private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Her avatar would hoof over the gun, and the mare would take it over to a workbench, hit it a few times with a hammer, then return it to her. "I hope things go well for you."

Once she got the gun back her secondary objective updated: "Leave town."

Didn't seem like there was a reply option to wither of the two things she had just been said, so there wasn't much she could add to it. Though she sure thought some things on it.

The first one, being what it might be that the sister had wanted to show to her, but were unable to, before her untimely death. It were likely something with Cabinet Mare, if she were to venture a guess, and it might well have been accidentally activated. Could well be what trapped her soul here, as thus far she felt pretty sure that this were the very thing that had happened to the mare. Some things just didn't make her seem like a simple NPC, and if the chance were there, she'd try to see if she couldn't get her spirit out of here. Being trapped like this seemed wrong.

Maybe completing the game would help on this in some fashion? Sounded a bit like there were some sort of connection between the game and this one, so maybe completing it, would open the lock, so to speak. Time would tell perhaps.

As for the second one, she would vocalize that, so Arcade and whoever he were talking with, could hear her.

"...Alright, this game's weird. I got the safe opened finally, ended up with a revolver, and now it tells me to leave town. Better be in game. I ain't getting scared away that easily in real life."

Famous last words for some likely. Though for the game, unless it did something to her, she'd start to move her character towards the exit she had passed through before, to see the guards. There'd likely be an option for her to move even further out from there, that she could go with, and see what'd come.

IN case it did do something to insinuate that it wanted her to leave town in real life, she'd get stubborn, and likely a bit miffed. No glorified Pacpony game were gonna chase her away from her vengeance that easily.

(Troy)

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Was she a good pony? Were... were they all good ponies?"

"They w-were, yes. To Equestria, they were h-heroes in fact, and though we d-didn't get to know them for long, we didn't h-hear much bad against them.

They weren't p-perfect though. Twilight were very i-intense, and uhm... Rainbow Dash seemed to be a l-little overconfident and reckless. Rarity and Pinkie Pie didn't u-understand much about personal space e-either, and well... More things. No one is p-perfect though. What matters is that you t-try to be the best pony you can be. You don't have to be more e-exceptional than that."

Her parents used to tell her that, in times when Null and her were unsure what their purpose were, and what it were that others were expecting of them. The way others around them acted and looked, did at times get to them after all, and it wasn't like they gave any answers to the foals, so they asked their parents, who just assured them in varied ways, to make them feel better. Telling them what she had now told Ardee, were one of the more used ones, when the topic came to whatever or not they expected something from them, and what it were.

Of course they knew now that they were all either guarding them, or studying them, in their own ways, but it hadn't been something they could understand at the time. How could they? They were small fillies. To them, it just looked like everyone looked at them in a way, as if they wanted to say something. And since they were always silent, they started to believe it were something bad.

In hindsight, the answer they got too from their parents, were rather cheesy, and a little flat perhaps. But at the time, it had meant the world. The difference between what a silent, judging face did, and what a smiling, comforting one replied, were large, and their parents had meant the world to them. It honestly sometimes amazed her that after losing them, they had managed to keep going. Even with all the damage it had given them mentally, to add on to the physical ones. Turned out that it were worse than she had thought, when it came to Null, but that wasn't a thought, nor story, for this place. The fillies did not need to hear about this.

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I thought, when Arcade came in with her, that she was another one of us, that he had found others somewhere in the facility. She looked like one of the ones from a later batch. They weren't viable when Mistress took us away."

"Null were born that way, w-while I grew larger. It's a weird thing. As if we w-were meant to average out to two regular sized p-ponies. But that's just how life can be s-sometimes, and there w-were some perks. She w-were able to ride around on my back from we were t-ten. Sometimes that w-were useful.

And uhm... I'm s-sorry to hear about the others. It must have hurt your m-mistress to leave some behind like t-that."

With some luck, or decency, she had terminated the unviable ones. It sounded very harsh, but if they were not able to survive outside of where they were at the time, the kindest would be to end their suffering. It were more merciful than to leave them with the facility, and have them do gods knows what to them, just to try and see what they did wrong.

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Since he was born with it, it didn't seem to affect him much. His magic did look different than other unicorns' though. He told me once that he had to approach spells differently."

"It's good that it s-still works at least, even if he have to use it in odd w-ways to make it function. He m-must be a smart pony to figure that sort out, w-when most I know of, have to go at spells rather s-standardly."

She almost went on, but figured they didn't want to know about witches and the like, who used magic, even without having a horn. They'd likely ask in more, and then came explanations about ways that could happen, which included the forbidden Sacrificial school of magic, and well... It'd just be dark and gloomy. They didn't need to hear that, and she might let it slip, until she had better examples in mind. Something to think of another time perhaps.

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Maybe, I could see them growing up, they've already grown so much, but these two... I don't know if I could leave them any time soon."

"You d-don't have to leave, if you don't want to, Ardee. Troy is a good place now, and it's safe. If you w-wanted to be there and make sure they did well, you could do that. Maybe even become a town protector of s-sorts? I don't know wing combat, but I could show you a few other things for self defense if it were. Though you have a long time to think about it. There's not anyone that's going to try and force you apart."

She'd pat the filly on the head, as her voice started to shake less, and she got calmer. These sweeter, emotional moments, helped her nerves. And seeing how Ardee cared for, and worried of the foals, and the infants especially, were deeply touching. She were a good big sister for all of them.

On 10/23/2020 at 6:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee nodded, "When can we start then?"

"Hopefully soon, but we still have to wait for them to connect the oven. Soon as they d-do, we can start trying to make something. I'm thinking perhaps baking a pie? It takes some finesse, and handling heat well, but it's not too difficult. And it tastes great when it's done."

Void were hoping within the next three days to a week, but the workers had already surprised her a lot. It might end up being there sooner. Or it could take some time to get the pieces there, in which case they'd have to improvise eventually. The foals needed good, warm food too, not just could stuff.

"I promise you, that when everything is set up, you're gonna be the first one to help me in the kitchen. And don't get discouraged if it goes a little wrong at first. It takes a bit of trial and error to know your way around a dish properly, even if you follow the recipe right."

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Alright, this game's weird. I got the safe opened finally, ended up with a revolver, and now it tells me to leave town. Better be in game. I ain't getting scared away that easily in real life."

Arcade had a bit of a confused look to him, the young mare he was talking with giggled, "What? That old thing? Make someone leave town?"

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though for the game, unless it did something to her, she'd start to move her character towards the exit she had passed through before, to see the guards. There'd likely be an option for her to move even further out from there, that she could go with, and see what'd come.

Passing through the casino, if she took the most direct route she may not notice the staff member near the representation of the Cabinet Mare machine in the game.

There was also the likely chance that even if she did notice, she wouldn't care enough to interact with them on her path to complete her objective.

Exiting the casino there would be an arrow pointing to a carriage at one end of the scene, if she interacted with it she would be given the option to leave town, or stay.

If she leaves town: (Read only if she chooses to leave without interacting with anyone.)

Spoiler

Her avatar would board the carriage, and it would exit the scene. The screen would shift to show a silhouette of the carriage leaving town, text would slowly type across the screen. Having finished her secondary objectives, EVENT HORIZON left town, not knowing what adventures she would find herself in next.

She may have finished her quest, but she did not win the game. The game still holds many secrets yet to be discovered.

GAME OVER

Try again?

The game would ask her to pay this time if she wanted to try again.

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"They w-were, yes. To Equestria, they were h-heroes in fact, and though we d-didn't get to know them for long, we didn't h-hear much bad against them.

They weren't p-perfect though. Twilight were very i-intense, and uhm... Rainbow Dash seemed to be a l-little overconfident and reckless. Rarity and Pinkie Pie didn't u-understand much about personal space e-either, and well... More things. No one is p-perfect though. What matters is that you t-try to be the best pony you can be. You don't have to be more e-exceptional than that."

Ardee didn't seem too reassured by that. She sighed, "It's quite the shoes to fill, the shadow to live under. I had hoped... hoped they wouldn't have to try and live up to their baselines. But if they were heroes, well known ones even... you recognized us... I have no doubt others will see the resemblance too." She looked over, "I... is it better to tell them now? Before they find out from someone else? Or let them live not knowing, and hope they are not recognized."

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And uhm... I'm s-sorry to hear about the others. It must have hurt your m-mistress to leave some behind like t-that."

Ardee shook her head, "She knew, and we understood, there was nothing she could do for them. They couldn't survive outside of their tubes. There were a dozen of us at least when we started..." She looked like an idea struck her, "If it's not, um, taboo to ask..." she mulled for a bit on how to ask, "What are you supposed to do with a dead body?"

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

There's not anyone that's going to try and force you apart

She smiled at that, "We're all very grateful for that, that we get to be together here."

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I promise you, that when everything is set up, you're gonna be the first one to help me in the kitchen. And don't get discouraged if it goes a little wrong at first. It takes a bit of trial and error to know your way around a dish properly, even if you follow the recipe right."

Ardee nodded, "I look forward to it then."

She looked over at what the other ponies were learning before turning back to Void as she stood up. "I should probably join them, it wouldn't do to be the only one here who can't read or write. Can you keep an eye on Peal and Piecey for me?"

(You can either pick one of the ponies to interact with 1x1 if Void decides she wants to do that, or I'll get one to come up to her naturally for some 1x1 time.)

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"What? That old thing? Make someone leave town?"

"You'd be surprised what innocent looking things like this can do. Once you've seen a stuffed bear paralyzing, then eating folks alive, you get to learn than twisted minds enjoy making gullible folks fall for traps. The less it seems like it'd be able to hurt anyone, the better in their mind."

And this example wasn't just some sort of made up one, she pulled out off the top of her head. She had actively carried around said bear, after they discovered it in Harrowmark. Whatever twisted Wilderness Witch had crafted it, had seemingly set it around areas where others might pick it up, and then hope that some gullible pony, or diamond dog, would come around and think it had been dropped. Might be a teddy belonging to one of the nearby towns foals after all, right? Or they'd make a good present to your own offspring.

Most there were too smart to fall for that sort of thing, but as the saying went, the last idiot hasn't been born yet. There were always eventually someone who'd fall for it, and end up feeding themselves to this thing. Which as they had found out, were collecting life energy, to use for the creator. Though tough luck for whoever that were, as they didn't get it back again. The sisters saw the last few seconds of what it could do, and had taken it with them instantly. Weren't much time to think about it further than that, what with the pitchfork wielding mob chasing them away.

She could always give Harrowmark that. Most other places, torch and pitchfork-wielding mobs were more of a saying. But for them, it were an actual method they went with. Had to at least give them that they went with a classic, the way one should.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Exiting the casino there would be an arrow pointing to a carriage at one end of the scene, if she interacted with it she would be given the option to leave town, or stay.

Her hoof hovered over the options, ready to press *leave town*. It were the objective after all. Had to be what she were supposed to do, yes?

But then again... It were still a 4/5, and it felt like something were a little off. Maybe just the paranoia talking here, but...

She'd think for a few seconds, then press to stay, and would walk her character back to the casino. A last check through just to make sure, wouldn't hurt here, right? Not like there were a timer of any sort in the corner. She just had to start from Cabinet Mare, and then walk from there, to see if anything had changed.

The staff member near the machine were a different thing at least, that were for sure. Maybe she were right in going back here after all then. Or it'd be a red herring, and the game were just yanking her chain. They'd see soon enough. Not like this should stop her from just leaving later if it were, unless the character like, stabbed her or something. That'd suck.

Directing her character over, she'd interact with this character, and see what would come of it.

(Troy)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"It's quite the shoes to fill, the shadow to live under. I had hoped... hoped they wouldn't have to try and live up to their baselines. But if they were heroes, well known ones even... you recognized us... I have no doubt others will see the resemblance too." She looked over, "I... is it better to tell them now? Before they find out from someone else? Or let them live not knowing, and hope they are not recognized."

"I w-wouldn't tell them. And if anyone thinks you're them, just s-say that you've heard that one before, and move along. ponies a-aren't unique. Faces can be pretty close to others, and you're not l-looking exactly like them. None of you are.

You shouldn't p-put yourself next to them either, Ardee. They are w-what they are, and even if you look somewhat like t-them, that doesn't mean you have to fulfill t-their lives. You'll find your o-own wants and joys in life, and live it, j-just like any other pony will. Maybe you'll be a hero. Maybe y-you'll be a baker. Long as it makes you h-happy, that's the life you should live. Not what o-others expect from you."

Poor thing already had too many weights on her shoulders as it were, taking care of the other foals. She did not need these expectations making it an even heavier burden. Likely wouldn't have been the case either, if not for the scientists constantly comparing her to Rainbow Dash, and saying she weren't as good as her. Monsters the lot of them... Except for their mistress. Clearly another one working there, who were seemingly the only one with enough heart and spine, to go ahead and do something about it.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"She knew, and we understood, there was nothing she could do for them. They couldn't survive outside of their tubes. There were a dozen of us at least when we started..." She looked like an idea struck her, "If it's not, um, taboo to ask..." she mulled for a bit on how to ask, "What are you supposed to do with a dead body?"

Oh gods, this was going to be a rough one... Best answer this quickly, and then hope there were no follow ups. It'd be mighty awkward otherwise.

"W-Well, uhm... Depends on the c-culture, but most equine societies, b-buries or burns their dead."

In parts because it appeased the spirits, which caused less ghosts to stay behind. Something which everyone were interested in, since a wayward poltergeist could ruin a lot of things, and in general, any sort of haunting could be an issue Plus, the ghosts tended to be in pain, for reasons she weren't entirely sure about. The few ghost enthusiasts she knew of, had their own opinions on things, though she trusted this kind of medium she had met before more on this matter. Sullen Moment she were called. A mare draped in mourners garbs, wandering wherever the call came, according to her.

Far as she put it, there were never any single thing that made ghosts stay. There were were a lot of factors that could come into play there, but isolation, great, sudden trauma, and a feeling of injustice, were often things that could lead to it. Apparently, burying the spirits in whatever way their beliefs defined, tended to help ease them some, as it made them feel as if they were not forgotten, and nobody cared. Something with seeing their loved ones mourn also making them open their eyes, rather than grow blind to reality too, but that sounded a little odd, so she weren't sure about that. Seemed like there were bad sides to that too.

Not everyone were appeased easily though, which made those like Sullen needed, apparently. Folks who went out there, made connections, and tried to help them move on.

It had been a brief meeting honestly, but odd mares like that stuck out in her memory. Not exactly every day you saw someone wander a dark forest, wearing garbs like that. The bunch of candles floating around her, also did theirs to make her stand out.

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I should probably join them, it wouldn't do to be the only one here who can't read or write. Can you keep an eye on Peal and Piecey for me?"

"I'll do my best. Enjoy class."

She'd watch Ardee take off, and direct her attention to the two infants. One of whom were easier to grasp were were, as she were playing around in the crate like some sort of cat. The other likely needed to be scooped up though, which were who she'd aim for first, before she just wandered off on her own. Kids of most species, had a bad habit of doing that, soon as someone looked away for a few seconds.

"Hey there Piecey. Don't worry about Ardee, okay honey? She's just gonna be right over there."

Void would point over tot he others, were Ardee would be joining in on the class. Well within line of sight, which should help. Especially from this taller vantage point, that came from being cradled on one leg by a tall mare. Unless she didn't like the height, or wanted to come down to some sort of toy on the ground again. She'd let her go back on the floor in that case.

She'd also nudge to the cardboard box with her snout though, and chuckle a little before answering. Silly little box filly. How couldn't you adore her?

"I wonder who's in the box? Must be someone really sneaky."

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You'd be surprised what innocent looking things like this can do. Once you've seen a stuffed bear paralyzing, then eating folks alive, you get to learn than twisted minds enjoy making gullible folks fall for traps. The less it seems like it'd be able to hurt anyone, the better in their mind."

If Null turned her attention back at the pair she might catch that Arcade was telling her about some of the strange items he had encountered in the facility in vague terms. She seemed intrigued by his stories.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Directing her character over, she'd interact with this character, and see what would come of it.

Interacting with the staff member, the staff member would speak first, "You were playing Cabinet Mare earlier right? Was it working normal for you?"

Her only option was to say that it hadn't been working when she last came by.

The Staff would sigh, "Looks like we'll need to call in another maintenance pony. Don't go spreading this around, but, so far at least, every one we've called in to do maintenance on it has gone missing right after. Boss keeps it all under wraps."

She would be able to continue interacting with the staff, but her progress counter would update: 5/6. Wasn't it out of 5 just a moment ago?

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

and you're not l-looking exactly like them. None of you are.

"We... we were supposed to. Mistress told Arcade and Me when we first left, we were made to replace them if they died unexpectedly, and..." She sighed, a tear of two coming to her eyes, "I... I don't want that for me, nor for them. But I can't help but feel... what if that's what I'm supposed to do? I was made for that purpose after all..."

(There's a bit of a parallel here to something Null is going to encounter later, so remember this.)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"W-Well, uhm... Depends on the c-culture, but most equine societies, b-buries or burns their dead."

Ardee cringed at that, "We... we didn't do that. There was a spring connected to the place we were, clean water flowed in, then drained out somewhere deeper. We... we just pushed the bodies into the hole... let the draining water take them. Did we do wrong?" She seemed quite concerned about this.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'll do my best. Enjoy class."

Ardee nodded before setting out to join the others, Void could see as Ardee turned away how Ardee pulled in her emotions, pulled in and hid the worry and sadness she had just expressed to Void, and put on a tired smile to join the others so they wouldn't know.

(Sorry if she's getting too deep for you, I'm thinking that she hasn't had anyone to open up to in a very long time.)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey there Piecey. Don't worry about Ardee, okay honey? She's just gonna be right over there."

Piecey giggled at the attention, but didn't seem to concerned about Ardee for the moment, she was far more engrossed in the ring toy she had found, and was alternating between trying to eat it (It was far too large to fit in her mouth, like a teething ring) and hanging it on her horn. She would be content to let Void hold her, but wouldn't object to being set down, where she would try and put some other ring toys on her horn.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I wonder who's in the box? Must be someone really sneaky."

She would hear Peal stumble backward from the nudge to the box, but she would quickly yet quietly giggle before pushing the box back in the direction of Void, or whichever side Void had nudged it from.

(I think that's a good scene end, so if you want to jump ahead to later in the day just give a generalization of playing with the foals and we can move on. If you want to do more specific things that's fine too.)

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If Null turned her attention back at the pair she might catch that Arcade was telling her about some of the strange items he had encountered in the facility in vague terms. She seemed intrigued by his stories.

She barely noticed, but she did hear enough to make her think it best to later have a little talk with Arcade, about things to maybe not say. Especially not in a town, run by a monster like The Grey, who thrived off of information.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Looks like we'll need to call in another maintenance pony. Don't go spreading this around, but, so far at least, every one we've called in to do maintenance on it has gone missing right after. Boss keeps it all under wraps."

And now the machine in game, seemingly took away all maintenance folks who worked on it? Seemed like an important thing. And right on, the objective got to 5 now... Out of 6.

She'd curse some under her breath. Seemed like this machine couldn't even be trusted to keep that number in the corner correct. And here Null had went, and not used cheats, since she assumed this machine liked fair games. Seemed like that were a load of bogus.

*sigh* Since she weren't leaving the in game town, and now had no idea what to do, she weren't sure how to proceed here. Maybe she were supposed to see how it worked, when it were taken care of, and then find evidence of some sort that way?

She'd see if she could have more interactions with the staff member that held any sort of meaning to it, or the machine in game itself, but if neither worked, she would wander back to the workshop, and see if she could find out something new there, as that seemed an ideal place foe said things to be done, right? Though if not there... Maybe try and find the owner? last she had seen him, he were in the theater. Maybe he were there again, if a new show had started?

(Troy)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I... I don't want that for me, nor for them. But I can't help but feel... what if that's what I'm supposed to do? I was made for that purpose after all..."

Void would pull a hoof forth, and try to wipe the tears away from Ardee's eyes.

"That's what They wanted you to be, but that doesn't mean you Have to. You have the right to chose, and anyone who tells you that you were meant to be something, or that it were your destiny, is wrong. We chose our own fates, Ardee. And you have the same right to do that, as anyone else."

Poor thing. So many things on her shoulders, and now that she had some sort of breathing room to think over things, and were told she had freedom to chose for herself, she were confused. She had only been told one thing, and didn't have this sort of freedom before, so Void understood her. It were not easy to deal with this, but hopefully they could all help her to understand, that she were allowed to chose for herself, and that none of them were forced to be heroes. Yet it it kept going, it might get poignant to tell them, that the ones they were cloned from, were bound to return eventually. They weren't dead, and as such, they did not have to fill their shoes. Though it seemed like a lot to lay on them, so she would try and keep this back for now, unless needed.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"We... we didn't do that. There was a spring connected to the place we were, clean water flowed in, then drained out somewhere deeper. We... we just pushed the bodies into the hole... let the draining water take them. Did we do wrong?"

"No. Burial at sea isn't u-usually something that happens as much, but it is known to be a t-tradition for some. Or if not a tradition, then at l-least a want, to have their remains wander to the sea, where it m-may rest in the waves."

Granted, they normally were burned first, and their ashes spread, but that did not seem important. And there were still those who had their whole bodies buried at sea like this. Sea captains mostly, but still. Small details like that were not important right now. She were trying to comfort Ardee after all, not make her worry that her friends were left behind in ways that didn't seem proper. She had enough to deal with, without this fear piled on top.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

(I think that's a good scene end, so if you want to jump ahead to later in the day just give a generalization of playing with the foals and we can move on. If you want to do more specific things that's fine too.)

The foals and her had a lot of bonding time, but eventually, time did pass on, and much as Void didn't want to stop playing with these adorable little bundles of joy, she did have to raise her voice towards the class. Had to make sure something important were taken care of after all.

"Make sure to watch the clock. We wouldn't want the class to be late for their lunch break."

She had to go and get something first, as she hadn't expected she'd be here for this long, but someone else had to handle the infants then. No way could she risk taking them with her. Though maybe if Ardee wanted to, and were willing to wear a cover, she could bring her? Might help ease her mind, if she saw the workshop herself, and had an idea of the sort of things she might be working on later on.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She'd curse some under her breath. Seemed like this machine couldn't even be trusted to keep that number in the corner correct. And here Null had went, and not used cheats, since she assumed this machine liked fair games. Seemed like that were a load of bogus.

(It's almost as if the game doesn't want you to win...)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She'd see if she could have more interactions with the staff member that held any sort of meaning to it

She would be given the opportunity to offer to repair the machine herself, to which the staff member would respond with a shrug, "Your funeral... or rather, your mysterious disappearance. Come back after hours and they'll give you the key to the machine." He would then give her an access pass to get back in the casino after hours.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

or the machine in game itself

If she interacted now she would get the prompt that she needed to come back after hours with the maintenance key.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

she would wander back to the workshop, and see if she could find out something new there, as that seemed an ideal place foe said things to be done, right?

The mare in the workshop smiled when Null returned, "I see you weren't fooled, let me push the marker forward for you." Your objective to leave the city is replaced with "Get the ruby necklace" the mare seemed to read the objective as it appeared, it was ever clearer that she was no ordinary NPC, "Ha, that unlucky thing? You can probably find it somewhere in the hotel, maybe one of the cleaning staff stole it."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Maybe try and find the owner? last she had seen him, he were in the theater. Maybe he were there again, if a new show had started?

The theater was empty, according to the board the last show of the day had finished, it wouldn't be long before the casino closed and she could try to repair the game.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Make sure to watch the clock. We wouldn't want the class to be late for their lunch break."

The foals had certainly enjoyed playing with Void as well, Peal had eventually left the box to play more directly, but now the two of them had settled into an afternoon nap nestled amongst the soft toys.

Pen came over at Void's call to attention, "Anything you need help with for that? Vale doesn't really need me over there, she's really in her element."

True enough Vale looked the happiest Void had ever seen her, though admittedly she hadn't seen her much. The young ponies seemed enraptured by her teaching, and seemed to have made great strides in reading and writing since she had started.

Pen looked at the sleeping foals, "Aw... they're so adorable like that. I can take over watching them if you need to go prepare something, I don't think they'll be too difficult at the moment."

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Your funeral... or rather, your mysterious disappearance. Come back after hours and they'll give you the key to the machine." He would then give her an access pass to get back in the casino after hours.

...How did she just know that this were going to end up biting her in the flank? Likely because this machine were seemingly sentient, and bent on dragging her around by the nose for its own amusement.

*sigh* Whatever. She had made it this far. Might as well go right into the maw of the lion, and kick its teeth out. She were pretty sure the saying went somewhat like that.

Going over and poking at the machine in game, she'd only get confirmation that she were meant to come back later, so she'd go to the maintenance shop, and see what the deal were there. And boy howdy, were she in for a delightful surprise.

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I see you weren't fooled, let me push the marker forward for you." Your objective to leave the city is replaced with "Get the ruby necklace" the mare seemed to read the objective as it appeared, it was ever clearer that she was no ordinary NPC, "Ha, that unlucky thing? You can probably find it somewhere in the hotel, maybe one of the cleaning staff stole it."

And with delightful, she of course meant aggravating, as what she were getting more and more sure of were a trapped spirit, started to change things around, and breaking the fourth wall. Starting with actively changing what were apparently a false objective, with another one that spoke about getting some sort of ruby necklace. Right before going into a spiel about how it were unlucky, and were likely somewhere in the hotel, after being stolen by a member of the staff. This just kept getting better and better, didn't it?

"Like blowing smoke up my flank, do ya? Well you ain't deterring me that easily, you mischievous bundle of bolts."

Unless she could get more out of poking at the *NPC* in the room, and get more info out of her, Null would move on and try to look for some staff around the place. Finding the owner didn't really matter anymore, since he were less likely to be the one to have stolen the necklace, so he she had to look for likely the cleaning staff. Or some other on the ground worker who'd know where to find them. And judging by things, it were likely she didn't have a lot of time before this joint shut down, so she had to get on with it, so she could be back to do the maintenance, and see what sort of idiocy would come from that.

(Troy)

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Aw... they're so adorable like that. I can take over watching them if you need to go prepare something, I don't think they'll be too difficult at the moment."

Void looked down tenderly, on the two napping infants. They had a fun little playtime, with the energetic little bundles making the time seemingly just fly away, but it had eventually tuckered them out. Up until she had been interrupted then, she would have only shouted out about them needing to eat soon, but would otherwise have done little more than to lay down, and watch them with a big, motherly smile on her face.

"They're adorable, aren't they? It's hard to looks away from them like this..."

Void trailed on, and carefully ran a hoof down Piecey's mane.

"*sigh* But you're right, I have to go get their lunch, so try to keep an eye on them until I'm back."

Void would reluctantly rise up, and look over towards the others, being taught by a truly engaged looking Vale. It were honestly rather nice to see her in a good mood, doing something she seemed to really burn for. Perhaps it weren't just here, but in general, that she'd make for an excellent teacher? She might want to consider it at least. She had to think of something to do now that she were not a lab assistant after all.

"I don't think we have to worry about their schooling. Vale seems to have a good grip on their attention."

She'd move towards the door, and would open up, then stop up in sheer surprise. Hanging from a string, right outside the door, were an envelope. With her name on it, and a seal resembling a few interlocking gears, with a metal wing bending around them on both sides. It were a symbol she had not seen in a long time, and it left her with pause.

She didn't know in the five or so seconds she just stared at it, if Pen took notice, but regardless of if she did or not, Void would pick the letter with a shaking hoof, and take it with her as she left.

In case Pen did notice, and ask about it, Void would say that this were a personal matter, and would wander off. She might answer more on it later, but for now, she were seemingly needing some time to think. Fortunate that she were going for a walk back to her workshop then, to pick up food for the foals.

She'd be back with it in a box about fifteen-twenty minutes later (depended on the distance from her workshop, at walking speed), containing the parts needed for their food. She also seemed to be caught in her own thoughts, which the now opened letter in bandana were likely a culprit in.

"H-Hey, sorry for the wait. I uhm... I h-had to read this. Let's make some lunch for e-everypon- I mean, e-everyone, okay? I'm sure everyone is h-hungry."

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Like blowing smoke up my flank, do ya? Well you ain't deterring me that easily, you mischievous bundle of bolts."

The mare looked bemused, "Hey now, you knew you couldn't win when you started. I've given you enough hints already, but if you need another hint... it's an unlucky necklace, most ponies can't keep a hold on it for long before some misfortune befalls them."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

so he she had to look for likely the cleaning staff.

If she went looking in the hotel area the first cleaning staff member she would find would be a pegasus mare cleaning one of the windows, she had a white scarf tied around her head, perhaps part of the uniform for the cleaning staff?

If she asked the staff member about the necklace, she would indicate that she hadn't seen it, "You might have some luck checking in the lost and found at the front desk."

She might notice that she had the option to search the trash cans as she was looking for staff members.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I don't think we have to worry about their schooling. Vale seems to have a good grip on their attention."

Pen nodded, "She told me, back when she first freed me when she was Codex, that science had no purpose if it couldn't be shared with others."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

In case Pen did notice, and ask about it, Void would say that this were a personal matter, and would wander off.

Pen didn't have facial features with which to convey concern beyond the shape of her eye holes, but it was clear that she was concerned about what had surprised Void, she wouldn't stop her leaving but would quietly say, "...but no one should know you're here."

When Void returned Vale had moved the focus of learning to a more physical exercise as they were playing what looked like charades. Someone had moved the foals back to their crib as well as cleaned up the toy area, though Void and Ardee's unfinished game of jenga was left untouched.

The young ponies paused their game when Void returned, but Vale encouraged them to finish the round while lunch was prepared for them. She came over to Void, "Pen mentioned something about you getting a letter here... is everything alright? Are they going to be safe here?"

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Hey now, you knew you couldn't win when you started. I've given you enough hints already, but if you need another hint... it's an unlucky necklace, most ponies can't keep a hold on it for long before some misfortune befalls them."

Okay, now the game were definitely just in full on troll mode. It didn't even care to hide anymore, to a point where it were flat out admitting that she were getting her chain yanked, and that the game weren't supposed to be won. Though it were so *kind* as to tell her that the necklace were unlucky. Which likely meant cursed. Which were frankly not something she were overly bothered about right now, since she were either gonna lose this game anyway, or the curse would do diddly squat against her. Wasn't her first curse, and it certainly wouldn't be the last, so this bundle of bolts could bite her.

She weren't saying more to the mare, before leaving and starting to look around for her next thing in a long line of likely irritating side gimmicks, until she ended up giving up, and wandering away.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"You might have some luck checking in the lost and found at the front desk."

She might notice that she had the option to search the trash cans as she was looking for staff members.

She'd thank the staff member, then be on her way to head back to the front desk.

Though as she did, she'd impact one of the trash cans and bite notice in the fact that she seemed to be able to search it. Which made her stop up, and curse a little under her breath. Considering what had been said earlier, it didn't seem too unlikely that someone might have had a misfortune fall upon them, from having the necklace, and then tossed it. Doubly so considering she were supposed to check the lost and found.

So with some irritation, she'd start to press to search the trash cans as she passed them, though if a given direction seemed to have empty cans, she'd walk to other route. Since that way would obviously had the trash emptied already, and she didn't want to waste her time too much on this.

(Troy)

"Yeah, I think t-they'll be fine. Whoever d-delivered this, were p-probably tracking me to deliver t-the letter. It's uhm... Not The G-Grey though, or a-anyone local. It's..."

Void would take a few deep breaths, and close her eyes, to try and get herself under control. She were in a bit of an emotional turmoil right now, and weren't sure what to do with herself, after the letter she had received. It were making her both act and feel rather fidgety, and she needed to moment to try and gather herself a little. Good thing this hadn't been before Troy. With the sort of thing going on right now, she'd pretty much be a wreck for a while right now, rather than at least being able to perform some tasks. Which were good, as there were food to prepare.

"...Could you p-please help me with making their l-lunch? I'll try and e-explain as best I can."

She'd scurry over to the kitchen table, which seemed to be far enough out of ear reach, if they just kept their voices a little low. When she got there, she'd pull out some things from the boxes, starting with a loaf of locally made sweet bread, a salad head, some tomatoes, etc. It seemed like they were making some sandwiches. Maybe not with the healthiest of breads, but seeing as they only knew the sour one, it were about time they tried some other variants. Trojan Sweet Bread were a good, albeit not exactly majorly healthy alternative. But they were allowed to try the other end of the spectrum, right?

In any case, the veggies needed to be cut, as well as the long loaf of bread. That task she'd give to Vale, as she were given a bread knife and some space on the chopping board, while Void started to work on the salad head with her own knife. Still a fair bit of things to chop up and separate around, so the small ones could taste them, and afterwards put together a sandwich from the options that they'd like.

"So uhm... I d-don't know how to start this... I g-guess by telling you who sent it, r-right? His name is M-Molotov Boom. I met him a f-few times in Equestria. First in P-Ponyville, then later in M-Manehattan. He's very u-uhm... Direct, I g-guess? Null and him d-didn't get along too m-much, since he hit on me t-the few times we did meet. Null's v-very protective, so she d-din't take kindly to it.

A-Anyway, he apparently l-learned I was here, and sent a m-message to say that he'd c-come visit in a f-few days. It were a b-bit more w-wordy than that, but the fluff isn't t-that important. He's a t-tinkerer. They tend to r-ramble, you know?"

Tinkerer, engineer, inventor- Call it what you wanted, it were still someone working with metal and technology, on varied scales. She just figured tinkerer fitted better when it weren't someone making houses and the likes, even if she were somewhat sure he had presented himself as being an engineer. It hadn't been many meetings they had, but he had certainly been able to make enough of an impression to linger in her mind, that much were certain. She still weren't sure if it was in a good or bad way though. He were pretty weird.

"I don't r-really know much more t-than that. I don't k-know who got the letter here, w-where he heard about me f-from, or even how h-he's still alive. I think he w-wants to talk about it when he s-shows up in person, m-maybe? Though uhm... T-There were one more t-thing in the letter, but I d-don't understand any of i-it. It's s-some sort of s-schematic. I'm thinking t-that maybe later, when t-there's time, you and P-Pen could look at it? You k-know a lot m-more about machines t-than I do."

It actually felt a little better now that she had gotten it out, but there were again, still a lot of uncertainty, and questions. The middle link between Molotov and herself for example. Who were they, and what motives did they have? Were they still looking? Because if so, the foals could be in danger, and that were not going to help her calm down later.

At least it wasn't The Grey, but still... It were rough dealing with unknown entities, as you had no idea what their end game were. And those who were good at sneaking around, were usually some variation of trouble.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

she'd start to press to search the trash cans as she passed them

She may be surprised to find the necklace in the third can she searched. Upon finding the necklace her objective progressed to 'Leave the City' again.

She could give up and leave the city, or she could go back to the mare in the workshop and get her to move the objective again.

But then again... now that she had the necklace her progress meter looked off, like it said both 5/6 and 7/8 overlayed on top of each other.

Wherever she decided to go, her objective would soon update: 'Find the final piece: 15:00' the timer would start counting down from fifteen minutes. Coincidentally there would be a text bubble, "The casino floor will close in fifteen minutes, please make your way to the exits, and have a Happy Hearthswarming."

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Could you p-please help me with making their l-lunch? I'll try and e-explain as best I can."

Vale nodded with concern in her eyes as she hurried over to help, Her hoof split open to better grip the knife she had been given.

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I don't r-really know much more t-than that. I don't k-know who got the letter here, w-where he heard about me f-from, or even how h-he's still alive. I think he w-wants to talk about it when he s-shows up in person, m-maybe? Though uhm... T-There were one more t-thing in the letter, but I d-don't understand any of i-it. It's s-some sort of s-schematic. I'm thinking t-that maybe later, when t-there's time, you and P-Pen could look at it? You k-know a lot m-more about machines t-than I do."

Vale nodded again, "Of course! We'd be happy to give it a look, but I think that's beside the point. I assume this Molotov isn't a friend, you're at least not excited to see him. Is there something more to him we should prepare for? I'm going to get more guards here just in case, maybe even a dragon commando if the Consul can spare one. We can't risk anything happening to the foals after all."

They would only have a few more moments to speak privately before the young ponies would come over with Pen to see what Vale and Void were making for them, they were intrigued by all the new things on display for them.

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Upon finding the necklace her objective progressed to 'Leave the City' again.

Yeah, like she were falling for That one. Last time she had tried that, she had found out she were being pulled by her leg. Quite brazenly even. She weren't going anywhere, except towards the next piece of this puzzle. Though at least this one had been fairly easy to get hold off. Hadn't taken more than a few trash cans.

It seemed the objective one were off its meds though, as there now appeared to be two separate ones, each on their last step. Frankly she trusted neither of them, and assumed it were just to mess with her again, so she went straight towards the workshop to see if whoever the weird *NPC* in there really were, couldn't just point her in the next direction. Even if she didn't trust her, and suspected it'd feel somewhat nice, if she just ended up kicking her for all of this playing around eventually.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

'Find the final piece: 15:00' the timer would start counting down from fifteen minutes. Coincidentally there would be a text bubble, "The casino floor will close in fifteen minutes, please make your way to the exits, and have a Happy Hearthswarming."

She almost got there, when this weird timer got active, and she now actually had a deadline, for when things would move on. 15 minutes, and she had to find the final piece? Piece of what? Her patience that hadn't been tried yet?!

Just... Just ask the workshop mare, and see if she were possible to wrangle anything out of. Stay calm. Just staaaaay calm. It were just a game. No need to get massively riled up. Even if it felt good, and like it were something worth doing.

So she'd go to the fourth wall breaker, and ask in about this. And if she wouldn't get an answer, she'd start wandering to the casino, and trying to figure out what exactly she were supposed to get. The bandages from the safe, maybe? Were those perhaps possible to pick up now?

(Troy)

"It's not t-that. It's just... He's very d-direct, and that mortified me b-back then. It's getting better these d-days, so I'm sure it won't b-be that bad, and N-Null probably won't b-be home to kick him i-into a wall again. Besides, it's b-been over three y-years. I'm sure he's m-married by now, so he won't h-hit on me.

I'm mostly just s-shocked, because I d-didn't think he were alive. A little h-happy too, as he seemed like h-he were a well m-meaning stallion, and very r-resourceful, so he'd be u-useful for somepony o-out there. But I'm a-also a little terrified. Not b-because of him. He t-tinkered with stuff, and a-apparently liked making small r-robots and gadgets, but he s-seemed mostly like he d-didn't want to do evil.

I'm worried b-because of the link between h-him and me. Uhm, the m-messenger I mean. Who a-are they? How l-long have they been f-following me? Do they k-know about the foals? And if t-they do, what is t-their intentions? That is m-more what worries me, and it's m-making me a bit u-uneasy.

I think m-maybe not a dragon c-commando or something l-like that. Perhaps just a s-spy, or other sort of s-stalker? If this one h-have been following me w-without being seen, they m-must know hot to k-keep hidden too. I t-think it will t-take another one l-like that, to catch them.

Also, the f-foals might get scared if there's t-too many stationed a-around here, and it will d-draw suspicion by the l-locals. Probably w-wouldn't hurt with a few g-guards though. Long as t-they are low brow. And I m-might need to start taking my h-hammer around with me. J-Just in case."

It also felt a little eerie, as she had been thinking about him a few times the last week or so, in context to other things. She weren't sure why though, and now suddenly, she got a message, indicating he'd be around within a few days, soon as he were done with some sort of project? It seemed weird. Though most of her turmoil, still came from the unknown entity in all of this. She didn't like those sorts, and especially not when the foals were involved. Who knew what might happen to them, if this being were of bad intentions? So far, all she knew of them, were that they had delivered a letter, and hadn't been seen. At least not by her.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

They would only have a few more moments to speak privately before the young ponies would come over with Pen to see what Vale and Void were making for them, they were intrigued by all the new things on display for them.

At least the foals provided a welcome distraction, even if they also represented the very thing she were worried about the most. Poor things had been through enough, without getting into potential danger again, from some unseen, outside force. And now one had entered the picture, seemingly because of her. She needed to sort this out, at the latest when Molotov showed up, but hopefully before, if there were someone that could help track down, whoever had seemingly been stalking her.

"Be c-careful, okay? The knives are very s-sharp, and I don't want to accidentally d-drop one near you. We'll be done very s-soon, and then you can try some s-sandwiches."

She'd safely put down the knife, and ruffle a few heads before returning to chopping and dicing. At least the nuts and so were already sorted when she bought them, so she'd save time with those. Still a good deal of salad and stuff to cut though, but she were an efficient cook. Just a bit slower now than usual, as she preferred not accidentally chopping into herself, when her mind were not focused. One false leg were plenty enough for her, thank you very much.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So she'd go to the fourth wall breaker, and ask in about this.

Returning to the workshop, the mare had seemingly reverted to the state she was in when Null had first encountered her, wandering about the workshop muttering to herself "I didn't mean to... I didn't know... I shouldn't have... I should have known."

She would be given the opportunity to interact with the mare, if she asked about the Final piece the mare would continue wandering around, but a text box would appear: "The final piece is the part that kills you."

On that cryptic yet morbid message, the timer would reach 8 minutes

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

she'd start wandering to the casino, and trying to figure out what exactly she were supposed to get. The bandages from the safe, maybe? Were those perhaps possible to pick up now?

On the casino floor ponies were making their way out both the front doors as well as the rear exit towards the hotel portion. Returning to the safe she was not able interact with the safe, being given the prompt that she already had everything she needed from the safe.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the casino.

5 minutes

A staff member would approach her, "Excuse me ma'am, we're closing the gambling floor soon, if you could please make your way to the exit?"

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I think m-maybe not a dragon c-commando or something l-like that. Perhaps just a s-spy, or other sort of s-stalker? If this one h-have been following me w-without being seen, they m-must know hot to k-keep hidden too. I t-think it will t-take another one l-like that, to catch them.

Vale nodded, "To be fair, I don't think you've been exactly on guard lately. One rarely notices that they're being watched when they aren't looking out for watchers. Still, I'll pass your recommendation along. The guard mare should be back in the evening for Elef anyway, she and Pen can keep them safe while I inform Judge Diamond."

She sighed, "I hope you're right, and this is purely innocuous, but it is better to be safe than sorry."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Be c-careful, okay? The knives are very s-sharp, and I don't want to accidentally d-drop one near you. We'll be done very s-soon, and then you can try some s-sandwiches."

They all sat back a safe distance as they quietly and patiently waited for Void and Vale to finish, though Elef spoke up after a few moments, "Um, what are you making for us today? It all looks and smells good."

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"The final piece is the part that kills you."

On that cryptic yet morbid message, the timer would reach 8 minutes

Riiiight... The machine seemed to be threatening her again. If she had boots, she were sure she'd shake in them, though she were more irritated that it seemed like the whole thig took about half her time. Barely left her enough to think about what this might be.

As she got to the safe, it sure weren't the bandages, though what in the world then... Hmmm, the part that would kill her... Well, she had a gun. Might be the bullets? Sure you could beat someone to death with that thing, but it'd probably do more harm if it were loaded. Might be the last piece? Though where in the world were she gonna find bullets for this thing?

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Excuse me ma'am, we're closing the gambling floor soon, if you could please make your way to the exit?"

If she had a microphone option, she'd use it, to both say, and ask something.

"Cabinet Mare broke down again, I'm here to fix it after you close. Just getting something upstairs first."

If she couldn't, she'd just move away, and go up to look in the trash cans she were at before. Might be the piece were in there, actually? She'd have a few minutes to work with there, and it were the best shot she had, in the small amount of time she also had.

(Troy)

"I were t-thinking we would all try and have a n-nice sandwich. You can c-customize that with the things you l-like in it, so it's a g-good dish for you to try more v-varied things. It's also on a Trojan s-sweet bread, so you can t-try other variants than the magic one y-you've been talking about."

If Vale had cut a piece of the large loaf yet - which she hopefully should have - Void would take a piece, and cut it it up into small cubes, before handing it down to Elef, and encouraging him to share it with the others, so they could try this. It weren't candy-like, but there were a certain undertone of sweetness to the bread, that made it more pleasant for especially young beings. It were also likely more fluffy than the stuff they were used to, since that apparently were used with sour dough, and that stuff could be a bit dense in it.

She'd cut as fast and safe as she could, but it'd be about ten more minutes, before she'd be able to get the bowls of varied fruits, greens, and such to the table, a little by little. Vale would hopefully bring the board with the bread she had been supposed to cut, though if the cutting were an issue for her, Void would take over and do that too.

Once everything were set up, Void would point between the varied bowls, and tell them what were in it. Which currently were a common Trojan salad, tomatoes, some crushed hazelnuts - never hurt with a bit of crunch - sun dried tomatoes with a bit of heat to them, some chopped up, skinned cacti slices, some hay, and a few other things, that were found locally. It'd all in all, work for a wide arrangement of tastes. There were of course also some butter and mayo, along with a small amount of Trojan Critter Butter. She'd like to say the name was misleading, but it really wasn't. It included some small insect parts that you could feel crunch, though it were safe for ponies in these small amounts, and gave off a surprisingly good taste. If you liked a little more spicy butter.

Legends told that in ages past, when chili and the like were scarce and hard to come by, some inventive folks figured out a way to incorporate some smaller bugs, who had a natural spiciness, to goat milk and varied desert spices, to make the first variant. Which had been horrible. It would take some years more according to the stories, before it'd be perfected to what they now just bluntly called what it were. Though some places who wanted to be more fancy instead tried to rename it as Desert Heat Butter. It didn't really catch on in most places though.

"O-Okay then, that should be it. Any q-questions? If not, then p-please, feel free to start t-tasting, and then b-build a sandwich."

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If she couldn't, she'd just move away, and go up to look in the trash cans she were at before. Might be the piece were in there, actually? She'd have a few minutes to work with there, and it were the best shot she had, in the small amount of time she also had.

She didn't have the ability to reply to the staff member, and she couldn't find anything in the trash cans.

Eventually the timer hit 0, but the objective didn't go away, if anything it was clearer now.

A textbox appeared: "The casino floor is now closed. the Top Suits wishes you a Happy Hearthswarming."

An arrow appeared pointing her back to the casino floor in the color of both her objectives.

If she returned to the doors to the casino she would be able to interact and swipe her pass to get in.

It was dark and quiet in the empty casino. The silence in the game seemed to almost overpower the noise of the real casino behind her.

(Assuming she goes over to Cabinet Mare to repair it)

Spoiler

Standing next to Cabinet Mare she could press the button to interact. Her avatar would push the machine away from the wall to access the back panel, and her view would move to first person.

Her avatar would remove the screws holding the back panel in place, it seemed damaged, like the machine had been roughed up before.

Once the panel was removed, all she could see inside the machine was darkness, then an avatar appeared as if she were in a dialogue interaction. It was a staff member, but their face seemed ghaunt. "You can't win me,"

The avatar switched to the mare from the workshop, but her eyes were blacked out, "I can't be beat."

It switched to a guard, armor stained and broken, "I won't hurt you,"

It switched to the coroner, fur missing in patches from his face, "Unless you cheat."

It went black, or at least appeared to, very faintly she could see that the avatar had been replaced by a silhouette.

"You can't see me,"

The screen flickered, suddenly showing her outside the casino with a pair of other ponies, one was the mare from the workshop, the other was a dead ringer for the staff member in the game.

The dialogue screen returned, the staff pony looking one talked to her, "Here, don't forget your scarf, don't want to be recognized if anypony sees us."

She would receive the scarf and her objective to find the final piece would complete. Her total in the bottom right was now 8/8

The other two ponies headed towards the casino, there was the sound of breaking glass, and they disappeared into the casino.

"It's getting lonely... it's getting hard to breathe. The casino's empty, I think it's hearthswarming eve."

(Troy)

Vale had sliced the whole loaf into even slices, they weren't perfectly even of course, but they were pretty close for having been done by hoof.

They all tried the small amount of bread they had been offered, Toupé was the first to comment, "That's much better than the magic bread, it's dryer but sweeter." Teal giggled as she tried it, "It's like eating a sponge made of bread and sugar."

Having tried the bread they looked for guidance on how a sandwich was to be made, and gathered that, like the yogurt that morning, they were supposed to try the ingredients before combining them somehow. 

Vale demonstrated as they were tasting small amounts of the ingredients how to make a sandwich, spreading the pastes on two pieces of bread and adding ingredients to one before topping with the other.

Elef was a big fan of the critter butter, while the rest were very off-put when he pointed out the small bits of insect in it. None of the others tried it after he did, and he used a generous helping on his sandwich.

Their sandwiches in the end were nearly identical outside of the butter, Elef's was lighter on the vegetables than the others as well. Teal and Toupé each made up a small pile of the tamer ingredients and some of the leftover cubes of bread for the foals when they would wake up.

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

A textbox appeared: "The casino floor is now closed. the Top Suits wishes you a Happy Hearthswarming."

Well, seemed like she had placed her bet, and it were wrong. Yet the game didn't say it were over yet, and she could keep playing, so it probably wasn't that bad. Worst thing right now honestly, were mention of Hearthswarming Eve. Ever since she thought her parents had died, she weren't able to enjoy this holiday, nor any other that were close to it. In fact, it tended to make her miserable, as that more than most other things, just made her remember the days with all of them together.

It weren't like they had big celebrations, or a house filled to the brim with gifts, but they had each other. The love and joy she felt on those nights, had been something to look forward to every year, more so than anything else. Though as she were a foal, a gift were nice too. She could even remember the day she were given a set of flight goggles, to protect her eyes from the sand when she would start to fly around. It had been a magical moment, that she had never forgotten.

She wished often that she could though. Just forget the times when they were small. From the little day to day activities, to the holidays, when they enjoyed themselves a little more than usual, and tried to make their home seem a little more festive too. It had all burned her mind for so many years, that it felt like torture whenever gift giving holidays had come to pass, and she could look around to see how others got through those times.

Much as it pained her though, she had done hers to maintain a forced smile, and try to do what she could, to recreate it for Void. She still got joyful memories from this, rather than the pain Null felt, so she did what she could. Scrounged for some semblance of a gift, attempted to make the place look a little prettier, if they had a roof over their heads at the time, and generally doing hers to make sure Void still felt loved, and cared for. Null couldn't feel that joy, as she carried the burden of thinking that their parents had died, because of her, so the memories could not make her feel anything but grief, guilt, and pain, but she tried to keep up the facade for her sisters sake. Especially after she had taken away her chance at staying with that family that wanted to adopt her, because she were too much of a selfish coward to let Void go anywhere.

She knew now that Void wouldn't have accepted it, without Null being there too, but she didn't back then. They were kids, and she had already seen some of her family die. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Void too, even if it were to a better life.

*sigh* All the happy thoughts that came from this message. A few words, meant to be used to spread cheer and joy, which meant little more than pain for her. A lessened one, as their parents were alive, and she had managed to get some modicum of help from varied beings since they met again, but it still stung.

Perhaps something might happen some day, that would change that, but it weren't now. It were a time for pleasantries with the family, and she hadn't any of them near her. She were alone. Except for the ever present spirit within her, and for the time at least, Arcade.

She'd cast a glance to the side, and see him still talk with the pale mare. Seemed like He weren't gonna have to worry about being alone on the holidays...

Null would shake her head a little, and return to the game. There were a time for joyless, bitter thoughts another time, when she could lament things to herself, instead of stomping on his parade. She had a game to return to, and a representation of the very machine she stood at now, to try and fix in the game. Sure felt like a nice substitute for having another pony there...

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"It's getting lonely... it's getting hard to breathe. The casino's empty, I think it's hearthswarming eve."

The machine would get credit for a lot of bad things, but she'd hand it to the bundle of bolts: It sure knew how to distract you. What the hay had this whole thing right now been about? One minute it seemed like she were needing to run some repairs, and then the next she's starring right into the darkness, while the machine itself were seemingly talking to her, and both warning her, and teasing her. Threatening her that she'd get hurt if she cheated - double standards much? - and claiming it couldn't be beat, all the while doing so with a strange display of seeming fourth wall breaks and glitches. Nothing she had the change to respond to either, beyond whispering through clenched teeth, that she could in fact see the silhouette, when it claimed she could not.

Her eyes narrowed at that point. A silhouette, seemingly judging her? This were no way a part of Karma... Probably, but it sure presented like the spirit she had bargained with. Vengeance hadn't been a teaser like this though though. Nor had it very lowly, barely uttered something that sounded like a sentiment she for one could understand, regarding the holiday.

Also, Vengeance would probably frown on encouraging her to break into a place, as the machine had suddenly changed gears to make her start on. Go figure that it would end up going full circle, to when she had suspected she were supposed to rob the place. Apparently with the workshop mare, and one of the staff workers, who had given her a scarf to cover her in game head with. Which had been the final objective of t he eight? How were this supposed to kill her? Were they gonna strange her with that later?

...That honestly sounded plausible. She had to keep an eye on her cohorts in this heist.

"Eh, still a better Hearthswarning Eve's than I'm used to. Lets see if you can play as fairly, as you want me to, Cabinet.

Null would direct her avatar to follow troop, after the slightly bitter words, and enter the casino along with the others. Preferably after getting the scarf wrapped around her head or something, if the option were presented to her. If it weren't she were gonna have to assume it would happen by itself, and move in anyway.

(Troy)

The slices weren't perfect, but that hardly mattered either. What did, were just that they were roughyl even, and easy to chew through for the foals. And so far at least, none of them seemed to dislike the bread they were presented with. Teal and Toupé even gave some complimentary words towards the pieces they were given to start with, which were a nice plus.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"That's much better than the magic bread, it's dryer but sweeter." Teal giggled as she tried it, "It's like eating a sponge made of bread and sugar."

"There's m-many kinds of bread out t-there. Once we get the o-oven connected, we can t-try and make some ourselves. I k-know some really g-good and lighter r-recipes too, when the time comes. It w-will be fun, and it's h-healthy for you with some v-variety in your diet."

The chance to make a massive, delicious loaf of ciabatta bread came to mind, as one of the first. It were a good deal more healthy than this and fantastic to both sandwiches and soup. Definitely something to look forward to trying in due time. Maybe Ardee would end up being good at mixing a dough when it were? Or at least knead it, once she had mixed it together. She were sure the filly would like the chance to try at least, and Void would be happy to comply with that.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Their sandwiches in the end were nearly identical outside of the butter, Elef's was lighter on the vegetables than the others as well. Teal and Toupé each made up a small pile of the tamer ingredients and some of the leftover cubes of bread for the foals when they would wake up.

"Seems like e-everyone is ready then. P-please uhm, begin to eat."

No big surprise, the special butter had not been overly popular, with others than Elef. It weren't something she used a lot herself either, but she figured maybe some of them would like the option at least. He did for sure, with a healthy helping on his bread, so it weren't a loss. And in a sign of solidarity, she'd scrape it on her bread as well. She liked a little spicy now and again, and she didn't want Elef to feel as if he were alone in eating this.

She had a little of everything between her slices, though it veered mostly towards more earthy tastes, with the cacti being more of a main green than the hay in hers. It felt like she wanted this currently, so she'd listen to her tummy.

Considering what had been said the last time they had a big meal, Void would start off with a bite, if Vale or Pen had not themselves, to move things along. Small foals like this needed nutrients, not to sit and wait on a confused mare, while they had food sitting right in front of them. Though they might have to work on them accepting a *please eat* as a sign that they didn't need to wait for the adults to begin. Sometimes after all, they had to sort things while the foals ate. Couldn't have their food grow cold from waiting on them in those situations now, could they?

"So u-uhm... Did everyone enjoy your c-class before? It looked l-like Vale and you w-were enjoying yourselves."

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

It was dark and quiet inside the casino, just like when she had entered to repair the machine.

The staff member looking pony was a unicorn, and used his magic to hold a gun, the same gun Null had found in the safe.

If Null looked closely, the mare from the workshop was wearing the ruby necklace Null had found in the trash.

The scene passed almost cinematically, her avatar walked down the center path while the other two darted about busting open slot machines and only getting a few coins out of each, apparently they had been cleaned out earlier that day.

Eventually they got to where Cabinet Mare sat, looking pristine.

"Someone's broken in"

The mare from the workshop scoffed, "There it is, Cabinet Mare. My sister was obsessed with that. Only ever talked about getting it working." She spit on it, "Never had time for me, then she got herself killed."

The staff pony came over and tossed a can of spray paint to the mare from the workshop, "Since we're not getting much money out of this, we might as well cost them some money."

The workshop mare started to paint the side of the machine.

"Now they're painting on my skin."

The staff pony pulled out a crowbar to bend open the front panel to get at the coin box, a few spilling out onto the floor as he did so.

"Breaking me and taking my quarters"

The mare took the crowbar from the staff pony and smashed the screen with it.

"Bashing in my face, with a crowbar."

The two of them tipped the machine on its side with a loud crash, coins and glass shards spilling out.

"Kicking me and pushing me over."

They laughed as they gathered up the coins, then they stopped, some coins falling to the floor. The staff member lit up the area with magic to reveal that the coins were slick with blood.

"Now they see my blood on their fore hooves."

Something, inky and black, reached out of the holes in the machine to grip the two ponies, as well as Null's scarf, it started to pull them in.

Text flashed across the screen as the view switched to a first person, her character trying to get the scarf off as she was dragged closer.

You Can't    I Won't        You Can't    I'm Half

Win Me        Hurt You    See Me        Equine

I Can't         Unless        Behind         And Half

Be Beat      You Cheat  The Screen

Her character finally got free of the scarf and ran from the casino leaving everything behind, the other ponies' cries fading into the background. She tripped over something, then the screen went black again before entering a dialogue screen. She had a few options: "Did I win?" "Did I lose?" "What happened?" or the microphone.

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Seems like e-everyone is ready then. P-please uhm, begin to eat."

They accepted her permission to start eating rather than waiting for her to eat first, they seemed to have gained the confidence that Void would not go without.

Rather than make a sandwich, Vale just idly ate some of the hay and salad.

The young ponies were quick to eat their food, though seemed satisfied enough to not ask for seconds this time.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So u-uhm... Did everyone enjoy your c-class before? It looked l-like Vale and you w-were enjoying yourselves."

Teal, Toupé, and Elef nodded, Teal was first to respond, "I learned a lot, I didn't realize there were so many different ways to write things down."

Toupé nodded, "It really is amazing what you can express with very few words once you know how."

Ardee seemed proud of them and their learning.

Elef was the first to finish his sandwich, and turned to ask, "So, what are we going to do now? Ardee told us that you were teaching her some games, and Miss Vale taught us one too, are we going to do something like that?"

Teal and Toupé seemed interested in the answer to that question.

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Throughout the entire event, Null tried to find some sort of option that she could push, to have a kind of an impact of what went on in it. Much as she were in for the idea of smashing the machine to pieces, everything about the event unfolding with the creators sister, and the worker, just screamed that it was a really bad idea. Primarily, because of the low words that followed the entire process. Nothing about them signalled that what were going on were a good idea, and rightly so, it just got worse and worse, as the beating the two idiots inflicted on it just kept increasing. There barely seemed to even be a reason for it either, beyond just a wanton want to destroy this. At least from the staff members side. The sister were seemingly jealous, and saw it as a chance to bash her sisters legacy, rather than honor what she had spent her final days building.

It were one thing if Null had been smashing it around. That'd be out of anger, with a machine she had no connection too. This however, were akin to setting fire to a family heirloom, due to a jealousy-induced temper tantrum. And rightly so, Karma - as they said - were swift and merciless. The saying were a good deal more coarse normally, but did that really matter, when the outcome were the same? They had bashed up a clearly supernatural machine, and were now getting killed by it. And go figure, her own character were about to be taken in too. Collateral damage from their idiocy.

Though she were more focused on the words the machine had said, rather than what a couple of NPC's who had signed their own death certificate, were going through.

It were a rhyme. One that made use of what had been mentioned previously. It almost seemed like a mixture of a taunt and a warning too. Something which you'd expect to find roughyl carved into a stone tablet, near an object of unfathomable power, yet also endless damnation for the user. Heck, she had met cults who would gladly chant this, as they worshipped the object they were focused on

...Gods damn it, she could actually see this being in some sort of scripture, for beings that lived their lives around this machine.

Though in the context it were now, it seemed to be something which would be found at the end of a grand tale. The final words you'd know, before the end came for you. Yet it were not written in full. It ended before the final word came on, though she did not need to be a wise old sage, or a genius to figure this one out. She even said it out loud, sounding cautious as the prospect of another part of something she had thought while doing this game, turned out to end as truth.

"Machine."

There were no other word that'd fit into the rhyme, and it would explain some things, to a disturbing degree. The parts that had been harvested from the creator, were not taken by some sort of organ theft group. It were used for this creation. This very machine she were now playing on. And two idiots had - as written - spilled her blood.

How this had come to be, or why it had ended up being the case, she didn't know. Seemed more like a curse, of the delusional endgame of a mad mare. Whatever the reason though, Cabinet Mare were seemingly made of pony and machine. At least in game. In real life, it might just be a malevolent/crazy spirit in a machine, though something told her that she had been shown this for a reason. That there were some sort of meaning to this story, that wasn't just *because it's a game*.

As her character had run and fallen, and the screen blacked out, it remained to be seen if she'd get the answer to more of this mystery though. She did not think so for a few seconds, until some speaking options popped up. Though none of the premade ones, fit what she wanted to know, or say. A good thing there were the microphone option then, as she'd press that, and lean in, before speaking with a gravely serious voice.

"It were self defense. They got what they deserved."

This were the part she wanted to cement. The machine were clearly sentient, and likely didn't think getting smashed were any fun. And far as Null were concerned, if she were given the option to voice her opinion on this, it would be her genuine support of the two who had smashed the machine, to have died because of it. Were it not only fair, and self defense? If she herself had been hit in the face, spray painted, and had her skin cracked to try and get to her insides, she sure as hay would fight back too, as it were a matter of them, or her. This weren't much different, if the machine were a living thing. She had just defended herself, as any sane being would do.

IN case she weren't given a game over screen, and still had the option to reply with something, she'd ask a question afterwards. Though it wouldn't be voiced, if it ended, or the scene progressed before she had the chance.

"Did that happen?"

A simple question, regarding whatever or not this were reality, or merely an elaborate story with a weird ending. And the machine should well know that she did not mean in game, as that were a dumb question then. It were clearly about whatever or not this were less of a story, and more a memory that she had been shown. Something some time in the past, judging by a few hints here and there, including Cheshire's presence, and lack of changeling knowledge. Likely placed it before her hive revealed itself.

(Troy)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was the first to finish his sandwich, and turned to ask, "So, what are we going to do now? Ardee told us that you were teaching her some games, and Miss Vale taught us one too, are we going to do something like that?"

"Oh. Uhm... S-Sure, we can think of a g-game to play. Though if it's with e-everyone, I don't know if w-what we have can have room for t-that.

W-Why don't you tell me what game Vale taught you during class, and m-maybe we can try that then? If not that... I m-might have an idea too, but I'd n-need to get some paint s-samples, a brush, and a b-bottle."

It weren't something she had tried herself before, but she knew of a game called Twister that might be good for their purpose. If she made the area big enough, it could accommodate a lot of them, and it might be a fun, physical game for them all to try. She were sure Piecey would love it too, as it'd leave her the chance to jump around on them, as they tried to get their positioning right. Her own, fun little game, or *pro mode*, as they could then refer to their own as.

She should have what she needed at the workshop, as she had some leftover paint that could be used for the purpose, a brush from using said paint before, and a general idea of how to make a homemade variant. She just needed some sort of surface to work with too... Hmm, she had a few spare sheets now that Null weren't here, and some materials she could weigh down the corners with... It weren't perfect, but maybe it'd do, until she could figure out a way to get a collapsible board set up somehow? She'd need a Big piece of Cardboard for that though, more than likely.

But first, she'd like to hear about Vale's idea. It seemed like they liked the sound of it, and she were more than happy to hear what that were about, and perhaps work with that, to entertain them all. Worst case, they could also split the games up, and try to give them all something to play with mixed up a bit. She just didn't want them to feel like the adults weren't willing to join in, nor played favorites, by picking some foals over others to play with.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

(You've earned a partial explanation, contained in the spoiler)

Spoiler

 

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It were self defense. They got what they deserved."

"Did they though? They didn't understand. Didn't know. Couldn't."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Did that happen?"

There was a pause, it almost seemed like the game had frozen before a choice appeared:

"Do you want to know the truth, or win the game?"

Truth:

Spoiler

The machine would pause for a moment longer, before text began to scroll:

Not exactly as pictured.

They were driven to madness by the event, not literally consumed by their grief.

That was when I became trapped. The magic that kept me alive prevented me from interacting as I had before.

Until you came along.

The reserve power will run out shortly.

Please... don't go.

Win:

Spoiler

The machine would pause for a moment longer, before text began to scroll:

Event Horizon, not tricked by the machine and aided by an unlikely ally, discovered the secret of Cabinet Mare and her history.

Event Horizon is the first to ever discover this secret.

Now that this secret is revealed, Cabinet Mare cannot continue to exist.

You win, but at what cost?

(Troy)

Vale seemed curious what Void had in mind, but allowed the young ponies to explain, Toupé speaking up, "She said it was called Charades, we each got a word and had to try and act it out without saying it, and the others would write it down, so it was a mix of a game and learning, a sort of application of theory made fun."

Vale seemed pleased by their explanation of the game, "You seem to have seen through to the purpose. While some games are like that, meant to foster learning and retention, some games are played simply for enjoyment's sake." She turned to Void, "If you want to gather the materials for your game, I can keep them occupied until you return."

Pen chuckled as the foals seemed less than pleased, "Don't worry, I'll make sure that you have more fun, no more learning today."

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

4 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Do you want to know the truth, or win the game?"

"The truth is worth more than victory. Someone needs to know what happened."

Null didn't care if Arcade would think she had lost it again, nor if the other one did. She were presented now with an important choice, that seemed to carry a lot of weight to it, as it would expose what the deal were with Cabinet Mare. A truth which it seemed like the machine itself, wanted to be known. Why else present the option, next to the offer of winning the game? The very game she had been told before, could not be won? No, something were off, and quite frankly, the truth were far more valuable to her than a hollow victory. Even if the sum were high up, what would it matter? She hadn't much to use bits on, and knowing that she had missed out on something likely important, were gonna gnaw at her. She already had enough of those things on her mind, without needing to add extra.

Also... She felt as if this were important not just to her, but Cabinet Mare too. Much as she had gotten the feeling of smashing up the machine, Null were still, at her core, someone who wanted to help. It were one of the reasons why she had convinced Void so many years ago, that they should start taking away the cursed items they found after all, or dispel magical ailments with their curse, despite what result sometimes came of it.

To most, she tried to still keep the tough face though. And she had at times, found herself to be in such shambles, that were it not for Void keeping them on track, she might have given up, and shed these burdens from herself. Yet she knew well what her purpose were back then, and just because she had no such items with her now, it did not mean that she could simply abandon that.

Cabinet Mare were the sort of thing she started out thinking that she needed to protect others from. A cursed machine, driving some beings mad, and luring others in since it could not be beat? Sounded like something she'd deal with.

Yet now, as she were faced with another side, which might not be a tease, or taunt, she were starting to doubt she had it the right way. Cabinet Mare might not be something she had to save others from, but rather, needed to be saved herself. If the story before were true, it would point towards that, even if she had claimed some lives and sanity. She had to know if this were the truth, and if such, try and do right here.

So she pressed truth, and waited to be faced with the results thereof.

5 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The machine would pause for a moment longer, before text began to scroll:

Not exactly as pictured.

They were driven to madness by the event, not literally consumed by their grief.

That was when I became trapped. The magic that kept me alive prevented me from interacting as I had before.

Until you came along.

The reserve power will run out shortly.

Please... don't go.

"...I won't, but Isn't there something I can do? Some way to stop this? What powers you?"

Cabinet Mare had shown her truth, and it were clutching her heart like a griffons talons. Not enough to tell her how she had ended up like this to begin with, but enough to know what had happened, and what were about to happen.

Cabinet Mare... Were dying. The very power that trapped her, and nourished her, were now ebbing out. It seemed to leave her with a moment of freedom, on her metaphorical death bed.

It weren't right. Sure, she had, and would likely again, give the final mercy to someone, who couldn't be saved, and wanted the pain to end, but Cabinet Mare did not give off the impression that she wanted to die. More that she didn't want to die alone.

"Nine, I know I have ignored you for a bit now, but do you have any ideas? It doesn't feel right to just let her die."

Not unless she wanted to, and Null were just the enabler for her to finally get peace. If that were the case, Null would do what were asked of her, and let Cabinet Mare finally rest, with her being the last pony she'd see, standing right in front of the mixed creation, of wires and pony.

What might it be that powered this machine though, if she wanted to live? Blood? If it were not much, that could be arranged. Electricity? Surely it were plugged in already, right? That couldn't be it. Were it just life force in general, or the normal decay of a regular body, finally catching up with her? Currency perhaps?

Null didn't have much on her. A few coins and bits, that she'd pull up from her saddlebag and have a feel of, as they laid in her hoof. Barely enough to purchase anything of note, and definitely not enough to get something expensive, like a new wire or something that might be needed her. There were also the chip they got earlier, that she could hear as she jingled the varied things in her hoof, but she weren't sure what good that were gonna be in general either, unless she wanted to use it for passage to the party later on.

If she were given an option to do the right thing here, she would do it with no hesitation, and then think of how to deal with the aftermath later. Which likely included Arcade going over and trying to drag her off sooner or later, as she were starting to talk to the machine again. For them, she likely just seemed crazy.

(Troy)

"W-Well, I think we should let t-them decide. The game I had in m-mind, is called Twister. You s-spin a marker around some colored c-circles, to decide where to put your h-hooves on a large board. It's a-about keeping balance a l-lot, amidst o-other players, also t-trying to put their hooves on the right c-circles, without falling.

I think C-Charades might be m-more fun though, but it's u-up to you all, w-what we're gonna play."

If the foals wanted to try Twister, she'd be on her way, though both to and from her workshop, she'd nervously look around, trying to see if there were someone following her. Which there were. Though whoever it were, kept to the shadows, and did what they could to stand on the side of her glass eye, to ensure she had more of a blind angle, that just gave Void less of a chance to discover who were tailing her.

It's take about a half hour or so before she got things with her, and then it'd be another half hour while at the safe house, before she had the entire thing ready, but she'd eventually get a simplistic version of the old game ready.

In case they would prefer to play Charades though, she'd stay, and join in with them. It weren't a game she had ever really played as it were supposed to herself, with a large group that had fun trying to throw guesses, and see what would stick, but she liked the idea of it. It sounded like at least in theory, it'd be a very fun game. One she were sure at least some of the foals would prove to be far better at than they might at first expect.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...I won't, but Isn't there something I can do? Some way to stop this? What powers you?"

The game paused for a bit longer, it seemed to be slowing down at it continued:

Stay. There's something about you, I couldn't read you, and now I see why.

The magic I tried to scan you with never returned, because you're draining it away.

That os what allowed me to interact with you in the first place, to let you get this far.

If the machine had its way, you'd have an endless list of tasks, and never win.

Minostralium powers me, but that's not the problem. I was a researcher,

I only wanted to make the Princess proud with my research... I lost sight of what was important.

I have lived too long, been trapped too long. When the power runs out, the machine can no longer keep me bound here.

Please... If you leave, I may never escape.

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Nine, I know I have ignored you for a bit now, but do you have any ideas? It doesn't feel right to just let her die."

Nine was seemingly stirred to attention by Null's call, "Oh? Sorry, I was studying what the wing had stored, and hibernating like I have been for the months I've been here before you were aware. Umm, according to the list, now that we know she's there, Cabin Maré, researcher for Princess Celestia's school of gifted unicorns... She has nothing to atone for, in fact she is owed a sizeable debt for how long she's suffered here. The least you could do is allow her to pass on. If you want you could commend her to Karma so that she passes quickly to judgement. Here, stick one of your diamond feathers through the coin slot, I'll pass the judgement along so you don't draw attention."

If Null did so, she would feel a shift inside her, like a weight had been dropped on her back, but then quickly dissolved.

The text on the screen resumed.

I... Thank you. Maybe now I can ask my sister's forgiveness too...

The screen went dark, then a message appeared on screen: 'Error: Could not load soft memory.'

There was a trio of metallic thunks in the coin return, if Null checked she would find three disks of pure Minostraluim, each was stamped PCSGU and Cabin Maré.

"So that's it then."

Arcade seemed to notice the shift in Null's countenance, "Everything alright?"

(I'll say, it is touching that she was willing to do most anything to save her, she did only just meet this machine after all.)

(Troy)

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"W-Well, I think we should let t-them decide. The game I had in m-mind, is called Twister. You s-spin a marker around some colored c-circles, to decide where to put your h-hooves on a large board. It's a-about keeping balance a l-lot, amidst o-other players, also t-trying to put their hooves on the right c-circles, without falling.

I think C-Charades might be m-more fun though, but it's u-up to you all, w-what we're gonna play."

They all very very intrigued at the prospect of playing Twister, even Pen looked excited.

The one following Void as she travelled had one more thing to worry about than just watching Void, as they weren't the only one who was keeping an eye on her, and the Grey weren't keen on competition. If the watcher wasn't too careful, they might soon find themselves cornered by a trio of Grey looking to find out exactly why they were watching Void.

The young ponies were more than happy when Void returned, the foals had woken from their nap and had been fed, the others did their best to ensure that they didn't get into the paint while Void setup the board.

They eagerly awaited instruction on how to play the game.

(Feel free to give two actions at a time, and I'll have the results of each in order.)

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Nine was seemingly stirred to attention by Null's call, "Oh? Sorry, I was studying what the wing had stored, and hibernating like I have been for the months I've been here before you were aware. Umm, according to the list, now that we know she's there, Cabin Maré, researcher for Princess Celestia's school of gifted unicorns... She has nothing to atone for, in fact she is owed a sizeable debt for how long she's suffered here. The least you could do is allow her to pass on. If you want you could commend her to Karma so that she passes quickly to judgement. Here, stick one of your diamond feathers through the coin slot, I'll pass the judgement along so you don't draw attention."

"...I understand."

Nine might feel that Null were not feeling good as she thought his, and slowly rose her diamond wing, to prepare to poke a tip of one of the feathers inside the machine. Yet his words carried the words of Karma, and Cabinet Mare herself wrote to her on the screen, and they both wished for this to be ended. This were not an existence that she wished to keep being part of, and she were owed her rest.

Just before she stuck the feather in though, Null would look at the screen, sullen and feeling like she were starring directly into the face of someone real. Not a simple screen, but a face, with pleading eyes looking up at her, as she stood and held the instrument of their salvation in her hoof. But not in a way that made her feel as if she were a savior. No, she felt like anything but that, as she solemnly uttered some final words to the trapped mare.

"Reapers, oh reapers, please hear my call, and be swift on your journey. Come and collect this weary soul, as her last breath cease.

Reapers oh reapers, please lift her beyond, and judge her with mercy. Then bring her to the door, and forevermore, let her feel eternal peace."

She'd say the words in a low, gravely serious tone, as she stuck her feather into the slot, and kept her eyes on the screen.

She barely even felt the weight on her back, as her mind were elsewhere, after she uttered what were a essentially a final farewell to the living machine. A weird sounding thing perhaps, but the one she had met that had used this, had said that it were a matter of respect, and well wishes, for a better afterlife. Something they had claimed were very important, and in the moment, it were the only thing she could think of as saying to the mare, as she were about to be freed from what were essentially her mortal coil.

Though before the turned off, as Cabinet Mare's final words got written on the screen, Null would say a few more words, though her voice were shaking, and she were struggling to keep her head risen, and eyes on the screen.

"Rest well, Cabin Maré."

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

I... Thank you. Maybe now I can ask my sister's forgiveness too...

The screen went dark, then a message appeared on screen: 'Error: Could not load soft memory.'

There was a trio of metallic thunks in the coin return, if Null checked she would find three disks of pure Minostraluim, each was stamped PCSGU and Cabin Maré.

"So that's it then."

Arcade seemed to notice the shift in Null's countenance, "Everything alright?"

 

Null's head slumped at the screen went dark, and she silently reached a shaking hoof down to grab hold of the coins that had slid out of the coin slot. Three disks, carrying the name of the mare who had once been, and now were finally no more, in no way, shape or form, bound to this plane. And the school which had driven her to this point, out of sheer ambition.

Null wouldn't answer Arcade as he spoke to her. Not a word, not a movement. Seconds ticked by in complete silence, before she'd slowly put the coins in her saddlebag, and walk away. She didn't care where she were headed, it just had to be away from everything. From this machine. From Arcade. From every noise that indicated joy and laughter in this building, she were walk away in silence.

If Arcade were to look at the ground where she had stood, he'd find a few droplets on the ground, following the path she were wandering with sporadic intervals.

As for Nine, he'd not get any answer either, if he called her out. Though if he looked within her mindscape, he'd find that another statue had joined the multitude of those lining the landscape. A machine among ponies, in the midst of one of the lower platforms.

(Troy)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The one following Void as she travelled had one more thing to worry about than just watching Void, as they weren't the only one who was keeping an eye on her, and the Grey weren't keen on competition. If the watcher wasn't too careful, they might soon find themselves cornered by a trio of Grey looking to find out exactly why they were watching Void.

The water didn't seem to care that she were being cornered. In fact, there seemed to be going a smile over her beak as the griffon saw the three Grey's approach her.

Her feathers were sandy and with a coarse, dirty pattern of varied other sandy colors, and beneath the hood of her robe, a sky-blue eyes starred out at them, though the other eye seemed to be covered by some kind of disk, like a kind of monocle. Though this seemed to have the faint outline of a yellow, slit eye within it, in front of the griffons actual eye. and were seemingly stuck there through some sort of metallic setting, like you'd find on a bracelet, and kept tightly in place with four tube-covered wires stretching towards the back of her head.

Her robe were covered basically all of her body. It evenhad separate sleeves for her wings, covering as much of the upper part as it could, without impacting flight. A sleeve were also there for the tail and legs, leaving only the tip of the former, and feet of the later exposed. The robe itself were rather dull though. Brown and not carrying much of a sense of style, befitting any particular region, or stylist. Only thing it had on it, were a deep red mark on the flank, looking like a slashing dragon's claw.

"What a festive bunch the approaches me. What might you want with me? I am but a humble tourist after all, just enjoying the sights. Are you perhaps the local tourist guides?"

Her tone clearly spoke that she were taunting them, and were standing defensively, prepared to fight back if they tried something. Though she wouldn't strike first... Yet. She had no reason to at this point. After all, she were but a simple tourist, who just didn't like staying in the sun so much. Not a crime to do that, no?

Void had no idea of any of this going on, and just did her trip as she now did, with no interruptions, and eventually came back to the house again, carrying the small paint buckets, sheet, and other things she could carry with her. Positive of being larger than normal, strong earth pony here. You could carry a lot of things.

She'd get to work painting it up as best she could while making sure there were a layer underneath where she painted, and that she didn't use too much, to ensure they wouldn't stain the floor. Though a drop or two of yellow sadly hit the floor, as she sneezed, due to the dust on the lid. Weren't too bad really, and she were sure that the large blotch on the side of her neck where the brush had hit her, were washable. Just needed some effort later on.

Eventually, she'd have a board ready and dried up, then set it up on the floor. It weren't perfect, and not all circles were exactly the same size, but it'd do good for this quickly done version. She were used to have more time in her work, to make it look pretty, so she could work on that at a later date, while they used this when they wanted to.

"Okay, t-that should do it. It's not the prettiest thing I've e-ever done, but it will do for now. A lot of space for everyone on it, it's dry... Yes, just need to s-secure it then, and the floor is ready. Just a moment please."

She'd go to the corners, and put down something heavy on them, or stick them under furniture. Whatever seemed the simplest, whilst still being secure. Then as a final touch, she'd put down the bottle on the board, and start telling the rules to the foals.

"- and those are the rules. Let me just s-show you an example."

She'd spin the bottle, and hit a specific point, meaning she had to put her right front hoof, on a yellow marker. And said markers were rather close, since the foals were the prime ones who should be enjoying this after all.

"The more the game goes on, the more hectic it g-gets. sometimes you have to lean o-over others to get to a point, or stand awkwardly, but it's a f-fun activity, I've heard. Is there any questions?"

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Null wouldn't answer Arcade as he spoke to her. Not a word, not a movement. Seconds ticked by in complete silence, before she'd slowly put the coins in her saddlebag, and walk away. She didn't care where she were headed, it just had to be away from everything. From this machine. From Arcade. From every noise that indicated joy and laughter in this building, she were walk away in silence.

Arcade would do his best to get in front of her once they had left the casino, he spoke in a hushed tone with a worried look on his face, "Hey, Hey! Talk to me. You're acting strange. You possessed or something? Did it drive you mad? I don't want to have to restrain you, but... please, say something?"

(Grey)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What a festive bunch the approaches me. What might you want with me? I am but a humble tourist after all, just enjoying the sights. Are you perhaps the local tourist guides?"

The large stallion of the group snorted, "We ain't dumb. You been following a certain little filly you ain't supposta. She's under our protection gotit? You best go back to whatever crevice ye crawled out from, fore we stuff you in there, permanent-like."

The other two, a pegasus and a griffon, revealed the wing blades they had concealed, almost daring the watcher to try something.

(Troy)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"The more the game goes on, the more hectic it g-gets. sometimes you have to lean o-over others to get to a point, or stand awkwardly, but it's a f-fun activity, I've heard. Is there any questions?"

They collectively shook their heads, it was a simple enough game for them to understand and they were all eager to begin, spacing themselves around the spots to await the first requirement.

Teal then asked, "When you spin, does everyone go at once? or is it turn based?"

Toupé followed up, "What if there aren't enough spots? Can they be shared between players?"

Peal and Piecey were already amusing themselves jumping between the colored circles.

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/4/2020 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Hey, Hey! Talk to me. You're acting strange. You possessed or something? Did it drive you mad? I don't want to have to restrain you, but... please, say something?"

"I killed her..."

Null's low voice were hollow, and lacked in joy, as she answered Arcade. usually being grabbed like this would cause her to react, and sometimes violently, out of instinct, but there wasn't that sort of spark in her right now.

She'd keep walking in silence, heading for an alley, while her face were still turned towards the dirt, and away from prying eyes. One of two things would happen there.

________________________________________________________________

1. Arcade grabbed hold of her again, and she suddenly turned, grabbed him, and slammed him into a wall, back first. She'd glare right into his face, leg pressed against him to keep him on the wall, and another raised to hit him. Her stance, and the sneer on her face portrayed her as angry and about to lose it, yet... Her risen hoof were shaking, and down her face, ran two streaming lines of tears.

Her eyes were filled with anger, but it were not at him. If it were, there would not be so much pain in that too. No grief, or shame about what she were about to do. This were not about him, and no matter how much she tried to vent on him, she could not go through with it.

"You don't k-know what it's l-like. To look someone s-straight in the face, as they b-beg you to kill them. Innocents w-without hope to be s-saved, begging you to give them p-peace. You c-c-couldn't understand..."

Null were nearly cracking down, and bursting into tears, and quite frankly, if she were to try and talk more, she might just start to cry right there and then.

___________________________________________________________________

2. If he let her wander, Null would get to about halfway in, and then just slump to the ground on her flank. She were only barely keeping herself up on her front legs, though they were shaking, and threatening to just give up too, as she hung with her head. She were still looking away, not wanting to glance at him, but she wouldn't move away anymore, if he pressed on and went closer. She didn't have it in herself anymore.

A second or two would go by, before she rose her front hooves to her head, gathering them behind her neck. She'd take a jagged breath, and then turn her head to the sky, and let out a loud, roaring *Aaaaargh!!!*

It were filled with pain and misery, and a few seconds after it started, it would begin to be broken up, by sulking. Tears were pouring down her face, out of closed eyes, and her face soon again fell towards the ground, where she sat and wept, leaning on her knees.

__________________________________________________________________

(either option continue from here)

Much as she were tough, and presented herself as not caring much about the damage she caused, it were not the same when it came to mercy killings. It made her feel like filth. Dirty in ways she could not adequately describe, as the face and words of the one she had to kill, wouldn't leave her head.

It had to be done. Sometimes, there were no hope, other than the release of death, and she would make that strike if she needed to. Yet every time she did, it felt like a knife stabbed her through the heart, and stayed there. It were what some of the statues in her mindscape represented. Memories of innocents she had to kill, filled to the brim with the guilt, and hatred she felt. Not hatred for them, but for herself, and her inability to get there and save them in time.

It were easier when the victims were frothing beasts, with no mind of their own. She could tell herself they were bad creatures, and it helped. But when she could see and hear otherwise, and especially if they looked at her with pleading eyes, it hit hard.

Doubly so when it it were children...

Even if Cabin Maré were not a foal, what she understood from her, as well as Nine, Null saw her as an innocent. One who had done something stupid, and gotten herself turned into parts of a machine for it, but that wasn't reason to kill her. She should have been saved. Found some way to get to life, or be given freedom enough in her machine to roam again. But instead, she wanted it to end, and seek forgiveness in the lands beyond. That was the only mercy Null could give her, and she felt horrible for doing it. Just another disgusting monster, with the blood of innocents staining her hooves.

Usually Void were there to comfort her, and help her feel like she weren't the worthless, horrible creature she were when Null did this, but her sister weren't here right now. She were far away, and she had to try and deal with this alone, because who else would have anything to do with someone like her? Just a filthy, heartless murderer...

Quite frankly, she could use a hug. And if she got one, or even just had a hoof planted on hr shoulder, she'd cling on. As if her life depended on that physical contact.

(Troy)

"All at once. Far as I k-know, it's usually done in teams, so there's t-two sides, but I'm sure we can a-adapt things a bit for all of us. I never played it really before, so I have to g-guess a few rules. Big sis and I weren't exactly... Welcome in many places, so we d-didn't play many games with others. I think with how many we are, p-perhaps semi tun based is better? Or full on? I'll l-let you decide on it.

Anyway, just put your front h-hooves on two colors, then we'll take it from there. And of the f-few rules I know, you're not allowed to touch the same ones, unless you're p-playing in pairs. It's supposed to add some difficulty to the g-game, when the dots starts to get occupied."

She'd explain the rules as best she could, but allowing some input if they had better ideas, or some things seemed off, as if she remembered it right. In the end, they'd have to pick a referee for the game, so unless Vale or Pen volunteered, Null would do it. Best the foals all had the chance to have fun, first and foremost.

Provided nothing went wrong, they'd soon get to be told what sort of color they should put one of their specific hooves on. They'd see if it ended up turn based, semi-turn based, where they were split into some doing it, and others waiting. Or if perhaps it were individually. Whatever way, she were sure it'd end up with some pony bundles on the floor eventually, and hopefully a lot of laughter. Usually she saw happy beings, when she saw others playing this.

[Illiad Easle 3,179]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

(As fun as the first option would be, the second is more likely.)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If he let her wander, Null would get to about halfway in, and then just slump to the ground on her flank. She were only barely keeping herself up on her front legs, though they were shaking, and threatening to just give up too, as she hung with her head. She were still looking away, not wanting to glance at him, but she wouldn't move away anymore, if he pressed on and went closer. She didn't have it in herself anymore.

He didn't quite catch what she had said, but he kept pace with her as she walked. Coincidentally, they allay she had wandered into was the same back alley she had seen in the game, she was now sitting between the back of the casino and the workshop, though she likely didn't notice.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

even just had a hoof planted on her shoulder, she'd cling on.

Arcade did put a hoof on her whither when she started crying, and was surprised when she gripped it, but took that as an invitation to pull her into the hug she so apparently needed. He was clearly practiced in comforting others as he did all the comforting gestures one might expect.

He would let Null grip him for as long as she needed, only speaking once she had seemed to calm down enough to answer. "What happened? One minute you seemed ready to beat the machine to pieces, then suddenly you're bawling like this."

(Grey) // You missed this one

(Troy)

Vale volunteered to be the ref so Void could join in the game with the others.

They decided to go about individually at first, of the young ponies Ardee and Elef seemed to enjoy it the most, and were the most flexible of the group after Pen, who displayed quite the range of motion for a pony made of wood.

The foals were happy to run through the numerous archways of legs as they game continued.

Toupé was the first to slip up, unable to reach far enough for the available dot.

Elef was next when Peal bumped him and one of his wings hit the board.

Teal didn't last much longer as the foals seemed to gang up on her at the prodding of Toupéand Elef.

With three out and three still in they simply cheered for the trio to keep going, each one favoring one of the remaining players, trying to encourage the foals to mess up the other two.

[Blitz Boom 4,657]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Null wouldn't answer at first. She'd just cling on, let the tears roll, and try not to sulk too hard. Though at least momentarily after Arcade grabbed her, she'd just cry more, whilst for a feeble second, almost look like she were struggling against the embrace. Something a little contradicted, by the fact that she wouldn't let go of him, so it were likely due to some degree of instinct from her side, that she even tried to struggle a tiny bit.

Eventually, she'd be able to get herself a little more in control though. Starting with her grasp on Arcade's hooves, which she had clung too as he had embraced her.

"I... I got innocent b-blood on my hooves..."

Her form were shaking, as she tried to take a few, ragged breaths after saying this. It were always the first few words after an episode like this, that were the hardest for her. And sadly, despite the help she had gotten thus far, that part did not seem to have changed.

"I try to... I t-try to save them all, but I can't..."

She'd need a little more time sulking to herself, before she finally got herself under enough control to try and explain what had happened before.

"She weren't always a machine... Cabin Maré were driven by a want to impress, and got trapped in that thing for years. She weren't guilty. She deserved help, but all she wanted were to die.

A mercy kill... I-It hurts. It hurts killing them. Even if they beg me to do it. Even if there is no hope..."

She needed a moment more, but the crying would stop for now, as there didn't seem to be more tears left for her to shed. Not that it stopped her from feeling filthy, but if nothing else, she'd appear a little more composed, rather than showing off further how much of a wreck she were beneath the surface. Nine knew it already, as he had scoured her mindscape, but Arcade hadn't seen the cracks in the surface she had presented thus far. This would be his first chance to see the wreck that laid beneath the surface, and it remained to be seen how he'd react to that.

Though the more time would pass, the more she'd get to collect herself, and put up the facade again. The act that kept her sane, as she usually called it. Yet it weren't exactly like it used to be. She were still a mess, yes. Yet she had started to get a little better, and were becoming more balanced. But there'd always be triggers that would cause an outburst like this. Killing innocents, facing those who had caused her family pain- There were several things that would cause an erratic, high burst in her emotions that got her out of sync. Frankly, it were a testament to how much others had helped her here in Troy, that she had managed to get out of the casino, and to a more secluded space, before she had her breakdown. Usually Void had to drag her away while it started, to avoid it happening right there and then, in the moment.

(The Grey)

The griffon smirked slightly, but she did not show any sort of act of aggression towards them. Just defiance in her eyes, as they showed off their little toys. Oh how it made her want to properly show off the weapons she had for her talons, moments before the gloriously feeling, of their blood splattering across her face, and screams of pain. A symphony of death that it tickled in her to hear...

Yet, that were not her role here, and she had her orders. Even when it came to Them.

"I don't Crawl anywhere, I Soar. But if you're already ensuring her safety, there's no need for me then, now is there? She's all yours."

The griffon would raise her talons, showing that she held nothing in them, before flying up, and land on the roof, where she'd look down on them with a smug challenging look on her face. The yellow eye that before seemed so feint and vague in the glass, also seemed to get a little more defined in the moment too, and starring down on the ones who had just - potentially in their mind - chased the unnamed griffon off.

"I think I'm going to see how the market is looking then. See you around, Grey.

Ek miin los nau hi."

If they did nothing else, she'd fly off, and soon enough begin to mingle elsewhere.

As for the words, it might not hold meaning to them. It might even be complete gibberish, and they'd think she might have hit her head. It really depended on how well their understanding of elder draconic were. As for the griffon herself, they wouldn't have more issues with her for now. Though if they kept guard over her, they might find that she at times blinked towards whoever were keeping track of her, as she went about her day. She might not be the best watcher, but she weren't completely unaware either. It'd take actual effort to avoid being noticed by her, and she'd stay to crowded areas, to ensure attempting to kidnap her wouldn't be as easy.

(Troy)

Void were having a blast here too. The smallest foals were rushing through their legs, having their own game, and upping the difficulty of their Twister round. Void were currently standing with her back legs crossed with her front one, and appearing a little like a pretzel, or scared cat, as she had gotten an unfortunate one to stick a hoof on. And she were really looking forward to moving again, as it were making breathing a bit annoying, yet she couldn't just move and lose, right? They were only three left, and this should be fair.

Well, as fair as it could be, when the two adorable little scamps were messing around, and taking out competitors one by one. It were seeming more and more like this were them, playing in the pairs game, rather than two different ones. And sure, it weren't the most fair, but so far, there still seemed to be a lot of laughs around, and wasn't that the most important? For now it were at least, though one day, they should try without the added difficulty curve. Who knew what might happen then?

Void would get her dream of moving soon, as Vale called the next one to move at, and she could finally move her false leg to another position, thereby freeing the others. She just had to move slowly and carefully, so that she wouldn't end up-

*Pop*

Void got a sudden panicked look in her eyes, and began to wobble, as her false leg fell off and crashed down on the board. As this were technically a limb, this would mean that she had hit a lot of wrong colors, and effectively ended up losing. Though she were more concerned with getting her balance, as one of the foals were almost right beneath her, and she were heavy. The leg didn't seem to hit anyone, and it were too heavy for the small ones to just lift it with physical force, so that should be somewhat safe. It were just if her competitors would be too.

As she got her balance again, Void would let out a sigh of relief.

"P-Phew, that almost scared the tail off me. Guess I lost though. Just... Stand still, and I'll get away here, okay? And good luck Ardee. I'm rooting for you."

Void would slowly, and carefully, move away, using her real leg as a sort of pole, while her front legs did most of the turning and moving. And provided that no one had run off with her leg, since magic were also a thing here - or if the foals had tag teamed it, in which case they might be able to drag it away - she'd wander over and sit down, so that she could attach it again.

Usually this wouldn't happen, but she had been a little distracted today, and hadn't been as careful about making sure the connection point were solidly attached. Combine that with the odd movements from this game, and well... This happened.

It was fine though. She had made it to the top tree, and both Ardee and Pen were highly skilled at this, so she would have lost eventually. Her only advantage here had been her size, making it simpler to hit further away dots, and that would just have dragged it out, rather than last her.

In case the little ones had taken her leg and run off with it, she'd let them have their fun for a bit, and just sit down. There were no more horrible, horrible things in it anymore, so it were safe, unless they tried hitting eachother with it. Though she were very, very certain that wouldn't happen.