quite surprised when she tried to return the brush to Void only for it to start to leave her grasp once it got too close to her. She managed to hold it halfway passed Void's barrier, her magic stopping right where the brush passed the limit, "Um... Miss Void... why can't my magic get close to you?"

The rest of the young ponies took notice of the fenomenon and looked to Void for an answer to their curiosity.

Edited September 10, 2020 by Illiad Easle
Forgot the second half

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Despite being told that she couldn't interact with that pony, she still tried a few times. In case it glitched again, or something.

Seemed like it were an important one, if she couldn't talk with him, and best bet she had, were that she had to get the 1/5 in the corner, to go further up, and then come back to try again. Though she had to sort out what to do then, if this didn't work. She couldn't get to the safe either, so that left trying to explore some more, and see what came of it.

So she'd try to interact with the ones she could up here, and see if any of them could get her some information. If that didn't work she'd wander around, and see if there were something else up here to interact with, that might be somewhat hidden, until she got closer.

If that too didn't work she'd go downstairs, and see if she could go a direction she hadn't been before. Maybe there were an alley, or backroom she could wander into now. Or something went on in the theater part. Might well be, considering the scale of the place.

On 9/11/2020 at 1:29 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Should I be on the lookout for one? Or a picture of one? Do you think it's serious?"

"I dunno. I have a guess as to what it's doing, but I can't say for sure. Keep your eyes open, just in case."

Her paranoid guess? It were trying to use something from her, against her, but her aura were messing with it. And the mare shown, were that of a particular grey mare, whose gravestone she had spat upon. A legacy in stone, showing names of depravity and misery, starting from the oracle herself.

Though again, she might just be getting too paranoid, and it were something else. It were hard to say.

(Troy)

It was good to see that the foals were able to brush themselves without help. Especially as there were magic in use, which were an issue if she got too close while they tried to use it.

Void weren't as ashamed and worried about reactions to this, as she once had been. Due to the nullifying area that affected some folks, with a condition somewhat similar in nature - except theirs sounded like it were potentially possible to cure - being completely nullified were more well known, and generally accepted, as an unfortunate thing to happen. If anyone then asked, she'd tell them that she had suffered under that for a long time, and just leave it at that. It were few who actually knew that she had this since she were born. Mostly just her family, Illiad, and the associates that he had. And Selena of course.

Yet now, even before the question were asked, she knew that she'd have to bring up the topic again. Soon as the brush fell, and the curious looks started, it were bound to happen. Question just remained: Should she be honest, or tell them that she were just an affected one?

On 9/11/2020 at 1:29 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Um... Miss Void... why can't my magic get close to you?"

"...It's an uhm... Family a-affliction, of sorts. Ever since my sister and I w-were born, we couldn't be touched by magic. It f-fizzles out near us. Unless it's strong, like c-curse magic. We just keep it down then, long as we're n-nearby. Some r-really bad ponies got hold of us w-when it were found out, and put us in a facility. Like you were s-sadly in too. We were t-there until we got old enough, and managed escape. The place uhm... It's part of why I have a false l-leg. And eye."

Void would tap her false eye a few times, to make it more apparent, that it were glassy. Glass had a certain way of going *tink tink* when you patted it, with the tip of a hoof, that a real eye didn't do. The leg were open and easy to see, so since that hadn't fazed them at all, she didn't think it would be necessary to show that weren't real, nor that it were too much for them, to hear that she had a false eye. The leg were far more scary of a thing than this, so if this didn't even make them curious, surely this wouldn't be too much either. Though she wasn't gonna take it out right in front of them. There were a limit to how far she'd go, unless they asked about it.

"I made the eye m-myself actually. I'm pretty good at glass work, w-which you can see in the mosaics on the walls. I h-hope to have some more made for you soon, but it'd s a g-good start, I think. Shows off some of the l-local wildlife.

A-Anyway, you don't have to worry about the aura. It can't t-take away your magic. But if you touch me, you p-probably won't be able to cast a spell, until you get a l-little distance again. You can uhm... Come closer and t-try if it. It's completely safe."

If any of them wanted to try, she'd stand completely still. Though if they preferred not to get near her because of it, at least for now, she'd get that too. Not everyone liked being nullified.

As for what she told them... She figured at the time, that it were best they knew that she too, knew what it were like, to be in the clutches of the facility. Maybe if they understood that she were from a similar background, it would help them to trust her a little more, and know they had someone they could talk to about things.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So she'd try to interact with the ones she could up here, and see if any of them could get her some information.

Talking to anyone besides the bartender would give three options: Saying goodbye, asking if they knew where the owner was (which would glow as well as the secondary objective text when hovered over) and the microphone again. Each pony she asked gave a different answer, most indicating that they didn't know or had never seen him. Those that claimed to have seen him said he mostly stayed in the third floor pointing up to some mirrored windows that looked down on both levels of the casino, or in the theater, pointing towards the back of the casino.

If she used the microphone option the machine would listen for her to say something, then respond accordingly. (Try it some time.)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If that didn't work she'd wander around, and see if there were something else up here to interact with, that might be somewhat hidden, until she got closer.

When she had ascended to the second level there was an arrow matching the one over the box that pointed down whichever ramp was closest to her, but if she got far enough towards the back another arrow of the same type would point towards the back of the casino where it opened up to the rotunda, especially after she had spoken to a patron who told her the Owner was on the third floor or in the theater.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If that too didn't work she'd go downstairs, and see if she could go a direction she hadn't been before.

If she explored enough she'd find she could exit the casino through the front doors or access the rotunda through the back and from there get to the hotel areas or the theater.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Or something went on in the theater part.

A sign near the theater that she could interact with said that a show would be starting soon, put on by the Cheshire Performers, and free to all casino patrons.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I dunno. I have a guess as to what it's doing, but I can't say for sure. Keep your eyes open, just in case."

Arcade nodded, "Will do."

(Troy)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

A-Anyway, you don't have to worry about the aura. It can't t-take away your magic. But if you touch me, you p-probably won't be able to cast a spell, until you get a l-little distance again. You can uhm... Come closer and t-try if it. It's completely safe."

She had certainly drawn all the eyes in the room to her, even the foals had come over to the side of the crib closest to Void to see what was so interesting to their 'siblings'.

Teal put the brush down as Void explained, and they all looked saddened when they heard about what had happened to her, Ardee wincing while Toupé just looked down at her coat.

Teal was the only one who could actively test, and so came a bit closer and tried to cast some magic inside her field, only for it to fizzle out. She looked intrigued by the results. "It's... I don't know, like the magic is being sucked out of my horn as fast as I can charge it."

That got Toupé's attention and she started looking around for something, eventually finding a notepad to write on and a pencil to write with, "That's different... " She looked at Void, "Can you tell when someone's in your field? Do you gain energy from the magic broken by your field? Does it make you tired to suppress curses?"

Ardee would look concerned, more for Void at the potentially invasive questions, and would try to steer the subject away, "Now now... no need to get too personal about it, it's obviously not something she likes talking about. It's high time we all got some sleep anyway." They seemed sad about having to go to bed, but their excitement quickly returned as they saw the beds that had been prepared. They went to push on them and looked surprised that they had some give to them, Elef was the first to ask, "Um, are beds supposed to squish?"

Vale snorted in amusement but there was a bit of sadness in her eyes as she nodded, "Yes, beds are typically soft, some prefer them stiffer, and we can certainly switch them out if you don't like them..."

Teal climbed up onto one and flopped down, she lay still for a moment with her eyes wide before curling up then stretching out to spread herself across as much of it as she could, her smile grew to match her eyes, "It's so soft! Like the whole bed's made of pillows!"

Ardee watched as the rest climbed onto their beds, the foals seemed to get the idea and started to settle down. Ardee looked up at the lights before turning back to the trio of mares, she looked like there was a lot she wanted to say, but didn't know how to say it. She eventually said, looking at Void, "Could I talk to you... in private?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she used the microphone option the machine would listen for her to say something, then respond accordingly.

So, these NPC's were frankly useless. All she got to learn, were that the big one on top, were literally a floor above her, or in the theater. Guess it wasn't nothing, but it seemed like there should be more here, right? Maybe if she used one of the other options...

Circling back to the first one who'd say that the boss might be in the theater, she'd press the microphone option, and sit in silence for a few seconds. Then suddenly, she'd be trying to throw caution to the wind, and just blurt something out to the machine.

"How does the owner look like?"

Seemed an important thing to know, and she'd get to test things like this. With a perfectly innocent question, were she weren't risking anything, by asking it. Not unless the boss were hideous, and hated when anything came up, related to his appearance. Some ugly folks had a real hard time with that sort. Not that she could blame. She had it the same way, when it came to comments about her height.

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

but if she got far enough towards the back another arrow of the same type would point towards the back of the casino where it opened up to the rotunda

Whatever happened, she'd start to look around,a nd would eventually find a third arrow, leading her somewhere. Which turned out to be the rotunda. And judging by where she now were, and how the theater had been mentioned, she were heading that way. Seemed her best bet for now.

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

A sign near the theater that she could interact with said that a show would be starting soon, put on by the Cheshire Performers, and free to all casino patrons.

Huh, the performer hive were setting a show up? Hard to say if it were before, or after the queen were supposedly lost though, judging by it being called the *Cheshire Performers*. Might just as well be a dual act, performed by the few remaining that she had seen, meant for a time when they hadn't been too busy to do something here. Or it were all just a weird hoax, but she still got a nagging feeling that there were something real about this. She just couldn't say for sure though, if she were just being paranoid. Something appeared a little off, for some reason.

(Troy)

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"It's... I don't know, like the magic is being sucked out of my horn as fast as I can charge it."

"I've heard o-others describe it as feeling like there's a woolen cloth over their senses, dulling things down. Even h-heard one say it were like wandering into complete silence. I think it m-might depend on whoever you are. Maybe something to d-do with their type of magic."

And those were among the kinder things. Others still, had screamed about feeling like they were drowning, were sure that life itself were ebbing out of them, or just started to scream, and didn't stop, until the sisters had long since run away. It were not all of course. The majority just felt like there were something a bit off, and like their magic were being hampered for some reason. Sometimes if they got lucky, it would just be seen as a weird fluke by the one in question, while her and Null scurried along, and they'd shrug their shoulders. Just a minor blip, right? Nothing to worry about there.

The way that Teal felt were on the kinder spectrum of things, and these other variants, were not something that Void would be all that thrilled to share right now. They had experienced enough, without knowing that for some beings, having their magic nullified by Void, or her sister, were a seemingly horrifying, and/or painful experience.

Turned out there were more questions to answer though, as soon after, the inquisitive little Toupé's attention, and she procured a notepad and a pen, to take notes with. Reminded Void a lot about her parents really. Their father especially. Always scribbling down things, saying he were getting ideas for a book, and had to write them down before he forgot.

...It were a little hard to swallow, to eventually learn what he were actually doing...

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That's different... " She looked at Void, "Can you tell when someone's in your field? Do you gain energy from the magic broken by your field? Does it make you tired to suppress curses?"

 

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Now now... no need to get too personal about it, it's obviously not something she likes talking about. It's high time we all got some sleep anyway."

"It's okay. I can uhm... A-Answer this quickly, and then we can follow up another time.

I can't feel when t-there's someone standing in my field. Only if they start acting odd. And I d-don't get anything from the magic. It just k-kinda... Fizzles out, harmlessly."

A quick answer, which would hopefully satisfy Toupé for the time being, and not make her lay awake with all sorts of questions, roaming around her head. Void knew well how that could make you quite restless.

Though it didn't seem like they'd be getting a lack of rest, considering how they reacted to their new beds. Much better than the hard surfaces they had usually slept on, judging by what they said. Perhaps something that'd take a bit of time to get used to for some, but they seemed to get to it well. Especially Teal, who looked happy as a clam, to have something soft to sleep on. Only problem realistically, from what Void could see, would be to get them up in the morning. Which quite frankly, were a very harmless, non-problem for them to have.

Soon enough, the light would be hanging over the nesting foals, and Void would get ready to wish the foals a good rest. They were likely needing it, after the hard day, on top of a hard life, they had today. Anyone would need a sanctuary after that.

On 9/13/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Could I talk to you... in private?"

This was a susprise. And kinda worrying too, at the same time. Were something wrong perhaps? Did... Did she do something she shouldn't have?

No. No. She just... Needed a chat about something, which she didn't feel like sharing with the others. It'd be fine. It'd all be perfectly fine.

"Uhm... Yeah, s-sure. Where would you l-like to talk, Ardee?"

Void would follow the foal where she'd want to go, to have the talk. And all the while, she'd be dancing between trying to convince herself that everything were okay, and worry that Ardee were going to say something bad to her. Like she hated her, and wanted to never lay eyes on her again, or something like that. An unreasonable response, but paranoia were seldom a kind mistress, and she still had it in her, even after Troy helped her to calm down some. Especially these days, when Null were out on her dangerous mission, all by her lonesome.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"How does the owner look like?"

As she spoke the words appeared on the screen as a new dialogue option, the pony she was talking to, a stallion in a bowler hat and a vest, described the owner as pink eyes, white coat, black mane. Sounded like an albino who dyed their mane, might be why he didn't show his face much on the floor.

Arcade looked over in a bit of surprise and some worry, "Um... are you talking to the machine?"

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Huh, the performer hive were setting a show up? Hard to say if it were before, or after the queen were supposedly lost though, judging by it being called the *Cheshire Performers*.

If she examined closer she'd find that none of the performers pictured were changelings, further there was a date on the poster, which was today... five years ago. Which would have been the same year as the Royal Wedding.

(Troy)

Ardee would lead the way out the door into the hallway, only when the door was shut behind them did she relax. It was apparent that Ardee was wise beyond her years, or aged by her experiences thus far. She looked at the gathered mares with her tired eyes before she shook her head with tears, "This... it's too much. We don't deserve all this. I want to think that this is all a trick, another test... but that would be too simple and far too elaborate for even Mistress to pull off. Still," her expression was more hopeful as she looked at Void, "This... is all real isn't it? Arcade seemed to trust... I'm guessing it was your sister... enough to leave us, so maybe I can trust you all too."

She'd wait for Void to respond and, assuming she responds affirmatively, would continue: "I've... pretty much been a mother to them since Mistress left. If we're going to stay in your care there are things you should know. Things they shouldn't be burdened with. We... we're... well, we were supposed to be clones. But we didn't come out right, do they called us doppelgangers. Arcade and I were in the first batches, they were going to dispose of us if Mistress hadn't stopped them, hadn't convinced them we were useful. That's where Arcade got his name, RKD, Reject: Kill/Destroy. The rest don't know, shouldn't be burdened by the knowledge that they aren't real ponies."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/15/2020 at 3:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Um... are you talking to the machine?"

"It said I could, and it worked. I dunno how. I'm not a tech head."

Some sorta microphone she supposed, but beyond that, it could be ethereal pixies, transporting her words via small, invisible nets, or something like that.

...Also, she hoped those sort of things were not an actual thing. Pixies were annoying troublemakers to begin with. Give them the option of being invisible and steal words, and it were just begging for some sort of disaster to happen.

On 9/15/2020 at 3:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she examined closer she'd find that none of the performers pictured were changelings, further there was a date on the poster, which was today... five years ago. Which would have been the same year as the Royal Wedding.

The date meant little more to Null, than it proving that it were a few years before the crisis took place. She had not been in Equestria long enough to hear much about Princess Cadence, nor would've liked cared about her wedding. She were still pretty angry and paranoid about others at that point, and barely started to feel somewhat relaxed, when the facility stole Void and her away.

As for the Cheshire Performers performing back then, it made sense that none of the shown ones were changelings, as at that point, they were still seen mostly as scary stories in Equestria. Something you told your foals about, to scare them into staying with others, lest the big bad changeling would come out and drain you. Of course it were worse in some places, as there were more evidence of those, but at leas for Hive Cheshire, they were little more than a fairy tale. One with no known relations to Las Pegasus, as they never showed themselves in public, without being in disguise.

Oftentimes, they disguised themselves as nopony in particular, to not catch too much attention. It weren't too hard to make up your own look as a changeling after all, if you had a bit of imagination, or mixed and matched between those you've seen. Though at times when they snuck in to other performances, they would find one of the actors who were easy enough to deal with, make him or her fall asleep for the night, and then take their spots. All the while, another rummaged somewhere below the scene, collecting the precious joy they needed to survive.

It were amazing how little were made of it really. Sure it were a long time between they did this, to avoid suspicion, but it were still funny that barely an eyebrow were raised on some performers not remembering what they did. Chalk it up to vanity really. They got glowing reviews, as none of Cheshire's hive were slackers on stage, and they probably just assumed they had celebrated afterwards, and forgotten it. Or didn't want to raise a fuss, since then others might question if they were any good. And who in Las Pegasus, who touched the stage, weren't aiming for the stars? None, is the answer.

Though they did at times - in their self made disguises - make some street performances. And eventually, did get asked to perform some on actual stages. They couldn't go all in of course, as showing off their changeling abilities - which were more or less made for theater, in Cheshire's opinion - would expose them, and ruin everything. But they still had a great deal of fun, and enjoyed the times they got to traverse the stage.

Things got... Strained after the royal wedding attack though. Changeling got into the limelight in Equestria overnight, and not in a good way. If one were found, it were more or less assured that a lynch mob would track them, which meant that sadly, Hive Cheshire had to stop all overtaking of theater performers, and scale their stage performances down to smaller venues, where there were less scrutiny. Something they hid by saying that they were feeling stressed out, due to the attack, and a bit nervous to face too large gatherings for the time being. As some others felt the same, it were generally accepted.

Then however, came King Thorax, and everything changed more or less overnight once more. Suddenly, changelings got a change in society, long as they followed specific rules. Mostly about being open, not infiltrating at the same scale as before, and other precautionary measures like that. Frankly, Cheshire could've kissed Thorax right there and then, when the news got to Las Pegasus. Heck, she actually did so, when she eventually met him, as he got curious about the hive who had suddenly risen to prominence in Las Pegasus. A seemingly friendly one, by all accounts.

Man, the look on his face as it happened... There were still a few who recalled that moment with a degree of fondness, and a chuckle upon their faces. Poor Thorax had been flustered as all heck.

As for how they rose to prominence... Well, it took time. First step being that soon as the law came out, Cheshire took her entire hive, and went to the mayor's office. After getting an appointment, she revealed all of them to him, and sat through a long, strenuous talk with him about things. Which eventually ended in them getting the rundown old theater building that they inhabited, even if it were more or less set up to be demolished later that same year. Not after the repair they did though, no sire. They made sure it got good and safe again, whilst putting in the effort to make themselves a fine reputation.

A lot were still mistrustful of them, but they did their thing, and kept performances open and free for patrons for two months after they opened their doors, to allow everyone to check out things. They also welcomed as many guards as would like to show up, so that the guests could feel safe, and held as many lectures as they could get near, that'd allow them in, to spread awareness of themselves, and changelings in general. They pushed hard for others to understand them as best they could, as they bileved that transparency, were the only way to establish trust, and it had eventually worked. Slowly over time, they build a good reputation, and started to earn some bits on their shows too. Ticket prices varied though, as they wanted it to be inclusive, so those hard on their luck, paid less, whilst those truly wealthy, got more expensive tickets. Usually better seating too though, to make it fair. Also, those really down on their luck, who needed a smile now and again - such as the orphanage, or certain homeless - got free tickets handed to them in secret. Hive Cheshire were nothing, if not a caring bunch, and they believed in helping where they could. Be it with the food banks, handing out free performances, or assisting their own kin, who were having a tougher time than they, of adapting into society. It didn't matter to them, and even now, with their numbers dwindled to only three known, surviving members, they kept their ideals.

Regarding the present though, Null would make her character wander to the theater, and see what would happen in there. It were probably important. Especially if the owner were present.

(Troy)

On 9/15/2020 at 3:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"This... it's too much. We don't deserve all this. I want to think that this is all a trick, another test... but that would be too simple and far too elaborate for even Mistress to pull off. Still," her expression was more hopeful as she looked at Void, "This... is all real isn't it? Arcade seemed to trust... I'm guessing it was your sister... enough to leave us, so maybe I can trust you all too."

"Yes. That was my big s-sister, Null. She can be a little gruff, but Arcade is in good hooves around her.

And you can trust us, Ardee. We've all seen what the facilities can do to o-others, and there's hardly anyone who deserves that. Especially not a bunch of innocent foals like you. It's sickening it h-happened to you, and we're not aiming to make it get worse for you. We just w-want you to get a chance to live right. Everyone deserves that."

On 9/15/2020 at 3:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The rest don't know, shouldn't be burdened by the knowledge that they aren't real ponies."

Void couldn't stay back after that, and would wander forward, then bend her knees, and embrace Ardee. She were used to going down to this kind of height - or lower, really - to give a sisterly hug to someone, due to Null. Ardee were taller than that, but still, it were a detail that hardly mattered. At least to her.

"You're not them, Ardee. You're your own, special ponies, deserving of everything, that any pony have. A home. Beings who love you. A life, filled with your own goals and ambition- So what if you are clones? Each and every one of you, are wonderful foals, and anyone who thinks otherwise, will have to answer to me."

As were normal for these tender moments, it were as if her nervousness just melted away, for some reason. She never understood how that were the case, and she didn't much care to think about it in the moment. Such as now, were it didn't matter that there might be data to analyze, technically. All that mattered were the precious foal in her hooves, who needed to be reminded that she were worth just as much as anyone else. And gods help those who came around and tried to tell her otherwise.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It said I could, and it worked. I dunno how. I'm not a tech head."

Arcade looked a bit concerned but shrugged, "Just making sure you're not going crazy, you know, like those younger ponies the staff was talking about." He'd go back to observing their surroundings.

Entering the theater, it wasn't all that different from when they had been shown it earlier. The upper stages had been retracted, allowing all three levels to view the large bottom stage. The stage was set with some elaborate pieces considering the limitations of the screen.

There weren't many ponies in the seats, it looked like there was still some time until the play started.

On one side of the room there was a balcony, there was an arrow the same color as the secondary objective text pointing to it. The question was how she was supposed to get up there.

(Troy)

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Each and every one of you, are wonderful foals, and anyone who thinks otherwise, will have to answer to me.

Ardee was receptive to the embrace, a few more tears fell, but she seemed more relieved than anything else. Once the embrace ended she wiped the tears away but looked down, "I... it's nice to hear you believe in us... but," she pointed to her flank, "we don't have marks, not like you all... you have." she corrected herself as she saw that neither Vale nor Pen had marks. "The... they told us we wouldn't get any, because we weren't real ponies. I..." she interrupted herself with a yawn, "I should sleep. Will you three come back?"

Vale was quick to respond with a nod, "Pen and I live in this building actually," she pointed to the stairs at the end of the hallway, "Upstairs in the room marked 2106. You can come get us if you need anything, and we'll come to you tomorrow morning before breakfast."

Ardee seemed satisfied, and so returned to the room.

Once the door was closed Vale and Pen turned to Void, "She does have a point, They look about the age where they should be getting their marks, at least as far as I understand. Do you think there's merit in what the scientists said? Or perhaps their time in the facility didn't lend them to the self-actualization necessary for manifesting a mark?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/17/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Just making sure you're not going crazy, you know, like those younger ponies the staff was talking about."

"My sorta crazy involves violence. Unless I start trying to smash this thing to pieces, we're good."

Which would likely do nothing. Magical items - and cursed/possessed ones especially - tended to be immensely sturdy. She could likely bash this thing with a large mallet, and it'd hardly leave a dent. Though od course, no need to try and do that, unless something really out there happened, that pissed her off mighty well.

On 9/17/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

There weren't many ponies in the seats, it looked like there was still some time until the play started.

On one side of the room there was a balcony, there was an arrow the same color as the secondary objective text pointing to it. The question was how she was supposed to get up there.

Well, the easy way to get up there? Fly. Her avatar had a pair of wings too, so why not? She'd try to see if she could do that.

If that got her nowhere though, she'd have to look for alternatives. And gawking over this place... Maybe somewhere in the back, there were a staircase up, or something? Usually she'd see that sort of thing in smaller theaters too, the few times she had snuck into one. A fair chance this were the same.

So she's head for the back rows, and start to see if she could find a way. Of course, only if she could not just fly up there, which would be the easy solution. Which were likely why it wouldn't work. The machine wouldn't make this easy for her, right?

(Troy)

On 9/17/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I... it's nice to hear you believe in us... but," she pointed to her flank, "we don't have marks, not like you all... you have." she corrected herself as she saw that neither Vale nor Pen had marks. "The... they told us we wouldn't get any, because we weren't real ponies. I..." she interrupted herself with a yawn, "I should sleep. Will you three come back?"

Void were slow in letting go, but eventually, she would reluctantly do so, and give the poor dear a little more room again. She would've gone forward again in a heartbeat though, had she felt that Ardee were reaching out to her, to indicate that she didn't want this to end. Poor little thing had so much weighing her down, and so many bad thoughts about herself and the others. Things she were trying to juggle, whilst also attempting to deal with protecting the others under her care, even if she were barely older than them, judging by the looks of things...

Originally, Ardee had reminded her of a certain element wearer from Ponyville, but she were starting to remind Void more and more and Null. Back from before the things weighing on her, began to crush her to pieces. Gods be willing, she'd be able to save this one though, and not fail her, like she had Null. Starting by trying to help Ardee carry what were weighing her down, and ease her mind. A long process that'd be, but one starting with a reassurance about the thing she brought up here and now. The rest they'd get to as they arrived, and she felt like she were ready to share it with them.

"The marks varies for e-everyone, Ardee. My sister and I were born with ours, because what we did best, s-started there. Most get it when they're foals, around eight, w-when they start exploring varied things, and others, when they're older. And I'm sure that they never gave you the chance to go and t-try things, like regular foals did. There's still p-plenty of time for you to discover what your special gift is.

And uhm, I don't l-live here, but I'm not far away. If there's anything, Pen or Vale can get to me fairly q-quickly. Don't worry though, I'll be back around when you wake up, o-okay? I have to make sure you get some breakfast after all."

She'd smile, and say her goodnights to Ardee, as she wandered off to rest. There were a lot to tackle with the most stoic of the foals it seemed. Self confidence issues for a start, due to the facility... What horrible monsters would treat foals like that? Make them feel like they were just things. Very in line with how they had been treated themselves, and it were not comforting to hear that this were commonplace. Even if there were some logic to have a place to store dangerous things and beasts, these were neither. They were just foals. Peculiar ones, maybe, but not dangerous things that needed to be kept away from others.

On 9/17/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"She does have a point, They look about the age where they should be getting their marks, at least as far as I understand. Do you think there's merit in what the scientists said? Or perhaps their time in the facility didn't lend them to the self-actualization necessary for manifesting a mark?"

"They weren't scientists. They were monsters. You don't t-treat foals like they're things, and tell them they're worthless like this. That's not science. It's just t-torture."

Void actually sounded and felt a little angry as she talked about them. Nowhere near what Null got generally, but there were a certain want to hurt those, who hurt these foals. In a very direct, physical way, instead of the slow, mental abuse they fed to Ardee.

"But I don't know. I doubt they h-had the chance to try out things, and find their potential there, so they're probably just l-late bloomers. Even if they don't get their own though, it doesn't m-mean anything. I've known ponies who never had one, who w-were still doing well for themselves.

One of them were in P-Ponyville. A large thestral from the Night Guard, there to h-help Princess Twilight out a little. He were in his forties, with a g-good, long career in the guard. Never got his cutie mark, and he d-didn't care about it. Neither did his d-daughter, even though she had hers.

However it's gonna go, I think it's b-best that we introduce them to things, and see if maybe, they will get their c-cutie marks from trying something special. Even if they don't, it's i-important that they learn that it isn't what d-define them as ponies. It's just a sort of... Career g-guidance helper, I guess."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Well, the easy way to get up there? Fly. Her avatar had a pair of wings too, so why not? She'd try to see if she could do that.

If she wandered over so her avatar was adjacent to the box she'd get the prompt to interact and interacting would fly her up to the box. The seats there looked fancier than the seats below. They were unoccupied except for a well dressed pair. If she waited in the box for a few moments the Owner would arrive, arrow above his head.

Surprisingly enough, if she asked the owner for the key to the safe, he would give it to her. It would appear in a sort of inventory bar at the bottom of the screen, though it looked more like a badge than a key.

(Troy)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"They weren't scientists. They were monsters. You don't t-treat foals like they're things, and tell them they're worthless like this. That's not science. It's just t-torture."

Pen and Vale exchanged a look but didn't comment. They had both, to varying degrees of similarity, been researchers in the facility too. Vale more directly than Pen.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

However it's gonna go, I think it's b-best that we introduce them to things, and see if maybe, they will get their c-cutie marks from trying something special. Even if they don't, it's i-important that they learn that it isn't what d-define them as ponies. It's just a sort of... Career g-guidance helper, I guess.

Vale shrugged, "I suppose you would know better than I would, you having one and all. The researchers I worked with seemed to take great pride in theirs and their offsprings', and the D-class were quite distraught when we discovered a certain artifact could remove and replace their marks."

Nonetheless, it was getting late, and the pair turned to Void, "You should get some rest, we'll keep them safe until morning." "I hope you sleep better tonight than you did last time!"

With that they would go their separate ways.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/19/2020 at 6:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Surprisingly enough, if she asked the owner for the key to the safe, he would give it to her. It would appear in a sort of inventory bar at the bottom of the screen, though it looked more like a badge than a key.

"Uuuh... Thank you?"

She weren't sure what to say, or even if she were supposed to say something at all. It were just... Seriously, it were this easy to get the key? She had just landed up there, and then waited around, until he suddenly showed up, whilst she had been checking the balcony out. Ineracting then gave her the option to ask for the key, and then just like that, she were given it. What the hay, right? Really seemed like it should've been harder.

But she weren't gonna look a gift horse in the mouth, so soon as she got the key, and had uttered the few words, she were flying back downstairs, and looking to exit promptly, before he changed his opinion. Or sent some guards after her, maybe? Urgh... Probably best if she tried to see if she could get to the safe now then, right? If not, maybe she could go talk to the weird one upstairs now.

They'd see. First stop though, towards the safe. Though on the way, she would give a glance towards the top corner, just to see how far along the objective line it now said she were. If it hadn't moved, this were just getting even more bizarre. Almost as if the game were trolling her, or something.

(Troy)

"I'll try. Although... Can I ask you something, q-quickly?"

Void weren't sure how to bring this up, but as talks went on the facility, and now how Pen and Vale knew more intimately how it worked, it seemed best to just kinda... Jump into it.

"I know you two did something in the f-facilities, but I'd ask that you p-please, don't bring that up when the others can hear you. Or when I c-can. I like to think of you as f-friends, not another part of those p-places. And the foals need to feel safe, and away from those things. It'd maybe be b-best for us all, if you pretended like it d-didn't happen. Please?"

Whatever the answer might be - if any - Void would wish them both goodnight, and return home once more. After today, she weren't gonna try and work more than a half hour or so, before going to sleep. Yet she were still uneasy, and got little more than a few hours. Her dreams kept being haunted by the image of Null, beaten and bloodied somewhere, desperately reaching out for her. After the third variance of the sobbing voice of Null going *Lil' sis? Where are you?*, she stopped trying to sleep again, and would instead get on with preparing some breakfast for the foals, before packaging it down, and then get on with her other morning rituals. Including a longer than normal shower, as she tried to wash the uneasy sensation away from herself, after the vivid dreams she had experienced.

She'd also take that time to go through about a dozen or so varied prayers, begging whatever deity she knew of, to please keep Null safe. Most of said deities likely couldn't hear her, or refused to. Others might not be real. Yet she'd still try. It were all she were able to do for her now. And maybe if she did this enough times, she'd be able to convince herself that it were all she should do.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

Probably best if she tried to see if she could get to the safe now then, right?

She wouldn't encounter any resistance getting to the safe, the reason why would become apparent. Interacting with the safe was similar to interacting with the machines earlier, the view shifted to show the front of the safe in a first person view, the safe was fairly standard looking with a key hole that looked similar to the strange key she had been given. The animation showed her inserting the key, it jiggling, but not turning all the way.

It would exit the view to show that one of the staff had approached her to initiate dialogue, "The owner uses a unique lock. You won't be able to crack it easily. You aren't the first he's given a key to."

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

maybe she could go talk to the weird one upstairs now.

She would still not be able to interact with the stallion, 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If it hadn't moved, this were just getting even more bizarre.

While her main objective still sat at 1/5, her secondary objective had changed from getting the key to opening the safe.

(Troy)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I know you two did something in the f-facilities, but I'd ask that you p-please, don't bring that up when the others can hear you. Or when I c-can. I like to think of you as f-friends, not another part of those p-places. And the foals need to feel safe, and away from those things. It'd maybe be b-best for us all, if you pretended like it d-didn't happen. Please?"

They both looked a bit taken aback by Void's request, Vale more so than Pen. "Look, I know and understand that the two of you had some truly traumatic experiences in there. Director Bunsen... wasn't always like that. Still, I know not everyone who worked there were bad beings. I think they know that too if this Mistress they talk about is any indication. Toupé even wears a facility coat." She looked conflicted, but sighed, "If you think it's for the best..."

Void couldn't have known, nor was Vale willing to share, but the deer machinist who had saved her life was a prominent researcher for the facility and, unknown to both of them, currently was a member of the governing body of the same.

When Void returned to the building the clones were staying in she'd find Vale and Pen waiting about where they had been before they went their separate ways the previous night. Vale had her replacement ear against the door but quickly stood straight when Void came into view and blushed slightly, "Um... they sound like they're still asleep, which isn't surprising."

Pen had more direct concern, "You don't look so good... trouble sleeping?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/20/2020 at 11:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"The owner uses a unique lock. You won't be able to crack it easily. You aren't the first he's given a key to."

"Oh, that teasing- "

The next six seconds or so, would include Null letting out some... Colorful words, as she narrowed her eyes at the machine. Least she weren't shouting, but she were starting to feel like kicking something.

Of course it just wouldn't be this easy. She had a bit of concern over it, as she didn't see the objective in the corner change, yet it still stung to be baited like this. And she were more than happy to vocalize that. Though of course, it wouldn't get her anywhere, so she instead went to check the one upstairs. Still silent as the grave that one, so That were just Fantastic!

Urgh, how she hated these mind games... Fine, what else were there? Objective said to open the safe, the key were worth nothing... Okay, she had a bad idea, and were just gonna roll with it then, seeing as she couldn't spot any sort of explosives here, and her avatar were not exactly just gonna go and carry the safe away.

She'd head back towards the theater, and try to see if the performance had started. If it did, she'd see if it progressed while she were looking. If not, she'd likely eventually lose her patience, and go try something else. Though if it weren't going on yet, she'd try to find her way backstage somehow, even if she had to go in from the stage front. If these performers were the same as the Cheshire related folks she met so far, it meant they were changelings. Ones who were undiscovered, since the sign didn't say anything about it, and they'd probably like to keep it that way.

Time to see if she could go and extort some bug ponies, into helping her out. If it were to morph into a key that fit - if their kind could even do that - or run some mojo on the owner to make him cough up the real key, she didn't care. One way or another, that safe were gonna get opened.

(Troy)

On 9/20/2020 at 11:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They both looked a bit taken aback by Void's request, Vale more so than Pen. "Look, I know and understand that the two of you had some truly traumatic experiences in there. Director Bunsen... wasn't always like that. Still, I know not everyone who worked there were bad beings. I think they know that too if this Mistress they talk about is any indication. Toupé even wears a facility coat." She looked conflicted, but sighed, "If you think it's for the best..."

"I just t-think that it's best if they don't have to fear that we're r-running experiments on them. Maybe it's fine later, bu I j-just think it's best if they don't associates us with those places, in the w-wrong way.

It's your own choice of course, but I j-just fear that they'll get concerned about maybe going b-back there. Maybe I'm just being p-paranoid about this though. Maybe you're right, and the one who helped them e-escape is enough to make them see the bigger picture. You uhm.. Do w-what you think is best."

Void sure wished that she could see fully past things, but it wasn't easy, considering she too had gone through the facility, and been saved from it, by her own mistress. That being her parents. Yet she couldn't just look past the horrible, horrible place the facility had been, and especially not when she were kidnapped back there, and everyone just treated them like garbage. Just things that needed to be experimented on, instead of actual ponies. They even refused the bare minimum of decency, it were to use their actual names. Maybe... She might have glossed over something, and had to think over this some time, when there were time for this sort of thing. For now, she better get home, and get some rest.

On 9/20/2020 at 11:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Um... they sound like they're still asleep, which isn't surprising."

Pen had more direct concern, "You don't look so good... trouble sleeping?"

"A little, but I'll be fine. Are y-you two doing okay? It uhm... Seems like you were fiddling a-around with your ear. Were you just trying to find out if they w-were asleep, or is something wrong with it? I don't really understand... W-Well, anything about your mechanical s-side."

She were a glass blower, not a tech head. This were one of the things both her and Null had in common, beyond their curse, and came much from not really interacting with high tech all that much. Most places they went, weren't that advanced, and they couldn't exactly afford to buy all kinds of machines, or even try stuff like the arcade, on anything but special, rare occasions. So their personal interactions with these kinds of things weren't really up to speed.

Though even if it were, how Vale worked were a good deal beyond that, she'd guess. Sure she had heard about replacing some parts with metal, or even machine, but the way Vale were set up, it just seemed so much more, than a mere replacement. Hay, it even looked like it were more or less melting together with flesh, rather than being like a prosthetic. That were baffling to Void, quite frankly. How would this sort of thing just happen?

Well, it probably didn't. From what she understood, this wasn't natural. Though the details were still scarce. Or she had forgotten it all. Considering how little sleep she got, it wouldn't surprise her if a few things fled her mind right now.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She'd head back towards the theater, and try to see if the performance had started. If it did, she'd see if it progressed while she were looking

The play had in fact begun, or was just starting when she returned to the theater. As she watched the actors went about their places on the stage, and their lines appeared as bubbles of text near them. If Null knew anything about popular plays she might recognize that they were doing a rendition of Stalliongrad, a play based on the life of the famous Lord Stalliongrad who, in the town of the same name, had unified all the crime elements in the city and married the most powerful mare in the city, Countess Dynamite. The play was considered a masterpiece in it's time, and the Cheshire Performers had once made a name for themselves as having performed the single best rendition of Stalliongrad in all of Equestria.

If she didn't know about it, then the sequence would be lost on her.

Nonetheless, there wouldn't appear to be any obvious way to get backstage from the theater, short of climbing up on the stage, which if she tried to do she would find that she could not.

Maybe there was a back entrance?

(Troy)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"A little, but I'll be fine. Are y-you two doing okay? It uhm... Seems like you were fiddling a-around with your ear. Were you just trying to find out if they w-were asleep, or is something wrong with it? I don't really understand... W-Well, anything about your mechanical s-side."

Vale looked sidelong at her ear with a bit of confusion before she realized what Void meant, "Oh! Nothing wrong here, I was just listening in to see if they were up and about yet, which they don't seem to be. But I do hear breathing, which means they haven't left, probably."

Pen smiled, "Let's go in quietly if we can, let them get as much sleep as they need."

When they entered they'd find that all the young ponies, minus the foals, had gone from their separate beds to being in a loose pile on Ardee's bed, the same being barely visible under the other three ponies.

The exception to all of them was Peal, the only one awake of the group, who seemed to have switched personalities with Piecey from the day before. She stood up at the edge of the crib when they came in and reached her hooves out, "Up!" she chirped.

If the three mares were quiet enough they wouldn't wake the sleeping ponies until breakfast was just about ready, depending on how aromatic the process was.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Sadly, Null had no idea of what were going on on the stage, and very little interest in theater in general. Always seemed like high end stuff for fancy ponies for her. Which in general, it were. It were what, a few hours at best, for a real high price? Not something that Void and her could afford. Closest they got were when they were still fillies, and they managed to sneak into some foal performances, by pretending they were with a group of other foals. It rarely gave them an option to see a show fully through, before questions were asked, but they'd get some small degree of entertainment. Y'know, beyond street performers, which were often around and showing off for a few bits here and there. They'd have some fun watching that too at times.

Though in both cases, it were nothing related to this play, or any other of the higher end productions, so the performance were lost on her. A shame likely. It seemed like the small figures, were doing what she assumed were a fairly good performance.

maybe one day when all the fighting were done, she'd have the time to sit back, and enjoy stuff like this. Y'know, just in the real world. But what were the chance that it'd ever end? Not very high, she'd recon.

Though interrupting the show seemed rude, she'd still try and see if she could enter from the side of the stage, where she wouldn't get too much in the way, but found that the scene itself were blocked. Maybe by a force field or something? She didn't know, and frankly, didn't care. She had to try something else, rather than act like a fly, and keep bouncing against it, in hopes of it suddenly vanishing. That got boring after the first three attempts.

So... What now then? Give up, or look for a way to go backstage?

Peh, giving up were for chumps. Had to be some sort of way to get in there. The performers did after all, right? Had to mean that she could find a way too. Or if not that, maybe run into whoever of these changelings were harvesting for the performers. Probably somewhere beneath the seats if it were.

...Wait, hadn't she heard somewhere before, that some stages had trap doors in them? Maybe if she could find her way beneath the stage, there'd be a path to find that, and sneak up from there. Worth a shot, right?

So she'd wander to the back of the theater, and start trying to find some sort of small side door, hatch, or general path to go behind and below the seats, in case there were open somewhere. So if there were no open path, she'd probably have to just go against all the walls back there, and see if some sort of interaction option popped up.

(Troy)

On 9/23/2020 at 3:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The exception to all of them was Peal, the only one awake of the group, who seemed to have switched personalities with Piecey from the day before. She stood up at the edge of the crib when they came in and reached her hooves out, "Up!" she chirped.

Well, that was a susprise, considering how shy she had been yesterday, But uhm... Well, maybe this could be a good bonding experience of sorts? Not for her yet though, sadly. She had to pack out, and finish preparations on breakfast. Plus, she weren't entirely sure if it were good that she held Peal just yet. She adored the little one, let there be no mistake about that, but her aura did have a way of affecting others, and well... She didn't want the rest of them to wake up, to Peal crying over feeling wrong.

Then again, things had seemed okay yesterday, even if she had been rather shy... And in case it came down to it, Void were familiar with how to change a diaper, or hold an infant, due to some past experiences where she took care of some. She couldn't say for sure if Pen or Vale were.

Tentatively, and quietly - beyond the low clack of her wooden leg hitting the floor - she'd make her way towards the crib, where one in two things would happen.

1. If Peal didn't try to hide away from Void, or scurry away when she got closer, and tried to carefully reach a hoof out towards the foal. If that were the case, Void would attempt to pick her up, and cup the little thing gently on her bend leg, so that she could be held high, and close to Void's upper chest. It'd mean she had to walk with three legs, but it wasn't the most debilitating things. Just meant she'd have to walk slower, and with more focus, to avoid limping forward.

She have a good look down on the little thing, sitting in her grasp, and find that a soft, kind smile just refused to leave her face. Neither could she - nor really cared to try - stop a warm feeling that spread in her chest, as she held this little one.

She always dreamed of one day, having a foal of two of her own, and make sure they got raised up right. Sure it wasn't all a dance on roses, but home, husband, and family, were something which Null had promised her that she'd one day, be able to find for her little sister. And well... Void had always hoped it would happen. And now with home found, at least the first of three would have come to fruition, and standing here with a foal in her careful grasp, made her think about the next parts yet again. Something which were realistically far off honestly, as she didn't even have a coltfriend. She barely even knew anyone locally, outside of work too, and so far, she hadn't been seeing anyone making advances towards her. Though she couldn't rule out, that maybe someone had tried to, and Null had gotten overprotective without her seeing it. That wasn't exactly unheard of, in her life.

2. In case Peal did not seem welcome to her presence, Void would back down, and turn towards Vale and Pen.

"I think she's still n-nervous about me. Maybe one of y-you should try and pick her up?"

She'd say this with a bit of a glint in her eyes. A slightly hurt expression, that came from her wanting to connect to the infants as well, and not just Ardee and the other, more mature foals. Getting rejected - whilst understandable - were still a little hurtful. Though she weren't gonna bring this up, or vocally acknowledge it were the case. She'd just say her thing, and move over to start unpacking breakfast. Which were mostly prepared. It were just some yogurt and varied fruit bits, of which she had already cut them up earlier, since she couldn't sleep. She'd just have to unpack them from the boxes, and then make sure the yogurt were still good. Hadn't been too long they'd been out now, so it should still be perfectly fine.

One might wonder how you got yogurt in the desert, since they weren't exactly surrounded by cows, but anyone who knew the answer were wiser off not telling others. Much like with how in Harrowmark, they got their sugary taste from crushing certain bugs, Troy had some... Alternative ways to deal with things in a tough situation. Long as you didn't think too much on where it came from. It made certain beings squeamish, despite it still being perfectly nutrient and tasteful. if a little spicier at times.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So she'd wander to the back of the theater, and start trying to find some sort of small side door, hatch, or general path to go behind and below the seats, in case there were open somewhere. So if there were no open path, she'd probably have to just go against all the walls back there, and see if some sort of interaction option popped up.

Null would only find a way backstage if she went out of the theater itself. Adjacent to the main entrance she'd be able to find a door that led to a hallway which exited the casino out the back. To one side there was a loading dock and a door marked Backstage, to the other there was a sort of shed looking building that was outlined similar to the tables when they had been mentioned by a staff member. Had someone mentioned that building?

If she went backstage she'd find herself in a room full of ponies in varying states of preparation to go onstage. None of them appeared to be changelings, though if she tried to approach or interact with them she'd be stopped by a guard, "Performers only miss. Best you went back the way you came."

(Troy)

Peal bounced a bit as Void got close, a small smile growing on her face, and she would let Void pick her up. She wouldn't stay still long though, and would do her best to climb over Void's whither to get on her back where she would sit, occasionally using her wings to stabilize herself as Void moved.

She would start to fuss if Void didn't let her climb on her back, and if Void resisted long enough Peal would cross her hooves and say "Down!" If Void set her down she wouldn't waste much time before nimbly jumping up onto her back. She would not be dissuaded from her chosen pearch.

Vale and Pen would watch the exchange with amusement while they looked over what Void had brought, "Seems she's warmed up to you, or at least finds you convenient. What are we making for them today? Any way we can help?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"Yeah yeah, whatever. I can wait til the show's over."

Seemed like they got themselves a goon. Might be another changeling, though her best bet, were that he were working for the hotel. had to keep the talent safe and snuggly, right? Especially if they really were as good as rumors so far had it. Fans could be crazy, and they wouldn't wanna risk getting into a situation where they had to chose between getting real hurt, if they stayed in character. Or reveal themselves, and be in even bigger trouble.

Regardless, not much she could do now, with the muscle here. Beyond potentially beating the tar out of him of course, but then she'd be on a timer, and she still weren't sure if they were of any use to her. Might make her lose the game if she went for that approach, and calling them out - if this one were indeed hotel staff - wouldn't help her either. Then they'd be thrown out, and they'd definitely not be of any help to her. Frankly they might start to actively work against her.

Best she had to do right now, were to give it a bit of time and look elsewhere. And going towards here, she did have another option, that she could now go check up on. One of some significance she'd wager, as according to one of the sprites from the start, this machine here, were made in a workshop behind the casino. Sure this didn't look like much more than a shed, but inventive types had all sorts of weird places they worked in. She'd seen everything from a hole dug twenty meters down, to a cave he'd run some pipes out of, to make sure there were ventilation, to big, well armed buildings. It tended to depend on the budget, and paranoia of the ones in question.

So after she had spoken to the machine again - as she assumed so far, that anything she said there, when interacting  with another, would translate as in game dialogue - she'd turn around, and start heading for that one instead. They'd see if there were anything worthwhile there, or if at least, it'd spent some time, so that she could come back here later, and find an opening.

She'd only stay behind, in case anyone in game, started talking before she left. You never knew, though she doubted it.

(Troy)

On 9/25/2020 at 1:14 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Peal bounced a bit as Void got close, a small smile growing on her face, and she would let Void pick her up. She wouldn't stay still long though, and would do her best to climb over Void's whither to get on her back where she would sit, occasionally using her wings to stabilize herself as Void moved.

She wouldn't have to fuss at all, as Void would gladly let the little one up on her back, though she didn't move before she were sure that Peal were stable up there. And even after it seemed like the adorable little thing, were secure, and managed to keep her balance, Void would walk very carefully, to not make it harder for her.

If at any point, it seemed like Peal were slipping, she'd drop whatever she carried, and grab her, before she fell. Whatever she held on her, could be picked up, replaced, or repaired. The infant were far more precious than anything, that fell into those categories. And yes, that included if her eye fell out, or the leg wobbled off, as unlikely as that would be.

On 9/25/2020 at 1:14 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Seems she's warmed up to you, or at least finds you convenient. What are we making for them today? Any way we can help?"

"It's very similar to when Null sits on me, even if Peal is a little smaller. And more adorable."

Void would reach a leg up, and try to gently stroke the high reaching filly. Funny how it went with small ones, and wanting to reach high places, but she didn't mind. She were a tall, robust mare, so she were used to this sort of thing. It were just mostly from Null when it were. She didn't mind this variation though. Quite frankly, she more than welcomed it. It made her feel calmer than she had in days now.

"If you can find some bowls and spoons, that would be helpful, thank you. I cut up the fruits and nuts earlier, and the yogurt should still be good, since I kept it as cold as possible, to keep it fresh. Once the bowls are set up, and I get the things unpacked, we should start waking them up for breakfast though. Before it goes bad.

Come on Peal. I could sure use someone special like you, to taste test the yogurt."

Void would wander over to the kitchen with a big smile on her face, and begin to unpack things from her saddlebags. Though the thing about Peal's safety going first, remained. Even if it meant she'd drop the container of Yogurt, and have some of it spill out. As said: Everything could be replaced, except for them. Even if the fall wasn't great, there would be no reason to risk it.

Though of course, Peal might act nice, and instead curiously try to reach out for these things. In which case, she'd be put up on the table, and Void would give her small test samples, and dole around her as if she were the filly's actual mother. Which were incredibly unlikely, but who knew what sort of thing they had cobbled up, whilst cloning? For all she knew, there were more to it, than merely taking the exact DNA of for example the princesses, and try to copy that over.

Though she weren't thinking about that at all. That sort of scientific mumbo jumbo were far above her to grasp, and her paranoia did not cover the facility potentially saving, and subsequently using, some of Null or hers genetic material, in any sort of way. She'd just focus on getting breakfast ready, whilst keeping a close eye on this adorable little bundle of joy.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

The bouncer guard didn't respond to her statement, and wouldn't react unless she had tried to get past him.

Going back to the highlighted shed, there'd be an interact button on one side that switched the view back to first person. There was a door that was slightly ajar, on the face of the door was the same logo she had seen on the side of the game.

If she pressed to interact again she would enter the shed.

The view went back to overhead, the shed was small inside, about the size of a bedroom in total, against one wall was a bed, against the other three were desks covered in scattered papers and arcade machines in varying states of repair. In the middle of the room was a faded chalk outline of a pony, like one would see at a crime scene. At one of the desks there was a young mare with disheveled mane and unkempt tail, she was muttering to herself, which appeared in a bubble next to her head, "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you explain this to me again, please?" She didn't seem to notice Null.

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It's very similar to when Null sits on me, even if Peal is a little smaller. And more adorable."

Void would reach a leg up, and try to gently stroke the high reaching filly. Funny how it went with small ones, and wanting to reach high places, but she didn't mind. She were a tall, robust mare, so she were used to this sort of thing. It were just mostly from Null when it were. She didn't mind this variation though. Quite frankly, she more than welcomed it. It made her feel calmer than she had in days now.

Peal giggled at the attention, though remained catlike in regards to the direct affection, avoiding Void's attempts to stroke her like it were a game, moving about and standing with the aid of her wings to avoid her hoof. She seemed to recognize she was being talked about.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If you can find some bowls and spoons, that would be helpful, thank you. I cut up the fruits and nuts earlier, and the yogurt should still be good, since I kept it as cold as possible, to keep it fresh. Once the bowls are set up, and I get the things unpacked, we should start waking them up for breakfast though. Before it goes bad.

Come on Peal. I could sure use someone special like you, to taste test the yogurt."

Pen and Vale looked about in the cupboards and quickly found the requested utensils so Void could begin.

Void regained Peal's interest by calling her name, whenever Void was standing still Peal would stand with her hind legs on her withers, her forelegs and chin on her head, in an attempt to look over Void's head to see what she was looking at and doing.

She seemed content to watch Void work, not reaching for anything, but if something was offered she would sniff at it before trying it.

She wasn't a big fan of the yogurt, "sour" she called it. (I imagine it's fine, just more tart than things she's had before if my knowledge of natural yoghurt is anything to go off of.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/26/2020 at 11:18 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Going back to the highlighted shed, there'd be an interact button on one side that switched the view back to first person. There was a door that was slightly ajar, on the face of the door was the same logo she had seen on the side of the game.

If she pressed to interact again she would enter the shed.

So she were right in this being important then, judging by the mark. That was good. might actually get her somewhere then, by following this lead. Or it'd be a great big waste of time. With this game, she wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case. But she had no other idea what to do right now, so hey, mystery path it were.

On 9/26/2020 at 11:18 PM, Illiad Easle said:

At one of the desks there was a young mare with disheveled mane and unkempt tail, she was muttering to herself, which appeared in a bubble next to her head, "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you explain this to me again, please?" She didn't seem to notice Null.

So a little hut, in the middle of nowhere, with what seemed to be a former murder scene on the floor. Weren't this quaint?

Honestly, it kinda was. A little small, and a real mess, but it did give it a kind of homely style to it. And as one who liked to work, to keep her mind off things, she could say that if she were into machines, this is pretty much how her hub would look as well. Just projects everywhere, though she might have them finished, before moving on. Machines were more difficult though, she'd wager.

Seemed like it were run by a mare who were currently thinking about something else, and weren't paying much attention to Null. It seemed as if she were having a conversation though, so maybe she were having a chat with someone on some sort of phone, maybe? Or she were crazy. It'd explain the machine she were currently playing, if that were the case.

Huh... Wouldn't it be something, if this were the maker, who died, and had their spirit posses the machine. Thus causing it to make others go bonkers? it was a theory at least, worth keeping in mind, she supposed. Like with the other half dozen or so ideas, she had so far, that didn't go many places.

Seemed like the first action to take here, would be to try and interact with the mare, and see if something came of it. So Null's char would move over, and try to interact with the sprite. With some degree of luck, her character wasn't about to get a screwdriver in the eye, or something.

Again, this mare might be crazy. She looked a little unhinged at least, judging by her appearance, and talking to seemingly no one. But they'd see what'd cme of this.

(Troy)

"I know Peal, but that's why we have the sweet fruits. Here, try it with a bit of strawberry. It helps."

Void would cut a small bit of strawberry from one of the already cut pieces, and dip it gently in the yogurt, just to give it a small tinge of the taste, before reaching it up towards Peal.

If she'd accept it or not, Void would make sure that Peal's portion, were generally low on yogurt, and more heavy on the fruit. The sweeter variant. She'd need to get used to the sour taste eventually, but at her age, it were understandable that she wanted it sweet. What foal didn't?

Figuring that it might be much the same for her sister, she'd keep that in mind, as she prepared the varied bowls. Mainly by after finishing Peal's, to not add toppings to any of the others, and instead have them put forth in the small containers she had brought them here in., Might be better if they all decided for themselves, what they wanted to eat out of this.

"I'm almost done. Do you think you could wake the rest of them?"