private The Æther Project

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

Light would examine the others that is worthy of becoming the next leader, but would probably be cautious on Blitz, since her helping involves explosives. But if the group is having a hard time clearing the debris and In a dire situation he would help out and teleport anyone stuck inside the debris out of there.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Starforce @Illiad Easle

"It does not feel good here."

Briar were scanning the area, as they entered. And boy it was a mess.

When he had been here some time ago, when Brittle and him were given the tour, it had been orderly, and peaceful. Right now, it were an utter mess. Loose chickens, collapsed buildings, and from the sound of things, caught by his sensitive ears, one of said buildings had collapsed on some dogs. Some on the cows too, but those were robust, and could deal a little longer. The dogs were not as robustly built. He needed to go and make himself useful.

Blitz would be there first though. She'd almost crash into the building too, but managed to just slide across the dirt for a meter, just missing said building, then jump back to confront whom she were sure, were the ones they were looking for.

"Plein! 'We've been looking for you. Are you okay? *gasp* Is your doggo trapped? We'll get it out. Just have to move some stones, then-"

"Excuse me? If you wish to help, please do something else. Stand aside, and let me do what I do best, please."

After Briar had approached, and heard what were said, he'd calmly, reach Brittle from his back, and unfurl his vine slowly. It gave her time to just cling to him instead. Which sadly also included her teeth, but he had been bit before. He'd be fine. It wasn't enough to go through his hide. It was more of a nibble, likely for comfort. Wasn't comfortable for him, but it were all about her, and it would allow him use both vines. It also made him immobile, as moving too quickly, would cause her to likely slide off. But it would make this simpler.

Extending his vines to the full, three meters, he'd slide them down, and begin to try and lift the roof up. If it wasn't unreasonably heavy, one would keep holding it up, while the other vine would begin to move stones. If it were rather heavy - and keep in mind, he were build to transport large tree trunks - he'd need to use his vines fully for keeping the roof up, and then his horn to slowly lift stones away, or wait for others to do it. Like Blitz. She'd happily do so.

Briar likely had to help the others after this, but one at a time. First the dogs, then after that, he could work on say, the cows.

UNless something happened, which would make him not do this in the first place, though what might that be? Why would the foals stop him, from helping the dogs?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

The receptionist was indeed impressed, "A historian would be rather useful down there..." She thought a moment, "But not useful if you get yourself hurt or killed. What experience do you have with detecting and disarming traps? Magical and otherwise?"

 

Regardless of her answer (Which I assume is at least tentatively positive) She would be given a card, "I think you're what we need, but General Quarters has the final say, and he'll want to evaluate your physical abilities. Head down to the hanger so he can decide." The card was proof that she had been cleared by the staff for activity in the first group.

Upon arriving at the hanger she'd be met by other ponies who had been selected, mostly warrior and military types, to demonstrate their physical abilities in the form of agility and reflexes. As they didn't know what might be down there, the ability to avoid and react to danger was paramount for the first group.

 

@Kujamih @Blitz Boom

The fillies would stand back as Briar worked, a bunch of smaller dogs running out from the collapsed structure as Briar lifted it, but it was rather heavy and tangled in other debris, and there were dogs underneath that were injured, so they could not get out under their own power. Plein and Pom got to work once the roof was lifted high enough to try and retrieve the injured dogs, Plein with her magic and Pom by running in and out, her small size allowing her easy access.

After a bit, the only dog still underneath was Bisquik, he being far larger than the other dogs would need the roof removed as he was too injured to move himself, and too heavy to be moved by the fillies. Pom was getting especially anxious.

(I think of the structure as a sort of long structure that's tipped, such that the roof is still in one piece and parallel to the ground. To lift the roof over the dogs would require lifting the entire structure's roof, which is why it's too heavy for Briar to do more than lift it by himself, if that makes sense. The dogs (And chickens on the other side of the structure) weren't crushed due to the triangle shape of the roof. Something like this on the inside, the structure falling towards the door shown.)

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral would answer with sufficient knowledge. It was not something that she did every day but she did have experience with it - so it wasn't an issue she would have that much of a problem with to say the least. Spiral did have a way with words, one could figure.

Spiral would thank the historian for the card and would proceed down into the hanger. Once there she takes note of the other ponies and creatures about the place. It was something she expected to see, but she'd keep to herself and didn't act suspicious in doing so. She was here to do a job - to succeed where others failed, to finally test and prove herself after all of these years. Most importantly she would do so with her own body. That would be a first in centuries. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

Light saw them struggling to rescue the last one so he was forced to help out.

He went near the rubble and used one of his cutie mark ability, to make anything very light, his original cutie mark.

As he touches the rubble a glowing light would spread across it, that almost all of the rubble is shinning. As he lift the biggest rubble, the rest would be easily lifted up by the up draft it cause. accidentally he would also make Bisquick very light that a simple breeze could lift him up like a bubble.

" Oops sorry.... But hey, we can easily grab him without injuring him any further..."

(Anything or anyone that was stuck on the rubble or part of the rubble is as light as a bubble.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

On 2022-04-19 at 10:57 PM, Illiad Easle said:

After a bit, the only dog still underneath was Bisquik, he being far larger than the other dogs would need the roof removed as he was too injured to move himself, and too heavy to be moved by the fillies. Pom was getting especially anxious.

It had been a long time, since Briar felt strained, when lifting something. Most things he had to work with, were large trees, or more loose rubble, that weren't large enough to be too heavy, even if it were made of more heavy materials, like dense rocks.

This roof however, were a different story. It were quite large, dense, and not exactly made of air. While he could hold it up on this end, and allow for the smaller ones to escape, he were not able to remove it by himself. Quite frankly, took all his strength to push it as far up as it were, which were still impressive, considering the sheer size of this thing, and how far up he held it.

And yet, he still tried to use what magic he had, to push things further, in assisting with clearing out some of the animals. Mostly by grabbing hold of minor debris falling, and ensuring it did not hit the foals, nor the animals. This - and making sure Brittle were safe on his back - would take his entire focus.

Blitz meanwhile, would use magic too, to help, whilst she looked everything over. At least the first little bit of time, before she'd run in and help physically. She had just observed first, to see if she could find a solution, but it wasn't that easy. Usually she'd just have this sort blown up, and she could see at least sixteen different ways she could do this, using only the things that were around them. Yet this building had animals, and currently other ponies in it. She couldn't use explosives, so she'd think of something else, whilst going in to try and help. Especially with the big doggo. It probably needed the most help. Maybe with her there too, they could get him loose, and then carry him?

On 2022-04-20 at 7:20 AM, Kujamih said:

As he touches the rubble a glowing light would spread across it, that almost all of the rubble is shinning. As he lift the biggest rubble, the rest would be easily lifted up by the up draft it cause. accidentally he would also make Bisquick very light that a simple breeze could lift him up like a bubble.

" Oops sorry.... But hey, we can easily grab him without injuring him any further..."

(Anything or anyone that was stuck on the rubble or part of the rubble is as light as a bubble.)

Blitz hadn't been touching the bubble, but Briar had, as he had been lifting the roof. He'd probably have blown off, had it not been because Brittle were on his back, and held him down. Might even make him collapse, if the lightness of him now, also affected his muscles and weight in some manner. In which case he'd collapse under her weight. If not, he might end up torpedoing the entire roof into the topmost parts of this place, seeing how he had been using his strength to keep the roof up. Without that there anymore, his display of strength might make things get a little... Herculean.

As for Blitz, she'd go right for the doggo, and start to use her horn to get hold of him, once she saw him bubble upwards.

"Don't worry doggo! I got you. You'll be okay."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Blitz hadn't been touching the bubble, but Briar had, as he had been lifting the roof. He'd probably have blown off, had it not been because Brittle were on his back, and held him down. Might even make him collapse, if the lightness of him now, also affected his muscles and weight in some manner. In which case he'd collapse under her weight. If not, he might end up torpedoing the entire roof into the topmost parts of this place, seeing how he had been using his strength to keep the roof up. Without that there anymore, his display of strength might make things get a little... Herculean.

As for Blitz, she'd go right for the doggo, and start to use her horn to get hold of him, once she saw him bubble upwards.

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

Briar wouldn't fling off or get blown off, because both the rubble and him has cancelled weight hence the rubble is still heavier than him, so he would instead lift himself rather than the rubble, and he is grabbing the rubble he won't be flunged away but would just easily make a front hoof stand.

he also wouldn't cause the rubble to shoot off or him be crushed by brittle, since brittle is attached to him so she too has reduced weight.

Also the weight reduction ability seems to not affect anything by the specific weight of the mass since the rubble didn't crumble when touched, hence Brittle's mass or muscle wasn't affected... Probably it has something to do more with gravity than one's mass or actual weight.

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

Something of an obstacle course had been set up in the hanger bay, designed to test ones reflexes and agility, which gave Spiral a slight advantage given the new body she had as the spawn of Tartarus that typically made if far enough to cause issues tended to be fairly strong in those categories, at least physically. As her body had been captured she wasn't exactly the peak of spawn performance, but she should still be at least above average when it came to physical feats. 

So long as Spiral actually tried, she'd pass their bar for admittance, getting called over to another corner of the hanger where they were looking to outfit those who had been selected. A diamond dog was serving as the quartermaster in this instance, taking measurements for armor and issuing weapons and equipment. He came over to Spiral as she approached, "Alright, any prior military experience? What sort of armor and weapons should we equip you with?"

 

@Kujamih @Blitz Boom

Pom was less than happy to see Bisquik start to float, especially since it was obvious now that he had broken a leg. Bisquik too was not used to being so light, having previously been very heavy such that he had not really been lifted before. Thrashing around trying to get a grip on the ground was not helping his injured state if the pained yips were anything to go by.

Blitz would find her efforts aided by Plein's own magic, the two of them easily able to pull Bisquik out of the rubble and pull him down with enough force to given him traction such that he stopped flailing about.

Pom would rush over to try and comfort the large dog, "Oh you poor thing! Good boy, keeping all the others safe, you're going to be alright, good boy."

Plein would turn her attention to Kujamih, "Could you, undo? Whatever it is you did?"

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral tried harder than most probably would. As she progressed through the obstacle course and testing she would be granted with the superior ability of her body. That was definitely a welcome change for sure. Not only did she have a new body - but her new body outperformed both Trixie and her own original body. How stunning. Upon passing the test, she would find herself quite pleased by that. 

Spiral would look to the diamond dog. "I was a guard once - not exactly military experience but I am familiar with combat. I would probably prefer something light, allowing me to keep my agility - yet something that also improves my magical focus and stamina, perhaps. Have something like that?" she asked calmly.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

3 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Plein would turn her attention to Kujamih, "Could you, undo? Whatever it is you did?"

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

"Sure as long as everyone is clear from the rubble I'll put it down." Light would wait a bit for them to get clear before placing back down the rubble.

But Light still didn't remove the weightlessness on the injured dog.

" Hmmm the dogs injury should be fine... His flailing didn't help but the weightlessness should've helped lessen the stress on the injury. Since there's not much added force given to it. So if you want me to remove the weightlessness, gravity would set in and I'm sure the weight would stress the injured part. Might cause internal bleeding and cause unconsciousness for the patient due to extreme sudden surge of pain..... You sure you want me to return his weight?

( Imagine you have a broken bone and you removed the bandage that's hanging from your shoulder that's carrying the cast and weight of your arm.... Yup that's painful alright.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

Yey! They saved the doggy! Though the poor thing were not having a good day, looking at his leg. She might not be a doctor, but it wasn't hard to see that this were not looking okay.

"Awh, poor doggo. We have to get him to a vet! No worries Plein, I promise I'll help carrying him to one. It'll be way easier with two, yeah?"

It were pretty easy since he were so light, but still, it would be better to have two carrying him. Less magical strain, and gave some backup, in case one lost focus, or something else happened, with the thing below them.

As the mention came up, of the weight being returned once more, Briar would begin to speak, yet his grip on the roof wouldn't change. he were concerned what might happen, if he tried to let go of it right now.

"I can keep my grip upon the roof, so it shall be held up, when the weight returns. As for the dog, might I suggest too, that we keep him weightless, and restrained with magic? It would indeed put less pressure on his leg, and then the weight can return, once the vet have a proper grip in his leg, to minimize the potential damages?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

The dog thought for a moment before nodding, "Let's see, are you experienced with enchantable throwing knives?" He opened one of the crates and pulled out a belt of six small knives with gems set in the base of the blade, "Any spell you cast into the gem will activate when the knife hits something, useful to have some spells stored up ready to go, rather than needing to focus and cast in the middle of battle. But if you'd rather let your spells serve as your weapons, we can focus on armor. Everyone is getting light armor for this mission, with an emphasis on warmth given how bitterly cold it is down there. That makes the armor a bit bulky, which is why we want only the nimblest down there, but given your performance you should be fine."

The armor she as presented with was a dual layer set, a warming underlayer with a protective outer layer such that they could be worn independently if need be. It had several straps to adjust for a perfect fit. "You probably want to rest up, someone will come get you in an hour or so once we have enough ready to send the first group down."

 

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Pom was not happy about the others talking around her about her dog's wellbeing, but tempered enough to focus on what was important. "Put. Him. Down." She didn't turn towards Bright, keeping her focus on Bisquik, who was adequately keeping weight off of his injured leg well enough on his own. "The vet is over there," she gestured towards the ponies rescuing and caring for the injured cows, "And it could be a while before they got over here, the dogs don't contribute like the cows do, so they won't get helped until then. And I won't ask you to stay here until that happens. I can patch him up well enough myself, I've done it before."

 

She'd wait until Bisquik was set down, then she'd maneuver him into a safe, comfortable position, lying on his side such that the injured leg sat flat on the ground, no weight resting on it, no gravity pulling on it, "Stay. Good boy, don't move."

She'd then gather long sticks and rope from the rubble to splint Bisquik's leg. The dog remarkably did nothing more than whine during the process.

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral takes the throwing knives into her possession, finding them to be relatively interesting. "I understand that context completely. I have used similar knives such as these before so using them won't be a problem for me. Thank you, and may we all have luck on this mission. Get me when we are ready." Spiral said, taking the armor in hold of her magic. She wasn't going to wear the armor right away since she'd get hot in it. But for now she'd walk off unless she was needed further, and would proceed to walk about the project to see if there was anything else interesting going on she could take advantage of.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

32 minutes ago, Illiad Easle said:

@Starforce

The dog thought for a moment before nodding, "Let's see, are you experienced with enchantable throwing knives?" He opened one of the crates and pulled out a belt of six small knives with gems set in the base of the blade, "Any spell you cast into the gem will activate when the knife hits something, useful to have some spells stored up ready to go, rather than needing to focus and cast in the middle of battle. But if you'd rather let your spells serve as your weapons, we can focus on armor. Everyone is getting light armor for this mission, with an emphasis on warmth given how bitterly cold it is down there. That makes the armor a bit bulky, which is why we want only the nimblest down there, but given your performance you should be fine."

The armor she as presented with was a dual layer set, a warming underlayer with a protective outer layer such that they could be worn independently if need be. It had several straps to adjust for a perfect fit. "You probably want to rest up, someone will come get you in an hour or so once we have enough ready to send the first group down."

 

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Pom was not happy about the others talking around her about her dog's wellbeing, but tempered enough to focus on what was important. "Put. Him. Down." She didn't turn towards Bright, keeping her focus on Bisquik, who was adequately keeping weight off of his injured leg well enough on his own. "The vet is over there," she gestured towards the ponies rescuing and caring for the injured cows, "And it could be a while before they got over here, the dogs don't contribute like the cows do, so they won't get helped until then. And I won't ask you to stay here until that happens. I can patch him up well enough myself, I've done it before."

 

She'd wait until Bisquik was set down, then she'd maneuver him into a safe, comfortable position, lying on his side such that the injured leg sat flat on the ground, no weight resting on it, no gravity pulling on it, "Stay. Good boy, don't move."

She'd then gather long sticks and rope from the rubble to splint Bisquik's leg. The dog remarkably did nothing more than whine during the process.

(Btw no matter what position you put yourself in or sticks and bandage, gravity will always affect you.)

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

"Well you know what's best I guess"

It seems there's no internal or external injury on the dog. It seems that it was just in a panicked state.

" So now that that's handled.... What next?"

Edited April 27, 2022 by Kujamih

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

"...... Tsk" 

Then Light couldn't help himself but check the dog as well..

  He'd scan the dog properly. Checking if there's need fixing. 

If there is he'd take it and place the injury to himself. And probably cough blood.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

On 2022-04-27 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Pom was not happy about the others talking around her about her dog's wellbeing, but tempered enough to focus on what was important. "Put. Him. Down." She didn't turn towards Bright, keeping her focus on Bisquik, who was adequately keeping weight off of his injured leg well enough on his own. "The vet is over there," she gestured towards the ponies rescuing and caring for the injured cows, "And it could be a while before they got over here, the dogs don't contribute like the cows do, so they won't get helped until then. And I won't ask you to stay here until that happens. I can patch him up well enough myself, I've done it before."

"Of course. Just say where. Your doggo, your decision. I just wanted to help."

Blitz's smile did not wane, as she slowly and calmly, set down the dog where Pom wanted him to be set. Maybe she had been a little too pushy, but oh well, water under the bridge, yeah? And sure, she could tell Pom wasn't happy, but that was fine. Her doggo was hurt, and she were worried for him. It made total sense, so why be mad about that, yeah?

And the vet was right over there. They'd get to Biscuit soon enough, and make sure the doggo were feeling good, though for the time being, it seemed like he'd get a little help with a splint, so that was a good start. Had to make sure he didn't move the leg too much.

On 2022-04-27 at 11:16 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd wait until Bisquik was set down, then she'd maneuver him into a safe, comfortable position, lying on his side such that the injured leg sat flat on the ground, no weight resting on it, no gravity pulling on it, "Stay. Good boy, don't move."

She'd then gather long sticks and rope from the rubble to splint Bisquik's leg. The dog remarkably did nothing more than whine during the process.

"Hopefully the vet will soon be done with the livestock, and can look into at him."

She were tempted to pet the doggo, but he wasn't feeling good right now, and Pom probably wouldn't like it either. Another time though? She might well try then. After he were feeling better, and Pom looked even half as sunshine and rainbows as Blitz herself did. Seriously, her boundless optimism, could feed a minor flock of changelings. A few really sensitive ones, had even made comment about how it were a little overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Briar would clear his throat, trying to get the assembled to listen to him.

"While it is good that the dog are feeling better, might I please inquire if there are more trapped within the building, pet, pony, or otherwise? I would like to be aware before I lower the roof, and while I am feeling it out, my senses are not perfect, in such a state as this building is in. I could well be missing some small portion, and I would prefer to not cause any to be distraught, by learning that a being they were familiar with, could have potentially gotten themselves hurt.

If it is clear, I would like to lower the roof, and see if the others are mayhap in need of me to clear debris here elsewhere. Furthermore, might I please remind the assembled that we did originally come here, to assess the health and safety of Plein, via the instructions of Silver? Would whomever that is, kindly speak up, that I may identify them, among the various new faces present? Just so I am aware whom she is, and furthermore, to hear if she is okay."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

The only thing of note were all the others who were volunteering to go down to investigate. It seemed there was no lack of brave creatures aboard the Project looking to do their part, even if they may not be physically capable of helping on this particular mission. Other than the fact that she was going down herself, there wouldn't be much she could turn to her advantage until she got back.

It would be about two hours before one of the official guards came looking for her to bring her to the hanger. Nine creatures had been selected to go on this first mission, divided into groups of three. one of the groups was the flight crew, in charge of getting them down there safely and staying with the vehicle to be ready to take them back up at a moment's notice if things went wrong. The other two groups were composed of two fighter types and one academic type each, as well as each group having at least one flight capable member and one magic capable member. Spiral was grouped with a gryphon hen named Zhanna and a pegasus stallion named Sure Strike. 

They were briefed on their mission: Find a way inside the structure, ensure that it was safe for future groups to enter, and if it were possible, disable the magic that was holding the Project.

That said, they boarded the small craft with enough supplies to stay down there for a week, and were off.

It was bitter cold as soon as they left the Project, and their precautions were justified, as no sooner had they gotten a few dozen lengths away from the Project then they were under fire, magical bolts coming from several points on the frozen structures below trying to bring them down. It made for a bumpy ride, but the flight crew proved why they had been selected as they got to the ground in one piece, the unicorn managing return fire on a few of the points before they landed. Luckily, once they got low enough the magical defences stopped attacking, allowing them to land safely.

"Alright, We're going to need to disable those defences before we'll be able to get back to the project. You three," the unicorn gestured to the other group, "Take them out. They didn't seem like they were unicorns casting them, so likely runes or charms. Draining them or damaging them should be sufficient. You three," she turned to Spiral's group, "Get to the castle, watch out for any other defenses."

 

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

On 2022-04-27 at 3:48 PM, Kujamih said:

(Btw no matter what position you put yourself in or sticks and bandage, gravity will always affect you.)

(Yes, but not always adversely. In the case of a broken bone Gravity has an adverse effect if the broken ends are pulled apart (When the limb dangles or is moved) or forced together (where weight is applied) Laying the limb horizontally on the ground mitigates these adverse effects.)

On 2022-04-27 at 3:55 PM, Kujamih said:

He'd scan the dog properly. Checking if there's need fixing. 

Bisquik's right forelimb was broken, it was a clean break with no fragments or broken skin, but the leg was still bruised. If set, it would heal easily with time or magic.

On 2022-04-27 at 3:55 PM, Kujamih said:

If there is he'd take it and place the injury to himself. And probably cough blood.

(Far be it from me to keep you from injuring yourself)

None of the others would notice what Bright did, they couldn't see the bruise disappear from under Bisquik's fur, and Bisquik himself wasn't about to try and see if his leg wasn't injured any time soon. Especially since Pom had told him to stay still.

 

On 2022-04-29 at 3:07 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Of course. Just say where. Your doggo, your decision. I just wanted to help."

Pom calmed down once Bisquik was tended to, leaning against his soft underbelly to keep him company as they waited for the vet to get to them. "It's alright, I'm sorry for shouting at you." Now that there wasn't a crisis, her personality shifted back to a shyness reminiscent of Fluttershy.

 

In regards to Briar's questions, Plein spoke up for both. For the first, "You're good, there's nothing else alive under there." For the second, she rolled her eyes before responding, "You can tell my mother that I'm fine. And that she would have known that herself had she bothered to show up for Pom and I's presentation in school today, like she said she would." She snorted at that. "I'll be here, keeping Pom and Bisquik company, until the vet gets here, if she wants to see for herself."

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral would observe all of the others around her before they went down to the surface. All the brave types she could see - Spiral never saw herself as brave, really. She didn't even think about it until now, honestly. Spiral felt she was a rather dispassionate yet wily mare - others would beg to differ, and until recently she had made many mistakes with herself. Honestly looking back on things, her nature only lead to her demise after all. It was that thought that made her think she made the mistake of making her thoughts known to others. But she couldn't help it at times - only recently being brought back to life got to her head sometimes.

She'd remain remarkably observant and attentive to her surroundings. Zhanna and Sure Strike would hopefully be interesting companions. She would enjoy seeing their minds at work down on the surface. When they were on their way down she was surprised they were being fired at. It seems that someone had been there before they were and were here for nefarious reasons. Spiral wanted to find out who they were, and to question them. It honestly made her a bit giddy, imagining her being able to interrogate someone and have the power over someone else.

To the unicorn she'd nod. "Right. We must disable them and discover any information on them, if we can." she spoke, before leading her group towards the castle. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

On 2022-05-01 at 4:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pom calmed down once Bisquik was tended to, leaning against his soft underbelly to keep him company as they waited for the vet to get to them. "It's alright, I'm sorry for shouting at you." Now that there wasn't a crisis, her personality shifted back to a shyness reminiscent of Fluttershy.

"It's okay, hehe. You were worried about your doggo, you got a little heated. Just means you really care about him."

Were there a positive way to spin things, Blitz would find it. A boundless font of optimism that one, but in these days, one had to try and look at the bright side. Enough bad ones to make you crazy otherwise.

On 2022-05-01 at 4:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

In regards to Briar's questions, Plein spoke up for both. For the first, "You're good, there's nothing else alive under there." For the second, she rolled her eyes before responding, "You can tell my mother that I'm fine. And that she would have known that herself had she bothered to show up for Pom and I's presentation in school today, like she said she would." She snorted at that. "I'll be here, keeping Pom and Bisquik company, until the vet gets here, if she wants to see for herself."

Before answering, Briar would carefully let the roof down again then, and when done, would retract his vines. 

"I am sorry to hear, that it sounds as if there are issues between your mother and you, as well as her not being where she had told she would be. That being said, she did ask to have your safety ensured, so if you wish to remain here with them, I would remain too, just in case. I assure you, I am not a danger to you, your friend, nor the animals. I merely wish to help, and fulfill the promise I made, of helping to keep you safe."

Frankly, he understood Plein to some extend, but at the same time, Silver seemingly fulfilled an important role here, and he could imagine that she were busy many times, because of it. Surely there'd be a reason for her absence. Something good, he'd hope, and that the two of them would move past that. As one who had never had parents, he envied those who had that love and care for them, that family could have, and frankly did not wish for anyone, to not have that close bond with family, that one could have, merely due to things such as this.

Though at the same time, Silver should try and at the very least, bring words as to her absence. It seemed the least one could expect from another.

"Silver was supposed to be there? Ooooh... That's not good, but she had a good reason! I work in the same lab she does, and she had to do something life saving. But she still should've sent someone to say she couldn't come. No fun just standing and waiting for someone."

She sadly couldn't say more than this. Top secret stuff after all, very hush. But saying she had to do something life saving, wasn't too far, right? She wouldn't think so, but details, Silver would have to say herself. And she probably should tell Plein about that. She'd probably understand then.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom 

Light was relieved that he could help the dog in a way. He would transfer the injury inside of him and spreading it across his body so the damage would be less, he turned the quality of the damage into quantity of damage instead, causing an internal injury so no one could notice. Hence he would cringe a bit and stay silent, so the blood won't come out of his mouth.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

As they moved it became clear that they weren't standing on the ground, but rather several meters of ice on top of where the ground used to be, there were a few spots where the snow could easily be cleared to let them see down, there were a few silhouettes deep in the ice. Around them were the snow covered tops of the tallest buildings. Sure Strike shuddered as he looked down into the ice, "You think those silhouettes are ponies down there? What a way to go."

They were able to get a closer look at what had been shooting at them as they made their way cautiously towards the large building adjacent to the statue holding the Project in place. They weren't manned by any creatures that they could see, but rather some sort of advanced spellwork, enchantments, and runes to serve as an automated magical defense system. They'd also be able to find some magical conduits leading down into the ice from the turrets, indicating that they had been constructed prior to the ice, and were powered from elsewhere. The conduits themselves would prove easy enough to sever if they tried, which would effectively disable the turret without destroying the magical construction.

Zhanna seemed especially interested in these turrets, "If these could be reverse-engineered, or brought aboard the Project, they'd be a very effective defensive measure. We should leave a few intact for study if we can."

Nonetheless, Spiral's companions continued forward, their job was inside the structure. The ice and snow seemed to be growing thicker as they approached, making it harder and increasingly infrequent for them to see the ground through the ice. When they finally made it to the structure they found the entrance frozen under several meters of ice, the wind biting at any exposed part of them. Her companions would turn to her, "You think you can melt us a way inside? Or should we try and pick our way in?"

"Maybe the ice is enchanted some way? There could also be magical defenses inside the structure, we should probably scan for them before we try and get inside."

The snow blowing about made it difficult to see back to the lights of the craft that had brought them down from the Project.

 

@Kujamih @Blitz Boom

Plein snorted dismissively at Briar and Blitz's attempts to justify her mother's absence, waving them off. "I'm fine, I can take care of myself, go ahead and tell her so she can go back to not worrying about me." She paused, sighing, "If you see Play Wright, I'd appreciate if you let him know I'm alright as well. Given all that's happened, he's probably going to be trying to calm down everyone, giving a speech or something on the upper decks."

With that, she turned her attention to keeping Pom company, who in turn was focused on keeping Bisquik calm. A number of the other dogs came over to show their own support, laying against the uninjured parts of the much larger dog as Pom kept them away from the injured area. The four of them were free to stick around or move along.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

Light would stay quiet and wait for the group on their next move and would casually nod and stay cool and what not.

As the group continues to interact with each other, he would scan the surrounding area for anything dangerous and suspicious.

Edited May 9, 2022 by Kujamih

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral looks down through the ice - finding it to be a rather surreal experience to see the ground through the ice like that. It was not really something she had seen before, honestly. As they proceeded about, her mind continued to be captivated by the formations in the ice around them. Within the ice she could see what Sure Strike was mentioning. It was very eerie to think about - but it had an odd sense of peace to it. Spiral isn't sure why she felt that it did.

As they saw the advanced spellwork of the building next to the statue Spiral would ponder more about this. This was all very surreal for it to all just be sitting around here in these infernal icy wastes. If there was nobody else here, and if it was truly automated like she thought it was - then perhaps it is truly some kind of ancient defense system from a long bygone era. Would that be the case? Spiral believed it was, but beyond that, she really didn't know. She had no way to prove her current thoughts.

When they arrived at the frozen entrance, Spiral looked down through the ice. "Hmm, well whatever this is - it's been here for centuries, perhaps a millennia. I can try something, I am not sure how good it will work. Might wanna stand back a bit." she directed with her hooves, and with her magic - her horn would glow black, and a drill like shadow shape would form in the air over the entrance and then solidify. She'd lower the shape, and proceed in cutting away at the ice. As this happens, she uses her magic to widen the shape and speed up the cutting through the ice. What happens next would probably depend on any other variables they couldn't see.  

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

On 2022-05-06 at 11:48 PM, Kujamih said:

Light was relieved that he could help the dog in a way. He would transfer the injury inside of him and spreading it across his body so the damage would be less, he turned the quality of the damage into quantity of damage instead, causing an internal injury so no one could notice. Hence he would cringe a bit and stay silent, so the blood won't come out of his mouth.

The blood might not escape his mouth, but it wouldn't go unnoticed, as Briar's nostrils flared slightly, and he started to sniff the air, confused and concerned, which eventually lead him towards one of the ones he had arrived with. How odd. He hadn't senses anything fallen upon him, and yet...

"Light? Might I please inquire, if you have perchance gotten injured? I smell blood from you. Around your mouth, if I am not mistaken. Mayhap you have merely bit yourself? Forgive me if I am appearing pushy. I merely worry of your health, and wellbeing."

Snapjaw variants of the evergrown, like Briar, were the only meat eaters of their kind. They needed protein, and had increased predatory senses to fit with that. As none of their mutated variant had eyes, other senses were higher as a result in general, but some things would stand out above others. Among them, being the smell of blood. And right now, he could smell that from Light, and it wasn't from the dogs. Dog blood had a distinct smell, which he assumed translated into the taste as well. He wouldn't know, since he refused to eat dog. One of the creatures in his moral no go zone.

On 2022-05-07 at 11:14 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Plein snorted dismissively at Briar and Blitz's attempts to justify her mother's absence, waving them off. "I'm fine, I can take care of myself, go ahead and tell her so she can go back to not worrying about me." She paused, sighing, "If you see Play Wright, I'd appreciate if you let him know I'm alright as well. Given all that's happened, he's probably going to be trying to calm down everyone, giving a speech or something on the upper decks."

"Awh, I'm sure she cares about you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have said we should come look for you, right? But there's lots of ponies here, and the animals, so it looks safe. I bet you'll be fine here, while I go look for your friend. Anyone else wanna come too?"

She'd look at Light and Briar specifically. Brittle would distract her though, as the changeling would morph around, and get slightly closer to hos she normally looked. But still with cumbersomely large wings, and a seeming lack of wanting to do anything else, then cling to Briar, and keep her eyes closed. Had she any of her fireworks on her, Blitz would definitely have fired something off now, to try and cheer the changeling up. Tended to work for most creatures.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

Light would play it cool and lean on one of the big rubbles. He'd pose there in a cool fashionable way and reply.

" Me injured? Never." Light said while blood gushes out of his mouth.

" Crap I placed the injury at the wrong spot again... Cough." 

Light didn't expect that a lot of blood would come out of his mouth.

He would nonchalantly wipe his bloody mouth and continue to play it cool.

".... This is nothing..." 

He'd distort the light on the blood so no one can see it... But the smell of blood was apparent, even to the non sensitive noses.