private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

(I got nothing planned for the evening)

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Something small but thowable, maybe a beaker? was flung at high speed against a nearby wall when he said her name. While it hadn't been thrown in his direction, it was clear that Ranger did not like having her name mentioned, especially not in this context.

Both the paper fox and Kozue, would bounce slightly backwards, as the vial was thrown into the wall and shattered. They had not expected an outburst like this from Ranger. Sure she had not been thrilled when Rainbow Dash were talked about, but the name itself causing such anger were unexpected, and it surprised them both. Kozue even almost let out a yi- Now wait, he actually Did let out a small yip too. Embarrassing, but he had to go on, and finish what he were saying. too late to back out anyway, since he clearly already got her miffed, to put it lightly.

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She had mostly calmed down by that point, and so wasn't about to lash out at him, but she did shove off the stuff she had been looking through with a bit of a huff before coming over to see what he had found. Her expression grew curious as she lifted one of the figures, "Hmm, what's this? I don't..." She looked over at where he had found it. "Did Arcade? No... he didn't spend that much time in here. Gemini..."

Her expression finally softened after all the time she had spent here, "I would guess Mistress made these for us, and hid them here. Maybe she showed them to the younger ones while I was training. Even if she didn't, I think this is something worth bringing back. We can see if they remember them, and if they don't we can say it was from her."

She would gather them up into a small satchel she had found, wrapping them in some of the discarded papers to help against damaging them, which allowed her to get a better look at them.

It looked like there was a miniature, albeit rudimentary, representation of each of the elements, the princesses, and a few other ponies in the set, though to be more accurate they were all vaguely pony shaped with some color painted on, they didn't have marks or wings or horns, likely beyond the creator's ability to carve or paint, but as a set that was the likely conclusion. Ranger didn't have an issue handling them.

Once they were packed up she looked towards the door, "I want to leave, but there's one last thing to check."

"Sure thing. And uh... Sorry about upsetting you before. I guess I came on a bit forcefully, and crossed a line. I'll try not to say... Well, y'know what, anymore."

He could swear that if the paper fox were able, it would have rolled its eyes at him right now. He would've, in its place, because him stammering out an apology, albeit genuine, were about as smooth as sandpaper.

He still believed he were right, and that Ranger shouldn't be thinking her life were disposable, but he had brought her family into this, and mentioned someone that she clearly didn't want to even hear about. The family stuff alone were going a bit too far, in hindsight. Wasn't like he actively knew them, so though he were still sure he were right, that their lives weren't expendable like this, he should've been more respectful, and not force it as hard.

And considering her stance on the particular ponies they were cloned from, using Dash's name was a whoopsie he should've seen. Like, not to the degree he had, but still. It were maybe not the smartest.

Least it was good to see that the things he found brought a bit of a smile back on her face, and the paper fox were sure curious too, as it was over there, looking over her shoulders and from around her, to get a good angle to work with. It thought them somewhat like itself for a bit, and that they would suddenly be made to spring to life, but it did not seem like that was the idea. It was just still memories, that they would bring back for someone. Who it were? No idea, but it were interested in meeting them, and seeing if they looked somewhat like this. If not, maybe they at least had like, a folder, or a page of a phone book or something. Some numbers would be delicious.

Well, at least it got to see, so it could be patient... For now, anyway. Plenty to look at around here too, so it'd focus on that for the time being, and then think on this later.

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She would leave the room and head further down the hall to a large doorway with a keypad. She started pressing a few numbers on it, without success, before sighing, "Looks like I forgot the code, or I never knew it in the first place. I'll see if they maybe wrote it down somewhere, unless you have an idea as to how to get through?"

The door itself was about twice the size of the other doors here, and solid metal. It looked like it was meant to open upwards. 

The walls around the doorway weren't especially reinforced, not compared to the rest of the walls here, nor were they any thicker than the rest, in case he had any abilities that could break or move through either.

It also wasn't airtight, in fact there was a gap about half a centimeter high at the bottom of the door, like something was keeping it from fully shutting.

Kozue thought over it. Was quite the door this one, and not a regular one either, that was for sure. Well, not the sort he were used to at least, so he had to think this over for a little bit.

While he did that, the paper fox would simply begin to unfold, then slide under the small hole under the door, where it would then reform on the other side. If there were a way to open it from there, it would do so. If nit, it'd wait for a bit, for them to get in, and look around itself in the meantime.

On this side, Kozue would more or less seem to ignore that, then look over the options.

"Hmm, well, I can try a few things."

Sadly he wasn't tech savvy enough to try and magically hack the lock, if it was any good. besides, he didn't know this type. But he'd try a few magical tricks.

First would be to just run a paw over, and see if there were a trace on the keypad itself, from previous users. If there were a lingering trace of any sort, he might be able to get the code like that. usually this worked the best with more recent uses though. But this place had been left alone for so long, that it might work.

If not that, he'd see if it could be budged at all, using some magic to push up from beneath. Yet if it were well stood, it'd likely do very little. This door looked heavy.

Next option would be the see what kept the door there. He might be able to erode the hinges or frame of it, if that seemed an option. A more brute force option, but it were something to work with.

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

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini would nod and show off her mark for Crow to see, since it wasn't covered by how she wore her lab coat now. It was still the open book with a magnifying glass showing a capital Pi.

"I'm not sure exactly what it means yet, but I got it while we were all in the library. Cherish was there, she actually saw it first!"

"I read that pony marks can take time, to understand. But I see a book. Maybe you are meant to read a lot, and be smarter?"

There were a slight bit of hope in Crow's voice, saying that. She didn't really communicate with many that read a lot. Sure Cherish knew how to read, and they did do that at times, but someone who actively read often, to get smarter? She were doing that herself, and it would be good knowing someone else like that. Though pony marks were indeed strange, so who knew what she were meant to do?

"I have seen that strange thing on the book though. Some of the books I found. Not sure what it means."

"I dunno, but yep, I was there when she got her mark! It was so exciting! I hadn't seen that in a long time, and then suddenly Gemini falls down a ladder, and poof: Cutie mark! Well, she maybe got it before falling down, but that's when we saw it anyway."

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They all paid close attention to Crow's guidance as to what they should and shouldn't do while out in the desert, and they seemed excited by the idea of scavenging, Elef only a little disappointed to not be going hunting.

They didn't have questions that couldn't also be asked while they were traveling to wherever Crow had in mind, but they would ask along the way things like:

"What sort of things do you usually find?"

"What's the coolest thing you've found?"

"Is it dangerous to scavenge?"

"Do you get lonely out here?"

"Does the sand bother you?"

Among other things.

The barrage of questions took Crow by surprise, and she took a hesitant step back, and almost took another, before she stopped herself, and cautiously stepped forward again, to where she had been before. If they had looked, they might've seen a brief look in her eyes, like a cornered rat, looking for an escape, but it were fleeting.

"Sorry, I am... Not used to so many, asking me questions.

So... I find all kinds of things, but I prefer to find books.

The coolest thing I found is a book of gold and silver, but I don't understand what it says. It has strange symbols everywhere.

Not that dangerous. Dune hounds are prey, and scorpions can't hurt me. You just be safe, it be okay. Sometimes there is golem things though. Stay away from them. They sometimes try to chase others, but they are slow.

Sometimes lonely, but... I have Cherish. She always been a good friend.

Sand not so bad. I grew up around lots of it."

At that point, Cherish would flutter forward, and whisper something in Crow's ear, that'd make the dragon nod twice.

"Okay. If Elef want, we can hunt a dune hound, when scavenging is done.

And I forgot one thing. Well two.

One is that there is lots of corpses, in the desert. Do not be scared. They just dead, and do not need their things. Sand shifts a lot around. Sometimes, they and their things come up.

And there is strange pony out here. Weird metal wings. He not dangerous, I think, but he hunt golems. I think he is crazy, but he have not tried hunting me. I think he is safe."

As she said the last sentence, the vulture were done with her meal, and took off, with mighty flaps of her wings, towards the north of the desert. Sometimes she stuck around for a little, but she had no interest, when it were this crowded. It got too noisy for her taste.

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The llama let her go soon enough, "Oh, sorry! I should ask first, I know ponies get uncomfortable when too close to llamas, and even though as a llamare my wool isn't quite as strong..." she trailed off, "...It's good to meet you Void."

Void were surprised by getting the hug, especially from one so much nearer her size than normal. In fact, this reminded her a fair bit of when she met Princess Celestia, and the mare went in to giv her a hug as well, just softer, and not as gentle. It were also reminiscent of that because of something else. A feeling- Or rather, the absence of one. Something that briefly made a cold shiver go down her spine, as for a split second, she feared the curse had returned. But that passed soon, as she recalled something she had heard about llamas, and when Illambda herself said so too afterwards, the relief going over her were definitely notable.

"Nono, it's f-fine miss. Honestly, it was just a surprise, and a short reminder of different times.

I... Well, my sister and I, were born with a curse, that drained all magic around us. We only recently had it removed, and I admit, I was worried it had returned for a brief moment. We heard stories about the wool of Llamas, and what it did, but we weren't sure they were true. Funnily enough, when we were on the run, we did head towards Himallama, but our transport got derailed pretty badly, so we ended up going a few other places, before ending in Equestria.

It's a shame. I think your kin may have been more understandable about our condition, than most others we ran into."

Saying derailed was a massive understatement. It instead involved their whole group getting kidnapped, and transported to the Siren Brother's arena island, and after they managed to get out of there, they just ran in whatever direction was the closest out of there. Maybe if they hadn't been hit with yet another bout of bad luck, they'd have found themselves a permanent home, among the llamas. IAt the least they seemed to understand their plight more, so they might have given them a chance. 

Or with their luck, Null's allergies would kick in again.

To prove she didn't mind the feeling of a hug, Void would next go a step closer, and give the llama a hug. Now she knew what to expect, the feeling of nothing, weren't jarring anymore.

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a soft knock at the door, which puzzled Selena, but she went out of view to see who it was. Allowing Llambda and Void more time to talk, "Oh, I wish I could be friends with a shiny pony like that! We don't get many ponies in himallama, not before the shaking anyway, and even after it was mostly deer and zebra that came up the mountains." 

"You can try. I think Selena very approachable and friendly. Just maybe best to be sure to ask her, before you hug her.

She's been a large help for myself, and my sister too, since we got here. I don't think things would have gone as well as they did, if it wasn't for her.

Can I ask though, how is Himallama? Is it anything like Zebrica? We tried going there once, but my sister couldn't take it. Something in the fauna I think, made her really sick, so we had to go away, before we got that far, and most of what we heard about Himallama is what we could see on a map, or what we heard about your kin. It didn't tell a whole lot, so I'm a little curious, if that's okay?"

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The new pegasus's expression would shift as they shared a bit of their histories. She was fairly neutral towards Craven's story, but both impressed and disappointed by Yannit's, "Really? A Blacksmith from a smuggleden interested in carousels?" She snorted shaking her head, "Casinos were always here, down below. The cloud layer used to be what everyone came to see, 'family friendly' and all that, the ground was where the residents lived, and where the adults went when the foals went to bed."

Yannit just shrugged at the comment about being disappointed in her.

"I work with metal, not schmucks. Figured those things might need repairs, and would make for easy work."

Frankly, it would be more suspicious in her mind, if she went here for the casinos. Devil's Creek were never a massive place, and it wasn't like the residents were rich beyond belief. If they actually got enough together to take a vacation to Las Pegasus, they sure wouldn't go waste everything they saved up on the casinos. The entertainment venues were far more interesting, especially when you lived out in nowhere. Wasn't much legal fun to have out there.

Besides, she touted herself a blacksmith. Carousels had some engineering, but it were made of metal, as were a lot of other constructions for foals and families. The nitpickers could work on tech, but it needed folks to provide raw materials for the big things. Sorta like how trains were all fine and good, but you needed someone to lay down some tracks.

Which she also could, mind you. She hadn't picked a profession she couldn't back up. She'd been undercover doing these sorts of things before, and knew her way around a forge. Dirty work, but it weren't so bad, once you got used to the heat, and hammering at metal were a fine way to get some tensions out of the body sometimes. Better than smacking others around she found incompetent, yeah?

On 2025-04-16 at 11:01 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She waved dismissively with a wing and another pony left the bar, "But history's a bore, we're worried about the future. There's a chance here for a real independent flock to emerge finally unbound by that racial unity crap. We've more in common with griffons than those ground ponies anyway, why should we be left with the scraps up here while they get all the good stuff left over? It's in the name, that they're trying to change, Las Pegasus is our town."

She left a paper with some directions deeper into the cloud layer, "The flock can use any able wing willing to fly with it. Especially if you're still any good at smithing. Think about it and come talk to us."

 

With that she would leave the bar.

"We'll think about it."

Craven would take the paper, and look it over, making sure that The grey would be able to see it too, through his headband, then put it into his bag.

They'd both give a small nod as she took off, then go back to their mugs for a bit, before Craven started talking at a regular tone, though he weren't looking directly at Yannit. More just out in the room, thinking out loud.

"Sounds a bit lofty to me. What do you think?"

Yannit again, would simply shrug, seeming consistently indifferent, though her mind raced well with some ideas, as well as thoughts on this being an ambush or trap, and the idiocy in their plan. Separationists like this never succeeded, because most had gotten well used to one another, among the ponies. Especially after the war, folks were huddled closer together, with all kinds of folks. How did they think they could return to the times of racial division? And why would they? Something seemed off about this...

"Eh, work's work."

"Hmm... I guess that's true."

They'd sit and contemplate in silence, and unless interrupted, would just finish their drinks, then leave, and head down to the streets below, to seemingly have a look around. They'd also be on the lookout, to see if they were being tracked. Never could count on trust, when it came to stuff like this.

Of course they could just take off to see the gathering spot right away, but that didn't seem wise. Best to strategize, and think things over first. As well as notice if they were followed, or tracked in any other manner that they knew of.

Edited April 25 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

After a pleasant evening together the two of them would return to their new hotel room, courtesy of the hotel given their old one had been tampered with by the mysterious kitsune. There wasn't any sign of Ranger being back yet but Arcade wasn't worried yet.

Null would find Nine waiting for her there and would quickly re-enter her mind, the feeling of his presence washing over her, now a bit more noticeable given his absence. "So, did I miss anything important?"

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Sure thing. And uh... Sorry about upsetting you before. I guess I came on a bit forcefully, and crossed a line. I'll try not to say... Well, y'know what, anymore."

Ranger sighed, "It's... fine. This place is just... getting to me is all."

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

While he did that, the paper fox would simply begin to unfold, then slide under the small hole under the door, where it would then reform on the other side. If there were a way to open it from there, it would do so. If nit, it'd wait for a bit, for them to get in, and look around itself in the meantime.

It was fairly dark in the room, but that might not matter to the paper fox if it saw things by other, more magical, means. As to the door, it seemed like it operated similarly on this side to the other side, with a keypad, though there was a large red button next to it that might be useful, depending on if the fox could get up to it and press it hard enough to make it work.

 

If the fox decided to examine the room itself though, it was a large room. Similarly sized to the flight area that they had used to get down here, but full of complex machinery and scientific equipment. What stood out especially were the rows of large glass tubes, each large enough to comfortably contain a young pony, and most of them not empty. It looked like there were dozens of them present here.

More clones.

 

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Hmm, well, I can try a few things."

The trace revealed a somewhat random assortment of numbers being pressed, and no number being used too much more than any other, it seemed like the code was changed often and might depend on the user.

It also seemed like there wasn't much energy in the keypad, it may well be that there wasn't enough power left in the facility to run the door even if they had the code.

As to the door itself, it appeared to be designed to lift straight up, like the doors at some fancy carriage depots. Likely to remain shut if the facility lost power. Depending on how strong he was he could lift the door a bit, but it was quite heavy. There was no shortage of things he could use to brace up the door, so he could theoretically lift it a little bit, brace it, then lift again, incrementally lifting the door until there was enough room to get through.

By that time Ranger would get back with a stack of papers with various numbers to try.

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I read that pony marks can take time, to understand. But I see a book. Maybe you are meant to read a lot, and be smarter?"

There were a slight bit of hope in Crow's voice, saying that. She didn't really communicate with many that read a lot. Sure Cherish knew how to read, and they did do that at times, but someone who actively read often, to get smarter? She were doing that herself, and it would be good knowing someone else like that. Though pony marks were indeed strange, so who knew what she were meant to do?

"I have seen that strange thing on the book though. Some of the books I found. Not sure what it means."

Gemini shrugged, "Maybe? I do like reading, and learning. If you still have one of those books where you saw the symbol, can I read it sometime? Maybe it explains something?"

 

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

The barrage of questions took Crow by surprise, and she took a hesitant step back, and almost took another, before she stopped herself, and cautiously stepped forward again, to where she had been before. If they had looked, they might've seen a brief look in her eyes, like a cornered rat, looking for an escape, but it were fleeting.

(I meant for the questions to be spread out as they traveled, not all coming at her at once, but we can go with this. They're excitable children after all.)

They were all attentive listening to Crow's answers, and eager to get started given what Crow had described to pique their interest as to what was out there.

Elef looked a bit less sure when Crow mentioned hunting, "Well, Miss Ada says I shouldn't go hunting without her, but it should be okay to go with you, right?"

In any case, they were ready to follow Crow's lead and get started.

 

(Void)

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Nono, it's f-fine miss. Honestly, it was just a surprise, and a short reminder of different times.

I... Well, my sister and I, were born with a curse, that drained all magic around us. We only recently had it removed, and I admit, I was worried it had returned for a brief moment. We heard stories about the wool of Llamas, and what it did, but we weren't sure they were true. Funnily enough, when we were on the run, we did head towards Himallama, but our transport got derailed pretty badly, so we ended up going a few other places, before ending in Equestria.

It's a shame. I think your kin may have been more understandable about our condition, than most others we ran into."

Llambda tilted her head to the side, which given the length of her neck made it a much bigger gesture than if she were a pony, "Oh? That's too bad. About the curse that is. I know that magic is really important to ponies so to not have it..." She sighed sadly, "Oh, It's too bad you never made it to Himallama, it's a very beautiful place, wonderfully cold, unlike here."

As Himallama was on the same continent as Zebrica and Cervidas, they would have had to travelled for a long while through the area that had made Null so sick before, and she would be in no state to climb the mountain up to the Himallaman plateau like that.

On 2025-04-25 at 2:38 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Can I ask though, how is Himallama? Is it anything like Zebrica? We tried going there once, but my sister couldn't take it. Something in the fauna I think, made her really sick, so we had to go away, before we got that far, and most of what we heard about Himallama is what we could see on a map, or what we heard about your kin. It didn't tell a whole lot, so I'm a little curious, if that's okay?"

Llambda nodded, "Oh, of course! It's further east than Zebrica and Cervidas, up on the steppes and the plataeu of the mountain. Pretty cold for ponies but perfect for alpaca and llamas. Before the shaking, it was mostly just us up there, the zebra, deer, and reindeer mostly left us alone, only coming to buy our wool and bring us food we couldn't grow ourselves or other trinkets in exchange. There was this one really big changeling, Nirvana, who was like the leader there because no one else wanted to, plus she was very old and knew a lot about being peaceful. She taught me all about being charitable, how helping others can help your soul. After the shaking, we got a lot more zebra, deer, and reindeer than usual, said a creature named Disk Ord was breaking everything? But they were safe up there because all the llamas on the mountain meant that magic didn't work, so he couldn't do anything to them there."

 

Selena returned with an odd expression on her face, looking to Void, "That was a member of the Grey out there, the Grey Mare wants to discuss how those in the Grey could serve Mercy to earn their penance. Any thoughts on that? The service of Mercy is usually reserved for those who have nothing to gain from it."

 

(Grey)

 It didn't look like they were being followed, not like Null had been on her first visit up here at least, but they did attract some attention as the new ponies on the layer. Most of the pegasi and griffons that they would see here were younger, very few over 20, though none younger than 6 or seven, at least that they could see. The few adults they found had clearly seen combat by their scars and demeanor. All around, there was a feeling of slight anger, like they were owed something they had been denied. In the younger ones the feeling was more of a desperation, a hunger, to belong and to achieve.

In short, the perfect ingredients to be whipped into a frenzy with the right charismatic leader, or to turn into a disaster with poor organization. No wonder the Grey wanted this bomb diffused.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

It were a strange feeling, having him return like that, but she didn't think it overly unwelcome. It helped having him around, and she had a few times when she had time to think of it, worried that he'd end up in trouble somehow. Like getting stuck in light or something, albeit the times were brief on this matter. A lot had happened after all.

"Yeah, it ain't been silent. Welcome back, by the way."

She'd think through the main things that'd gone on, while she laid down on the bed. Sure was a softer one that the last, which hadn't been bad, but the upgrade were nice. A way of apologizing for the break-in, she'd recon. Frankly she didn't mind. It might mostly be the bed, it wasn't That different, but it were still nice regardless. She wasn't used to bedding this soft.

They'd see what he thought of things as she finished eventually. She assumed he'd have some words, but which ones... Meh, she didn't much care. She had a nice date tonight, and got a lot of things out with Arcade. So things were still good today, ad she were trying to keep focus on that.

As for the kitsune, he were still in town, if the Grey were looking for him. Currently hiding in a dark, run down place, clutching his head, and trying to get a bit of rest. Considering what had happened, they might have questions. If not, he'd hopefully soon enough be someone else's problem.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It was fairly dark in the room, but that might not matter to the paper fox if it saw things by other, more magical, means. As to the door, it seemed like it operated similarly on this side to the other side, with a keypad, though there was a large red button next to it that might be useful, depending on if the fox could get up to it and press it hard enough to make it work.

 

If the fox decided to examine the room itself though, it was a large room. Similarly sized to the flight area that they had used to get down here, but full of complex machinery and scientific equipment. What stood out especially were the rows of large glass tubes, each large enough to comfortably contain a young pony, and most of them not empty. It looked like there were dozens of them present here.

More clones.

The fox couldn't see in here, but it did sense some things around it. Not so far back as the clones, but a big button, that were next to another keypad? That it could sense. Not it were just about getting up there, which were hardly an issue. Just had to get ready, then... Jump!

It would get up there and push the button, but the angle were bad, so it hit it like a... Well, piece of paper. Not good enough. So it would back up, keeping its focus on the button, and then when it were back a meter or so, it would charge forward, jump up high, and swirl, so it slammed into the button with its side, which put in inertia and all its weight. Which might not be a lot, but it should be enough, as it were still folded and firm. If not, it would get frustrated, and then just jump up, and use some magic to make its paw heavier, and slam the button (giving it the same weight a normal fox its size, so still not too impressive). It didn't want to use magic on this, as it had a very limited pool, but it were not getting beaten by a button! Though if this also didn't work, it were just gonna give up, and try looking around, to see if there were something it could sense in the dark, like a key, or some other button. Maybe a light switch? That could be useful. Sure it could tell there were some cylinders, but what were in them? It were mighty curious.

It did actually have a larger magic pool now too though, due to the minostralum, but it were not aware of it. It just figured it were bigger, and smarter, and that were very good with it. Especially as it included wings!

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The trace revealed a somewhat random assortment of numbers being pressed, and no number being used too much more than any other, it seemed like the code was changed often and might depend on the user.

It also seemed like there wasn't much energy in the keypad, it may well be that there wasn't enough power left in the facility to run the door even if they had the code.

As to the door itself, it appeared to be designed to lift straight up, like the doors at some fancy carriage depots. Likely to remain shut if the facility lost power. Depending on how strong he was he could lift the door a bit, but it was quite heavy. There was no shortage of things he could use to brace up the door, so he could theoretically lift it a little bit, brace it, then lift again, incrementally lifting the door until there was enough room to get through.

By that time Ranger would get back with a stack of papers with various numbers to try.

Well that sucked. He had a bit of hope that the keypad were usable, but nope. Not a good enough trace to get a proper answer, with those he found seemingly being switched, random, or personalized. Good for security, sucked for folks like them.

The door were also heavy and well set, so getting it out of frame weren't gonna be a breeze either. Hmm... There were a bit of leverage though. Maybe he could do something with that?

When Ranger returned, he had been working on getting the door a bit up, then place something underneath that could withstand pressure. Then finding something else, use his magic to force the door up a little bit more, then put a new thing, brace himself for the next time, and so on and so forth. It were not fast, and he wish he could just magic it all the way up, but that sort of force were tough. Sure it didn't use physical muscle, but it used magical ones, and his magic weren't immense. He were no elder, and that left some limitations. Especially as he couldn't just use magic to try and smash this door with direct force, because frankly, he had no idea what would happen. This place might collapse, or they'd wake something up with the sudden burst of sound, or it'd be a trap, etc. So he had to try lifting, and lifting with magic, were harder than blasting with magic. It required a good deal more focus, force, and precision, and if he put too much into this, he might well end up laying on the floor with a splitting headache, blood coming out of his ears, and the door slamming down again, in case nothing held it up in the first place once open.

Honestly, if Ranger could get this done with her numbers, he'd be well happy.

"Phew, this is a pain. What've you found? Please tell me it's a code."

Of course, if the paper fox smashing the button did anything, this might get easier. Or harder, if it were a security measure of some sort.

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

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini shrugged, "Maybe? I do like reading, and learning. If you still have one of those books where you saw the symbol, can I read it sometime? Maybe it explains something?"

"After scavenge, I can show you. Maybe you understand it."

She had stacks of books, mostly legible. The expensive looking gold and silver one were of course her most prized, even if she did not understand it right now, but she still treasured her other books, and the library that got the ones in good condition for pies, would see that beyond the deserts effects, they were taken well care of. So the thought of a young pony standing and reading one of those that she had, and hadn't traded or decided to keep were causing her a little hesitation. But Cherish trusted these, so she would chance it, and hope that her little friend were right. 

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

(I meant for the questions to be spread out as they traveled, not all coming at her at once, but we can go with this. They're excitable children after all.)

They were all attentive listening to Crow's answers, and eager to get started given what Crow had described to pique their interest as to what was out there.

Elef looked a bit less sure when Crow mentioned hunting, "Well, Miss Ada says I shouldn't go hunting without her, but it should be okay to go with you, right?"

In any case, they were ready to follow Crow's lead and get started.

"It is safe. Just don't chase them into their burrows. They are small. You get stuck.

If something happens, I help."

He was young too. Maybe he needed someone there, to make sure he did not get too hurt? She could do that, yes. She had hunted around here, and other places, and knew what to do. Including when to retreat. She could keep him safe, if he went in over his head, or if a monster came around. Hopefully it wouldn't, but strange things sometimes wandered around the desert. Sometimes openly, sometimes hiding, and other times, if you were really unlucky, uncovered as you approached.

She'd guide them on their way, through the dunes. It were easier if she only had to think of herself and Cherish, as they could just fly, but they had non-fliers with them, and had to accept that. Though the trip still took little more than twenty minutes, which progressed uneventfully. Something did move in the sand briefly, if Elef had his senses about him, he might even find the half-meter-long snake that had halted, soon as it knew there were others, and gotten half-buried in the dune sand, though he might miss it too. Most did after all, seeing as it were camouflaged to blend in near perfectly with the sand. And if he did ignore it, it would move on when they left, and eat a nearby scorpion.

Crow had seen it briefly move, but pretended she didn't. She didn't much care for the taste of snake, and these were not dangerous to anyone their size anyway, so it wasn't worth the attention.

Beyond this, it were just sand upon sand, until they got to where she had wanted them to go. The dunes had halfway reclaimed it already, but the tattered remains of a large wagon did poke halfway out of the sand that were piling up around it, with a few sticks around it suggesting there might be more too.

"Hmm. More buried than I thought now. Will need to dig, but I saw crates, when I was here. Should be things in."

She'd go over to the main wagon, and push her arm down, seeing if she could grab something near the surface, and pulled back the bleached top half, of an equine skull. Had a few holes where there might have been a gold tooth or something like that, but that were gone. Likely taken by one of the dune foxes or vultures, to pretty up their nests or burrow. If it were easy to yoink out, they sometimes did. Could also just be this one had been in a scuffle. A hole just above the eye, suggested an arrow or something similar, had gotten through. Maybe a small bullet? Hard to say, but death had likely been fast.

Regardless, she'd put it to the side, and start digging down, to see if she could get to the crates she recalled. Her clawed hands were well equipped to dig into solid ground, so layers of sand were barely an issue, as she'd scatter what held her potential prize in its grasp. The desert could have this, once they were done with it.

"If any can dig, or do magic, see if you can uncover stuff, yes? Try and ignore the bones. Lots of those out here."

If she were to collect the bones of everyone who had died out here, she could be at this for the next thousand years, it felt like. The dunes kept taking and uncovering bones, or desiccated half-mummies. Probably thousands upon thousands of corpses in various states out here, and it seemed pointless to chase after these remains. They were buried by the deserts whims. It were more than many others got, after the war.

Besides, a skeleton wasn't so bad. Would be worse if she pulled something up with more meat on it.

There would be two more carts, and remnants of something that'd shattered from an attack, spread over three points in a four meter radius, all buried beneath at most a meter of sand. There were things to find in about half of these, and several more corpses.

They could also all just focus on the main one that Crow were on, but it were up to them each. Cherish were helping Crow at least, using her hooves and wings to push sand aside to get more of the bigger cart uncovered, and hoping she wouldn't find more bones. Well, bones were somewhat okay. Something more meaty would be a lot worse.

(dice roll determines your luck)

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda tilted her head to the side, which given the length of her neck made it a much bigger gesture than if she were a pony, "Oh? That's too bad. About the curse that is. I know that magic is really important to ponies so to not have it..." She sighed sadly, "Oh, It's too bad you never made it to Himallama, it's a very beautiful place, wonderfully cold, unlike here."

As Himallama was on the same continent as Zebrica and Cervidas, they would have had to travelled for a long while through the area that had made Null so sick before, and she would be in no state to climb the mountain up to the Himallaman plateau like that.

"We wish we could, but I worry the fauna would have killed my sister before we got there. Maybe some day, I can go and look there myself though. I heard good things.

And yes, magic is very integral to ponies, and several other species too, unfortunately. usually because of personal magic, ward, items that benefits them, etc. Not everyone, but we were rather... Unlucky, on our travels."

Saying they were unlucky were perhaps an understatement, but she'd rather not dwell on those years too much. They had suffered, but they had learned, and survived. Now they were finally getting a life going, and it were better to have focus on that in her mind, rather than constantly dwelling on the past, and letting that direct her every action. She didn't exactly long for the feeling of being scared of the world around her.

Not saying she would try and repress and forget. There were things to have learned from the past, and she'd bring some things up, but standing and talking details about some of the times they got chased out, for the next few hours, were just gonna make her feel depressed. Though she could bring up an example or two that wasn't as long winded if it were asked of her.

Besides, she didn't have two hours for that. The little ones would start wondering where she were, if she were gone for so long probably.

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda nodded, "Oh, of course! It's further east than Zebrica and Cervidas, up on the steppes and the plataeu of the mountain. Pretty cold for ponies but perfect for alpaca and llamas. Before the shaking, it was mostly just us up there, the zebra, deer, and reindeer mostly left us alone, only coming to buy our wool and bring us food we couldn't grow ourselves or other trinkets in exchange. There was this one really big changeling, Nirvana, who was like the leader there because no one else wanted to, plus she was very old and knew a lot about being peaceful. She taught me all about being charitable, how helping others can help your soul. After the shaking, we got a lot more zebra, deer, and reindeer than usual, said a creature named Disk Ord was breaking everything? But they were safe up there because all the llamas on the mountain meant that magic didn't work, so he couldn't do anything to them there."

"Discord, yes. My sister and I met him a few times. He seemed so nice to everyone in Ponyville... I still can't believe what he ended up doing. It's been an unmitigated catastrophe. *sigh* And I can't imagine it will be easy on the other draconequui. It's gonna be a long time before anyone would try and trust their kin again, even if they didn't have anything to do with his calamity."

It might seem odd to care about their kind at all, considering what had gone on, but she couldn't make herself hate those who hadn't a thing to do with this. Most of their kin she'd met or heard about, were weaker than Discord, and spent their time mostly just pranking and goofing around, or doing more small scale mischief. Yet they were likely one and all gonna be judged because of him now, even if she doubted many had followed him in his war efforts. Weren't much fun to play around in the world, if it was a smoking ruin.

She could imagine that most had either hid away, or been killed by now though. Afraid of retaliation from the survivors, slain by them, or brought to death, for refusing to join Discord. Sure some had likely joined in, but she doubted it were many. And those left, might end up hiding for years, if not centuries, hoping for things to ease up. Imagine if one showed here in Troy though, as things were... It were a question if there'd be more anger or fear, but either way, it were highly unlikely to be welcoming.

"But speaking of better things, it's good to hear that there were a safe haven up there, for those who could make it. And that you'd accept those who came too. You probably ended up saving a lot of lives that way.

And I think I heard about Nirvana. Briefly though, I'm afraid. Is she still alive? I know a lot of queens didn't make it through the calamity, and it weighs heavily on those who lost theirs."

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena returned with an odd expression on her face, looking to Void, "That was a member of the Grey out there, the Grey Mare wants to discuss how those in the Grey could serve Mercy to earn their penance. Any thoughts on that? The service of Mercy is usually reserved for those who have nothing to gain from it."

Their nice conversation were suddenly interrupted by a very peculiar interaction. one of The Grey here? To work together with Mercy, in some fashion? That were certainly not something that she expected. Now were the question. Put her a bit on the spot, oh dear... Well, she'd try give an answer at least. Hopefully it'd make sense as she went along.

"Ah, well uh... I guess it depends on who it is, among The Grey? I mean, those they capture and make work for them, to earn their penance, probably fit better where they are. They'd only be in it to clear their debt. But there have to be those who volunteered, because they are remorseful of something they've done, and want to atone. The Grey might have been seen as their only option to try and do something that'd matter for others.

So I guess, you'd need to ask The Grey for some who have come to them willingly, and doesn't care about their debt. What sort of work they could do for Mercy though... I dunno. It seems to be based on the individual, so might be best to try and have them send a few, and then evaluate them from there? I can try and help best I can, Selena, but I'll admit, I don't know much about the sort of work Mercy does. I've only really seen... Well, you two. And you seem very different on how you're meant to help."

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

 

(The Grey)

Craven didn't need to be told by Yannit how things were up here. She were better at sensing than him, but he'd wager than most changelings would be able to tell how badly things looked here. Not physically - although it did seem somewhat poorly maintained up here - but emotionally. From the angry and bitter veterans, to the impressionable young, yearning for something better, or at the very least, to fit in somewhere. Impressionable youths... This were a festering storm waiting to happen, and when it did, a lot were going to die. And this without them getting anywhere close to completing their goal.

As he saw it at least, the ground based ones were far more numerous, and included The Grey, and various mercenaries and the sort, as well as changelings who'd like to keep their way of life. These up here were not properly combat trained, and most hadn't the experience to fight properly. They'd end up with the biggest losses, and at most would get to have some of them retreating, and then what? Where would they go? What wouldn't it cause of troubles for all of them?

They had griffons too, sure, but it were a lot of fliers, against magic users. They wouldn't win, though that didn't mean they couldn't cause a lot of trouble before they lost. Potentially even kill someone important down there, like one of the casino heads. And in that case, he worried it would be Bling. Sure she were well liked, but she were also the newest, and the one that were probably the easiest to get to, of them all. Taking her down, were a statement. A bad one, but sadly, he doubted that this group had thought that far ahead.

*sigh* To think that after all the wars they just had, they were now about to enter another... One more along the lines of the old equine racial wars, but with a few additions to either side. It were a tragedy, and one that needed to be halted. He had a few ideas, but that were mostly on infiltrating this, and see if they could defuse it at its source, by taking their leader into custody. Yet they needed more information.

Once they were down, and they were certain they weren't followed, they'd seamlessly change forms as they blended with the crowd, and take the long way to The Grey's base. Sure he wanted to hear what his higher ups had of insight, but they could add that via the eyewear. No, if he needed to know how bad things were, he needed to go and ask Basher, and see if he could ascertain how bad of a storm he had been whipping up.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

"You've certainly been busy, you almost got more done in just this evening than you did the whole time we were here looking for Grey Mane."

There was a pause as Nine perused the memories and Null's thoughts on them. They didn't dwell on any for too long as Null didn't seem to have a particular one to bring up.

"I met up with Nibiru and Mongoose while I was out. There are a few options available for clearing up the last of your debt, but we can discuss that in the morning."

If there wasn't anything that Null wanted Nine's input on, she would be left to sleep peacefully.

(We'll hold this one here until Elef's arc kicks off. Should be in my next post.)

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

If not, it would get frustrated, and then just jump up, and use some magic to make its paw heavier, and slam the button (giving it the same weight a normal fox its size, so still not too impressive). It didn't want to use magic on this, as it had a very limited pool, but it were not getting beaten by a button! Though if this also didn't work, it were just gonna give up,

The button itself was rather firm, it likely was meant to only be pressed in emergency situations, and perhaps had never been pressed before.

There was no shortage of other buttons or switches for it to find, though most of what it could flip didn't appear to have any effect.

Kozue's efforts to raise the door manually were a bit more fruitful, each small measure the door was raised allowing a bit more light to shine into the room, which made further investigation easier, but still yielded nothing that the fox could interact with to help or hinder.

 

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Honestly, if Ranger could get this done with her numbers, he'd be well happy.

"Phew, this is a pain. What've you found? Please tell me it's a code."

Ranger shrugged, "I've got a lot of numbers here, who knows if any would work? It's hard to make out what the rest of the words on these papers say."

If he cared to look he'd see that the documents weren't written in a standard Equestrian script, but rather like the letters had all been compressed down to one side for each word. If he knew of ancient languages, it was akin to a form of Cirrin, the ancient pegasus language, mixed with Terran, the ancient earth pony language, or at least the characters were, they still seemed to represent words in Equestrian.

In any case, after a few tries... well, the door didn't open, but something did happen.

There was a sound like something was turning, an ancient cable winding, and the already dimmed lights dimmed further. The door moved up barely a quarter hoof before stopping again.

Ranger would sigh, "I guess whatever would open the door is long out, it was never this slow or stiff before."

If Kozue resumed lifting the door manually, he would find it substantially easier than before! While the code hadn't been able to get the door open, it had appeared to have unlocked the door and moved the counterweight into place.

 

The door fully opened, Kozue would see what the fox hadn't been able to before, with the light from the hallway and his own ability to light up dark rooms.

 

Ranger didn't look surprised to see that the room was full of clones, all of them barely large enough to be considered even premature foals. Instead she looked around the buttons and switches on the consoles before finding the large button by the door that the fox had tried to press earlier, marked PURGE. "Hmm, if the door couldn't be opened, I doubt that will work either."

Kozue would be able to detect that there was till a good amount of magic running through the machines connected to the clones, it wasn't a substantial amount, but it was more magic than they had encountered in the rest of the facility.

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"After scavenge, I can show you. Maybe you understand it."

Gemini was happy for the opportunity, "I would like that, thank you!"

 

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"If any can dig, or do magic, see if you can uncover stuff, yes? Try and ignore the bones. Lots of those out here."

If she were to collect the bones of everyone who had died out here, she could be at this for the next thousand years, it felt like. The dunes kept taking and uncovering bones, or desiccated half-mummies. Probably thousands upon thousands of corpses in various states out here, and it seemed pointless to chase after these remains. They were buried by the deserts whims. It were more than many others got, after the war.

Gemini and Teal were a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of finding bones or bodies, but weren't fully discouraged from joining in given Cherish didn't seem to mind.

Elef wasn't dissuaded at all though, and in fact seemed almost more excited now that finding bones was an option.

Gemini and Teal would work closer to Cherish, while Elef would work a short distance away on the other side of the buried wagon from the group.

 

Cherish got the feeling that she was being watched, but of course she was, right? Crow and the others were there with her, if anything it would be strange to not feel watched.

Crow would also get the feeling, but it was more predatorial. Something was watching them, cautiously. 

(That's buildup for the next scene, when the Elef arc starts, I put more details for the event trigger in the OOC in the post before the last one you responded to)

 

(Void)

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Not everyone, but we were rather... Unlucky, on our travels."

Llambda looked genuinely concerned, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, I hope things are better for your sister and you now?"

 

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I still can't believe what he ended up doing. It's been an unmitigated catastrophe. *sigh* And I can't imagine it will be easy on the other draconequui. It's gonna be a long time before anyone would try and trust their kin again, even if they didn't have anything to do with his calamity."

She looked saddened by that, "Oh, that's too bad. I don't know what I would do if someone I trusted did something like that... There were some of the creatures who came up the mountain, who were selfish or mean to the others, but they didn't stay that way for long once they saw that they were being taken care of. A few did leave though, I hope they made it wherever they thought they were going."

 

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

And I think I heard about Nirvana. Briefly though, I'm afraid. Is she still alive? I know a lot of queens didn't make it through the calamity, and it weighs heavily on those who lost theirs."

She smiled at that, "Oh yes! She's the one who said I should come here, all very smart like she is, she said that in addition to finding Mercy I might find out about my sire. He left before I was born, and my dam died when I was still a cria, so I was mostly raised by Nirvana and some of her smaller changelings."

 

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

So I guess, you'd need to ask The Grey for some who have come to them willingly, and doesn't care about their debt. What sort of work they could do for Mercy though... I dunno. It seems to be based on the individual, so might be best to try and have them send a few, and then evaluate them from there? I can try and help best I can, Selena, but I'll admit, I don't know much about the sort of work Mercy does. I've only really seen... Well, you two. And you seem very different on how you're meant to help."

Selena looked thoughtful, "Hmm, so perhaps not through Mercy directly, but by completing tasks for Mercy they square their debt with Karma. I think that could work, since it's like how Vengeance operates but in reverse, doing good to those who have suffered rather than punishing those who have injured. I'll have to speak with Karma on that though."

As to how it all worked, Selena nodded, "Usually there isn't too much need for a dedicated avatar or servant of Mercy. Generally ponies are kind to each other and flock together as herds, working to build each other up. It is only in times of crisis when servants of Mercy tend to distinguish themselves, like now, and what they do depends on what is needed."

 

(Grey)

On 2025-05-13 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Once they were down, and they were certain they weren't followed, they'd seamlessly change forms as they blended with the crowd, and take the long way to The Grey's base. Sure he wanted to hear what his higher ups had of insight, but they could add that via the eyewear. No, if he needed to know how bad things were, he needed to go and ask Basher, and see if he could ascertain how bad of a storm he had been whipping up.

He would be allowed to see Basher, as before, but before he got there he would be alerted: After reviewing the contents of confiscated materials there are several missing items since the reformation of the Grey. Be on the lookout for the following items:

Most of the items on the list were basic weapons and armor, most likely taken by those who had left in the wake of Grey Mane's death. One item stood out though,

53: Basher's Boon, An amulet seized from The Baltamare Basher after his defeat in the liberation of New Pegas. Enchanted with Chaos magic. If found, Do Not Wear.

If anything, he now had another thing to ask Basher about.

 

Arriving at the detainment area the sound of Basher's ball bouncing against the wall, which had become so commonplace when Craven had been on guard duty before, was absent. Basher wasn't known to sleep often (And perhaps was skilled enough to bounce the ball even in his sleep) but maybe he had arrived at just such a time?

Still, before he could get to Basher's cell, the mare in the adjacent cell, the unicorn Birdie who had been Basher's second, approached the bars, "Back already bug? Not time to switch the guard rotation yet, and you seem agitated. See something you didn't like up there?"

Her tone was hard to pin down, almost devoid of emotion, it seemed to fall somewhere between taunting and curious.

What was more interesting is that she identified him as a changeling (albeit with a derogative) despite him being cloaked and potentially disguised. He wouldn't have to ask how she knew that though as she followed up with, "Empathic, so I know a thing or two about being oppressed and rejected. And I know how to read a changeling. You saw how bad things are up there."

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"You've certainly been busy, you almost got more done in just this evening than you did the whole time we were here looking for Grey Mane."

There was a pause as Nine perused the memories and Null's thoughts on them. They didn't dwell on any for too long as Null didn't seem to have a particular one to bring up.

"I met up with Nibiru and Mongoose while I was out. There are a few options available for clearing up the last of your debt, but we can discuss that in the morning."

If there wasn't anything that Null wanted Nine's input on, she would be left to sleep peacefully.

"Probably for the best. Been a lot happening today, and I could use some few hours of rest.

Least there's been some positive changes. Things I never expected, and keep worrying I'll mess up, but... I'm not gonna stop trying, and hoping it will work out.

It's funny, y'know? Feels like it's a lifetime ago, that all I wanted was to die, and had to struggle to find even a sliver of reason to not toss myself off of the nearest cliff. It's a strange feeling, suddenly to have something to live for."

It was a strange thought, that she'd take with her as she'd drift off to sleep, though it wouldn't impact her rest much. Thankfully her dreams were filled with less heavy thoughts. Just that of herself, her family, Arcade, and a couple of foals that looked like them. Just this time, the unicorn were instead an earth pony.

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

(Ranger)

Sadly he hadn't a clue what this said. Only ancient language he knew off, were vulpine. The precursor to the kitsune's adoption of the more standard Neighponese and Ponish language. yet they were still trained in it, so they could communicate with one another without others snooping in, though it were a limited language. Back from the primitive times, between them being regular wild foxes, and evolving to what they were now.

They prided themselves in their history, and praising their ancestors, so they did not avoid talking of the savage times, but considering they referred to them as such, it were not exactly a secret that they did consider themselves above that sort now, in their more civilized stage.

Still, there were wisdom in learning of the past, and you could not avoid the savage times, if you wanted to understand how they had become what they were. It were equal to the Leyline Doctrines, and the Gate of Spirits, as the trilogy of tales that in the end, made them what they were.

He'd bring it up, but it didn't really seem the time for anecdotes. plus if he went into details, it'd be hours. It were not exactly short lessons.

Anyway, as the codes were pushed in, he'd observe hopefully, and did have a bit of it rise up, as he saw something happened, but sadly it did not leave to a big ol' open door. It seemed time and no maintenance had done a number on this place unfortunately. *sigh* Back to lifting then it were...

He would be pleasantly surprised as he went about that again though, as it were now notably easier to do this. Sure he'd still need things to put under to gain leverage, but it seemed the door had loosened at least, so this would increase the speed by which he could do this substantially.

If the door presented the option to stay still somewhere, as it were open, he would put in the effort to push it as much as he could up to a point, but more than likely he'd have some bricks, planks, etc. keep it up on the sides, tall enough for them to be able to wander in, without having to lean down too much. Sure he could do that, but ponies didn't have the sort of build that his kin did. They needed a little more space.

Getting through, they'd see the paper fox further in, looking around now that there were light to work with. Kozue saw some glass at first, but stepping in, and getting an actual look... He'd pause, just past the door, genuinely shocked at what he were seeing. His jaw even went a little slack for a moment, as he gazed upon the scene in front of him.

"By Zhao Ni herself..."

It would mean nothing to Ranger, more than likely, but to put it in Equestrian terms, this were akin to swearing by Princess Celestia, back in the day.

He'd take a few tentative steps forward, his soft paws crossing floors that had likely not seen others for years, and looked at whatever this thing were.

"These are the cloning tanks? This... I don't even know what to say."

He'd get closer to one of the tubes, looking at the floating thing inside of it. Not even a full foal yet... And oddly...

He'd been too shocked to notice at first, but it suddenly struck him, how much more magical this place were, compared to where they had just been.

Kitsune could feel out leylines in the world. Often times, they build settlements around those places, long as it were also secure to do so. Such were the case of their main village in Neighpon for instance, with the nearby smaller villages build with a similar idea, according to the uneven, sporadic pattern. Barring a few that were chosen due to location more than anything, though those tended to be the smallest ones. Little more than outposts really.

They could feel that, as they were magically sensitive, and this place were certainly more active than the room before.

He raised a paw, to near the glass, trying to feel out if perhaps, the magic were running through these machines, or might even be collecting inside the semi-formed infants. It were not magic as powerful as something like leyline, or even a wellspring, but he might be able to tell, if there were a focus for this. If not the clone, then he'd look around, keeping his senses sharp, and trying to see if there were something he could scan out. Though small amounts, likely meant he'd need to get close, and explore around.

As for the paper fox, it got bored and came over to Ranger somewhat quick, assuming that she had answers, and it were better to listen to her about things. Plus it weren't sure if those things in there might try and jump out and eat them. It all looked very weird to it.

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

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini and Teal were a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of finding bones or bodies, but weren't fully discouraged from joining in given Cherish didn't seem to mind.

Elef wasn't dissuaded at all though, and in fact seemed almost more excited now that finding bones was an option.

Gemini and Teal would work closer to Cherish, while Elef would work a short distance away on the other side of the buried wagon from the group.

Wouldn't take long before Cherish's group would find more bones. The ones that the skull had been attached to. Bleached white and long since picked clean by vultures and bugs alike, it were as surgical as could be. It helped Cherish at least, to not be as weirded out by it, though it also did, that she had seen this before. Wasn't the first scavenge that included dead creatures she were on. Quite frankly, most of them were. A lot had died out here, and left things behind, that occasionally got near the surface of the sands. You had to get to that, to get to the things.

They'd manage to get the whole skeleton out, which also showed what had killed the mare, once upon a time, as the spine had a hard to miss hole in it. Something had seemingly either shot, or ripped out part of their spine, likely killing them instantly. One would hope so, at least. The alternative of bleeding out, paralyzed as the sands engulfed you, were far too horrendous for Cherish to think about.

The box were near the hooves, along with another skeleton next to it, though this were of an animal of sorts. Though if any of them had met any before, they might know this to be from a smaller diamond dog. A runt, or youngling, laying across the crate. Crow would halt herself as she saw it, sending it a look that almost seemed scared, for a brief moment, before lifting out the crate and put it next to the hole. If the others looked, they'd find that the mare skeleton also had a pouch near her back hooves that they could take up too, that Crow hadn't noticed, as her focus were on the crate.

Elef would be in luck, sort of. He'd find a sack, made out of some sort of reinforced leather. Sturdy stuff, which might indicate something of value were in this. Yet he wouldn't be able to just pull it out, even if he dug the entire bottom of the bag loose, which would be around the size of Piecey, or Peal. It seemed to be upside down, so he'd need to find the opening to get it lose, and as he would, he'd find that it were clutched tightly by a gryphon's hand. The more he dug, he'd find that the mummified hand, had a lot of dried meat still on it, and as he'd dig deeper, and find the head, the face were as intact as the rest. Moisture drained from the body, but the gryphon in question still looked upwards, fear seemingly etched into the face, as the husk were reaching upwards, clutching the bag likely with the last bits of strength that had been left with him in life, as he'd tried to use the weight of it to give himself something to pull upwards with.

This were another scavenger, who had run into one of the deserts natural traps. Some considered it quick sand, but it were just a random hole in the sand. A bubble of air, filled loosely by some fine sand on top. Apply pressure, and you'd begin to sink rapidly. This one seemingly being too careless, green, or too greedy, to let go of the bag at first, and when he tried to get away, it was too late. A looter or other scavenger, that came along later on. Maybe someone missed him back in Troy, but it were hard to say. Perhaps if he were fully undug, they would find something in his gear worth scavenging, or potentially some ID?

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Cherish got the feeling that she was being watched, but of course she was, right? Crow and the others were there with her, if anything it would be strange to not feel watched.

Crow would also get the feeling, but it was more predatorial. Something was watching them, cautiously. 

(That's buildup for the next scene, when the Elef arc starts, I put more details for the event trigger in the OOC in the post before the last one you responded to)

Cherish wouldn't bite much notice in it, but Crow did, and rose her head, looking around, a growl slowly escaping her throat.

"Something is wrong. We're being watched."

She wasn't sure from where, but there were something, and it wasn't like a dune hound. There were a big difference between being watched by a predator, and being watched by curious prey. And this didn't feel like prey.

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda looked genuinely concerned, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, I hope things are better for your sister and you now?"

"As good as I think they could be. Thank you for your concern."

It were not ideal, in the case of Null, but it were still better than it could have been. So all things considered, perhaps things had turned out somewhat for the best.

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked saddened by that, "Oh, that's too bad. I don't know what I would do if someone I trusted did something like that... There were some of the creatures who came up the mountain, who were selfish or mean to the others, but they didn't stay that way for long once they saw that they were being taken care of. A few did leave though, I hope they made it wherever they thought they were going."

"I can't imagine the princess felt very well about his betrayal, but I can't speak on her behalf, or any others, when it comes to that. I just know the crisis itself, and what he did. His choices hurt everyone,, and I worry what will happen to some because of that. His own kin, those he forced to do his bidding... The war might be mostly over, but the aftermath have barely begun."

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She smiled at that, "Oh yes! She's the one who said I should come here, all very smart like she is, she said that in addition to finding Mercy I might find out about my sire. He left before I was born, and my dam died when I was still a cria, so I was mostly raised by Nirvana and some of her smaller changelings."

While Void weren't entirely sure what those words meant, she knew what sire were, and just filled int he blanks after that, to what made the most sense. Awkward if she were wrong, but hopefully that wouldn't be the case. probably wouldn't matter a lot right now regardless.

"I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but it's good that there were someone who could take you in, and give you a good upbringing. It's not easy growing up, having no parents. My sister had to raise me, when we got separated from our parents. She did the best she could, but it's not the same as a home, and parents.

Though I suppose, in yours and our cases, adoptive parents. Though to us at least, blood isn't as important as who were there for us. Still I hope you will find your sire, and hopefully find some answers. Who knows? Perhaps you have siblings somewhere, that you never knew about."

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena looked thoughtful, "Hmm, so perhaps not through Mercy directly, but by completing tasks for Mercy they square their debt with Karma. I think that could work, since it's like how Vengeance operates but in reverse, doing good to those who have suffered rather than punishing those who have injured. I'll have to speak with Karma on that though."

As to how it all worked, Selena nodded, "Usually there isn't too much need for a dedicated avatar or servant of Mercy. Generally ponies are kind to each other and flock together as herds, working to build each other up. It is only in times of crisis when servants of Mercy tend to distinguish themselves, like now, and what they do depends on what is needed."

"It's an idea at least, but Karma does have the final say. It's a suggestion worth thinking about though. It never hurts to broaden your options.

It's surprising to hear how Mercy works. I kinda thought it would be like with Vengeance, but I can see it makes sense. There's usually a nice unity, to at least some extend.

Makes me wonder if I've run into one of you before actually... We've been around some places, where there's been set up tents and such for refuges after large battles, or war zones. We didn't stay long any of them, as we didn't want to interfere with any of the treatments, but we've gotten a bowl of food here and there, before scurrying off. Seems like those kind of places, could be fitting at times, for those serving Mercy."

There'd also been a few times where they had broken past the relief camps, because what had caused issues were a cursed item. Either something that were craved by others, or were fueling death and destruction in some fashion. They'd gladly take those things, as they could suppress them, but it were not often it were appreciated. The lure of power, religious reasons, or fear, could do a lot to turn others against them.

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He would be allowed to see Basher, as before, but before he got there he would be alerted: After reviewing the contents of confiscated materials there are several missing items since the reformation of the Grey. Be on the lookout for the following items:

Most of the items on the list were basic weapons and armor, most likely taken by those who had left in the wake of Grey Mane's death. One item stood out though,

53: Basher's Boon, An amulet seized from The Baltamare Basher after his defeat in the liberation of New Pegas. Enchanted with Chaos magic. If found, Do Not Wear.

If anything, he now had another thing to ask Basher about.

Disturbing news, that necklace... One that changed things potentially, as chaos magic could add a boon to the pegasi, if done right. or it could just cause more destruction, before their defeat. Likely the latter, causing more pointless death...

*sigh* He'd need to bring this up too. It might well be part of this whole operation, and if that were the case, this just got a whole lot worse. like, to an extend where they might need some sort of specialized tool to deal with this thing, before it got out of control.

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Still, before he could get to Basher's cell, the mare in the adjacent cell, the unicorn Birdie who had been Basher's second, approached the bars, "Back already bug? Not time to switch the guard rotation yet, and you seem agitated. See something you didn't like up there?"

Her tone was hard to pin down, almost devoid of emotion, it seemed to fall somewhere between taunting and curious.

What was more interesting is that she identified him as a changeling (albeit with a derogative) despite him being cloaked and potentially disguised. He wouldn't have to ask how she knew that though as she followed up with, "Empathic, so I know a thing or two about being oppressed and rejected. And I know how to read a changeling. You saw how bad things are up there."

Seemed Basher might be resting, or were maybe laying low, for some other reason. He had half a mind going and checking, and possibly wake up too, if need be, when he had been noticed by his second in command.

This was the first time he had ever even seen Birdie, and the first impression were that she liked to taunt others, potentially to rattle them, and give her information. The second were that she were an Empath, which admittedly gave him a small shiver down his back. He didn't personally hate them, like some scouts did, for breaking their covers, but he did find them a little creepy.

Still, he'd answer her. Maybe it would lead somewhere.

"No, I didn't like what I saw. And you know why? Because I see where it will go. The downtrodden and the impressionable, gathering around someone promising them a solution to their plight. An answer bought in blood, and a lot are going to die, for likely nothing even close to the result they want.

Why are you doing this? Why now, of all times? I know the upper layers are rough, but are they truly so bad, that it's worth dying for an antiquated idea of racial superiority, just to better things?

I want to stop this, Birdie. I don't want anyone to die, but I don't know how things are up there, so I can't see how to fix this. Please, help me understand."

He wasn't given her an order. He was pleading with her, desperate and concerned. There were a bunch of fireworks about to explode, soon as a spark would go off, and it would not be pretty. It would be an inferno, consuming a lot of them, and likely sparking retaliation. If the upper layer hadn't been bad before, it surely would be afterwards.

There had to be a solution, but he had to know what had brought this along. The changelings rarely went up there, as it were dangerous, and they mostly cared for their own, who lived at ground level. The few who went up here, were for specific emotions, or to join one of the gangs, and if they joined that, it were rare that they came back, as they had chosen a new flock, that didn't allow them to mingle seamlessly with their old one.

He himself had never been, just hearing stories, and right now, he regretted it deeply. Things were bad up there. Really bad, otherwise this wouldn't have been as attractive to those who lived there. But what was the reason? He didn't know, and he desperately sought an answer. There had to be more, than just pegasi yearning for the ancient times, when those with wings were one group, earth ponies in another, etc. Those were horrible times, and not worth returning to, but apparently they were riled up around the idea, one way or another. There had to be some degree of desperation, for that to be an option, right?

Edited May 31 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

This will be a long one.

(Cherish)

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Wouldn't take long before Cherish's group would find more bones. The ones that the skull had been attached to. Bleached white and long since picked clean by vultures and bugs alike, it were as surgical as could be. It helped Cherish at least, to not be as weirded out by it, though it also did, that she had seen this before. Wasn't the first scavenge that included dead creatures she were on. Quite frankly, most of them were. A lot had died out here, and left things behind, that occasionally got near the surface of the sands. You had to get to that, to get to the things.

Seeing Crow pull some bones out of the sand was one thing, but actually touching some with their own hooves was another, so Teal and Gemini were content to stop digging once they had run into more bones even with Cherish's lack of reaction to the discovery or potential encouragement towards further investigation.

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

The box were near the hooves, along with another skeleton next to it, though this were of an animal of sorts. Though if any of them had met any before, they might know this to be from a smaller diamond dog. A runt, or youngling, laying across the crate. Crow would halt herself as she saw it, sending it a look that almost seemed scared, for a brief moment, before lifting out the crate and put it next to the hole. If the others looked, they'd find that the mare skeleton also had a pouch near her back hooves that they could take up too, that Crow hadn't noticed, as her focus were on the crate.

They were a bit more saddened by the sight of the small dog bones, and so quickly turned their attention away and towards the crate as a far better focus, hoping to themselves that the crate would hold something other than more death.

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Elef would be in luck, sort of. He'd find a sack, made out of some sort of reinforced leather. Sturdy stuff, which might indicate something of value were in this. Yet he wouldn't be able to just pull it out, even if he dug the entire bottom of the bag loose, which would be around the size of Piecey, or Peal. It seemed to be upside down, so he'd need to find the opening to get it lose, and as he would,

Elef was hardly so patient as to dig out the entire bag once it was clear what it was, and would instead try to cut the bag open with his sharp fangs if at all possible. If he couldn't cut through the bag he'd then dig further to reveal the taloned hand. He wouldn't dig further than that though, as he would resume his efforts to free the bag from the dead grip by whatever means he could, unconcerned with the corpse that held it.

 

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Cherish wouldn't bite much notice in it, but Crow did, and rose her head, looking around, a growl slowly escaping her throat.

"Something is wrong. We're being watched."

She wasn't sure from where, but there were something, and it wasn't like a dune hound. There were a big difference between being watched by a predator, and being watched by curious prey. And this didn't feel like prey.

That got the others attention, Elef leaving the bag to stand near Crow to see if he could see what she was referring to. He would point out a dark shape in the sky that seemed to be flying vaguely in their direction, "That kind of looks like Miss Ada, she's the guard mare that takes me hunting. Maybe she's watching us to make sure we're safe out here?" He waved towards the dark shape.

Depending on how good Crow's vision was she might be able to confirm that the shape was a dark coated thestral mare, but not having met Ada before beyond perhaps having encountered Elef and her while they were out hunting, might nit be able to positively identify her.

"Is that... did you get hurt Cherish?" Teal brought some attention back as there seemed to be a bit of red on Cherish's white coat near her forehoof, digging in the sand it was easy to accidentally cut yourself when digging, or to poke the frog or the sole (the soft parts of the bottom of a hoof) enough to draw a bit of blood without noticing.

Whether it was her blood or not, or if it was blood at all or just something that had leaked out of a crate or a bone was unclear. As Teal and Gemini drew closer to Cherish to investigate, Elef seemed... off. There was a look in his eyes that Crow might recognize as a hunter viewing prey, looking for a moment to strike, mixed with no small amount of terror, holding him in place.

It didn't last long before he shook himself out of whatever it was that held him there, he started to move towards her, his voice a bit shaky, "A-are you al-"

*wham*

Elef was knocked away from the others, another thestral had swooped down from a nearby cloud at incredible speed to slam into him. He only paused a moment before launching at Elef where he had been knocked back to start attacking him, but it was long enough for those present to recognize him as Nova, who was now wailing on Elef as he struggled to fight back or escape.

Teal was frozen in shock and as such didn't try to separate the two with magic.

If Crow didn't step in to separate the two (and receive a few swings and kicks from the attacking colt herself) then Ada (who had in fact been the thestral Elef had waived to) would swoop in to subdue the colt, and take a few hits to the face before she could pin him down.

If Crow did subdue the colt Ada would land nearby and try to speak to Nova.

(The dialogue is the same regardless of who has him pinned)

"Nova! Why are you attacking Elef?"

Nova would continue to struggle, his eyes focused on Elef, "He's a monster! I have to stop him, kill the vampire, before he kills again!"

Ada looked deeply concerned, "Who- Why do you think he's a vampire?"

"No one told me, I can see it. His eyes, his fangs, they're wrong. They're the same as..." His eyes focused on Ada, widening as he saw, "Yours!" With an impressive show of strength likely driven by desperation he would escape from whoever held him (If Crow was holding him likely more due to fear of harming the colt than being overpowered) so he could strike at Ada, "You're one too! Same as them. Have to kill, have to keep them safe!"

Still, despite taking a few surprise hits (and especially with Crow's help if available) Ada would be able to pin Nova down again, whispering something into her amulet before continuing, "Nova, calm down. Whatever you think is happening isn't true. There are no monsters here, no one is going to kill anyone. Right El-" She turned to look, but Elef was gone. A small pool of blood already soaking into the sands connected to a few drips leading away, and a dark figure quickly growing small in the sky,

headed away from the city. Back into the desert towards where they had first come from.

Ada cursed under her breath.

Two other thestrals landed nearby in full guard attire, one moving to help Ada while the other approached the fillies, Teal and Gemini having moved to stick by Cherish in the commotion. This guard was a younger mare, who did her best to try and keep them calm, "Are you all alright? Are any of you hurt? What happened here?"

 

And so Elef's arc begins

(Void)

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Though I suppose, in yours and our cases, adoptive parents. Though to us at least, blood isn't as important as who were there for us. Still I hope you will find your sire, and hopefully find some answers. Who knows? Perhaps you have siblings somewhere, that you never knew about."

(... Maybe closer than she realized ...)

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Makes me wonder if I've run into one of you before actually... We've been around some places, where there's been set up tents and such for refuges after large battles, or war zones. We didn't stay long any of them, as we didn't want to interfere with any of the treatments, but we've gotten a bowl of food here and there, before scurrying off. Seems like those kind of places, could be fitting at times, for those serving Mercy."

Selena shrugged, "It's possible, I was only directly involved a very long time ago, and very recently, and it was only just before the crisis that I had my own body. So it's unlikely that you ever ran into something I had a hoof in organizing. But most who serve Mercy don't seek out some official sanction first. They just do good for the sake of it, and find themselves rewarded. It's a bit-"

She stopped, her eyes moving like she was reading something as her expression fell, "Something happened with the ponies out on the dunes. We need to go."

She would move to leave the room when Llambda spoke up, "Oh no! Can I help?" Selena paused, but nodded, "I think you can," she turned towards Void who was no doubt already moving to follow, "If that's alright?"

Llambda would stay behind if Void disagreed, but in either case Selena would lead the way at full speed out onto the dunes in the direction of where the other group was.

 

(Null)

(I'm guessing you swapped the races on accident, since Arcade is a unicorn, if you didn't though, that's an interesting twist)

(We'll hold this one until the Elef arc moves a bit more so everyone can come together. Once the other side is into the next morning we'll move Null ahead again)

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"These are the cloning tanks? This... I don't even know what to say."

Ranger shrugged, "Whatever they are, that's where we came from. Or, where they told us we came from. Where they would bring me to remind me that I was expendable, replaceable, whenever I acted out too much."

She returned her attention to the machines, trying to work out the controls.

 

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

He raised a paw, to near the glass, trying to feel out if perhaps, the magic were running through these machines, or might even be collecting inside the semi-formed infants. It were not magic as powerful as something like leyline, or even a wellspring, but he might be able to tell, if there were a focus for this. If not the clone, then he'd look around, keeping his senses sharp, and trying to see if there were something he could scan out. Though small amounts, likely meant he'd need to get close, and explore around.

There was a small amount of magic running through the machines, and evidence that it was capable of harnessing a lot more magic and had done so in the past. It felt a bit like a stasis spell, holding everything inside the tanks in suspension, which was likely why they were so well preserved in the tanks.

Or, there was, until Ranger pulled a lever and the magic stopped, the fluid starting to slowly drain out of the tanks. Ranger nodded, "That seems to have done it then. We can leave now."

 

(Grey)

On 2025-05-30 at 6:49 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I want to stop this, Birdie. I don't want anyone to die, but I don't know how things are up there, so I can't see how to fix this. Please, help me understand.

Birdie's expression hadn't changed throughout his speech, though her emotions had some subtle spikes here and there as he had spoken, some anger, some disappointment, mostly hidden by her training. "No, you don't know how things are. Look, I don't mind changelings, but you bugs are so often naive about ponies. Ponies pretend that they're all about peace, about cooperation, but we're not. Blood has bought everything Equestria had. Troy was birthed in blood. The three races only ever cooperated in the beginning under the threat of mutual destruction, and warred for decades before that. Celestia could only keep them together so long as there was an outside enemy for them to fight against. The Griffons, the Umbra, the Zebra, the Thestrals, Empathics, Changelings, because without something outside, they look in for division."

She sighed, "The division was there even before the war, before the crisis. Unicorns and their mountains, Pegasi and their clouds, Earth Ponies and their fields, even inside Equestria there was division, and the same is true here. The cloud district sided with Basher when the Grey came in, and when he lost the district got gutted, even now the casino heads ignore that district, look down on them."

"Why? Because we're tired of being ruled by the rich and powerful who sit on their thrones while the rest of us suffer. Why now? Because the Grey's out of the way and the oligarchs are scrambling to fill the gaps. Are things so bad? You tell me. You were up there, did it seem like an area where a pony could thrive? Or did it look like a junkyard where all the unwanted items were kicked. Next time you're up there, look down, and see everything the way we've seen it. Where everyone down there has everything you want while you have nothing."

There was a bit of concern under the thick layer of resolve though, she seemed confused when he brought up racial superiority, like she wasn't entirely sure what he meant. Maybe thing had shifted since Moth had taken charge, and things weren't as Birdie remembered anymore. After all, she was a unicorn, and Basher had previously employed downtrodden creatures of all types in his gang, not just pegasi.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They were a bit more saddened by the sight of the small dog bones, and so quickly turned their attention away and towards the crate as a far better focus, hoping to themselves that the crate would hold something other than more death.

If they wanted to, they could examine the contents of the box itself. If they could open the lock that were. Seemed to be a sturdy metal lock, with a lot of sand in the gears now, so using any sort of key were likely out of the question. They'd need to open it from the inside with magic, smash it, or use some other method. Of course smashing a hole in the side could also work, but that still took force, and it might destroy whatever were in there, which were not ideal. Usually why Crow tended to burn off the area around the lock itself, and just rip the whole thing off, when she ran into some. It were much easier, than trying to fiddle with all sorts of tools.

Of course, in cases like this, just ripping off the lock in and by itself from the get go could be her approach. A focused flame helped a lot, but if the box wasn't solid enough, there were always the chance to set fire to it, which were detrimental in a place where water were scarce. Usually some good old fashioned violence did the trick there, but the ponies could maybe sort this in some other way.

If they did, there'd be a multi-colored blanket covering something on the inside. Folding the blanket out, it would prove to be a woven wall *painting*, showing an alicorn in front of a large army, facing off against a large, feline creature.

The alicorn in question were dark as night, with silky garments adorning her slender form, and white eyes. Her cutie mark, that of an eastern-looking oil lamp, with a sparkling smoke that looked like the night sky, pouring from it, and making a half circle around the lamp.

The feline creatures in question, would be several times larger than her, and to the ponies, likely meant nothing, unless they knew what a sphinx were. Dangerous creatures, that only the foolish or brave, tended to dare stand up against. But Princess Arabian Nights were no fool, and this depicted only one of her many trials and victories throughout her reign. Her fate likely uncertain still, as they were far from Saddle Arabia, but had the fight come to them, she would have fought. And perhaps these enemies of their people, would see that the war would come even for them, and in an unprecedented move decide to fight alongside the lesser ponies. Something which might spell trouble, if the elder sphinxes considered it enough trouble to be worth themselves leaving their mythical capitol, and partaking themselves.

Yet for more local story, this had likely been either looted from, or brought along by, citizens of Saddle Arabia, that were either visiting, or had moved to Equestria at some point. It happened at times, and those who did, tended to bring memories from home with them still. Some pieces of familiarity and comfort.

Whatever the case, beneath this, would be a smaller box. No lock on this simple orange, wooden box, but inside were three small books - a Saddle Arabian prayer book, a book on Equestrian plants, and a heavily used notebook - two jeweled bands, a wooden figure, that looked like Princess Arabian Nights, a set of dice carved from animal bone, in a leather pouch, another small pouch filled with around a hundred bits, a thick letter, and a flute made from animal bone, with the symbol of a cobra spun around it, painted on with fake gold.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was hardly so patient as to dig out the entire bag once it was clear what it was, and would instead try to cut the bag open with his sharp fangs if at all possible. If he couldn't cut through the bag he'd then dig further to reveal the taloned hand. He wouldn't dig further than that though, as he would resume his efforts to free the bag from the dead grip by whatever means he could, unconcerned with the corpse that held it.

While he couldn't bite through it, and the hand clutched tightly, it were still desiccated, and as such as he pulled hard enough, the hand would snap with a loud, dry crack, and the bag would be free. Sort of. The hand were still clutching the opening, and weren't letting go, but he had gotten so far. He could probably use his teeth to pry the talons open eventually.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Depending on how good Crow's vision was she might be able to confirm that the shape was a dark coated thestral mare, but not having met Ada before beyond perhaps having encountered Elef and her while they were out hunting, might nit be able to positively identify her.

Crow hadn't a clue who this were, even if she could see them fine. Sure she'd seen some thestrals out here before, but she had deliberately avoided approaching them, as she wasn't the most comfortable around others, and wasn't sure if they were dangerous. Wasn't one of those she had spotted before, but then, it was a rare sight for her regardless, as she wasn't exactly looking for them, and spent a lot of time in her own home, rather than go outside, lest she needed to. Like if she required food or water, or had the urge to scavenge.

It were possible she had seen Ada though at some point, though as she didn't speak to them, she couldn't say one way or the other. She wasn't even aware it were a female name.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Is that... did you get hurt Cherish?" Teal brought some attention back as there seemed to be a bit of red on Cherish's white coat near her forehoof, digging in the sand it was easy to accidentally cut yourself when digging, or to poke the frog or the sole (the soft parts of the bottom of a hoof) enough to draw a bit of blood without noticing.

Whether it was her blood or not, or if it was blood at all or just something that had leaked out of a crate or a bone was unclear. As Teal and Gemini drew closer to Cherish to investigate, Elef seemed... off. There was a look in his eyes that Crow might recognize as a hunter viewing prey, looking for a moment to strike, mixed with no small amount of terror, holding him in place.

It didn't last long before he shook himself out of whatever it was that held him there, he started to move towards her, his voice a bit shaky, "A-are you al-"

Cherish hadn't even noticed the cut as it were pointed out, but when rising her hoof and running it on her forehead, it were good enough. A bit of blood had broken through.

"Huh. I must've hit myself on the wood."

A small splinter had hit her from the wagon. Wasn't something bad, but she'd have to remember to clean it once she were done digging, just in case. Couldn't be too safe out here, right?

While she were thinking on this, Crow's gaze were instead elsewhere. As Cherish wasn't really injured, and she still felt they were being watched, her gaze had wandered, and fallen on Elef, who had a very familiar look in his eyes. That of a predator, hungry for prey. If she also didn't see the struggle and terror he were seemingly also under, which were painfully familiar to her, she would have neared him and growled, to warn him off. She wasn't sure if bat ponies did hunt pegasi, but just in case, she would warn him to back off as the superior predator, before he got any ideas. Cherish were her friend, and she'd defend her from anyone. Including her other friends.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was knocked away from the others, another thestral had swooped down from a nearby cloud at incredible speed to slam into him. He only paused a moment before launching at Elef where he had been knocked back to start attacking him, but it was long enough for those present to recognize him as Nova, who was now wailing on Elef as he struggled to fight back or escape.

Teal was frozen in shock and as such didn't try to separate the two with magic.

If Crow didn't step in to separate the two (and receive a few swings and kicks from the attacking colt herself) then Ada (who had in fact been the thestral Elef had waived to) would swoop in to subdue the colt, and take a few hits to the face before she could pin him down.

If Crow did subdue the colt Ada would land nearby and try to speak to Nova.

She didn't get the chance before the thestral they had spotted, would have rammed Elef, and started to pound on him like there were no tomorrow, with the colt trying to defend himself against the assault. Though her mind had been on warning him off before, she had a priority list to go through here: Cherish first, then her other friends, as she had said she'd keep them safe, and then anyone else who came along could live or die, for all she cared. This one were openly causing trouble that went against her second priority, so she would go over and try to peel him off, without killing him. Could be he had a good reason for this, but even if not, and he were a hostile, killing a pony were a bad idea. It went against the law of the Dragon Lands, and even though their lord were dead, or missing - she wasn't sure, as she hadn't been there to see the whole thing through - it were still a fundamental rule, that dragons and ponies were not allowed to kill one another, and if they did, the offended side could punish them in whatever way they wished, unless there were special circumstances. Which for any dragon killers, usually meant they got eaten, or burnt alive. The opposite she hadn't a clue about, but they were probably banished.

Also, she didn't want Cherish to see her gore another pony, or wring their necks. It wasn't how she wanted her friend to think about her.

She took some hits back, some of them even hurting, but she were as big as an adult pony, and better built than some teenage pony, so she would eventually have him on the ground, on his back, with her teeth barred. Her gaze glaring at him with suspicion and annoyance. Many questions came to mind, yet she couldn't even get to one, before another addition came, and made her swish her tail angrily a few times. Though Nova might still be able to tell from her gaze, that remained solidly on him, that she could beat him to a pulp if she had the urge, and he were severely testing her patience, to put it kindly.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Nova! Why are you attacking Elef?"

Nova would continue to struggle, his eyes focused on Elef, "He's a monster! I have to stop him, kill the vampire, before he kills again!"

Ada looked deeply concerned, "Who- Why do you think he's a vampire?"

"No one told me, I can see it. His eyes, his fangs, they're wrong. They're the same as..." His eyes focused on Ada, widening as he saw, "Yours!" With an impressive show of strength likely driven by desperation he would escape from whoever held him (If Crow was holding him likely more due to fear of harming the colt than being overpowered) so he could strike at Ada, "You're one too! Same as them. Have to kill, have to keep them safe!"

He managed to get out of her hold, as Crow had eased up, and were trying to calm herself down, as it sounded like this adult were here to handle him, and she might be a danger to her, or Cherish.

A quick glance though, had told her that yes, she had seen this one. It were from afar, and only once or twice, but Crow did remember her look. Ada might also recognize Crow, but if she did, she'd likely more remember the young dragoness noticing her, and scurrying off, either too scared or shy to want to approach her.

It eased her slightly more, and then Nova were suddenly loose, and she were on the sand, though she rose up, and quickly placed herself between these two bat ponies, and the ponies she had come out here with. Her stance threatening, and her wings spread out to shield them, she looked similar to a protective wild animal.

"Stay back. Away from them."

It were unclear if she were speaking to Nova, Ada, or both of them.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Still, despite taking a few surprise hits (and especially with Crow's help if available) Ada would be able to pin Nova down again, whispering something into her amulet before continuing, "Nova, calm down. Whatever you think is happening isn't true. There are no monsters here, no one is going to kill anyone. Right El-" She turned to look, but Elef was gone. A small pool of blood already soaking into the sands connected to a few drips leading away, and a dark figure quickly growing small in the sky,

headed away from the city. Back into the desert towards where they had first come from.

Ada cursed under her breath.

Two other thestrals landed nearby in full guard attire, one moving to help Ada while the other approached the fillies, Teal and Gemini having moved to stick by Cherish in the commotion. This guard was a younger mare, who did her best to try and keep them calm, "Are you all alright? Are any of you hurt? What happened here?"

Crow had heard him take off, and didn't act on it, as it made sense for her that he'd flee his attacker, and hadn't partaken in attacking Nova more. The other ponies were her concern now, not him.

Seeing two more thestrals appear, after they finally noticed Elef were gone, Crow would take a few steps back, but kept up her defensive defensive stance, keeping  herself between the young ponies and the thestrals.

"S-Stay back! I promised they would be safe. N-Not letting any of you hurt them."

Her voice were more shaky now, and she did look from side to side a few times, fear now getting into her gaze. She stood steadfast still, but her mind were racing, with thoughts that she had to escape, before more showed up. More ponies descending upon them. Guards. Chains. Bad things happening all over again...

She were so shaken right now, that she didn't even notice that right as Elef had left, Cherish had taken to the sky to follow him. Unless she were held back forcefully, she would have flown after him instantly, worried about him being hurt, though she didn't fly as fast as he did. Still she tried, and if she had been held back forcefully enough to keep her there, she would be wriggling, telling them to let her go, and that she had to go help Elef, since he were hurt.

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena shrugged, "It's possible, I was only directly involved a very long time ago, and very recently, and it was only just before the crisis that I had my own body. So it's unlikely that you ever ran into something I had a hoof in organizing. But most who serve Mercy don't seek out some official sanction first. They just do good for the sake of it, and find themselves rewarded. It's a bit-"

She stopped, her eyes moving like she was reading something as her expression fell, "Something happened with the ponies out on the dunes. We need to go."

She would move to leave the room when Llambda spoke up, "Oh no! Can I help?" Selena paused, but nodded, "I think you can," she turned towards Void who was no doubt already moving to follow, "If that's alright?"

Llambda would stay behind if Void disagreed, but in either case Selena would lead the way at full speed out onto the dunes in the direction of where the other group was.

"Y-Yes of course. But hurry."

Void's face had dropped in fear, as she heard that something had happened with the younglings out in the dunes. Her ponies, all out there, with something going wrong? She were so sure they'd be safe. That... That everything would be fine! And now they were out there, all by themselves, with something going down?

She barely had it in her to respond before she would bolt out the door, headed towards the desert. She might not have all 4 natural legs, but her false leg were well done, so she'd run just fine, down the streets of Troy, and heading straight towards the edge of it, where they had said they'd go with Cherish.

Finding them out there would be another matter entirely, as all she knew about Crow, where that she lived close to the town, in the desert. That was it. She were a friend of Cherish, who didn't seem like she'd be around cruel creatures, so it were probably not her who had done something, but at this point, Void hadn't a clue, and just knew her babies were in danger.

Unless this were some joke from Selena, but surely she wouldn't joke about this, of all things, knowing how attached Void were to the younglings.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ranger shrugged, "Whatever they are, that's where we came from. Or, where they told us we came from. Where they would bring me to remind me that I was expendable, replaceable, whenever I acted out too much."

She returned her attention to the machines, trying to work out the controls.

"That's one of the most messed up things I've ever heard, and you've told me horrible things already about this... Den of evil.

What a horrible place this were."

He felt literally sick as he heard that. Adults taking young ones to this place, showing them the unformed ponies in the tank, and letting them know that if they didn't act well, they'd be replaced, and forgotten. Just a footnote in some research paper, like they were nothing. It were revolting, and his mind were conflicted between shock, disgust, a want to have this entire place burned to ash, and feeling it should be kept, just so that others could learn from this horror, and not repeat the past.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a small amount of magic running through the machines, and evidence that it was capable of harnessing a lot more magic and had done so in the past. It felt a bit like a stasis spell, holding everything inside the tanks in suspension, which was likely why they were so well preserved in the tanks.

Or, there was, until Ranger pulled a lever and the magic stopped, the fluid starting to slowly drain out of the tanks. Ranger nodded, "That seems to have done it then. We can leave now."

"Just give me a minute."

Kozue would wander a bit forth, and stand in the rough middle of where the tanks would face, then pull out an amulet - not the one that he had gotten made via the feather he got - and sat down on his rear down, closed his eyes, and gathered his front paws, with the amulet in the middle.

A sad, yet beautiful melody would escape him, as he whistled a tune, his tail swaying slowly back and forth. There were seemingly no magic involved, and after around forty seconds, he would stop, and get up again, putting the amulet back into his bag. The paper fox would have listened in, but elected to wander around and look for a bit, during which, it saw something that seemed to catch its eye. A slab of paper, that it tore something off, and brought over towards Ranger. And once it got her attention, it would show her a word there, the rest of them gone, likely eaten.

*Speck*

The context were lost, and it also looked like the word were half of one only. Likely it had been a slight misspelling of Spectacle, but judging by the way the fox jumped and waved its tail, it seemed it liked what were there now.

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Why? Because we're tired of being ruled by the rich and powerful who sit on their thrones while the rest of us suffer. Why now? Because the Grey's out of the way and the oligarchs are scrambling to fill the gaps. Are things so bad? You tell me. You were up there, did it seem like an area where a pony could thrive? Or did it look like a junkyard where all the unwanted items were kicked. Next time you're up there, look down, and see everything the way we've seen it. Where everyone down there has everything you want while you have nothing."

There was a bit of concern under the thick layer of resolve though, she seemed confused when he brought up racial superiority, like she wasn't entirely sure what he meant. Maybe thing had shifted since Moth had taken charge, and things weren't as Birdie remembered anymore. After all, she was a unicorn, and Basher had previously employed downtrodden creatures of all types in his gang, not just pegasi.

"What I saw, is what the changelings would've been like, without Bling to guide us. Lost souls and bitter veterans, fired up and ready to change things. Violently, if it had to."

He wasn't joking there. Most changelings who came here, had nothing when they entered, and there were a lot that were hungry, poor, and alone. If Hive Cheshire hadn't been there to create a feeling of community, keep them fed, integrate them and so forth, a lot more would have desperately joined gangs, or started to assult others at random. They could have ended up just like the cloud district were. They had gathered around their own leader, but their path had been different, and with him gone, the view had changed on them, and they lived with the consequences. Something that were more severe than before, as now things were worse than ever, and those already down on their luck, had no choice but to get desperate, or likely starve to death in the ruins.

It were easy to hate them, for the gang that had been there, and were now ready for a different assault, but he didn't. He pitied them, that life had been cruel enough, for this to be the end result. Because infighting in itself, were not enough to bring it to here. If it were, the changelings would have devolved into chaos, as they were easy targets to focus down upon. Because they were different, and technically, ponies were prey to them. If you looked at it very narrowly, which some would always do.

More than this had happened, and he doubted that what he heard now, were the whole story too, but she likely didn't know either. Something told him it were accumulated over a long time, and build on many small things too, that caused things to go the way they were now.

Yet it didn't change the fact that this were gonna end in blood, and a lot of it too, and they had lost enough lives in the last few years already.

"I don't blame them, or you what this have come too. Because you're right. The Cloud Layer have been an afterthought at best for most beings, and it's only gotten worse. It's not the sprawling, thriving home in the sky it used to be, and I don't fault them for wanting change. No one deserves to live like that.

But this? They're gathering every pegasus they can get hold of up there. Their recruiters are speaking of basically cleansing any non-pegasus from the town, with a worrying enthusiasm. And then, as if that's not bad enough, they also have Basher's Boon, which I can only assume is going to cause a lot of trouble, since we've been warned it's not supposed to be worn.

I'm... At an impasse here. I have to stop her, or the attack is gonna end up causing a lot of death, but if I do, then nothing changes, and the Cloud Layer will end up going from a slum, to a graveyard. She has to be stopped, but it's not enough.. Not enough..."

He'd let out a tired, heavy sigh, and think over this as best he could. This were a situation that required more than a single drone could handle. He could take out the leadership, but then what? Another would just rise up, unless something fundamentally changed. The pegasi up there, had to feel like they mattered, and had a future. Something larger and more tangible than he could do anything about.

Ideally, the Cloud Layer had to be rebuild, so there were hope again. Homes, businesses, an economy that made them part of the city, instead of its trash heap. But that required the casino heads to get together and work on this, and while he were sure that Bling would see the rational, and compassionate solution here, could the rest? Would they even care, as it would short term cut into their profits? Long term, having the Cloud District up and running again, would be a worthwhile investment. The world were free now (for the most part) and New Las Pegasus were well positioned to be a sprawling metropolis of trade, development, and so forth. A capitol that would make Canterlot seem like a dinky village.

But all of that were ten, maybe twenty years in the making, and the long term cost them in the short run. If you looked at it in sheer, up front cash, it were better to just let the top rot, and think about it later. Potentially going as far as to chase everyone out of there into the desert, and then rebuild it into more luxury accommodations. Which he would not be surprised about, if he were told that were the plan for at least one of the casino heads.

Yet it would long term work better if it were for the regulars. Like Las Pegasus had been in its time as a festive town, yet there were potential for so much more. But how to set that in motion? And how to make the ones up there not feel it were but a symbolic gesture to talk about this? They were still in the slum. Being told that over the years, it would improve, did not fill their bellies and wallets now. And if they weren't helped in some way, they would just gather around the next leader who'd stand up, because at this point, what had they to lose? It were like she said: They had nothing, and those with nothing to their name, would inevitably rise up.

"...Remove one leader, they will follow the next. With nothing to lose, what's to stop that? Even if they won't have the boon, desperation leads to actions...

It's just the perfect storm, that's been long in the making. Basher gave them hope, and instead of meeting those who did, after he lost, and find solutions, they took everything of worth, and ditched the whole place.

There's no simple solution that a single being can do, that can solve this, is there? Take out one, more follows. Ignore the problem, it grows bigger. I follow my orders, and things will grow worse. Go against them, and there will be war.

There's no saving everyone..."

He were having a bit of a crisis of faith here, as he began to grasp more of the magnitude of a problem this were, and his own part in it. He were just a pawn, and he accepted that, but in this case, his actions could only lead to bad results. Sure one of them delayed the inevitable, but it still didn't help those up there. In fact, it might just make it worse, as the powers who be, might flat out feel encouraged to battle them more directly, rather than ignoring them, as it would be somewhat clear that they weren't just gonna roll over and die in silence.

He were spiraling down the rabbit hole here somewhat, but Birdie should still be able to tell that through his semi-rambling, and extended thoughts on this, he were genuine. This were not an act, where he tried to garner sympathy to play her. He were genuinely at somewhat of an impasse, as he didn't want a war, but also didn't want the cloud district to suffer to the point where this would either happen again, or get even uglier.

The Grey Mare, or Birdie, might want to steer him back on track somewhat.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Cherish)

On 2025-06-13 at 5:09 PM, Blitz Boom said:

If they wanted to, they could examine the contents of the box itself. If they could open the lock that were. Seemed to be a sturdy metal lock, with a lot of sand in the gears now, so using any sort of key were likely out of the question. They'd need to open it from the inside with magic, smash it, or use some other method. Of course smashing a hole in the side could also work, but that still took force, and it might destroy whatever were in there, which were not ideal. Usually why Crow tended to burn off the area around the lock itself, and just rip the whole thing off, when she ran into some. It were much easier, than trying to fiddle with all sorts of tools.

Picking open a standard lock with magic was something Teal had no issue with, and honestly hardly considered it something to notice given the facility they grew up in locked things with magic or technology more advanced than a key system. So moving pins and turning tumblers was a fun exercise for her.

The two of them were glad to find the wall hanging, as it was a great distraction from the bones they had uncovered with Cherish. The subject didn't mean much to them, having never heard of Saddle Arabia or much about alicorns other than the Equestrian ones, but they supposed it made sense that there were others before or in other places too.

They would just be starting to look through the other items in the box when everything went sideways.

 

On 2025-06-13 at 5:09 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She were so shaken right now, that she didn't even notice that right as Elef had left, Cherish had taken to the sky to follow him. Unless she were held back forcefully, she would have flown after him instantly, worried about him being hurt, though she didn't fly as fast as he did. Still she tried, and if she had been held back forcefully enough to keep her there, she would be wriggling, telling them to let her go, and that she had to go help Elef, since he were hurt.

 

Teal and Gemini would call out to her, telling her to come back, but they wouldn't think to restrain her, nor would any of the guards go after her given the priority of subduing Nova and Crow being in the way.

Elef did have a head start on her though, and was a decent flyer in his own right, having practiced out here with Ada before. He quickly caught an updraft to the upper air currents, and was soon carried off towards a dim light in the west, maybe the rising sun? More likely the glimmer of New Pegas on the horizon. Whether Cherish would know that was unclear, and if it were even possible to see Las Pegasus from Troy at that altitude was questionable.

The other question was how far Cherish would go in pursuit before turning back, or if she intended to maintain pursuit. If she also found her way up to the upper air currents, and knew how to glide efficiently, while she wouldn't be able to catch up to Elef she would be able to follow him without losing track.

 

On 2025-06-13 at 5:09 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"S-Stay back! I promised they would be safe. N-Not letting any of you hurt them."

Her voice were more shaky now, and she did look from side to side a few times, fear now getting into her gaze. She stood steadfast still, but her mind were racing, with thoughts that she had to escape, before more showed up. More ponies descending upon them. Guards. Chains. Bad things happening all over again...

The guard mare stopped when Crow said to, recognizing that approaching wouldn't help. Crow would be forgiven for not recognizing the attire of the guards as belonging to the outer city guard. She took off her helmet to uncover her face (Which had been covered with wraps and goggles to keep her safe from the blowing sand), shaking out her mane and revealing that while she had the coloration and wings of a thestral, she lacked the slit pupils and fangs of one, meaning that she was more accurately a bat-pony. She did not move to approach, "It's alright, we're not here to hurt anyone. We're guards from the city, I'm Frolicsome, Ada there called for us to come help."

She tilted her head to look at Teal and Gemini, "You two are being cared for by Miss Void, right? She's on her way here." She took a seat in the sand, actually moving back a pace to give Crow more room.

(continued below with Void)

(Void)

On 2025-06-13 at 5:09 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She barely had it in her to respond before she would bolt out the door, headed towards the desert. She might not have all 4 natural legs, but her false leg were well done, so she'd run just fine, down the streets of Troy, and heading straight towards the edge of it, where they had said they'd go with Cherish.

She would hardly have time to notice the changeling with pearlescent white accents waiting outside the chambers, but when they saw that Llambda was in pursuit they joined in running after the group. There would be time for introductions later.

Crow hadn't taken the ponies too far away from the city, and the distance was more quickly traveled by the adults in a hurry than the leisurely ponies had, so they weren't running for long before they reached the group. By that time though Nova had been bound wing and hoof, as well as tying his mouth shut as he had kept trying to bite the guards, and they were preparing to take him back into the city. Frolicsome turned to the approaching mares and stood, moving further from Crow to stop them before they got too close.

Selena was quick to start asking about the situation, her voice completely unwinded as though traveling this far this fast had been no effort, though it was more because she didn't need to breathe air and as such couldn't be out of breath. "I got most of the news from Ada, any updates?"

Frolicsome shook her head, "Nova is bound, Elef and another pegasus flew off in the scuffle, headed west. We've got a pair in the air trying to find them, and a few more combing the area in case they turned back."

Selena sighed, "Not what we would hope for, but if he could fly away he's probably not hurt too badly."

Frolicsome turned towards Void, "Maybe you'll have better luck with this dragon? She seems rather attached and protective of your foals."

 

When it came to Crow, Teal, and Gemini seeing the group approach, they didn't see Llambda as a llamare, but rather as some generic mare whose appearance was unmemorable, but vaguely comforting, like she resembled someone trustworthy. Or, if Crow was untrusting of all ponies, she would see some other creature of similar size to Llambda. It wasn't to say she'd be immediately trusting of the newcomer, given the circumstances, but whatever she needed to see to be a bit more accepting of help from her, she would see.

(As an effect of Mercy's cloak, Llambda, when seeking to serve, is disguised however she needs to be in order to maximize her chances of success without outright impersonation. Like, you won't see her and think that she is someone in particular, but she may resemble them enough to invoke those trusting feelings subconsciously, what that might look like to Crow is up to you, if she even cares to look)

Teal and Gemini wanted to run towards Void when they saw her, but stayed put given Crow's stance and positioning, recognizing and deferring to her as a protector as they had done with Arcade and Ranger before.

 

(Ranger)

Ranger didn't outwardly pay much attention to what Kozue was doing, but she did listen to the song he was singing. Inwardly she was glad that he hadn't objected. Given all his talk about trying to get her to see herself as more than a clone, she had half expected him to try and stop her, to talk her out of purging the lab, or tell her she had done the wrong thing.

Still, she didn't feel as relieved as she thought she would.

 

When the paper fox approached she welcomed the distraction, carefully reading what was written, "Speck? Hmm, is that what you want to be called?" She pondered it, then nodded, "Alright, if you're sure."

She stood up and would move towards the door, checking that she still had the small toys that had been found in the other room while she waited for Kozue to follow, then she'd head back out of the building the same way they had entered without comments on her end unless Kozue brought something up.

 

Once outside she would shake off whatever dust or feeling had accumulated, "I should go to bed, we can try and look at the other place in the morning, if you're still interested in joining me that is. Given what we saw in there, I understand if you're not."

 

(Grey)

On 2025-06-13 at 5:09 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"...Remove one leader, they will follow the next. With nothing to lose, what's to stop that? Even if they won't have the boon, desperation leads to actions...

It's just the perfect storm, that's been long in the making. Basher gave them hope, and instead of meeting those who did, after he lost, and find solutions, they took everything of worth, and ditched the whole place.

There's no simple solution that a single being can do, that can solve this, is there? Take out one, more follows. Ignore the problem, it grows bigger. I follow my orders, and things will grow worse. Go against them, and there will be war.

There's no saving everyone..."

"Sounds like you're ready to consider an offer."

The voice didn't come from Birdie, but from Basher's cell, revealing that he had been listening the whole time. "I don't pretend to be making you the offer specifically, I know your superiors are listening to everything we tell you, so it's more to them by proxy but I'm sure they'll want you involved, as do I."

If Craven came over to where he could see Basher, he'd see that Basher looked a bit more engaged than the casual pose he had had the last time they had talked.

"Recover the Boon, and bring it back to me, and I swear on my wings and heart that I'll serve the Grey loyally, AND bring those that will still follow me, in. Think about it, everything she's asked me for, with no further argument. And, I'll even be willing to throw in some extra information, so long as you are involved in retrieving it."

He leaned back, "Don't take too long thinking it over. My offer won't expire but Moth wasn't known for her patience or long term planning skills."

 

In his blindfold Craven was privy to a message, 'Recovering the Boon is a top priority regardless. But it could be too risky to give it to him. We don't know what it does, or if giving it to him would somehow void the contract he's made. Still, the chance to resolve this amicably by putting him back in change, as well as bringing in the gang to serve, may be too good an opportunity to pass up.'

'Try to get more information out of him. See if he'll tell you what the boon does or what the original plan was. Maybe we can use that to dismantle their efforts and buy more time.'

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish and Void)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Teal and Gemini would call out to her, telling her to come back, but they wouldn't think to restrain her, nor would any of the guards go after her given the priority of subduing Nova and Crow being in the way.

Elef did have a head start on her though, and was a decent flyer in his own right, having practiced out here with Ada before. He quickly caught an updraft to the upper air currents, and was soon carried off towards a dim light in the west, maybe the rising sun? More likely the glimmer of New Pegas on the horizon. Whether Cherish would know that was unclear, and if it were even possible to see Las Pegasus from Troy at that altitude was questionable.

The other question was how far Cherish would go in pursuit before turning back, or if she intended to maintain pursuit. If she also found her way up to the upper air currents, and knew how to glide efficiently, while she wouldn't be able to catch up to Elef she would be able to follow him without losing track.

There were a lot to be said for and against Equestrian schools, but they did educate the various sub-species of ponies well for the most part. That were also true when it came to flying, though it varied by the teacher. Some were more relaxed, and figured if you could do low flying and not fall, that were good enough for the early classes. And then there were those like Miss Choppa, who were - in all fairness - a giant Wonderbolt nerd, and were very enthusiastic about her students being good at flying. Cherish liked the lessons, since it made her feel accomplished, and there were a few cute colts that took part too, though she never approached them. She'd have liked to, but they had their looks on others from her class, and she were a sucker for romance, and trying to help that along, so she didn't get between that. Besides, it was never anything more than her thinking they were cute, far as she knew.

The lessons were a bit hard at times, but Miss Choppa made the classes fun, and it turned out it got in handy once everything went poorly. Or she were just really lucky... Probably both.

Either way, she could follow on the upwind, and would follow him best she could. He were faster, but she could see him, and keep up the tempo well enough to keep vision on Elef.

She had no idea how far away she were getting during this though, too worried about how Elef were doing to have much focus on it. Her mother would have choice words, had she been here. That would probably hit her in hindsight, but her concern for Elef at this moment were greater than her common sense, and so, she flew.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The guard mare stopped when Crow said to, recognizing that approaching wouldn't help. Crow would be forgiven for not recognizing the attire of the guards as belonging to the outer city guard. She took off her helmet to uncover her face (Which had been covered with wraps and goggles to keep her safe from the blowing sand), shaking out her mane and revealing that while she had the coloration and wings of a thestral, she lacked the slit pupils and fangs of one, meaning that she was more accurately a bat-pony. She did not move to approach, "It's alright, we're not here to hurt anyone. We're guards from the city, I'm Frolicsome, Ada there called for us to come help."

She tilted her head to look at Teal and Gemini, "You two are being cared for by Miss Void, right? She's on her way here." She took a seat in the sand, actually moving back a pace to give Crow more room.

"I... I..."

Crow were nearing panic. These may present themselves more friendly, but they were guards. They were stronger, able to fight and take her down. Chain her. Punish her...

Her eyes darted a few times between the guards and her arm. The branding in her scales, that wouldn't go away, until maybe someday, she'd shed these scales. Had it been smaller ones it would have been more akin to preening for a bird, but these main ones were... It would take a long time, before this would go away. She'd basically have to tear out these scales to get rid of it now - which would potentially kill her, due to the placement - or she'd need to have something else branded on top, which would hurt a lot, but were something she were thinking about doing more often than not.

She stood her ground though. Her breaths rapid and muscle tense, but she did not run off. Being around Cherish for a long time by now, had helped her situation. Were it not for her friend, she'd probably have darted off right now. And if she had noticed that Cherish had left, and thus she weren't defending her, legs vaguely shaking, she might still have darted off. If for nothing else, then to try and catch up to her.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Frolicsome shook her head, "Nova is bound, Elef and another pegasus flew off in the scuffle, headed west. We've got a pair in the air trying to find them, and a few more combing the area in case they turned back."

Selena sighed, "Not what we would hope for, but if he could fly away he's probably not hurt too badly."

Frolicsome turned towards Void, "Maybe you'll have better luck with this dragon? She seems rather attached and protective of your foals."

Void's heart were racing the entire time she were running, and her mind filled with worries about what might have happened to her darlings. Seeing them stand there, safe behind some dragoness that she would assume were Crow though, it were a relief, as she'd slow down on her approach.

Some sweat were on her brow, but it would take more than this jog to make her winded. She'd run faster and further than this before, with dozens of kilos worth of cursed artifacts and Null on her before. This was barely anything.

What were far worse, were when she heard the update, before she had a chance to speak, and noticed that there were a certain youngling who weren't here, beyond Elef. Seeing their schoolmate tied up were bad too, but the absence of those two, especially considering... She wouldn't think Elef would do anything, but accidents could happen. And think of the dangers out there! They could be hurt, or lost in the desert, and get claimed by the dunes. She couldn't forgive herself if it came to that.

Crow in the meantime, were... Confused. She had been told about Void by Cherish, and assumed it to be her, judging by the light reflecting oddly in one of her eyes, and the false leg, along with her size, color and such. Cherish had talked about her, in case her and the younglings were ever out in the desert, and she might think they were being kidnapped or something. Her presence were a little more soothing, as that meant at least someone she tangibly knew about were here now.

But Llambda were odd. Ponies were... Well, she basically only trusted Cherish, and she were slowly trying to warm up to these other young ones - minus Nova, for obvious reasons - but she did remember a few non-ponies that she had thought were comforting during the hard times. Deer specifically, who had been the majority of a group that had helped her some point before getting here, and tending to her wounds. She felt somewhat.. At ease, she supposed, seeing another, though she wasn't sure if this were one of those she had met. She seemed familiar, but like... Not? It were confusing to her, but said confusion and minor comfort, might help as Void started to speak up.

"Thank the ancestors you're okay. I got so worried when I heard...

You're Crow, yes? Cherish's friend? I'm Void. Thank you for keeping my kids safe, it was very kind of you.

Please, you don't have to be afraid. We're not going to hurt you, or them."

Void spoke softly to Crow, who'd be reluctant, but her stance eased somewhat. If Teal and Gemini would run towards her, Crow wouldn't stop them, and it would make her more certain that they were in fact, here to be helpful, and not to cause problems. But the younglings identifying her would definitely help, so them moving or speaking up, would be appreciated.

She still hadn't noticed Cherish leaving though, so things would probably get worse soon enough.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When the paper fox approached she welcomed the distraction, carefully reading what was written, "Speck? Hmm, is that what you want to be called?" She pondered it, then nodded, "Alright, if you're sure."

The fox would nod vigorously. It wasn't sure why, the name just felt... Fitting, in some way. And as the name seemed to be accepted too, it would eat the letters, and then unfold a wing, to show that the name were currently written along the top brim. It would fade over time, as letters would do as they were *digested*, but it would get other letters over time to replace these, and probably have them other places around its body.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She stood up and would move towards the door, checking that she still had the small toys that had been found in the other room while she waited for Kozue to follow, then she'd head back out of the building the same way they had entered without comments on her end unless Kozue brought something up.

 

Once outside she would shake off whatever dust or feeling had accumulated, "I should go to bed, we can try and look at the other place in the morning, if you're still interested in joining me that is. Given what we saw in there, I understand if you're not."

Kozue would be oddly quiet on their way out, keeping his eyes nearly closed, and humming as they went along. It would not stop until they were near the exit of the lab, at which point he would use a claw to scratch a strange symbol into whatever nearby surface he could. Then he'd follow her all the way out, and let her have the first word. A trip which Speck had spent bouncing around extra giddy, at now having a proper name of its own.

"No, I would like to join you tomorrow too. This place were... Horrid, but I think it is good that you have someone there you can talk with.

I won't lie and say that this place wasn't bad, but I have the feeling it will get worse, either via memory, or something lingering behind, and it's best to have a buddy along then too, yeah?"

He'd give her a big smile, to try and lighten the darken ed mood somewhat, whilst Spec flew up on Ranger's head, and looked around, to see if there were something of note that had happened while they had been in there. Not a high vantage point, but still.

"Besides, even though I stuffed my paw pretty far down my own mouth before, I'd still like to know you, and where you came from better. Just lemme know if I start yapping off something dumb again, yeah? I ain't always the best at knowing when I should've shut it.

Oh, and uh, thanks for letting me say a prayer in peace in there. I know it might seem silly, but kitsune send our dead off with well wishes, and I think even if they never got a chance to live, they and all others who died there, deserved at least that."

There'd be a few seconds, where he'd let it be said, and take a deep breath of the crisp, outside air, before adding a little more to that.,

"We also have prayers for our enemies. I can remember one that we're taught to use, when we find a poacher for example, but it's extremely rude, and probably wouldn't translate that well."

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Sounds like you're ready to consider an offer."

The voice didn't come from Birdie, but from Basher's cell, revealing that he had been listening the whole time. "I don't pretend to be making you the offer specifically, I know your superiors are listening to everything we tell you, so it's more to them by proxy but I'm sure they'll want you involved, as do I."

If Craven came over to where he could see Basher, he'd see that Basher looked a bit more engaged than the casual pose he had had the last time they had talked.

Craven would perk his ears as he heard Basher respond. Didn't seem like he got much from this door as it were, but Basher? It seemed he listened, and he heard something he liked from that. Which were probably not a good thing, but right now, he would take any offer on the table, that might mean they had some common ground to work at. And he should if any, be able to pick one out, right? Those were his followers, that were preparing to strike. He'd know how to handle them.

Of course, he might get manipulated in this manner. That were not lost on him, as he turned and faced Basher in his cell. Quite frankly, if he wasn't being used in some fashion by Basher here, he'd be suspicious, as this seemed the sort of situation where it'd be unlikely not to happen. Yet in the end, did it matter? The Grey or Basher, either of them - or probably both, if he were to be honest - would be using him in this matter. Perhaps by listening to Basher though, it would be for a better end result.

Like Basher said though, his superiors were listening in, and it were up to them to make the choice. All he could do were to listen, and hope for the best.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Recover the Boon, and bring it back to me, and I swear on my wings and heart that I'll serve the Grey loyally, AND bring those that will still follow me, in. Think about it, everything she's asked me for, with no further argument. And, I'll even be willing to throw in some extra information, so long as you are involved in retrieving it."

He leaned back, "Don't take too long thinking it over. My offer won't expire but Moth wasn't known for her patience or long term planning skills."

 

In his blindfold Craven was privy to a message, 'Recovering the Boon is a top priority regardless. But it could be too risky to give it to him. We don't know what it does, or if giving it to him would somehow void the contract he's made. Still, the chance to resolve this amicably by putting him back in change, as well as bringing in the gang to serve, may be too good an opportunity to pass up.'

'Try to get more information out of him. See if he'll tell you what the boon does or what the original plan was. Maybe we can use that to dismantle their efforts and buy more time.'

And here were another impasse... It wasn't like he disagreed that it were risky, especially as the boon as it were, were still an unknown in all of this, yet if it led to Basher helping it could be worth it. Depending on what it would do though, of course. He'd assume something bad, but considering it were named after him, it might be one of those *Only the true owner can use it safely* sort of deal. He'd heard of some religious things that were like that. Some pagan high priest with a gift made specifically for him. Or was it her? It had been so long since he heard that story.

Didn't matter though, right? He had his orders, he should try and follow them, if he could.

"They're... Not rejecting your offer, but I can't say they're wrong for being worried about that boon. It's something powerful, but its an unknown quantity. I think they worry that you'd get it, and explode the town or something.

...It can't do that, right? Like... It sounds like it was a thing made specifically for, or by, yourself. Something strong, but it's not like, a bomb or something... Right? Like your original plan couldn't have been something as bad as nuking New Las Pegasus, and start it all over from the rubble. Well I guess it could, but it doesn't sound like something smart. You'd do something else, I hope.

I'd like to trust you on this, Basher. You know them more. They listen to you a heck of a lot more than if I talked to them. Maybe you could get them in line, and we could work towards actually making a real difference. But that boon... I think that's the crux for them.

Maybe you could explain a bit what that is? Is it more minostralum with a spell on it, or something?"

It'd kinda make sense he'd like to look young again, so maybe it was this? It'd probably be the best possible outcome, but something told him it were nowhere as simple. He also assumed he would be told only a little bit, and what the boon's full potential were, would be kept from him, but like he were thinking, he expected to be used. It'd just be nice to know a little about the sort of risk he would get involved in. He wouldn't want to touch something that ate souls or something like that! He had a guilty enough consciousness as it were.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Cherish)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She had no idea how far away she were getting during this though, too worried about how Elef were doing to have much focus on it. Her mother would have choice words, had she been here. That would probably hit her in hindsight, but her concern for Elef at this moment were greater than her common sense, and so, she flew.

Given Cherish's training in school, and the fact that thestral wings were more suited to maneuverability and agility compared to long distance gliding (Which is what allowed them to excel at close quarters areal combat compared to pegasi) Cherish was actually able to slowly close the distance between her and Elef over time. She'd even get close enough to call out to him, but he wouldn't respond, or make any indication that he had heard her.

(It will take an hour or two before they reach their destination)

 

(Void)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Thank the ancestors you're okay. I got so worried when I heard...

You're Crow, yes? Cherish's friend? I'm Void. Thank you for keeping my kids safe, it was very kind of you.

Please, you don't have to be afraid. We're not going to hurt you, or them."

Void spoke softly to Crow, who'd be reluctant, but her stance eased somewhat. If Teal and Gemini would run towards her, Crow wouldn't stop them, and it would make her more certain that they were in fact, here to be helpful, and not to cause problems. But the younglings identifying her would definitely help, so them moving or speaking up, would be appreciated.

Teal and Gemini would move as though they wanted to approach Void, and would do so if Crow didn't move to stop them. Unlike what one might expect, they did not latch on Void's legs or attempt to hide beneath or behind her, despite there being ample space to, instead getting as close as possible without hindering Void's ability to move, and standing just to either side of her flanks, right at the edge of her vision. It was a trained stance for a defensive position, similar to how they had been sitting behind Crow, giving Void, as their defender, full ability to strike or turn while also remaining visible.

They would not. however, object to Void embracing them once they got close enough.

Teal commented, "We were out here digging with Crow and Cherish, Cherish got a small cut and then suddenly Nova swooped in on Elef out of nowhere!"

Gemini followed, "Elef flew off once the guard mare caught Nova, and Cherish took off after him. Are... are we going to go look for them? It looks like he was heading back towards where we came from." She pointed out into the desert in the direction of New Pegas.

Teal then looked towards Llambda, tilting her head a bit before looking back at Void, "Who's this with you? She looks kind of like Mistress."

Llambda smiled and came a bit closer, "Oh, I'm just a friend, Void here seemed so worried so I thought I'd come and help! Here, do you two want a treat?" She would reach into a bag at her side that Void could see shimmering before pulling out a pair of decent looking apples, especially rare around here as the environment wasn't suited for fruit trees much, which she passed to the two fillies.

If Crow had calmed down a bit, and not immediately flown off upon noticing or hearing that Cherish wasn't there anymore, Llambda would also offer something to her, pulling out something that could reasonably have been in the bag that Crow would like.

 

(Ranger)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I won't lie and say that this place wasn't bad, but I have the feeling it will get worse, either via memory, or something lingering behind, and it's best to have a buddy along then too, yeah?"

He'd give her a big smile, to try and lighten the darken ed mood somewhat, whilst Spec flew up on Ranger's head, and looked around, to see if there were something of note that had happened while they had been in there. Not a high vantage point, but still.

She had a slight smile at that, "Yeah, I wouldn't have found the toys or been able to get into that room without you. Thank you."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Besides, even though I stuffed my paw pretty far down my own mouth before, I'd still like to know you, and where you came from better. Just lemme know if I start yapping off something dumb again, yeah? I ain't always the best at knowing when I should've shut it.

She sighed, "Well, that was where I came from. Tomorrow, is where we went between there and when Null found us. That's where Effs, Ajay, and Rare didn't make it."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"We also have prayers for our enemies. I can remember one that we're taught to use, when we find a poacher for example, but it's extremely rude, and probably wouldn't translate that well."

She snorted positively at that, but didn't have much to say, simply tired after the excursion. "Well, I guess we'll likely meet at breakfast tomorrow? See what the other two have to say or do before I can head out to the mesa."

Unless he had anything else to add, she would head off towards the hotel at a leisurely pace, seemingly content to have a bit of time with her thoughts alone, except for Speck of course.

(We'll pick this one up after the time jump. There will be a time jump once this night is done for all stories as all the sections above will come together at Red Mesa in the morning.)

 

(Grey)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Maybe you could explain a bit what that is? Is it more minostralum with a spell on it, or something?"

Basher smiled at Craven's uncertainty, "Hmm... I'll say it is a bit more than just some enchanted minostralium. I'll also say that it is something that was made specifically for me, as a reward. Had it been something powerful, or that would have let me destroy the city, I would have used it before Grey could catch and kill me."

He leaned back, "I won't say what exactly it does, other than that, when used properly, it poses no more danger to others than I already did."

 

He seemed to be able to tell that that wasn't satisfying enough an answer, as he rolled his eyes and continued, "Maybe some backstory then? Alright. Back when I was working for Discord as one of his generals, he gave all of his top generals, myself included, a boon contingent on our success. I was able to seize Las Pegasus and so he gave me my boon, but I didn't use it then and didn't have the chance or desire to before Grey killed me and took it. Honestly, I was hesitant. You know about genies right? Well, I heard tell through the wind that some of the other generals who used their boons found that it wasn't quite what they expected. Sure, they got exactly what they asked for, but not exactly what they wanted. Nothing major was changed, and honestly they way he went about it was pretty funny, like what you'd expect to hear he had done before," he gestured vaguely around, "all this. I wasn't in any hurry to discover what trick he had planned for me, so I left it alone. But now I don't exactly have much to lose, so I figure if it is bad, well, I'll deserve it."

He turned his gaze back towards Craven, "There, that enough for your superiors?"

 

"I'm still hesitant to give it to him. But we'll see. His help is contingent on recovering the boon in any case, so he'll have a vested interest in helping us recover it whether we end up giving it to him in the end or not. We'll play along for now. First, we need information on how to stop Moth, and how we might recover the boon and safely return it to him."

[Avery 1,207]

(Announcement)

Attention all fellow RPlayers! We have a special and fun project going around the RP. Our Readers @Emerald Heart the lead Librarian and the staffs; @Longhauland @Quinch will be taking requesting for any of the RP you may choose to be turned into a scrip storyteller and recorded, place your request here,

https://mlpforums.com/topic/205526-roleplaying-and-reading-and-requests-oh-my/#comment-6298257

 

I hope you all will continue having fun at the RP and with our Readers staffs here in mlpf! Carry on!

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

It'd take time, but she would gain on him, and would try to call out, yet no response came back. Even after a dozen times, he didn't even seem like he were listening. Maybe the wind were against them? But thestrals had really good ears. He should be able to hear her, which meant that he were ignoring her. Perhaps because he were injured, and couldn't think straight? Poor Elef. He must be so scared! If she kept going, and could go and get hold of him, she were sure that she could get through to him though. She just had to keep on, and they could both go home, and get him some help.

Hopefully he wouldn't end up crashing before that... She couldn't tell the state he were in from this distance, but he could at the least fly, and stay stable, so it shouldn't be life threatening. The panic from suddenly being attacked by his classmate might have him spiked on adrenaline though, and it'd show more once he were still. Like he might have a broken leg or something.

There would be a lot of questions about what happened back there. Later. She had to bring Elef home first. Poor thing must be feeling so scared.

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They would not. however, object to Void embracing them once they got close enough.

Teal commented, "We were out here digging with Crow and Cherish, Cherish got a small cut and then suddenly Nova swooped in on Elef out of nowhere!"

Gemini followed, "Elef flew off once the guard mare caught Nova, and Cherish took off after him. Are... are we going to go look for them? It looks like he was heading back towards where we came from." She pointed out into the desert in the direction of New Pegas.

Once out of Crow's range, and close to her, Void would lean down and embrace her kids, holding them tightly. They'd find that she were shaking a little, letting through how frightened she had been when she heard something had happened out here, despite seeming mostly calm and collected before.

The sight, and hearing them speaking so upfront to her, made Crow slowly put down her wings, and ease up from her stance, though she stayed put, assuming that she were still defending her friend. That were until Cherish were mentioned as having followed Elef, and her ears perked up. She'd then turn around, frantically looking for Cherish as she sped around in a circle, her heart rate and breathing speeding up substantially, as she'd then look around in the sky, wings prepared to take off, but having no idea which way to go.

"C-Cherish?!"

Crow were hyperventilating. eventually settling at looking towards the others, fear and panic shining in her eyes. Cherish was her only friend. The only one that she had left in this world, and now she were gone, towards who knew where, with a strange colt no less! S-She wasn't there to protect her. She had to... She had to find her!

These ponies, they... They were going to look for her, and Elef. She had to... F-Following them were her only choice! She had to try and stick with them, for Cherish.

Meanwhile, seeing this happen, over the shoulders of her younglings, she'd find herself worried for this dragon. She knew Cherish had said Crow were her friend, but it seemed without her, the dragoness were falling apart, and rapidly. Teal and Gemini clearly wasn't the only ones who needed the answer.

"Yes, we're going to find them, and bring them home."

Void were however, not planning on bringing her younglings, unless she were given reason to by the others. Null had talked about where she found them, and it were much too dangerous of a place for them to be in. They had others here to protect them now, but she for once, hadn't brought her weapon along, and it were still risky.

*sigh* She really should have accepted that portable one that Molotov offered her, but she were so sure that she wouldn't need a concealed weapon like that... When this were all said and done, she were not going to refuse a second time.

"Cherish means a lot to you, right? Then we could use your help, but you have to calm down, okay? We're not your enemies."

Crow were not convinced of that currently, but throughout her fear, the thought of Cherish being gone, and potentially dying, were a fear far greater than that which she had for these, so she would have to if not trust them, then at least hope they could bring her to where Cherish were, so she could scoop up her friend and keep her safe herself.

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda smiled and came a bit closer, "Oh, I'm just a friend, Void here seemed so worried so I thought I'd come and help! Here, do you two want a treat?" She would reach into a bag at her side that Void could see shimmering before pulling out a pair of decent looking apples, especially rare around here as the environment wasn't suited for fruit trees much, which she passed to the two fillies.

If Crow had calmed down a bit, and not immediately flown off upon noticing or hearing that Cherish wasn't there anymore, Llambda would also offer something to her, pulling out something that could reasonably have been in the bag that Crow would like.

Crow were still spooked, and on edge, but she weren't going to attack any of them. At most, she might jump back at any sudden movements.

As for what Llambda would be able to pull out, a chunk of Changeling Emerald would be just the thing. Despite its grandiose name, the particular gem were practically worthless. Not hard enough to use in tools, not pure enough for gems, and rather common to boot. It were however, still popular for two things: The first being as a toy, or decorative bauble, as the emerald in question would change color, based on the angle you were looking at it from. It made it something pretty and shiny that weren't too expensive or hard to come by, which certainly had an audience.

The second one though, were due to dragons, as it were a popular snack, among those who traded or lived in areas, where the gem could be mined or sold. It weren't high in nutrition, compared to say a diamond, but the weird way it looked, were present in the taste too. They tended to describe it sort of like a piece of hard candy, with several layers of flavor.

As for why it were called a Changeling Emerald, rather than say, a Rainbow Emerald, is because it were originally found in an old, abandoned changeling hive, as it were cleared out, and cleared up so there could be built houses in the area. More deposits were found since, not all at, or near any known hive, but it were generally suspected that the signs of a hive had just faded with time, and that this gem were a general byproduct in some way, from the presence of changelings, though there were no proof, and it might just be a coincidence, that others had spun out of control. For all that were known, certain changelings just liked making their hive in areas where this type of gem would form naturally.

Be that as it may, Crow's ears perked a little as she saw that, and she hesitantly nearer, slowly reaching a slightly shaking hand out, and would gently grab the chunk of gem. Any movement from Llambda though, and she'd hesitate.  Even this somewhat nicer presence, were not enough to simply snap her out of her apprehension towards being around so many strangers. Several of them armed as well.

"T-Thank you."

Void looked at her from the side with pity. Poor thing were like an abused animal. Terrified of others near her, and what they might do. Had she the time, she would perhaps ask what had befallen her, for things to end like this, but they hadn't the time. Not if they were to catch up to Elef and Cherish. And that beside, she doubted Crow would be very open about things, without Cherish there. The filly were probably the only real friend she had in years.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She had a slight smile at that, "Yeah, I wouldn't have found the toys or been able to get into that room without you. Thank you."

Kozue would grin slightly at the thank you, with the tip of his tail wagging a bit from side to side.

"Happy to help."

It were honestly nice to be helpful, in more ways than just lifting spirits with his music. That were important too, but having a more tangible way of being useful like this? It felt good. Perhaps Ranger and what happened around her, were truly the sign that he had waited for, to know that it were time to move on, out into the world?

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She sighed, "Well, that was where I came from. Tomorrow, is where we went between there and when Null found us. That's where Effs, Ajay, and Rare didn't make it."

The grin were well and truly gone as that bit of news came out, and he'd respectfully bow his head down.

"May the souls of your friends rest soundly. I pray we will find a keepsake of them there, that will make you and yours, remember better times."

There had not been a lot of them of course, but it were meant as in less of a focus on how they died, and more of how they lived. Their friends and family, that they had grown up with, yet sadly hadn't made it. Surely they wouldn't be so easily forgotten regardless, but he found that it were easier in the long run, when you had a keepsake. And in some cases, having a burial - even if only ceremonial in nature, due to a lack of a body - and being able to bury something that made you think of them, could help unburden a heavy heart.

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She snorted positively at that, but didn't have much to say, simply tired after the excursion. "Well, I guess we'll likely meet at breakfast tomorrow? See what the other two have to say or do before I can head out to the mesa."

Unless he had anything else to add, she would head off towards the hotel at a leisurely pace, seemingly content to have a bit of time with her thoughts alone, except for Speck of course.

(We'll pick this one up after the time jump. There will be a time jump once this night is done for all stories as all the sections above will come together at Red Mesa in the morning.)

"Certainly. I'll have some matters to put in order too, at this point. The signs all point to a new dawn breaking, and with how much kindness Bling and her hive have shown me, I will not simple leave without a word, on on no notice. They deserve better.

Rest well, Ranger, and may your dreams be soothing."

With that, he'd take off back to the city too, jumping and running fast across the dunes. He might not have wings, but he had light paws and a nimble body, well suited for running away from trouble, or traversing through various underground. Some sand would at worst be annoying to clean from his paws later. Though she would be able to see him at times heading back, popping his head up over a dune, or behind a rock, then seemingly being gone., Likely camouflaging himself, but keeping an eye on her, just to let her know that in case something happened, she didn't have to call far for help.

As for Speck... It seemed all the stuff of today had made it somewhat tired, as it imitated a yawn, then spread its wings and spend the trip back doing some simple flying, and this time without folding into a paper airplane. Just a bit of training as it were, where it did wobble a little bit here and there, but it didn't crash... Too much.

In its defense, it had wings less than a day, and hadn't messed things up when it mattered. It were allowed a bit of leeway, in its opinion.

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He turned his gaze back towards Craven, "There, that enough for your superiors?"

 

"I'm still hesitant to give it to him. But we'll see. His help is contingent on recovering the boon in any case, so he'll have a vested interest in helping us recover it whether we end up giving it to him in the end or not. We'll play along for now. First, we need information on how to stop Moth, and how we might recover the boon and safely return it to him."

Craven were silent, even after the Grey responded to him, for about twenty seconds, with his eyes closed. He were thinking over this whole situation, trying to see if there were something he missed, or some way that this wasn't gonna end up with him being a pawn in a situation that might turn further ugly than it already had, but frankly, there didn't seem to be anything. He were a tool for both The Grey, and Basher now, and regardless of who came up on top after this, it were probably still better than the potential outcome of what were gonna happen out there.

*sigh* He really hoped that whatever came of this, he would actually be doing his to help far more than he hurt... He wanted to join The Grey to make amends for the lives he'd ruined. Ruining hundreds of other lives were not what he had signed up for.

"They're accepting your deal, long as you keep your word. Personally I'm worried about something Discord made, especially considering what you said happened with the other ones, but a potential issue, is still better than guaranteed suffering. Least I hope so."

Why did he feel like such a tool right now?

...Dumb question he supposed.

"So... What do we do? What can you tell us about Moth, that might help us stop her? Ideally safely. I'd prefer it if we could avoid having to kill her, or causing lasting harm. And that goes for her, and your followers.

Also, how safe is it to handle your boon? Do we need a hexbox, or special gloves or something?"

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(There's going to be a bit of a time skip, just jumping to the next morning when the next group of events kick off.)

(Cherish)

Mostly it was the wind that made it difficult for Elef to hear what Cherish was saying, though he did react a bit when she shouted, pushing ahead a bit faster, maybe he thought he was being chased? He didn't look back.

The sun was just starting to rise when he dropped from the upper air current, heading for a large red mesa standing in the middle of the desert a short distance from a city. It might occur to Cherish then just how long they had been flying, and how far they had gone.

Elef's sudden drop out of the air current might cause Cherish to overshoot, having to swing around and return.

(continued below)

 

(Void)

On 2025-07-22 at 2:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Be that as it may, Crow's ears perked a little as she saw that, and she hesitantly nearer, slowly reaching a slightly shaking hand out, and would gently grab the chunk of gem. Any movement from Llambda though, and she'd hesitate.  Even this somewhat nicer presence, were not enough to simply snap her out of her apprehension towards being around so many strangers. Several of them armed as well.

"T-Thank you."

Llambda smiled as Crow accepted her gift, "Oh, Always happy to help."

 

Selena returned from talking with the guards, Nova being carried off with two of them back to the city. "So, there's good news and bad news. Good news is that we were able to find them, and we have a good idea where they're headed. The bad news is that they're too fast for the guards to catch up. But that's not entirely a bad thing, as we have some friends where they're going."

She turned towards Void, "Null is still in New Pegas, right? I'll get a message out to her, she should be able to find the two of them quicker than we can get some guards out there." She seemed to recognize that that wouldn't be enough to placate her, or that it definitely wouldn't be enough for Crow. "In addition, we're getting an airship ready to head out as soon as possible. If you don't think you'd be better suited to care for the ones here, there's room for you to join us." She turned towards Crow, "You're welcome to join as well, or to fly there yourself if you'd be more comfortable. We can get you a map as to where we think they're going."

Llambda moved to stand beside Void, "Oh, um, I'd still like to help. I was heading towards New Pegas anyway, but I can also stay here and help with your foals if you need me to."

Teal and Gemini looked conflicted, as though they wanted to go after Elef as well, but also recognizing that the foals back home also needed their care.

 

Whatever Crow and Void's choices, Selena would indicate that the airship would leave in an hour, giving them time to prepare if they were going to leave with it.

(continued below)

 

(Grey)

On 2025-07-22 at 2:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Personally I'm worried about something Discord made, especially considering what you said happened with the other ones, but a potential issue, is still better than guaranteed suffering. Least I hope so."

Basher smirked, "As you should be. Nothing without a price, but sometimes the price is worth paying."

 

On 2025-07-22 at 2:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Also, how safe is it to handle your boon? Do we need a hexbox, or special gloves or something?"

He waved dismissively, "So long as you don't wear it, it's safe to hold. At least, I held and handled it plenty while I had it, and I didn't notice any ill effects."

 

On 2025-07-22 at 2:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"So... What do we do? What can you tell us about Moth, that might help us stop her? Ideally safely. I'd prefer it if we could avoid having to kill her, or causing lasting harm. And that goes for her, and your followers.

He shook his head, "I wouldn't be so hesitant, she certainly won't be. Though, I think you may already know something about her. Maybe you've even met her? She's gone by many faces and disguises. At least, I'm sure some of the more important changelings here know about her, though they probably know her by a different name, Red."

Depending on when Craven, Yavin, and Mongoose joined up with the changelings here, they may or may not have heard about Red. Red first came to town about a year ago, standing out as the only red accented changeling any of them had seen. She claimed to be from the Stalliongrad hive, like Rasputin had. But unlike Rasputin, she had no restraint on her bloodlust. Violence towards the ponies of New Pegas was one thing, but she had also been violent towards some of the changelings, and had been kicked out of the group after a short while, not to be seen again. Many of the changelings figured that she had simply left town after that, and thanked the stars and mother for it. As such, her tale wasn't much shared with newer changelings.

Nonetheless, Basher continued, "She was always on the move, even more so than me, but never failed to turn up for a fight, like a moth to a flame. Hence her name. Now that she seems to be in charge?" He thought for a moment, "I'm sure you spoke to Razzi or Papa while you were up on the cloud layer? They were in charge of talking to any newcomers and finding information. They'll know where she's gathering, or know where to look for gathering. That's your best bet, play along, wait for her to reveal herself, then get as close as you can."

He nodded, "That's what I would do at least. Like I said at the beginning, I wouldn't hesitate to kill her. She certainly won't hesitate to kill you, given the chance."


[The Next Morning]

(Cherish)

Elef was digging at a hole in the ground when Cherish caught up to him, it looked like a small tunnel had been dug out around a sort of sealed larger tunnel, likely the small tunnel had originally been dug by some small animal, and Elef was trying to widen the tunnel enough that he could crawl through.

Depending on how Cherish would approach, Elef would respond. "You shouldn't have followed me, I'll just get you hurt."

 

(Null)

Nine would wake Null up a bit earlier than she might have liked, "There's a message for you. The Grey dropped it off. That little thestral colt ran off from Troy, along with a young pegasus. They think they're headed for Red Mesa, and they want you to find them and keep them out of trouble until a group from Troy can come pick them up."

 

(Ranger)

Ranger would also be up a bit earlier than most, but was doing her best to move quietly as she prepared for her own excursion, unknowingly to the same destination as the others. She didn't want to wake Null or Arcade as she prepared, grabbing a few brochures for Speck, before heading down to breakfast, hoping it would be available that early.

 

(Void)

If Void had elected to travel on the airship, she and whoever had elected to join her (Like Crow or Llambda) would be on their way towards the Red Mesa. They'd get there in a few hours, and some pegasus guards were sweeping the area around the ship as it traveled, just in case the pair had veered off or landed somewhere else along the way.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

Oooh, shoot.

It hadn't been before he suddenly dropped off, causing Cherish to have to turn around, as she wasn't as quick on the uptake there as Elef had been, that she noticed that apparently, they had flown for quite some way. None of what she saw right now were familiar, and that told her that they had probably flown for quite some time, in a direction going away from Troy. Her mom wasn't gonna be happy about this...

*sigh* Well, she were too deep in now, and she wasn't just gonna abandon Elef here, at whatever the place were he had finally flown down to. She'd just have to ask forgiveness later, and hope her mom could understand why she had followed him.

Poor Crow had to be panicky too... She really should have said something, before taking off. She just got so worried, seeing what had happened. Hopefully she could make it up to everyone, once she got hold of Elef, and came home with him.

Least she wouldn't have to worry about them being lost in the desert Even if it got dark, they were near a city. Surely there'd be someone there that could help them, even if Elef was hurt. Though she hoped he wasn't. She wasn't that physically strong.

"Eleeef! Please wait for meee!"

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

 

(Void)

"Null will help, I know it, but I'm still going on the airship, right after I make sure that you two are back home, and looked out for."

Void would turn and look directly at Gemini and Teal.

"I know you worry too, but I need you to stay safe at home, and look after your sisters, while we go and get Elef.

He's close to you. I really do understand that, but it's harder for us to focus our search, if we have to watch out for you too, okay?

Please, trust me with this. I will get him home."

It were a lot harder for her to deal with issues, if she also had to make sure to keep Gemini and Teal safe from everything at the same time. It were going to be a lot easier, if they were back home and safe, while they went and dealt with this.

She'd listen if they had input, but when everything were said and done between them, she'd make sure to drag them into a hug, one on each side, while looking up towards Llambda.

"I hope Vale can look out for them, but in case she can't, I'd appreciate your help, just until I get back."

She'd welcome Llambda to join her in the chase too, of course, but she had to be sure that her kids had someone to look out for them first. She refused to leave the younglings all by themselves. Though hopefully Vale could look out for them.

As for Crow, she shook her head, at the offering to join the airship.

"N-No airship. Dangerous. Don't want.

Just... Show me, p-please. I fly then."

She were not a fan of the idea, being in an enclosed space, with armed guards in many places. It were better for her to fly. That way she could also look down, to see if they had maybe stopped on the way there.

Regarding said airship, Void would bring a small saddlebag, with some water and a med kit, that she tended to keep packed, just in case, along with the hammer she had been gifted at the door. She hadn't much use of it recently, beyond some training, but she had been given it, and would use it as needed. This were as good at time as any to stay strapped, and be ready for anything.

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-07-23 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Basher smirked, "As you should be. Nothing without a price, but sometimes the price is worth paying."

"I just hope it leads to the least amount of casualties."

On 2025-07-23 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He waved dismissively, "So long as you don't wear it, it's safe to hold. At least, I held and handled it plenty while I had it, and I didn't notice any ill effects."

Craven slightly nodded at that.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you."

Probably best to bring a pouch just to be safe, but it wouldn't have to be special or anything, so that would save some time. Also, folks tended to notice when you wandered around with a hex box. A leather pouch though, could be hidden under clothes, and be used for many things.

On 2025-07-23 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "I wouldn't be so hesitant, she certainly won't be. Though, I think you may already know something about her. Maybe you've even met her? She's gone by many faces and disguises. At least, I'm sure some of the more important changelings here know about her, though they probably know her by a different name, Red."

If he could turn pale, he would have done so, when Red were mentioned.

Red wasn't talked about a lot, that was for sure. One of those they tried to not bring up, as it had been a bad time for both changelings and others alike when she had been there. But he had been one of those that sadly met her. Not from the start mind you, but he had the misfortune of running into her once, a few weeks before she were told to leave the protection of the group, A very rare ruling by Bling and her siblings, but Red had been problematic, and unwilling to get help to reel herself in, so Bling had no choice. It were either casting Red out, or have the entire hive, and those they helped, get into trouble, for holding their hooves over a violent criminal, and she couldn't do that to everyone.

He knew she had still done so with a heavy heart though, and had prayed that wherever she had gone, she'd get some help, and live a happier life. She always felt hurt, when she couldn't help the changelings in town that needed it. Which to her, were basically most of them.

As for his own encounter, he had been in town just a short while, and accidentally stumbled in on one of her uhm... Aftermaths. Considering the sight, and what he were told of her after, to warn him to not cross paths with her again, he were amazed that he hadn't gotten his head cracked open there. Though she still spooked him, even just when he saw her. She were a uhm... Very frightening presence.

He'd helped the victim get out and patched up, then assisted in watching over him for a while, as he got better. Been his introduction into the hive proper. Not he best way, but at least he hadn't had to bury someone again.

And now he had to deal with her once more. *gulp* This were not good. Especially not if she remembered him, and could sense him out. Hopefully she couldn't, but it were a concern. And a fair one, he'd argue. She were likely to rip his limbs off, one by one, if she found he were trying to meddle with her affairs.

On 2025-07-23 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nonetheless, Basher continued, "She was always on the move, even more so than me, but never failed to turn up for a fight, like a moth to a flame. Hence her name. Now that she seems to be in charge?" He thought for a moment, "I'm sure you spoke to Razzi or Papa while you were up on the cloud layer? They were in charge of talking to any newcomers and finding information. They'll know where she's gathering, or know where to look for gathering. That's your best bet, play along, wait for her to reveal herself, then get as close as you can."

He nodded, "That's what I would do at least. Like I said at the beginning, I wouldn't hesitate to kill her. She certainly won't hesitate to kill you, given the chance."

"I... Will keep that in mind. I... Oh gods, this just gets worse and worse. Why did it have to be Red, of all changelings...

Hopefully I can just incapacitate her. I know some things that works on changelings specifically. Just have to be careful with it, and it should go somewhat okay.

But a-anyway, thank you for the information, sir. I'll go and make preparations. Hopefully I'll see you again soon."

He hooped that The Grey had some insight back, because otherwise, he had to go and look for essentially some magic disruption. A few tools like that made over the years, to knock out a changeling instantly, by messing with their magic. Also some that's disrupt it to the point of instantly killing them, but he'd prefer it didn't get to that, as seeing their leader killed, could cause a riot. Even if it were Red, and she likely deserved it.

Yannit would likely agree it were best to kill her, once she heard who it were. She had heard some snippets here and there. Enough to make her sure Red were nothing but bad news, and could cause issues, even if she were in chains.

But having that option as a last resort, were probably wise too. There were of course also the worst option, but he sincerely hoped that no one were in possession of that particular toxin here in New Las Pegasus, or in general.

He'd never seen it, but the infamous toxin from Neighpon, developed specifically against changelings, were horrifying enough to be well known, in the right circles. Essentially a fungus, it were administered via needles, or chugged into the mouth of the changeling in question, and while normal bodies would simply digest the weird concoction, it would fester quickly in changelings, covering their insides, and draining every ounce of emotion they had in them, and any they would consume. It essentially starved them to death rapidly, over a period of 3-5 hours, if you didn't get the antidote, and could be spread via bites or bile from infected changelings.

It were generally considered a war crime among changelings to use it upon them, as it could eradicate entire hives if it were deployed properly. Though thankfully, the one who had invented it, were in kind actually imprisoned, once the next leader of Neighpon had come to power, who despised the concoction, and the toxin were officially destroyed in its entirety, around 16 years ago. Didn't mean there weren't still some lingering fear, that it were available somewhere, and ready to be used though. Or that paperwork had survived. Though he truly hoped it were but a forgotten part of history, and would never reemerge.

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

 

**Next day.**

(Cherish)

Cherish would land and fold her wings in, when she saw him dig on the ground, and approach him without hesitation.

"Elef! I was so worried about you, are you hurt?"

When he responded, she stop up, around a meter away from him, one hoof risen up and ready to set down again. It were a response that had caused her pause, as it were rather confusing to her.

"I had to follow you, Elef! I was so worried when you got attacked and took off. Please, stop digging, and let's go home, okay? I bet everyone's super worried about us."

She'd put her hoof down, and slowly walk closer. Not an ounce of fear in her eyes, but simply concern, over what were up with Elef. Why were he being weird, and trying to dig out a hole? Was he trying to go underground to run away from her?

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

 

(Null)

Null were not morning happy, but despite wanting to be miffed and let out a retort in the vein of *Shut it, and let me sleep*, the message instead got her groggy mind to wake up more, and rub her eyes free of sleep. If Arcade were here, she'd shake him, and tell him they had to get up, otherwise, she'd respond to Nine first, and then go to where her coltfriend were sleeping, and stir him from his rest.

"Elef took off? And he brought another kid? Awh bugger. I'll get right on it."

She didn't hope that he would snack on that pegasus, but she had seen him do this by accident before, and it could end up happening again. She had to go get him fast, and drag him back here, were she could keep a better eye on him, until she assumed Void would come for him. She couldn't imagine one of her kids took off, and her sister wouldn't go and fetch him herself.

Hopefully she'd be able to present a colt flustering and ready for a scolding, and not a corpse, or someone with young blood around their muzzle.

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

 

(Ranger)

Morning brunch were being set up, so about half were there. It'd be possible to go in and eat, but the selection would just be a little limited for the next 15-25 minutes or so.

She'd find though, that Kozue were already there. He tended to wake up early and get to the buffet before most others, so that he could eat in peace, and go back to clean his musical instrument before getting on with a nap, and then the day proper. Though as he had to go out and be active today, he had a bit more on his plate, along with a big glass of herbal tea, so he had some energy to work with.

Honestly, the most lazy of them would be Speck, who had jumped up on Ranger's back, and then laid down to take another nap. It'd be up and causing trouble later, more than likely.

Kozue gnawed down some veggie bacon and scrambled eggs when he saw Ranger, and rose a paw in greeting.

"Oh hey, good morning! I figured it'd be at least a few more hours before you woke up. Come right in. Plenty of room this time of the morning."

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

 

(Void)

Crow had flown off, once she had been shown where to go, but they would manage to catch up to her. She had gotten lost once, and it took her a bit of time to backtrack, though at least she still had some of her snack crystal left, that she had been gnawing on for comfort food as she were on her way. She'd be around 2/3'ths of the way, when she saw the air ship, and with some trepidation, would fly up towards it, though she elected to follow it, rather than board, lest she were told to. She'd already gotten lost once, and might again, if she didn't follow them, unfortunately. She didn't like having to rely on others like this, but she'd do most anything for Cherish.

Sadly she weren't as good at following a map as she had thought. Or her panic had impacted her. Either way, it wasn't good, and she truly worried constantly about Cherish, and how she were doing out here, so far from Troy. She could get seriously hurt, and not be found for years, if ever, out here in the desert.

As for Void, she were nervous too, constantly checking her equipment, and making sure her leg were attached proper, even though the several dozen others check, showed her that everything were perfectly fine. But she too were worried, for Elef and Cherish alike.

If Llambda were with her, she'd talk to her, even if she wasn't looking directly at her, just as they were being approached from the down-ward left of the ship by Crow.

"We have to be there soon, right? Oh, I hope Null already have them... The desert is too dangerous for two young ponies to fly around in all by themselves."

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Cherish)

On 2025-08-06 at 3:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Elef! I was so worried about you, are you hurt?"

Visually she could see some dried blood on him, some scratches around one side of his neck and whither where Nova's fangs had cut, but it didn't seem too deep.

 

On 2025-08-06 at 3:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Please, stop digging, and let's go home, okay? I bet everyone's super worried about us.

He paused, but didn't turn to face her. "Th- this... " he motioned towards the hole, "This is home. It's where I came from, It's where I belong."

As she approached, she found herself feeling... angry? Like Elef had hurt her, betrayed her, but the feeling passed before she could give it much thought. Elef resumed digging, and if Cherish didn't stop him would break through to the larger tunnel on the other side in just a minute of effort.

"Don't follow me, you'll only get hurt." again.

He'd quickly enter the tunnel, and disappear into the darkness.

 

If she decided to follow, her efforts to crawl through the hastily widened tunnel would cause it to collapse a bit behind her. It wouldn't be hard to push through, so she wasn't trapped, but it plunged her into darkness. After her eyes adjusted, she could see the glowing moss ahead, and could follow it down the tunnel. Reaching a junction in the tunnel there was noise to the right, leading to a large dim room where he killed me.

She could faintly see Elef there, sitting in the middle of the room, softly crying, like he did before.

There it was again, the anger, the feeling of betrayal, where...? Where did that come from? And the strange thoughts... Something strange was ahoof here.

 

(Void)

Gemini and Teal didn't argue, hurrying back home with Void, and helping her relay what had occurred to Vale. Vale was more than willing to continue watching the young ponies until Void returned.

As such, Llambda would agree to continue on with Void, accompanying her on the airship along with the ivory accented changeling they had passed when first leaving the Mercy room. Though now was hardly the time for introductions, and Void was hardly in a state to remember if they had been introduced or not.

Selena relayed the directions to Crow so that she could fly ahead. And would be allowed to follow the airship after getting lost. The airship was traveling slower than its max speed, allowing some of the guards aboard to sweep the desert below as they passed, in case the pair had deviated from their predicted path. Something that Crow could help with as she followed.

 

On 2025-08-06 at 3:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

If Llambda were with her, she'd talk to her, even if she wasn't looking directly at her, just as they were being approached from the down-ward left of the ship by Crow.

"We have to be there soon, right? Oh, I hope Null already have them... The desert is too dangerous for two young ponies to fly around in all by themselves."

Llambda would stay close to Void, her kind smile having faded just a bit since they first met, but still doing her best to lift her spirits, "Oh, I'm sure they'll be alright. They seem the sort deserving of a bit of kindness. I don't think Karma would let them get hurt now, and if so, well, then they'll deserve an even bigger kindness, and we'll be the ones to give it to them by bringing them home."

Maybe it wasn't quite the best thing to say at a time like this, but it seemed that Llambda had an ever positive outlook on life.

Selena was standing at the front of the airship, the ivory accented changeling had been speaking with her before coming over to where Void and Llambda were. "A few hours yet, says the gem-born one, until we arrive." The changeling's voice sounded old, but peaceful, tranquil. "Slowly, we are traveling, to watch, if strayed, the young ponies have."

(Void and Co will be the last group to arrive at the mesa)

 

(Null)

Arcade was easy to rouse, being a particularly light sleeper, "What's going on? Did something happen?" 

His response would depend on what Null told him about what was going on. He'd be following her regardless, but Null hadn't yet told him what she had seen when she first found Elef. Arcade didn't know that Elef had killed Rare, he only knew what Null had told him, that Null had saved Elef and not been able to save Rare. He had assumed that some other monster had gotten Rare.

(Unless you want to say that she did talk about this with him before, like the previous night. If so, we'll step back to then and move through the scene. Arcade has a bit to say and feel about this event.)

(Due to time differences, Ranger is ahead of Null. Null and Arcade will arrive after Ranger)

 

(Ranger)

Ranger had hardly had the luxury to grow up a picky eater, so she had no issues with a limited selection. She'd even take meat if that were all that were offered, it wouldn't be nutritious, but calories were calories. 

Still, normal food was available, so she'd load up a plate and join Kozue, "After last night? I'd rather get this over with sooner rather than later. Maybe we'll even get back before the other two wake up, then I won't have to answer as many questions about where I was."

She'd get eating quickly, pulling out a mostly blank paper from what she had grabbed for Speck, before realizing that she had nothing to write with and putting it back. "It'll be dangerous where we're going, like, actual monsters dangerous."

 

If he wasn't dissuaded, she'd be ready to leave after a few minutes of eating, demonstrating quite the ability to put food away. If Kozue wasn't ready to leave yet, she'd tell him to meet her at the base of the red mesa outside of town. Otherwise, they would travel together. The sun would just be hitting the top of it when they arrived.

In either case, (Whether approaching together or Ranger coming over to Kozue when he caught up) Ranger would lead the way over to a partially concealed doorway, revealing a number pad that seemed to actually be powered. "Maybe the code will work here?"

The first one she tried didn't, but the second one did get the old door moving, revealing a very thick door. The back of the door had innumerable scratches on the back, and no small amount of dried blood. The corridor it opened to wasn't a much better sight, a number of decaying bodies on the floor, which Ranger flew over to a clear space a bit away from the door. She looked back out at Kozue, "Still coming?"

 

(Grey)

On 2025-08-06 at 3:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Hopefully I can just incapacitate her. I know some things that works on changelings specifically. Just have to be careful with it, and it should go somewhat okay.

While the toxin was not to be found here in New Pegas, the Crisis and the Summer War had brought new dangerous things for Changelings. Antimagic especially was dangerous for changelings, as it broke the field that surrounded them, causing them to burn alive. A small amount could be quickly washed off without permanent damage, but if some were ingested, or inhaled, well, very few changelings had survived that, and those who did bore painful scars.

A knife coated with antimagic would be a potent weapon against a changeling, or a unicorn for that matter.

 

When it came to instructions, his blindfold had some: 

1. Incapacitate Red
2. Recover the boon
3. Report back

He would be allowed to seek equipment from the Grey armory, but they wouldn't have anything a blacksmith wouldn't. He would have to source anything special elsewhere, but he could obtain funds to do so with little pushback, it seemed that this was a top priority mission.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

On 2025-08-08 at 6:36 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He paused, but didn't turn to face her. "Th- this... " he motioned towards the hole, "This is home. It's where I came from, It's where I belong."

As she approached, she found herself feeling... angry? Like Elef had hurt her, betrayed her, but the feeling passed before she could give it much thought. Elef resumed digging, and if Cherish didn't stop him would break through to the larger tunnel on the other side in just a minute of effort.

"Don't follow me, you'll only get hurt." again.

He'd quickly enter the tunnel, and disappear into the darkness.

"No, this isn't home. Home is back in Troy. There's nothing out here."

She'd get a brief, weird feeling as she approached, like she were annoyed at him, for some reason? It was probably just because he were being stubborn. Nothing she'd give much, if any thought to at all.

It stumped her for a few seconds, but she did approach and stood next to him, trying to put a hoof on him, and shake him a little to see if she could get him to snap out of this weird mood he were in. She wouldn't be able to force him to do anything, as even for a pegasus, she weren't exactly a model of strength. She were a dainty young mare, who liked to read and write, more than pumping iron, or hunting. Elef could take her in a fight if it came down to it, and she knew that.

When he wandered into the tunnel, she stood for a few seconds, debating what to do. This were dangerous, but... So were being out here all alone, and if she did leave, then what? Elef would be by himself, perhaps getting hurt, and what if he never came back? She'd miss him, and she knew that Mrs. Void definitely would, as he were one of her kids, and she clearly cared a lot for all of them.

It wasn't much of a choice really, now was it?

And so, she'd enter the tunnel too, wanting to get hold of Elef, and try to convince him again, that they should go home.

On 2025-08-08 at 6:36 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she decided to follow, her efforts to crawl through the hastily widened tunnel would cause it to collapse a bit behind her. It wouldn't be hard to push through, so she wasn't trapped, but it plunged her into darkness. After her eyes adjusted, she could see the glowing moss ahead, and could follow it down the tunnel. Reaching a junction in the tunnel there was noise to the right, leading to a large dim room where he killed me.

She could faintly see Elef there, sitting in the middle of the room, softly crying, like he did before.

There it was again, the anger, the feeling of betrayal, where...? Where did that come from? And the strange thoughts... Something strange was ahoof here.

Her heart skipped a beat when the small collapse happened behind her, but it thankfully didn't seem as bad. It looked like... Well, not a lot at first, but once she adjusted to the darkness, it didn't look like it had covered a lot, so she'd still be able to get out if it were, probably.

She considered digging a hole, so she'd have some light, but it seemed like there were some odd, glowing moss further in, so she'd try to follow that instead. Though she did wish she had like a large pin needle, that she could stick in the former entrance, to mark it with. But she didn't, and her dress were back with Crow. She really should have brought some water along though, but... In her defense, she didn't think all of this would happen. Best to find Elef and get out of here. Maybe there were an oasis or something on the way, yeah? Or a fountain in the large town.

Going on, she'd eventually find that some sort of weird thought got into her head. Though why in the world that would come in there, she didn't know. She didn't tend to be morbid, and Elef surely hadn't killed her, by coming out here. She were just a little thirsty. Nothing major.

Moving closer, more thoughts came, along with a feelin. A bad one, like Elef had done something horrible. This was... Okay, she couldn't explain it. Was there something in the air around here, that were messing with her head? Even more of a reason to get away if that were.

"Elef! Come on, please. Mrs. Void is gonna be super worried about you, just like the others have to. And... And this place is weird. I think it's making my brain think funny.

...Elef Are you okay?"

Her tone got more worried, as she'd step closer. She were still quite a bit of distance from him, so things could happen, though she hoped it wouldn't be more bad thoughts. Elef were her friend, not some sorta monster, and now he were sitting and crying. He needed her.

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

 

(Void)

On 2025-08-08 at 6:36 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda would stay close to Void, her kind smile having faded just a bit since they first met, but still doing her best to lift her spirits, "Oh, I'm sure they'll be alright. They seem the sort deserving of a bit of kindness. I don't think Karma would let them get hurt now, and if so, well, then they'll deserve an even bigger kindness, and we'll be the ones to give it to them by bringing them home."

Maybe it wasn't quite the best thing to say at a time like this, but it seemed that Llambda had an ever positive outlook on life.

Selena was standing at the front of the airship, the ivory accented changeling had been speaking with her before coming over to where Void and Llambda were. "A few hours yet, says the gem-born one, until we arrive." The changeling's voice sounded old, but peaceful, tranquil. "Slowly, we are traveling, to watch, if strayed, the young ponies have."

It were reassuring to hear that it wouldn't be that much longer, but at the same time, a few hours could make a lot of difference. She knew from experience, and as such, it didn't help alleviate her worries as much as she had hoped her, despite the peaceful appearance, of the oddly ivory-colored changeling.

"Thank you. I just hope they'll be safe for that long..."

Hopefully Elef wouldn't have ditched his pack of food and water, that she had given him, just like the others, so they'd have something to nourish themselves with. The water mattered the most, but the protein bars should be plenty, in case they ran out of energy after their flight too. So it shouldn't be starvation or thirst that got them. Predators on the other hoof...

She'd let out a raggedy sigh, and turn around again, as she wandered back and forth, now addressing Llambda.

"I hope that they're safe, and I'd wish that I could trust that karma would keep a hoof over them, but... I've seen a lot of bad things, happen to good beings. Including children. I don't doubt that Karma means well, but the world is a harsh place, if you're not prepared for it, and neither of them are. They don't even have any weapon with them. What if something came after them and...

N-No, I can't think like that. We'll get them back. We have to..."

While it wasn't at the forefront of her mind right now, Void were as worried for them, as she were every time her sister used to be out of her sight, or got into a dangerous situation once more. Though it hadn't been long, she really had connected closely with each and every one of them.

As for Crow, she nodded in response if told something, but would otherwise just follow beneath the ship, where she could keep a closer eye on things, than those on deck probably could. If there were any sign of either Elef or Cherish, she'd likely find it.

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

 

(Null)

She hadn't talked of it before, but Arcade were awake now, and due to what might happen, she had to tell him now. And so she would, before they could get on their way. There were not much to the story either. Elef had killed Rare, not wanting to, but having done so in seemingly a pure accident, and she had kept his secret, because she had wanted him to have a chance at a life, rather than being struck down or ostracized for what he were. And overall it had worked, with him having a safety net, but that had seemingly failed for some reason, so now he were distraught, back where he came from, with another filly there.

"-And that's the long and short of it. I promised him I wouldn't go tell, and I wouldn't if it hadn't turned out like this, but you have to know, in case things look bad when we show up.

If you got something to say about it, then do it, but be fast. We'll need to leave soon as we can, just in case things go haywire."

It was something she had not brought up, but they had been talking about her, and her life and issues too, not this. This had been between her, and Elef. And sadly, things had changed now to where it weren't the case anymore.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-08-08 at 6:36 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd get eating quickly, pulling out a mostly blank paper from what she had grabbed for Speck, before realizing that she had nothing to write with and putting it back. "It'll be dangerous where we're going, like, actual monsters dangerous."

"You didn't scare me off with that the first time you said it, and it won't work now. Besides, if there's monsters, you'll need all the help you can get. Might be I didn't get much guard practice, but I know my magic, and how to use it. It'll come in handy, trust me.

Now come on, let's enjoy a good meal before we throw ourselves into it."

He'd grin at her, then resume chowing down through his food. Especially the eggs, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Reminded him almost of the first time he had the chance to eat some, after he got out of that cave system finally, and got into New Las Pegasus. Sure this were delicious eggs, and that had been scraps he had dug out from the trash, but after a few years of bugs and cave plants, it had been heavenly, and he had munched down as gleeful as any raccoon, tail wagging out of the dumpster he'd been diving into.

On 2025-08-08 at 6:36 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If he wasn't dissuaded, she'd be ready to leave after a few minutes of eating, demonstrating quite the ability to put food away. If Kozue wasn't ready to leave yet, she'd tell him to meet her at the base of the red mesa outside of town. Otherwise, they would travel together. The sun would just be hitting the top of it when they arrived.

In either case, (Whether approaching together or Ranger coming over to Kozue when he caught up) Ranger would lead the way over to a partially concealed doorway, revealing a number pad that seemed to actually be powered. "Maybe the code will work here?"

The first one she tried didn't, but the second one did get the old door moving, revealing a very thick door. The back of the door had innumerable scratches on the back, and no small amount of dried blood. The corridor it opened to wasn't a much better sight, a number of decaying bodies on the floor, which Ranger flew over to a clear space a bit away from the door. She looked back out at Kozue, "Still coming?"

He'd been done eating a little after she were, and had caught up to Ranger, before she left the casino. He'd had the foresight to snatch a couple bottles of water, and some string he saw dangling from one of the food carts on his way though, and as they wandered out, he'd tie the top of the bottles together, and sling them over his back. It wasn't the most elegant looking thing, but unless Ranger had a better idea, it were water, and they didn't know how long they'd be outside of town for. It were just good, common sense, yeah?

Speck would begin to wake up proper, once they reached their destination, though it remained on Ranger's back. It just stretched, yawned soundlessly, and looked around, waiting to see where they'd be headed to. It recalled hearing something about monsters while it napped. Might be it had to be quick to cover Ranger. Kozue could handle himself. He'd be fine.

As for the number pad, Kozue shrugged. He didn't know about these sorts of things, and just waited to see if it would work, or they had to do something to this door too. Luckily, it opened after the second try, so they wouldn't have to sit around and deal with yet another annoying barrier. Not yet anyway.

The back of the door were not a pleasant sight though. Combined with the smell and look of dried blood, it gave off the impression that someone had tried to get out of here, and they hadn't been successful. How very... Comforting. Almost as comforting as the remains of some of those who had tried to escape, in quite the state Made his nose wriggle with the pungent smell, but he'd live, and just held his breath as he wandered forward, and in quick motions jumped over and around the bodies, avoiding getting any corpse juice on his paws, as he got over to Ranger.

"Made it this far, why stop now?

Thinking it's better if I shroud us right off the bat, just in case?"

If she said yes, he'd twirl his paw, and they'd all three become essentially invisible, to others than themselves. If something had exceptional smell or senses though, it'd still be able to see them. Sure he did well in hiding their presence, but some creatures were just so fine tuned to sensing anything at all, that they'd still be able to know there were someone there, lest you were dealing with a Kitsune who had gotten through their full education, and he hadn't. But hopefully what he did, would suffice. If not, they'd need to rely on some guile, strength, and trickery.

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

 

(Grey)

While he didn't like it, he would acknowledge that some degree of anti-magic were needed to have on hoof, just in case. Especially after Yannit had given him a rundown of various things that could happen, in case they went in and were too lenient, and thus unprepared. A knife coated in the stuff seemed the most wise option, though considering what Red were, it couldn't be something that well shown. So if the Grey had it, they'd see if they could find a dagger, of the sort one could usually hide in your boot or sleeve. If not, they'd request the funds for one to be coated. She had some herself to make use of, though after they'd have it, she would be certain to pack it in sufficient covering, to avoid impacting herself with it, then hide it on her person.

Craven argued that as leader of the mission, it were up to him to hold this, but she'd deny that, saying that she had two advantages over him. One being the fact that as her cover were that of a blacksmith, if the dagger were found on her, she could talk her way out of it. The second being that he were too good-hearted, and thus if it came to it, he would hesitate. The second being an argument that he'd acknowledge were a possibility. Especially if Red tried playing remorseful at the end.

This were a dangerous changeling they were dealing with, and if push came to shove, they had to handle that.

Ideally though, they'd just be able to get her somewhere private, and then use some sleep powder on her, to make her conk out for a few hours. He'd get some of that from another changeling, called Round Houser, that he knew from the hive. The poor fellah had some... Less than easy days, and needed an aid to get some peaceful rest now and again. He did however, also owe Craven a few favors, so he'd manage to get a small bag of the power he used, and promised that if any remained, he'd bring it back.

Might be something that'd be good to have in stock at The Grey later on honestly. He'd have to speak to Phantasma about that, when they were done. Could be that The Grey would be willing to give her some lenience regarding the controlled substances she made, in exchange for also making some concoctions for them. Bling had seen the logic in that. Hopefully they would too, as it could be beneficial.

When all were said and done though, they'd be on their way. They had been given a location to go by, from up above, so heading that way, seemed as good an option as any.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Cherish)

On 2025-08-21 at 4:35 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Moving closer, more thoughts came, along with a feelin. A bad one, like Elef had done something horrible. This was... Okay, she couldn't explain it. Was there something in the air around here, that were messing with her head? Even more of a reason to get away if that were.

"Elef! Come on, please. Mrs. Void is gonna be super worried about you, just like the others have to. And... And this place is weird. I think it's making my brain think funny.

...Elef Are you okay?"

Her tone got more worried, as she'd step closer. She were still quite a bit of distance from him, so things could happen, though she hoped it wouldn't be more bad thoughts. Elef were her friend, not some sorta monster, and now he were sitting and crying. He needed her.

The feeling came back with a vengeance there, when she thought about him needing her. There was a deep anger, and a bit of... jealousy? He doesn't need you. He doesn't deserve you.

"No."

As he continued, she got the distinct feeling of déjà vu, like she'd heard it before. "I'm a monster, monsters deserve to die. I tried to help, tried to keep them safe, but I've been a monster this whole time."

Then the feeling shifted "I should have died here, instead of her. I should have... I should have died when I first got infected."

Some confusion clouded the anger, a bit of concern that matched Cherish's own. Infected?

"Go. It isn't safe for you to be here, you aren't safe with me." 

He warned me, I didn't listen. I shouldn't have followed him...

The anger came back, but it wasn't as strong. He should have tried harder. I thought he loved me.

It felt like there was something inside her, trying to escape, or... trying to get her to escape? It felt like every part of her was struggling to move, twitching. It felt more and more like she'd been here before, that she had followed him when she wasn't supposed to, driven by worry, by care, and there was a rising dread that it would turn out badly for her.

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-08-21 at 4:35 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Made it this far, why stop now?

Thinking it's better if I shroud us right off the bat, just in case?"

If she said yes, he'd twirl his paw, and they'd all three become essentially invisible, to others than themselves. If something had exceptional smell or senses though, it'd still be able to see them. Sure he did well in hiding their presence, but some creatures were just so fine tuned to sensing anything at all, that they'd still be able to know there were someone there, lest you were dealing with a Kitsune who had gotten through their full education, and he hadn't. But hopefully what he did, would suffice. If not, they'd need to rely on some guile, strength, and trickery.

She shrugged, "Might as well, we had to be on the move pretty frequently, and the monsters even came through the walls for us sometimes, but some level of protection is better than nothing."

She would start to lead the way through the halls. Luckily, most of the damage did not appear too recent, and there wasn't much indication of activity other than themselves.

Where the halls of the underground academy would have been right at home in an old university, the halls here were cold, sterile, minus the biohazards they were stepping over, and looked like a proper secret science facility. Most of the doorways were sealed behind electronic locks, plastered with warnings. Some had placards next to them with a picture of either a creature or an object on one side, with labels and symbols on the other, seeming to belong to some sort of categorizing system proprietary to this place. Kozue could probably ask about it, or figure it out given enough time, but the message was clear enough that the things depicted were likely dangerous, even if some of the labels said Safe.

One that might catch his eye was what looked like a picture of a photograph of the shadow of a many tailed creature that might be a kitsune. It was hard to make out from the image how many tails it had, but it seemed like a lot.

 

After passing through many hallways that seemed identical, Ranger came to a stop in what looked like a cafeteria, or it had been at one point. The place was trashed, with some evidence that ponies had been living here among the rubble. "This was the first place, where Mistress hid us away. Where, I imagine, Ayjay might have made her last stand." She sighed, "At least, from what I gathered from Arcade. He wasn't much inclined to share what happened after the rest of us escaped."

She idly dug through some of the rubble before looking over at Kozue, "Can you... check if she's still around? I don't know what that might look like."

Depending on his ability, it would be clear that plenty had died here, but there didn't seem to be any lingering spirits. Perhaps more concerningly, there weren't any bodies or even bones left in this room, despite the amount of death.

 

(Null)

On 2025-08-21 at 4:35 AM, Blitz Boom said:

If you got something to say about it, then do it, but be fast. We'll need to leave soon as we can, just in case things go haywire."

It was something she had not brought up, but they had been talking about her, and her life and issues too, not this. This had been between her, and Elef. And sadly, things had changed now to where it weren't the case anymore.

Arcade's expression was hard, but not entirely towards Null. "You should have told me sooner. When we first met, you should have told me what happened." He let out a long sigh. "I can't fault you for sparing him, for making the same mistake I did. I shouldn't have risked him being infected. Rare is dead because I was weak, and now another is in danger too. Let's go. I have to make my mistake right, before any more are hurt because of my cowardice."

He'd get moving then, not bringing anything beyond his knife, and not hardly waiting for Null if she delayed. He'd only pause to leave a note for Ranger when she didn't answer her door, believing her to still be asleep.

 

If Null didn't stop him (They can talk a bit on the way) they'd arrive at the mesa soon after, the wind not fully erasing the evidence that someone had recently entered the facility. "Someone else is here too." He looked up to the top of the mesa, "They sealed the top entrance, right? Even so, you could hardly carry me up there." He shook his head, "I'll go in this way, and make my way up to where it happened. You can follow me, or try and get in through the top, but time is of the essence."

 

(Void)

Seeing as Void was too preoccupied for conversation, even to try and take her mind off of things, Llambda and the changeling decided to give her some space. They would remain nearby if Void wanted to talk, but wouldn't pressure her.

 

(Grey)

There were enough resources in the armory for them each to have one, and so long as they brought them back they wouldn't incur any additional debt. However, they wouldn't be able to conceal the dagger too closely to themselves while disguised without the antimagic breaking the disguise, or burning them. It seemed like most of the pegasi up there were openly armed anyway, so having a dagger on their body won't raise much suspicion.

 

In any case, once they returned to the cloud layer something seemed to be in motion. Many were heading towards a structure towards the west end of the cloud, furthest from the city itself, gathering in a mostly intact amphitheater that had previously been used for air shows, like the Cloudsdale coliseum, but smaller. A reddish pegasus mare was near the podium, along with the pegasus who had talked to them at the bar on their first trip up. Depending on how good their skills of detecting other changelings was, they'd find that very few of the pegasi in attendance were changelings, and it might be hard to tell at this distance if the reddish pegasus at the podium was one either. If they could, then it would seem like she was.

Out in the open like this, it would be hard to approach her, but not technically impossible. Most of the pegasi in attendance were talking among themselves, their attention not on the center stage yet.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The feeling came back with a vengeance there, when she thought about him needing her. There was a deep anger, and a bit of... jealousy? He doesn't need you. He doesn't deserve you.

She staggered briefly, as the thoughts entered her mind. This... Yes, now she were sure that this wasn't just her own thoughts. She didn't speak to herself like that. This were someone else, talking about this situation. Pretty creepy honestly, but she had to just... Hope that maybe she could ignore it for a bit more, while she spoke to Elef.

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Go. It isn't safe for you to be here, you aren't safe with me." 

He warned me, I didn't listen. I shouldn't have followed him...

The anger came back, but it wasn't as strong. He should have tried harder. I thought he loved me.

It felt like there was something inside her, trying to escape, or... trying to get her to escape? It felt like every part of her was struggling to move, twitching. It felt more and more like she'd been here before, that she had followed him when she wasn't supposed to, driven by worry, by care, and there was a rising dread that it would turn out badly for her.

She was so confused right now. The one in her head loved him? Certainly wasn't her, since she thought he were cool, and yes, kinda cute, but she barely knew him. She had no idea if she felt any love, or if she were just happy to have friends to speak with, and preferred him a bit more than the others, because she really liked thestrals.

Her emotions were as confusing as her thoughts right now. Sadness, concern, confusion, anger, fear- She wasn't even sure at this point what were her, and what were this uh... Presence?

"Elef... You're not a monster. I dunno what happened to you, but Mrs. Void can he-"

Being all confused and uncertain what were going on with Elef, as well as her, she hadn't noticed that she had begun walking backwards away from hm, and towards the tunnels, before she were several meters that way already, yet felt like she should keep going. It felt like an actual struggle to stop herself, even if she did manage to. Yet her legs still tensed, wanting to keep walking, and her feelings were getting weirder. A strange sense of deja vu, and dread, that she didn't understand. It were like she had done this before, and something were about to happen that were going to end very poorly.

She kept still, though her words withered on her lips, and her gaze kept on Elef, as he were some distance in front of her, though she were in turmoil. If he moved towards her, or did something spooky, her legs would win, and she'd take off in the other direction, though she'd beat herself up over it later, more than likely.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Might as well, we had to be on the move pretty frequently, and the monsters even came through the walls for us sometimes, but some level of protection is better than nothing."

"Better wary than dead, nice. You're thinking like a survivor."

It was meant as a compliment. The sort of survivalist thought process, where it were better to be cautious when able, than suffering the consequences for being too bold. Same sort of folks who tended to check traps, make sure their equipment were ready, and any weapon were loaded, just in case. A fine line between being prepared, and being overcautious though, but usually took experience to fine-tune that.

But enough about his school-time lessons. They got a place to roam through.

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

One that might catch his eye was what looked like a picture of a photograph of the shadow of a many tailed creature that might be a kitsune. It was hard to make out from the image how many tails it had, but it seemed like a lot.

So far, this place were creeping him out. Plenty of signs of bad things, that he definitely did not want to run across. Some real messed up stuff, to collect all of this stuff in one place. That were bound to go wrong sooner or later, as it evidently had. Though the more concerning option of course, were not that they had gathered all of them, but rather had made them. The world were messed up enough as it were, without some sciencey types making all kinds of horrors!

And yet, eventually they came to one that caused him pause, and made him stop to gaze on not in horror, but in bafflement. A depiction of something most holy to his kin, if it were indeed what he thought. It seemed pretty darn close at the least, and it were impossible for him not to see it, as he were all but ingrained to know, as this were the sort of legend all kitsune would know off, that had grown up even remotely proper.

"T-They had... Impossible. The many-tailed are too powerful to be contained...

Ranger, is there... Is one of the divine ones here?"

He were unsure, as this were but a picture or a picture, of a shadow. Might just be a reference for all he knew, but maybe if there were one in here, and they were still sane of mind... His people needed a unified leader. He might be able to go around and find some, and lead them home, but he were no elder. Barely a proper adult, he didn't have the time, knowledge, or experience to be what they needed now. But one of the many-tailed? They were the strongest of their kin. Mystical figures of legends, that were only known to appear under very rare occasions. Now more than ever, one could arise and be a beacon of hope that their kin sorely needed.

Knowing his luck though, there was just a picture, and if there actually were one here, they were mad and evil. Maybe *gulp* Maybe even an oni, though an oni of that caliber, would be a most frightening thing.

Depending on the answer, he'd bow his head and say a silent prayer of a few seconds, before following Ranger onwards. Though if the picture seemed lose, and there were no indication there were one trapped behind the door it were at, he'd take the picture along with him, and stuff it in his tail. It were fairly easy to pop an easy spell to glue it to the hair in there, and it weighed nothing. It were a picture, not a brick.

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

After passing through many hallways that seemed identical, Ranger came to a stop in what looked like a cafeteria, or it had been at one point. The place was trashed, with some evidence that ponies had been living here among the rubble. "This was the first place, where Mistress hid us away. Where, I imagine, Ayjay might have made her last stand." She sighed, "At least, from what I gathered from Arcade. He wasn't much inclined to share what happened after the rest of us escaped."

She idly dug through some of the rubble before looking over at Kozue, "Can you... check if she's still around? I don't know what that might look like."

Depending on his ability, it would be clear that plenty had died here, but there didn't seem to be any lingering spirits. Perhaps more concerningly, there weren't any bodies or even bones left in this room, despite the amount of death.

"If one of you fell here, that certainly sounds like something that you wouldn't want to talk about to their friends. I'm sorry that you had to go through that, Ranger. I'll try to have a look."

He'd clear a bit of rubble and dust from the middle of the room, and would sit down, front paws gathered, and closed his eyes. It looked as if he were meditating, and whilst that were happening, slowly a mint-green mist would spread from the tip of his tail, and swirl around him, before expanding across the room. As it hit Ranger, she would get a feeling as if she were receiving a warm hug, just without the familiar sense of touch that usually came with Void's embraces, nor her motherly energy. Yet there were a welcoming, soothing warmth to the energy, that dissipated as the slow moving swirl would hit the walls, and when the last were gone, he would open his eyes once more, and look around.

"No, she's not here. The room's clean. Well, relatively speaking. No lingering souls at least, though there's some lingering energy. You can see it if you look closely."

It were faint, but the mist had seemingly *stuck* in the air a few places, as if dust had been sprayed around, and there were several spots in the air, where a minute amount would linger, though it wasn't much, nor very long.

"A soul would've been notable, and then I'd have to do the other half to make them visible. Darn zebra wouldn't let me sleep before I memorized it..."

Wasn't last night, but a few hours after he had been hired at the casino. The fear-loving zebra had approached him, and told him that he were going to show him how to do this, and wouldn't take no for an answer. Kozue assumed it were just because he wanted to make sure that he had someone that could help him check out the town at some point for spirits, but he were starting to think it were more for this trip. Sneaky mystic, but so were some of their kin, and generally speaking, he were meant to show those respect. It were customary between kitsune and zebra of that profession, as both sides tended to understand that if either meddled, there were a good reason for it. At least it were like that were he grew up, even if the chance to run into zebra in Neighpon were not exactly massive.

"That said... Where's the bodies? We saw plenty coming in here, yet in here? Can't even see a tooth anywhere. So... Zombies, or scavengers, I'd think.

Reeeeally hoping for the scavengers, of those two options."

He'd feel a bit creeped out, and would recast the cloak on them, as he couldn't go and keep that active while he were spending the three minutes to *scan* the room.

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

 

(Null)

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade's expression was hard, but not entirely towards Null. "You should have told me sooner. When we first met, you should have told me what happened." He let out a long sigh. "I can't fault you for sparing him, for making the same mistake I did. I shouldn't have risked him being infected. Rare is dead because I was weak, and now another is in danger too. Let's go. I have to make my mistake right, before any more are hurt because of my cowardice."

"I didn't tell you, because I wanted him to have a chance. By all accounts, it looked like a tragic accident, not something planned.

And when that other guard said she'd handle things, I thought he'd be kept in check."

She'd briefly grab Arcade, unless he stayed near as she were talking. Depended on how long it'd take him to find his knife. Likely she wouldn't have to, as putting a note took time, so she'd probably get to just say her piece there.

"I'm sorry for not telling you, but she was gone, and I thought maybe I could at least save him. I still want to believe that."

if he were feral, or had hurt the filly with him... That blood was on her hooves, and she knew it. But there hadn't been an update that he had killed her. Might be he had just run off, to avoid doing something he might regret. They had to find him to see, and she wasn't keen on executing a kid. Hopefully they would, before something went wrong, though she might have to stop Arcade too, and that wasn't something she'd look forward to either.

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If Null didn't stop him (They can talk a bit on the way) they'd arrive at the mesa soon after, the wind not fully erasing the evidence that someone had recently entered the facility. "Someone else is here too." He looked up to the top of the mesa, "They sealed the top entrance, right? Even so, you could hardly carry me up there." He shook his head, "I'll go in this way, and make my way up to where it happened. You can follow me, or try and get in through the top, but time is of the essence."

"Can't remember if they did, yet this place ain't safe to go around alone. But sadly, we don't have the time to take it slow. I'll go topside, and head downward, in case they went that way. Least one of us should find them.

Take care in there, okay? And please, don't do anything rash."

She'd reach out to touch him on the cheek, if he allowed it, but otherwise, would fly towards the top entrance. And on the way, she'd start talking to Nine.

"Think it's time to turn on whatever we got, Nine. We gotta act fast to find the kids before we end up with another tragedy."

She'd have whatever she had brought along on the trip to New Las Pegasus with her, as she had grabbed that before waking up Arcade. She tended to keep those things ready. Especially any blade, in case someone tried to break in during the night.

"...Do you think I did the right thing? With Elef, I mean. Was it wrong to give him a chance?"

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There were enough resources in the armory for them each to have one, and so long as they brought them back they wouldn't incur any additional debt. However, they wouldn't be able to conceal the dagger too closely to themselves while disguised without the antimagic breaking the disguise, or burning them. It seemed like most of the pegasi up there were openly armed anyway, so having a dagger on their body won't raise much suspicion.

While it might not raise suspicion, she didn't want anyone just randomly grab hold of her dagger, and find out what it were able to do. Red wouldn't let her go anywhere unwatched, if she knew about that being in her possession. So she'd still have it, but would hold it behind a few other blades, giving her a minor selection, based on what the situation required. Along with some blacksmithing tools, in case she had to get something done to prove things, which could well happen. For all Yannit knew, they'd have the need for someone to fix up their weapons, and she had to be ready to play the part.

On 2025-08-22 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

In any case, once they returned to the cloud layer something seemed to be in motion. Many were heading towards a structure towards the west end of the cloud, furthest from the city itself, gathering in a mostly intact amphitheater that had previously been used for air shows, like the Cloudsdale coliseum, but smaller. A reddish pegasus mare was near the podium, along with the pegasus who had talked to them at the bar on their first trip up. Depending on how good their skills of detecting other changelings was, they'd find that very few of the pegasi in attendance were changelings, and it might be hard to tell at this distance if the reddish pegasus at the podium was one either. If they could, then it would seem like she was.

Out in the open like this, it would be hard to approach her, but not technically impossible. Most of the pegasi in attendance were talking among themselves, their attention not on the center stage yet.

Craven wasn't very good at sensing hidden changelings, but Yannit had some better luck with it, and sensed a few, though that were hardly important right now, as she saw who were running this show, and her gaze settled on her. No one else here were as centered as her, except for the one with her, and that were the recruiter, not the leader. No, this had to be Red.

The urge to go and stab her right here and now were small though. This were a poor place to do so, surrounded by witnesses, and at a distance. This sort of thing, to kill her or knock her out, they'd get one chance, and it had to count. Doing it here and now, would be idiotic.

Thankfully Craven agreed, as he looked around, concerned with the amount of attendants present. Seemed to already be a notable amount, ready to toss themselves into this. Any one of them, potentially being the next leader of the uprising, if this were handled poorly... What a nightmare this whole situation were going to turn into, at this rate.

For now though, his plan wasn't attack, but scouting. Find out the broader details, what their time plan were, check for any weaknesses they could take advantage of, etc. Best to just blend into the crowd, keep their ears peeled, and see what they could learn. Both from Red, and whoever else were in attendance.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Cherish)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She kept still, though her words withered on her lips, and her gaze kept on Elef, as he were some distance in front of her, though she were in turmoil. If he moved towards her, or did something spooky, her legs would win, and she'd take off in the other direction, though she'd beat herself up over it later, more than likely.

Elef didn't move, nor did he respond to her faltered plea, but she saw... something. Glimpses as though through another pony's eyes. Elef standing over her, eyes sharp but not all there, like he was looking through her. Fangs sharp and pronounced. A flash of movement, pain, then it was over.

The forces trying to get her to move seemed to redouble, but her will held out. 'Why Wont You LEAVE!'

Suddenly, the forces stopped, and cherish would likely stumble forward a bit at suddenly pushing against nothing, getting a snout full of very cold air before she righted herself.

Standing before her was a filly, or at least the apparition of one, about her size. Her coat was white, though that could just be because of her condition, with a dark mane and blue eyes, though the blue was faded, almost grey. She didn't appear to have a mark, and looked to be breathing heavily, though there was no sound. Her expression was complicated, a mix of jealousy, anger, sadness, confusion, and desperation all rolled into one. When she spoke, it didn't echo off the walls of the cavern like Cherish's did, it was as though she was speaking to her mind.

'Leave... while you still can. Little isn't the only monster here.'

There was a sound of movement from the tunnel she had entered from, it was unclear whether it came from the entrance or the other fork.

 

(Ranger)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"T-They had... Impossible. The many-tailed are too powerful to be contained...

Ranger, is there... Is one of the divine ones here?"

She looked confused at the honorific, "I wouldn't know. Most of the things kept here had been moved before we arrived. The living and easily transported things at least. A blurry photo? Might still be in there, though the sign says it's dangerous, so I'd leave it alone."

 

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Depending on the answer, he'd bow his head and say a silent prayer of a few seconds, before following Ranger onwards. Though if the picture seemed lose, and there were no indication there were one trapped behind the door it were at, he'd take the picture along with him, and stuff it in his tail. It were fairly easy to pop an easy spell to glue it to the hair in there, and it weighed nothing. It were a picture, not a brick.

The plaque itself was still well attached to the wall, but the adjoining door seemed intact enough that he could try and get it open. It seemed to operate on a keycard system, and a low enough security kind that it could be convinced to open with a careful application of magic, if he felt so inclined.

Spoiler

Inside the room was a simple desk with a lamp. The walls were covered with pinboards which were in turn covered with newspaper clippings, blurry photographs, maps, and strings connecting everything like some conspiracy board. All of the strings led back to one point covered by a sheet which had written on it: Don't Look For It

 

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"That said... Where's the bodies? We saw plenty coming in here, yet in here? Can't even see a tooth anywhere. So... Zombies, or scavengers, I'd think.

Reeeeally hoping for the scavengers, of those two options."

He'd feel a bit creeped out, and would recast the cloak on them, as he couldn't go and keep that active while he were spending the three minutes to *scan* the room.

Ranger looked relieved to hear that Ayjay wasn't lingering, "We were all young, I think Arcade wanted to try and preserve some innocence as best as he could, especially for the younger ones. As to the bodies... I don't doubt that the monsters ate them. They always seemed... hungry, starved even, whenever they found us." She shuddered at the memory.

"Let's keep moving, the sooner we leave this place the better."

 

She would continue leading the way, pausing at a crossroads. "This is where we got separated, Effs and the fillies went one way, Arcade, Elef, and I went the other way. We were clearing the path so they could travel safely, but they took a wrong turn."

On the ground, there was a loose tile with part of an arrow on it, she rotated it back to where it should have been pointing, "I guess that explains why." She sighed, then proceeded down the hallway that the arrow had originally pointed towards, "I don't know how far down this way she got. Arcade found her before I did. Is there a way you can scan passively? See if you can tell where it might have happened?"

 

In either case, it would only be about ten minutes of walking before they would find a clump of yellow feathers, dried blood at the tips. No sign of any lost souls here either if he scanned. Ranger simply stared at the feathers with a sad expression, before turning her attention to the locked and battered door a short distance away.

 

They would hear hoofsteps at full gallop, some distance away echoing through the hallways. Someone was running, but it was hard to tell whether they were approaching.

There were other sounds to follow though, the loud steps seemed to be waking the monsters of the facility.

 

(Null)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm sorry for not telling you, but she was gone, and I thought maybe I could at least save him. I still want to believe that."

Arcade snorted, but didn't otherwise respond. There was a conflict boiling below the surface there.

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Take care in there, okay? And please, don't do anything rash."

She'd reach out to touch him on the cheek, if he allowed it, but otherwise, would fly towards the top entrance.

He was already moving into the facility, not wanting to waste a second, and so Null was left alone.

 

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Think it's time to turn on whatever we got, Nine. We gotta act fast to find the kids before we end up with another tragedy."

She'd have whatever she had brought along on the trip to New Las Pegasus with her, as she had grabbed that before waking up Arcade. She tended to keep those things ready. Especially any blade, in case someone tried to break in during the night.

"...Do you think I did the right thing? With Elef, I mean. Was it wrong to give him a chance?"

The cold settled over her as before, and the trails revealed a pair had arrived at the top of the mesa. One a faint white, the other a faded red, not nearly so deep as it had been the first time.

'Giving ponies chances is more Mercy's thing. Vengeance is more about punishment, and you never assigned one to him. Nor did you ask the avatar or the judge to assign one in your stead. So, he wasn't really given a chance, not yet.'

'The fact that his line had faded means that he either has made some progress towards redemption, or that those calling for vengeance have lessened their claim. As the one we know of is dead... the former sems more likely, and shows promise.'

 

At the top of the mesa she'd be able to find the hole that Elef had widened in order to slip through around the sealed entrance. As small as she was, Elef and Cherish were smaller, and it had partially collapsed behind them, so she would need to dig it out a bit more before she'd be able to get through.

 

(Void)

The sun was starting to rise, and they could see the mesa in the distance. It wouldn't be long now.

 

(Grey)

Most of the discussion in the crowd held the same sentiment, many theories were passed around as to why they had been called together, what Moth was going to announce. Some thought that it was time to try again at seizing the Stacked Deck, others thought that they would be separating the cloud layer and moving it somewhere else, a minority suggested that maybe there had been some agreement reached with the leaders, and so fighting wouldn't be necessary? Admittedly, only one pegasus in the group seemed to have that sentiment, but if one was willing to say it maybe others felt it?

In any case, a hush fell over the crowd as Moth, or Red, began to speak. If they had moved towards the front of the crowd, and it would be easy for them to, it would be easy for Yannit to tell that Moth was indeed a changeling, and they seemed to be feeding off the uncertainty of the crowd, leaving behind the more aggressive emotions.

"My fellow pegasi. I'm not one for speeches, so I'll keep this brief. We've recovered Basher's Boon, and with it we'll accomplish what he was too weak to finish."

One of the attending pegasi brought a small box over to the stage. Moth opened it and pulled out an amulet. The chain and the face of it seemed to be made of that weird rainbow metal so popular at tourist shops for knives meant more for display than use, and the center of the face was embossed with a single feather.

Moth was clearly not one for much ceremony as she put the amulet on without much fanfare, or opportunity for Yannit or Craven to stop her, and the effect was immediate.

There was a sound like a snap, followed by the cracking of bones as Moth collapsed on the stage, convulsing, as a ring of red fire slowly passed over her, hiding her from view. It was over in a minute, but felt to those gathered like longer, before she stood back up. Her coat was now a shimmering red, her mane replaced with a fan of white feathers, and when she unfurled her wings, they were easily triple the size of a normal pegasus', larger even than an alicorns.

The spread wings seemed to invoke something deep among the pegasi gathered, as most of them spread their own wings and bowed in response.

Another thing that Yannit could tell, was that Red was no longer a changeling, and the emotions flooding off of her new form were filled with bloodlust.

Red smiled, her voice having taken on a more feminine yet authoritative tone, "Now. We take the tower. Go!"

The gathered pegasi immediately began to fly off in the direction of the Stacked Deck.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Cherish)

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Standing before her was a filly, or at least the apparition of one, about her size. Her coat was white, though that could just be because of her condition, with a dark mane and blue eyes, though the blue was faded, almost grey. She didn't appear to have a mark, and looked to be breathing heavily, though there was no sound. Her expression was complicated, a mix of jealousy, anger, sadness, confusion, and desperation all rolled into one. When she spoke, it didn't echo off the walls of the cavern like Cherish's did, it was as though she was speaking to her mind.

'Leave... while you still can. Little isn't the only monster here.'

The pressure were gone? While it were welcome, it did make her stumble a few steps forward, as she had adjusted somewhat to it affecting her. Though sadly, it did not mean that the presence were gone, per se. As it turned out, it seemed that said presence, had instead just moved out of her, to instead manifest in front of her.

A filly, by the looks of it. Not too far from her own age, at the time of her death. At least that is how she assumed it worked. Wasn't like she had ever dealt with ghosts before.

Before she could even utter a word though, the spectral filly came with a warning. An ominous one about monsters, just before a sound came from behind.

She couldn't tell if it were from either of the branches back there. Could be it were even coming from the exact point where they met, and it were creeping ever closer, about to do horrendous things.

Now, Elef, she didn't see as a monster. Something weird had happened, and the mental images she had gotten just before were... Disturbing, but it still hadn't looked like him. Not really. She could tell herself that at least. But talks of monsters, in this already tense situation, far from home, and with a sound coming from behind... It returned some memories.

Images of other survivors, screaming and running, being torn apart, or full on eaten. The sound of bones and the feeling of blood spraying across her face and wings, vividly popping back into her head, as she could almost smell the coppery scent of blood, and hear the unspeakable sounds of various creatures they had encountered, while trying to escape from a different horror entirely.

She stood, her eyes not seeing what were in front of her for a few seconds, but the fear were notable, as it almost seeped out of her pores, and shone in her eyes. Her lower lip quivering. It eventually culminating, in a low, fearful voice eventually escaping her mouth.

"N-Not again. Not again, nononono!"

It rose in volume as she spoke, and when done, she'd jolt in whatever direction seemed safer. Away from the sound behind her. Away from the monster, that were nearing them, ready to gobble her up, like others of her friends before her.

Elef might be dangerous, but right now, he were not the monster she were afraid of. Though if he seemed threatening at all, she'd whimper, and jolt away from him too. Fear controlled her actions now, over rationale. Something she'd feel sad about later, if she managed to survive this whole ordeal, as it meant she were neglecting Elef. Though if he'd provide comfort o, or leadership right now too, she'd go to him, covering behind him, and whimper.

If the spirit wanted to interact with her, or even take over, she'd find it much easier now, that Cherish weren't thinking straight, and could honestly do with someone taking over, and try to make things right. Be it her, Elef, or anyone, really. Anything were better than whatever were roaming towards them, surely.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked confused at the honorific, "I wouldn't know. Most of the things kept here had been moved before we arrived. The living and easily transported things at least. A blurry photo? Might still be in there, though the sign says it's dangerous, so I'd leave it alone."

 

On 2025-09-02 at 11:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Depending on the answer, he'd bow his head and say a silent prayer of a few seconds, before following Ranger onwards. Though if the picture seemed lose, and there were no indication there were one trapped behind the door it were at, he'd take the picture along with him, and stuff it in his tail. It were fairly easy to pop an easy spell to glue it to the hair in there, and it weighed nothing. It were a picture, not a brick.

The plaque itself was still well attached to the wall, but the adjoining door seemed intact enough that he could try and get it open. It seemed to operate on a keycard system, and a low enough security kind that it could be convinced to open with a careful application of magic, if he felt so inclined.

"I-I'm sorry, but I have to know."

He'd go over and use his magic to open the door. He wasn't massively technical, but this one thankfully seemed easy enough to deal with, and if one of the many-tailed ones were in there, he had to get them out. Now more than ever, his kin could use the guidance of one of them.

Yet when he did get it open, he were met only with a wave of disappointment. The room did not house anything living. It instead presented itself as a research area, where one had collected evidence and data, to try and track one down. Everything woefully out of date, with how the world had collapsed upon itself. All these clues... There would be nothing to work with. Cities had burned to the ground, the witnesses likely slaughtered, or having much more important things on their mind at the least, and scattered all over the place... Nothing here were useful. Just the sight of a room, where once someone had found a trail for one of the many-tailed ones, and eventually concluded that one should not look for them.

Good advice for other races, but for the kitsune, one of them would have been a sight for sore eyes now. A beacon for them to gather around. Much better than his small amulet, and flickering hope that there'd be enough of them, to rebuild what they had lost. Even though he wasn't even sure if any elders remained at all to lead them. He doubted the actual elders, who had before were anyway. Not with how they had acted in the end, to try and save those that remained of them. Might be they'd have to appoint a Zhakaahmi - essentially an elder in training, when a town lacked a kitsune of sufficient leadership and wisdom, but a younger one were capable - but this time without someone to oversee the process... The future yet looked uncertain and bleak for his kin.

(if there is nothing behind the sheet)

His tail and ears slumped, as he gave a last look, before returning to Ranger.

"I had hoped that maybe... *sigh* I suppose it was a fool's hope, that things would be so simple. We should keep going."

(If something is, ignore that, and interject as needed)

Regardless of how that went, things would proceed the same. Even if he'd feel sad, or anything else, they still had something to do, and Ranger relied on him doing his part. So he'd push through his disappointment, and get to work on things all the same, his spirits evening out - no puns intended - as he looked for clues of a spirit.

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ranger looked relieved to hear that Ayjay wasn't lingering, "We were all young, I think Arcade wanted to try and preserve some innocence as best as he could, especially for the younger ones. As to the bodies... I don't doubt that the monsters ate them. They always seemed... hungry, starved even, whenever they found us." She shuddered at the memory.

"Let's keep moving, the sooner we leave this place the better."

"It's horrible, but zombies would be worse. At least with monsters, you won't have to be faced with someone that you once knew. A minute silver lining, in this bleak place."

This place was dreadful. Monsters devouring others, scientific *experiments* that treated the young ponies like easily disposable things, sacrifice of others just so a few of them might live... This were not a good place, by any sense of the word, and he looked forward to leaving this bastion of hopelessness and death.

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She would continue leading the way, pausing at a crossroads. "This is where we got separated, Effs and the fillies went one way, Arcade, Elef, and I went the other way. We were clearing the path so they could travel safely, but they took a wrong turn."

On the ground, there was a loose tile with part of an arrow on it, she rotated it back to where it should have been pointing, "I guess that explains why." She sighed, then proceeded down the hallway that the arrow had originally pointed towards, "I don't know how far down this way she got. Arcade found her before I did. Is there a way you can scan passively? See if you can tell where it might have happened?"

"Sorry, the zebra just made sure I knew this one by heart. I wasn't a specialized spirit talker, even if I know enough to tell if something is off. But I think this technique works until it reaches an end point? I dunno. Lemme try. Worst that can happen, is that it fails."

He'd try again, and it did go further than it had in the enclosed room, as the smoke bounced a bit off the walls further down. If their wayward spirit she had been roaming in this area, it would cling to at least a trace of that, and give them some indication that there were one, and they had been nearby. If not, they'd just have to keep moving and try again every once in a while, even if it did slow them down somewhat.

If they found an essence, Speck would float over to it, and look at it curiously.

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

In either case, it would only be about ten minutes of walking before they would find a clump of yellow feathers, dried blood at the tips. No sign of any lost souls here either if he scanned. Ranger simply stared at the feathers with a sad expression, before turning her attention to the locked and battered door a short distance away.

 

They would hear hoofsteps at full gallop, some distance away echoing through the hallways. Someone was running, but it was hard to tell whether they were approaching.

There were other sounds to follow though, the loud steps seemed to be waking the monsters of the facility.

A scan near the feathers showed nothing, so maybe it meant that there were no spirit here? He hoped so at least, because this looked messy. He'd ask, but it seemed... Insensitive to do so, as she seemed saddened by the sight. Understandably so, if it were what remained of one of her friends, which he assumed it to be.

His ears perked, as he heard hoofsteps. Nothing ethereal about that, since as far as he knew, souls didn't have that sort of weight to them, unless they possessed something. Now earth spirits were another matter, but they were here for souls, not nature spirits. Which he doubted were in this area anyway. They were not thrilled about taking up residency inside closed facilities like this. It were too removed from nature itself, and he hadn't noticed any in the area before this regardless. The desert were maybe too dead, or still in natural turmoil, so it left it uninhabitable for them.

Sadly, this were not the only sound, as others followed. Some rather... Less than comforting sounds. It seemed they had woken up something. Scratch that, multiple somethings. How lovely...

"You heard that? Someone else is here, and they're waking up the locals."

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

 

(Null)

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade snorted, but didn't otherwise respond. There was a conflict boiling below the surface there.

It hurt, seeing him like this. Angry at her, for not telling him what had happened. She had just tried to help someone. For once not simply punish, but try and help another, and give them a chance. Instead she might have put another in danger now, and failed her coltfriend. Hopefully when this were done, nothing bad would have happened, and he would understand why she had done what she had. Though the doubt were gnawing at her now. Especially due to an innocent filly being on the line here.

On 2025-09-03 at 11:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The cold settled over her as before, and the trails revealed a pair had arrived at the top of the mesa. One a faint white, the other a faded red, not nearly so deep as it had been the first time.

'Giving ponies chances is more Mercy's thing. Vengeance is more about punishment, and you never assigned one to him. Nor did you ask the avatar or the judge to assign one in your stead. So, he wasn't really given a chance, not yet.'

'The fact that his line had faded means that he either has made some progress towards redemption, or that those calling for vengeance have lessened their claim. As the one we know of is dead... the former sems more likely, and shows promise.'

 

At the top of the mesa she'd be able to find the hole that Elef had widened in order to slip through around the sealed entrance. As small as she was, Elef and Cherish were smaller, and it had partially collapsed behind them, so she would need to dig it out a bit more before she'd be able to get through.

"I know, I just... I went with Vengeance, to punish evil folks. Seeing a kid who had an accident, it didn't feel right to ruin his life, of that of his friends, who had to live with losing him too.

I kept telling myself I'd do it, but then I just... Never got around to it. And now my indecision have brought a filly in danger.

*sigh* Let's just hope we can get both of them out of this safely. I can lament my failures later."

Wasn't hard finding the trail, so that was good. Though the entranceway were somewhat blocked. A minor cave-in perhaps? If not that, then something might have tried to block it, to avoid their escape. She assumed the first though, as it wasn't that hard to clear up. Just took a bit of knee grease, and she'd be inside of there fast enough, at which point, she'd follow the trail to find the kids. Hopefully they hadn't gotten far.

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

 

(Void)

As they neared, Void would get up on deck, and look around, seeing if she could spot anything that would be a clue, or maybe if Crow had joined them with any news. But unless something had stuck out, Crow would at best be flying nearby, still keeping watch, but likely having found nothing of importance. Though she were worried about what they were going to find. She wanted to get to Cherish as soon as she could, and keep her safe. Her concerns about others, and usual avoidance of conflict, would be set aside. Even if she had to kill, she were going to get her friend back.

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

 

(Grey)

This were why Yannit hated dealing with fools in charge.

Smart beings were calculated and methodical. It worked for them, because they were patient and wise. It gave you time to infiltrate and learn. Potentially also interrupt it during that time. It were a slow process, but it had a higher chance of success.

Red were an example of dealing with a fool. No foresight, no planning, just gather the goons and go. It were gonna be more akin to a chaotic mess than a well turned out plan, where it were just about rushing in, trying to overwhelm your enemies, rather than making a surgical strike.

It was something that did not work, against anyone with the foresight to protect themselves properly, and more annoyingly in this case, it left them with absolutely no time to stop this, before she had put on that dreadful thing, transform into some sort of feathered monstrosity, and rushed off. Of all the irresponsible beings he could leave in charge, why were it her?

Craven meanwhile, felt sick. This were wrong, on so many levels. They had been close enough to see the whole thing, as they had moved to the front row, and while she were still pony-like, even he could tell that Red were no longer a changeling. She had abandoned her own species for power, and a chance to strike at the order of town. Even if they were outcasts from it, this were extreme. This were so much more, than simply change, like Thorax's hive had done. This were unthinkable.

It were also happening too fast for him to do anything. They were leaving, right this moment, and there were no opening for them to strike right now. The attack were happening.

The only option here in his mind, were to follow and while on their way, whisper to Yannit that if she got the chance to strike Red down during this, to then do so. They couldn't afford being lenient or hesitant again. Not with how things looked right now, with Red changed into this... Whatever it were, that seemingly had a mild enthralling effect on the pegasi. Or it were because of her now more imposing stature? He hadn't a clue, but they had to go, and try to stop her during this attack now. It were going to get ugly, and they were going to need reinforcements. A LOT of them.

"Grey Mare, I beg of you: Tell me what to do. Tell me how we can stop this."

He still wasn't sure if anyone actually listened, when he thought back like this, but he hoped they did, or that at least they had seen it, and had orders. This had gone leagues above his paygrade now, and he needed orders.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Nine wouldn't have much more to say on it, mow wasn't the time or the place to debate the relative moralities of Vengeance, Mercy, or Karma. The loose dirt was easy enough to clear away, and soon enough she was moving through the tunnel.

 

(Cherish)

A dark cave like this one was a poor place to flail around blindly, the moss didn't illuminate all the sharp rocks that stood around them.

Cherish would get a few cuts, nothing major, just like when she had been digging in the sand at the start of this whole thing. They likely wouldn't even scar, but any amount of blood stands out on a white coat, and often looks worse than it is.

Cherish's cry seemed to shake Elef from whatever kept him morose, he would move towards her, moving between her and the entrance.

(Null & Cherish)

And that would be the scene that Null would enter on. Elef, standing over a terrified and bloodied white filly, the only difference between this scene and that of their first meeting was that the filly was still alive. Though that may not be true for long as Elef was opening his mouth, sharp fangs glinting in the low light.

Null would not be able to see the ghostly filly like Cherish could, though Cherish were likely too scared to notice that she was still present, watching from a distance. Nine was aware of her presence, but didn't consider it relevant to the situation at hoof.

 

Despite Null's appearance, there were still sounds coming from the tunnel, softer than Null's had been, but growing steadily louder as something else approached.

 

(Void)

Scouts would return to the craft indicating that a tunnel had been dug around the sealed entrance, fairly recently too, which looked small enough for a filly or colt to crawl through, but would need to be widened to let anyone from the craft through, especially one as large as Crow, which would take time.

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I-I'm sorry, but I have to know."

Ranger shrugged and waited for Kozue to satisfy his curiosity.

At first glance things were as he thought, out of date research, the thin leaps of logic strung together by a fool that didn't understand anything about the subject. Half of these articles didn't even seem related and the photos, well, bighoof had clearer pictures than these.

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

(if there is nothing behind the sheet)

Unfortunately, Kozue did not heed the warning, and looked behind the sheet to see the photo shown in the plaque out front. Seeing it directly... he could swear there were hidden details in it, things that clearly only he could see given all the false leads the previous researcher had gone down. He could swear he'd seen that place before, something in the background just seemed so familiar to him, but he couldn't quite put a claw on it.

Looking back at the strings he suddenly saw the, admittedly flawed, but logical connections between everything he had so easily dismissed before. Yes, it all made sense now! The former researcher had been on the right track, but they lacked the pertinent knowledge that only a kitsune had. They had been looking in all the wrong places, but... they had made some interesting discoveries. The articles didn't mention kitsune explicitly, but Kozue could tell that they had been present in the events, the pony who wrote the article just didn't understand, how could they?

More and more it made sense, the one photographed had been traveling, hidden, yet leaving clues behind, seemingly everywhere given all the articles. Had they been here? Were they here now? Little details around the room seemed to suggest that they had, maybe even they had been the previous researcher, laying all this out just for him so that he could be the one to find them! Yes, that made sense. He was destined to be the one to find them.

He would take the photo and stow it away. He had to keep it safe after all, it wouldn't do to let anyone else see it, they might damage it, and they wouldn't be able to help with it anyway. Best to keep it secret, and to study it alone... yes... The other articles and strings weren't important, he'd already learned what he needed to from them. And he could always come back if he had to. He just had to finish with Ranger so that she could leave and he could be alone. She wouldn't understand, she'd just hold him back from the discovery.

He would have to say something, make her think there was nothing important in there, lest she try to interfere...

His tail and ears slumped, as he gave a last look, before returning to Ranger.

"I had hoped that maybe... *sigh* I suppose it was a fool's hope, that things would be so simple. We should keep going."

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"It's horrible, but zombies would be worse. At least with monsters, you won't have to be faced with someone that you once knew. A minute silver lining, in this bleak place."

This place was dreadful. Monsters devouring others, scientific *experiments* that treated the young ponies like easily disposable things, sacrifice of others just so a few of them might live... This were not a good place, by any sense of the word, and he looked forward to leaving this bastion of hopelessness and death.

Ranger sighed, "I think that's why Arcade would go back for them, to make sure. The monsters here... many of them looked like they used to work here, so it seemed like something that could happen."

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Sadly, this were not the only sound, as others followed. Some rather... Less than comforting sounds. It seemed they had woken up something. Scratch that, multiple somethings. How lovely...

"You heard that? Someone else is here, and they're waking up the locals."

Ranger nodded, "We'll need to move fast then, there's only one last spot anyway, and there should be another exit from there."

She managed to get the damaged door open enough for them to pass through, but they wouldn't be able to close it behind them. "Seems like we'll be putting your cloak magic to the test. Should we try to move quietly? Or would it still work if we ran? In either case, how are you in a fight?"

It wouldn't be long before they got their first look at one of the monsters, a shambling form of an equine that seemed an equal mix between a vampire, a zombie, and one of the spawn. It didn't seem to have noticed them yet, but it was heading their way.

 

(Grey)

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Red were an example of dealing with a fool. No foresight, no planning, just gather the goons and go. It were gonna be more akin to a chaotic mess than a well turned out plan, where it were just about rushing in, trying to overwhelm your enemies, rather than making a surgical strike.

It did seem foolish, if one supposed that the stated goals disseminated among the pegasi were in fact Red's true goal. If, however, one suspected that Red might have other goals and motivations, things might make a bit more sense.

Regardless of motivations, things were moving, and needed to be stopped.

 

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Craven meanwhile, felt sick. This were wrong, on so many levels. They had been close enough to see the whole thing, as they had moved to the front row, and while she were still pony-like, even he could tell that Red were no longer a changeling. She had abandoned her own species for power, and a chance to strike at the order of town. Even if they were outcasts from it, this were extreme. This were so much more, than simply change, like Thorax's hive had done. This were unthinkable.

One might consider whether Red had even been aware of the effect of the boon before putting it on, as Basher himself had been hesitant to wear it due to not being sure as to the effects. That said, she didn't seem surprised as to the outcome, and seemed to adapt well to her new form.

 

On 2025-09-21 at 5:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Grey Mare, I beg of you: Tell me what to do. Tell me how we can stop this."

He still wasn't sure if anyone actually listened, when he thought back like this, but he hoped they did, or that at least they had seen it, and had orders. This had gone leagues above his paygrade now, and he needed orders.

The response in his blindfold was from Watch, 'She's not a deity you pray to. We're moving agents to the tower.'

Both of them got a message: 'Your previous orders stand. Secure the boon, eliminate Red as a threat, by any means necessary.'

 

Their lack of response that the other pegasi had followed, and perhaps Red had been able to pick them out of the crowd before the transformation, but they would come to realize that she was watching them, a cruel smile on her face. With a flap of her massive wings she moved, much faster than they might have expected, and than she had expected as she plowed through the cloud stadium seating above them. She was soon back though, bits of cloud stuck in her feathers. "Little would-be-queen sent you to spy on me did she? To check on her little lost ling?" she laughed, "Go and tell her that she's next." She looked about to leave, but she paused, "Hmm, two to send a message, seems excessive." A gust from her wings was enough to send them tumbling as it dispersed some of the clouds beneath them. "Let's see who's strong enough to survive."

 

(Unlike other arcs, I have little planned with respect to how this one ends. Which is to say, how this goes is up to you, and you will be mostly on your own.)

(Bling has been informed that the Stacked Deck is under attack.)

(As Red is transformed, she can no longer detect changelings, so Craven and Yannit can escape if they change their disguise somewhere Red can't see or trace back to them. Red also doesn't have her magic anymore beyond those possessed by pegasi, so she can't teleport or follow a teleport. We can discuss strategy in the OOC.)

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Dig, dig, dig... Finally! Time to get going.

She'd squeeze through, and be on her way, on high alert, as she assumed that sooner or later, she'd be needing to attack something.

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

 

(Null and Cherish)

Cherish weren't dealing with things well here, but she were alive, and Elef putting himself between her and the cave, did give her a bit of comfort, though she would be closing her eyes, trying to get herself calmer, and thus missed it when Null came in, and saw the scene that were definitely not in Elef's favor. Wasn't his fault, but how were Null to know otherwise? She just came in to the light glistening in Elef's fangs, as he stood over a bloodied and shaking filly. Sure she wasn't dead, but it still didn't look all that great.

"Elef! Get away from her, before I make you."

Null would go forward, muscles tensing, and look at Elef with narrowed eyes. She wasn't gonna just outright attack him and try to snap his neck. That would be crazy. But she were ready to toss hooves, if he did something stupid. Might be Cherish didn't look the best, but she were alive. They could still stop this from escalating too much.

Maybe her choice of words could've been better, if that were the goal, but again... It did really look like he had already had a snack, and were about to go in for his next bite. How were she to know better, at fist glance?

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

 

(Void)

Crow would ask where the tunnel were, so she could go there and begin to dig right away. She were the best equipped to dig out of them all, barring any equipment, due to her claws, durable hide, and strong limbs. She could go get a head start, so they could get in as soon as possible. Both her and Void, would need an entrance size that would likely mean others could go in first though, but she didn't care. Crow just wanted to do anything she could to help Cherish. Even if it were mostly to dig through sand like a common animal. It were irrelevant, when it came to the possibility of losing her friend.

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

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-09-23 at 8:04 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ranger nodded, "We'll need to move fast then, there's only one last spot anyway, and there should be another exit from there."

She managed to get the damaged door open enough for them to pass through, but they wouldn't be able to close it behind them. "Seems like we'll be putting your cloak magic to the test. Should we try to move quietly? Or would it still work if we ran? In either case, how are you in a fight?"

It wouldn't be long before they got their first look at one of the monsters, a shambling form of an equine that seemed an equal mix between a vampire, a zombie, and one of the spawn. It didn't seem to have noticed them yet, but it was heading their way.

As she were working on the damaged door, Kozue's thoughts were on the picture, and some links that he could already make in his head. To think they had been so close, and yet they had completely misinterpreted everything! But he, he were kitsune. He knew them, and would be able to find the divine one. He just needed some peace and quiet to work through things. Starting with that picture, that were stashed in his tail. Couldn't risk it falling out of his bag, or losing that, no. It were too important.

He'd feel ticklish for a moment, as he felt Speck jump over on him, and fiddle around on his back, then poke his ears, before jumping down and nibbling on his tail. It were probably feeling bored, so he just ignored it, and focused on the door, his thoughts, and the noises from a distance.

While another sound that definitely did not sound comforting would next come, he'd jump slightly, and that's when Speck would pounce, grab the picture, and then take off, while he were too distracted to notice.

Speck might not be the smartest creature int he world, but it had seen how odd Kozue had acted, after getting hold of that, and didn't want him to keep it.

It figured that it was one of two things, since he didn't want to share it. Something bad, or something he intended to make into another like itself. Either were unacceptable, as Speck wanted to grt all the attention from these, not some upstart made from a picture.

And if it were bad for Kozue it'd suck too, or something. That too, right...

After it nicked the picture - the image turned away from itself - it would dash away from him, and go hide the photo under some rubble, while the others finished their thing. Speck would return before long though, yet even if Kozue would notice the picture being gone (I don't know how it affects his mind if it's taken from him) Speck wouldn't give it back.

Regardless, there were hardly any time for it, as Kozue would have to focua on putting up the camouflage spell again, and prepare for whatever creepy things were in there. Speck could cast its own, as evident when it had done so to Ranger yesterday, so it weren't in danger, even if away for a bit.

"I can fight. Just don't complain about me using dirty tricks."

Fighting headon were often not the smartest for his kin, as they were more agile than brawny, so they tended to mostly make use of that agility, and their magic, to fight their enemies.

Might be a minotaur could punch them several meters away in one swing, but good luck connecting in the first place.

Seeing the first abnormality, made Kozue raise his eyebrows in shock, while a shover went down his spine, and his tail poofed up briefly. This were a nasty creature that were shambling towards them.

Hopefully it couldn't make them out, and they could simply sneak past it. Just had to make sure not to touch it.

Might be he could cloak them, but being invisible, were not the same as being intangible. They'd still need to watch where they walked. Eslecially when facing things like this, where he really didn't want to know what would happen, if it got hold of them. Nothing good, that much were certain.

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

 

(Grey)

Under better circumstances, Craven would've been happy to spend some time debating that he hadn't been praying, like Watch had said. He had been begging for orders. Not like one speaking to a deity, but more a very confused peon out of his depth, needing orders.

Or like a cultist, asking for direction from the cultmaster.

Either way, he did not see Grey Mare as a deity. She were an imposing mortal, who carried a heavy burden, that were important for order to be maintained. She were one to admire. Not pray to.

But right now, were not good circumstances, so he'd just accept  and then read the expanded orders they got afterwards.

Especially after they had seemingly been spotted by Red. Wasn't all else that had acted cultish, so it had seemed fine for them to not follow that, but regardless if it were that or not, she had seen them, and adter making some childish theatrics, she came directly to them, spewing threats.

Now, threats to them were one thing. Frankly, being picked out here, one expected it. But to threaten Bling the way she had, made Craven's spooked face harden.

"And we will all defend her with our lives if you try, you hiveless fool."

Wasn't much time to do or say that much more, lest Red had some sort of retort first, before she dispersed the clouds beneath their hooves. Yannit sure hadn't a word to spare on the matter, as she were too busy analyzing the situation and thinking on how they could strike her down, to have time to waste her breath on Red's taunts.

As they were sent tumbling down, she would act fast, and grab hold of Craven, before steering them downwards to the streets, then between buildings, tossing the gear on her, and telling him to do the same until they hit a container. Well  their gear did. The two of them would have transformed into cats when they were in a blind angle, and be running away, seemingly from the noise, along a half dozen others that had hung around the dumpster at the time.

Craven had sometimes questioned her on why she had Mongoose and him run through escape drills with harsh judgement, if they weren't smart enough to do so properly, but right now he were thankful for her demand that they could act fast, if the situation demanded it.

It did mean they'd lose the knife, but they could come back for it later, and regardless, it wouldn't work right now either. Red were no longer a changeling, so it likely wouldn't kill her any better than any other blade could.

When they were sure Red were gone though, they'd return as disguised ponies, grab the weapons, and be on their way. They didn't have time to resupply, so they needed to use what they had.

Yannut did have her tools stashed behind the dumpster though, so there were a chance they'd be there when she returned. No need to let good tools go to waste.

After that, they'd be on their way to the Stacked Decks. Lest something had happened otherwise, they still had a job to do, though Yannit would take over command now. Craven had done well, but this had spiralled beyond what were reasonable to expect from him, at this early stage of leadership attempt. It were best for them all if he fell in line.

If they informed him of this, Mongoose would also join them at the Stacked Decks, but it depended on if The Grey wanted to have him leave his current assigenment for a bit to assist in this. He wasn't too far away, and had experience in drawing blood, so he might come in handy here.

As for Bling, she would respond to the information by sending out a call for those willing to fight, to go and help defend the Stacked Decks, as well as medical staff, to tend to wounded. Though they were told to ideally not kill anyone, but focus on subduing enemies instead, if it were feasible 

It might not be their hotel, but she were part of their circle of leadership, and if The Host fell, it would disrupt the town substantially. Not to mention that he might only be the first casino head to roll. Might be that they would come for all of them, one by one.

Bling didn't like fighting, and she wouldn't partake herself because of it, and Bruce's insistence that she stayed here, along with a personal guard regiment he would summon to keep her safe, just in case. She might well have gone and helped the medical staff if he hadn't, but he were right. She couldn't go and endganger herself so foolishly, when so many relied on her.

It did make her feel uneasy, to have given her first order of aggression essentially, though at least, she had tried to do so the best way she could. Asking, instead of demanding for figthers - several dozen would show bit by bit, as word spread through the changeling "Hive-vine" - sending healers to save lives too, and asking for pacifying, rather than killing rhe enemies, if possible.

Bling hoped that when her mother would one day return, she'd understand the decision that she had to make today. Things were sadly not as small scale, calm, and simple as they had been, when she were still with them.

Cheshire... Where in the world had you gone off to?

Edited October 2 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Null & Cherish)

Elef stopped when Null spoke, "Go on then, I deserve it."

He turned to face Null, it was clear from his expression that he had given up. His fur was matted from the tears, but it seemed like he had run out, and the sadness was replaced with just being tired. 

 

Cherish would feel a chill, both from the cold ground and from the ghostly filly reentering her body. She started to move, but paused at the pain. Cherish could feel the recognition that the ghostly filly had towards the injuries, they felt... familiar. Cherish felt a foreign ache, similar punctures and cuts from the rocks, but in different places. Rather than grazing her whither, it felt as though one had punctured her neck, but at the same time not.

Cherish felt the memory that she had been shown before, with Elef standing over her as she turned to run, or as the filly had turned to run. The pain she had felt, that she had been so sure as to the source of, was the same that Cherish now felt.

'He... he didn't...'

 

Neither would have much time to react before the noise approaching from the tunnel grew, and Arcade entered the cavern. Breathing heavily, covered in all manner of stains from the trip, but he was ready to act. Where Null had hesitated, wanted to show mercy, Arcade was decisive. He wouldn't let another one fall.

Null could see the conflict still present within him, he didn't want to have to kill Elef, but he accepted it as his responsibility. There was a bit of shame and anger there too.

He didn't waste effort on words, once he saw where Elef was, he was moving, knife ready.

"He didn't hurt me."

The words were faint, coming from Cherish's lips, whether it was the ghost speaking through her or Cherish speaking to her own account, was unknown.

Null was caught in the middle, if she didn't act fast, Arcade would finish what he had come here to do. 

 

(Void)

Crow would be given instructions on where to go to start digging, which would increase the tunnel noise in the cavern. It would take some time to dig the tunnel wide enough.

 

(Ranger)

Despite putting the photo somewhere he thought secure, he found himself checking its location compulsively, and as such would notice when it wasn't there pretty quickly after Speck had nicked it. His influenced reaction would depend on how arrogant he was naturally.

If he was particularly arrogant, he would believe that he didn't actually need the picture in order to continue his quest, and so would let the picture go for now in order to focus on escaping. He would be able to find it again later if he needed it.

If, however, he wasn't particularly arrogant, he would believe that the picture was crucial to his efforts. And as such, the paper fox was a thief, an active agent working against his efforts, and should be dealt with immediately. Destroying it wasn't out of the question, he had to be sure that it wouldn't hinder his plans in the future after all, and besides, he could always make another one for Ranger. Maybe even a better one once he found the ancient one and learned their secrets?

 

As for Speck, even if it had seen the picture it wouldn't have much effect. Speck didn't have the mental capacity to hold an obsession, so the picture could only serve as a particularly enticing source of food. In fact, why shouldn't it just eat the picture? It would need the strength for the fight coming up. Or, perhaps it was best stored for later? Maybe there would be a stronger monster later, or Ranger would forget to feed it again? Yes, it was best if it was kept safe, somewhere where they couldn't take it. Leaving it behind just didn't feel right...

 

Depending on the outcome of the above interactions with the picture, Ranger may be on her own against the monster, if Speck and Kozue were too busy fighting over possession. Whether assisted or not, Ranger would make short work of the first monster with her bow, not even noticing if they were behind her or not. "This would have been really useful before. Let's keep moving."

There would be the sound of more monsters moving their way, and it would only be then that she would turn to see if the other two were coming, or if she would have to break up the fight.

 

(Grey)

Red wouldn't pursue them after they fell through the clouds, at least not that they could tell. Maybe she was satisfied with just scaring them off?

Still, the distant sounds of fighting were apparent, and flashes of light from the top of the tower seemed irregular compared to how the party usually went. They of course knew what was going on, but the locals were starting to worry as well.

 

On 2025-10-02 at 10:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

After that, they'd be on their way to the Stacked Decks. Lest something had happened otherwise, they still had a job to do, though Yannit would take over command now. Craven had done well, but this had spiralled beyond what were reasonable to expect from him, at this early stage of leadership attempt. It were best for them all if he fell in line.

It was a mess at the base of the tower, a large crowd crushing the door more than usual as one of the bouncers, a pegasus, was waving everyone through. They could see the other bouncer laying unconscious nearby. "Go on in, free party tonight! Everyone is invited inside tonight!"

This served the dual purpose of causing more pandemonium outside, as well as blocking off the elevator as an access point to the penthouse. They would need another way up.

 

On 2025-10-02 at 10:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

but it depended on if The Grey wanted to have him leave his current assigenment for a bit to assist in this. He wasn't too far away, and had experience in drawing blood, so he might come in handy here.

Mongoose had already been dispatched to the Stacked Deck once the event had kicked off, and so had been able to beat the crush on the doors. He would arrive at the penthouse to find the party mostly proceeding as usual, depending on if he knew what usual meant, but he could see a number of pegasi posing in more official roles that seemed out of place. Nothing was obviously going on inside the penthouse, at least not any obvious fighting just yet. Maybe he could find something first? Or forewarn those in charge?

 

On 2025-10-02 at 10:56 AM, Blitz Boom said:

As for Bling, she would respond to the information by sending out a call for those willing to fight, to go and help defend the Stacked Decks, as well as medical staff, to tend to wounded. Though they were told to ideally not kill anyone, but focus on subduing enemies instead, if it were feasible 

Those responding to her call would find themselves similarly hindered in their efforts to enter the tower, given how many ponies were trying to get in. Some would eventually make it through the press and the long elevator ride, but it would take time.

[Blitz Boom 4,734]

@Illiad Easle

(Null and Cherish)

Null ha halted, as she heard the voice of Elef. This wasn't the sound of some beast that were struggling with bloodthirst. This were an all too familiar sound, of someone who had just about given up, and just wanted it to be over. Something that she had known well in her time, even if she hadn't given in... Too far, anyway. Elef however, seemed about ready for it.

And of course, this were the point when Arcade came in. Not in a state where it looked like he wanted this, but prepared to do it, as he gazed upon the same scene that she had. One that didn't look good.

And yet, it actually looked better than it should have, didn't it? She had the eye of Vengeance on right now. If he had hurt her, why wasn't his vengeance score or whatever it were, increased? Why was she covering behind him, instead of trying to hide? This wasn't adding up to an attack from him. Not when she actually used a few braincells, over just initial assumptions.

Cherish meanwhile, were struggling in her own way. The ghost were oddly enough, helping her thoughts right now, as the spirit went through the same situation as she just had. A flailing of stone, cuts and bruises, staining pale fur with blood, and Elef standing over... yes, not a monster. Not a monster in this room at all right now, even. Just him, and - as she noticed when the voice escaped her muzzle, and she looked up, still covering somewhat behind Elef - two other ponies. Void's sister, and- Wait, why did he have a knife?

She were about to say more, but Null were already over, blocking Arcade from getting close to Elef.

"Wait! I don't think it was him."

"P-Please don't hurt him."

Having cleared her throat, Cherish would speak up, her voice desperate and afraid, as she opened her eyes, and looked up towards Arcade.

"I t-thought you were monsters, and I panicked. Elef didn't hurt me. Not the g-ghost either.

P-Please, just put the knife down, and take us home? It's scary here."

If Arcade had tried to push past Null while/before she had explained, Null would have blocked him physically if need be, before he were going to end up making a mistake that were gonna haunt him for the rest of his life. Though something she said were going to make her confused, and wanting answers.

What ghost was she talking about?

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

 

(Void)

Crow wouldn't care about the noise, and just dig. If anything would try and come at her, she'd torch it, or burn it. Though more than likely, she'd just cause a ruckus, while she worked, and the others approached.

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

 

(Ranger)

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If, however, he wasn't particularly arrogant, he would believe that the picture was crucial to his efforts. And as such, the paper fox was a thief, an active agent working against his efforts, and should be dealt with immediately. Destroying it wasn't out of the question, he had to be sure that it wouldn't hinder his plans in the future after all, and besides, he could always make another one for Ranger. Maybe even a better one once he found the ancient one and learned their secrets?

 

As for Speck, even if it had seen the picture it wouldn't have much effect. Speck didn't have the mental capacity to hold an obsession, so the picture could only serve as a particularly enticing source of food. In fact, why shouldn't it just eat the picture? It would need the strength for the fight coming up. Or, perhaps it was best stored for later? Maybe there would be a stronger monster later, or Ranger would forget to feed it again? Yes, it was best if it was kept safe, somewhere where they couldn't take it. Leaving it behind just didn't feel right...

He were too slow to notice before the paper fox stole it, but after that, he knew that it was that one. Who else would it be? No one else had been anywhere near his tail, and now, the picture were gone! Sure he believed he were not an idiot, but he also knew he wasn't perfect, and had his limitations. Knowing that sort of thing, kept one alive, rather than being so cocky that you ended up getting stabbed by a smarter predator.

Speck on the other paw, did find the picture somewhat weirdly enticing, but it couldn't carry something so big in itself without unfolding to a point that would take enough time, for Kozue to notice, and take it back. No, the smart move were to hide it. It were small, nimble and could fly! It could easily go over to the hiding spot, and take it before they were done here. Hay, even if they went out from another route, it still could. it knew where the entry were, and any monsters? It could sneak past them. Big, heavy things anyway, more than likely. No big issue at all.

It wasn't in need of feeding right now though, so storing the food for later was better. It had napped and stocked up before they left the hotel. It were as topped up as it could be at the moment, and gorging did nothing. Nice knowing where there were a little power boost if it needed it now though too, in case Ranger needed it to charge up.

Or well... Was the picture even good for that? Sure it could eat it for the colors, and making sure it wasn't enticing as a possible replacement for itself, but it ate letters, more than images. Big area with lots of color? It didn't really do that much for it. But it might be a cool new color it could work with? It would think about it. Might be it needed it to patch itself up too, in case something bad happened.

Anyway, when it waltzed back, Kozue would look at it with a small sneer, and narrowed eyes.

"I give you a lot of leeway here, Speck, but there's a limit. Give it back."

Speck would shake it's head.

"I said, give it back! I need that picture, or I can't find the divine one."

Speck would still shake its head, then dodge to the side as Kozue tried to use magic to grab hold of it. He wasn't focused enough right now to be accurate, with this nimble little thing, that kept jumping around, behind objects, using Ranger as a shield, etc. Honestly, it were amazing that they didn't somehow interfere with the battle, but she would be able to handle it nice and easily on her own, without getting interrupted, or have anything on her/herself, getting tucked at.

"I swear, I made you, and I can darn well unmake you too! I want that picture!"

This were - maybe surprisingly - more boast than reality. While yes, normally he would be able to unmake one of these, the extra magic it got from that weird metal, that it had in itself now, would actually be able to shield it from him trying to. He couldn't snuff it out, and at worst, he could forcefully unfold it, burn it, etc. But he couldn't just snap a finger, and remove the magic that kept it going.

Not that Speck knew that, so when it heard that part, it would jolt over to Ranger, hiding behind her, whilst letting out a rustling sound, that did still carry the notion that it were spooked. In case it hiding behind Ranger, wasn't clue enough to that.

She might have to step in here, before these two fools messed everything up for them.

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

 

(Grey)

On 2025-10-07 at 12:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It was a mess at the base of the tower, a large crowd crushing the door more than usual as one of the bouncers, a pegasus, was waving everyone through. They could see the other bouncer laying unconscious nearby. "Go on in, free party tonight! Everyone is invited inside tonight!"

This served the dual purpose of causing more pandemonium outside, as well as blocking off the elevator as an access point to the penthouse. They would need another way up.

Neither had much experience, in how things went on around here, but free entry like this? That was about as unbelievable as the city getting hit by a tidal wave. It went against the usual exclusivity of the place, and the passed out bouncer didn't exactly make for a very convincing sight either.

Yet it wasn't something they could sort out by handling the potential interloper. Creatures were still pushing in, making the elevator useless. They'd had to find another way, and there really were only one.

"I'm afraid to ask, but-"

Yannit changed disguise to add wings to her current disguise of a high end mare. The very same she used to have, back in Canterlot, before the war caused the world to go downriver. One that no one around here should know.

"We'll go up."

She took flight, with him - using a disguise that he thought complimented hers, but were already a pegasi - letting out a sigh.

"Here we go."

And with that, he'd follow her, as they flew upwards. The plan? They'd get to the right height, and smash their way in through a window if needed. Yannit had seen others smash their way out, so it should be possible. If not, then maybe they could convince someone on the inside to do so.

On 2025-10-07 at 12:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Mongoose had already been dispatched to the Stacked Deck once the event had kicked off, and so had been able to beat the crush on the doors. He would arrive at the penthouse to find the party mostly proceeding as usual, depending on if he knew what usual meant, but he could see a number of pegasi posing in more official roles that seemed out of place. Nothing was obviously going on inside the penthouse, at least not any obvious fighting just yet. Maybe he could find something first? Or forewarn those in charge?

Well, he'd gotten in then... *gulp*

It was a lot easier last time. Yannit and Craven were there, giving him orders, keeping him in check... It was a simpler time. But nope, not this time. This time, he had been yoinked away from his regular duty, and had to rush here, in disguise, to try and help stop a full fledged attack. Though how he were supposed to do that, he wasn't sure.

Thoughts went back towards the floors he still had to clean up, before he had to pretend to have a stomach virus and rush off to find a toilet. Not the most glamorous exit, but he panicked! And the bosses had told him to go instantly. It was the first non-violent idea he had. WHich were amazing in itself, as sometimes in the past when he panicked, he uh... Went down darker paths.

Maybe that is what they wanted him to do here? Make... Make a mess? Nonono, that was silly. He were just close, that made a lot more sense... Right?

Uh... M-Maybe he should try to find someone, before he got ideas... But who? There were not a lot here he knew. Sure there were some important looking ones, but how did he know that they'd listen, or were in charge? The only ones he knew that had authority here, were The Host himself, and uh... And uh...

Oh bother, he'd h-have to find Ninja, didn't he?

Well, maybe if he were lucky, he'd run into The Host first, but either one of those had to be his target. Hopefully he'd find them soon...

With that in his head, he'd strike out, looking for The Host, or Ninja. The latter would probably take him more serious, but scared him more. Maybe that'd give him some credence though? Hard to say.

On 2025-10-07 at 12:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Those responding to her call would find themselves similarly hindered in their efforts to enter the tower, given how many ponies were trying to get in. Some would eventually make it through the press and the long elevator ride, but it would take time.

It'd be frustrating, but they couldn't do anything else. Though some would take the same choice as Yannit had, and fly upwards, looking to see if the spectacle up there were part of what they had to help with.

All changelings helping in this capacity in the air, would pop in every once in a while, only a few at a time, and none would be in disguise.

[Illiad Easle 3,240]

@Blitz Boom

(Null & Cherish)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And yet, it actually looked better than it should have, didn't it? She had the eye of Vengeance on right now. If he had hurt her, why wasn't his vengeance score or whatever it were, increased? Why was she covering behind him, instead of trying to hide? This wasn't adding up to an attack from him. Not when she actually used a few braincells, over just initial assumptions.

In fact, if she were looking, it would seem as though his trail were actually growing lighter as he sat there, though why that could be was unclear at this time. Maybe Nine would know? Regardless, she had more pressing matters at the moment.

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She were about to say more, but Null were already over, blocking Arcade from getting close to Elef.

"Wait! I don't think it was him."

"P-Please don't hurt him."

Having cleared her throat, Cherish would speak up, her voice desperate and afraid, as she opened her eyes, and looked up towards Arcade.

"I t-thought you were monsters, and I panicked. Elef didn't hurt me. Not the g-ghost either.

P-Please, just put the knife down, and take us home? It's scary here."

There was enough reason for him to hesitate, just for a moment, but he didn't put the knife down or take his eyes off of Elef, who hadn't moved despite the intrusion. "I'm not making the same mistake twice. You told me he killed Rare. If he didn't, then who did?"

"No, I... I killed her, it's my fault." Elef spoke with tired certainty, very much believing he had done it. "I must have, I'm a monster."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

What ghost was she talking about?

Null felt a bit of extra cold despite the chill of her vengeful cloak, like someone with freezing hooves was pressing against her. Nine spoke up, 'I think that's the ghost there, trying to get inside. There is a spirit here, once quite vengeful. I'll see what it wants.'

There was a moment of quiet before Null spoke again, 'It claims to be Rare, the filly that Elef was with before. It says that Elef didn't kill her, that she died on the sharp rocks by accident, but she thought that Elef had bitten her.'

'It seems that Elef believes himself responsible too, what a strange case... Regardless, the spirit now wants Elef spared. I'm not a practiced necromancer, so I can't tell if the spirit is speaking truthfully, nor do I know what Arcade or Elef will believe, but it seems... plausible.'

Arcade still seemed to be psyching himself up to do what he believed needed to be done, and Elef was still resigned to that outcome. Null would have to speak carefully to diffuse the situation. And quickly, as the noise from the tunnel was growing closer.

 

(Void)

(I meant that Crow was the source of the noise for the other section, but that is still good to know.)

She cleared the tunnel that Elef had dug, but the original tunnel was still too small for her to pass through, so she'd have to widen that too. Still, she was making progress, and there was noise up ahead which probably meant that they weren't dead in there.

Probably.

 

(Ranger)

Ranger would turn once jumped on by Speck, given the paper fox was gripping her a bit stronger than usual as it hid from Kozue, "Hey you two, stop it! You'll bring more of the monsters our way."

She would turn to Kozue, "I told you that thing might be dangerous, and it clearly is if it's got you so riled up now that you don't have it."

She didn't understand how important it was to him, how could she? She was just a clone of a pony who'd never been all that bright to begin with. How could she possibly understand? No pony could, much less the malformed replacement of a pony.

(The hostile interna monologue might give him pause to reflect, that maybe he is being influenced. It wouldn't be unheard of for a kitsune trap to drive one to obsession in order to distract them from finding whatever they weren't supposed to find. Had he fallen into a trap?)

She turned to Speck as well, "You shouldn't steal, not from Kozue, not from anyone. If you're hungry or need something I can get it for you, if you just take things it could get you or I into trouble. What if that picture is cursed? You could end up spreading it around or carrying it with you like you did that rune for Basher."

Bah, she'd forgotten to feed Speck before, she'd surely do it again. Speck had to be smart, store food. Right? Given the limited mental capacity of the paper fox, the effects wore off much faster than for Kozue.

 

(Grey)

Flying up to the top they'd see the penthouse surrounded in a magical dome, which is how they had previously kept the pegasi from simply crashing the party before. Usually though, it wasn't so bright. It would seem that something had strengthened it, or the repeated bashing against it by many of the pegasi from the event was causing it to revel itself more plainly.

Through the barrier though, they could see several pegasi moving about suspiciously, touching things, moving things, it looked like they were trying to find the source of the shield to disable it. Clearly there were a number of agents on the inside. Maybe this wasn't so poorly planned an assault as they had thought?

Going for the windows below the dome revealed similar protection runes, the windows would not break from the outside, they would need someone on the inside to open them.

'Keep your focus on Red, at least until the shield fails. Agents inside are moving to secure the Host.'

Red wouldn't be hard to find, having apparently gotten used to her new wings she hovered above the top of the tower watching the others work on breaking the shield.

 

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Well, maybe if he were lucky, he'd run into The Host first, but either one of those had to be his target. Hopefully he'd find them soon...

With that in his head, he'd strike out, looking for The Host, or Ninja. The latter would probably take him more serious, but scared him more. Maybe that'd give him some credence though? Hard to say.

If he had been to the party before, he would know that it was about time for the dancefloor. Even if he hadn't, that seemed to be where the flow of ponies was headed. On the band stage a pegasus was setting up a DJ deck while another ran cables up to the speakers and lights above the floor. The Host was on the mic while the floor was crowded, but the time dilation enchantment wasn't running yet. So he could cross the floor without strangeness. There was no sign of Ninja though.

He could make it to the Host, but what would he say or do? Even from here the Host seemed a bit... intoxicated.

 

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

All changelings helping in this capacity in the air, would pop in every once in a while, only a few at a time, and none would be in disguise.

The undisguised changelings would find the situation in the air precarious, as a few pegasi broke off from attacking the dome to make strafing runs at them. They wouldn't pursue, but it seemed they had orders to attack anyone getting too close.