private The Æther Project

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @Props

 

Light was quite busy and his hooves full, and wasn't able to assist or save Last Stand. Even though Light have casted supportive magic to Last stand, it wasn't enough to help them in their predicament. And alas... Last Stand was struck and was sent flying to the walls.

LIght sees this and tries to give her some time to recover as he tries to shoot down or provoke the skeleton heading her way.

" Quickly! I'll cover you!" He shouted.

as Last Stand tries to evade and run for safety, Light would cover her. As Light is more focused on covering for her, he has less time to save his own skin. A strike from here and there would hit Light as his job was taxing already.

as soon as Light sees that all of them are safe, he can now further focus on himself... But the damage was already done. 

Light is bleeding and battered.

" Tsk.... You're turning me on you know that?" Light said as he grimly smiled and chuckled.

" I like that in a mare!"

Light for some reason got excited and was pumped. 

 

 

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Kujamih

Light would be able to fend off the projectiles well enough, but they just kept coming, as though they were beset by a thousand battlemages all coordinating their efforts to bury them.

The individual corpses only had the bare minimum of magic in them to animate them, and they'd drop as soon as he absorbed the little magic in them, only for them to get back up once he stopped. Those hit by the changeling shards would stay down, but there were still hundreds more to take their place.

If he didn't do something to change the dynamic soon, even he would be overwhelmed by the hoard.

IS THIS THE BEST THE DIRT PONIES HAD TO OFFER? PATHETIC.

 

@Props

(I assume she's using magic to use the key given she's a unicorn and you didn't specify otherwise)

As soon as she inserted the key the runes around the keyhole started to glow, but they didn't do anything until she started to turn it, at which point Ficus knocked her away from the door just as a few spells went off where she was standing, even the indirect effects of the spells were painful. Had they been hit directly, they'd surely have killed her.

It took Ficus a bit to recover her breath, she had some burns of her own from the magic, but she managed to get her voice back, "The door... the trap is powered... by your magic."

"We'll have to turn it by hoof, and then I imagine we'll have to open it without magic too."

 

 

@Blitz Boom

Last would likely see Ficus and Spiral get attacked by the door, maybe her sword could help them against the spells the door was throwing at them?

Light was doing well keeping the Empress's attention, so Last would be able to make her way over to the door while only needing to fight her way through a manageable number of the risen dead. Though her approaching the door would bring more of the corpses towards Spiral and Ficus.

 

@Props @Blitz Boom

Ficus waved for Last to come urgently, and once she was close enough she would explain, "The door is trapped against magic, we'll need your strength to get it open since we can't use magic to open it."

Ficus would turn towards Spiral, "Try and keep the unicorns off of us while we get the door open, I don't think Last can fight and push the door at the same time."

Ficus would then start turning the key, some of the latent magic still in the door sending painful magic through her, but she pressed on, holding the door in the unlocked position and motioning for Last to start pushing the door. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle @Props

Seeing that their state is getting worse and the attention the other group is giving the empress more concern than him.

light needs to make an action to attract her from him.

" For an empress without an emperor, surely you would get lonely? And an empress such of yourself deserve no ordinary emperor?" Light tried to flirt, but his exhaustion and pain shows as he speaks.

if that didn't grab the empresses attention he would shoot a shard right Infront of her vision if need be.

" Tell me? What's a stallion gotta do to sit beside an empress like you?" He says as he strikes down and absorb the on coming projectiles and skeletons.

as he tries to distract her. The scattered shards starts to dimly spark. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Kujamih @Illiad Easle @Props

On 2022-09-14 at 4:31 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Last would likely see Ficus and Spiral get attacked by the door, maybe her sword could help them against the spells the door was throwing at them?

Light was doing well keeping the Empress's attention, so Last would be able to make her way over to the door while only needing to fight her way through a manageable number of the risen dead. Though her approaching the door would bring more of the corpses towards Spiral and Ficus.

She'd not be unscathed, but Light were doing a good job, keeping attention from The Empress, and the zombies she had to deal with, were pathetic. The blade she wore, cut down magic, and such, even if they did rise again, she'd be past them, before they got up and shambling again. Extra much, because she hit hard, which tended to either cause her targets to be cleaved in pieces, or beaten several meters away. Sometimes both, depending on how much she needed to get them out of her sight.

As she approached the door, and heard their woes, she'd have three around her. She'd do a rotating slash, hitting all of them around her, then jump forward, and strike the door with her blade. Not in a way, where she figured she could cut through it. It were likely reinforced. More that it would strike at it, and stay there. The anti-magic capabilities, should help with the traps, but she might need to bash some zombies away. If so, she'd push one of the egg heads to keep it there, and turn around to get to work. Could be she had to barge into it as well. It were hard to say though, but one way or another, they'd hopefully get through here.

Top priority though: Get the sword in the door, to nullify/absorb the magic, and then beat the tar out of whatever risen mongrel, shambled over to them. She weren't gonna let them take anyone from her team, even if she had to tears their legs off, and beat them with them. Which she would, given the chance. A club were a club, morbid as it may be to some. She'd probably be covered in things best not described, before this were over, but it didn't really bother her. Wasn't the worst she had been covered in, and probably wouldn't be the worst either. She'd just need a good rinse later, and she'd be fine.

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Kujamih

There was distinct disgust in the Empress's response, I AM NOT ONE OF YOUR DIRT BROODMOTHERS. I ALONE AM COMPLETE.

The efforts redoubled against Light, the attacks seemed more personal, more designed to cause pain than to kill.

A number of the undead turned their attentions towards the sparking shards, doing what they could to destroy them.

 

@Blitz Boom @Props

Between the three of them they would be able to press through the door, and it would close behind them once they stopped pushing on it, as once they were on they other side they discovered a large spring was placed to keep the door shut. It did keep the undead from following them into the next chamber, but heading back out the way they came would be more difficult than entering had.

Ficus would turn their attention back towards the matter at hoof, pointing up to a large glowing orb set in a truly massive vertical arcane nexus. Luckily there seemed to be a large pile that led up to the orb, unluckily that path was covered, or potentially made of, severed unicorn horns.

"There's our goal, but I'm sure there are still other traps. I'm surprised though, the traps we've seen so far seem designed to counter unicorns specifically." She shuddered as they approached the pile of horns, "As if anyone wouldn't be deterred by this."

If they started to climb the pile they'd find that it wasn't entirely made of horns, but under the layer of horns there were also severed wings and earth pony hooves. Some were simply piled on top of the structure, others were built into the more solid work beneath the loose items. In essence, this nexus was mostly made of bones.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @Props

" This... This is why you're alone and without a partner, tisk, tisk." He 

says while he tries to avoid obstacles, attacks and skeletons.

" Here I am trying to impress you and what do I get?.... Impending doom and death I guess?... See this is the reason why you're still single." He continued to flirt around and distract her.

 As he sees that it's only him and her around now, there's not much point to distract her and prolong this torture.

Light tries to exit back from where they came from and see if the empress would give chase to him. This also helps him defend himself in narrow area than an open one.

if it's shot closed he'd try to pry it open with his dark shard and make it very light to make it easier to open if the problem is the weight.

if the skeletons would be a problem and attack him or his shards, he'd quickly recall it to him, causing anyone on the way to get pierced by it. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Props

On 2022-09-17 at 8:51 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Between the three of them they would be able to press through the door, and it would close behind them once they stopped pushing on it, as once they were on they other side they discovered a large spring was placed to keep the door shut. It did keep the undead from following them into the next chamber, but heading back out the way they came would be more difficult than entering had.

Last would turn around, as the door slammed behind them, and look at the large spring that kept it locked up.

"Accursed contraption."

She'd punch the door, then move over towards the spring. They'd need to remove this thing, to get Light through. Or at least hold it back for a moment, to allow him a chance to sneak in.

"Hey. Anyone gonna give me a hoof here? We still got one on the other side."

(assuming someone makes a comment, deterring her from that path. Or being told it would be too cumbersome to remove the spring)

Annoyed, she'd go over to where the others were, sending a glance back at the door. This wasn't right. Light was a pompous buffoon, but it still didn't sit wright with her, to leave him in there. Hopefully he'd be able to handle himself.

On 2022-09-17 at 8:51 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"There's our goal, but I'm sure there are still other traps. I'm surprised though, the traps we've seen so far seem designed to counter unicorns specifically." She shuddered as they approached the pile of horns, "As if anyone wouldn't be deterred by this."

If they started to climb the pile they'd find that it wasn't entirely made of horns, but under the layer of horns there were also severed wings and earth pony hooves. Some were simply piled on top of the structure, others were built into the more solid work beneath the loose items. In essence, this nexus was mostly made of bones.

Last were not deterred by body parts, and as such, would rummage a little, as she moved along, and found the other parts too. Didn't have to be a genius to figure out what this were all about. Which were good, as she wasn't one. That were more a thing for the egg heads.

"Unicorn horns, pegasi wings, and earth pony hooves. All the parts that's an outlet for their magic. Disgusting showing."

She barely grasped how it were for others than unicorns, but as she had been told it, all ponies had some sort of magic. What pegasi had, were how they were able to fly, and manipulate clouds. And earth ponies were then better at growing plants, and seemingly got more robust. The bare basics, but it fit well enough. Especially after she had seen that overly muscly stallion in Ponyville, with the tiny wings. No way he would be able to fly, without some sorta magic.

On 2022-09-18 at 4:06 AM, Spiral Spell said:

"I cannot imagine the amount of cruelty one would have to do something like this. This is just disgusting, to be frank." Spiral said with a slight growl. Once she stepped onto the horns, she would realize that there were wings and earth pony hoofs there as well. "May those who did this to these souls never find peace, and condemn them to the pits of tartarus forever." she added, and then would look to Ficus. 

"What do we need to do? Do we just grab the orb, surely it can't be that simple?" Spiral asked.

"I think we just met the one who did that, and her lackeys. Seems like a damned existence, though I believe it needs more sword to the face."

Sitting as a zombie, on a lone throne, along other corpses. A pathetic way to go through life, but it still wasn't punishment enough, in her opinion. It needed more actual punishment, and a sort of death that wouldn't be a danger to others. Tartarus sounded like a useful enough end place, if not for the fact, that the gates were wide open, and monsters from there, were pouring out. They might just free her, if they sent her there, and that wasn't gonna be any help. Rather the exact opposite.

"And I wouldn't touch that, if I were you. Not with your bare hoofs. Nothing good, comes from something like that, just sitting still, in a place like this.

I'd suggest we'd try to throw something at it, and see what happens. Or get a long stick of some sort."

She weren't sure if there were a stick, or stone pole they could use in here, but she could at least grab a hoof, and toss that if it were.

"The blade's also supposed to work against magic. Can try poking it with that."

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Kujamih

On 2022-09-18 at 2:20 AM, Kujamih said:

" Here I am trying to impress you and what do I get?

IMPRESS ME? YOU ARE AS MORONIC AS YOU ARE WORTHLESS. AN APT REPRESENTATION OF YOUR INFERIOR RACE.

On 2022-09-18 at 2:20 AM, Kujamih said:

Light tries to exit back from where they came from

The room was filled with cruel laughter as, with a spell, the door was fused with the surrounding stone, turning it into just another piece of the mountain, before Light could reach it.

COWARDLY TOO. THE DIRT PONIES ARE TRULY DESPERATE IF THEY SENT YOU TO DEFEAT ME. MAYBE I WILL KEEP YOU ALIVE TO WATCH, HELPLESS, AS I DESTROY THAT PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A KINGDOM.

The attacks against him shifted from murderous to captive, the corpses attempting to physically restrain him and drag him closer towards the dais where the Empress sat.

 

@Blitz Boom @Props

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

(assuming someone makes a comment, deterring her from that path. Or being told it would be too cumbersome to remove the spring)

Ficus would call for Last to leave the door alone, "We can worry about Light once the Nexus is disabled. it's the best we can do for him anyway. If he comes in here then the Empress won't leave us alone."

On 2022-09-17 at 8:06 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"What do we need to do? Do we just grab the orb, surely it can't be that simple?"

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"The blade's also supposed to work against magic. Can try poking it with that."

Ficus nodded, "That should work, we've just got to get up there first."

 

As they climbed the pile they started to realize the true size of the Nexus. What had initially appeared to just be a magical orb was in fact a magical sphere large enough to contain a fully grown pony, it looked quite similar to the amber that they had found a unicorn in earlier, only coated with a layer of magic. It was hard to see into it, but it looked like there might be something inside the sphere.

The closer they got the looser the remains were, slowing their progress, they also started to hear a voice, faintly, in their minds like with the Empress or the Kitsune, it grew louder the closer they got to the sphere.

Slipping through the cracks of a dark eternity With nothing but my pain and the paralyzing agony To tell me who I am. Who I was, Uncertainty enveloping my mind Till I can't break free and
Maybe it's a dream, maybe nothing else is real But it wouldn't mean a thing if I told you how I feel So I'm tired of all the pain, all the misery inside And I wish I could live feeling nothing but the night
You could tell me what to say, you could tell me where to go But I doubt that I would care and my heart would never know If I make another move, there'll be no more turning back Because everything would change and it all would fade to black
Will tomorrow ever come? Will I make it through the night? Will there ever be a place for the broken in the light? Am I hurting am I sad? Should I stay or should I go? I've forgotten how to tell, did I ever even know? I'm
Slipping through the cracks of a dark eternity With nothing but my pain and the paralyzing agony To tell me who I am. Who I was, Uncertainty enveloping my mind Till I can't break free and

The words would loop until they finally got close enough to the orb that they could almost touch it, at which point the words changed accompanied by a burst of energy that pushed them back.

This time you're not hurting me! This time I will take a stand! All the hatred in my eyes building up an evil plan Standing lonely in the night, with the darkness by my side Looking deep inside myself, and revealing only fright
If I make another move, if I take another step Then it would all fall apart, there'd be nothing of me left If I'm crying in the wind, if I'm crying in the night Will there ever be a way? Will my heart return to white?

The energy calmed , allowing them to approach again, now it only looped the questions:

Can you tell me who you are? Can you tell me where I am?

Can you tell me where you are? Can you tell me who I am?

If they tried to get too close without answering the questions, they'd get pushed back again.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

"Hey- hey!... Correction! I AIN'T... a coward. I have plans, okay. I needed some breather, right? Which your army doesn't... Need, unlike me."

As Light explains himself he got caught quite easily. Maybe due to him getting tired and exhausted... And also busy talking to her. 

" Ooouuff! I usually don't get tired this easily... Ahhehehe... For an earth pony uhmm I'm quite impressive to last this long right?" Light worriedly said to the empress.

" You know I always liked you more right? " Light tried to butter her up. 

Edited September 20, 2022 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Props

On 2022-09-20 at 7:50 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Slipping through the cracks of a dark eternity With nothing but my pain and the paralyzing agony To tell me who I am. Who I was, Uncertainty enveloping my mind Till I can't break free and
Maybe it's a dream, maybe nothing else is real But it wouldn't mean a thing if I told you how I feel So I'm tired of all the pain, all the misery inside And I wish I could live feeling nothing but the night
You could tell me what to say, you could tell me where to go But I doubt that I would care and my heart would never know If I make another move, there'll be no more turning back Because everything would change and it all would fade to black
Will tomorrow ever come? Will I make it through the night? Will there ever be a place for the broken in the light? Am I hurting am I sad? Should I stay or should I go? I've forgotten how to tell, did I ever even know? I'm
Slipping through the cracks of a dark eternity With nothing but my pain and the paralyzing agony To tell me who I am. Who I was, Uncertainty enveloping my mind Till I can't break free and

The words would loop until they finally got close enough to the orb that they could almost touch it, at which point the words changed accompanied by a burst of energy that pushed them back.

What was with this theme of pushing her around today?! She wasn't a rag doll. She was a soldier, and this were frankly starting to annoy her.

As the pile they were walking on, weren't exactly solid ground, she'd get further back than she liked, before finding proper hoofing again. She weren't gonna get deterred by some sorta rhyming, odd magic ball though. Doubly so, as it were starting to get pretty clear, who were in this ball. Cause she sorely doubted that the voice were just from a ball of magic, and it weren't like there were any other place, the supposed pony they had come for, could be. There were the nexus, and then bones. That were it.

"Aight, so this here's how you wanna play?"

If that was the case, then fine, she were game, and she could play rough too. Just not too rough, or the kitsune might tear her asunder. That'd be an unworthy death.

On 2022-09-21 at 6:30 AM, Spiral Spell said:

"Your name is Nexus. My name is Spiral Spell. Beside me are two others here alongside me. I am here to rescue you, from your Amber Prison. The Empress here, has no doubt sacrificed the power of all these unfortunate souls. We must stop this by freeing you. The Kitsune here, instructed us to do this. We mean no harm to you." Spiral said to Nexus, calmly.

Spiral got there first, in instructing things, but... Ergh, she'd probably need to add something here too, right? Wouldn't work to just waltz up, and try to see if it were more workable for her to push the flat side of the sword against.

(Next part only happens, if she's pushed back, and tumbles down a bit more)

Well, that didn't work out. Seems she really did need to address the sphere properly then. What a formal pain in the flank. As were it, that she'd probably be picking bone splinters, and mummified feathers out of her outfit, mane and tail, for hours after they had gotten out of here.

"Fine, fine.

My name is Last Stand, of the Shrine Maidens.

You're stuck in a ball of magic and bone, in a husk of a kingdom.

I'm right in front of you, and we're here to try and get you out.

You're Nexus. The kitsune said you were her friend, and wanted us to get you out of this frozen dump."

There, that should cover it. Time to see if she could go up, and do something now then. Or were Nexus gonna be a difficult mare again?

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

(A Lot is happening in this post, read carefully!)

@Kujamih

On 2022-09-20 at 3:35 PM, Kujamih said:

" Ooouuff! I usually don't get tired this easily... Ahhehehe... For an earth pony uhmm I'm quite impressive to last this long right?" Light worriedly said to the empress.

NO.

The corpses started to drag Light closer to the dais.

HIS WORDS TIRE ME. REMOVE HIS TOUNGE AND HOOVES.

 

@Blitz Boom @Props

After Spiral introduced herself the others wouldn't be pushed back if they approached. The aura in the area grew less tense once introductions were made.

So I'm back here once again? So I'm back here once again? I've forgotten how to see, I've forgotten if I can. If I open up my eyes, there'll be no more going back, I'll throw it all away and it all will fade to black.

The Kitsune... she promised I'd be free, if I held on long enough. 
Can I ever make a change? Will my heart begin to mend? Would you love me if I go? It feels like a heart attack. But still everything's the same and it all just fades to black.

The last line seemed more directed at herself, or someone other than the trio.

There was a shift in the magic, something was ramping up, but also spinning down. Ficus would call out, "Last! The sword, now! Aim for the edge and pry it out."

 

If Last went to pry the orb out, a LOT of magic would get discharged through the air, reacting with all the discarded bones in the pile, before the amber ball would fall from the Nexus and start rolling down the pile, coming to rest by the door. The Nexus was still active however...

 

@Kujamih

The Empress's voice shifted to anger, NO NO NO NO NO! INSOLENT BRAT! YOU HAD ONE JOB.

A large amount of magic engulfed the Empress' body as it sat on the dais, Light could only watch as the flesh grew back, restoring her to her former glory for a moment, before she was twisted by the excess magic into a draconequis. It looked like her body was made of wealth, precious metals and gems of all types covered her.

She took a breath, her first one in centuries, "The Kitsune will burn for her betrayal. Keeping me here when there was a whole world to conquer? A shame you won't live to see it."

She physically grabbed Light and lifted him up to the ceiling, "Hunger... is something I've not felt for some time. Any last words before you die, dirt?"

 

@Blitz Boom @Props

There was a rumble from the chamber they had come from, where Light and the Empress were, then the Nexus started to glow dangerously. A beam of multicolored light, similar to what had held the Project in place, blasted upward, and with a flash the mountain above them was obliterated, and the Nexus destroyed, scattering the bones across the landscape.

Snow started to fall on them, softly, as their vision and hearing recovered.

 

@Kujamih @Blitz Boom @Props

Back on the Project, the ground shifted as the magic holding it still was suddenly released. The statue had lost most of it's base, and had toppled away from the mountain, sliding down towards the frozen bay. A general alert was sounded on the intercom, "All residents prepare for immediate departure."

 

@Props

A messenger arrived, breathless, to where Merlot was, "They need you and Crank to get down there, see if you can find any survivors from the away team in the structure. Apollo doesn't want to stick around waiting if they didn't make it."

Crank would meet Merlot in the hanger, ready for them to take off as soon as Merlot was strapped in.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

"Hmm... Draconicous made of wealth I see? ... Greed is it? " Light questioned as she transforms into a draconicous.

Soon after Light would be picked up by the draconicous and was given a last word before eaten.

He was weak and bleeding, as he spoke. 

" It looks like they've done it... I guess it's my turn! "

Light's body explodes and released multiple black shards, decimating anything inside the room. Hopefully this time the black shards did a lot of damage to the draconicous, making her immobile.

" ... Do you like the Light? oh and my last words are..."

As soon as he said those lines a blast of light Flashed.

"VANISH INTO LIGHT!" 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Props

On 2022-09-22 at 9:38 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a shift in the magic, something was ramping up, but also spinning down. Ficus would call out, "Last! The sword, now! Aim for the edge and pry it out."

 

If Last went to pry the orb out, a LOT of magic would get discharged through the air, reacting with all the discarded bones in the pile, before the amber ball would fall from the Nexus and start rolling down the pile, coming to rest by the door. The Nexus was still active however...

This were more her speed, and not the drivel that were coming out of the orb. Honestly it were kinda annoying listening to that sort of talk. Nexus had to learn to speak like a normal pony, once she were pried out of there, or put a sock in it.

She didn't have to be told twice, when Ficus called out to her, to get to work, and she'd do so right away. Probably some sorta window for this, that the e- Woah!

the discharge of magic, would do one of two things.

Either it would affect her with enough of a pushback, in parts due to where it blasted, and the sword. Using her leg muscles, and standing firm, could likely keep her there, or near it at the least.

Or she would be blasted cleanly away, and hammered into a wall. It wouldn't kill her, but she'd actively let out a yelp of pain, and then a long groan, as she slid hit the floor. She were resilient, and weren't gonna cry, but that right there still bloody hurt. She were lucky she had her armor on, or she wouldn't just be subjected to an inevitable mixture of blue and black marks, but might actively have cracked something important.

It were also questionable, if the sword she had nicked, had survived that hit, as it had been on her back if she had been blasted off. Nothing some forge-work couldn't handle though, probably.

On 2022-09-22 at 9:38 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a rumble from the chamber they had come from, where Light and the Empress were, then the Nexus started to glow dangerously. A beam of multicolored light, similar to what had held the Project in place, blasted upward, and with a flash the mountain above them was obliterated, and the Nexus destroyed, scattering the bones across the landscape.

Snow started to fall on them, softly, as their vision and hearing recovered.

If she had not been blasted back before, seeing the nexus about to go nuclear, were gonna make Last jump away from it instantly, whilst keeping the sword between her, and the nexus. Flat side, that were specifically. She assumed that the anti-magic, might be able to shield her from some of what were to come.

The flash were gonna hurt her, regardless of where she were at the time. She'd bite her teeth together so hard, to avoid screaming, that blood would actively start to trickle down from the right side of her mouth. Her closed eye were protected by the eyelid, and generally, even a flashbang did not do enough to make her more than wince, but if this light had been powerful enough, it would be too much for her light sensitive eye, and it would sting straight into her brain.

On 2022-09-22 at 11:51 PM, Spiral Spell said:

For a while after the explosion her vision and hearing went unable to tell what had happened afterward. She thought she was dead again, figuring it was a trap or some kind of fail safe that if the Nexus was tampered with, it would explode. When this was found not to be the case, she would slowly stand up shakily and look out over the landscape.

"W-we are free?" she would ask shakily.

(if she had been blasted back before)

"*groan* As if... We'd be that lucky..."

She felt like she had been assaulted several times over, no punches held back, but she'd have to force herself up. Ignore the aching muscles. Force yourself forward. This place couldn't keep holding. Staying still were foolish. There'd be time to moan over the pain later. But now, she had to get up. Go to the others. Find a way out.

She needed a bit to get her bearings again.

(If she had jumped instead)

Her first word would be loud and best not said in polite conversation, after that though, she'd get up, and shake some more bone fragmentsand snow off from her, then have a look around.

"We're still missing a way out. The top's open, but we can't all fly. Urgh. And it looks like Nexus is still trapped. We'll have to roll that along.

And we have to hurry. If that looked bad from in here, it's gonna be worse outside. They might think we're dead, and take off without us."

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Once things settled and they recovered their bearings, Spiral, Last, and Ficus would find the amber orb that had once been the center of the Nexus sitting mostly unharmed by the door they had entered from. There was however a crack running through it with Last's sword embedded in it.

Ficus would arrive at the amber orb first, having been pushed the furthest by the energy as she was the lightest, and started to examine it, running a hoof along the crack. "I... I think this goes all the way through. Maybe... maybe we could just pry it open? Or-"

She was cut off as the amber started to shift by itself, something inside moving, until a feather stuck out of the crack, then another one on the other side. Ficus would start trying to lift the top half of the amber, and would call for the others to help. It was heavy, but between the three of them they'd be able to manage it, revealing a small alicorn filly partially trapped within. Specifically, her legs were still stuck in the amber.

The filly looked about school age, pure white coat with a short blond mane and tail. Her mark looked like the Nexus had, only without the pile of bones. She took a deep breath once her head was exposed. She opened her eyes, but it was obvious to those present that she was blind, whether she had always been that way, or it had been caused by her time in the Nexus, it was unknown. Her voice was weak as she tried to speak, and they couldn't understand what she was saying, though Spiral might recognize some of the cadence of it as being Spoken Unique.

It wouldn't take long to free the filly's legs, and she wouldn't resist, in fact she would fall asleep before they got her out and would stay that way even if they tried to wake her.

Ficus pointed to the far side of the room, "It looks like enough rubble is piled up over there for us to climb out. We should be able to signal for help there if we're not too far from base camp."

 

It wouldn't be too difficult again for them to climb out of the pit and into the open air. Through the gently falling snow they'd be able to spot Merlot's plane, but they'd have to get her attention somehow.

 

@Kujamih

On 2022-09-22 at 4:15 PM, Kujamih said:

"Hmm... Draconicous made of wealth I see? ... Greed is it? " Light questioned as she transforms into a draconicous.

The Empress took a moment to look herself over, "I think I prefer the term... Avarice. Empress Avarice."

On 2022-09-22 at 4:15 PM, Kujamih said:

"VANISH INTO LIGHT!" 

(I assume this is where Light exits the universe with the Empress in tow?)

Empress Avarice was hurt by Light's attack,  though not as much as he might have hoped as she was able to absorb most of the damage with her new form. Still though, she kept Light close allowing his second attack to hit at very close range, refracting the light to hit everything in the chamber.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Props

On 2022-09-27 at 9:29 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She was cut off as the amber started to shift by itself, something inside moving, until a feather stuck out of the crack, then another one on the other side. Ficus would start trying to lift the top half of the amber, and would call for the others to help. It was heavy, but between the three of them they'd be able to manage it, revealing a small alicorn filly partially trapped within. Specifically, her legs were still stuck in the amber.

Last blinked a few times, as they pried off the amber shell. Was heavy, but she were a tough earth pony, and they were three. Even if they weren't trained for heavy lifting, they'd be enough to pry open this thing, and get out what she assumed would be a pegasus mare.

Instead, it were an alicorn filly. A princess

For but a moment, she felt a fleeting ping of pain in her chest, combined with vigor, as she recalled the last princess, whom she had served, and her fate. Then came anger, and determination, as the sight of an innocent filly being trapped in here, made her hate the empress that much more. A blind one at that.

Grrrr. Had she the chance, she would have torn her head from her shoulders, but she could do nothing. Even if she deserved worlds of torment, for all of her actions.

On 2022-09-27 at 10:19 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"Don't worry, I'll get you out." Spiral said to the filly gently and gave her a gentle pat on the head. Using her shadow magic, she would very carefully get the filly completely out of the Amber. As the hood she had was detachable, she would detach her hood from her jacket and gently put the sleeping filly inside of the hood, resting the filly on her back. As they spoke, her magic would keep the filly from falling off. 

Last would keep hold of the amber, making sure the filly got lifted out safely, without the amber starting to move, or try and pull up with her, as her legs had still been stuck. And as the filly got out safely, she'd push it to the side, and looked over the small alicorn, once again. She'd trust that Spiral would keep her safe on her. It were up to Last to just make sure that in case something did come through, or that something fell, that it did not land upon them then, in case Spiral couldn't move fast enough. She could do that. She would not let another alicorn die, if she could help it. She'd be using herself as a shield before that, and accept death, if it came.

"Go in front, and make sure she gets out safely. I'll keep it secure from below."

It seemed the climb were thankfully uneventful. No monsters, no bones slashing down, threatening to pierce them- Just gently falling snow, as they rose up, and out into the brisk air. The filly sleeping soundly, which frankly, were for the best. It would keep her complacent, and keep them from accidentally having issues, with her attempting to wriggle away. Hopefully they'd have her in a nice, warm bed, before she woke up.

On 2022-09-27 at 9:29 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ficus pointed to the far side of the room, "It looks like enough rubble is piled up over there for us to climb out. We should be able to signal for help there if we're not too far from base camp."

 

It wouldn't be too difficult again for them to climb out of the pit and into the open air. Through the gently falling snow they'd be able to spot Merlot's plane, but they'd have to get her attention somehow.

On 2022-09-27 at 10:19 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"I will get their attention." she spoke, and shot off a black bolt into the sky. The black bolt would take the shape of a giant misty arrow, pointing downward at their location from above so the plane could see them.

Meanwhile, Merlot would point out the arrow in the sky to Crank - and Merlot would land the plane at a safer distance away thanks to the rubble that had been kicked up. Crank could tell that Merlot was quite curious about what had happened down there.

Once the plane had landed, Spiral would lead the group towards them. She were more than ready to leave.

(following happens if there is an indicator, from their side likely, that something have happened in the Empresses room)

"Go there, now. I'll be right behind you. We still need-"

She'd look down, and see the light that bursted from behind the door (assuming it is not sealed enough, to not show something), and potentially even hear something, indicating that there were little more, that they could do for him.

"...You won't be forgotten. Zha'krom leyhdan, neh-soizta luna."

She'd salute down towards the door, then turn, and join the others, as they headed towards the ship.

The Shrine Maidens had used a few older languages in their days, as basis for a militaristic code language. Not too much of it were used, as they had used common Ponish, even as they were sent to the shrine in the first place, and little need for written correspondence. Yet sometimes, it were yet used. Mostly at funerals, to send their fallen off with a last message, as they burned upon the pyre, and their ashes were spread across the plains.

The one she had used, roughly translated to *Welcome this star, oh radiant moon.*. A sentiment rarely given to any outsider (of which they only had few, who rarely crossed into their valley for some reason), yet he had given his all, for them to succeed. Though she were alive no longer, she still gave the same manner of respectful prayer, as they all did towards their fallen. Something given in the hopes, that their spirits might shine, as they did in life, and soar forever as a star, in her majesty's sky. Perhaps even now, after she were gone, her own spirit would be there, welcoming her faithful home.

A silly thing to think perhaps, for some who'd listen to their tales, but it were a firm belief of theirs, and they did not like it being laughed at. They spend their lives, fighting honorably in her name, and readily dying for the cause. And it brought them, hope, and faith, to look up, and think that their ancestors shone brightly in her night sky.

Light were a pompous sort perhaps, but much like her kind, he had fought til the end, and died with purpose, and honor. He would be remembered, and perhaps, he too would soar among the ancestors, finding peace among the stars. Or find shelter in Elysium.

(in case there is no sign)

"Light is still back there. We can't just leave him like this.

Get Nexus to the ship. I'll see if I can drag him out."

Lest something happened, she'd rush down again, and go over. She wanted to break open the door, just a little, and give him an opening to escape. After the opening he had given them, they couldn't just leave him, when he might still be alive.

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih

On 2022-09-29 at 11:25 AM, Blitz Boom said:

following happens if there is an indicator, from their side likely, that something have happened in the Empresses room

Before Last could really consider going back for Light, the door that led back the way they had come was knocked loose by a powerful burst of energy. If she looked through the door she'd find the chamber now empty, no sign of Light, the Empress, or any of the undead bodies that they had previously fought.

 

Merlot would be able to see the shadow arrow rather easily, and if she asked Crank for his opinion he'd encourage her to go for a closer look. "Hopefully one of the larger craft are operable. We could only take on one passenger, and that's only if we could find a safe place to land."

Once Merlot had visual confirmation on the survivors she could have Crank radio back the number along with whatever description Merlot thought to include.

They'd be told to return to the Project, and that the craft at the base camp would pick them up.

 

About fifteen minutes after they had been spotted by the aircraft, the craft that had carried them down would touch down nearby for them to get in, and just as soon as they were all in it would set off for the Project. The unicorn from the other team raised an eyebrow, "What happened in there? Where'd this little filly come from? And where's that stallion that was with you?"

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Props

On 2022-09-30 at 11:18 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Before Last could really consider going back for Light, the door that led back the way they had come was knocked loose by a powerful burst of energy. If she looked through the door she'd find the chamber now empty, no sign of Light, the Empress, or any of the undead bodies that they had previously fought.

So that was it then? He were gone. SO too, seemed the undead, and the empress... Whatever he had done, it had amounted to a sacrificial act, to save not just them, but countless others, from what the empress might have done later on. A selfless act...

She would make sure that it would not be forgotten, nor glossed over in the report. He deserved as much, for his final action.

On 2022-09-30 at 11:44 PM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral had looked back at the door that had been blasted loose by energy. Looking back, she wasn't sure what really happened. Then she'd return to where Last was, and would be waiting with her by the time the craft came from base camp. It was likely by that time Spiral and Last would have figured out that Light, the Empress and the undead bodies had somehow vanished. Spiral said to last, that whatever happened in there - they likely won't find out as they are apparently gone for no apparent reason. Spiral didn't know what to suggest for that, not yet. 

"To me, it looks as if he sacrificed himself, to save us. Lest something changes, that's what I'll put in my report."

She had hoped they would get out of this, without casualties, but it had been unrealistic, she supposed. And though she had her thoughts about him earlier, he made sure that it were only him, and that whatever that empress were, had vanished too. Hopefully for good. It would save a lot of lives later on, and avenge those who had fallen, if she were gone.

"What of her? Is she still okay?"

Shed refer to Nexus, who would likely still be laying upon her back, as they waited to be picked up, by The Æther. It seemed they had been spotted at least, so those of them who remained, would likely make it out okay. Bit of a shame she didn't get the ice spike gun with her though, but it were a minor thing. It were not the most important thing lost here, and she could figure out some other weapon eventually. A lot of egg heads on The Æther. Had to be one who knew how to make a sort of cannon, to put on her leg. Or an arrow, or something. It wasn't important right now.

On 2022-09-30 at 11:18 PM, Illiad Easle said:

About fifteen minutes after they had been spotted by the aircraft, the craft that had carried them down would touch down nearby for them to get in, and just as soon as they were all in it would set off for the Project. The unicorn from the other team raised an eyebrow, "What happened in there? Where'd this little filly come from? And where's that stallion that was with you?"

On 2022-09-30 at 11:44 PM, Spiral Spell said:

When the craft had landed nearby to them - Spiral would board the craft and then tell the unicorn everything that happened down there. She would also add say that Light is missing in action. Spiral would say that she would take care of the Filly for the time being, and wouldn't want the filly to be out of her sight.

Last would let Spiral speak first, as she were the one carrying the filly, and it were only right. Yet she'd interject something, once the mare were done.

"There's no trace of Light, nor the one he stayed behind to fight. For all intents and purpose, it seemed he died an honorable death, removing a greater threat."

She'd look at her sword a last time, before sheating it. Not the new one, which still sat on her back, but the old one, infused with the magic of Light. Perhaps it would make for a worthy tombstone, yet more than that... He had infused it, so that she could keep fighting. She'd honor his memory more, by keeping it sharp and swinging.

It would be pushed back into her scabbard, and she'd take position, over near Spiral and the still sleeping Nexus.

Her eye would gaze over the filly, silently think to herself a few things. Thoughts of what challenges she had. The responsibility of an alicorn, that some would try and push upon her, the concept of loyalty...

For all she knew, the last openly remaining alicorn, might be the ones famed to be in Troy, if the stories were true. Yet now, here were a new one. A young little life, that had been dealt a lot of challenges. She'd need support, and protection, like all other of her kind did. Just like Princess Luna had, before...

"...An alicorn, needs her guards. I won't let you do this alone, Spiral."

She'd be stubborn about this, and refuse to leave the filly too. Might be this were not her princess, yet she carried the same weight of power, that some would seek to snuff out, or exploit.

Last had... She had failed a princess once already, by not being there to protect her. Perhaps in that matter, she were not the most suitable, to help guard another alicorn. Yet she would at least try, or die failing.

Spiral were well intentioned, and Last respected the mare, for how she did things, and her conviction. But she were but one, and she wasn't a trained soldier. If she wanted to admit it or not, she could use the help. If for nothing else, then to stand against those on The Æther, who'd undoubtedly try and tear the filly from her grasp. Plenty that were bound to be curious about an alicorn filly, from an old city like that. And she doubted they were all going to have Nexus's best interests at heart.

So she would stand near the two, rank and unmoving, gazing with a narrow glare towards any, who seemed to want to get closer.

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

The alicorn filly was still asleep when their craft touched down in the hanger, but they weren't allowed to disembark just yet as a well armored guard spoke to them, "We detected a large amount of magic, potentially of draconequiin origin, while you were all down there. In an effort to maintain the security of the project, you will all be quarantined for the next two weeks. Assuming you do not display any unusual effects you will at that point be allowed to rejoin the Project proper."

The guard would call the team members individually to disembark, passing through a scanner as they had when they first boarded the Project. They didn't pause long when Light's name was called, and no one moved to answer, and they'd move on faster if Spiral or Last spoke up about his disappearance.

They would call Spiral first, but stop her when they saw the pony she was carrying, "Is... is that an alicorn?"

That attracted the attention of almost everyone in the hanger as news quickly traveled. Many started to move on the craft to try and get a look, to which the rest of the guards did their best to keep them away. The lead guard shook his head, "We'll deal with that later, just come on through, quickly."

Once through the sensor the guard looking at the readouts shook his head, and Spiral would be stopped again, "This alicorn is covered in strange magic. We can't allow her to be quarantined with the rest of them. The unicorn too, likely due to the exposure."

The head guard snorted, "Fine, they'll be quarantined separately then. We'll let Apollo deal with it later."

They were held to the side as Last was scanned, revealing a similar level of strange exposure. "Alright, the three of you will be held separately, follow me."

The guards formed up around them to keep them away from the prying eyes of those who had heard the word 'alicorn' until they were brought to a room big enough for four ponies with a mirrored observation window. "Best if you got comfortable. Someone will come by in an hour to make more concrete arrangements."

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Props

On 2022-10-07 at 6:43 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"I know you always have had my back in there - so I will trust you with having hers." she gestured to the filly. "She seems to be fine, probably being in that Amber and using a focus point for all that magic really tired her out, so she'll be napping for a long time. I won't let anyone hurt her, and I won't let anyone take her away from me." she said with determination.

Last would look at Spiral as she spoke, with a bit more respect for the mare, flourishing as she heard her words. The mare had guts, and stood by good principles. Those were good traits, that were gonna be needed, when it came to Nexus, and making sure she were taken well care of. Might be she didn't fancy herself one, but Last wouldn't scoff at the notion, of Spiral being a parent. Far as she were concerned, the mare were a good role model, who stood for something worthwhile. Kindness were needed too, but the mare had shown a soft side too, when needed. She'd do fine.

"When there's time, I want to tell you a story. My time, before everything started to burn. You'll understand how far I'll go, for Nexus.

For now, keep her with you. I'll keep you guarded."

She hadn't been spouting off her tale a lot, for a long time. Mostly since no one were around her, to listen to it. But there were also just the thing that she doubted most cared, or would understand. Those of her comrades that she had heard from, before and after the crisis, all told the same there. That it were rare to find anyone, who were willing to accept what they did, and not call them out as fanatics, and crazies.

She were sure Spiral had her thoughts too - the leaders of The Æther, that she had to give a report of her previous life to when she arrived, certainly had theirs - but it would perhaps give her context, as to how far she'd go, if Nexus were in danger. Might be that many said they would die for their cause, but it were few who actually meant it, when the time came.

On 2022-10-06 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They would call Spiral first, but stop her when they saw the pony she was carrying, "Is... is that an alicorn?"

That attracted the attention of almost everyone in the hanger as news quickly traveled. Many started to move on the craft to try and get a look, to which the rest of the guards did their best to keep them away. The lead guard shook his head, "We'll deal with that later, just come on through, quickly."

They weren't the only ones that were acting upon the influx of others, wanting to see Nexus closer. Last too, were standing there, in front of her and Spiral, and if anyone got too close, she'd plant a hoof on their shoulder, or upper body, and push them away. hard. If that did not get the point through - or her scowling - then she'd start hitting folks. They'd probably be hurried off before it came to that, but just in case, she had no qualms hurting others, to some extend. She weren't gonna aim to actually cause harm. Just get them to back off.

On 2022-10-06 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The head guard snorted, "Fine, they'll be quarantined separately then. We'll let Apollo deal with it later."

They were held to the side as Last was scanned, revealing a similar level of strange exposure. "Alright, the three of you will be held separately, follow me."

The guards formed up around them to keep them away from the prying eyes of those who had heard the word 'alicorn' until they were brought to a room big enough for four ponies with a mirrored observation window. "Best if you got comfortable. Someone will come by in an hour to make more concrete arrangements."

Last were not pleased to be separated momentarily from Spiral and Nexus, but she'd comply for now, and just silently listen in, and let them do their little scans. No ides where the draconequus magic got into things, but she'd assume it had something to do with Light, or the Empress. Maybe both. Did it look like she knew those sorts of things?

She'd remain silent until they were finally in the holding room alone. Seemed to be room for probably four ponies, to their standards. Seven or so, if push came to shove, with a glass wall. She'd assume this to be some sort of interrogation room. Didn't look like proper quarantine. Then again, had to go down a bit too, to what they did with her weapons. Were they all five confiscated? And yes, she meant five. She had some knives around her outfit, in case it were needed. If they let her keep some, that they had seen, she'd assume this were quarantine. If not, interrogation. Prisoners were not usually allowed weaponry, in her experience.

On 2022-10-07 at 6:43 PM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would then onward follow the instructions of the guard who told them about the quarantining. Spiral would proceed outward and look to the various guards and then follow them to the separate areas, she didn't protest this but was adamant that she was not separated from the alicorn filly. Spiral would wait inside of her separate room, and cast a knowing look to Last - letting her know that she trusted her.

As they had been brought to the same quarantine, Last just wandered over to them, when they were alone, and sat on the floor. If there were softer seating, it were for the two of them to take. They needed it more right now. She'd probably got a few more hours, before all of the times she were bashed around, would cause her to feel a bit beaten up, so it weren't even gonna irritate her yet. That stuff were for later.

"So, we need to get our stories straight. They say there were draconequus magic? If so, where from? You think it was part of that magic blast?"

They'd have some time to talk it sounded like, and she would think it best to be ready to deliver their report, by using that time for that. Other stuff, like what she mentioned earlier, could be said after. Just a few things she figured were more important to get out first.

"I don't have a normal education. So your idea is better than mine on that."

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

They would have plenty of time to talk, two hours in fact, before the door opened and General Akli, the changeling general, stepped in, flanked by guards. His expression was grim. "Apollo has decided that the alicorn is too dangerous to be allowed to remain on the Project. As such, the alicorn is to be removed-"

"Not so fast." General Akli looked back to see General Quarters, the earth pony general, with his own pair of guards, whose armor notably bore some Equestrian medals. "That is neither Apollo's decision to make, nor yours to enforce. Arrivals are my responsibility, and I say she stays until she proves dangerous."

General Akli sighed, and shook his head, "Your devotion to the alicorns of old has impaired your judgement, which is why Apollo put me in charge of this decision."

Quarters scoffed, "As though you would be impartial. Clearly Apollo feels threatened by her presence. Most of the Project has already heard that she's here, what do you think will happen if, no, when word gets out that you threw her overboard?"

Akli remained stoic, "We've all done questionable things for the safety and security of this Project. How many ponies got left behind at Troy because they didn't meet your standards? Ponies far superior to the ponies we're picking up now."

Quarters looked mad at that, but Akli turned his attention back to the trio, "Regardless, I have my orders, and I intend to fulfill them. Surrender the alicorn peacefully, and you'll be allowed to return to the Project proper. Resist, and you'll be removed as well."

"I can't let you fulfil that order." Quarter's knife was out, and the two pairs of guards moved to defend their respective Generals.

"You will try." Akli grasped the alicorn with his magic as the guards started to attack each other, alarms starting to sound in the area.

If Spiral and Last did nothing, the alicorn would be teleported away, but if they moved quickly they'd be able to break General Akli's concentration to prevent the teleport from happening, Spiral could also fight against his magic directly.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

8 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would have explained to Last that she was a scientist who studied centuries ago. She died because of her own hubris and shortsightedness with experimentation with magic, it was only thanks to the likes of Trixie was she brought back to life. Given a second chance, she changed her ways and turned away from seeking power for power's sake - realizing she could take a stand for better things than her own greed. She had no shame in admitting the truth about herself. Spiral was open to anything Last wanted to say to her, and they certainly had the time for it. 

Last would listen, and tell that she did not judge. Spiral had died for her sins already, and done better in this new life. It said good things about her character, in the mare's eyes.

In turn, Last would tell her own tale. That some thousand years ago, her ancestors, had been part of a group of loyalists, devoted to Princess Luna. They had done acts that left them as pariahs, and ponies to be talked about, in hushed tones. Things most were not willing to do, regardless of the fact that someone had to.

They were never directly associated with the princess, where others could see them, and wouldn't speak her name in public, as they had been ordered. They were the princesses devoted followers, and a highly militarized group at that. Their job, were doing what the guards couldn't do, and they accepted the consequences of their actions in full.

So too would they, when they were gathered by her, and asked to go and guard a shrine, far away from prying eyes, that laid in the middle of a fortress. They didn't know who made it, nor did they care. Her majesty told them, that in the center, laid something that must never be allowed to escape, and told them to keep it safe, until such a day would come, that she said otherwise. So they had, without hesitation.

A thousand years of traditions, cut off from regular society, were where Last had come from. Devoted fighters to the night throne, that fought daily, to keep the various monsters and marauders - the worst being the large, mantis like creatures, the Manetids - away from the inner vault. As well as traitors, who'd sell them out for their own gain, or believed there were some power in the center, that could bring an end to the constant fighting.

They'd avoid inbreeding, via taking some of the more useful member of the marauding gangs that sometimes tried their luck with them, or ponies fleeing through the valley for some reason, and give them an ultimatum: Face the valley alone, and die, or take up the mantle with them, and fight under her banner. Most chose the latter, as when they got to them, a fair few had come to face the dangerous creatures in the valley, and understood they were safer herewith the Shrine Maidens. A moniker that Princess Luna had given them, despite them not all being female, even at the beginning.

A few months before the crisis, the princes had returned to them. She had thanked them for a millennia of hard work, and dismissed them from service. She thought she had done them a favor, but letting their long fight end, and give them a chance to return to society. In truth, it left most of them - Last included - restless, and aimless. This were all they knew after all. Constant battle, and death. Even though a lot went to join the Night Guard, to still serve the princess, it were not a life that many of them could handle well. It were too idle.

After the crisis, most had died, trying to defend Canterlot and their residents. Far as she knew, Last were the only one alive, as she hadn't been there at the time. She had been wandering aimlessly, trying to find meaning, as she hadn't been able to do like her sister, and just go to Canterlot, to stand around there. She needed battle, and well, it had certainly come. Far more widespread and dangerous, than she had imagined.

Perhaps knowing things now, Spiral would understand why Last were as she were. Unapproachable and battle-worn, clashing with most others, and unflinching in the face of conflict. She were born into war, and trying to adapt to living with the more calm, normal ponies, that The Æther were primarily made of, were a constant struggle, that she were mostly losing.

She might also understand her actions then, when things eventually then did go along, and a very stupid general, would make a very stupid comment.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

They would have plenty of time to talk, two hours in fact, before the door opened and General Akli, the changeling general, stepped in, flanked by guards. His expression was grim. "Apollo has decided that the alicorn is too dangerous to be allowed to remain on the Project. As such, the alicorn is to be removed-"

"Not so fast." General Akli looked back to see General Quarters, the earth pony general, with his own pair of guards, whose armor notably bore some Equestrian medals. "That is neither Apollo's decision to make, nor yours to enforce. Arrivals are my responsibility, and I say she stays until she proves dangerous."

Last said not a word. Nothing. She laid as she did, front legs crossed, and glared straight at Akli. Yet she were preparing herself for something. Weren't a lot that the others should be able to read from her though. Even the changelings. She were always low key angry, and it weren't increasing yet. She'd be calm. Unnervingly so perhaps, with her mind going glacial, and her focus being directed on a single task ahead of her. She but needed the right time.

8 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

"I am not surrendering anything to you." she stared to Akli. "You serve a miserable ailing tyrant. Perhaps you should think to yourself where you really stand. Or I'll let history be the judge of that." she spoke, attempting to force the alicorn free from Akli's magic, while looking to Last and calling for her to help with this situation. Then she would look to the various guards, and stare them down, her eyes piercing into them.

"All of you and your pathetic quarrels. Part of me is tempted to let you all fight and kill each other. It amazes me we've even survived this long with the likes of you among the staff." she huffed. 

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I can't let you fulfil that order." Quarter's knife was out, and the two pairs of guards moved to defend their respective Generals.

"You will try." Akli grasped the alicorn with his magic as the guards started to attack each other, alarms starting to sound in the area.

If Spiral and Last did nothing, the alicorn would be teleported away, but if they moved quickly they'd be able to break General Akli's concentration to prevent the teleport from happening, Spiral could also fight against his magic directly.

The trapping might end up keeping them from going too far, but the magic were still being cast. They'd see if that lasted though, as soon as she saw his horn light up - the same timing as Spiral's spell it seemed - she'd spring into action. Starting by throwing the knife that she had been grasping with her hoof, that were inside of her armor. It would be thrown hard, and direct, towards Akli's eye. It would kill him, or he'd handle that, instead of finishing his spell on Nexus.

IN the same motion, she'd rush forward, stone-faced, and cold, tackling into him, which should bash him back, and now give her the time to properly draw her blade, and look towards the sorry excuse for a general, with ice in her eyes, and utter indifference, as she'd swing the sword. She knew the weak places of the armors in this place. They were well enough, but every armor had their weakness, or section where there were a gap, wherein one could plunge a blade, if they wanted to. And she did. He had threatened an alicorn. A blind filly alicorn at that, and showed no remorse, over going through with that order. He were as much a traitor, as Apollo were, and she cared not for the unrest it would cause, to fight them. She would not suffer them to live, when they threatened Nexus.

Might seem odd to most, why she did so, and did not even say a thing, but with what she had been telling Spiral, i the time they had spend here, the mare should understand. Kingdoms rose and fall, but Last Stand were still a soldier, a royalist, and a fervent fanatic. And compared to when they were down below, she wouldn't be as calm, and willing to talk. She'd be laser focused, and out for blood. Or whatever the changeling equivalent were going to be here. Dust she assumed, due to the magic destroying capabilities in her blade. Which also meant that he couldn't just magically grab that. It'd cut right through it.

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

General Akli was able to save himself from the shadows by simply keeping his hooves in a constant state of change, resulting in no shadows beneath him to entangle him, the other guards were not so lucky.

Akli's guards were steadfast however, despite being bound to their spot they remained stalwart defenders of their General from where they stood. "Nothing is worth the risk." "The Æther must survive."

On 2022-10-09 at 10:24 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"You serve a miserable ailing tyrant. Perhaps you should think to yourself where you really stand. Or I'll let history be the judge of that."

"And you've thrown away your loyalty just because some blind alicorn child appeared. How Equestrian. The alicorns didn't save you from Discord, they were the first to fall."

On 2022-10-10 at 7:25 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Starting by throwing the knife that she had been grasping with her hoof, that were inside of her armor. It would be thrown hard, and direct, towards Akli's eye. It would kill him, or he'd handle that, instead of finishing his spell on Nexus.

Akli deftly dodged the thrown knife, but was unable to fully dodge Last's tackle, breaking his hold on the teleport spell for the alicorn. But he was able to parry Last's sword strike with his retractable pole-arm as he regained his footing. "Already you see the damage this alicorn does with its very presence. Driving those around it to do anything, even betray their allies and protectors. It will be the end of us all."

Akli would strike Spiral with a spell to release the guards from the shadow magic before serving as the tail of their retreat, closing a heavy doorway behind them.

On 2022-10-09 at 10:24 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"All of you and your pathetic quarrels. Part of me is tempted to let you all fight and kill each other. It amazes me we've even survived this long with the likes of you among the staff." she huffed. 

The remaining guards weren't happy about Spiral's comments, "Oh, should we have let Akli just execute the three of you then?"

General Quarters stepped in, "Enough. This is far from over, this sector will be swarming with guards loyal to Apollo in no time. We need to move, and gather those willing to defend the alicorn."

He would lead the way the opposite direction, eventually getting them into the pipeworks to move through the project a bit more stealthily.

 

Whether Spiral and Last elected to follow or not, an announcement would soon ring out across the Project:

"Attention all residents. Discord agents have boarded the Project and attacked security. It is advised that everyone return to their rooms or find a safe space until the agents are dealt with."

"Be warned, one agent is posing as an alicorn. This is a deception. They want you to-"

The announcement cut out and another voice took over, "The alicorn is real! I saw her with my own eyes! Security tried to throw her off the Project! We need to-"

The second voice cut out, followed by silence. maybe they had shut down the PA system?

The Project quickly descended into chaos, a number of Equestrian loyalists attacking the security for a perceived slight against an alicorn, while other civilians fought back defending the security officers.

(You're free to use all of your characters from here on out. The fate of the Æther Project is in your hooves.)

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Akli deftly dodged the thrown knife, but was unable to fully dodge Last's tackle, breaking his hold on the teleport spell for the alicorn. But he was able to parry Last's sword strike with his retractable pole-arm as he regained his footing. "Already you see the damage this alicorn does with its very presence. Driving those around it to do anything, even betray their allies and protectors. It will be the end of us all."

Akli would strike Spiral with a spell to release the guards from the shadow magic before serving as the tail of their retreat, closing a heavy doorway behind them.

Last had been in the midst of striking against the changeling again, when the lot had retreated. His little parry were nothing impressive in the slightest. Quite frankly, as he had parried, her hoof were already headed right for his face. The perk of mouth blades. You had free hooves, and seeing his fighting form, she were amazed he had gotten to the rank he held. Must be from knowing others, or kissing up to the rightplaces, because from what she had seen of is prowess so far, it were woefully lacking. Had she for instance, put real weight into her strike, his leg would likely have pushed back, and struck his own blade into his face. And the fact she had tackled him so effortlessly, also said a lot.

So yes. If needed, she could have killed him. Yet as he retreated, alarms were going. She could not run after him, and risk being separated from the others, by steel doors, or something else. So she'd stay, though she did have a few parting words, as she glared at the retreating general.

"Death to traitors."

She could have used the language she knew well off, but he wouldn't grasp. Yet she wanted him to know what she said, and by the look in her eyes, he should well know, that she meant it. Had she the chance, at any point, she would kill him. His woefully lacking fighting prowess, and little magic, wouldn't be able to keep him safe for her forever.

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The remaining guards weren't happy about Spiral's comments, "Oh, should we have let Akli just execute the three of you then?"

General Quarters stepped in, "Enough. This is far from over, this sector will be swarming with guards loyal to Apollo in no time. We need to move, and gather those willing to defend the alicorn."

He would lead the way the opposite direction, eventually getting them into the pipeworks to move through the project a bit more stealthily.

16 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would look to the remaining guards and stare to them silently before looking to General Quarters. "You don't even know who this alicorn is. Her name is Nexus. She was used as a weapon by some far gone Empress who stole the magic of all the unicorns and ponies there to be used as a focal point for whatever she wanted to do - it wasn't good. It would be wise of us to know where this level of destruction leads, but first and foremost - Apollo must be removed from power." she spoke to them.

"Cease your bickering. Like Spiral said, we have a traitor to kill. We can't waste time with infighting."

She'd follow them the other direction, putting her blade back in its sheath as she did so, and picking up the knife that she had thrown. She were gonna need all the steel she could keep on her, before this day were done, she'd wager. So it were just to stay focus, and ignore any aches and pains. They could patch her up later, when they were done with their new mission, of assassinating Apollo.

"So you know my stance: Apollo must die, and I will cut down Akri myself, when I get the chance. If he's willing to follow that order, he's as guilty as Apollo, and I won't show mercy, to any threats to Nexus. From anyone."

Her ice-blue eye would bore into all but Spiral, as she wandered near the mare, who held Nexus. For all intents and purposes, she were now Spiral and Nexus's, personal bodyguard. And may the gods show mercy to those, who'd try getting through her. For she wouldn't.

"What is our plan of attack?"

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Attention all residents. Discord agents have boarded the Project and attacked security. It is advised that everyone return to their rooms or find a safe space until the agents are dealt with."

"Be warned, one agent is posing as an alicorn. This is a deception. They want you to-"

The announcement cut out and another voice took over, "The alicorn is real! I saw her with my own eyes! Security tried to throw her off the Project! We need to-"

The second voice cut out, followed by silence. maybe they had shut down the PA system?

(Briar and Brittle)

They were both still in their quarters, as they heard this message. Brittle were the first to hear the commotion, starting outside of their door, and scurried further back into the dark corners of their room, whilst Briar started to rise from the floor.

"W-What's happening? W-Where... D-Don't leave..."

Briar would come over, and hug Brittle. He felt her racing heartbeat, and heard the pounding of her heart, as she were nervous about the things she heard. Both outside, and from the speaker just before.

"I must. Something is happening, and if there really is an impostor, they are using glamour of a kind. Those do not work on me, so I can perhaps help them, to authenticate what is the truth, before more than needs to, gets hurt.

But it's not for you to take part in. Hide, keep the door locked, and keep the seed safe, okay? You're the only one, whom I trust enough, to ask this. Can you do that for me?"

She'd nod slowly, and wrap her blanket around herself, as he planted a kiss on her forehead, and took a hoof through her mane. In truth, the seed were secure enough, but it would give her something to focus on, while he were gone. Hopefully,. it would not be so violent out there, to where he had to partake in any fighting. As he did not even know Apollo, he had so far no allegiance to speak off, until the truth were known. And if he got there, he could tell. He could not be fooled by vision glamours, and alicorns had a very odd smell about them. He could not say exactly what it were, but every time, he had been presented with something in relation to an alicorn, in his time, it had an odd tinge to it. Something... Unexplainable. If it were the same with this one, perhaps he could help sort this out, before too many got hurt.

So, he'd walk out, make sure that the door were locked, and potentially barricaded, if there were something he could move out here, and then, he'd be on his way. He'd assume that the place were the various guards and such, went towards, when there were missions, would be the place to go. So hed start there.

 

(Blitz)

Blitz's ears would perk as she heard the message, but just... What did it all mean? Were there an alicorn? Were they being invaded? Sure sounded like there were trouble outside. That wasn't good. Chaos were just gonna get lots and lots hurt. She must ask Silver! She'd know!

So she'd head to where Silver were working, and provided she were still there, would flag her down, and start to ask into what were going on.

"Silver! Silver! There were a weird message, and folks are fighting?! What're we gonna do? Do we need bombs?"

She had some stashed away. Wouldn't be too hard to get to them, and not all were high explosives. She had a few distraction things, like flashbangs too. She liked how they sounded, and looked like, when they went kaboom. Same with the smoke bombs. Never got old, with a good smoke bomb or two, right? She had about a dozen of those, hiding beneath the coffee machine. Honestly she were amazed sometimes, that they hadn't seen through the disguise yet, but hey. That were still good. Might come in handy someday, right?

If Silver weren't where she were supposed to be, Blitz would go out to find her. And if anyone tried to get to her? She were nimble, and were good at setting things on fire. She'd sneak away.

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

(Extra background info for Last:)

Spoiler

While Last had never worked with General Akli, or General Hightower as he had been called before he chose to reveal himself as a changeling, she had heard of him. He had served as the commander of the Pericles, the precursor to the Æther Project, and under his command the Pericles was instrumental in winning the Summer War. Even after the Pericles had been downed by the Reindeer's secret weapon he had continued fighting, managing to down Equestria's flagship, the Solar Flare. He had been captured alive by the reindeer and tortured for an extended period until the war officially ended, at which point he was released.

General Akli is highly regarded as a war hero by the Trojans, but he is also old, old enough that he had actually retired before the Æther Project set off, but he returned to active duty in order to maintain order.

(Last & Spiral)

The guards with them, including General Quarters, looked disturbed by Spiral's revelation as to the nature and origin of the alicorn, One of the guards spoke up, "Wait, so Apollo might have been... right? In considering her a threat?" 

The other guard sat down, looking especially concerned, "Were we so desperate for an alicorn, that we put the whole Project at risk? I mean, you're right. We didn't know anything about this alicorn, yet we were ready to do anything for her..."

General Quarters shook his head, "Apollo couldn't have known this either, so the fact remains that he wanted this alicorn removed before there was any hint of danger, because he feels threatened by her presence. That alone is cause enough for his removal. Removal. I will not, cannot, authorize you to kill him. Not if he can be brought into custody and tried for his crime." He turned towards Last, "And I can't allow you to kill General Akli. Regardless of how you see him, he is well respected among the residents of the Project. Killing him could cause irreparable damage."

In regards to their plans moving forward, "Well, first order of business is getting the alicorn somewhere safe, there are plenty of small rooms down here where she would be safe, but if we're going to keep her hidden we'll need more ponies loyal to our cause."

General Quarters would lead the way through the pipeworks, but it was clear that he was unfamiliar with its layout. Before they could get to a safe room they were spotted by a group of ponies, "There she is! Security got her! We have to free her!"

They would be charged by a group of Equestrians, an Earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. They weren't trained fighters by any means, but they would attack viciously in their attempt to 'free' the alicorn from her 'captors'.

 

(Merlot)

As she left her room she encountered Crank going to his quarters, he looked confused at her, "Where are you going? The announcement said to stay in our quarters. You... you don't think the alicorn is real do you?"

His expression was incredulous, as if he thought the likelihood of there being an alicorn on the project were astronomical.

 

(Maud & Trixie)

Maud and Trixie would find the research sector locked down tight, well armed guards at every entrance to deter all comers, though it didn't stop a few foolhardy Equestrians from asserting that the alicorn had been taking there for experimentation and had to be rescued, but the few who tried to breach the line were swiftly dealt with to deter others. If they tried to approach they would be stopped, "Sorry, no one is allowed in or out until the chaos agent is dealt with. Standard security procedure. Return to your quarters and await further instruction."

If they wanted to get in, they'd need to get creative.

 

(Briar & Brittle)

While those in the agricultural and research sectors were already familiar with Briar's strange appearance, not everyone on the Project were familiar with him. And so, once he left the agricultural sector for the security sector, he was spotted by a group of ponies who cried out, "That must be the agent! We caught it outside of it's disguise! We have to capture it before it can trick anyone else!"

Luckily, he had enough distance that he could move to flee if he chose, or he could chose to try and subdue the duo by himself.

Given the state of things, he may not be safe in assuming that the security officials wouldn't make the same mistake.

 

(Blitz)

Silver looked a mess, tearing apart her office looking for something, so absorbed she was that she didn't notice Blitz's presence at first, but if Blitz got close enough Silver would spin to notice her, "Oh! Sorry, just... looking for something. Say... when you saw Plein earlier, was she wearing her necklace?"

Blitz would not remember Plein wearing a necklace, in fact she couldn't remember Plein ever wearing a necklace, at least not this year.

Silver would sigh, "Hopefully she's close to it, or would go to it in this case. I just need to-"

She shoved another stack of papers over and found a necklace, similar to Plein's, "Here it is. Here, Blitz, I need you to..." She stopped herself, "No, I need to do this myself. Now of all times... she needs to know that she is more important."

She looked over at Blitz again, "I'm going to get my daughter and make sure she's safe. I need you to stay here and make sure no one, no one, takes anything out of this room while I'm gone. Use anything at your disposal to keep this room and its contents safe. Can you do that for me?"

Once she got the confirmation Silver would put the necklace on, and with a flash of her horn she would disappear.

 

(As a bonus, some characters of my own)

(Play Write)

Acting Consul Play Write, though he still referred to himself as Vice-Consul out of respect to the Consul who was MIA since the Æther left, was in his office when the announcements happened, causing him to rub his forehead in a rare show of annoyance. His assistant entered his office soon after, "Sir? What are we going to do?"

He sighed, cursing under his breath, just loud enough for his assistant to hear, which was uncharacteristic of him, enough for her to ask, "Sir?"

He waved her off, "I'm fine, but everything out there isn't. I've no doubt that there's a real, light from the stars alicorn on the Project, and Apollo handled it in the worst possible way." He cursed again, "These Equestrians! So loyal to their alicorns, willing to do anything for them, to do anything they tell them to do. It's like they lose all sense when presented with one. And Apollo went and tried to hurt one."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself, "Call a meeting. Everyone still sane and loyal to Troy, secure the largest amphitheater and have them all gather there. I'll give more instructions there."

He opened a drawer in his desk, pulling out the silver and gold laurel that represented his station as the Acting-Consul, placing it on his head.

"It's time Troy took the Project back."

 

(Fury)

In his secret room on the Project, Nicola 'Fury' Tesla Tower Shield reviewed the standing on the board, several pieces had just been knocked out of place by a sudden spin by a griffon shaped piece. "Such a fool Apollo is. He was supposed to inspire a cold fury, revenge, but instead the whole project is alight with blind rage, actual discord. If things do not cool down soon, we will be in serious trouble."

He sighed, turning to a switch on the wall, it was not labeled, but he knew what it did. "We can't risk exiting the cycle until this is resolved. HE will surely stop pretending to ignore us if we prove his point."

He flipped the switch, all there was left to do was wait.

 

(Red)

Red had been loitering out of sight when the announcements happened, which upon hearing the response among the Equestrians gave her an idea, "Well, if they're so desperate for an alicorn, why not give them what they want?" In a flash of fire she transformed herself into an alicorn, red and black being her primary colors, and she stepped into the open, "Don't be afraid. It is true, I am here. Apollo tried to kill me before I could save you from his control. I need your help to destroy him, and this project, so you can all go back to the lives you were stolen from."

The Equestrians nearby accepted her words without question, immediately flocking to her and asking how they could help, what they could do.

Red smiled.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

(Main Group)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

While Last had never worked with General Akli, or General Hightower as he had been called before he chose to reveal himself as a changeling, she had heard of him. He had served as the commander of the Pericles, the precursor to the Æther Project, and under his command the Pericles was instrumental in winning the Summer War. Even after the Pericles had been downed by the Reindeer's secret weapon he had continued fighting, managing to down Equestria's flagship, the Solar Flare. He had been captured alive by the reindeer and tortured for an extended period until the war officially ended, at which point he was released.

General Akli is highly regarded as a war hero by the Trojans, but he is also old, old enough that he had actually retired before the Æther Project set off, but he returned to active duty in order to maintain order.

Her knowing about him, did not make Akli any less of a traitor in her mind. In fact, it just made her view him worse, as he were a well regarded war hero. Yet at the same time, here he had had been, willing to toss an innocent filly out to die. She didn't know what had caused him to be so callus and cruel, but whatever the reason, he were past his prime, in both years and mind it seemed, if he were willing to obey this order.

Sure her and those she came from, had done morally questionably things in their time, but they still had codes of honor, and the contingency plan, of revolting against their princess, if she went that far. To them, it were better that she died, remembered for all the good she had done, than live, and be tarnished by what she had ended up becoming. Her mind on Akli were much the same currently.

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The guards with them, including General Quarters, looked disturbed by Spiral's revelation as to the nature and origin of the alicorn, One of the guards spoke up, "Wait, so Apollo might have been... right? In considering her a threat?" 

The other guard sat down, looking especially concerned, "Were we so desperate for an alicorn, that we put the whole Project at risk? I mean, you're right. We didn't know anything about this alicorn, yet we were ready to do anything for her..."

General Quarters shook his head, "Apollo couldn't have known this either, so the fact remains that he wanted this alicorn removed before there was any hint of danger, because he feels threatened by her presence. That alone is cause enough for his removal. Removal. I will not, cannot, authorize you to kill him. Not if he can be brought into custody and tried for his crime." He turned towards Last, "And I can't allow you to kill General Akli. Regardless of how you see him, he is well respected among the residents of the Project. Killing him could cause irreparable damage."

On 2022-10-16 at 6:52 AM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would look to Last and General Quarters. "The alicorn is a mere child. She isn't an idol to be worshipped so readily. She isn't even awake, nor aware of our presence. She is blind, and is likely very frail and damaged from her unfortunate situation down below. What we need to do here is take control of the project and appeal to the better nature of everyone onboard." she said.

"I know you all take your customs seriously and I respect that, but we are going to have to take unorthodox methods if we are to have any hope in victory here. Or else we will just be what the others are. Loyal to their customs, yet blind to the results of where that leads. Blind loyalty will destroy you." she said, her eyes serious and flaming with determination.

"I don't answer to your authority, if you would defend someone willing to kill a filly, with no reason. Apollo deserves death, and if you care about Akli, then you'd give him the honor of death, before he tarnish his own legacy."

Last's words were as cold and hard as the look in her eye, as she glared right back at this one, who thought that she would actually ask for his permission to kill someone. What a laughable suggestion. She did not ask for permission, to do what were right, by those who didn't have the spine to do it themselves.

"They deserve punishment, and I don't trust that you will make them face consequences, that fits with their crimes.

But I will trust her, and if she asks for lenience too, then fine, I will stay my blade. Yet if it comes down to her, or them, and they are not giving me a choice, you know where I stand."

Last would look away from Quarters, and keep her sword in its scabbard, her knives in her armor, and the blade on her back, right where it were, whilst giving a glance towards Spiral.

Spiral had earned her respect, and thus, some degree of trust. If she felt this were the right way, then fine, Last would harm, but not with the intend to kill, lest there were no other options. Though she couldn't ask Last, to not hold Nexus on a high pedestal, near an idolizing state. Every fiber in Last's being, screamed to fight for the alicorn, and if Spiral understood anything, of the story that she had shared, she would know better, than expect Last, to simply look at Nexus, as a mere pony. She just couldn't.

She'd defend the alicorn with her life, and if ancestors forbid, she turned out to be a grave danger, to all of the survivors... No, she didn't want to think about that. Refused to.

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

General Quarters would lead the way through the pipeworks, but it was clear that he was unfamiliar with its layout. Before they could get to a safe room they were spotted by a group of ponies, "There she is! Security got her! We have to free her!"

They would be charged by a group of Equestrians, an Earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. They weren't trained fighters by any means, but they would attack viciously in their attempt to 'free' the alicorn from her 'captors'.

On 2022-10-16 at 6:52 AM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral's horn would glow black, and black tendrils would extend themselves and take large swipes at the attacking ponies to knock themselves off their hooves. "Get a hold of yourselves, and shape up! This isn't about the alicorn, this isn't about any of your petty quarrels. It's about the safety of everyone aboard." she said, continuing to knock the ponies about and demanding that they stand down. 

Last would keep her word, and not draw her blade, as the ponies charged in, trying to get to the alicorn. She'd even stand by, as Spiral defended Nexus in her own way. Yet if any of the ponies did not stay down from that, and still tried getting closer, she'd knock them out. She knew where to hit, to knock someone unconscious, with a single blow. And untrained civilians like this? Simple business. They'd wake up with a severe headache later, but they'd live.

Yet she'd try adding her own words. If these had perhaps come from Equestria, they might know enough of her kind, due to them mingling for a bit, to know her words as ringing familiarly.

"In the name of the Night Throne, stand down, or be broken."

Even when trying to mingle, the former Shrine Maidens, had still been intense loyalists, and those who had joined the guard, or were self-imposed town protectors, of some kind, invoked the night throne often, in their response to threats. As well as general threats, about breaking others, or wanting to cause them harm. And the intensity of said messages, tended to make sure that they left an impression. And not one, that made others think they were joking around.

Hadn't made them popular, but folks had sure been happy to beg of their help, once the world started to burn around them.

Maybe not the most diplomatic thing, but she wasn't a diplomat either. She were a fanatic, and a warrior. Being kind and reasonable, weren't part of her repertoire.

 

(Briar and Brittle)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That must be the agent! We caught it outside of it's disguise! We have to capture it before it can trick anyone else!"

Ah yes... He hadn't considered that in the frenzy, anyone who looked somewhat unnatural, would be marked as the potential trouble on the ship... This were going to complicate things.

Now, he could easily knock these two out. A quick jab of his vines, in the right place, and they'd be out cold. However, he were trying not to end up making things worse, and if anyone saw him knock out others such as that, it were definitely not going to help his case. As such, he elected to run. Emotions were high, and thus, it did not seem like they'd be open for simply chatting this out between them.

Hopefully, he would run into some who knew him, rather than more groups like this, who did not. It wouldn't be easy for him to help, if he were chased around, and he'd much prefer not to end up having to harm others, if it could be helped.

 

(Blitz)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She shoved another stack of papers over and found a necklace, similar to Plein's, "Here it is. Here, Blitz, I need you to..." She stopped herself, "No, I need to do this myself. Now of all times... she needs to know that she is more important."

She looked over at Blitz again, "I'm going to get my daughter and make sure she's safe. I need you to stay here and make sure no one, no one, takes anything out of this room while I'm gone. Use anything at your disposal to keep this room and its contents safe. Can you do that for me?"

Once she got the confirmation Silver would put the necklace on, and with a flash of her horn she would disappear.

Blitz barely had the time to respond to anything. Silver were all up in a tip, and were asking in to things with necklaces and stuff. Blitz couldn't remember a necklace, which she also said, but the next time she had the chance to say something, were just confirming that she'd for sure be able to keep this place safe, and then Silver left.

"Keep this place safe, and use anything at my disposal?"

A manic grin, crept over Blitz face, and her horn glowed intensely, as multiple things began to float around her.

It would take a grand total of 3 minutes, and 11 seconds, before she had both an explosive strong enough to pulverize one of the walls, and a few foam bombs, that'd work to engulf those who got hit by it, and incapacitating them, in a thick coat, of hardened *foam*. And this were just the start.

Fast? perhaps, but Blitz had always been a virtuose, when it came to making things explode, and her getting older, had not made her any less efficient about it. If anything, it had just worked to sharpen her mind, and getting things streamlined into plans and how to execute them, that much faster.

*Use anything as your disposal*, were words that Silver were going to regret. One did not simply remove all restraints from Blitz Boom, encourage her to be creative with defenses, and then just end up with a few trip wires.