open Silver School for Necromancy and Other Purities

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

Despite stand further back than the others, Dr. Clue paid attention to what Spring Chicken was saying. The others brought up a lot of interesting questions about the school and she wanted to hear the answers. However, she she didn't want Spring Chicken to pay much attention to her. That is why despite the fact that her mind was racing with questions, she didn't ask any yet. She had to figure out a way to ask some very deep questions about the school without seeming suspicious. Plus, she supposed that the headmaster would probably address quite a few of them whenever they showed up.

Nopony will stop you from leaving, huh? We'll see about that, when I find out what they are really up to here...

She noticed the flash on Void's flank, and turned her attention to it. It appeared that a cutie mark had appeared. She was puzzled by this.

"Hey uh, Void? Can I ask why your cutie mark changes? Or is that too personal of a question? I'm just curious." Dr. Clue asked. Normally, she was a very direct and confident pony, but she figured that would draw quite a bit of attention to herself from Spring Chicken. Plus, everypony just meet each other.

Hmm, it appears that we have quite the diverse cast of characters here. I do suppose that schools like these would bring out the more unusual kinds of ponies.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

Void looked at her flank, confusion and panic ensues. Even though she gained a cutie mark, sometimes she doesn't know what it does.

The crowds curiosity on her didn't help her calm down.

" I-I don't know what this is....." The only words she could stutter as she started to sweat and faint like a dead goat.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

"Hey, it's ok. I didn't mean to put pressure on you." Dr. Clue said, smiling nervously. She felt kind of bad for asking all those questions earlier. She hoped that she hadn't weirded out Void. She glanced around, making sure to glance back at Void to see how she reacted.

However, she was curious if anypony else would show up. There didn't seem to be many ponies around. She wondered when the headmaster was going to show up and speak. Perhaps the headmaster is waiting for somepony? And why would Spring Chicken be out and mingling with the students?

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

Silver Tongue concentrated on her cutiemark, on his name, on destiny itself. This was not the first time, and it wouldn't be the last, that he relied on powers beyond his understanding. Into the calm of his mind he asked for the perfect timing.

Soon enough, it answered him. Like a conduit, from his mind into the open air, he signaled to Aquarius with perfect timing.

@Kujamih @Ocean Wavedream

"Ah, don't worry dear, if you do well enough at our school, you'll have all the time in the world to figure it all out," Spring Chicken consoled Void, while giving a polite nod to Monsoon.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Kujamih @Loud Opinion @Starforce @Ocean Wavedream @abrony-mouse 

------🦓------

Thamani eyed Void with interest. She had not seen a pony's cutie mark casually changed on itself for her entire life as she lives among zebras for most of the time except when she went to a tropical island to spend time with her sibling enjoying what they do in a beach resort “When did you get that? Conditions like that aren't normal”

Thamani decided to approach the others, speaking to Spring Chicken and Silver Tongue “You're one of the teachers, I presume?”

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

2 hours ago, Kujamih said:

faint like a dead goat.

@Loud Opinion @Ocean Wavedream @Windy Breeze @Starforce @abrony-mouse

Void is still in a faint state but could still hear the comments of the other about her, and she can only reply to them by saying "... O-okay..." 

 

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

Dr. Clue noticed that the others have walked up to Spring Chicken. She followed suit. She noted that the staff signaling to each other. Perhaps that meant that they were going to start soon. However, she figured that they would also use it when they wanted to communicate to each other without the students understanding. She put that note in the back of her mind for now.

Dr. Clue turned her attention to the students. She figured that given Void was quite timid, it would probably be quite hard to find out much through talking with her. She thought about the other students too. Spiral Spell seemed very determined and and asked a lot of questions. Dr. Clue suspected that out of all the students so far, she had the highest odds of turning into a villain. Dr. Clue would have to keep a close eye on her to she what she does. However, she also asked alot of questions. Dr. Clue hopped that Spiral Spell asked the questions in the right places so she wouldn't have to. Then there was Thamani, who seemed kind of in between the other two students.

Dr. Clue didn't say anything, but she eyed Spring Chicken to see how she would react to what the other two students said. However, Spring Chicken didn't seem much like a talker.

Edited September 5, 2021 by Ocean Wavedream

[abronymouse 5,430]

@Loud Opinion @Ocean Wavedream @Windy Breeze @Starforce @Kujamih

Aquarius sees his cue and raises his beak proudly to begin. 

He lets out a shrill caw to indicate that the students should listen.

He begins his song: the theme is salvation and it is buoyant. For the intro to the song he soars into the air, and with each thrust of his wings, the bones assembled around the fountain lift themselves. As the bones rise, the spirits coalesce about them - drawn upwards as if connected to Aquarius. 

When he is above the centre of the fountain, the song enters into its first theme. With great energy, the cerulean hippogriff begins to sing about the pony sisters: he states that they love all creatures and that all creatures are saved as long as they oppose the monsters in Equestria, but then he ends with a question, in a long anguished note - what does that mean?

He flops onto the fountain dramatically, and immediately transforms into her seapony self. 

The song takes on a note of melancholy, as Aquarius, now in female form, glides languidly in the pool around the fountin. The energy of the initial burst of the song dissipates. She proclaims, in a lilting ballad, that creatures have forgotten what power is. She lists the powers of Equestria and and throws out a challenge to the creatures before her - challenging them to justify their pride and, if they lack pride, shaming them for daring to appear in the presence of Silver Tongue. As she does this, a cacophony rises around the skeletons and a torrent of wrinkles and rusted blades rises from the water surrounding the school. 

The ghostly cohort challenge the assembled students, pointing to their wounds, their wrinkles and their empty faces - challenging them to defy the death which has bested them all. Grisly bearded northern pony warriors clang their ancient pony spears against their shields. Ferocious druid ponies howl like wolves into the sky, the gaping wounds in their necks bely the deaths that they had experienced. Scaly sea-ponies call to their drowned lovers across a sea of mist that reaches into the sky.

The song enters its final phases as Aquarius lifts out of the fountain to the heavens. He reprises the more positive notes of the first phase of the song and ends by cawing to the assembled crowd that they should seize the power for themselves. He flies swiftly over their heads, dropping pink petals onto them.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@abrony-mouse @Loud Opinion @Starforce @Windy Breeze @Ocean Wavedream

Aquarius's performance snapped Void out of her daze and into a haze. The Hypnotized pony could only dance to the magical tune of the necromancer.

But once the hippogryph Drops the petals, so too void's haze.

"...what just happened?" Void spoke in awe and bewilderment.

She then realized that the performers of Aquarius's song were corpses.

Rotting, disgusting, foul smelling corpses.

Void would then return to her shocked and frozen state, but this time she didn't faint. She feared if she did it will be her last.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Kujamih @Ocean Wavedream @abrony-mouse

------🦓------

As Thamani was waiting patiently for the teachers respond to her question, she did not expect Starforce declarance to receive a response in the form of a hippogriff cawing, taking to the skies, then bones began rising around a fountain. She flinched, she was watching necromancy with her own eyes!

She listen intently to Aquarius song, quickly finding herself liking the first portion of the lyrics, her smile not breaking even in the later darker parts of the song.

Soon, Thamani finds more herself surprised as the hippogriff switched genders, and more creatures appear, challenging she and her fellow students by showing off their wounds they have suffered when they were alive. Her body shivered, but she tried to block off the fear. Her intentions was to save Tepe, not to make herself undead.

As the song nears its end, Aquarius had said something which widened her eyes. They have to seize the power for themselves. 

Taking three petals the hippogriff had dropped at their heads as she satred at the petals. No, she was staring far away into space. So knowledge is not only gained and learned, but there's also competition. Is the hippogriff talking about how our goals would clash each other so one can get achievement? she turned to regard Spiral, Void, and Ocean checking out their reactions while thinking about how their goals may affect their roles as students I've come to raise Tepe back to the world of living, but they have their own reasons why they are here and their own pride to give them determination.

her eyes focused on Void I can't underestimate any of them, but I still have to help her out if she needed aid

Then, Void suddenly froze. It was not a good sign as this is clear she's in distress. Thamani gave Void a smile “We're all in this together, Void. If you needed help I promise I'll be here for you”

But still, she spoke in her mind competition means trampling over the dreams and ambitions of others. I hope it doesn't get into that, maybe I was wrong and I made a wrong interpretation.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze @abrony-mouse

Dr. Clue watched Aquarius's performance with visible confusion. She wasn't sure if she could believe what she just saw. It appeared that the bones somehow became alive. At least that confirmed that the school wasn't lying about the necromancy part. She had dealt with plenty of Flim-Flam scams before.

While Dr. Clue wasn't much into songs, she paid attention to what was being sung and tried to interpret it. However, she had trouble understanding what the song meant. The fact that Aquarius was pretty vague in the song really irritated her. She hated it when things were up for interpretation. It also didn't help when Aquarius ended one of the phases with a question.

It didn't really surprise Dr. Clue when Aquarius changed from a hippogriff to a a seapony. She was aware that they could do that, but she pretended to act surprised anyways.

When Aquarius ended by saying that they should seize power for themselves, Dr. Clue instantly became suspicious. It seemed like this school was evil after all.

Since everypony else was making remarks about Aquarius's song, and Dr. Clue wasn't exactly sure what to say, she said "Well, that certainly was something."

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

5 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

We're all in this together, Void. If you needed help I promise I'll be here for you”

"...hehe... I-it sure is... S-seeing that the undead is surrounding us, we sure are IN this. hehe ..." Void tried to jokingly said to their very scary situation."

Edited September 6, 2021 by Kujamih

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Ocean Wavedream @Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Starforce

A green-coated stallion walled through the archway to meet the crowd. His face was youthful and chiseled, yet his combed-back mane was grey as a tombstone. His long cloak hid his mark and would have dragged on the dirt, were it not for some unseen thing scuttling underneath. The only hint of what it could be were the insectoid legs hustling to keep up with their master's stride.

He paid the thing no mind as it crawled behind him. Instead, he put his focus on the ponies in front of him.

"I am headmaster Silver Tongue, and I built this school with my own talents. I welcome you all to our grand opening." He paused to inspect the new prospects.

One was of no comment whatsoever. A face in the crowd. That was until he looked her in the eyes. There was a spark; one part fear, two parts drive, and no desire for a higher station. He concluded that Monsoon hadn't thought through what they specifically have to gain from necromancy, but was confident that they would figure it out once they acquire it.

Next was a zebra. Her posture was slightly closed off, but her eyes were hopeful. Silver felt cruel and guilty whenever he saw that look on the face of others. It was a mystery within himself that he may never solve, but perhaps that is for the best.

A timid thing came after. This was no surprise to Silver. Those that have the most to fear have the most to gain from necromancy. If Silver was lucky, Void could be the most promising student among them.

Beside her was a mirror image. They seemed opposites on the surface, but their posture and expression were both identical. That put him on edge. No matter the difference in their skill, he knew that she could be just as dangerous. He did a mental checklist of the safety precautions applied to students.

"I can tell some of you are on edge after our music teacher's 'interpretation' of our goals. I encourage you all not to let this art put you above everyone else. Humility is just as important here as anywhere else."

"With that being said, are there any questions before we start our tour of the school grounds?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Loud Opinion @Windy Breeze @Starforce @Ocean Wavedream @abrony-mouse

Void had a lot of questions in her mind. but because she was timid, spiral was the first to question the head master.

Void listened to what Spiral had to say and she was quite rude on how she talked to the head master. 

Of course Void is impressed at the aura the headmaster is releasing, but this also caused fear knowing that this creature is powerful beyond comparison.

" S-spiral.... W-what are you doing? I think it's wise to not"-gulp-" anger the headmaster of this school..." Void shackingly said. 

As Spiral starts to approach the headmaster. Void could not follow with her. Instead, she backed away. Fearing that going near and provoking the headmaster is not the wisest choice.

"S-spiral...." Void said in a timid and scared tone, trying to warn or distract spiral for going any further.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Loud Opinion @abrony-mouse @Starforce @Kujamih @Ocean Wavedream

------🦓-----

18 hours ago, Kujamih said:

"...hehe... I-it sure is... S-seeing that the undead is surrounding us, we sure are IN this. hehe ..." Void tried to jokingly said to their very scary situation."

Thamani gave Void the most convincing laugh she could muster, seeing how shy she was, Thamani did not want the earth pony to get the idea that she had offended her, which was not true but a frown is probably enough to cause her to apologize.

As she had been smiling at Void, the voice of a stranger had been the reason why she become aware of the presence of another individual, this one a forest green stallion with a grey mane. He introduced himself as the headmaster of the school, Silver Tongue. Thamani began thinking back about what the crow mentioned about a pony who had conquered death when she met it at her village's small cemetery, could Silver be that pony?

Her reflections are cut into thin air when Spiral began talking and walking toward the headmaster with such confidence Thamani would regarded as being smug and risky-taker.

7 hours ago, Kujamih said:

" S-spiral.... W-what are you doing? I think it's wise to not"-gulp-" anger the headmaster of this school..." Void shackingly said.

Thamani found herself agreeing with Void. She cautiously followed Spiral, eyes narrowed with worry, caution, and assertive anger “Be careful of your words, Spiral" she warned her.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze @abrony-mouse

Dr. Clue didn't appreciate Void's joke, but given how sensitive Void seemed, Dr. Clue decided to stay silent about it.

Dr. Clue paid no attention the undead creatures standing around. She could always deal with them if they tried any fishy business given her royal guard training. Dr. Clue watched as the headmaster of the school, Silver Tongue, introduced himself. She figured that if this was really a villainous school, then he would be the mastermind behind it. In addition, everything about him seemed suspicious, from the long cloak that didn't drag along the dirt, to the way he looked at her. She glared back. Dr. Clue knew she would have to keep an eye on him, somehow...

Dr. Clue had mixed feelings about Spiral's boldness. On one hoof, since Spiral was asking all the questions, Monsoon wouldn't have to. On the other hoof, Spiral seemed even braver than her, and her determination seemed like it was going to make the headmaster angary. “Be careful of your words, Spiral" she warned her, copying what Thamani said.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Windy Breeze @Starforce @Loud Opinion @Ocean Wavedream @abrony-mouse

Void noticed that she was the only pony backing away and the rest moving forward, leaving her alone in the back of the group. She looked around to check if she really is alone on herself but the only ones she could see are skeletons and zombies.

"Eep..." Void produced from her tiny voice.

She was forced to move closer to the head master aswell. To avoid seeing disrespectful to her approach, she lowered her head and body as close as she can to the ground and moved very timidly.

As she got near the group, spiral  answered back to our warnings.

3 hours ago, Starforce said:

"It seems as though I am the only one asking questions. It is strange to me that you all do not take the opportunity to ask questions while you can. I am sure you all have a lot on your minds about this school, and you likely have questions of your own. It would be wise to take the chance to ask things now before we get fully involved. You might not be prepared for the eventualities of this place if you are not fully in the mindset to accept that of which we are granted." 

" Tr-true... But i-i think asking that kind of question t-to him is quite rude and wasting his time and w-wasting the opportunity to ask more question...

"b-but y-you're right.....we shouldn't waste it... S-so headmaster?...I..."- void then froze up...  Her expression was a bit blank but one can sense that something bothered Void.

It seems she has no question to ask. 

"I.... Have nothing." She said, as she gulped at the end.

Her thoughts run wild and visible sweat and trembles occurs on her.

She looked around once more. She looked at Thamani, Monsoon, Spiral, and lastly to silver tongue, as if she was looking for answers from them.

"I... Want to have something... Headmaster can this school give that to me?" Void asked with a lonely sorrowful tone.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Ocean Wavedream

The headmaster was silent through the student's squabble. He wanted to be sure Spiral was confident in her curiosity before answering her question.

Seeing her talking back to her detractors was enough evidence. "A fair question," he interrupted, "though one I don't have the answer for. We don't have a precise understanding of The Monolith, as it has no definable origin. I hope that answers your question because that's about as far as we know about it ourselves."

"If that's all, then I suppose we should get started. Besides, there'll be more time for questions as we proceed."

The headmaster leads the way beyond the archway with the creature under his cloak following after.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze @abrony-mouse

Dr. Clue thought about asking questions several times, but ultimately, decided to remain silent. She had a feeling the would have to keep a close eye on Silver Tongue. She had a feeling that if the school really was evil, then Silver Tongue would be behind it. When Spiral Spell justified why she was asking Silver Tongue her question, and when Silver Tongue answered it, She thought about asking a question too, but Silver Tongue cut her off before she could. She decided she could always ask it later. She stayed in the middle of the group as they entered the school.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Loud Opinion @Ocean Wavedream @Starforce @Kujamih @abrony-mouse

------🦓------

Thamani was relieved to see the headmaster calmly answered Spiral's itchy questions. Dropping her caution, she silently followed the group into the dream. So many questions in her mind, but she decided to wait till she found a good chance and time to say this to the headmaster. She decided to walk beside Monsoon with a straight face.

Edited September 10, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Loud Opinion

void would snap out of her thoughts and would notice that everyone is moving forward. Afraid of being left alone, she to followed the crowd into the school.

" I suppose this will be the start of my... Something." 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Starforce @Ocean Wavedream @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Silver rolled his eyes at Spiral asking for the same answer twice. Every neuron in his brain seethed with the need to mock and jest, but Silver knew better. If this pony was anything like him, then this would only bread resentment. "All in due time," was his final answer.

The school grounds as a whole were very open. There was a building at the heart of the property. The two-story brickwork contrasted from the surrounding Parthenon-like buildings, with a series of columns instead of walls, blurring the line between inside and outside. Unlike the Parthenon, the stones used were jet-black, likely basalt.

The paths between the Parthenon's were sunken in, like a river flowing between a series of hills. This gave those inside the Parthenon's a great view of the school grounds and the surrounding forest, but the ponies walking the path would only see the roofs of the buildings.

Silver Tongue lead the group up to the highest pillared structure, where skeletal ponies stood. They had shields on their backs, did not move, and did not slouch.

Instead of going inside, he gestured for the group to turn around. Behind them, they could see the whole school: A web of paths carving around the structures, and at the center was the brick building, noticeably lower than the other buildings. Even the path had to sink lower to connect to the doorway. Perhaps it even went below sea level.

A few ghosts were patrolling the paths, while the other structures had skeletal guards of their own.

Beyond the school, in each cardinal direction, was a giant weeping-willow. They towered over the surrounding forest and higher still. The forest was like a field of grass compared to their mournful majesty.

"I never tire of this view," The headmaster said with a hint of nostalgia, "Which is why we built the cafeteria here. Every day, we serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with this view surrounding us."

Edited September 11, 2021 by Loud Opinion

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze @Starforce @Ocean Wavedream @abrony-mouse@Loud Opinion

Void's eyes widen as the school radiates with beauty and mystic. As the tour continues, she could not stop looking at the marvelous designs of the buildings.

Because of that, she would end up tripping from a loose rock.

Crash!

"Ouch! I-im sorry!" 

Get hit by a low branch or beam of a building.

Bonk!

" Owwww.... Who put that there." Void said while rubbing her four head. 

Bump into a skeleton. 

Crumble!

"I'm so sor- WwWwaAaAAa!?" She blundered, as she tried to catch the falling pieces of bones.

Go through ghosts. 

" Brrrrr.....s-so c-c-cold...." 

But this did not stop Void from marveling at the school's beauty and mystery.... So she continued to make more blunders for the rest of the tour. 

Her joy and experience was worth it.

 

Finally they've reached the end of the tour, which is in the cafeteria. Another beautiful sight to behold.

" Woooowww... What I'd do to get to live here...hey spiral.... I think this place has more bricks than you calculated. I think it's somewhere from 200,000 to 500,000.... From what we just saw." Void unconsciously said.

But soon a loud sound of rumbling could be heard echoing throughout the cafeteria and alerted everyone. The source was easily found and everyone looked at Void.

Void slowly turns to bright red for the embarrassing actions her stomach caused.

".... I-im sorry... I guess I'm hungry..." 

 

 

 

Edited September 12, 2021 by Kujamih

[abronymouse 5,430]

Aqurarius flaps towards his classroom perch in the Parthenon, one of the columned buildings nearest the river. He much preferred the open columns to ordinary confining pony buildings.

He gazed harshly down at the ghosts milling about the acropolis, willing them to stay and play their parts on the day of the grand opening. His eyes blaze with hostility towards the skeletons, subjects of Silver Tongue, but he allows them to clatter about in the halls beneath him... for now.

As he flies, he look back towards the milling students. He was looking for one pony in particular - the student whose spirit had danced to his and her tune. (Void) He spied her talking to the red unicorn, acting normally. He wondered how he might use this pony. Perhaps she could help him take power?

The red unicorn mare seemed to be squaring up to Silver Tongue - good, thought Aquarius. 

He also spies a light coloured pegasus contemplating the crowd. He takes an instant dislike to her. Silence and contemplation were his enemies - he was not a fan of curious ponies.

Finally, a zebra followed along behind the others. Even Aquarius was a little curious at the sight of such a stripey creature, but he was not all that curious... and his gaze flicked away as quickly as it had landed her.

He swooped down to his classroom in the acropolis out of view of the assembled crowd. 

 

[Skylight Scintillate 2,034]

Dr. Clue took a moment to look around as Silver Tongue lead them through the school grounds. The buildings kind of reminded Dr. Clue of Cloudsdale, if the color palate was inverted. She also noted the many creatures that seemed to be at the school. She didn't really mind them. It probably had something to do with necromancy. She had made plenty of notes to herself during the tour. However, she also looked over at Void with concern multiple times. Void seemed to just keep hitting things.

It appeared that the group had stopped at a cafeteria, with a breath-taking view of the school. She glanced over at Void again when her stomach grumbled.

"Hey Void, are you ok? You seem to keep hitting things on the way over here." Dr. Clue asked.