private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Changelings)

"Understood. Come on Craven, we got work to do."

Craven followed, after giving a bow before Grey Mare, but said no words. It didn't seem like he were required to, so it were simpler and maybe better, to just let Yannit speak for them both, and follow her as she left. They needed to get back to the tower, and see how things were going with Null and her negotiations. Hopefully well, but it were hard to say with Ninja. It were not the sort of stallion you'd hang out with normally, nor wanted to ask questions about, in case he learned about it, and came around to beat the curious out of your face.

Still, he hoped it went well, for the sake of them all.

He'd follow Yannit as she headed back towards the tower, changing into costume - which he'd follow suit and do too, before they got into sight of others - then prepare the poker chip, so they could enter the tower.

As the message they were seen as being alive? Interesting that there could come group wide messages out like that, but she hoped they had not send it to Mongoose. He'd probably get fidgety and do something foolish if he thought they had died.

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

(Null+Mongoose)

"No, it is not."

Her eyes shot lightning as she gazed on Mongoose sauntering in with Arcade, and focusing them as she were, they should be able to see her. A sight which did not make Mongoose happy. Well, he were for a brief moment, until he saw the look on her face, as she wandered straight over to them.

"What in Tartarus are you two doing here? Where's Ardee?"

"S-She's back at the hotel. We j-just-"

"Speak up, or get beat up."

Mongoose gulped, knowing from her tone and look in her eyes, that she meant it.

"I-I got a message that you all might be d-dead. Arcade wanted to go and I... I-I thought maybe it w-were best to follow him, since the hotel is safer?"

Null gritted her teeth, and closed her eyes. She really wanted to kick him in the face, but... No, this were not his fault, was it? He had been asked to guard them, and were forced to make a choice. Which should have been to guard Ardee, but since he didn't know Arcade were immortal, his choice annoyingly made sense. She really wanted to be angry at him, but this weren't so much on him as it could've been.

She'd just nod eventually, and open her eyes, to look at Arcade. Provided that he hadn't already gone and grabbed hold of her the second he saw her, which would cause her to speak at Mongoose over his shoulder, with a hoof around him. Either way, she'd get to speak to him after, when she knew what the status were of things.

"Hey, you don't gotta worry. We were just in a dead zone. I'm fine. The others are with Grey Mare, but this lead's a dead end. We have to get back to the hotel and figure out what to do now."

It felt nice having someone care about her enough to rush to her like this, though she really thought it would be best to have such worries about Ardee. Who could say how things were now that she were solo? Maybe she'd try to leave, and get grabbed somewhere? They had to get back and make sure, and fast. Basher were still out there, planning something nefarious.

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

 

(Hotel)

At the hotel, there would come three guards and check the rooms out. They could tell that something were not right here, witht he two adjoining rooms opened and then also a path leading away from here, indicating that maybe something had happened with those who were here. Perhaps the mare and her friends had been led to safety by the one who called on them? Perhaps they had all been taken? They had to find out, and soon.

One of the security team would try and follow the trail to where Ardee had gone, but would likely lose her all too soon. The other two would split and look in each their room. No one were here, so no need to not split up.

The mare who had worked security from before the current administration, would take the room the kitsune had been in. An odd one, she had been told, and truth to that, the room looked a mess. Looked like there had been a scuffle, though oddly enough, she could swear that she only found prints from him, and no one else. Might meant the one he were fighting with, were good at covering their tracks. Wasn't much else not hotel related to look at. Just a small box with some leaves and a note in it, that didn't have anything written on it.

In the adjoining room, things looked a lot cleaner, though the new addition to the guard - a changeling that Bruce had been helpful in training - would wander over and have a look at the jar of paint, or whatever it were? It smelled kinda funny. He'd wander around, trying to see if it had been used in some fashion, but didn't see much. He'd even go straight to the wall, and see if maybe there were some trace here, so he'd place a hoof on the wall.

The glow in his eyes would flicker briefly, and a few seconds later the other guard could enter the room.

"The other room is a mess. Clear signs of a struggle. Anything to look at here, Glue?"

The changeling would shake his head, and turn around, holding the jar of odd paint.

"No, just this. I dunno what it is though. Can't say I like that there's no one here. You think they were taken?"

"That's up to Marble to find out. I'd say the chances are there though. And here I thought the gangs in town were finally ringed in again."

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

 

(Ardee)

Ardee weren't entirely alone with her mysterious new friend. The paper fox were there with her, having stuck to her back as they went along, and now standing on her head, looking around at the new place they were. Its tail swaying from side to side, and a small snickering sound escaping it.

It understood it might be dangerous out here for them, when they were in a safe space before, but this were exciting. They were on the hunt, chasing through this huge city it had been created in, and out seeing the world. Or this little sliver of it anyway. It were equal parts thrilled and curious.

As it did not need to sleep, it could keep watch for her, and probably annoy an attacker if they tried to mess with her in her sleep. It weren't exactly dangerous. More mischievous, and with the kitsune's knack for being an annoyance put into its base. A little prank present from her creator.

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

 

(School)

Cherish liked hearing what the others said. Nice and informative, about other races and how they dealt with growing up. She hadn't really thought of that a lot of times otherwise, before everything happened. She were surrounded by ponies, and they had their simple ways of growing up, with cutie marks. That were most of what she were exposed to. A whole new, fractured world out here now though, with things to learn about others.

She did wonder what it were for dragons, but that hadn't been a dragon. She supposed in parts because Miss Gypsum knew that she would have picked that one, as she were very focused on learning more about dragons, for the sake of her friend Crow.

After a bit though, it were her time to go up, and present a small tidbit on what she had learned. Felt the old butterflies rummaging around her stomach again, hehe.

"I learned that Camels don't get marks on their bodies, but wake up to find it in the sand under them. Then they have to sit in a tent until it's there again, and an can come and talk to them about it. After that, they have to put their own meaning to it, before they let scatter to the sands. There's a lot of interpretation and symbolism with the way their marks works, that sounds kinda complicated.."

Complicated, but also kinda cool. She were honestly curious about this, and would peg that down as something more to look up in the library eventually. It were nice learning new things. And as a bonus, it kept the bad thoughts away.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Arcade had indeed gone for Null as soon as she was visible, and would say, "The Grey said you might be dead. I couldn't sit there and wait if you might've been in danger. Not if I could help."

On 2024-02-08 at 4:54 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, you don't gotta worry. We were just in a dead zone. I'm fine. The others are with Grey Mare, but this lead's a dead end. We have to get back to the hotel and figure out what to do now."

Arcade nodded, but the worry was still evident on his face, "Well, I for one am not a fan of us splitting up again. This time can the plan include us sticking together?"

Assuming they started making their way back to the hotel, Arcade would pull out the map he had been given, "That pegasus from before came by, dropped off a map of spots where Basher might be. Maybe that will help?"

Given the flow of traffic was the opposite direction, they wouldn't have much difficulty returning to the hotel. Though they'd likely run into the other changelings in the process.

 

(Hotel)

Once the group returned to the hotel, they'd likely encounter those investigating.

 

(Ardee)

There wouldn't be too long of a rest before a unicorn mare entered the safehouse. "Lost eyes on the mare for a bit, we think she's been in contact with the shadow."

The pegasus snorted, "That's not good. We can't hope to keep away from that thing if it's looking for us."

"Looking? Try found."

Something emerged from the shadows and grabbed Arcdee, holding her in a vulnerable position. She struggled until a knife was pressed against her throat.

The pegasus and the unicorn spun to face the threat, the pegasus more agressive, "Let her go! She doesn't have any part in this."

"Really? No part? Then her death won't matter to you?"

Ardee felt the knife draw blood, then there was a bright flash followed by the sound of a body being struck, at which point she was free to move. And move she did.

The unicorn motioned for her to follow as she made her way out another exit, looking back the pegasus was fighting the pony that had grabbed her, its shadow seeming to writhe in the unicorn's light, bu the pony wasn't making it easy for the pegasus.

Soon enough they were outside, at which point the unicorn grabbed her, and with a *pop* they teleported away.

 

Ardee was then in another room, this one had a window that looked down on the city. They were near the wall, but that's all Ardee could tell. "Is he going to be alright?"

The unicorn was catching her breath, "Who, Bee? Probably. We'll see if he shows up in the next few minutes."

 

(School)

Gypsum nodded once Cherish was done sharing, and moved to the next pony, pointing at Lilac, "Um, diamond dogs like gems, and when they get big they have to go find a gem by themselves, then they either come back home or find a new family."

Gypsum then pointed to Nova, "Minotaurs find a maze in their dreams, they draw it." Nova again wasn't too willing to participate, which disappointed Gypsum, but she didn't press the issue at that moment.

"This one thanks you all for sharing. Now, we will do something different. Each will pick a partner and make a poster showing what-is same and what-is different between your selected creatures." She gestured towards the crafts area where they had made their name plates two days ago, "There is many materials to use if you want. Once the posters are done, you will share them with the other groups. Good?"

Edited February 11 by Illiad Easle

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-02-10 at 9:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade had indeed gone for Null as soon as she was visible, and would say, "The Grey said you might be dead. I couldn't sit there and wait if you might've been in danger. Not if I could help."

Foolish stallion, going there and being all worried about her...

She'd hug him a little tighter, and briefly nuzzle his neck with her snout.

Her very own handsome, foolish stallion...

How she wished for this job to be over sooner, rather than later, so they could finally have a bit of time for themselves. Felt like it had been nothing but one thing after another for a while now. They needed to talk, to plan, to... Live. Yet none of that were going to happen, until Basher were brought in.

If ever she needed another reason to pursue him, this were it. They needed him bound, gagged, and tossed in front of Grey Mare, as soon as possible. For Ardee's sake too, before she'd go stir crazy from being in her room all trip. She deserved to come out and experience some things.

On 2024-02-10 at 9:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Assuming they started making their way back to the hotel, Arcade would pull out the map he had been given, "That pegasus from before came by, dropped off a map of spots where Basher might be. Maybe that will help?"

Given the flow of traffic was the opposite direction, they wouldn't have much difficulty returning to the hotel. Though they'd likely run into the other changelings in the process.

"Hmm, I'm loathe to trust something given to you by a source we don't know proper, but it might be worth looking into."

Was a few points there... Might be traps though, but they could discuss it when they got back, and found Ardee. Then they could have a go at this all as one, and see if they couldn't figure out how to handle things.

Wasn't long after that, before they were approached by Ardee and Arcade. Though that disguise didn't last long, as the changelings shifted back into form proper, looking over the assembled ones. Mongoose especially, who got a stern glare from Yannit, that made him gulp again. Apparently he were not in the good graces of any female today.

"I-"

"Zip it. Not here."

Yannit nodded, and would follow along with them, as they headed back to the hotel. Though she'd take flight and go off herself, to get to the hotel before them. There were enough there, she could go off on her own, and scout in advance.

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

 

(Hotel)

When they got there, she would already have talked wit the security, and were now examining the rooms herself. Though soon as she sensed them, she would turn around, and let the two workers stay on it.

"She's not here. There was apparently an intruder, and she took off. They are assuming she may have gone with the one calling for security, which is reported to be a mangy looking pegasus."

She'd change form, into what she had been shown their potential adversary looked like, and for the brief time she held that, she saw Null's eyes narrow, and fill with anger.

"They don't know who the intruder were, but it appears they've lost track of the next door guests too. A strange kitsune in a robe."

She'd switch form again, and it just made Null stomp in anger. Once anyway. She tried taking deep breaths through cleansed teeth, while she took her usual form again.

"I know them both, and I don't know if either are friends or foes.

We have to go and find her. Now."

She'd switch to her inside voice then.

"Nine? Whatever trick you can activate, fire it up, best you can. I think the longer we wait now, the messier things are gonna get."

Hopefully something in the arsenal, would help her track either of them. Maybe the griffon? He seemed shady. Was perhaps an easy pick to go after.

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

 

(Ardee)

On 2024-02-10 at 9:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Really? No part? Then her death won't matter to you?"

Ardee felt the knife draw blood, then there was a bright flash followed by the sound of a body being struck, at which point she was free to move. And move she did.

The fox jumped as Ardee were overwhelmed out of nowhere. It turned on her head, to see someone it didn't know, holding a weapon against her throat. Clearly and enemy, which made a low, snarling sound escape it. Though it did sound more like a small puppy, trying to be intimidating.

Its folded paws began moving about, as the normally softer paws, got folded to have some sharper edges, and it prepared to go and scratch the one holding her, right on his face. Ideally it's slash above the eyes, or even hit an eye. Might not be the most dangerous, but paper cuts could hurt, and it would happily make this one itch like crazy.

It didn't get the chance, before the assailant were handled, and they were rushed off, it clinging as tightly to Ardee as it could, whilst still being folded. It seemed it needed to wait for the chance to deliver paper cuts. Might even be that it could do something else next time. Wasn't something massive maybe, but it could probably help. It just hadn't done so before, so it weren't as if it were easy to just do so, when you weren't expecting something to happen.

On 2024-02-10 at 9:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee was then in another room, this one had a window that looked down on the city. They were near the wall, but that's all Ardee could tell. "Is he going to be alright?"

The unicorn was catching her breath, "Who, Bee? Probably. We'll see if he shows up in the next few minutes."

The fox would look around, turning in a circle time and time again on Ardee's head, growling cutely with its back arched. Its tail were swaying, and if you looked closely, its tail were slightly illuminated at the end. It were trying to set something up, just in case something did happen. It wasn't a proper kitsune, with all their immense levels of magic, but it had a few tricks incorporated. Tended to happen, when a small construct like them were animated. It added to the fun part, when they carried a message, that the recipient suddenly would have to chase down to read. A pretty common thing, that usually caused some fun, as the constructs would be chased around by a giggling kit.

It wouldn't be the same here, but you know, tricks for once occasion, could be used for another and all that.

If nothing bad showed up soon, it would seem to calm down though it would go on Ardee's shoulder, and refuse to move. And if the unicorn tried to grab hold of it and tale it off, it would jump back, avoiding the touch. Or if done by magic, would writhe and complain in incomprehensible noises.

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

 

(School)

"Okay, Miss Gypsum."

Cherish was all for this idea, and already knew who'd she approach, if it were an option: Nova. Yes he were a big, protective grump, that didn't partake in much, but she were sure he'd warm up to them all sooner or later, and she wanted to try and do her part. Plus, from the very little he said, it sounded like there were some similarities between what he said, and what she had read. The camels didn't dream of theirs no, but there were still showing their mark on a surface, and interpreting it. A maze probably had some meaning for them too, yes? It also sounded like there were some traditional elements in that, which the camels also did. Everything she had read just screamed long standing traditions at least. Nothing like the regular parties she knew from whenever somepony got a cutie mark.

So she'd see if Nova were taken, and if not, ask him if he wanted to join up with her. She sorta assumed that he were automatically gonna try and partner with his sister though, and understandably so. He just wanted to make sure she were well looked out for. He were just doing what a good brother should.

If he was taken, she would go to Teal. The way Zebra's worked, seemed to have some similarities to the camels too. Elders and shamans, probably had about the same sorta higher standing in a culture, and helped them interpret things right. Sure there were differences, but it'd be nice knowing the similarities too. That were part of the assignment too after all. Plus she hadn't interacted with Teal a lot yet. Only more or less as in her being grouped, with her siblings, and her then speaking to them like that. She'd like to get to know all her class mates a little better.

Yes, thestrals got a tiny bit of a priority in her mind, but she couldn't help it. They were so fascinating to her.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-02-12 at 4:25 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She'd change form, into what she had been shown their potential adversary looked like, and for the brief time she held that, she saw Null's eyes narrow, and fill with anger.

(From what she's heard from Arcade and Ardee about the pegasus, she wouldn't have reason to be angry, however...)

At first look, there wasn't anything remarkable about the pegasus, but on a closer look... he looked a good bit older, and was the wrong color, and had the wrong mark, but he was missing several primary flight feathers. Enough to make flying difficult, but not enough to ground him. That wasn't unexpected, plenty of pegasi who got in fights tended to lose feathers in the process, but the missing feathers matched the feathers that Basher had plated, some of which Null had in her prosthetic wing.

If that wasn't enough for her to make the connection, Nine would make it for her as he pulled up the path, revealing that Basher had been here in this hallway, had stopped at this room, and gone back the way he came. "Well, there's a trail we can follow. He won't escape us for long now, he's only got a few minutes of a lead."

Arcade would return from investigating Ardee's room, showing the symbol she had left behind, "She left out of danger, indicates a monster and an ally. I assume she left with the pegasus running from the kitsune then?"

 

Assuming Null would want to follow the trail, Nine would adjust the vision to focus on it and Ardee's trail as it followed. Up to the roof, then jumping off, then racing along the streets and alleys towards the safe house.

 

(Ardee)

The fox would feel something... strange. like something was moving inside it. The strange symbol it had eaten from the first note, disguised as a period, was starting to expand. (I assume the fox spits it out somehow. I'd rather that than the symbol unfolding it.)

Once the symbol was dropped it would expand until it was about a width wide, then the unicorn would approach, "He- wow! Now that's planning ahead."

She started to charge the symbol.

"What is that?" Ardee asked.

"A teleport rune, mixed with a marked rune. I guess that's how he knew where to find you, and he can use it to escape now."

 

(Null)

Null would arrive at the safehouse, likely bursting through the door, to find the pegasus beaten and bound by Briar, Mongoose holding him down with tendrils.

Briar nodded at Null, "Got him boss! Now that was a good fight."

Basher snorted at Null, "I see that look, I won't pretend. Your goon caught me. Now what?"

 

Null wouldn't have much time to talk to him (About one question and answer) before he would smirk again. "Looks like my time is up. Next time will be a bit more even."

Then with a *pop* he would disappear. A paper was left behind which then caught fire to burn away what was on it.

 

Briar looked surprised, which was reflected by Mongoose's comments, "Wait... how? He doesn't have magic to do that... and there aren't any unicorns nearby. Except for your lover and those changelings."

Those gathered would turn to Null for direction.

(Sorry to rush, but I want to keep the pace fast. You have one question, make it count.)

 

(School)

Nova would just shake his head when Cherish approached, confirming her suspicions that he wanted to be left alone with his sister.

Teal was more than happy to be her partner though, and actually approached her when she was going towards Nova, "So, how should we do this?" She would walk with Cherish over to the crafts area where everyone else was moving. "I was thinking we do something like the posters, where on each side we can put what is different, and in the middle we can put what is the same, what do you think?"

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If that wasn't enough for her to make the connection, Nine would make it for her as he pulled up the path, revealing that Basher had been here in this hallway, had stopped at this room, and gone back the way he came. "Well, there's a trail we can follow. He won't escape us for long now, he's only got a few minutes of a lead."

Arcade would return from investigating Ardee's room, showing the symbol she had left behind, "She left out of danger, indicates a monster and an ally. I assume she left with the pegasus running from the kitsune then?"

 

Assuming Null would want to follow the trail, Nine would adjust the vision to focus on it and Ardee's trail as it followed. Up to the roof, then jumping off, then racing along the streets and alleys towards the safe house.

Null did in fact not realize this, and as such, when it were more or less given to her on a silver platter, her jaw would turn slack, and her eyes open wide. Arcade would have returned around the time that the shock were starting to halt, and she would be stomping into the ground, her face straining in anger.

"No! That m-"

She'd spend the next ten seconds saying something that made the changelings blush. They'd heard a lot, but this... This weren't safe for anyone to hear. What crude swearing this mare had. And they didn't even know why. All they could tell, were that she were royally miffed, with a side dish of fear.

"W-What was that for?"

"It was him. The bloody pegasus was Basher! Come on, there's no time to waste."

She'd get a move on instantly, not caring about the kitsune part anymore. if they ran into him, they could beat the tar out of him, or something else. She didn't know, but truthfully, she weren't sure what side he were on in this either. basher hadn't kidnapped Ardee out of the goodness of his heart. For all she knew, the kitsune had tried to stop him. or he were part of Basher's crew, and helped him to take her away. She didn't know, and it frankly infuriated her. She should've never left the mare out of her sight. Stupid, stupid, stupid...

She'd berate herself a bit more as they went along, following the trail. Truthfully, her berating were just her trying to hide her fear, that something bad had happened to Ardee. Something really, really bad. She were meant to protect the mare, and now she were... She Had to find her!

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

 

(Ardee)

The fox felt something odd. It wasn't sure what at first, but then, it started to get more obvious, as something began expanding in its stomach.

It fell down from Ardee, tumbling to the floor, and rolling around, clutching. It weren't exactly easy for it to get rid of stuff like this, before it were digested. Which were mostly just a matter of it slowly disintegrating, once it wanted it to, not needed space. Nothing of the sort right now though, so things were nice and pristine.

After a few seconds it would get on all fours, and after some flapping sounds, would spit out the dot, and it imprinted on the floor. Could it speak, it would mention how nasty this was, but sadly words were beyond it. It had a low grumbling noise to make use of though.

It wasn't sure what were happening, before it were explained though. Letters were not supposed to be like this. And especially not punctuation. Punctuation were only supposed to be nice, crunchy things.

It seemed it were a teleportation thingie? It hadn't a clue that were the case, when it had eaten it before. Trickery one. Sounded like it were going to be an enemy too... Maybe it should try and prepare its spell then?

It wouldn't be something insane, but it would unfold and clamp to Ardee's chest, at which point she'd begin to shimmer and fade out of view. A simple cloaking spell, which were one of the most basic of spells taught to any kitsune kit, as a way to help them wait and hide for an adult, if something bad were gonna happen. It wouldn't stop smell or sounds though, but it'd be something. Might not have finished before Basher would arrive however. The expulsion before, had broken its concentration, and it needed a bit of time to properly activate this sort of thing. Around a half minute, after it started, before it's be fully done. She might still be visible in patches by then.

Of course, if she just tore it off, the spell would just not work. it needed to clamp on her like this, for it to work.

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

 

(Null... Again)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Null would arrive at the safehouse, likely bursting through the door, to find the pegasus beaten and bound by Briar, Mongoose holding him down with tendrils.

Briar nodded at Null, "Got him boss! Now that was a good fight."

Basher snorted at Null, "I see that look, I won't pretend. Your goon caught me. Now what?"

Null were surprised to see that Briar had beaten them to it, as she rightly smashed through the door, but honestly, she didn't mind. Problem solved before it got too far. Well, they still needed to find Ardee, but he were caught now. It should mean she were out of danger. Or they could beat out of him where she were, at the very least.

"Good job. Now you, where is Ardee Why did you take her? Give her back, or Grey Mare's gonna have to ask why your legs are broken."

She were curious of other things, but Ardee were a priority. And since it wasn't like he were just going to vanish into thin ai-

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Looks like my time is up. Next time will be a bit more even."

Then with a *pop* he would disappear. A paper was left behind which then caught fire to burn away what was on it.

"Are you bloody kidding me?"

She might've gotten one thing from him. A simple answer, but if he were gone, it would likely change now. Aaaargh!

No... No... She had to calm here. They needed a plan. She felt the others had eyes on her...

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Briar looked surprised, which was reflected by Mongoose's comments, "Wait... how? He doesn't have magic to do that... and there aren't any unicorns nearby. Except for your lover and those changelings."

Those gathered would turn to Null for direction.

"He must've stashed a spell somewhere. Seen this kinda thing before. Range ain't amazing, so he's still somewhere in town.

Briar, you do what you do best. If you find him first, rough him up if need be, until he surrenders Ardee, and then drag his sorry rear back to Grey Mare. She only stipulated he'd be alive, and ideally in one piece. Didn't say anything about unharmed.

You three, go and get word around your changelings, and track them down. I know your hive is practically everywhere in this sector, and probably the whole town. Someone will likely have seen something, or could go and find out. If you do find something, come find me immediately. Don't rush in unless there's no time to wait.

Arcade and I will go our own way, and try to find a trail for him, or one of his goons. And if any of you see that kitsune, try and get him to talk. He's part of this somehow, but he's not the priority.

Now go."

"Understood. Craven, take Mongoose, and go get the word out from the theater. I'll go directly to Bling. Make sure they understand that The Grey wants Basher and his goons. They know better than to get on their bad side."

The two nodded and took off, with her following right after, back towards the hotel. Changelings were permeated through most of New Las Pegasus, and a lot of information came through either the hotel, or the old theater. Some changelings even had the sole role to keep the tales and rumors straight, and send out for alarm, if something happened that might impact them. Wasn't exactly a spy network, more like the city had eyes and ears, and quite often, the hivewire would catch some of that, and act upon it if it were important. That being even more critical these days, when Bling and the whole mixed hive as an extension, were suddenly worth something. They had to make sure they were prepared, in case something sinister would begin. Had helped them when the gang wars started, and it were going to be useful now, hopefully. If Briar or Null didn't get there first, but they'd see.

Once Briar had taken off, so would she, leading Arcade down the paths, looking for even the faintest trail of Basher, or someone who had interacted with him, whilst she felt a slight amount of panic begin to grow within her.

"This... This is my fault. I have to fix this. or I- No, we Will find her. I'm not losing another one."

At this point, screw Basher. Getting Ardee back were priority number one for her. But to get her back, she had to first find Basher, and then probably beat it out of him, screaming and nearly frothing at the mouth. And it had to be quick, before he did something to her. She couldn't... How could she even look Arcade in the eyes, if she let Ardee die, because of her?

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

 

(School)

Well, seemed like Nova were a loss, but still, she'd try and be friendly, and grin up at him.

"Maybe some other time, okay?"

Teal seemed interested at least. And she did think that zebra culture probably matched best anyway. She were just curious about him. Beyond being a protective older brother, she knew basically nothing about Nova. She were guessing he didn't even really socialize much, beyond being around when Lilac wanted to do things. Maybe someday, they could all go and hang out? Who knew? Perhaps she might even convince Crow to join in too. She could do with more socializing than just her.

Anyway, for there and now, Teal and her were gonna go and do some school work together! Yey.

"I think it sounds like a good idea. Then the more different it is, the further from each other they are?

I think near the middle we should have that they both need to speak with someone else, after they get their marks, to understand them better. Camels talks to elder, zebras mystics. It sounds like they're doing sorta the same thing in this, yes?"

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Good job. Now you, where is Ardee Why did you take her? Give her back, or Grey Mare's gonna have to ask why your legs are broken."

Basher snorted at that, "Way I see it, she's safer with me than she was with you. Your goon would have killed her had I not gotten her out of here. Might want to ask them about it."

Then Basher would disappear, teleported away.

 

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

No... No... She had to calm here. They needed a plan. She felt the others had eyes on her...

Nine was already searching the path, "Ardee's path comes through here, and exits out to he road before stopping. She was moving with another who also disappears, likely a unicorn."

 

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Briar, you do what you do best. If you find him first, rough him up if need be, until he surrenders Ardee, and then drag his sorry rear back to Grey Mare. She only stipulated he'd be alive, and ideally in one piece. Didn't say anything about unharmed.

Nine would add to Mongoose, "It is imperative that Ardee get out of this unharmed. She is owed too much to allow her to come to harm."

"We're... I'm sorry. We didn't know she wasn't one of his gang when we found her here. We did warn you that Briar doesn't do hostage situations well."

If Null didn't have anything else for them in light of Basher's comments, Briar would fade into the shadows.

 

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"This... This is my fault. I have to fix this. or I- No, we Will find her. I'm not losing another one."

Arcade would try to stop her, once the others had left on their assignments, maybe in the alley where Ardee and the unicorn had teleported away. Doing what he could to make her look at him. "Stop. If this is anyone's fault it is mine. I should have trusted that you would be fine and not left her alone in the hotel. I should have forced that changeling to stay behind. I should have been more suspicious about that pegasus trying to get close to Ardee. But none of that matters, because we are going to find her and she's going to be alright. All we need to worry about is how. Just focus on how, and leave the what-ifs to me."

He'd give her a moment before returning his attention to the alley, "So they teleported out? Unless that unicorn was especially powerful, they probably didn't get far. Even the academics struggled to go too far, especially if they were bringing someone else with them. I reckon no more than say a hundred lengths of here and to somewhere with either a clear line of sight, or that they're very familiar with and well acquainted with the relative position. Can you get a view from above?"

 

(Ardee)

Ardee would initially be concerned by what the fox was doing, as it hadn't done that before, but didn't fight it as it didn't seem to be hurting her and she didn't want to damage it. She would move out of position once hidden so that the unicorn wouldn't know where she was.

The teleport rune fully charged and with a *pop* the pegasus appeared, visibly battered from his fight with Briar.

The unicorn looked relieved to see him, "You survived!"

He chuckled, "Turns out I'm more valuable alive than dead to someone." He looked around the room, his expression growing concerned, "And the Filly?"

The unicorn shrugged, "That paper fox she had with her made her invisible after it dropped your rune."

He nodded, "I'd guess a defense reflex to hide then. I hear kitsune like to do that when threatened."

"Why'd you pick her anyway? Seems a bit... higher class than your usual."

He sighed, "Because I saw something in her. She's been living under a shadow her whole life, and I don't want her to end up like I did."

The unicorn scoffed, "Since when did you go all noble on me?"

He shook his head with a smile, "They say it happens in the autumn years. Regardless, we're not going to be safe here much longer. It's time to bug out. With the shadow actively after me, and the Grey, we need to move. You've got my feathers?"

The unicorn went over to a box and pulled out a few golden feathers, sharp at the point where they usually connected to the wing. The pegasus took one and winced prior to jabbing it into position. He seemed to lose a few years off his apparent age. He repeated the process for the next three, looking at his prime at the end with a confident smile to match.

He looked around the room, "Ardee? If you're still here, I hope you'll come with us. I can't guarantee your safety here, or anywhere, given what the shadow is capable of."

Ardee didn't respond.

He sighed, "Ah well, I don't blame her. Probably traumatized by that experience. It's a shame that mare put her at risk just to get to me."

With that, the pegasus would take wing out the window, moving especially fast directly away from the city. The unicorn would teleport out soon after.

 

(New Pegas)

Word traveled quickly among his gang that Basher was being hunted. All the members were moving to get off the streets and hunker down praying that Briar didn't come to them for information, as none of them knew where he was.

 

(School)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I think near the middle we should have that they both need to speak with someone else, after they get their marks, to understand them better. Camels talks to elder, zebras mystics. It sounds like they're doing sorta the same thing in this, yes?"

Teal nodded, "Yeah, that makes sense!"

As they worked, Teal would relay a more detailed account of what she had learned from the poster, which was almost the same as Cherish having read the poster herself given Teal's detailed memorization of it, though Teal lacked the interpretation or a frame of reference to understand it properly, having not gotten her own mark and her sister only just having gotten hers.

That being said, Teal expounded on her previous summary as follows:

Zebra get their marks in a similar manner to ponies, often following some event in their life that contextualizes what they want to devote themselves to. Unlike ponies, whose marks appear immediately, Zebra marks tend to appear after a period of rest, either sleeping or meditating for a time.

Also unlike ponies, zebra tend to 'know' that their mark has appeared. They describe the process as something having clicked in their mind about how they understand themselves, so it does not come as a surprise when they find their mark has appeared. They also tend to have a basic understanding of what it means.

Nonetheless, it is part of their culture to visit a shaman to seek a deeper understanding of their mark. This visit is less a reading, and more a guided meditation as the shaman teaches them how to look inward for the answers, and helps them to understand the visions they see.

Zebra tend to repeat this process of self reflection every few years or prior to major events such as marriage or seeking foals, and the mark can change either in appearance or in interpretation over the course of a zebra's life.

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Basher snorted at that, "Way I see it, she's safer with me than she was with you. Your goon would have killed her had I not gotten her out of here. Might want to ask them about it."

Then Basher would disappear, teleported away.

Null had glared at Mongoose at that point, along with Craven, though he'd stop when he felt Yannit glare at him.

"I-It's not true. I wouldn't... I m-mean I got nervous, b-but I tossed my knife away. I'm not-"

"Enough. He is trying to sow conflict. Do not let him."

On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine was already searching the path, "Ardee's path comes through here, and exits out to he road before stopping. She was moving with another who also disappears, likely a unicorn."

It wasn't much, but it were a start. Told something about Basher having an accomplish in this matter too, helping him with this. But with what end goal? He hadn't made a demand yet. What were he planning to do here?

On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine would add to Mongoose, "It is imperative that Ardee get out of this unharmed. She is owed too much to allow her to come to harm."

"We're... I'm sorry. We didn't know she wasn't one of his gang when we found her here. We did warn you that Briar doesn't do hostage situations well."

If Null didn't have anything else for them in light of Basher's comments, Briar would fade into the shadows.

"I wasn't aware she had gone with him then. The blame ain't yours in this. And you know this time. Act on it, best you can."

How could they have known about this? She hadn't even been aware, before it were too late. She hadn't expected this to happen, considering she had hired some to keep watch over her.

On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would try to stop her, once the others had left on their assignments, maybe in the alley where Ardee and the unicorn had teleported away. Doing what he could to make her look at him. "Stop. If this is anyone's fault it is mine. I should have trusted that you would be fine and not left her alone in the hotel. I should have forced that changeling to stay behind. I should have been more suspicious about that pegasus trying to get close to Ardee. But none of that matters, because we are going to find her and she's going to be alright. All we need to worry about is how. Just focus on how, and leave the what-ifs to me."

He'd give her a moment before returning his attention to the alley, "So they teleported out? Unless that unicorn was especially powerful, they probably didn't get far. Even the academics struggled to go too far, especially if they were bringing someone else with them. I reckon no more than say a hundred lengths of here and to somewhere with either a clear line of sight, or that they're very familiar with and well acquainted with the relative position. Can you get a view from above?"

"I-"

Null were stunned. She were not used to this sort of thing, in the midst of her shifting blame to herself, for something she didn't technically have any control over. She didn't know how to feel about that either, as she were shaken out of her state of mind somewhat by this.

"Above... Yes, I can do that. I'll see if something shows up."

She'd take wing, and fly up, to look for the right sort of trail up here. It also helped her to clear her head, and get more focused again, bit by bit, though without the internal bashing of herself over this thing. It were good of him to shake her out of it like that frankly, as otherwise, she might not have even thought of flying about. Might be she had wings, but using them still wasn't something that'd just come to her all the time. And his idea on doing it now were good. From up here, she'd probably be able to find a trail, as yes, they likely hadn't gone too far. She just hoped that when they did find them, it would be in time. She didn't know what Basher had planned, but it probably wasn't anything good.

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

 

(Ardee)

The paper fox wouldn't say a word. Not that it really could, as it didn't have a mouth or anything. It were just a folded out slab of paper right now, clutching to Ardee, and keeping her from vision. And it seemed to work against these two! It didn't always, so it were a nice positive to see that they were fooled, and didn't have good senses. Or you know, just remembered where she had stood, and took a swing in the general direction. invisible did not mean the same as intangible. She could still very well be hit by something, or someone.

It would just stay this way on Ardee, in case she went out and either followed them, or began sneaking off elsewhere. If she stayed, and started talking, or poke at it, it would assume this meant it didn't have to do this anymore, and would fold itself back together again, and crawl up on her shoulder, letting out a yawning motion. These sorts of thing were tiring, even short terms, when you were a small construct like it were, with a limited magic source.

If Ardee kept following, it would keep spending what little it had, but it would also eventually result in it going inert at some point later, having run out of magic, and as thus, needing time to replenish. She could fold it and put it in a pocket if it came to that. it wouldn't like it, but it's be simpler to transport around like that.

Regardless, it would be with her. It liked her, and as it had been made for her, it understood that it were supposed to help her. Plus the others weren't great. The little ones didn't give it much height to look at things when crawled upon, and the strange bug ponies seemed occupied with other things, than entertaining it. Seemed pretty boring.

As for Basher and his friend? It were curious about what it had seen. Especially the de-aging, but it weren't inclined to follow, unless Ardee would be doing that. Seemed like they were bad news.

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

 

(New Pegas)

Using the changelings would get word out, and potentially someone would know where to look for at least a few of the gang members. But it were gonna take at least an hour, before that route would get them anywhere. Including with Bling urging the hive to action, as there were a lot doing other things, and trying to find Basher and his, weren't exactly a small task. Nor something everyone wanted to get involved with. They liked Bling, and what she did for them, but there were still a fair few afraid of gangs, and who didn't want any sort of involvement, that might get them hurt by one.

It was the slow route, but the changeling's way were methodical and would work in the long run, more than likely. But it were for the best the rest of them were out dealing with things in their short run. Gave them better coverage

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

 

(School)

Cherish were fascinated with what she heard. Like she'd tell Teal, zebras were more stories and strange street vendors where she had grown up. You'd mostly hear stories about how they could see the future, and spoke with the dead, cursed everypony that looked at them the wrong way etc. A lot of stories, and some of them were probably just hyped up, or scary stories. For one, she didn't believe the part about them being cursing others, just for a small slight. Nor some of the more rude things she'd heard, from some who didn't like them, because they were a bit strange. Which granted, they were, for your average pony. Weren't like they got exposed to their kind all that much, and the street vendors tended to deal in all sorts of odd things and elixirs.

It tended to really draw the foals though, with some saving their allowance, specifically to get some of their trinkets or potions. Some teachers forbade them taking them to school, because it distracted them all too much, though the zebras never sold them anything dangerous. They wouldn't want that hanging over them.

Anyway, she'd move on to tell about rhe camels, and the similarities she'd seen in more details, like how it were with the marks that spawned under them in their rest, and the role their elder had in this, which were somewhat akin to the zebras. She'd also mention how she liked the symbolism and history that seemed to be in both theirs, and the zebra's way of handling things. Didn't seem like something that had just spawned out of nowhere. It seemed very traditional, and she found that kinda interesting.

She did like history and traditions, but it were also related to her cutie mark. Traditions and culture, did play a part in love, when she had been helping to give some ideas of how others at school could write a love letter to their crushes, or how she had left a few clues at times, between some she saw liked each other, to try and nudge things a little gently. Learning how courtship worked for various ones, helped to understand love more, and she liked the stories around it. Like how the griffins in Engstahd had courted one another.

It were a lot more hunter related, and included wearing freshly carved skins from strong predators, than she would personally like seeing, but it were still interesting to look at. Sometimes you could end up forgetting that griffins were natural predators, and shouldn't be underestimated. Though she still bet Crow were stronger than a griffon her age, if she wanted to. She didn't mention any of this though. They should focus on the work, and the more side stories she told, the more they'd maybe end up not finishing on time. She didn't want to disappoint Miss Gypsum.

Regarding their collage, she'd fill in what she had read, and say how far apart or close some of the things she had read about camels, were from what Teal had said about zebras. A big one were how their marks showed, as the camel's marks were external, curiously enough. It might be more elemental, kind of, than what ponies had? Since it were in sand, but she hadn't seen anything about that. Didn't really matter much either, right? Wasn't like she understood the exact details of cutie mark magic either. It were just this weird thing that happened, that helped to show your way further in life.

Camels also didn't sound like they had to more or less meditate over their marks every so often, before important decisions, like zebras did. They appeared more relaxed about it, as it scattered into the sands. Both fascinating sorts of creatures, right? Maybe someday, she'd get to see a real caravan of camels, and maybe see how they did things. But school right now first. They were learning about marks of all sorts now, and should try and focus.

She did wonder why regular equine marks wasn't an option yet though... Maybe Toupé already knew, and that's why they were handling others, to learn some culture?

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-02-18 at 4:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Above... Yes, I can do that. I'll see if something shows up."

She'd take wing, and fly up, to look for the right sort of trail up here. It also helped her to clear her head, and get more focused again, bit by bit, though without the internal bashing of herself over this thing. It were good of him to shake her out of it like that frankly, as otherwise, she might not have even thought of flying about. Might be she had wings, but using them still wasn't something that'd just come to her all the time. And his idea on doing it now were good. From up here, she'd probably be able to find a trail, as yes, they likely hadn't gone too far. She just hoped that when they did find them, it would be in time. She didn't know what Basher had planned, but it probably wasn't anything good.

It seemed Arcade was right about the distance, as once Null was in the air she caught a glimpse of something shiny towards the edge of the city, looking closer it was a pegasus with bits of metal in their wings.

"There. That's him. And he's moving fast, looks like he's making a run for it."

 

(Ardee)

Once Ardee was alone in the room, she sighed, letting out all the breath she had been holding before rubbing the paper fox, "I don't need to hide anymore. You can let go now."

She wouldn't pay the fox much notice at that point as she made her way to the window, then climbed up onto the roof to watch where the pegasus was headed. She thought back to what he had told her at the buffet, "You're living under someone else's shadow, and fighting everything to get out from under it, but you don't see that you're just moving from one shadow to another. If you define yourself by what you don't want to be, it doesn't much matter what you end up. Is that what you want for yourself?"

She sighed, speaking softly aloud, "No, it isn't. I need to live my own life, forget everything else."

She saw some truth in those words, she had grown up overshadowed by Rainbow Dash by proxy, then she had gone from there to Gemini, the foals, Void, Null, and if the pegasus had his way, she'd probably be under his shadow right now. All her life she had been told what to be and what not to be, had someone hovering over her telling her what to do...

Except for now.

As she looked out at the pegasus fleeing out, she realized that, whoever won the coming fight would come back for her, put her back under their shadow, whether they knew it or not.

She didn't want that, so there was only one answer.

She readied her bow, motioning for her fox to climb on before instructing it, "You need to hit his shiny feathers, pull them out, so he can't get away. Try and get at least one, but don't let him get you."

She gave the fox a moment to get a good grip on the arrow, before firing it high into the air with as much power as she could muster.

 

(New Pegas)

The changelings would have even less success getting information out of any gang members they found than Briar would. The members were scared of Briar, they weren't scared of the changelings. Plus, they still didn't know where Basher was, but any changeling who pushed for information would only get pain for their troubles.

 

(School)

They were just putting the finishing touches on their poster when Gypsum came over to their side of the table, "Gypsum is impressed! You two did very much-good on this. Are there any questions? If you're done making the poster, you can plan how to share it yes? Think of what is most important part to share?"

Unless Cherish had a question Gypsum would move on to the next pair, Toupé and Elef, to comment on their progress.

Teal would look over what they had put together, "Hmm, what do you think? Should we say what is different and then what they have in common? Say what they have in common first? Or maybe just read from one side to the other?"

(I realize I just signed myself up to write a presentation for the other two pairs, that will take a bit to figure out, which is why I'm slowing the pace of this section.)

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-02-20 at 3:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"There. That's him. And he's moving fast, looks like he's making a run for it."

"Ain't gonna be that easy. Let's go."

She'd look down and signal to Arcade which way she were going, the took off, aiming to intercept Basher. It was gonna be a pain in the rear once she did get to him she'd assume, but for the sake of Ardee, and that fool Basher himself, she were gonna beat some sense into him, if he liked it or not, and drag him back to The Grey. Had she the time, and a roll of ribbon, she'd wrap him up like a gift bag.

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

 

(Ardee)

The fox would sit on her, thinking that it did a good job. She had been safe, not taken away more, by those that seemed like bad ponies, and there didn't seem to be other enemies around either. Honestly, it felt like it deserved a pamphlet for that. Something with a nice, thick font, to make a proper treat. But instead she stood and talked to herself. About what, it didn't know. It lacked context, but maybe it'd understand later. Preferably over dinner.

Seemed like it wasn't done with doing stuff before that though. She wanted to have it fly on an arrow, and do something to the one from before? Hmph. It better get that pamphlet later then, or it'd start hiding her arrows.

For now it would play along, and get situated on the arrow. If it hit were fully up to her ability with this, but if it did get there, the paper fox would go on, and try to pull one of the golden feathers. It could even direct the arrow a bit, if the aim were off, though they needed to practice this a lot more for it to be consistent and good. That said though, it didn't have an amazing degree of physical strength, fo if those feathers were placed in good, it wouldn't be able to get any of them. It only had the physical strength of a young cat, more or less. Enough to carry some arrows, or drag a reasonably sized book across the floor, but not enough to provide much in the physical department. If she wanted that, she should get herself a falcon, or an owl. Maybe even a Pygmy Ghost Vulture. They had some rather sharp claws, though good luck getting it out from any major settlement.

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

 

(New Pegas)

The changelings wouldn't be aggressive. If they heard something, they were instructed to not approach anyone themselves, but report back, so that Yannit and the others could go and deal with it. And sadly, it were very apparent that the ones they'd find eventually, were not gonna be any help. They were stubborn, protective, and more than likely completely clueless as to what were going on. Sure they could be hiding it, and they could try and draw it out, but they were changelings. If they started to rough it out of others unprovoked, actions would not be taken against The Grey, but the other changelings instead. And they wouldn't do much good, by getting gang members focused in on Bling.

So they'd approach, ask, and then depart if there seemed to be nothing, with their senses on high alert, in case someone were obviously lying. It were a good approach all things considered, but wouldn't yield much result. Might be someone would see him though, as for instance as he were trying to rush out of town. A fair bit of eyes and ears around town, so it weren't exactly easy to do something in the open, that'd not be noticed by someone.

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

 

(School)

"Hmm... Maybe start in the middle, with what they have in common, and then we each take a side, and switch between who says what? So like, I give a camel fact, then you give a zebra fact, or the other way around? Kinda showing how things change the longer off from the middle we are?"

Cherish would admit, it had been a while sine she had done a group project, and were a bit rusty on the whole thing. But she felt like this might be a good way to do things? Kinda show how they were similar, and then afterwards how much they varied, and became more their own sorts, to the points where they barely had anything in common, traditions or otherwise? At least she figured it were something they could work with, but she were interested in hearing what Teal had to say. Though they should probably also remember, that they shouldn't overexplain things, or they alone could take a half hour, if not more, and they were probably not meant to take that long.

Honestly she weren't sure. She didn't know how schools were here in Troy all that well yet, as they were still early with it, and Miss Gypsum might have other ways she wanted things done, than Cherish were used to. Probably would actually, but she meant like, very differently, and not just small details. She might be one of those teachers who liked a long lecture.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-02-21 at 1:41 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Ain't gonna be that easy. Let's go."

Not easy was an understatement, as it was clear that Basher had her far outclassed in terms of speed, quickly shrinking into the distance as he crossed over the makeshift walls of the city.

But Null's efforts would be rewarded as a pair of events occurred...

 

(Ardee)

On 2024-02-21 at 1:41 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Seemed like it wasn't done with doing stuff before that though. She wanted to have it fly on an arrow, and do something to the one from before? Hmph. It better get that pamphlet later then, or it'd start hiding her arrows.

The paper fox could likely tell that Ardee seemed troubled, sad, but determined. Like she didn't want to do what she was about to, but she knew she had to.

Soon enough, it would be flying though the air much faster than when they had practiced on the roof.

On 2024-02-21 at 1:41 PM, Blitz Boom said:

but if it did get there, the paper fox would go on, and try to pull one of the golden feathers. It could even direct the arrow a bit, if the aim were off,

Ardee's aim was pretty good all things considered, but Basher's speed would have been too fast for the arrow to catch up had Basher not found himself caught in several shadowy tendrils, holding him still enough for the fox to aim the arrow true. Still, it was traveling too fast on the descent to try and stop. It would likely be best to run the arrow through the wing and hit two of the feathers where they overlapped.

The arrow would strike, yanking the feathers out before continuing the rest of the way to the ground where it would stick in the ground holding the feathers in place. If the fox investigated, it would discover that the shiny feathers seemed abundantly charged with magical energy.

 

(Null)

Basher getting caught by Mongoose's tendrils, as Nine indicated, then being struck by an arrow, though it seemed like only a glancing blow, gave Null the chance to start to close the distance. Nine would encourage her to hurry regardless, "The sun is coming up, Mongoose won't be able to hold him there for long."

True enough, the horizon was already starting to brighten behind them.

Basher was then engulfed in light, driving the tendrils away for a moment, before the light subsided and he started to flee again, significantly slowed by the tendrils trying to catch him as it looked like a unicorn mare on the wall was trying to interfere with light magic.

 

She had to catch up to Basher before the sun rose.

 

(School)

(I'll add this later, sorry.)

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Ardee)

The fox did sense something were off, but wasn't sure what exactly. Its pony were acting strange, before she were about to shoot it against the other one. Was she afraid she'd miss? Maybe sheee- *whoosh*

It wouldn't have much time to think before it were shot off, going at higher velocity than previously. It made moving the arrow a bit more difficult, but she had shot it well, so it didn't need to do a lot more than get ready.

It might not have hit at all though, it it wasn't for the fortuitous arrival of some shadowy tentacles. Which did spook the fox, as it had certainly not expected something like that to arrive. Thankfully it didn't let go, and the arrow managed to hit a few feathers, barely needing it to pull on anything, other than the arrow. It was a nice shot from Ardee's side. If it could speak, it would tell her that, but it would try and convey things in a different way, if it got the chance.

For the time being... Well, whatever came up, must come down again, as they said, and so the arrow would soon start to plunge, and get down and hit the ground. Thankfully it did not hit anyone, cause that would have been really hard to explain. How would one expect to react, to suddenly getting a paper fox flying in on an arrow, with some magical feathers stuck to said arrow, jabbed into their shoulder? Or eye. An arrow could do a lot of harm. But that might have been another reason she wanted it to go on it. To make sure it were steered away from hitting someone? She were smarter than it had just thought.

For now, the arrow were safely stuck in the ground, keeping the two feathers in place. The paper fox would go off the arrow and go look a bit closer at the feathers. It wasn't an expert or anything on... Well, anything really. It was a construct, that had only recently been made, with baseline knowledge to be functional and helpful, that hadn't had much chance to expend yet. Anyway, it could still tell that these were magical. If it had seen Basher getting younger earlier when they were jabbed in, that would have been obvious, but it had been unfolded and trying to help Ardee. It had a very limited viewing point at the time, and hadn't seen what he were doing. It heard him though, but wasn't sure what he had been going on about.

Ah well, maybe it would some day. For now, it would try and yoink the arrow and the feathers, out of the ground. If it could, it would bite down on said arrow and be on its way, to bring it back to Ardee. Or at least where it knew she had been before.  She'd probably want these things back, and it would avoid getting in contact with others on its way to get there. Which could include it going invisible, but it wanted to preserve energy, and it didn't know how that would work with the arrows, so it would avoid affecting it. So at worst, you'd see a couple of arrow in the air, seemingly rushing around near the ground by itself, which wasn't stealthy. So why even bother using the magic?

If it were well and truly stuck, or the feathers caused some sort of issue that made it weary, it would instead go around it, and toss as much sand and such that it could around the arrow. Ideally it would be able to cover it fully. If not, if it could at least cover some, it could stand up against it, and get ready to hide it from view, in case someone got here. This belonged to Ardee, and no one else.

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

 

(Null)

Seemed like she got a few helpers on this, with Mongoose seemingly trying to grasp Basher, along with an arrow hitting. One she'd assume had been shot by Ardee, since who else would shoot an arrow at him? Didn't seem to really do much, but it were appreciated still, and both of them helping did help her to close the gap. Basher was a fast flyer, and thought she tried, Null were not exactly an experienced flyer. Without help, there'd be no way she'd realistically catch up to him. And yet, she still had to strain herself to fly as fast as possible now. It were probably gonna leave her with sore wings or something later, but that was an issue for future her. Current her didn't have the time to think about this, and just had to fly, and prepare herself to try and hit Basher, so they'd get down to ground level.

It'd be nice to do something about the unicorn seemingly helping him too, but if she got distracted by that one, she'd loose Basher, so she just had to hope that the mare wouldn't be able to help her much more than this, or it were gonna become an even greater pain in her rear to get this done. She might even have to try and chase him over the dunes, which likely wouldn't help once Mongoose couldn't help anymore, due to again the fact, that Basher were faster than her. She'd need to try and chase his trail, and hope she had more stamina than him at that point.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Fox)

(Just to clarify, the fox hit Basher on the way down, not on the way up)

As a magical entity, even being close to the plated feathers would give the fox a boost to its magics, as though being in the presence of the feathers made any magical task easier to accomplish.

Regardless, the arrow seemed well lodged in the ground, and if the fox looked back to where it had been shot from, Ardee wasn't on the rooftop anymore.

 

(Null)

As Null approached, the unicorn's efforts redoubled, until the suddenly stopped. If Null looked back she'd see the unicorn on the wall now fighting Arcade, or someone who looked like Arcade.

Regardless, she had a pegasus to apprehend.

Basher still managed to dodge the tendrils despite the lack of support for a bit longer, long enough for Null to get close before he was fully captured and brought to the ground. Held for her to approach.

Despite his predicament, he didn't seem worried, "So, now what? You going to take more of my feathers then let me go? They don't grow that way you know, I can't afford to replace them."

The sun was approaching, rising from the west they were currently in the shadow of the wall, Null could see the line of light approaching.

 

(School)

Cherish and Teal's presentation went well, Teal actually seeming to have a knack for explaining things to others and presenting. Despite only having seen this information minutes earlier she spoke with the confidence of one who had studied the topic for years. Which seemed to impress Miss Gypsum.

Toupé and Elef presented next,

Elef spoke about how changelings choose their marks when they make their disguises, often trying several marks and identities before deciding on one, and some choosing more than one over the course of their life. To a changeling, their whole 'ponysona' as they call it serves as a mark, or an outward reflection of their inner self. Further, changelings often take names and marks from changelings of their hive who died, building on to their legacy in a form of distributed chronicling.

Toupé spoke about how deer experiences differ based on gender. The does have guiding magic that they call 'the path' which they can see through concentration and meditation. Rather than a visible mark they get a glimpse of their future, of who they could be and what they might enjoy doing. They seek guidance from those more in tune with the path to get a better picture of their future, and record it so they can look back on it in difficult times. The bucks have horns like unicorns do, the many points making it easier to cast spells with many components, but more difficult to cast simple spells with great power like a unicorn can. When a buck grows their first horns, they wait to see what their first spell will be as it comes naturally, and will decide who will mentor them that season. Among deer, bucks tend to rely on does in order to find their direction and purpose in life.

Nova and Lilac were next, although it was more accurately Lilac talking and Nova standing there.

Miss Gypsum helped Lilac to expound on what she had learned, mostly with respect to the diamond dog section, explaining that diamond dogs were trained from a young age to be independent, or at least to have the skills needed to survive in the wild. Once they are old enough they are sent out to find a gem of their own, and are not to return to the den until they do. The first gem they find is used to predict things about them, but most diamond dogs consider it no more important than astrology for determining fate. There is no extra standing from finding an especially rare mineral, so there is no incentive to lie about which mineral was found first. Once they have found a mineral they either return to their home den, find a new den, or form a pack with other dogs they traveled with while searching. Many dogs choose to name themselves after the mineral they found.

Lilac then read, with Gypsum's help, what Nova had written down on the poster. Minotaur often dreamed of mazes and laberynths, and they felt that it represented the choices present and future in their lives. By studying their maze, and drawing it out, they could find guidance on what they ought to do. No two mazes are the same, though those in similar situations often found sections of their mazes to match.

(We can get Cherish's reaction to the other presentations before moving on.)

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Fox)

It did feel a bit more springy and pepped up, but not enough to do much about the arrow. It were still well stuck.

It would continue with the plan to half-bury it, whilst looking up towards where it had been shot from. It didn't see Ardee from its low vantage point, so maybe that meant she were on her way now, to gather up the arrow? It would wait for the time being, for her, or any of the others it knew of, to come and collect this. Though soon as it were picked up by any other than Ardee, it would be off, to get back to her. It didn't much care for the others, beyond them being friends of hers. It were made for Ardee, and it intended to stay with her. She seemed a fun one.

If this took too long (about six-seven minutes, depending on if something interesting happened nearby) it would also just have tossed enough dirt over to more or less cover the arrow, and it would be off anyway. It would get bored staying here, and not having anything to do but wait for her. Yes it could not return the arrow, but it could just lead her to it if it came down to it, yeah? Or it were lost. It didn't much care personally, even if the feathers were nice.

If it were an option, and the ground were not too dense, it would have also instead of covering, been digging around it, with its little paws. If it could get the dirt around it lose, it should be easy enough to just pick it up, with the remaining dirt crumbling with a bit of a shake. But that wouldn't work if this were dense ground. It wasn't as physically strong as an actual fox.

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

 

(Null)

Finally, a stroke of good luck. Something happened with the magic protecting him, though she weren't sure what. She hadn't the time to just stop her momentum, and looking back. Though she'd be happy for the help from Arcade later, once he'd have the chance to tell her. And a little after that didn't protect him anymore, Basher got caught in the tendrils, and went down. The sun were still approaching though, giving her little time to work with still, but it were enough for her to get to him, and being able to talk to him, though she already felt her back being sore. She really had to fly more often, and build up her flight stamina.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"So, now what? You going to take more of my feathers then let me go? They don't grow that way you know, I can't afford to replace them."

"Hey, this feather business wasn't my idea, and I ain't coming to pluck you like a darn chicken. Keep the lot and paint them pink for all I care.

I've not been sent to kill you or anything, Basher. This is a recruitment run. I'm here to get you in with The Grey, so you can start paying off that debt that got you thrown into Tartarus in the first place. And yeah, I get you might find that sucky over total freedom, right here and now, but you're gonna die sooner or later again. Ain't anyone that's really immortal, and when that comes, if you haven't dealt with this, you'll be right back in the flames. And this time there won't be a second chance for you.

I could beat the tar out of you and drag you back if I had to, but I'd rather you saw some reason, and came willingly. Or do you want to end up like those tortured things Discord sent roaming around?"

It were true that Null's preferred method of dealing with things were violence. But if it were possible for her to handle this without, she'd take it, because Basher weren't all bad. They had a brief moment of talk back at the gates, that showed there were more to him than just beating folks to death for whatever reason. If he came back, and worked it off, he'd be able to pursue that sort, and in the end, evade the fires in Tartarus. He'd been there already, albeit briefly it sounded like. It should still be enough for him to know that he wouldn't want to return though, right? Tortured for so long, that he'd become those thoughtless, roaming things that Discord had used to cause so much devastation. That wasn't something she'd want, that were for sure, and she were sure he didn't either.

Might take a decade or so to pay off the debt, but it were still a worthwhile investment, she'd say. And who said he still couldn't beat things to death? Had to be some whose punishment were death. He'd have ample opportunity.

If here were reasonable, she'd even give him his bat back, once they were back at headquarters. Sure it had to be patched up a bit from her end, but it were fine now.

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

 

(School)

Cherish were happy that it seemed like Gypsum liked their presentation, though a lot of the credit for the presentation itself, went to Teal. She were great at delivering this sort of speech, like if were were a tutor, or professor herself. Maye that would end up being her specialty in some way, shape or form? She hadn't a clue, but it would be fascinating to see what it'd end up as for her, and the others. Toupé might be first, but the rest might come soon after now, trying to catch up to her.

Anyway, the others had a lot to say too, and it were interesting to hear. She knew little of for example changelings, as they were still only somewhat recently allowed into society, by the time the crisis happened, and in her area at least, they hadn't any of them in school to explain stuff. They were mostly taught with old stories, and those were not nice about them.

The stuff about deer were fascinating too. She had no idea that they worked like so much of a unit, that even when it came to their marks, they would rely on others in their flock, as they got forward in life. Nor about the horns. She actually had thought that maybe they couldn't cast spells, but she had been proven well wrong then. Not that she knew how magic were used in the first place, being a pegasus and all, but this at least taught her how it were for deer, and how the concentration of magic were lesser than a pony's, but could be more complex. Raw power versus finesse and such, yes?

Then came Lilac, who had to explain for two. She were sorta starting to wonder if maybe it wasn't just that Nova were protective of his sister, but that he was also really shy, since he didn't much seemed to want to mingle, or even chat about these sorta things. Or he couldn't speak, but she were fairly sure she had heard him speak before... Right? If not, then maybe he were mute, and it sorta explained things too.

Anyway, diamond dogs were refreshingly simple, compared to what the rest of them had talked about. Self reliance, a bit of gem finding as culture, and then deciding what to do with themselves after. She had known a pup for a brief time once, who said he had been out looking for a ruby, and she always just thought it were something with him looking for food. She had known a place in the nearby forest where there some shinies like that, and had gotten him there but he didn't speak much of what he needed it for. He just picked the first of the gem cluster when they were there. Not a ruby, but the sapphire were pretty too. Nice to know more specific what were the case with him now then.

Then came minotaurs. It were rather brief, which fit Nova, and were mostly about their connection to mazes. She'd always just read about them as these strong, two legged creatures, that lived in rural ways, with strange, spiritual roots. But there'd never been much details. Sadly this didn't give much either, but it did make her want to look up more at the library someday. She were curious how they actually were, beyond the stereotypical outlandish brutes, that she'd been taught they were.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Basher looked surprised, but remained confident, "What, was my prior argument so convincing that you no longer care where your little friend is? Besides, what happened to all the fire you used to have? You certainly didn't offer Firebird this mercy."

The tendrils tightened, causing him to wince, "I have to say, that is a tempting offer. But you're not the first one to offer it to me. And the last mare who promised me redemption for doing her tasks tried to execute me afterwards. So forgive me if I'm less inclined to believe you than I did Celestia."

With a flash of light Basher was free, holding a small brightly glowing orb that kept the tendrils back as he hovered in the air. "I'll repay my debts my way. So if you want me, come and get me."

With that he dashed for the approaching sunlight, but he was slower than before. Null could see that the other two plated feathers had been removed, likely by the tendrils, and were sitting on the ground. He was slow enough that she could catch him, but not before he made it to the sunlight. She'd have to fight him one on one.

 

(Fox)

Soon enough it would see Ardee approaching, though her gaze was not on the fox or the arrow, but the fight in the distance. Her expression was pained as she flapped with all she had heading for the fight.

 

(School)

On 2024-02-29 at 11:09 AM, Blitz Boom said:

but she were fairly sure she had heard him speak before... Right?

Nova had spoken earlier, and when he had introduced himself a few days prior he said he was only here for Lilac, so maybe it was just that he wasn't interested in putting forward much effort?

 

At the end of the presentations Gypsum had them all take their seats again, "Much good, very informative, such learning, wow." She smiled, "Now, all have learned how it is for other creatures, who can tell the class what it is like for ponies? This one is aware that only half of you have marks, and even so may not understand what it means or why it was obtained. Would any like to share how it is for ponies? Perhaps comparing to what was learned from other creatures?"

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-04 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"What, was my prior argument so convincing that you no longer care where your little friend is? Besides, what happened to all the fire you used to have? You certainly didn't offer Firebird this mercy."

"Who the fudge is Firebird? And if you're making a run for it, that means you ain't using her as leverage anymore. Your plans have failed. I'll find her."

It were implied by her tone of voice, and the look on her face, that if she found Ardee dead, then she would come back and bash his head in. Because of course she were worried about Ardee, but she had to get him to talk first, and just going off about her as the first weren't gonna make him listen. Granted he still didn't seem to much care for doing that, but she still tried.

As for Firebird... She hadn't the faintest idea who that were. She hadn't fought a phoenix recently. Heck, it had been what, 17 years or so, since she last got into a fight with those things? Hard to forget the details, it was jut the year that escaped her a little. Bloody annoying things honestly. She'd spooked one by accident, and then suddenly she had a swarm chasing her ten kilometers, until she finally got out of the forest, and could dive into a lake to put out the singed hair, where they had hit her. Being up against something like that again, she'd certainly remember that. But he were probably talking about a griffon, or pony. Still she hadn't a clue, but she were gonna guess that it were someone that Ninja killed. Unless...

"If FIrebird's that crazy one that attacked me in the cloud layer, I didn't want it to end like that. I warned him, but him and his goons tried to kill me, and rip off my wing. He didn't give me much of a choice."

She hadn't felt regret no, but that didn't mean that she had wanted that to happen. Ideally, he'd have just left her be, and taken off. Maybe get the hint, and not necessitate her to cut his throat, rather than just threaten it. But he had made his choice, and as such, she had to make hers too. Even if he had acted out of some sort of desperation, it still came down to a matter of his life, or hers.

*sigh* Perhaps Basher were right. Maybe her fire had been spent too early in this chase, and it were now waning some. A flare up when Ardee went missing, but otherwise, so spent that there were barely embers left. Were this a better time, maybe she would have thought over that, but of course, it wasn't gonna be like that...

On 2024-03-04 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

With a flash of light Basher was free, holding a small brightly glowing orb that kept the tendrils back as he hovered in the air. "I'll repay my debts my way. So if you want me, come and get me."

With that he dashed for the approaching sunlight, but he was slower than before. Null could see that the other two plated feathers had been removed, likely by the tendrils, and were sitting on the ground. He was slow enough that she could catch him, but not before he made it to the sunlight. She'd have to fight him one on one.

"Oh no you don't. We ain't done yet."

She'd snap up the feathers, and hold them between her teeth, lest that caused some sort of issue, and as such, she'd instead stash them under her beret. Either way, it'd be quick picking and packing, and she'd then get to chase. He were slower now, so perhaps that meant she could catch him now. It seemed likely it would be fully down to her at least, considering the sun were about up, and as such, the shadows couldn't come out to play.

She'd aim to tackle him in the air if she got close enough, and then tumble him down to the ground. She still hoped she could talk some semblance of sense into him. Or beat it in, without him dying. Her sister wanted him and his goons in her flock, and as such, she'd try her darndest to make that happen.

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

 

(Fox)

It perked up as it saw Ardee fly about above it. Though... She didn't seem to head for it. Did it not now it were there? It seemed to go towards where the pony that had lost a few feathers had headed. Maybe she were headed for him?

If digging out the arrow were still an option, it would continue to do so with increased fervor. If it seemed impossible, it would ditch the arrow, and chase after Ardee. It knew where to go back to find the arrow. It were probably fine.

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

 

(School)

Cherish would rise up a hoof. She couldn't say what it were like for every pony, but she could share how it were where she grew up. And if she were told she could speak, she would say what she could.

"In Equestria, fillies and colts does all sorts of things, because our marks happen when we do something that is tangible to our special gift. Sometimes it doesn't always make sense, but it's important to try, and get your mark, so we're encouraged to do lots of things, and see what happens. Then it's celebrated with a party, kinda like your birthday, and then you get the chance to change your name, if it doesn't fit your mark.

I didn't change my name, but I knew some who did.

Oh, and there's not a lot of symbolism, or chasing after elders to understand your mark, like with zebras or camels. Usually we know because of what we did when it popped up, and then we try and do stuff around that. We were also told that marks can change if you change a ton too, but it was rare."

Wasn't everyuth9ing, but it were baseline, the most important stuff, yes? There were room to elaborate after, if it were needed. She could still say a few more things. Like how she had gotten hers, if that sort helped.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-03-05 at 2:54 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Oh no you don't. We ain't done yet."

She'd snap up the feathers, and hold them between her teeth, lest that caused some sort of issue, and as such, she'd instead stash them under her beret. Either way, it'd be quick picking and packing, and she'd then get to chase. He were slower now, so perhaps that meant she could catch him now. It seemed likely it would be fully down to her at least, considering the sun were about up, and as such, the shadows couldn't come out to play.

She'd aim to tackle him in the air if she got close enough, and then tumble him down to the ground. She still hoped she could talk some semblance of sense into him. Or beat it in, without him dying. Her sister wanted him and his goons in her flock, and as such, she'd try her darndest to make that happen.

Once he hit the sunlight he tossed the orb behind him, where it disappeared in a blinding flash. He took advantage of that to dodge Null's tackle and down the last of his flask before dropping it as well. "Woo hoo hoo! Let's go, you and me."

He would prove especially nimble in close quarters, keeping in the air to leave Null disadvantaged as she didn't have much experience brawling in the air, evading her strikes with ease while getting some jabs in of his own. "Pow, I make this look easy. That all you got? Are you even trying?"

He seemed to start slowing down, the effects of his potion starting to wear off. Null would get one good hit in before Basher got serious, "Party's over pally."

A series of quick strikes to the back and wings put Null on the ground, chest down, with Basher holding her down, "Lotta good the Grey did ya. Here's a better deal: You work for me instead."

Basher would move to retrieve his feathers from under Null's beret, From her position Null could see someone approaching fast and low heading right for them.

 

(School)

Miss Gypsum nodded, "Very good, thankyou for sharing. Would you like to share what your mark means to you? Or what you were doing when you got it?"

Weather she shared her not, Gypsum would turn her attention over to Nova, who looked slightly confused, "You would like to share, yes?"

"Well, I was taught that, while you earn your mark by doing something, it isn't so much that that action defines you, but rather reminds you of when you figured out who you were and who you wanted to be? I mean, having a mark in something doesn't make you the best at it, and it doesn't mean that it is what you are best at, but rather it's what fulfills you?"

He shrugged, "Maybe it's different for thestrals."

Gypsum nodded, "It is possible yes, this one is less familiar with thestrals than with ponies."

(We'll have cherish add more if she wants and react to Nova's contribution before moving on.)

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-06 at 10:31 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once he hit the sunlight he tossed the orb behind him, where it disappeared in a blinding flash. He took advantage of that to dodge Null's tackle and down the last of his flask before dropping it as well. "Woo hoo hoo! Let's go, you and me."

He would prove especially nimble in close quarters, keeping in the air to leave Null disadvantaged as she didn't have much experience brawling in the air, evading her strikes with ease while getting some jabs in of his own. "Pow, I make this look easy. That all you got? Are you even trying?"

He seemed to start slowing down, the effects of his potion starting to wear off. Null would get one good hit in before Basher got serious, "Party's over pally."

"Stand. Still. You. Gaarh!"

She hated this! She absolutely hated this. He were not just evading her, but also jabbing at her with what felt like pity dabs. Like he were a cat, playing with a freaking mouse! This air combat thing sucked for her right now. Even when Basher started to slow down, it still seemed like she were more or less just toying with her, while she desperately tried to get a hit in on him. And all at the same time, his words from before were starting to push against her increasing annoyance, from the back of her head. What the hay had he meant about Celestia wanting to execute him? She'd sure like to ask, but she had been too focused on the task at hoof before, and right now, she were being taunted and treated like a foal!

This state she were in usually did good for her on the ground, but she did not have the experience, nor instinct for air combat currently. So when she finally did get a hit in on him, it were not focused enough. It were a kick with her front hoof to his stomach. Which might have gotten some oomph behind it if they were on the ground, and she could add some weight to it, but up here, it probably did next to nothing.

Damn it! If she got through this, she were gonna HAVE to train these stupid things, so this wouldn't happen again. or at least not this embarrassingly.

On 2024-03-06 at 10:31 PM, Illiad Easle said:

A series of quick strikes to the back and wings put Null on the ground, chest down, with Basher holding her down, "Lotta good the Grey did ya. Here's a better deal: You work for me instead."

Basher would move to retrieve his feathers from under Null's beret, From her position Null could see someone approaching fast and low heading right for them.

Urgh, and speaking about embarrassing... She were now getting pinned to the ground she had wanted them to get down to. Not the way she would have wanted it, and due to the way he held her down, she couldn't just get to him. Couldn't even try to bite his leg or nothing, unless he were dumb enough to keep an exposed leg near her head. He thought dirty himself, so she sincerely doubted that.

As his seeming *ultimatum*, she'd let out a weak chuckle in response. Wasn't easy getting the breath for a good laugh, after the treatment he just gave her. Didn't feel like the point for one either though. Would've been nice being able to add a bit more sarcasm to the tone, had it been an option however.

"That the same offer Celestia gave you?

Urgh... What the hay's the chip on your shoulder she left there anyway? Made you do her dirty work, until you stopped being useful? Got you questioning some of that blood on your hooves?"

She were still strained, but since she weren't able to fight back, she'd try and use her words here. Someone were approaching, and 50/50 on it being help for him, or for her. If for her, then she'd try and distract him with this, for a bit more. If not then at least she might get an answer before she'd get her neck broken, or knocked out, and taken along for her reassignment. This one seemed to be important for him, so perhaps this were gonna make him talk. Or it would make him angry, and he'd break something, before yelling at her. It was the more painful way of distracting someone, and honestly, it sucked. Even if it did work at times.

Either way, he'd probably be able to get the feathers. She wasn't in a position to stop him like this. Her beret sat too well on her head to just shake her head well in this position, to try and get the feathers to slide off, and a bit out of his range.

If it were Ardee or Arcade, she'd urge them not to kill Basher. And if he got say an arrow somewhere, she'd try and aid him, rather than just let him die. Her sister wanted him, and if she had the chance, she'd give him to her. Though that said, she were wanting to also have something confirmed. About if the end of the service with The Grey, were a metaphorical - or possibly literal - bullet to the back of the head. That weren't the sort of justice she signed up for.

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

 

(School)

On 2024-03-06 at 10:31 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Miss Gypsum nodded, "Very good, thankyou for sharing. Would you like to share what your mark means to you? Or what you were doing when you got it?"

Cherish didn't mind sharing information about her cutie mark, so she'd say quickly, before the next one. She bet that Miss Gypsum didn't want to listen to her going on about every tiny detail. Besides, it were quick to summarize honestly.

"I got my mark when I were helping a friend of mine get the attention of his crush. I helped write some letters and set up a bit how they'd bump into each other after school. I got my mark just when they started holding hooves.

I dunno if my mark means I'm good at match-making, or maybe writing letters or books on love, but I'm positive it's something with love at least, and I like that. Love is a special, beautiful thing."

She'd get a wistful look on her face, as she got a bit caught up in the emotion. She'd never loved another herself, but she treasured seeing others that were in love, and helping them get together were special moments that she'd never forget. Even if sometimes, it were just a crush that wouldn't go far, it were still nice to see those stages of early love.

On 2024-03-06 at 10:31 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, I was taught that, while you earn your mark by doing something, it isn't so much that that action defines you, but rather reminds you of when you figured out who you were and who you wanted to be? I mean, having a mark in something doesn't make you the best at it, and it doesn't mean that it is what you are best at, but rather it's what fulfills you?"

He shrugged, "Maybe it's different for thestrals."

Gypsum nodded, "It is possible yes, this one is less familiar with thestrals than with ponies."

The look wouldn't quite vanish from her face, but she'd turn her head and listen to what Nova said, when it were his time to speak. And speak he could. She had probably just forgotten about the last time she heard him before that, since he were so quiet like, a lot of the time. The strong, silent type of pony, yes? She remembered reading stories about that sorta ponies. They were pretty cool in paper. Nova seemed to be more marred by trauma though. *sigh* Poor guy. She hoped he were dealing with things well.

After he had talked, she'd raise a hoof up. If she were allowed, she'd like to respond to something that Nova had said there actually.

(if allowed to)

"I used to have a teacher, back in uhm... B-Back then. He said he used to be a good butcher, but got his cutie mark of a fluffy bear, when he safeguarded a filly that got lost in the woods, until the parents came to pick her up.

That's kinda what you talked about, yes?"

Wasn't too normal for ponies to be butchers, but some still went into the profession. Some like her old teacher, apparently also hunted their own prey for it. That's where he ran into the filly, that he made sure to bring back, and contact the parents, so they could pick her up. He said he got his mark then, and found that he really enjoyed taking care of a small one. Far as she knew, he still hunted at times before the crisis, but that were mostly for friends, or old favored customers.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-03-09 at 4:10 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"That the same offer Celestia gave you?

Urgh... What the hay's the chip on your shoulder she left there anyway? Made you do her dirty work, until you stopped being useful? Got you questioning some of that blood on your hooves?"

Basher snorted at that, "Hardly. She signed the nine of us on as mercenaries to do a job in exchange for a pardon." He held one of the plated feathers where she could see it, "See this? Minostralium. Has a whole range of benefits when ingested or attached to the magic pathways. I don't know how it works, that was Doc and Engi's business. All I know is it makes me faster and stronger, and Celestia wanted us to get a whole bunch of it for her. Then once we returned she had a whole legion try to execute us. She never planned to pardon us."

He sighed, "It's a shame, that Miss Pauling she used as a liaison was a real looker."

He got serious again, "Maybe you can get more info out of Heavy, if you can understand anything he says. Now then, what'll it be?" He stuck the feathers he recovered back in his wings, rejuvenating a bit with a shudder, "Work for me? O-"

*thhhik!*

An arrow lodged itself in Basher's wither, on the side that he was holding Null down, the leg went limp and Basher started to fall before he lifted himself up with his wings, turning to face-

If Null looked back towards the figure she had seen approaching earlier, she'd now recognize it as Ardee, now approaching on hoof with her wingblades ready. Her bow discarded on the ground a short distance away. She jumped at Basher then used her wings to spin her body in the air so that her rear hooves were now the point of her attack, striking Basher's chest as he turned to face her.

She used the kick to bounce off of him, using her wings to spin in a tight arc to strike him again, this time from above. Again she used the reversal to strike with her hind legs. She prepped for a third strike but Basjer was ready for her this time, dodging out of the way as Ardee struck the ground instead with a tumble.

"Didn't expect you here, after all I told you I-"

A knife flew past, a small one, close enough to cut his cheek. Ardee had thrown it. "Your words are why I'm here. I'm not living under any more shadows."

She quickly launched back into combat. It was clear that while she wasn't the most experienced, she was a good brawler in the air, leveraging her superior speed to make dozens of quick attacks and slashes without letting Basher touch her. And soon it was clear why: She had stolen one of Basher's plated feathers, likely in her first or second strike. That, combined with her more youthful physique and the fact that Basher had already expended his energy running and fighting Null, made him more susceptible to her attacks.

But even then, something was wrong. It was clear to Null that Basher wasn't fighting Ardee as hard as he had fought her. She saw several openings that Basher did not exploit, and strikes that he had obviously pulled.

Ardee would eventually gain the upper hoof, grappling Basher with a wing blade to his neck while panting, "ye.... yield."

(If you feel like it, you can have Null try and step in at any time before this. I just want to make clear that Ardee couldn't normally take Null in a fight, much less Basher, but a combination of factors gives her the advantage here, the primary one being that Basher doesn't really want to hurt Ardee like he didn't mind hurting Null.)

 

(Cherish)

On 2024-03-09 at 4:10 PM, Blitz Boom said:

That's kinda what you talked about, yes?"

Nova didn't look to sure, and simply shrugged.

Gypsum picked up the topic though, "That is a good example, and both of you are thanked for sharing. That is an important point, unlike other creatures, there is not a set time when a pony mark appears. Many times it happens when young, like other creatures, but a mark can appear much later in life, though rare. Many ponies can have the same mark, though it is rare for it to mean the same thing for all of them. And like Cherish shared, having a mark does not mean one knows for sure what it means. Like with deer, it is the start of understanding, rather than a culmination."

She nodded, "Now, unless there are questions? Gypsum thinks it is time for lunch, then we will have a pony visitor talk more about marks. Since they know more than this one."

(Cherish can ask a question, or we can proceed to lunch. This is also an opportunity for you to do some teaching in a small capacity. Maybe Cherish's guardian, the therapist, could come in to speak?)

(Also, here's Toupé's mark)

Spoiler

 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-11 at 6:17 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Basher snorted at that, "Hardly. She signed the nine of us on as mercenaries to do a job in exchange for a pardon." He held one of the plated feathers where she could see it, "See this? Minostralium. Has a whole range of benefits when ingested or attached to the magic pathways. I don't know how it works, that was Doc and Engi's business. All I know is it makes me faster and stronger, and Celestia wanted us to get a whole bunch of it for her. Then once we returned she had a whole legion try to execute us. She never planned to pardon us."

He sighed, "It's a shame, that Miss Pauling she used as a liaison was a real looker."

He got serious again, "Maybe you can get more info out of Heavy, if you can understand anything he says. Now then, what'll it be?" He stuck the feathers he recovered back in his wings, rejuvenating a bit with a shudder, "Work for me? O-"

She had a few seconds to think of what he were saying, as it were presented. One sided yes, but this were not the first time she had heard shady stuff about Celestia, and sadly she doubted it would be the last either. Equestria idolized her, to the point where many thought she could do no wrong, and that were how things were presented, more often than not. This were a grim tale to add to the shadow her bright light cast, but one she didn't have the evidence to prove, nor disprove. Though she had heard this Minostralum stuff were rare, and that Celestia had a lot of it. Perhaps there were some truth to this tale, and it didn't paint her in a great light.

There were someone she could ask though. Basher mentioned Heavy, and the way it were said, she got the feeling it were that griffon they had with them to the gates, some weeks past. Perhaps when they got back to Troy, it were high time for her to give him a little visit.

Yet the time to think were brief, as in the midst of telling her to work, or presumably die, he would jerk to the side, seemingly impacted by something. Something moving at a fair speed she'd think, considering the sound he made.

On 2024-03-11 at 6:17 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Didn't expect you here, after all I told you I-"

A knife flew past, a small one, close enough to cut his cheek. Ardee had thrown it. "Your words are why I'm here. I'm not living under any more shadows."

Null would use their battle to spin away, and out of reach, so that she could get back on her hooves. This were getting messy, with Ardee going into things, with remarkable prowess granted. She had kept up with her training, that much were plain to see.

"Ardee! Play it safe, and try not to kill him!"

It would be hard for her to get in, and not potentially cause more trouble than it were worth, so she would stand on the ready, close enough that she could dash in and strike, in case things looked grim for Ardee, without getting in her way. She were tensing up, getting ready to dash and slash, as it were. But to her surprise, Ardee would end up coming out on top. Sure she could fight, but this were a skill issue, that did not favor her at all, but somehow, it seemed that she had won. And she got the feeling Basher had let it happen. He seemed to let her take advantage of some glaring openings, and ignoring some that would have been simple for him to take advantage off, had he taken the opportunity. Sure he were a brute, but he weren't this dumb. By all accounts, she'd say that he had taken a dive, as it were.

On 2024-03-11 at 6:17 AM, Illiad Easle said:

But even then, something was wrong. It was clear to Null that Basher wasn't fighting Ardee as hard as he had fought her. She saw several openings that Basher did not exploit, and strikes that he had obviously pulled.

Ardee would eventually gain the upper hoof, grappling Basher with a wing blade to his neck while panting, "ye.... yield."

Null would approach, not putting her guard down, or tensing down any either. This might well be a trick from his side. Best not to trust him on this currently, as it were weird that he had held back.

"I ain't a trickster, Basher. I don't come bearing words of one thing, to lure you into some web of intrigue. What I said, is what's offered. I ain't doing things like she did.

I saw there's some decency left in you, down at the gates. Saw it right now too. You wanna toss that away, and end up back in the pit? Be smart about this.

I'll even give you your bat back."

This were probably the closest thing you got to a joke from her, yet her wings were still extended, wing blades on the ready. She sure weren't a top air fighter, but this were the ground, which were more her territory. Down here she knew what to do, if she had to. Though she hoped he'd be smart about this, so they could go back, she could turn off all these sensory things Karma had given her - seriously, the chill were starting to register with her proper - and they could get on with things. Her with going back to Troy, and him settling in to work off his debt, so he could avoid the pit, and New Las Pegasus could get some more help making things more secure.

If it turned out her sister had tricked her, and this were not the case... She wasn't sure if she could keep working for Karma, if that would happen. It wouldn't be what she signed up for.

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

 

(School)

Cherish didn't have more to add, so they could go to lunch. Her own being a salad in a box, with a small container of dressing. Fairly standard food, made with local veggies.

The others would have gotten things fitting their wants most days, except Elef, with an issue regarding his need for meat, but today she had done something special for them.

While there were the protein bars and the dune fox jerky for Elef, they also had more than mere sandwiches, or salad this time around. The ponies having freshly cut salad mix, with home made dressing. Even had tomatoes and the sort. There would also be sandwiches from the bread she believed they liked best, of the sorts they had tried recently, with their favorites in. Even the sort that took some extra work. And as for drinks, there would be some fruit juice or soda for each, depending on if they had liked the fizz from last time.

Elef's were special, in that whilst she couldn't add something live, she had tried to accommodate things, so there'd be chopped up ham pieces in his salad, and packaged in a bag, were some slightly cooked meat in slices, that he could add to it, or his sandwich. Something savory from the desert, which she were told were some kind of rabbit meat, that she had prepared during the night. She had followed the cookbook well, and seasoned it, so she hoped it were good, though sadly, she could not test it herself. He could use them for either the sandwich or salad. There'd be some to work with for either, or both, though only so much.

It were not easy for her to work with, but she hoped he noticed that she were trying her best.

Cherish would be about halfway through her meal, when her ears perked up, and she'd rise from her seat, gulping down a mouthful.

"Mom!"

She'd rush over to meet the mare who had shown up.

She were in her late thirties, wearing an upper suit, with frills at the neck. Her coat were light blue, and her mane and tail lime green. Her style were streamlined and well combed, making her looking professional. She also wore small, sharp half glasses for reading, and her cutie mark looked like a brain with a question mark in the top right.

The mare would thaw somewhat, and smile a bit, as Cherish came over and gave her a hug. Her looking down on the filly with tenderness you normally didn't get from the stoic mare.

"What are you doing here?"

"I've been asked to help with a minor lecture of sorts. I found some time in my schedule to fit in today.

Make sure to eat your lunch, Cherish. You're gonna need the energy for later."

"Okay."

She'd return to eat, whilst her mother looked over the assembled class on break, with a respectful nod towards them. Minus the ones on the playground, if any were there currently.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-03-12 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Ardee! Play it safe, and try not to kill him!"

If she heard her, she didn't show any reaction.

On 2024-03-12 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I'll even give you your bat back."

It would likely surprise her to find Ardee glaring at her, "He's not your captive. He's mine."

It was probably just the adrenalin talking there, right?

Basher winced as Ardee pressed the blade closer, "I didn't hear an answer."

"I... I yield."

Ardee relaxed a bit, and Basher started to move, but he didn't get far before something dark struck him and he fell unconscious, "I'll take it from here."

Behind Null stood the Grey Mare, looking at though she had been there the whole time, but Ardee moved on the defensive, "And who are you? Another lacky?"

Grey Mare simply shook her head, "I'm not here to take your glory or your prize. You've earned that much. There's a steep bounty on that stallion, one your friend here has been working hard to collect. I'm here to pay it, unless you'd rather take care of him yourself?"

Ardee looked conflicted, but calmed, "No, you can have him, and you can give her the reward, I don't need it. I got what I need out of this."

Grey Mare nodded, and two others landed nearby to collect Basher as Ardee moved over towards Null, they could see Arcade running towards them, but he was still a ways off.

Grey Mare spoke softly to Null before leaving, "Come by the judgement hall later to make it official, whenever is convenient."

 

Ardee was content to be quiet until she fully recovered from the exertion, unless Null spoke to her, but if Null looked, likely as part of checking her for injuries, she'd find something interesting on Ardee's flank.

Spoiler

 

(Cherish)

The introduction of a new pony to the classroom made all but one of the ponies present curious, with Nova being more suspicious and defensive. (Looks like you named her Sooth Sayer at the bottom of 53) The guardians of Nova and Lilac had brought Nova in to see Sooth before, but she hadn't been able to get much out of him other than that he was only concerned with protecting his sister. If Lilac wasn't involved he wasn't interested, and being separated from her, like he was brought to her, made him agitated and anxious.

Seeing her here made him suspicious, he moved a bit closer to Lilac, who affectionately leaned against him unaware of his feelings towards the guest speaker.

 

Still, the promise of a guest got the ponies eating faster and soon they were back in their seats ready for the lesson to continue.

Gypsum would bring Cherish's mom up to the front before addressing the class, "This is Sooth Sayer, she is a pony who helps ponies solve problems and answer questions about themselves. Today she is going to teach us something that she has prepared. Please treat her as you would Gypsum, and pay close attention."

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-16 at 10:50 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"He's not your captive. He's mine."

Null had half a mind snapping back at Ardee, but she managed to keep her initiate reaction to a sneer, and narrowed eyes. Mentally, she knew that Ardee wasn't wrong. This were technically her captive now. That said, a mixture of irritation, deep seated anger issues, and her own adrenaline, did mean she initially wanted to yell at Ardee to watch her tone, before she'd get a firm smacking. She were the big sister  she weren't used to being talked at like that, without retaliation of sorts.  Ot when in this sort of mood.

Her logic did win out enough to just let it slide though. That said, probably good that they got a visitor shortly after, to break up the tension.

On 2024-03-16 at 10:50 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Grey Mare spoke softly to Null before leaving, "Come by the judgement hall later to make it official, whenever is convenient."

"I'll be there later. I need to know this wasn't all a lie."

She wouldn't elaborate, but she did need to see that Basher were alive, and given the chance to repent. That had been the premise, as well as her promise, and she didn't like being used, nor breaking her word.

On 2024-03-16 at 10:50 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee was content to be quiet until she fully recovered from the exertion, unless Null spoke to her, but if Null looked, likely as part of checking her for injuries, she'd find something interesting on Ardee's flank.

When everything were calm and done, Null would wander over to Ardee, and start circling her a bit, before going in closer to examine the young mare.

"Just checking to see if he hurt you, Ardee. You did good, but I just need to be sure you aren't about to drop your guts, or lose a leg. That ain't how this should end."

She considered spitefully saying that it looked like Basher had pulled his punches, but she'd keep that comment in her head, for now. Playing over a few times more, getting snarkier each time.

(Next part only happens, if Ardee aren't severely injured. Null wouldn't care about stuff like the following, if that were the case)

It more or less ended abruptly, when she noticed something that had definitely not been there before. And she knew. She had trained with Ardee for some time before this, and been around her enough, to know that she wouldn't have been able to miss this one.

Null's eyebrow raised  and she looked between Ardee and her flank.

"...Well I'll be damned. Didn't see that coming.

Met others that got their cutie marks in the midst of battle too. They tended to be tougher than I'd give them credit for, at first glance. I guess this really does proves that I might've been acting too protective.

I'm... Sorry about that, Ardee."

She had figured she could go with some merit as to why she did so, but seeing this, and how Ardee had fended for herself, it were hard to argue that she hadn't just been overprotective, to a point where she hadn't needed to be.

It did hurt a bit getting that apology out though. But that were more of a her thing. Even though she meant it, it could still be a bit strained to actually say this to someone, other than Void.

She still had plebty of reasons to use though, as for why she had been protective, but that were for another time. When that whole subject would be brought up. For now she could imagine that Ardee just wanted to focus on her new mark.

As for further from them, the fox were also rushing over the sands, quick as it could, but it would more than likely be the last one there. Might be it didn't get tired from running, but its legs were still short.

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

 

(School)

Sooth Sayer would notice the way that Nova acted, but wouln't say a thing. It fit him well, with how he had acted when he were brought into her clinic. Ideally she'd have liked that he opened up more, but it had ever been clear what his trauma were, and the way he kept sane and focused after it. Even if she didn't get details from him.

Seeing him now, it were clear that it still would be good for him to open up, but he weren't ready. Not on a one on one consultation basis at the least. Lilac would have to be there, as he clearly associated herself now, with being separated from his sister. And honestly, he'd likely not be ready for them both being there. He'd likely hold back things, due to wanting to keep Lilac safe.

Perhaps someday she'd get him in and he'd open up, but she could not force him into a consultation, so it would have to be when he were ready. Unless it were court ordered, but she doubted that would be forthcoming.

On 2024-03-16 at 10:50 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gypsum would bring Cherish's mom up to the front before addressing the class, "This is Sooth Sayer, she is a pony who helps ponies solve problems and answer questions about themselves. Today she is going to teach us something that she has prepared. Please treat her as you would Gypsum, and pay close attention."

Cherish were sitting in her seat, curious as to what her mom would be lecturing them about.

Sooth Sayer would go in front of the class as she were presented, and look over the assembled young ponies.

"Thank you, Miss Gypsum.

Hello everyone. As Miss Gypsum said, my name is Sooth Sayer. As some of you may know, I am a therapist. That means that I help various creatures with their psychological traumas.

I have prepared a lecture that touches on this field. Be aware that any examples I mention will touch upon real subjects, but the specific situations are fabricated. Everything talked about to a therapist, are considered confidential, and I am bound by my oath to never divulge the personal stories of others, to anyone outside of others in the profession, and even then it has to be done scarcely.

I say this, so those of you who have not been to a therapist, know that your personal information and stories, will be between you  and the therapist. As well as just making sure you don't wonder whom I might be talking about."

A bit of a disclaimer, but she had to mention this, as her lecture dealt with trauma, and she didn't want any to worry that those in her profession, would rat them out, if ever they needed one. Including those in the room she had spoken to, such as Cherish.

That said, she were not trying to scare the children. She would use examples of side effects of PTSD, ways that some dealt with trauma, the signs one could look out for, and such things. Giving a few examples along the way, but without goi g into heavier subjects initially.

There would be room for questions though, and she would answer them, as they might come. Still well aware that she were speaking with young minds though, that didn't need to know details about for instance severe depression, leading to suicide. It were more general tips and tricks, as well as some talk about grief.

The latter likely the heaviest subject, but in this day and age, rarely had no one lost someone tragically, and there were a lot of grief, and survivors guilt. Things she would touch upon, but again, with awareness of her audience, as it were.

Cherish heard a fair few of these already, but she would listen in all the same. The reminder of how to handle things didn't hurt. The memories were the things that hurt, and she doubted that part would ever stop.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Null had half a mind snapping back at Ardee, but she managed to keep her initiate reaction to a sneer, and narrowed eyes.

Ardee matched the strength of Null's expression. There was a fire there, that Ardee would fight her for it if she had to.

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'll be there later. I need to know this wasn't all a lie."

She wouldn't elaborate, but she did need to see that Basher were alive, and given the chance to repent. That had been the premise, as well as her promise, and she didn't like being used, nor breaking her word.

Grey Mare raised an eyebrow, but otherwise her face betrayed no emotion as she nodded, "Very well."

 

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

When everything were calm and done, Null would wander over to Ardee, and start circling her a bit, before going in closer to examine the young mare.

"Just checking to see if he hurt you, Ardee. You did good, but I just need to be sure you aren't about to drop your guts, or lose a leg. That ain't how this should end."

She considered spitefully saying that it looked like Basher had pulled his punches, but she'd keep that comment in her head, for now. Playing over a few times more, getting snarkier each time.

She wasn't bleeding, much, just a few scratches here and there, and a bit where she had amateurishly stabbed the stolen feather into her own wing. She wouldn't fight Null if she wanted to take it out. That being said, Ardee did have a number of bruises forming, most especially around her wing joints, where her wings met her body. Signs that she had extremely overexerted her wings, further demonstrated by how they hung more or less limply at her sides. The rest of her bruises were around her barrel where Basher had struck her.

(I don't know if that's enough to stop Null or not. I'll respond to the rest just in case.)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Well I'll be damned. Didn't see that coming.

Met others that got their cutie marks in the midst of battle too. They tended to be tougher than I'd give them credit for, at first glance. I guess this really does proves that I might've been acting too protective.

I'm... Sorry about that, Ardee."

Ardee looked confused by Null's comment, and a bit angry, "What are you talking about? I don't have a mark, I'm a... " she looked at her flank, " just a..." She looked again, and most of the fire went out of her as she really saw it. " a... a..."

She shifted as best as she could to see it better, tears coming to her eyes as she touched it with a hoof, as though to check that it wasn't just a sticker or drawn on. "I... I..."

Her hoof fell to the ground. "It... I... I did it."

The tears flowed freely with silent shuddering breaths.

 

Arcade arrived, well out of breath, but he was otherwise uninjured, at least visibly. It took him a few attempts to get his voice back before he quietly asked, "How is she? What happened?"

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

As for further from them, the fox were also rushing over the sands, quick as it could, but it would more than likely be the last one there. Might be it didn't get tired from running, but its legs were still short.

Once the fox arrived, Ardee wouldn't stop it from approaching her, or even climbing on her, and would in fact welcome it, as overwhelmed as she was. Maybe it had some ways it could heal her body a bit while she recovered emotionally from the experiences?

 

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

There would be room for questions though, and she would answer them, as they might come. Still well aware that she were speaking with young minds though, that didn't need to know details about for instance severe depression, leading to suicide. It were more general tips and tricks, as well as some talk about grief.

The latter likely the heaviest subject, but in this day and age, rarely had no one lost someone tragically, and there were a lot of grief, and survivors guilt. Things she would touch upon, but again, with awareness of her audience, as it were.

Sooth was actually one of the ponies that were being screened for interacting with the clones, and as such she had been told a bit about Teal, Toupé, and Elef, namely that they had experienced loosing those close to them on several occasions, as well as what could be described as an abusive childhood, though many of the specific details were not yet shared with her at this time.

So, Sooth had a basis to say that all of the young ponies had at least that in common.

That being said, most of them looked confused about many of the more complicated words that Sooth had used, including Gypsum who, as Sooth was informed, spoke Equish as a second language. She offered some suggestions as to how Sooth could adjust what she planned to speak on, "Maybe it would help the pups if you spoke more simply? This one was just teaching them about how marks are different for different creatures, and that the process and meaning is different for different ponies. What you do helps ponies to understand themselves, yes? Maybe you could teach how understanding self helps in gaining and understanding a mark? One pup here recently got their mark, and I am told that others are worried that they may not get marks, were told they would not."

She said this quietly to Sooth, so as to not share this with the students, who were curious to see what Sooth would teach them.

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-24 at 7:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee looked confused by Null's comment, and a bit angry, "What are you talking about? I don't have a mark, I'm a... " she looked at her flank, " just a..." She looked again, and most of the fire went out of her as she really saw it. " a... a..."

She shifted as best as she could to see it better, tears coming to her eyes as she touched it with a hoof, as though to check that it wasn't just a sticker or drawn on. "I... I..."

Her hoof fell to the ground. "It... I... I did it."

The tears flowed freely with silent shuddering breaths.

"Can't say I expected it to happen like this, but you earned it, Ardee. Your very own cutie mark."

She wasn't the lovey dovey sort like her sister. Had Void been here, she'd have grabbed Ardee into a hug and cried along with her probably. She on the other hoof, were more of a sort of *Pat you on the shoulder* sort of pony, when it came to friends. Though she'd go closer, and she wouldn't run off, in case Ardee needed some physical contact. If not, she'd just stand, with an honest smile creeping involuntarily upon her face.

On 2024-03-24 at 7:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade arrived, well out of breath, but he was otherwise uninjured, at least visibly. It took him a few attempts to get his voice back before he quietly asked, "How is she? What happened?"

"Basher and I were having a not so fun time, and then Ardee came in and beat on him. Something were off with his fighting, compared to when it were just me and him, but anyway, Ardee got the better of him. Grey Mare just came and picked him up a few minutes ago.

Turns out all that fighting also caused her to get a cutie mark. It's pretty good. You should have a look."

More impressive than hers at least, but eh, was what it were. Neither her nor Void, had been lucky in that department. Ardee were on the better side, and rightly so. Seemed fair after the stuff she'd been through, since she got made in the first place, and 'til now. Hopefully she'd be proud of it, and not be one of those that tried to hide their mark, though she doubted that. She had seemed far too joyful over this, for it to make sense that she'd use dyes, or a skirt or something of the sort.

On 2024-03-24 at 7:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once the fox arrived, Ardee wouldn't stop it from approaching her, or even climbing on her, and would in fact welcome it, as overwhelmed as she was. Maybe it had some ways it could heal her body a bit while she recovered emotionally from the experiences?

When the fox finally got there, it'd head straight for Ardee, and climbed up on top of her, rubbing its head against the top of hers. She had been away from it for far too long, for its taste, and she seemed roughed up in some way. Not badly, but still some.

It could tell the little pony expected it to do something about it. The way she stared indicated as much. Wasn't like it were happy about it, as it already spent a fair amount of its limited magic before, but... *sigh* fine! But it better get that pamphlet later.

It would begin to run over Ardee where it saw the worst, and jump over the wounds, or rub against it, from the tip of its nose, to the tip of its tail. A faint green mist seemed to radiate on the wounds it touched, or jumped over when it did. It wasn't massive amounts of healing, but it did what it could to take the worst scrapes and sooth the bruises some, before it eventually - with clear struggle - would crawl up on her back, and then collapse. It were utterly spent right now, and couldn't do more. Not as it were now.

"So it could do these sorta things. Not fully though... You might wanna swing by that kitsune and ask if he can beef it up somehow. Seems it'd be practical for you."

It were a construct, made by the kitsune performer. Seemed to her like he might be able to increase its capacity perhaps, in case stuff got worse for Ardee eventually, and she needed proper healing.

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

 

(School)

On 2024-03-24 at 7:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

That being said, most of them looked confused about many of the more complicated words that Sooth had used, including Gypsum who, as Sooth was informed, spoke Equish as a second language. She offered some suggestions as to how Sooth could adjust what she planned to speak on, "Maybe it would help the pups if you spoke more simply? This one was just teaching them about how marks are different for different creatures, and that the process and meaning is different for different ponies. What you do helps ponies to understand themselves, yes? Maybe you could teach how understanding self helps in gaining and understanding a mark? One pup here recently got their mark, and I am told that others are worried that they may not get marks, were told they would not."

"I were about to go into simpler language, just to reiterate a few things, but yes, I can change things now. I mostly wanted to give everyone a baseline idea of how trauma affected things, before I went on to other things. I'll just skip over the advanced stuff."

She'd respond in a low tone too, before clearing her throat, and addressing the students once more.

"With the basics out of the way, let us focus on something that should be near and dear to many of you: Cutie Marks.  An important milestone for many young ponies to get, such as yourself, but something that can take time for some. ANd what I were talking about, is related to that in some fashion.

Trauma is everywhere these days. It's been tough years, as you all know. That also affects cutie marks. See the cutie mark is an expression of something inside of you, as I am sure Miss Gypsum have told you. When you are in turmoil though, if for instance you have had to be part of a war, or suffer the loss of your loved ones, getting a mark can get harder. Some can even resent their marks, as they show after a traumatic event.

I have been a therapist for quite a long time now. I have seen how trauma of all kinds can stifle the growth of a mark, or even cause it to change. Sometimes a foal will not be able to get a cutie mark easily, as they feel they don't deserve it, and if that thought is ingrained enough, it can affect your growth. Others do get theirs, but try to hide it, as they are told that it isn't good enough. In turn, making the foals feel like they aren't good enough either. Which in rare cases, can be so severe, that the marks change, or even vanish entirely.

For some, trauma is what triggers their mark, and shows their true colors, as it were. It can be from defending one you care about for instance. Others have gotten their marks after abuse, and the mark represents their inner strength helping them break through. Others still have suffered, and their marks shows their resilience, or in some cases, their desire for setting things right.

Trauma induced cutie marks used to be a rare thing, but they are never any less valid, than a cutie mark gotten from trying various things. For some, the trauma is the exact thing that unlocks their potential, and thus without the trauma, they might never have gotten the mark. I never hope for that for anyone, but if you end up being in that situation, please remember that you are equal, valid, and loved, no matter what your mark is, or how you got it.

I also have talked with some over the years, that due to trauma, fears they might never get a cutie mark. I would want you to know that it isn't true. It might take longer, yes. Some will grow to be decades old even, before they get their marks. But every pony have it in them, to get a mark,. Be it as simple as a spoon and a bowl, or an intricate painting. You aren't broken, just because you don't have a mark, whilst it feels like everyone around you might. You just haven't bloomed yet."

She'd use the blackboard to draw a few simple explanations to things, via a visual aid. One of them basically boiled down to how a peaceful mind, were more open to possibilities, and thus you could focus on things, that would help you. She also showed how bad emotions or trauma, lowered things, and that gave you less energy and focus to try stuff. Hence a lesser chance of getting your mark. Using a drawing of a pony with some percentage of it filled, and some situations happening around them, seemed a good enough way to simplify it. The topic were honestly very complex, if she had to explain all of it fully, so that would have to be for something a good deal of classes above this current setting.

She'd then go on to give some examples on cutie mark hunting. Starting by drawing a small filly, and then follow it up as they would go along.

"Let us pretend this little pony is called Stellar. Stellar is a young filly, who wants to get her cutie mark. So she starts off thinking about what sort of things she likes to do normally. Let us say that she likes to draw. That haven't given her her mark, so instead she tries things related to it. Painting, then taking pictures. Eventually she wants to try other things, and so goes with music instruments, as it could be something creative.

This is the sort of way most foals tend to go at figuring out themselves, and thus find their cutie marks. I can perhaps make some suggestions of things you can try in Troy, if anyone would like that? It isn't unusual to get inspiration for your cutie mark hunt, by getting inspired by those around you."

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Can't say I expected it to happen like this, but you earned it, Ardee. Your very own cutie mark."

She wasn't the lovey dovey sort like her sister. Had Void been here, she'd have grabbed Ardee into a hug and cried along with her probably. She on the other hoof, were more of a sort of *Pat you on the shoulder* sort of pony, when it came to friends. Though she'd go closer, and she wouldn't run off, in case Ardee needed some physical contact. If not, she'd just stand, with an honest smile creeping involuntarily upon her face.

Ardee didn't react if she heard her, her attention fully focused inward. Though her breathing was slowing as she calmed down.

 

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Turns out all that fighting also caused her to get a cutie mark. It's pretty good. You should have a look."

Arcade looked concerned for the first part of Null's recap, "Did he hurt you? That unicorn that was helping him... it took a few bodies before I could take her down. Gray Mare was there too, picked her up after I knocked her out. Said something about going by later."

He moved towards Ardee, looking her over silently, appraising her injuries and her new mark, before carefully embracing her in a way as to not press on her bruises. She leaned into his embrace though, which caused her to wince , but she didn't pull away.

He spoke softly to her, and it seemed to calm her a bit more.

 

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It could tell the little pony expected it to do something about it. The way she stared indicated as much. Wasn't like it were happy about it, as it already spent a fair amount of its limited magic before, but... *sigh* fine! But it better get that pamphlet later.

Ardee was most injured around her wings, though the injuries were more internal, strained and torn muscles from overexerting herself. As the fox worked it would find that its magic was easier the closer it was to the golden feather she had, it looked like the ones the fox had covered.

Thanks to the fox's efforts, Ardee was able to fold her wings up, albeit with a bit of pain, but the were more comfortable and would heal better folded than extended.

She smiled, coming out of her introspection when the fox collapsed on her back, gently petting it before pulling the plated feather out of her wing and tucking the pointed end into one of the folds of the paper fox, "I don't know if this will help, but it seemed to help Basher and me. I think you've earned it.. Maybe we can get it properly attached to you later?"

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So it could do these sorta things. Not fully though... You might wanna swing by that kitsune and ask if he can beef it up somehow. Seems it'd be practical for you."

It were a construct, made by the kitsune performer. Seemed to her like he might be able to increase its capacity perhaps, in case stuff got worse for Ardee eventually, and she needed proper healing.

Ardee tiredly nodded, "Yeah, maybe... Can we go back to the hotel now? Or... oh, there was a different kitsune in your room doing something... it might not be safe there."

Arcade scooped her onto his back, "We'll figure something out, you can rest on the way."

He'd turn towards the city as Ardee started to drift off. He looked towards Null, "Shall we?"

(Arcade will head towards the hotel, they won't be stopped by any citizens on the way, given it was fully morning now. He would ask if their rooms were safe, or if they could be moved to other rooms if they weren't cleaned yet. Unless Null has other plans.)

 

(Cherish)

The students noticed the shift in tone, and were visibly more engaged as the topic moved to be more applicable to them.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

if for instance you have had to be part of a war, or suffer the loss of your loved ones, getting a mark can get harder. Some can even resent their marks, as they show after a traumatic event.

Nova's eyes narrowed a bit, but she had his attention.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

as they feel they don't deserve it, and if that thought is ingrained enough, it can affect your growth. Others do get theirs, but try to hide it, as they are told that it isn't good enough. In turn, making the foals feel like they aren't good enough either. Which in rare cases, can be so severe, that the marks change, or even vanish entirely.

Elef broke eye contact for a bit, but returned his focus to the lesson.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

For some, trauma is what triggers their mark, and shows their true colors, as it were. It can be from defending one you care about for instance. Others have gotten their marks after abuse, and the mark represents their inner strength helping them break through. Others still have suffered, and their marks shows their resilience, or in some cases, their desire for setting things right.

Trauma induced cutie marks used to be a rare thing, but they are never any less valid, than a cutie mark gotten from trying various things. For some, the trauma is the exact thing that unlocks their potential, and thus without the trauma, they might never have gotten the mark. I never hope for that for anyone, but if you end up being in that situation, please remember that you are equal, valid, and loved, no matter what your mark is, or how you got it.

Nova's expression softened there, though it was initially angry, he looked towards Lilac with a different expression than usual.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I also have talked with some over the years, that due to trauma, fears they might never get a cutie mark. I would want you to know that it isn't true. It might take longer, yes. Some will grow to be decades old even, before they get their marks. But every pony have it in them, to get a mark,. Be it as simple as a spoon and a bowl, or an intricate painting. You aren't broken, just because you don't have a mark, whilst it feels like everyone around you might. You just haven't bloomed yet."

Elef and Teal seemed comforted by those words.

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

This is the sort of way most foals tend to go at figuring out themselves, and thus find their cutie marks. I can perhaps make some suggestions of things you can try in Troy, if anyone would like that? It isn't unusual to get inspiration for your cutie mark hunt, by getting inspired by those around you."

Teal raised a hoof, "Are we able to meet with you? I, um, don't mean to assume, but I think at least my siblings and I, well, it sounds like you've helped ponies like us before..."

Elef and Toupé were both surprised by Teal's suggestion, but they didn't look opposed, each turning their gaze towards Sooth to see what she'd say.

If she looked, Nova also seemed less opposed than he had been before. Maybe she could broach the subject with his guardians to resume meeting with him?

 

Lilac would follow up Teal's question, "How do you help ponies? I, um... " she looked like she was thinking hard to get the right words, "Nigma says that ponies can be hurt by seeing things, or by memories. And that you wanted to help my brother. How do you help that?"

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-03-30 at 5:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She smiled, coming out of her introspection when the fox collapsed on her back, gently petting it before pulling the plated feather out of her wing and tucking the pointed end into one of the folds of the paper fox, "I don't know if this will help, but it seemed to help Basher and me. I think you've earned it.. Maybe we can get it properly attached to you later?"

The fox didn't suddenly wake up, but it did seem to loosen its folds briefly, to get a better grip on the feather, before it fell dormant again. It would help, but it didn't have things like breathing to show how it were doing. It were still at the end of the day, simply paper. But its tail would wage weakly a few times, before energy reserve mode were fully initialized. If this sort of thing were helpful, perhaps it could if nothing else, be made to carry them. It'd need more paper in its form, to have room for this, and the other feathers though, if they were to take them along. They'd need to both go and dig up the other feathers though, as well as see the performing kitsune. This sort of handywork were for their kind to handle, and the other one were likely not high on their list of beings they wanted to see. Not after he had broken into their room.

On 2024-03-30 at 5:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee tiredly nodded, "Yeah, maybe... Can we go back to the hotel now? Or... oh, there was a different kitsune in your room doing something... it might not be safe there."

Arcade scooped her onto his back, "We'll figure something out, you can rest on the way."

He'd turn towards the city as Ardee started to drift off. He looked towards Null, "Shall we?"

(Arcade will head towards the hotel, they won't be stopped by any citizens on the way, given it was fully morning now. He would ask if their rooms were safe, or if they could be moved to other rooms if they weren't cleaned yet. Unless Null has other plans.)

"I'll talk to the staff when we get there. I'm sure they'll understand us wanting another room for now."

If Arcade needed it, she would help her to carry Ardee. Which ideally she imagined would be required, as the latter were larger, but if he had it covered, and did not need her help, then her trying to force in on it would just delay them. Though all the same, she'd stand ready to be of some help if not. Might be she were a bit roughed up too, and didn't have a magic healing fox to help her, but she'd toughen it out for now. She wasn't bleeding, and this weren't her time to be in focus for things. It'd be fine.

When they got back to the hotel, she'd go straight to the receptionist, and ask her about the room and everything. She wouldn't get long in answering anything though, before Penny would come and take over, to say that it had been arranged, with the old room blocked off for now, while everything were thoroughly investigated. She'd also apologize on behalf of the hotel, for the lack of security causing that. Which did take some out of her, as humility were not her strong suit, but she were trying to improve at it, and this seemed almost genuine. The sort of *corporate excuse with a tinge of realness* that many would tend to be used to, when dealing with things like this. Null didn't assume anything else at least, and just asked for directions. She'd get that, along with the new key.

It weren't like they were being put in a suite, but they'd go a layer up, and farther to the right. The room were around the same size, and immaculately clean. This one also had a fair sized window, so they could have a view. It would do fine.

And as for the old rooms, they were as mentioned, currently locked off, with investigators giving both it, and the room the kitsune had been in a closer look. So far they hadn't gotten much though. Nor had they managed to find the kitsune in question. It were like he had vanished into thin air. Though The Grey could likely catch him if it were needed. He were still within city limits.

Anyway, for Arcade and her, the important task right now, would be to get Ardee to bed. She needed to get some strength back, and frankly, the two of them could probably do with a pause on things too. Just a chance to catch their breath, before the next thing would happen.

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

 

(School)

On 2024-03-30 at 5:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Teal raised a hoof, "Are we able to meet with you? I, um, don't mean to assume, but I think at least my siblings and I, well, it sounds like you've helped ponies like us before..."

"Your caretaker would have to get in contact with me, and then I can set up a time for you. You can come in with her too, if you'd like to see the place first, of course. We can set up a good day for a tour, and a show and tell on how I do things there, maybe?

I'm sure Cherish wouldn't mind having some friends over for a visit either, if you'd like to return for other reasons too."

Her consultation ran from a room next to her primary residence. There weren't a good reason for getting extra space elsewhere, when they had to focus on having enough for those living here in the first place. It worked well too so far, though she were of course extra careful, after having adopted Cherish. The filly now looking with extra energy in her eyes, and ears standing straight up, by the sound that maybe there'd be a chance of others coming around to play with her sometime. Sure she loved hanging out with Crow, but it were nice with more friends too. Some who might in turn, want to come see her too. It'd be good for Crow to socialize more.

On 2024-03-30 at 5:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Lilac would follow up Teal's question, "How do you help ponies? I, um... " she looked like she was thinking hard to get the right words, "Nigma says that ponies can be hurt by seeing things, or by memories. And that you wanted to help my brother. How do you help that?"

She would patiently wait, for Lilac to ask her question in full, before responding to it. 

"It varies from creature to creature. Most times though, it starts off with me asking some questions, about what troubles them, and then I go on from there. Asking more closely in to things, and see if I can help to talk them through what troubles them. It takes time, but it does work for the majority of creatures.

Sometimes, those that come to me will need some medication on top of a talk though. I can't give them any, as I don't have that kind of thing with me, but I can talk with a doctor, to make sure they get something that will help. It is rare that medicine will get involved though. It's mostly as a last resort, or for severe mental illness. The vast majority of times, the treatments are done with words, and like I said earlier, it will be words between me and whomever comes in. I don't go around and tell others secrets. It's both morally and legally not allowed for me to do something like that."

"It's true. When I first came to town, I was sent in to talk to her, and she's never said anything to anyone. And it's lots of talking. Sometimes stuff that's hard to talk about too, but... It's good not to sit alone with it. It makes it less hard to deal with some days."

She still had her episodes. A few near hits here at school, and every once in a while, crying session when she were at home, or out with Crow, where she just broke down, but she were doing a lot better now. And most of that, were down to all the help that Sooth gave her, both early on, and more as time went on. Having someone who didn't judge her, as she talked about things, but tried to actually help, were stopping it from getting worse, and she were slowly learning to come to terms with things, and be on the path to actually heal up after things. But it'd probably take a while more. Potentially years. She had... Seen some things. Horrible, horrible things.