private The Æther Project

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @-Solstice-

"Yeah, I'd suggest everyone prepare for the worst. Cause nothing of what just happened, bodes well."

She might not be worldly travelled. Yet even she, could tell that everything they just witnessed, were a bad omen.

A door with three keys, that combined to a larger key, in a mechanism that should make all the alarm bells, go off in everyone's head. This sorta thing came right out of a fairy tale. And not one of the funny, delightful ones, with nice things happening. No, this were old school, den of monsters kind of story material.

The door would stand in front of them now. Unlocked, and ominous, as the varied ones would begin to prepare for whatever were inside. Her bet? Giant, magic eating monster, that had been trapped long ago, and now had a bunch of idiots release it. Something it'd celebrate, by sucking the marrow from their bones.

On 2022-07-26 at 12:10 PM, Kujamih said:

" You alright?"

He said as he distracts last stand, so she wouldn't notice that Light is absorbing her injuries. 

" If so let's do this!" He said while a bit of blood drips at the side of his mouth. 

Must be the adrenaline already working, that made her not notice things. She could swear her itching stomach wound, weren't so bad anymore.

And it wasn't a bad one in the first place, really. She'd taken a sword, tentacle... Something sharp, to the side, and needed about twenty stitches. It were itching, and she had lost some blood, and gotten bruised, but this were nothing. When she first came to Ponyville, she had been clutching a proper gut wound, and gotten to the hospital by more or less sheer will. After the first time that opened up, the staff told her that if they saw her strain herself enough, to undo that again, they'd cover her from head to toe in a cast, and chain her to a bed for two months. This here were just a little scratch, in her opinion. An itchy one, but a scratch more or less. The doctors were not all agreeing with that, but what did they know? To her, long as nothing were trying to spill out, or she needed something amputated, it wasn't serious.

"Stay close in there. It feels like there's something. And I doubt it's a party."

She narrowed her eyes, and clenched the hilt of her newly enchanted blade, between her teeth. Things were about to happen now, and soon as everyone were ready, she'd slowly lead the charge inside. Best to approach this with caution, rather than jump in head first. That being said, she hoped someone had a darn light, or this would get even more problematic.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

narrowed her eyes, and clenched the hilt of her newly enchanted blade, between her teeth. Things were about to happen now, and soon as everyone were ready, she'd slowly lead the charge inside. Best to approach this with caution, rather than jump in head first. That being said, she hoped someone had a darn light, or this would get even more problematic.

Usually Light would've put on a light, but seeing this is a boss level area, usually the darkness is to set the atmosphere and some weird light source would show a grandeur of there room.

" Usually rooms this big and this dark would light on its own for presentation.... But this one's taking too long...." Light said in jest. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

THIS IS WHERE THE RETCON STARTS

ORIGINAL:

@-Solstice- @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

"Or has it not taken long enough?"

The jester appeared again, the projection taking advantage of the darkness to appear almost three dimensional, or was he actually there? He clapped his hooves together silently and the door closed behind them. The jester disappearing with the last of the light.

"You've wandered so far and then farther, deep into the dark, darker. yet darker."

It was silent for a bit, then the jester appeared again, with a smiling mask, "I am the freed one"

Two more jesters appeared, both with sad masks, "But I'm the only"

Three more, these with scared masks, "My little freedom grows so lonely."

Four more, the ten of them forming a circle around them, "How I wonder what for you're searching."

Then darkness, the voice was distinctly in the room with them, it sounded old, tired, and feminine, "Come and see what keeps my world turning."

A single torch lit up at the back of the room, casting shadows throughout. The room they were in was large, tall columns extending into the darkness lines the walls, towards the North end was a large dias, atop which sat a large cage. The cages occupant was silhouetted by the torch behind it, it didn't quite seem equine by it's posture.

It's tail, no, tails, started to move, flowing back and forth almost hypnotically as fantastic shadows danced across the floor, some took the form of weapons, and they would feel themselves struck by them if their shadows crossed, though the blow would feel more like a physical blow regardless of the weapon depicted. They would also find that their weapon's shadows could block the shadow weapons, though they would feel resistance as if actually attacked.

Ficus hid behind one of the pillars of the room to avoid attacks, cowering out of sight to the best of her abilities.

"Can you see yet that you are trapped in a jail? You might get help from this Jevil's tail."

A brief flash of light filled the room, revealing for a moment that the creature in the cage was unmistakably a kitsune, one with 10 tails.

(This next segment will potentially get weird, I will potentially overwrite actions you make even if you were capable of them earlier. There's a good reason for it, and those who know Kitsune will understand. Yes, I'm asserting that Kitsune magic even supersedes the magic of the throne, it is far deeper and more ancient.)

(Good luck)

RETCONNED:

"Or has it not taken long enough?"

The jester appeared again, the projection taking advantage of the darkness to appear almost three dimensional, or was he actually there? He clapped his hooves together silently and the door closed behind them. The jester disappearing with the last of the light.

"You've wandered so far and then farther, deep into the dark, darker. yet darker."

It was silent for a bit, then the jester appeared again, with a smiling mask, "I am the freed one"

Two more jesters appeared, both with sad masks, "But I'm the only"

Three more, these with scared masks, "My little freedom grows so lonely."

Four more, the ten of them forming a circle around them, "How I wonder what for you're searching."

Then darkness, the voice was distinctly in the room with them, it sounded old, tired, and feminine, "Come and see what keeps my world turning."

A single torch lit up at the back of the room, casting shadows throughout. The room they were in was large, tall columns extending into the darkness lines the walls, towards the North end was a large dias, atop which sat a large cage. The cages occupant was silhouetted by the torch behind it, it didn't quite seem equine by it's posture.

It's tail, no, tails, started to move, flowing back and forth almost hypnotically as fantastic shadows danced across the floor, some took the form of weapons, and they would feel themselves struck by them if their shadows crossed, though the blow would feel more like a soft strike by a training staff regardless of the weapon depicted. They would also find that their weapon's shadows could block the shadow weapons, though they would feel resistance as if actually struck. It were as though they were being tested, trained, not attacked.

Ficus hid behind one of the pillars of the room to avoid attacks, cowering out of sight to the best of her abilities.

"Can you see yet that you are trapped in a jail? You might get help from this Jevil's tail."

A brief flash of light filled the room, revealing for a moment that the creature in the cage was unmistakably a kitsune, one with 10 tails.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Illiad Easle

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @Kujamih

(Will keep that in mind. This shall definitely be an interesting scene.)

Spiral would look toward's the jesters and the Kitsune in the area. She'd quickly move away from the others and attempted to dodge the shadow weapons that the creature was employing here. One of the last things she wanted was to allow her shadow magic to somehow be overtaken by another's shadow magic. Her eyes narrowed, "I care not for what you are - but in the name of the Equine race, I ask upon you to cease your attacks and come to a diplomatic agreement. If you shall not abide by that, then I shall so gladly die, to oppose the likes of you." her eyes are narrowed as she was charging up a spell.

"The world will know of your transgressions against us, one way or another. Either through bone or revelations of truth. Either way, history shall judge you with impotence." she snorted, and her horn glowed with Arcana magic. It was another field that she was skilled in, for she was around in centuries past, where many studied it. Many circular arcs would form around her, as she'd move about the room in rhythmic movements, dancing between the arcs, and as she did so, large bright formations of various blues would form across her hooves, forming into sawblade like shapes, which she'd dish out in the direction of their attacker. As they spun through the air, they would form sharper blades. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @-Solstice- @Blitz Boom

Light would be a bit cautious, as the creature of mischief is not to be... Underestimated.

" Creature of mischief... Once your trickery is shined upon the light, you are no more than a trickster and not a powerful creature of the dark..."

Light would then Shine brightly.

" Hmmm a ten tailed one.... Either you are a fake... Or above a nine tailed kitsune... Not hard to slay or control... None the less still a pain in the rear to deal with... "

Light would play defensively and watch the kitsune's preferred trickery.

He would then place four changeling shards around him. And some grows out of his body to form into an armor and blade for his hoof.

" Let's play little fox... If you like to play with shadows... Then maybe?"

Light would charge a ball of light from his claws

" VANISH INTO THE LIGHT!"

He would then blast a beem of light into the kitsune. 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @-Solstice-

Last were silent, as the jester masks rotated around them, but she watched them. That she did as a certainty. Waiting for the right opening, where one would reveal to be the true one, and then strike at it. Though it seemed, it would never come to that. The jester were either still elusive, or just a magical projection, for the creature truly in here. And just as she had predicted, this place had been set up, to keep something locked in. And they were the dingbats that had just opened the door. Bloody lovely. Today sucked already.

Though it wasn't what she had expected. Well, kind of. Kitsune were a word she had slung about earlier, but even then, she had expected a normal one. Y'know, single tailed species, living somewhere in Neighpon, playing tricks by using their immense mastery over illusory magic. The sort she had been actually told about, who sounded more like tricksters having fun, until something actually endangered their territory. At which point, they'd go into a more full range, of all the various magic they co8uld employ. Those were the tales she had been told, and she were inclined to believing them, as that sounded reasonable enough. Might even be that some were on The Æther. What did she know? She hadn't gone looking.

It sure felt like a leap from this one. This one seemed more ominous, and the myriad of tales, did not make her think it were any less of a problem. Frankly, it reminded her first and foremost, of the old stories about what happened, when a cat turned a hundred years. And judging by what came next, this one sure didn't seem friendly either.

On 2022-07-30 at 8:08 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It's tail, no, tails, started to move, flowing back and forth almost hypnotically as fantastic shadows danced across the floor, some took the form of weapons, and they would feel themselves struck by them if their shadows crossed, though the blow would feel more like a physical blow regardless of the weapon depicted. They would also find that their weapon's shadows could block the shadow weapons, though they would feel resistance as if actually attacked.

Ficus hid behind one of the pillars of the room to avoid attacks, cowering out of sight to the best of her abilities.

"Can you see yet that you are trapped in a jail? You might get help from this Jevil's tail."

A brief flash of light filled the room, revealing for a moment that the creature in the cage was unmistakably a kitsune, one with 10 tails.

Sword drawn, she had felt he pressure of an unseen weapon, clanging against it, She hadn't understood how, or why, until she looked around, and saw her shadow's leg then getting grazed. At which point, she'd feel a wound opening, and blood trickling slowly down. She might no be the smartest, but she grasped to some extend, what were happening there. Though she didn't think it the shadows attacking per se, as much as it being invisible weapons, and she could only see the shadow of them. Either way, the effect were the same, in that she had to keep an eye on her shadow, and try and parry what looked like thin air, but were apparently, weapon ridden landscape.

She'd think about how to go beyond just parrying, when the others began doing their own thing here.

On 2022-07-30 at 7:39 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"The world will know of your transgressions against us, one way or another. Either through bone or revelations of truth. Either way, history shall judge you with impotence." she snorted, and her horn glowed with Arcana magic. It was another field that she was skilled in, for she was around in centuries past, where many studied it. Many circular arcs would form around her, as she'd move about the room in rhythmic movements, dancing between the arcs, and as she did so, large bright formations of various blues would form across her hooves, forming into sawblade like shapes, which she'd dish out in the direction of their attacker. As they spun through the air, they would form sharper blades. 

This seemed... Odd, but sure, magical blades. Couldn't hurt trying that. Not that she were thinking this didn't work. This seemed a magical duel currently, in which she were little more than a side attraction. It were more that she hadn't seen magic like this before. Looked a bit like regular stuff, but more raw, she supposed? It really weren't her place to grasp it. She were an earth pony combatant after all, not a unicorn, or a scholar. Though she did wonder if the light coming from this, would start to show something. Maybe reveal the weapons a bit more. Or if they were actually shadows, give them more angles to work from.

On 2022-07-31 at 3:05 PM, Kujamih said:

" Let's play little fox... If you like to play with shadows... Then maybe?"

Light would charge a ball of light from his claws

" VANISH INTO THE LIGHT!"

He would then blast a beem of light into the kitsune. 

And this seemed a very... Light thing to do, to be fair. Reckless and over the top, yet probably effective in some fashion. Quite honestly, she felt certain that her old squad commander would've both hated and loved him equally. Loved him for the potential, and destructive prowess, and hated him for the completely lack of sensibility, and probable tendency for insubordination. But she'd probably have liked him more, than she'd have a distaste for him. She did tend to enjoy projects like this.

Last heard that the mare had made a grand stand in Canterlot, and lasted a fair bit, commanding whomever she could, in battle. But it had been a losing fight, and in the end, she had been claimed too.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-30 at 11:39 AM, Spiral Spell said:

"I care not for what you are - but in the name of the Equine race, I ask upon you to cease your attacks and come to a diplomatic agreement. If you shall not abide by that, then I shall so gladly die, to oppose the likes of you."

"No no," she chuckled, "I'm not falling for that again unicorn. That's what got all of you in this mess, remember?"

Spiral's vision was filled with foreign memories, the ancient unicorns that built this place luring a much younger kitsune into the palace with many flowery promises, only to lock her away, taunting her for sport, making her perform for their amusement, and experimenting on her. 

 

@-Solstice- @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

On 2022-07-31 at 7:05 AM, Kujamih said:

" VANISH INTO THE LIGHT!"

"Ah, but the best deceptions are done in plain sight."

The light seemed to be absorbed by the kitsune's form, then suddenly reflected in all directions and with much greater intensity, as if the kitsune were the sun itself, the room engulfed in blinding light.

Everyone is now blinded by the light.

"There, all this light, and yet you still cannot see. Light is nothing but blinding."

 

The kitsune laughed at their antics, with the light the invisible attacks stopped, though they could now not see where each other were, nor where they were in relation to the room. "I never had such fun, fun, before! Perhaps another request my playthings? Or are you satisfied with this prison of your own making?"

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral grits her teeth as the Kitsune blinds them all from seeing each other. She huffs as she considers what came into her mind. She wasn't sure if she believed it entirely. "If you wanted to kill us you would have done so already. You clearly want something from us. Something we can give you. Why else would you have lead us here?" she asked, and sat down on the floor, knowing that the Kitsune already had the chance to kill them, so why would she now? 

Edited August 1, 2022 by -Solstice-

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @-Solstice-

As the Kitsune mocks from blinding them, little did she know that it was just a trick to distract it from what's within it.

A piece of black Shard.  It did not drain the kitsune's magic, but was lodged within her.

(If she so attempts to remove it, it will activate and drain some magic.)

Now as the scattered beem of light tries to Blind everyone, it would stop and transform into copies of Light itself.

Last Stand could easily block the Light with her sword since the light is still magic based.

And Spiral won't be blinded but instead be guarded by Light's clone.

" Spiral, I'll guard you while you blast em with your strongest magic."

Another clone would guard ficus and another would be by Last stand acting as support. 

" I said let's play right? Light versus dark. why are you using my light magic now? If so then I'm gonna use the darker side of the light... The shadow that's casted upon the Bright Light. "

A dark blade would appear from the hoof. A blade made out of Changeling Crystals...

Light's clones would dash at the kitsune from all sides to distract it so his teammates can have an opening.

" LETS GO!!" 

Edited August 2, 2022 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @-Solstice-

Last would be a little less diplomatic, when the blinding light came. She would loudly be cursing. Some pretty vile stuff too, that tended to bring a blush to a sailors face. But come on. She were already at a disadvantage, from this clearly being a magic fight. Must she also be blinded, and have to rely on instinct alone to fight?! The light were so bright, that she could even feel it in her closed, light sensitive eye. It were itching, and she did not like how close it were to actually feel searing. It reminded her too much of the time she lost the ability to use it in the first place.

"-th a screwdriver! What's the big idea here?"

On 2022-08-02 at 12:16 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The kitsune laughed at their antics, with the light the invisible attacks stopped, though they could now not see where each other were, nor where they were in relation to the room. "I never had such fun, fun, before! Perhaps another request my playthings? Or are you satisfied with this prison of your own making?"

"What do you want, kitsune? And if it's the unicorn thing miffing you off, by them bagging you up here in the first place, then eyes on here. Ain't been a horn for generations in my blood.

Not that she could see a bloody thing right now, nor wanted to talk this stuff out, but what else where she gonna do? Fling her armor at the wall? She were not pleased with the whole thing of being called a plaything, but until she could get up close enough to get herself a nice coat made of kitsune fur, she'd just have to play by the rules here. And she bloody well hated it!

Not that she'd actually wear a kitsune fur. It were a higher sentient being. She'd either burn it, or bury it. Depending on how annoyed she were, she might just leave it even, but she sure wouldn't wear it as clothes. She never even did that with the manetids, and those things had some decently usable carapaces, one could use for emergency armor. But she were not that big of a savage, that she wanted to go that route.

As for her talk about the unicorn thing... Well, seemed like a unicorn place, and this one were trapped. Seemed like a solid argument, though she were sure that her being about as magic free as possible, weren't gonna earn her any favors. Might earn her the ability to bloody see though!!!

Edited August 4, 2022 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@-Solstice-

Things got quiet around Spiral, then her perspective shifted such that rather than being blinded by the light, it was as if she were simply in a blindingly white room, the jester standing before her, "Maybe I wanted to toy with you? See you directly before disposing of you? Maybe I couldn't kill you until you unlocked the door?"

"Want something... maybe... that you can give... maybe. Violence will only get you so far here."

"To answer your question, Why else might I lead you here? Some examples include: My own amusement, I'm cooking a recipe that requires the hair off your specific head, I need to harvest suffering, loneliness. Those are all other reasons why I might have led you here."

The jester smirked, "You'll have to ask better questions than that. I just might answer them."

 

@Kujamih

The kitsune let Light revel in his delusions, let him revel in his hero complex for a moment, then changed the scene. It was cold, Light stood with blood on his hooves, the dark shard he had launched firmly embedded in Spiral's chest as she was set upon by Light's clones, the Kitsune nowhere to be seen.

Last approached behind him, "What are you doing! Die traitor!" Last ran forward to attack Light.

"Alas, such damage one does when firing blindly, but the road to Tartarus needs pavers filled with good intentions. You want violence? You will reap death. You want deception? You will be the twice deceived."

 

@Blitz Boom

"What... do I want?"

Things got quiet around Last, then her perspective shifted such that rather than being blinded by the light, it was as if she were simply in a blindingly white room, the kitsune sitting before her, her ten tails idly flowing back and forth.

"Would you be surprised to hear that you are the second pony to ask that, and not as a means to ensnare me?" The kitsune continued, "I want freedom, not for myself as I am already free, but for the other one who asked."

"As to what the big idea is, I want to make sure you're prepared for what follows. It only gets darker after you leave me. Your reckless acquaintance has stirred the rulers from their slumber, and awoken their hunger. One of you will not survive, that much is certain, but the rest may yet stand a chance if you are prepared."

"The big idea, is that my friend earns her freedom from the cage that confines her, from the shackles that bind her, from the strings that control her. I won't risk that any who would wish her harm may pass this point."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @-Solstice-

 

Edited August 4, 2022 by Kujamih

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom  @-Solstice-

Light

Sighed with frustration... 

" Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh... It's cold out here......"

Light would casually just stab Last Stand. Before she could make any actions

".... Now what, Kitsune? And violence?... I don't recall doing first blood 10 tailed beast or have you gone mad?"

" Also... All I wanted to do was play with you too. Isn't that what you wanted?"

He casually speaks as blood of his comrades slowly drips down from his body, and them fading into the cold embrace of death.

" Kitsune? What's your role here?" 

 

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral just rolled her eyes and sat down, and seemingly not reacted much. "Perhaps we did fight with violence, but two of my companions are far more violent than I. I'll be honest, I only met the two of them less than a few hours ago." she looked into the Jester's eyes in an unamused fashion.

"I'll give you two choices. Either drop the whole act and charade and we have a real conversation, or else I won't give you any further words other than that I know well enough that this place was frozen by Windigoes, and you yourself may actually be one. Feeding on suffering, divisions between others, mhmmm? Maybe that's the whole root issue here?" she leaned back casually, and went silent after that. 

Edited August 6, 2022 by -Solstice-

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

Well okay, things were marginally better now. She could see again, which were good. The kitsune also hadn't cut her to ribbons yet. Also a plus. She seemed willing to talk, so that was... Something, though Last weren't sure how much of this she could take at face value. Realistically though, the kitsune could likely kill her where she stood, so her being willing to talk at all, were a point in her favor. Even if what it is that she wanted, were something that Last did not like, as she were not a fan of that jester.

"Urgh, thanks for turning down the light. Bloody annoying...

Anyway, you're saying we're about to be up the creek without a paddle then? Cause something's being stirred in this place, that's gonna kill at least one of us? Ain't that just typical?"

Honestly, she could believe that. The ruckus they'd caused - Light especially - and opening this gate, had probably triggered something. That it were something worse than this kitsune? Yeah, sounded about right, cause if this were the big bad news, she assumed she would've been bleeding from several puncture wounds already, not having a chatter. Could be it were all bogus of course, but y'know, something were fishy about this whole thing, and she got the idea that they weren't shown the full picture as is. So she were willing to entertain, that the kitsune were talking the truth.

Sides, the things she had heard, made kitsune sound like tricksters and territorial creatures. Ain't been nothing she heard yet, saying they were invasive and cruel. Not as a whole, anyway. Though as previously thought, she hadn't exactly been asking in a lot either, so she supposed that might not mean a lot. Last still breathing, counted more in the kitsune's favor really.

"So, you want help, getting your friend out of here? And I'm guessing that's the jester we've been running into? I was planning on making her eat her own mask, but she just annoys me. I can let it slide, if she ain't gonna be trouble.

I need to ask something though, before I do anything resembling helping you two: Why are you here? I've spent my life, guarding something that wasn't meant to be let out. This whole thing, reeks of someone thinking the same about you two. Even though something's off. It's been too easy, getting here, and how strong you are, you could've easily killed us, and went on your way. So I'm willing to listen, and if you aren't looking to be a grave threat to the outside, I'll do my part in helping you out."

There weren't a lot left outside, to be a threat to, that didn't deserve it, but... Still, it were the principle of it, y'know? As were it, that she were willing to listen. A lot figured her just a meat head, and granted, she could be narrow-minded on things. She acknowledged that flaw. But if this one wanted to parlay, she weren't dumb enough to not hear her out. Especially not, when the kitsune, could pretty much just evaporate her at will, it seemed. Cause so far, all she'd seen, were small tricks. She'd be pretty dead, if the kitsune put effort into it, it seemed. Plus she made a compelling argument, by talking, and not just killing them, or trick them, while she ran off. The door were literally wide open. Not like it would be hard.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Kujamih

On 2022-08-04 at 4:50 PM, Kujamih said:

have you gone mad?

"Perhaps, but that's besides the point. Sitting alone does wonders for the psyche, but too much and you fall off."

On 2022-08-04 at 4:50 PM, Kujamih said:

I don't recall doing first blood

The Kitsune sighed, "Perhaps I was preemptive, but ultimately correct. You just killed your ally without even a hint of hesitation or remorse. Sure, you can, and likely will, blame me. Say I made you think they were a monster, that you had no other choice."

"But we both know you didn't even check if it was an illusion. Didn't try to defend yourself. You went straight for the killing blow."

The perspective shifted again, Light was back in the dimly lit chamber, Last and Spiral a distance away from him seated by pillars, light shining from there eyes as they were entranced by the kitsune. Next to him, blood still pouring from her chest where Light had stabbed her, lay Ficus, dead.

On 2022-08-04 at 4:50 PM, Kujamih said:

" Kitsune? What's your role here?" 

"My role, is to protect the one pony I care for, and who ever cared about me. To ensure that violent looters like you never get near her. I see I can't allow you to pass any further."

 

@A.K. Yearling

The jester stuck a tongue out at her, "You're no fun. One of your companions is a murderer, another a warrior, the third, a victim of the first."

"If I drop the 'charade' as you say, you'll die. You can't comprehend my true form, and I'm not interested in killing anyone."

"Wendigos didn't freeze this place, they probably would have eventually, but there wasn't enough discord to attract them to the capitols. No, they froze the byways between the nations. The unicorns froze themselves in, out of their own hubris, they died in a prison of their own making."

"I have not interest in dividing you, division works against my goals. The divisions here were present before. The whole root issue here, is silly little ponies messing with powers beyond their comprehension, trying to become gods, and destroying everything in the process."

"I'll gladly let you stew in silence if you like, I've all the time in the world. You do not. Ask a question, and I'll answer it."

 

@Blitz Boom

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, you're saying we're about to be up the creek without a paddle then? Cause something's being stirred in this place, that's gonna kill at least one of us? Ain't that just typical?

"Well, perhaps by your allegory I'm offering a paddle, and a map to avoid the choppy waters. Unfortunately the one destined to die has already fallen, killed by another of your group. I had foreseen this outcome, but I had hoped it would not occur. It will make traversing the rest of this structure more treacherous without your guide, assuming the murderer among you allows you to live."

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So, you want help, getting your friend out of here? And I'm guessing that's the jester we've been running into? I was planning on making her eat her own mask, but she just annoys me. I can let it slide, if she ain't gonna be trouble.

The kitsune nodded, "Yes and no, the jester is but another projection of me, I figured you ponies would be more amicable to a fellow pony, rather than a kitsune, guiding you in."

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I need to ask something though, before I do anything resembling helping you two: Why are you here? I've spent my life, guarding something that wasn't meant to be let out. This whole thing, reeks of someone thinking the same about you two. Even though something's off. It's been too easy, getting here, and how strong you are, you could've easily killed us, and went on your way. So I'm willing to listen, and if you aren't looking to be a grave threat to the outside, I'll do my part in helping you out."

"I am here because I was betrayed, lured by promises of entertaining, sharing my knowledge, happiness. But they only wanted my power to defeat their enemies, to kill. So I led them into a prison of their own making. It has been easy for you because I made it so, I had to be sure that you would be worthy, capable, of saving my friend unharmed. It seems I made a mistake with one of you. I have no intention of leaving. I will remain here until the ice thaws, until curious ponies return with adventure, not trepidation, in their hearts, then will I have peace. I will lend some of my power to you, to ensure your safety, to ensure that my friend leaves safely."

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral smiled to that, it was a genuine smile. She understood the Jester more. 

 

Quote

The jester stuck a tongue out at her, "You're no fun. One of your companions is a murderer, another a warrior, the third, a victim of the first."

However to this, she snorted. "Oh, him? His name is White Light. A massive annoyance to everyone, he kept hitting on me, and being extremely distracting wherever he wents. He knows no bounds, he does what he wants with no regard for the consequences, I don't even know what he is, or what his intentions are - and to be honest, I want to be as far from possible from him. If he really did...kill one of us, then suffice to say, he needs to learn consequences for his actions before more get killed by his reckless endangerment of others. If you have the ability, I'd want you to restrain him from ending any other lives today." Spiral rolled her eyes.

 

Quote

"If I drop the 'charade' as you say, you'll die. You can't comprehend my true form, and I'm not interested in killing anyone."

"Alright fine, I'll give you that. Now that we are having an actual conversation, I am level with you, and I have no more intentions on doing anything against you. I was mislead by how things seemed before and if you are being entirely truthful to me, I apologize for any actions I did against you." Spiral stated calmly.

 

Quote

"Wendigos didn't freeze this place, they probably would have eventually, but there wasn't enough discord to attract them to the capitols. No, they froze the byways between the nations. The unicorns froze themselves in, out of their own hubris, they died in a prison of their own making."

"I have not interest in dividing you, division works against my goals. The divisions here were present before. The whole root issue here, is silly little ponies messing with powers beyond their comprehension, trying to become gods, and destroying everything in the process."

"I'll be even more level with you and tell you that I am far older than most of these ponies are. I've cheated death multiple times out of lucky chances, and one of them, I was brought back to life by a power hungry unicorn. Through my own hubris, I used her to my own ends, and only cared about power. When I was stopped from this action, and gifted a new body, I realized that power is but a means to an end and all those who seek it end up destroying themselves and everyone around them, so I want nothing to do with it." she said calmly. 

"My original body is not all that different from what you see here, although it was more red in nature. The power hungry unicorn I set loose, and she too abandoned her own pursuits for power. Quite ashame so many didn't let go of their mindless paths before it ended them." she sighed idly. 

"To tell you something important , the one who leads the massive airship we travel on is completely consumed by power. His name is Apollo, a Griffon. There are many factions onboard the vessel, all will eventually fight for their own power in the end, and tear each other apart." her eyes narrowed at that as she looked into the Jester's eyes.

"All I want is for all of this to end. I've seen where it leads and I don't like where it ends. Destruction. Death, in the same old cycles. I want us to get out of that, and see each other into a new future where all of that is but a relic of the past, how we do that? I haven't a clue." she looked down at the ground, in a shameful manner.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

Light would feel a bit Pitty and sad for ficus's fate.

" Did you have to kill her?" He asked the kitsune?

" She was actually one of the nice ones... Was planning to ask her out too..."

" Instead you made me took her out, hehehe"

Grimingly laughed.

" How bout them? You planning on killing them as well? Or am I next?"

" Anyway... Is that pony your protecting really that important? Then why blurt out that pony's existence? You should've just shut up and didn't mention about it... And protecting  the pony from the likes of me? Or from the likes of you? "

" tsk tsk tsk.... Sitting alone does wonders for the psyche, but too much and you fall off." he replied to the kitsune."

"And if ever your friend was my target... I'd just leave that pony alone and let you do the job instead. Easiest kill, don't even need to lift a hoof."

"...Me going for the killing blow. Last stand acting as if I'm a traitor and attacking me head on? They act very suspicious... But still... I won't let myself get killed by them... They could be brain washed for all I know? You are a kitsune after all. A slight hesitation, a slight miscalculation is all you need to kill me off... It's sad that it had to be Ficus though... Which makes me question... Why her and not them? And... Is this place even really real or just your illusions?"

 

 

Edited August 8, 2022 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 2022-08-08 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, perhaps by your allegory I'm offering a paddle, and a map to avoid the choppy waters. Unfortunately the one destined to die has already fallen, killed by another of your group. I had foreseen this outcome, but I had hoped it would not occur. It will make traversing the rest of this structure more treacherous without your guide, assuming the murderer among you allows you to live."

"Light."

A single word, dripping clearly with ice cold rage and a want to tear him a new one.

"I should've known that boisterous idiot were going to get someone killed."

There were no doubt in her mind, that it were his doing. Who else would do it, than that theatric, two brain celled abomination? He might have some uses, but if he couldn't go an hour, without killing members of his own crew, he were unfit for service, and her report to the general would say as much. He did not belong in any team. If he wanted to do things, he could go alone, if he were not ejected from The Æther outright, for his callous murder. She for one, were not going to cover for him.

On 2022-08-08 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The kitsune nodded, "Yes and no, the jester is but another projection of me, I figured you ponies would be more amicable to a fellow pony, rather than a kitsune, guiding you in."

"Then I certainly aren't gonna bother trying, to shove that mask somewhere. We both know I wouldn't stand a chance."

Being weaker than another annoyed her, but at some point, one just had to face the facts. And in this case, the fact were that this kitsune were clearly more than capable, of making her into mince meat, before she even got a single hit in. It wasn't worth dying against that, for the sheer sake of trying to make a meaningless point, based on annoyance alone. Better to just admit when she were beat, and move on. Which were easy enough with something like this. Less so when in a war, and seeing someone charge in, that might end up killing some of your comrades. Sometimes in cases like that, likely dying to save lives, were worth the overwhelming odds.

On 2022-08-08 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I am here because I was betrayed, lured by promises of entertaining, sharing my knowledge, happiness. But they only wanted my power to defeat their enemies, to kill. So I led them into a prison of their own making. It has been easy for you because I made it so, I had to be sure that you would be worthy, capable, of saving my friend unharmed. It seems I made a mistake with one of you. I have no intention of leaving. I will remain here until the ice thaws, until curious ponies return with adventure, not trepidation, in their hearts, then will I have peace. I will lend some of my power to you, to ensure your safety, to ensure that my friend leaves safely."

"...Might be a while. The world's been wrecked, and everyone's caught in a war, with little end in sight."

That said, she could still imagine that this could happen in her lifetime. Not just the war ending, but also the kitsune finding one of the sort she were speaking of. Hay, might even end up being Last. Sometimes before the war, and after she were dismissed from service, she had wandered what sorta things were out there in the world. Challenges to face, and enemies to defeat. A huge world full of sights, wonders, and a need for someone willing to stand up, and crush the evildoers.

She never had much time to think of it though, before the war began. Now, she had enough to do, serving as best she could, to defend The Æther. What happened after that? They'd see if she survived that long, for a start. Though she didn't much care to go after someone like this kitsune, to gain some sort of power. Sure she'd be interested in gaining new strength, but stolen, or gotten through subterfuge, and just to kill who you saw fit, like some tyrant? Peh. Where were the honor in that? Power should be used, for the benefit of others. Not used to be a conqueror.

"Anyway, your story would explain a few things, so okay, I'll help, and try to get your friend out of here alive. What's the name, and look? And what's that power you're talking about?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@-HeedGreen-

The jester listened patiently to what Spiral had to say, but yawned at the end, "You sure like to talk don't you? Just like the old unicorns. But since you'll be taking my friend there, I'll lend some help. Apollo is dying. At this moment he approaches death caused by his dependence on Minostralium. It would be enough at this point to simply bring something to counter, like some Thestralium, close enough to him for long enough. Maybe a crown of it? That should stroke his ego enough. Then you can simply wait while he kills himself."

"If that's not fast enough for you, a dagger of the same material will do just as well."

"But to follow up in his absence, one must simply win the hearts of the ponies aboard. Speak to something older than them and their factions. Remind them the desolation that conflict brings. You're surrounded by it now."

 

@Blitz Boom

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Might be a while. The world's been wrecked, and everyone's caught in a war, with little end in sight."

"I've waited four thousand years, I can wait a few thousand more if need be."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Anyway, your story would explain a few things, so okay, I'll help, and try to get your friend out of here alive. What's the name, and look? And what's that power you're talking about?"

"Her name is Nexus, you'll know her when you see her. She's the only pony here who's still alive in the traditional sense, besides you three. As to the power, you'll find out later. It will help you when you most need it."

 

@-HeedGreen- @Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Last and Spiral would be let out of their kitsune-induced hallucinations just in time to hear Light say:

On 2022-08-07 at 9:29 PM, Kujamih said:

"...Me going for the killing blow. Last stand acting as if I'm a traitor and attacking me head on? They act very suspicious... But still... I won't let myself get killed by them... They could be brain washed for all I know? You are a kitsune after all. A slight hesitation, a slight miscalculation is all you need to kill me off... It's sad that it had to be Ficus though... Which makes me question... Why her and not them? And... Is this place even really real or just your illusions?"

The kitsune was silent on the outside, but Light could hear her in his head, or was he simply crazy? "What's one more body on the pile for you? All the innocents that you've killed before. You're the monster here."

The door on the other side of the chamber from where they had entered opened.

[Starforce 25]

@Illiad Easle

Quote

"If that's not fast enough for you, a dagger of the same material will do just as well."

"Give me such a dagger and I will do it quick. I do not know where to find such materials, however. This whole fiasco has to end before another war starts that we won't be able to stop." Spiral stated.

Quote

"But to follow up in his absence, one must simply win the hearts of the ponies aboard. Speak to something older than them and their factions. Remind them the desolation that conflict brings. You're surrounded by it now."

"I believe I could be capable of such a thing. I've always wanted to lead others. For the wrong reasons. That ends here and now - because I am in the place to make a difference for the benefit of others. I won't pass such a chance up. I'll gladly give up my power, if it means I can lead others into a brighter future." she added in an honest fashion, with her eyes closed and bowed to the Jester a bit.

 

Quote

"...Me going for the killing blow. Last stand acting as if I'm a traitor and attacking me head on? They act very suspicious... But still... I won't let myself get killed by them... They could be brain washed for all I know? You are a kitsune after all. A slight hesitation, a slight miscalculation is all you need to kill me off... It's sad that it had to be Ficus though... Which makes me question... Why her and not them? And... Is this place even really real or just your illusions?"

Spiral glared to White once the hallucinations were over with. "I highly suggest you close your mouth and stop talking. You've killed one today. I will not let you kill another. When we return to the Ship, you will be turned in for what you have done here today, is that clear? For your sake, I suggest you stand down." she sighs. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @-HeedGreen-

(I believe light is still in the delusion and cannot interact yet with spiral... So I guess Spiral's interaction with me is a mistake I guess?)

" hmmm I guess it takes one to know one, trickster. So what's your plan now? Trap me in this eternal illusion? You're bound to run out of energy... And when you do I'll take my time on killing you. I have ways to kill you... But it will take some time..."

Light would try to release his shards from his body, covering it around him and spread it around the ground.

He is trying to break free from the kitsune's curse... Sure he might not be able to break it but at least his giving the kitsune a hard time or at least his trying to. 

Edited August 11, 2022 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

On 2022-08-11 at 4:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I've waited four thousand years, I can wait a few thousand more if need be."

"...Fair point. Hopefully it won't be that long."

She hadn't thought kitsune could live that long. Wasn't the case from the stories she heard, but... Eh, maybe there were various kinds, and associated life expectancies? Like with ponies, and their alicorns. Or she had heard some wrong stories. Who knew? Might be worth looking at eventually, she supposed, cause at this point, she were actually starting to get curious. Enough to look in a book even, which was saying something, as she didn't do that all that often. Sure she could read and write, but it wasn't high on her list of preferred things to do. Especially not in her off time, unless she were more or less chained down to a bed, healing from a wound, and the doctores didn't want to risk her moving around, and getting further injured, due to her own stubbornness.

As for the time... She had been in a long, thousand year war essentially before. Yet it were smaller scale, and had been fought over many generations, over a central object. The sort of scale the war that had engulfed the planet had, and the effects after just three years... A thousand years of that, wouldn't leave much of an inhabitable planet behind. So hopefully it wouldn't go on anywhere near as long.

On 2022-08-11 at 4:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Her name is Nexus, you'll know her when you see her. She's the only pony here who's still alive in the traditional sense, besides you three. As to the power, you'll find out later. It will help you when you most need it."

"Ominous, but alright then, I'll take your word on this, and I'll keep an eye out for your friend. And keep Light away from her. Can't promise anything, but you have my word that I'll do what I can."

Her word had weight behind it, as she did not go back on a promise, unless something serious happened. Thus,  as she now promised to keep Nexus protected, and get her back to the ship, if able, she would do so. If she had to attack Light to do that, then so be it. She might end up as a suitable distraction, for the mare to slink off. Not the end she'd wish for, but it would be an honorable death. Though she'd try and avoid that if possible. There should be a way for them all to get through this alive. Well, the last of them at least... Though if Light died on the trip now, she'd be even less sad that she were before.

On 2022-08-11 at 4:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Last and Spiral would be let out of their kitsune-induced hallucinations just in time to hear Light say:

On 2022-08-08 at 5:29 AM, Kujamih said:

"...Me going for the killing blow. Last stand acting as if I'm a traitor and attacking me head on? They act very suspicious... But still... I won't let myself get killed by them... They could be brain washed for all I know? You are a kitsune after all. A slight hesitation, a slight miscalculation is all you need to kill me off... It's sad that it had to be Ficus though... Which makes me question... Why her and not them? And... Is this place even really real or just your illusions?"

The kitsune was silent on the outside, but Light could hear her in his head, or was he simply crazy? "What's one more body on the pile for you? All the innocents that you've killed before. You're the monster here."

The door on the other side of the chamber from where they had entered opened.

She wouldn't have the chance to hear more it seemed, before the illusion passed, and she'd be back in the room with the others. In time in fact, to hear a certain someone, say something very incriminating.

She'd hear the door open, but Last did not go there. Instead, she'd move directly over to Ficus's unmoving corpse, and lean down. If her eyes were not closed, she'd run a hoof over her face, and do that for her. This had been a disgraceful enough death as it were. She should be given at least a minimum of respect here. Last might've just thought of her as one of the egg heads, but this weren't right. And the blood showed so very clearly who were at fault. If his words and previous actions alone, hadn't made that clear already.

And boy howdy, were her gaze not kind, as it landed upon it. If eyes could fire icicles, he'd currently have one implanted between his eyes.

On 2022-08-11 at 5:23 AM, -HeedGreen- said:

Spiral glared to White once the hallucinations were over with. "I highly suggest you close your mouth and stop talking. You've killed one today. I will not let you kill another. When we return to the Ship, you will be turned in for what you have done here today, is that clear? For your sake, I suggest you stand down." she sighs. 

"And if she won't be there to turn you in, I will, you thoughtless tool."

She were not going to be as diplomatic about this, as Spiral were.

"The kitsune didn't kill Ficus. You did. Because you never think, and just act. Your reckless attitude got her killed, and if you don't die on this trip, I will have it seen to, that the general knows exactly what you did, so he'll never again, team you up with anyone. No one deserved to be stabbed in the back like she were, because you don't care about their lives.

Get in line, and use your brain for once. If there's even one left in your ego-bloated skull."

She could have used far harder words, and those of traitor, murderer, and monster came to mind, but she'd save those for another time. There would be plenty more to reprimande him for, and no matter how well he did on the rest of this trip, fact remained that he had done something, that couldn't just be brushed away, and he had to learn that actions had consequences. If he were lucky, he'd just be put on solo missions for the rest of his time on The Æther. At least she hoped that were the best he could aim for. She did not want to have others die, because they thought they could rely on him.

If he could hear her or not, she didn't care. She'd go over, and place a hoof on Spiral's shoulder, and let the backstabber be for now.

"When we're leaving, I'll carry her back. She deserves better than this."

They could maybe set her on fire too, but she for one, hadn't kept any of the matches and such they had run into. She did not think she'd have to need it this quickly, if at all. Either way, she were not keen on just leaving Ficus's body as it were, for potentially thousands of years to come. She might not have known her well, but she had been part of the team, and thus, deserved better than this. Especially with how she had died, her spirit might end up lingering. That wasn't acceptable.

"We got a mission to complete everyone. Stay close, and keep your distance from Light. Anyone who aren't fighters, I'd suggest stays here. The kitsune does not seem interested in harming you, and we've had enough casualties.

There's a survivor beyond that door. We get her back safely, and we're free to go. That's the mission. Any objections?"

Any from Light, wouldn't matter. She were asking the actual team. He had solidified himself, as not being part of it.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@-HeedGreen-

On 2022-08-10 at 9:23 PM, -HeedGreen- said:

"Give me such a dagger and I will do it quick. I do not know where to find such materials, however. This whole fiasco has to end before another war starts that we won't be able to stop." Spiral stated.

"Plenty of material here, the door your companion tore down is made of it. Take a chunk with you when you leave."

 

@Kujamih

Things happened just as Light thought it would, but nothing changed, it seemed he wasn't in an illusion at this moment after all.

 

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @-HeedGreen-

It was otherwise silent in the room. When Last went to touch Ficus, the doe took in a sharp breath, sluggishly pushing herself up, she looked pale, likely due to all the blood she had lost, though the color was returning to her as she stared at the scar in her chest, which had stopped bleeding, but still remained as an obvious scar, "W- what...? I... I thought..."

Her expression shifted to horror and anger as she looked at Light, "Y-you, you stabbed me?"

Something shifted within her, with a golden glow her short deer tail was replaced by a fluffy kitsune tail, "Th-that's... different."

[Spiral Spell]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Spiral would turn and walk up to the door and use her magic to carve out a portion of the door into an extremely sharp dagger that could easily be hidden. Her shadow magic was on clear display. After she was finished with the creation of her weapon, she quickly hid it away to prevent anyone else from seeing it, then looking to Ficus who had apparently been revived. "It appears you are revived from Light's pointless attacks against you. The Kitsune here and the Jester are not our enemy. Let's finish what we need to do here, okay?" Spiral asked calmly, looking over everyone.