private IC: The Frozen North (1x1 with Blitz Boom)

[Spectral Fade]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

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The zebra nodded, wearing that as with the last time, he would not share a word of this to others. He might not understand in full what were going on, but he knew enough to understand that he should simply continue to do as he were told, and be helpful in that manner.

Though he would still say something, as they were wanting to go to Troy. He were not greatly familiar with places outside of this village, but he did read maps at times. So he knew that if they followed the coast for some time more, there were a river they could follow or ride upon, that would get them within a hundred kilometers of the border in about three days. They could get there with little in the way of eyes on them, long as they avoided a few places like the haunted woods, and Deltrot. Definitely needed to stay clear of Deltrot.

He'd offer to find them his map, if they could wait for him but a few minutes, after they returned to the village. He did not need it anymore, and he got the feeling that being in the lady's good grazes, would yield him a safer life in the longer terms, than if he were indifferent. Because with everything going on here, he couldn't exactly rule out that she wanted to do something horrible to him, just to make sure he'd shut up about these tricks. perhaps he were too worried, but what reason were there, to take the risk? It were simply a map, not the blood of his family.

"Only place you need to go, is prison, you monster!"

It seemed Yuma finally get a bit of awareness again, and were going to the next stage of having to realize what were happening to here, even without being able to see: Anger.

"Or maybe even Tartarus. Would serve you right for... For Killing me! Horrible creature, I did nothing to deserve that."

While she were ranting in Spectra's head, Operata's gaze were on the raft in the distance, where the one riding it, seemed to raise something above their head. Something that would shine in the light, but nothing else seemed to happen, like a fireball being shot their way, or lasers, or even a seagull thrown their way.

Spectra would wait for him to find the map and then once he had given the map to them Spectra would look at the map to observe the layout of the place. Would be much easier to just float down the river than walk, Spectra thought. Then again there was another potential idea that crossed her mind, might be more noticeable - but would be something that could help get them even faster. Jus as long as they could get deep into Troy, perhaps even further to the south of Troy as well to put as much distance from them in between Equestria. 

With that in mind, Spectra would ask him if they could use his boat - though she would add that perhaps what she had in mind would damage it or make it be something that was not recoverable. They were going to go along the river, but Spectra had an unspoken idea in mind - she said what she gave him would cover the cost of a new boat and then some. Since the boat was not large enough for the carriage and the carriage had served them - she would also say that the carriage was his, and whatever he would do with it was up to him as compensation for them using the boat

After the interaction with the zebra was over, if he proved to be fine with them taking his boat - Spectra would have walked towards the boat, with Operata likely in the know that she had some sort of plan to get there faster. Meanwhile, Spectra would speak to Yuma within her mind. 

"Oh, I'm not going to prison. You aren't dead - you will get a front row seat to the new world that you'll come to love! There is no cause for anger. You helped me a lot, don't you know? Well, you'll have a front row seat to something spectacular. Buckle your seatbelts, if you have any in that mind of yours!" Spectra would say back, obviously taking some sort of glee in this. She did not notice the other raft in the distance for the moment as she would board the boat and begin turning it towards the direction they wanted to go.

 

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"We will relay what information we can to your lawyer when we have them then, Miss Rich. I wish you the best as you resurface publicly."

He would look on as she went along out of the room, out to get checked up on. He pitied the poor doctor who had to deal with her, but he suspected this were partially how she tried to deal with everything. Her life were in shambles now, after being gone for three years. It likely made it simpler for her, to feel in complete control of herself, and trying to do so for her surroundings as well. So get hold of her lawyer, and put on a tough face for the crowd Couldn't have the poors see you in a sorry state after all.

...Perhaps that last one were a little rude. Considering everything, and the sliver of her shock showing through, it were not a fair judgement.

When she had left, he'd nod slowly, and look towards the assembled ones. Specifically at Magloria and Ghelzar.

"Try not to let her words get to you, Magloria. Nobles tend to feel above others, to where several have had issues accepting the limits of the law. Considering everything, it is reasonable to think that she just stuck to that, to try and stay in control of the situation.

And before you ask, I could share more with her, yes. It is not unlawful for me to say more. But nobles tend to also have an issue with impatience, and the last thing we currently need, are a bunch of mercenaries, hired on to get in the way with our work. The less she knows of the finer details, the less the odds of our adversary potentially being pulled from out grasp, post victory, by some fools looking for a payout. And no, that is not a hypothetical.

Hired help has their uses, but official military business, is where they tend to only make things worse."

Ghelzar would nod, but continue to check the various orbs out, running his talons across from them. One he'd even put some force on, to scratch the surface, and see how hard it were. Not a lot, but just some sort of idea to go by.

"Smooth as sculptured ice. A pittance this villain threw her lot with witchery. In my days, a want would have been there, for one able to make sculptures as flawless as this."

He'd pity the loss, yet he saw little point. Her choice were made, and thus awaited the fire, to embrace her at path's end. Unless they did not burn witches anymore? Hm, he supposed things may have softened in his time imprisoned.

"That is among the least of the things she have squandered.

Be it as it may, she will be seen to by a doctor. I believe we will find ourselves a target next."

Ghelzar would halt at a crystal, and find pause.

"What of this? I sense something unusual of it."

The orb in question, would have a peculiar occupant. A diamond dog, and not a small one either. The one in question were enormous, compared to the regular ones. Near double the height, with fur snow-white and light grey. Scars ran down the muscular arms, and across the right eye, with a large tuft of fur hanging in front, down the throat, akin to a mane. The one in question, had cloth wrappings around her chest and rear, that showed a level of civility and modesty, that weren't usual with regular, Equestrian diamond dogs.

It were hard to say if this one would be friendly, or a foe. She seemed like a strong one though, that much were certain. Also why she had been judged a mid-level threat.

"Hmm, seems a risky one. Diamond dogs in general does not always get along well with us, but we are technically on friendly terms. This one is unusual though. I don't usually see them so rank and file in posture, nor this size."

He'd take a closer glance, looking around it.

"Nor as well groomed. Potentially not a local breed.

I would think an asset if she is friendly, and a liability if not, that could cause substantial issues. I would think it worth to try, but perhaps tomorrow. It might be best to continue with apparent lower rung ones for the day."

Magloria would have some time to interject, if she had something to say about this. For instance another target she'd think better for the time being instead. He'd listen to her input, when it came to a matter such as this.

Spoiled Rich would turn and leave the room quickly, hobbling along in a manner that showed that she was ready to get out of her as soon as possible. Being in this environment was rather unbecoming of her. Something about it was off-putting and she had no idea where she was going, and so opted to follow whoever was guiding her in that direction. Doctors - she didn't really like anyone seeing her in a private manner. As a matter of fact, she didn't like being anywhere at all that wasn't a large fancy rich estate - or at the very least specifically designed for elite upper class ponies. Hanging around with the lower classes was something she was paranoid about it rubbing off on her. 

Magloria would look to Hailstorm as he spoke about Spoiled Rich. "It is not a surprise this city encourage such types to fester. I can only hope she'll learn some humility in what has happened to her, but that's none of my concern. Perhaps her lawyers will be in contact with you or others you know of." Magloria said with passing interest, and with very little visible reaction on her face. Didn't seem like she had much of an opinion on the matter at the moment.

As Hailstorm would address the diamond dog inside of the orb, Magloria would speak up. "I think it is best we keep ourselves to low level targets for now. Best to deal with the low level ones first, and see how it goes - then once we are complete with those, we move on to the mid-level ones." Magloria would touch the orb and address Ghelzar. "What she does here, can be used for medical procedures, for example. If say, someone is injured with a fatal injury. Either massive injury or possible illness, they could be frozen, transported and kept in stasis until a proper treatment can be found." Magloria suggested, but didn't have much else to say for now.

They were free to focus on the low level orbs for now. 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-03-17 at 5:38 AM, Props Valroa said:

After the interaction with the zebra was over, if he proved to be fine with them taking his boat - Spectra would have walked towards the boat, with Operata likely in the know that she had some sort of plan to get there faster. Meanwhile, Spectra would speak to Yuma within her mind.

Perhaps surprisingly, the zebra did not mind the trade. He wanted away from this place. This town. A boat could get him some way, but a carriage could get him further. Maybe as far as Ponyville.

Is Spectra listened to his tone of voice, she might notice two things:

1. When he spoke about Ponyville, he were hopeful and a little enthusiastic. There were something, or someone, that he'd want to see there, and the prospect of going away to end up there, despite the days of travel, brought him hope.

2. When he spoke about wanting to get away from here, he seemed afraid. Subtly, but his tone got a little lower, and he looked quickly to the side, as if he were worried that someone were there, ready to listen in.

This town seemed rather neutral so far. Nothing dangerous to see, so fear seemed off... Maybe it were just fear of being away from the only place he had ever lived? But then, no one really talked to them, or interacted with them here. It were hard to know what the citizens were like.

Either way, he would thank for the trade, and quickly go over how to use the boat proper, before going on his way over to get the carriage. A few eyes would follow him, but those who watched moved on, as he took it on himself, and followed them to the boat.

His worry of this place seemed less about home sickness, as he quietly asked to please follow them along the shore for a bit, until they got to the river. That he could help make sure they got the boating sorted proper, and get them the safest route on their way. Perhaps this were the reason he had a leftward saddlebag with him, when he returned with the map. He wasn't gonna wait around.

On 2024-03-17 at 5:38 AM, Props Valroa said:

"Oh, I'm not going to prison. You aren't dead - you will get a front row seat to the new world that you'll come to love! There is no cause for anger. You helped me a lot, don't you know? Well, you'll have a front row seat to something spectacular. Buckle your seatbelts, if you have any in that mind of yours!"

"Don't lieto me, you... You... Murderer! I can't move, I can't see, I... I am dead, and I know it. I'm just a ghost, because you killed me! I'm gonna haunt you until you rot in jail, or get turned to stone. That's what monsters like you deserve."

She knew she felt the sensation of moving, but it wasn't her that moved. She had to be haunting Spectra then, right? Stuck to her body, until the mare died herself, or were brought to justice. That's how it were with ghosts. She read that in a book before, and it were the only explanation for this. Even if she had assumed she'd be able to see something. Though she probably just needed more time to gather power. Then she'd go full on poltergeist on her murderer!

It were going to be a cruel blow when she'd eventually be able to see, and realize that she wasn't possessing or haunting anypony. That she were a prisoner in her own body, and there were nothing she could do about it.

Operata knew nothing of the inner turmoil, he just listened in on how to handle the boat. Between some sailing experience he had here and there, and this info, he were fairly certain that he could do this proper. Slowly, but the zebra followed along, guiding them on this, but making somewhat of a minor show of making it seem like he were just helping them get the first bit out of the area. No one stopped him, but there were some movement in town to a few gathering places, as they saw themark on the side of his saddlebag. Five red droplets, circling a hook.

They'd get a little out of the village, and then he'd tell them to brace themselves. Something would come, a bit further up, that they had to try and not stop to look at. In fact, it'd be best to speed up, as they passed through. He'd run along and do the same, to keep up.

They wouldn't have to keep going for long to see. They'd pass through a shimmer, and see what the locals refered to, as Bauh-Zhacuu.

There were a pile of bones stacked high, sitting in the midst of five stone altars, stained red from layers of old blood, with bowls resting along the edges of each. Various tall torches flared with dark magic, likely keeping the area non-viewable  lest you passed through the outer camouflage.

Over the bones, an effigy of sorts were floating. Made of hay, mummified flesh and bones, garbed in tattered clothes. The head seemed to be made of some grotesque combination of a few different species of skulls, with leathery skin tightly wrapped unto it, though it did not move. It seemed more to be dormant, waiting for something.

On the shore, there were scattered remains of boats run ashore. The best parts had been long pilfered and used for other things, like the boat they were using, but there were still plenty that hadn't been removed yet  though the waters were clear. Standing read, to add another ship big or small, to the collection, and bring whomever were in it forth, towards something that spoke even less of the locals.

It was a large, iron pot. Wide and with bloodstained knives dangling next to it, from an a undance of hooks. A line ran over the pot too, featuring clusters of jagged hooks and barbed wire to unfold and attach what they wanted to keep there. Blades and butchers axes on the ready, stained but razor sharp, from the smallest skinning knife, to the bone scissors, and large meat hammer.

 Bauh-Zhacuu. A cursed place, with no direct translation to Ponish, as the zebra as a whole, shared not with anyone, that places like this existed. It were considered taboo to even put the name to paper, and all tomes that were found with it scribbled in, were destroyed, and the author punished.

To the zebra, this place were heresy of the foulest magnitude. That the locals made this, and had gotten it to where it were now, would be unthinkable in Zebrica, and if they knew of it, this place, and the citizens, would likely be purged.

Movement could be seen from the village. Some lights, likely from torches, heading in this direction. It were custom to lead others here, and then the one(s) doing so  would ensure that they stayed. Like for instance not warning them on where not to sail, so the boat would be smashed on debris, and they'd be forced ashore.

Not everyone were led here. But when time were right, or some got too curious, the would be brought here, and the locals assumed the latter the case now. Instead, the zebra would tell them how to get safely through, and instructed them to speed up,  before the others came.

He ran over debris and old bones to get through here too, passing through the shimmer, and just keep running, for about an hour, until they would get to the river. He'd need a break, but he'd get to that eventually. They on the other hoof  should go into the river, and be on their way. Had they questions, they could ask them now, because it were doubtful that they'd ever meet again.

Operata had things he wanted to say, but he needed a little more time, after what he had seen. It painted the locals in a horrendous light. In a way that he hadn't expecfed he'd need to stomach otherwise. And the choice of words here, were not heling him.

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

 

(Magloria)

While he would agree, Hailstorm would want to get a few things ready, as he'd want this one sorted later, after night broke. Which wouldn't be that long, considering how long they had spent on things already today. It had been a stressful, tightly pakced day, full of things to handle, so evening were approaching soon.

Hailstorm would ask the team extracting to take a break for the next hour, so they'd be ready for a lower rung one he had an eye on later, before anypony else. Seemed a harmless, elder unicorn male, with a notable bald spot on top of his head.

He had wanted to go on, but he could see the stress, and worry about their loved ones as more bad news came to town, were affecting the personel. It were best to let them breathe for an hour, and get a chance to catch up with their families and friends, so they could stay fresh and focused. Also gave him a chance to make some further preparations, for the next ones they should look at releasing. Just in case.

He'd ask Magloria and Ghelzar to in the meantime find Mausoleum, and see if her and Shade had sorted out a plan to get to Operata. He had a few guards here just in case, including most of Phantasma's team. Though the mare herself, were nowhere to be seen.

"Very well. Our path takes us to find those gone. We shall find them, and see what action they plan, or tell them to think of one, have they done naught but sit idly by. There is a witch most wicked, loose upon Equestria. Her foulness must not be allowed to spread."

He would sugges that they looked for the three, with the doctors, in case Mausoleum were still there for a check. But he'd listen, had Magloria better ideas.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

Her lawyer were still at his old office, that he had held when she had originally kept him hired. Somewhat small, compared to what others had, but well organised and looking higher end than you might think from a venue this size.

The lawyer in question were still in here too, filing out paperwork. Might be that Spoiled had gone missing, and were soon to be declared dead, but until such a time, he still had some things to deal with. Mostly from extended family, continuing to try and lay claim to her estate. Yes the house had burned, but there were still the insurance, and her various accounts still well stocked, that required oversight.

If he simply let it without oversight, the money would fizzle away. He had to ensure her estate were taken care of, and her investments rolling. It were his job. At least for now, though in a few months, it would be done. With her declared dead, his last involvement would be to read the will out, among the lawyers of other family members, to let them know his clients final wishes, for said estate. A matter that would likely be some vultures hoping for inheritance, but unless the testament were  hallenged, that would be the end of things for him. He'd collect his last paycheck, and then be on the lookout for a new client. His credentials were good  so he should be able to find work, but he still dreaded the process.

She should be well able to go in and approach him, though getting some looks on the way, from those who knew who she were.

As for his looks, a line of silver had gotten into his otherwise onyx mane, but otherwise he looked the same. Average of height and build, with sharp glasses and his mane and tail both gathered wih silken thread a hoof's width from the end, to keep it looking nice and streamlined. His torso suit would be clean and crisp as per usual too, with a few pens in the breast pocket, as well as his designer saddlebag, were the pegasus would have his important tools, such as paperwork normally.

After three years, he's be 31 now. He wasn't old, despite the streak of silver. They just greyed early in his family. Potentially due to stress, as most of them were lawyers.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

Quote

Perhaps surprisingly, the zebra did not mind the trade. He wanted away from this place. This town. A boat could get him some way, but a carriage could get him further. Maybe as far as Ponyville.

Is Spectra listened to his tone of voice, she might notice two things:

1. When he spoke about Ponyville, he were hopeful and a little enthusiastic. There were something, or someone, that he'd want to see there, and the prospect of going away to end up there, despite the days of travel, brought him hope.

2. When he spoke about wanting to get away from here, he seemed afraid. Subtly, but his tone got a little lower, and he looked quickly to the side, as if he were worried that someone were there, ready to listen in.

This town seemed rather neutral so far. Nothing dangerous to see, so fear seemed off... Maybe it were just fear of being away from the only place he had ever lived? But then, no one really talked to them, or interacted with them here. It were hard to know what the citizens were like.

Either way, he would thank for the trade, and quickly go over how to use the boat proper, before going on his way over to get the carriage. A few eyes would follow him, but those who watched moved on, as he took it on himself, and followed them to the boat.

His worry of this place seemed less about home sickness, as he quietly asked to please follow them along the shore for a bit, until they got to the river. That he could help make sure they got the boating sorted proper, and get them the safest route on their way. Perhaps this were the reason he had a leftward saddlebag with him, when he returned with the map. He wasn't gonna wait around.

Spectra was rather pleased by the Zebra not minding the trade. It would mean that perhaps the stolen carriage could be blamed on him instead of her, as well as getting the carriage out of the area and away from Spectra. If the carriage had been kept with Spectra, it would perhaps be too risky to travel into populated areas because Appleoosa would likely be on the lookout for a stolen carriage - sending flyers here and there. A missing Earth pony from Appleoosa was sure to be known, but given that Spectra had Yuma's body modified into that of a Unicorn that wouldn't be a problem. No reason to worry about time wasting things such as recoloring her coat color - when the authorities would be on the look out for an Earth Pony, not a Unicorn.

Spectra would take note of his subtle fearful tone, and would keep note of their surroundings as Spectra followed along until they got to the river and he would help them get sorted with the boat, of which Spectra had seemingly appreciated him being so kind as to help them.

 

Quote

"Don't lieto me, you... You... Murderer! I can't move, I can't see, I... I am dead, and I know it. I'm just a ghost, because you killed me! I'm gonna haunt you until you rot in jail, or get turned to stone. That's what monsters like you deserve."

She knew she felt the sensation of moving, but it wasn't her that moved. She had to be haunting Spectra then, right? Stuck to her body, until the mare died herself, or were brought to justice. That's how it were with ghosts. She read that in a book before, and it were the only explanation for this. Even if she had assumed she'd be able to see something. Though she probably just needed more time to gather power. Then she'd go full on poltergeist on her murderer!

It were going to be a cruel blow when she'd eventually be able to see, and realize that she wasn't possessing or haunting anypony. That she were a prisoner in her own body, and there were nothing she could do about it.

Operata knew nothing of the inner turmoil, he just listened in on how to handle the boat. Between some sailing experience he had here and there, and this info, he were fairly certain that he could do this proper. Slowly, but the zebra followed along, guiding them on this, but making somewhat of a minor show of making it seem like he were just helping them get the first bit out of the area. No one stopped him, but there were some movement in town to a few gathering places, as they saw themark on the side of his saddlebag. Five red droplets, circling a hook.

They'd get a little out of the village, and then he'd tell them to brace themselves. Something would come, a bit further up, that they had to try and not stop to look at. In fact, it'd be best to speed up, as they passed through. He'd run along and do the same, to keep up.

They wouldn't have to keep going for long to see. They'd pass through a shimmer, and see what the locals refered to, as Bauh-Zhacuu.

There were a pile of bones stacked high, sitting in the midst of five stone altars, stained red from layers of old blood, with bowls resting along the edges of each. Various tall torches flared with dark magic, likely keeping the area non-viewable  lest you passed through the outer camouflage.

Over the bones, an effigy of sorts were floating. Made of hay, mummified flesh and bones, garbed in tattered clothes. The head seemed to be made of some grotesque combination of a few different species of skulls, with leathery skin tightly wrapped unto it, though it did not move. It seemed more to be dormant, waiting for something.

On the shore, there were scattered remains of boats run ashore. The best parts had been long pilfered and used for other things, like the boat they were using, but there were still plenty that hadn't been removed yet  though the waters were clear. Standing read, to add another ship big or small, to the collection, and bring whomever were in it forth, towards something that spoke even less of the locals.

It was a large, iron pot. Wide and with bloodstained knives dangling next to it, from an a undance of hooks. A line ran over the pot too, featuring clusters of jagged hooks and barbed wire to unfold and attach what they wanted to keep there. Blades and butchers axes on the ready, stained but razor sharp, from the smallest skinning knife, to the bone scissors, and large meat hammer.

 Bauh-Zhacuu. A cursed place, with no direct translation to Ponish, as the zebra as a whole, shared not with anyone, that places like this existed. It were considered taboo to even put the name to paper, and all tomes that were found with it scribbled in, were destroyed, and the author punished.

To the zebra, this place were heresy of the foulest magnitude. That the locals made this, and had gotten it to where it were now, would be unthinkable in Zebrica, and if they knew of it, this place, and the citizens, would likely be purged.

Movement could be seen from the village. Some lights, likely from torches, heading in this direction. It were custom to lead others here, and then the one(s) doing so  would ensure that they stayed. Like for instance not warning them on where not to sail, so the boat would be smashed on debris, and they'd be forced ashore.

Not everyone were led here. But when time were right, or some got too curious, the would be brought here, and the locals assumed the latter the case now. Instead, the zebra would tell them how to get safely through, and instructed them to speed up,  before the others came.

He ran over debris and old bones to get through here too, passing through the shimmer, and just keep running, for about an hour, until they would get to the river. He'd need a break, but he'd get to that eventually. They on the other hoof  should go into the river, and be on their way. Had they questions, they could ask them now, because it were doubtful that they'd ever meet again.

Operata had things he wanted to say, but he needed a little more time, after what he had seen. It painted the locals in a horrendous light. In a way that he hadn't expecfed he'd need to stomach otherwise. And the choice of words here, were not heling him.

"It's a lot more complicated than that as you'll soon become acclimated to. For now, I highly suggest you relax a little and sit back, then you'll eventually come to understand things. You are correct on one thing, you aren't going anywhere but neither am I. This bonding was unintentional, you weren't supposed to be here - but you are trapped, just the same as me. Once your eyes open, you'll understand. Perhaps once you do, you'll be a little more amicable. But for now, I kindly suggest you shut up and stop talking!" Spectra shouted to Yuma in her mind, feeling a sense of rage that Yuma was now able to get in the way of things - with her voice ringing in Spectra's mind as if she were right beside her talking to her. 

Spectra would look in Operata's direction as they rowed towards where they needed to go. For now Spectra kept her plan to get there faster under wraps as the Zebra guided them along, and they would begin heading towards a rather suspicious looking area. Bauh-Zhacuu. While Spectra did not slow down, she was intent on getting a look at things here - with the intent on just sailing past whatever it was they were going to see. There, Spectra would see the grotesque features of the place - the tall stacks of bones, dark magic and the floating mass of skulls and flesh. Whatever this place was, it was very much something to do with dark sacrifices and bizarre rituals. Perhaps if Fae made it out alive, this is where she went - and either defeated the other ones here or fell prey to the unknown individuals who operated in this environment. Whatever the case was, Spectra wasn't sticking around to find out - and would speed up a bit.

As they sped up, Spectra would see the various other abandoned boats along the shore of the place - with obvious parts missing as they were sitting there. Spectra had it in her mind that these were the boats of wayward travelers who got trapped here - taken away to that large pot that was visible there, with assorted hooks and tools around it from what she could tell. Spectra were smart enough to view the writing on the wall of what this was. They were either cannibals or cultists who boiled victims alive and then taken their skulls to add them to the stacks of bones or the floating mass of skulls of flesh. Either way, it made her pick up the pace a bit. 

Spectra would take the chance to ask a few questions as they would near the river, thinking it was useful to take the chance to be able to do so. "Seems like a sacrificial ground - for rituals and the like. Boggles my mind how a place like this evades Equestrian authorities. You better stay away from this place in the future, and never come back here. I certainly won't be around here again, so it is likely we'll never see each other again. For what it's worth, I would suggest you not get too close with anyone. Once you leave this town, you'll have a good idea why, and no, I'm not going to tell you. Feel free to tell me what you wish, and we'll part our ways." Spectra stated to him. Before they would go off towards the river she would give the zebra time to explain whatever it is he wanted to them.

Afterwards, they would be off. Spectra would follow the map, directing the boat to go in that direction. Once they were a certain ways away from the shoreline, Spectra would cast her magic down into the water around the boat, the boat glowing a deep green color - before the boat would suddenly start surging forth. Her magic had been making the boat move along the river without them needing to row, and it was generally a lot faster than one can row anyway. Might make for a bumpier ride, but the boat would be able to handle it. 

The last the Zebra would see of them - the boat along with them would be covered in the green glow as it sped off to the horizon. They'd get there quicker, given their rate of speed. 

The Zebra was left with the mystery of who they were - and what their intentions were.

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

(Magloria)

Quote

 

While he would agree, Hailstorm would want to get a few things ready, as he'd want this one sorted later, after night broke. Which wouldn't be that long, considering how long they had spent on things already today. It had been a stressful, tightly pakced day, full of things to handle, so evening were approaching soon.

Hailstorm would ask the team extracting to take a break for the next hour, so they'd be ready for a lower rung one he had an eye on later, before anypony else. Seemed a harmless, elder unicorn male, with a notable bald spot on top of his head.

He had wanted to go on, but he could see the stress, and worry about their loved ones as more bad news came to town, were affecting the personel. It were best to let them breathe for an hour, and get a chance to catch up with their families and friends, so they could stay fresh and focused. Also gave him a chance to make some further preparations, for the next ones they should look at releasing. Just in case.

He'd ask Magloria and Ghelzar to in the meantime find Mausoleum, and see if her and Shade had sorted out a plan to get to Operata. He had a few guards here just in case, including most of Phantasma's team. Though the mare herself, were nowhere to be seen.

"Very well. Our path takes us to find those gone. We shall find them, and see what action they plan, or tell them to think of one, have they done naught but sit idly by. There is a witch most wicked, loose upon Equestria. Her foulness must not be allowed to spread."

He would sugges that they looked for the three, with the doctors, in case Mausoleum were still there for a check. But he'd listen, had Magloria better ideas.

 

Magloria was in agreement with Hailstorm and was fine with taking a break, as this would take a long time to do. There wasn't much else Magloria could do here other than supervise and advise the guards on various matters, when Magloria and Ghelzar would leave too find Mausoleum - she would turn to him. "We will find them in time. We have a long process of work ahead of us, expect it to weigh on your mind with the level of work we are about to initiate upon. Worry not, because one day, we will succeed." Magloria said, her manner of speaking was laced with a cold determination to do the job. Magloria wasn't giddy about it - it was a directive to completed. 

For now, they had another task ahead of them - finding Mausoleum.

Like that, Magloria would continue onward to look for the three - her time here wasn't going to get any easier. It had just begun. 

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

(Spoiled Rich)

Quote

Her lawyer were still at his old office, that he had held when she had originally kept him hired. Somewhat small, compared to what others had, but well organised and looking higher end than you might think from a venue this size.

The lawyer in question were still in here too, filing out paperwork. Might be that Spoiled had gone missing, and were soon to be declared dead, but until such a time, he still had some things to deal with. Mostly from extended family, continuing to try and lay claim to her estate. Yes the house had burned, but there were still the insurance, and her various accounts still well stocked, that required oversight.

If he simply let it without oversight, the money would fizzle away. He had to ensure her estate were taken care of, and her investments rolling. It were his job. At least for now, though in a few months, it would be done. With her declared dead, his last involvement would be to read the will out, among the lawyers of other family members, to let them know his clients final wishes, for said estate. A matter that would likely be some vultures hoping for inheritance, but unless the testament were  hallenged, that would be the end of things for him. He'd collect his last paycheck, and then be on the lookout for a new client. His credentials were good  so he should be able to find work, but he still dreaded the process.

She should be well able to go in and approach him, though getting some looks on the way, from those who knew who she were.

As for his looks, a line of silver had gotten into his otherwise onyx mane, but otherwise he looked the same. Average of height and build, with sharp glasses and his mane and tail both gathered wih silken thread a hoof's width from the end, to keep it looking nice and streamlined. His torso suit would be clean and crisp as per usual too, with a few pens in the breast pocket, as well as his designer saddlebag, were the pegasus would have his important tools, such as paperwork normally.

After three years, he's be 31 now. He wasn't old, despite the streak of silver. They just greyed early in his family. Potentially due to stress, as most of them were lawyers.

Spoiled Rich marched along towards her lawyer's office. After being checked up by the doctor she was sent on her way. The huffy snooty rich noble made her way through Canterlot - making a beeline towards her office. Her place of residence was Ponyville, but all of her dealings were done in Canterlot - especially dealing with the estate. Though as she moved about, the snooty mare's mind was accompanied by the grief of what had happened. 3 years. 3 years gone. While of course, the money, the estate, all of that mattered - what of her family? Have they let go of her? Spoiled Rich refused to believe they would. They were a family. A rich family. But still a family that wore through it all.

Upon entering the office, she would have entered without even a knock - and there, the Lawyer was face to face with a very distraught mare who was soon to be declared dead. "You wouldn't BELIEVE the crapshoot that just happened, I was abducted and trapped inside of an orb, to be used as a battery by some villain! The audacity of that, the estate in Ponyville being burned to the ground, so I hear. 3 years, GONE! Well now, we have quite a conundrum to correct, don't we?" she asked, raising an expectant eyebrow in her lawyers direction. Spoiled Rich looked rather messy and unkept, a far cry from how she always presents herself as.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-03-24 at 10:00 PM, Props Valroa said:

"It's a lot more complicated than that as you'll soon become acclimated to. For now, I highly suggest you relax a little and sit back, then you'll eventually come to understand things. You are correct on one thing, you aren't going anywhere but neither am I. This bonding was unintentional, you weren't supposed to be here - but you are trapped, just the same as me. Once your eyes open, you'll understand. Perhaps once you do, you'll be a little more amicable. But for now, I kindly suggest you shut up and stop talking!" Spectra shouted to Yuma in her mind, feeling a sense of rage that Yuma was now able to get in the way of things - with her voice ringing in Spectra's mind as if she were right beside her talking to her. 

Yuma still had plenty to say, but her voice would die out to a whisper after a half minute more of complaining and vitriol. A time would likely come within the next few days or so, when she were more in tune, when she'd have more energy to work with, but things were still settling for the former sole occupant of this vessel. She might just be an intertwined soul at this point, but the whole process had still taken its toll. More on her than Spectra in fact, as she were not intended to end up like this, and thus the process had to be tweaked slightly to not cause both of them to die.

Though considering what they were about to witness, she might be happy that she could at least not see anything yet. It were quite the disturbing sight to behold.

On 2024-03-24 at 10:00 PM, Props Valroa said:

Spectra would take the chance to ask a few questions as they would near the river, thinking it was useful to take the chance to be able to do so. "Seems like a sacrificial ground - for rituals and the like. Boggles my mind how a place like this evades Equestrian authorities. You better stay away from this place in the future, and never come back here. I certainly won't be around here again, so it is likely we'll never see each other again. For what it's worth, I would suggest you not get too close with anyone. Once you leave this town, you'll have a good idea why, and no, I'm not going to tell you. Feel free to tell me what you wish, and we'll part our ways." Spectra stated to him. Before they would go off towards the river she would give the zebra time to explain whatever it is he wanted to them.

The zebra would not be happy to explain, and yet it wasn't as if he could avoid it. Not after they had seen through it, and hadn't ended up another victim to the pile.

So he told what he could to her, what little he knew. Which surprisingly wasn't a lot.

This place were set up when the town were originally settled, by zebras that followed someone whose name he didn't know. It had more or less been forgotten now, but they knew the settlers had arrived here because of the unnamed being. It were because of them, that they had become practitioners of heretic magics, that were taboo in Zebrica, and highly illegal in Equestria too. Hence the area being hidden by strange magics, that meant that no one could see it, unless one from the village were there. If he hadn't been with them, they'd be as blind as to the true nature of the area as any other, even if they'd wander across the area, unless they were suddenly, violently snapped into that place. He did not understand how, as he wasn't high enough in the food chain for such things.

And speaking of food chain... He would not be thrilled to say it, but yes, the town practiced ritualistic cannibalism on outsiders, and traitors. He for instance, would not be able to return now, as he had led them out to safety, as well as leaving the town behind, without becoming part of the pile. If he managed to get to Ponyville, he'd be safe, but this close to town, they might still try and hunt him down. Or they'd simply make sure that he could no longer access the area they had seen, in case they ratted him out.

As for the practices of the town, he only knew that it used to be a lot more involved, and darker than now, but that something had happened generations ago. Something to whomever had run things, and without them, the others had settled down, waited, and practiced what they were able, with some changes over the years, as the meaning of it all started to get lost to them.

They would have a lot more knowledge of what were happening here, if they got hold of one of their elders, or better yet, The Wild Witch. Some defector out of the wild somewhere, keeping hidden from them, that had turned her back on their town and practices. Though he would also say that she might just be a faerie tale, to scare them off leaving the safety of their town and community. 

In any case, he had his breath back, and they were going on their way, so he'd bow, then get saddled up and start rushing off again. he had a long way to go still, before he felt safe.

Maybe he'd get caught and questioned eventually, but he technically hadn't done anything, and knew much too little to be of any real help to any investigator, even if he wasn't too worried about actually talking details about the island, and them having gone there. If at some point he'd end up spilling the beans, they'd likely both long since gotten to Troy.

On 2024-03-24 at 10:00 PM, Props Valroa said:

The last the Zebra would see of them - the boat along with them would be covered in the green glow as it sped off to the horizon. They'd get there quicker, given their rate of speed. 

The Zebra was left with the mystery of who they were - and what their intentions were.

"...So what? You think we get to Troy, and everything will be fine? They will be none too happy about your presence there, if they knew even a fraction of your true nature."

Operata had been quiet for a while. Even after they had left the zebra behind, he would have remained quiet, and just done his to help with the boat if needed, but otherwise look away from her, burrie3d in his own thoughts.

His voice were not snarky and pointed though, as often were his want. He sounded like he'd given up, and struggled to find hope or meaning enough to even attempt to pretend he were doing okay. A lot of things were happening, and all of them took parts from him. Including one important part, that he had once thought lost, and now hurt more than before, because he had gotten the hope of getting that back.

One step forward, and fifteen back. That is how it felt the last week or so, with the last few days just escalating it further.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

The lawyer nearly jumped out of his good skin as he heard that all too familiar voice, and turned to look at Spoiled Rich. Going on a tangent, and making him baffled for a few seconds, before he'd correct his posture, and get a more serious, professional look in his eyes. A stark contrast to her, whom he had never seen more unkempt, but if her words held any sort of truth, then it were understandable that her personal routine had been impacted quite a lot. Yet still, they would have to test that.

"*clears throat* Madame Rich. It is as always a pleasure to see you. I'd love nothing more than to begin with correcting things, but there is an important matter we must handle first."

He'd go over to his desk, and pull out a small, reinforced box from the drawer. One he'd then pull a key out from his inner pocket to open.

Opening the box, would reveal an engraved, silver coin, with an elongated, jagged gemstone, inserted into the middle. The coin had the name of his law firm on the edges, and the gem itself seemed to glow a pale blue, when Legal Jargon - the lawyer in question - held it near him. He'd then turn the box around, and put it on the desk, as he stood behind it. The gemstone growing slight orange in the meantime.

"As per protocol, madame."

It weren't unheard of, for others to kidnap a royal, then come back at a later date, and claim they were them. That usually meant changelings. As such, the wise had to take some precautions, and he were one of the rare lucky ones, that had managed to get hold of a small sliver of an extremely rare gemstone, that tended to be called *Snitches*, since it reacted cloaking magic. Especially that of changelings. So if this were a fraud of their kind, he'd know of it. If not, it left the option for another to still just pretend to be them, but this were a start. The second being that she also had to utter the correct code phrase, as she held the coin. One she had agreed on, back when he took her on as his primary client.

The codeword were "Avacado". Pronounced incorrectly deliberately.

If she held the stone and said the phrase proper, Jargon's face would light up, and he'd actually smile properly, and let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank the princesses, it really is you. I hope you can forgive me for saying this Madame Rich, but know that I truly, genuinely missed you, and worried a lot about what had happened to you. I cannot express enough how joyous it is to have you back again.

I will of course assist you in ensuring your business are in order.

I assume you would want to know of your estate, yes? Your home is sadly correctly gone, burned to the ground when you vanished. The grounds however, are still your property, and you need only say the word, and I will ensure that Quartz Constructions are brought in to begin building a new home for you, as soon as possible. One that matches your expectations and demands, of course.

Your money are still secure though. Beyond my salary, and the severance that had to be made out for your staff after the fire, your money have been kept in check, and your investments monitored. Several of them having paid off well in recent years, and others that I managed as per my usual orders. You will find that there are plenty to make a new home now, with a surplus exceeding what you had before you went missing. We just need to visit various places and have paperwork filled, to ensure you are properly reinstated into society, to null the upcoming date of you being declared legally dead.

I have the paperwork ready if you will us to proceed with this first, Madame Rich?"

He honestly were happy to have her back. Sure dealing with nobles could be troubling at times, but he much preferred working for one he knew how to work for, and - in his opinion at least - got well enough along with, compared to trying to start over fresh with somepony far too arrogant to even look at him while speaking business. And yes, he knew of several like those, and their lawyers looked miserable.

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

 

(Treasure)

Shade had done what he had to in Canterlot, and had afterwards gone to the secure cabin, some distance from the capitol. Phantasma would show up about half an hour later, alone and waltzing in with a smirk on her face.

"Started without me?"

"No. I have just spread it out around the table for now, for inspection. Remember that we are supposed to find information first and foremost. Not calculate what things are worth."

"I am well aware of our priorities here. Calm yourself, Shade. Or would you prefer Soul Prison?"

"Knowing part of my real name isn't going to unnerve me, Phantasma. Or should I just call you Lakeside Dew?"

She'd wrinkle her nose over that.

"My birth name is hardly important."

"Nor is my real name right now. The job is."

"You say that, but at the same time, you hide everything. It is rather suspicious, but really, look who I am talking to."

"Others can stay out of my private life. You I am just surprised did not find out before now. You're rather noisy."

"I knew you had some sort of connection to Mausoleum, and that you had a false alias, but I still couldn't find more. For a time I thought you might be her secret husband, until I found the marriage certificate, and found out it were Operata instead. You are still a mystery. Or were, before your cousin started to share a few stories."

"I am still not unnerved. As much as I despise your falseness, I actually do respect your tenacity in finding information. I haven't been actively trying to cover my trail five times over. I've been waiting for you to pick it up, and then begin digging. I were always curious what you'd do, once you learned the truth. It will be interesting to see."

"So your turn to dig more into my past then, hmm?"

"No. I know enough, and don't have to dig into more. It would just be respectless and gratuitous. Now shall we get to work?"

The first thing they'd have to examine, were the large painting. Seemed as good a place as any to start, yes?

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)
 

Quote

Yuma still had plenty to say, but her voice would die out to a whisper after a half minute more of complaining and vitriol. A time would likely come within the next few days or so, when she were more in tune, when she'd have more energy to work with, but things were still settling for the former sole occupant of this vessel. She might just be an intertwined soul at this point, but the whole process had still taken its toll. More on her than Spectra in fact, as she were not intended to end up like this, and thus the process had to be tweaked slightly to not cause both of them to die.

Though considering what they were about to witness, she might be happy that she could at least not see anything yet. It were quite the disturbing sight to behold.

As time would go on, perhaps Yuma would slowly begin to feel how Spectra is feeling, and vice versa. It were not to that point just yet of course. Perhaps in the far future they would be able to exchange thoughts between each other. Their souls were one. The more time that went on the more true that would be. Perhaps even to the afterlife itself, with how strongly they had been bonded closely.

At least Yuma was spared of this disturbing scene before them as they sailed on past it, thankfully not getting caught up in it.
 

Quote

The zebra would not be happy to explain, and yet it wasn't as if he could avoid it. Not after they had seen through it, and hadn't ended up another victim to the pile.

So he told what he could to her, what little he knew. Which surprisingly wasn't a lot.

This place were set up when the town were originally settled, by zebras that followed someone whose name he didn't know. It had more or less been forgotten now, but they knew the settlers had arrived here because of the unnamed being. It were because of them, that they had become practitioners of heretic magics, that were taboo in Zebrica, and highly illegal in Equestria too. Hence the area being hidden by strange magics, that meant that no one could see it, unless one from the village were there. If he hadn't been with them, they'd be as blind as to the true nature of the area as any other, even if they'd wander across the area, unless they were suddenly, violently snapped into that place. He did not understand how, as he wasn't high enough in the food chain for such things.

And speaking of food chain... He would not be thrilled to say it, but yes, the town practiced ritualistic cannibalism on outsiders, and traitors. He for instance, would not be able to return now, as he had led them out to safety, as well as leaving the town behind, without becoming part of the pile. If he managed to get to Ponyville, he'd be safe, but this close to town, they might still try and hunt him down. Or they'd simply make sure that he could no longer access the area they had seen, in case they ratted him out.

As for the practices of the town, he only knew that it used to be a lot more involved, and darker than now, but that something had happened generations ago. Something to whomever had run things, and without them, the others had settled down, waited, and practiced what they were able, with some changes over the years, as the meaning of it all started to get lost to them.

They would have a lot more knowledge of what were happening here, if they got hold of one of their elders, or better yet, The Wild Witch. Some defector out of the wild somewhere, keeping hidden from them, that had turned her back on their town and practices. Though he would also say that she might just be a faerie tale, to scare them off leaving the safety of their town and community. 

In any case, he had his breath back, and they were going on their way, so he'd bow, then get saddled up and start rushing off again. he had a long way to go still, before he felt safe.

Maybe he'd get caught and questioned eventually, but he technically hadn't done anything, and knew much too little to be of any real help to any investigator, even if he wasn't too worried about actually talking details about the island, and them having gone there. If at some point he'd end up spilling the beans, they'd likely both long since gotten to Troy.

Of course, such a sight as bleak as this had Spectra slightly concerned. For such a mare as her, there were a few things that could bother her - such as the waste of lives in pointless rituals and mutilating of the pony form. Ponies were meant to be perfect and strong. Either to be used for magical batteries or as loyal followers. A pile of corpses and disfigured remains did nothing to service her - and only disgusted her from the larger picture. Of course, being who she were, she were someone who completely disregarded all the damage she's done to everyone's lives around her. Spectra was always right, after all. Nothing would change that. Not the world. Not fate. Not Operata. Nobody - she was objectively correct in everything she does.

When it was told about this place, Spectra would listen closely. Such a thing made sense as to why it was never spoke about elsewhere - because only those who lived in the town could see it. Spectra was of course thankful they weren't snatched up. If they were, Spectra was certain she would be capable of destroying that place. Even still, the idea of going on a bombing run over the area crossed her mind as something to do at some point in the distant future. There were more important things than this.

Perhaps Fae Glider really was the one behind it all, since it seemed like from the way that the Zebra had spoken of this event was something that happened after someone who had run things had vanished. Or maybe it was Thriceborne? The one who had taken sacrifices before, and would probably do so again? Either way, Spectra had to bet that either of the two of them were connected at some point. With those idle thoughts running through her mind, she would have given him a parting nod as they'd head off - likely not seeing him again as their paths were going in the opposite direction.

 

Quote

"...So what? You think we get to Troy, and everything will be fine? They will be none too happy about your presence there, if they knew even a fraction of your true nature."

Operata had been quiet for a while. Even after they had left the zebra behind, he would have remained quiet, and just done his to help with the boat if needed, but otherwise look away from her, burrie3d in his own thoughts.

His voice were not snarky and pointed though, as often were his want. He sounded like he'd given up, and struggled to find hope or meaning enough to even attempt to pretend he were doing okay. A lot of things were happening, and all of them took parts from him. Including one important part, that he had once thought lost, and now hurt more than before, because he had gotten the hope of getting that back.

One step forward, and fifteen back. That is how it felt the last week or so, with the last few days just escalating it further.

 

Spectra surpressed a chuckle at his question there. "Of course they will be, because I have some knowledge that would help them in their current war against Equestria, if they would be happy to provide a decent price for it. Asylum. Protection. Of course, I'm not going to tell them the full story about our being there. And you'd best come up with an alternate identity for yourself so nobody rats you out." Spectra would suggest to him as they made their way along. 

To contrast, Spectra sounded like she were happy and giddy - a stark opposition to how Operata was currently feeling.

 

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

 

Quote

(Spoiled Rich)

The lawyer nearly jumped out of his good skin as he heard that all too familiar voice, and turned to look at Spoiled Rich. Going on a tangent, and making him baffled for a few seconds, before he'd correct his posture, and get a more serious, professional look in his eyes. A stark contrast to her, whom he had never seen more unkempt, but if her words held any sort of truth, then it were understandable that her personal routine had been impacted quite a lot. Yet still, they would have to test that.

"*clears throat* Madame Rich. It is as always a pleasure to see you. I'd love nothing more than to begin with correcting things, but there is an important matter we must handle first."

He'd go over to his desk, and pull out a small, reinforced box from the drawer. One he'd then pull a key out from his inner pocket to open.

Opening the box, would reveal an engraved, silver coin, with an elongated, jagged gemstone, inserted into the middle. The coin had the name of his law firm on the edges, and the gem itself seemed to glow a pale blue, when Legal Jargon - the lawyer in question - held it near him. He'd then turn the box around, and put it on the desk, as he stood behind it. The gemstone growing slight orange in the meantime.

"As per protocol, madame."

It weren't unheard of, for others to kidnap a royal, then come back at a later date, and claim they were them. That usually meant changelings. As such, the wise had to take some precautions, and he were one of the rare lucky ones, that had managed to get hold of a small sliver of an extremely rare gemstone, that tended to be called *Snitches*, since it reacted cloaking magic. Especially that of changelings. So if this were a fraud of their kind, he'd know of it. If not, it left the option for another to still just pretend to be them, but this were a start. The second being that she also had to utter the correct code phrase, as she held the coin. One she had agreed on, back when he took her on as his primary client.

The codeword were "Avacado". Pronounced incorrectly deliberately.

If she held the stone and said the phrase proper, Jargon's face would light up, and he'd actually smile properly, and let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank the princesses, it really is you. I hope you can forgive me for saying this Madame Rich, but know that I truly, genuinely missed you, and worried a lot about what had happened to you. I cannot express enough how joyous it is to have you back again.

I will of course assist you in ensuring your business are in order.

I assume you would want to know of your estate, yes? Your home is sadly correctly gone, burned to the ground when you vanished. The grounds however, are still your property, and you need only say the word, and I will ensure that Quartz Constructions are brought in to begin building a new home for you, as soon as possible. One that matches your expectations and demands, of course.

Your money are still secure though. Beyond my salary, and the severance that had to be made out for your staff after the fire, your money have been kept in check, and your investments monitored. Several of them having paid off well in recent years, and others that I managed as per my usual orders. You will find that there are plenty to make a new home now, with a surplus exceeding what you had before you went missing. We just need to visit various places and have paperwork filled, to ensure you are properly reinstated into society, to null the upcoming date of you being declared legally dead.

I have the paperwork ready if you will us to proceed with this first, Madame Rich?"

He honestly were happy to have her back. Sure dealing with nobles could be troubling at times, but he much preferred working for one he knew how to work for, and - in his opinion at least - got well enough along with, compared to trying to start over fresh with somepony far too arrogant to even look at him while speaking business. And yes, he knew of several like those, and their lawyers looked miserable.

 

Spoiled Rich would look to him, while she was a bit of a mess - completely out of her element with her mane a quite honest mess. Legal Jargon had never seen her this bad before - not even during the moments where she would fret over her daughter's occasional failures in school or during her own meetings with high class business folk from across the country. Spoiled Rich did not hesitate and marched forward, answering the keyword on the stone perfectly - proving that without a doubt, it was her. The magical artifacts that they had set up specifically incase of some freak accidents like this occurring - had come in handy for the one and hopefully only time this happened.

Spoiled Rich seemed to calm down slightly upon taking in his words with a stoic expression. "First things first - nullifying my declaration of being deceased. Building a new estate, all that, of course that's important. I am already thinking over exact specifications for what I am seeking. Obviously if the first one can burn down so easily, than the second will be built to not meet the same fate." Spoiled Rich said in a sly manner as she would step forward. Legal Jargon always proved his value to her. It's the reason why she kept him around for as long as he had. While he had likely had other clients in the time that she was gone, she knew he could be counted upon.

 "It is good to know the market has improved since before all this had happened. Seems as if my diversified investments have done their dues. I can't complain about that, and it is good to know that at least one thing is in order. I will need to know a few things. My family. Filthy Rich. Diamond Tiara, my daughter. If they've moved on from me and gone to find another mare to play my role, I am going to need to know that as well as what has happened to the property, so I may take proper action. Everything hinges on that. Filthy Rich, he better not have gotten back with his ex-wife...I swear, if that's the case I'm going to throw a fit." Spoiled Rich almost looked like she was going to go into a shouting match at that with her snout crumpling a she held herself back with a wavering sigh.

"Now, the guards I was with seemed pretty concerned. When I was released, there were hundreds of individuals trapped like me. Hundreds. Of course, we are going to look into that and see if we can wrangle any knowledge we can from it - but from how things stand now, I am worried about the possibility we are heading into a full scale war. With someone so dangerous, I remember how Tirek came and nearly destroyed Ponyville, knocked the roof off the Estate and everything! But this individual? Burned it all down, pursuing many individuals in secret, without anyone doing anything about it - do you have any idea how dangerous that is? To think they are still at large. Of course the Estate is important, of course it is, we are going forward with that based on what you tell me, but I am going to put forth a contingency plan." Spoiled Rich said, her two front hooves hitting the other as she thought deeply.

"To put it simply, I recall how during the Tirek incident all the ponies in Ponyville stayed inside and were told to board up their windows. Now, such a thing is great and all, but we are dealing with something more dangerous than that, this time around. I am talking about building a Bomb Shelter, I believe it is called?"
 

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

 

(Treasure)

Quote

 

Shade had done what he had to in Canterlot, and had afterwards gone to the secure cabin, some distance from the capitol. Phantasma would show up about half an hour later, alone and waltzing in with a smirk on her face.

"Started without me?"

"No. I have just spread it out around the table for now, for inspection. Remember that we are supposed to find information first and foremost. Not calculate what things are worth."

"I am well aware of our priorities here. Calm yourself, Shade. Or would you prefer Soul Prison?"

"Knowing part of my real name isn't going to unnerve me, Phantasma. Or should I just call you Lakeside Dew?"

She'd wrinkle her nose over that.

"My birth name is hardly important."

"Nor is my real name right now. The job is."

"You say that, but at the same time, you hide everything. It is rather suspicious, but really, look who I am talking to."

"Others can stay out of my private life. You I am just surprised did not find out before now. You're rather noisy."

"I knew you had some sort of connection to Mausoleum, and that you had a false alias, but I still couldn't find more. For a time I thought you might be her secret husband, until I found the marriage certificate, and found out it were Operata instead. You are still a mystery. Or were, before your cousin started to share a few stories."

"I am still not unnerved. As much as I despise your falseness, I actually do respect your tenacity in finding information. I haven't been actively trying to cover my trail five times over. I've been waiting for you to pick it up, and then begin digging. I were always curious what you'd do, once you learned the truth. It will be interesting to see."

"So your turn to dig more into my past then, hmm?"

"No. I know enough, and don't have to dig into more. It would just be respectless and gratuitous. Now shall we get to work?"

The first thing they'd have to examine, were the large painting. Seemed as good a place as any to start, yes?

The two of them were alone in the silence of the cabin. There were no prying guards within the place - nor any distracting elements. Of course there were likely guards outside, doing their duty, but the fact of the matter is, the two of them had their task ahead of them. A task it certainly was. There was a massive amount of items here to go through, but the large painting stuck out like a sore thumb.

They had seen it before, but with the proper time they would see it in full glory. It was that of Prince Triton and his father, King Neptune. Both of them Alicorns from an ancient dynasty that once ruled Arcadia, long before Equestria's time. It showed a long procession of ponies, with Triton with some sort of golden highlights on his armor. His father was resting a crown upon his head, the whole mood was something of a "once in a lifetime" event. It was likely something involving a coronation event. Not much was really known about these times in history, thanks to artifacts like these being lost to time, or stolen.

How this related to Spectra, was as of yet unclear. Before them, was something that would make both of them able to live out a retirement many would dream of - with how much this piece was worth. Could very well be an original work, if properly confirmed. It likely belonged in a museum under heaviest guard, if that would be proven true.
 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

"I hunt nobles and break them down mentally for their crimes, and we're headed towards a country that separated from Equestria, because they oppose the monarchy. I don't need to hide my identity. I only need to be prepared for a full debriefing, as they'd want to know everything I have learned."

He wasn't being smug about it. He knew that this would be the case, which might also include them taking her for interrogation in the bad way, for a few days. Depended on whom he would be sent to, he supposed.

As their trip would take them on, they would be able to see something odd in the distance., Something not on the map. It wasn't too far from Deltrot, with them able to see the highest towers far in the distance. That is, if they looked past the large effigy that were build over the river, crossing from one side to the other in a bow, with then a large plate going up. Both sides of said plates had unintelligible scribbles on it, and the whole thing seemed to be made out of some sort of polished, white stone.

And on top of it, currently finishing up on the inscriptions, were the construct, with a thin beam from its hand, carving the smooth symbols into the plate. They would notice it, before it noticed them.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

The relief he felt when he saw and thus knew, that this were the real one, were immense. Of course the orders came right after, but he expected nothing less from her. Business and a focused mind as always, although he assumed they should also schedule a spa treatment for her, as well as some new clothes. Potentially while he finished some paperwork? He'd consider saying it, once he had his turn to speak. After his response to her orders, of course. He had to tend to her business first.

On 2024-03-31 at 6:45 AM, Props Valroa said:

Spoiled Rich seemed to calm down slightly upon taking in his words with a stoic expression. "First things first - nullifying my declaration of being deceased. Building a new estate, all that, of course that's important. I am already thinking over exact specifications for what I am seeking. Obviously if the first one can burn down so easily, than the second will be built to not meet the same fate." Spoiled Rich said in a sly manner as she would step forward. Legal Jargon always proved his value to her. It's the reason why she kept him around for as long as he had. While he had likely had other clients in the time that she was gone, she knew he could be counted upon.

"I will inform Clayton Quartz of your requirements, as soon as I am able. If he is working on a larger project currently, I will indicate that the contract might go to Hammerstone Industries. He will make time for your home, if he hears that."

Clayton Quartz were a wealthy business owner in Canterlot. At least his main seat were here, but his construction firm had offices in several places throughout Equestria, as well as storage facilities for the various materials he used to make buildings from. Not a noble himself, he had earned every bit he had gotten, by making his company from scratch, financed in parts by his immense knowledge of valuable gems.

His firm were also the best in the business, as he took personal pride in everything he made being up to par, and wouldn't tolerate failure. His homes even had a ten year guarantee, to cement that, and a long story of making homes that fit even the more outlandish wants of his clientele. His work included everything from nobles homes, to resorts, to recently, ensuring that Ponyville got repaired and improved, after specs from the peculiar forepony they had at the time, out of his own pockets. Yes it were tax deductible, but he still liked to be helpful, and didn't want to be cold and indifferent towards those with lesser means.

Hammerstone were second rank in comparison, but still did fine work, and the two had a rivalry going. Knowing that his rival might get a contract for a returning noble, that were going to create a lot of publicity, would definitely make Clayton take notice and ensure that some of his finest workers were on the case. It were not cheap, but quality work seldom were.

On 2024-03-31 at 6:45 AM, Props Valroa said:

"It is good to know the market has improved since before all this had happened. Seems as if my diversified investments have done their dues. I can't complain about that, and it is good to know that at least one thing is in order. I will need to know a few things. My family. Filthy Rich. Diamond Tiara, my daughter. If they've moved on from me and gone to find another mare to play my role, I am going to need to know that as well as what has happened to the property, so I may take proper action. Everything hinges on that. Filthy Rich, he better not have gotten back with his ex-wife...I swear, if that's the case I'm going to throw a fit." Spoiled Rich almost looked like she was going to go into a shouting match at that with her snout crumpling a she held herself back with a wavering sigh.

"I still make sure that your immediate family are updated on things, and still run various legal cases for your husband. I can assure you that Filthy Rich, and Diamond Tiara are alive and well, and furthermore that your husband is still legally married to you. I have never gotten the inclination that he wanted to return to her, but I have heard some murmurs that they have spoken. From what I can tell, it seemed he simply needed somepony to talk to, after you were presumed dead. Understandable grief as it were.

His mansion is still there too. It were only your primary home here in Canterlot that were torched. Your summer home, and mansion in Ponyville, yet remains, and he lives there currently. Soon as everything is in order, I will have it arranged for us to go meet them. It is best that the news does not get there before you do, lest they think it a cruel joke of sorts. You remember how it went with Mrs. Goldie, yes?"

One of the cases of a noble replaced by a changeling. It were a long, messy affair, that sadly did not have a happy ending, as the changeling had accidentally ended up killing Goldie, before taking her place for a few years, prior to being found out. This were one of the tales that were the cause for the increased security, when it came to returning nobles that had gone missing. One that had reached its conclusion around a year before Spoiled went missing.

On 2024-03-31 at 6:45 AM, Props Valroa said:

"Now, the guards I was with seemed pretty concerned. When I was released, there were hundreds of individuals trapped like me. Hundreds. Of course, we are going to look into that and see if we can wrangle any knowledge we can from it - but from how things stand now, I am worried about the possibility we are heading into a full scale war. With someone so dangerous, I remember how Tirek came and nearly destroyed Ponyville, knocked the roof off the Estate and everything! But this individual? Burned it all down, pursuing many individuals in secret, without anyone doing anything about it - do you have any idea how dangerous that is? To think they are still at large. Of course the Estate is important, of course it is, we are going forward with that based on what you tell me, but I am going to put forth a contingency plan." Spoiled Rich said, her two front hooves hitting the other as she thought deeply.

"To put it simply, I recall how during the Tirek incident all the ponies in Ponyville stayed inside and were told to board up their windows. Now, such a thing is great and all, but we are dealing with something more dangerous than that, this time around. I am talking about building a Bomb Shelter, I believe it is called?"

He would scribble down some details on his papers, that already had the other things she had said thus far. He didn't need to look at it. He were used to writing whilst focusing on his clients, as that tended to be the way they preferred it. The times they did not, he picked up on the signs most times, and pretended he did need it. Nobles were a delicate business to handle at times.

"I am afraid that the entire scope of what your kidnapper are capable of, are beyond my current knowledge, madame. But it sounds as if what you want, are rather reasonable. Especially considering the circumstances. I will make sure to mention to Clayton that you will require a safe room in every home of yours, including the new one. Or should it simply be limited to your new main residence?"

He would wait for the answer to that, before going on.

"Regarding the guards... I will try and file the required paperwork to ensure we get informed, but it might be an uphill battle. I will make sure to threaten them with publicity if they do not comply though. If this is critical enough, they would not want it seen in details in the news papers

If that is all for now, I will go and file the right paperwork, yet the process will take the better part of an hour at least. Far be it from me to give you orders madame, but might I suggest a trip to your usual spa in the meantime? I can make sure to have a new, hood crafted outfit prepared for you as well, if you would require so. From Gold Needle Boutique, of course."

Gold Locks and Needle Flow, ran one of the best dress makers in Canterlot. It were not the most expensive of the options, but it were still a high end store, that had some prestige to it. Including their service of offering a brand new dress and a hair and mane styling, so you were ready to go, straight from their store. It might come in handy now, considering Spoiled's... Somewhat rough state. He assumed she'd want to freshen up, before meeting her family again.

He'd also need to talk to her about her extended family and the issues there, but that would be later. It were best that she focused on her immediate family first, before the rest would grind her gears.

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

 

(Treasure)

They would examine the picture, but it didn't seem to hold much to it.

"The Canterlot Museum would likely adore having this in their collection, but beyond that, so far I see nothing of interest here, beyond the age giving us a pointer to go by at the least. Arcadian paintings like this were some of the things the lingering remnants of the town held on to dearly, according to the stories. I am not sure she ever were part of the high families, but she might have been there to steal from them."

"She isn't in the picture itself at the least, so she wouldn't be part of theirs, but yes, she might have been part of their society proper. Things like this, would be among those things still beyond the wall, I can imagine. So this had to come from before it were sealed up. Perhaps if we find more info on them later, we can find if there's maybe a mention of somepony like her in their tales. If not, we can probably assume she started in the town's later years. Before she'd have a chance to get a reputation."

They'd check the painting proper. Not breaking it, but looking over closely and carefully, the picture and the frame. Every inch, but unless something stuck out, like a hollow room for a slip of paper or something (yes, they would knock on it too, just to see if something sounded off), they would move on to the next thing. A small box of assorted nips it seemed. The top layer were jewels, but maybe something else in the cigarbox-sized container were worth having a look at. The jewelry themselves might be too, or the coins. If there were foreign denominations, that could help establish some things too.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

Quote

"I hunt nobles and break them down mentally for their crimes, and we're headed towards a country that separated from Equestria, because they oppose the monarchy. I don't need to hide my identity. I only need to be prepared for a full debriefing, as they'd want to know everything I have learned."

He wasn't being smug about it. He knew that this would be the case, which might also include them taking her for interrogation in the bad way, for a few days. Depended on whom he would be sent to, he supposed.

As their trip would take them on, they would be able to see something odd in the distance., Something not on the map. It wasn't too far from Deltrot, with them able to see the highest towers far in the distance. That is, if they looked past the large effigy that were build over the river, crossing from one side to the other in a bow, with then a large plate going up. Both sides of said plates had unintelligible scribbles on it, and the whole thing seemed to be made out of some sort of polished, white stone.

And on top of it, currently finishing up on the inscriptions, were the construct, with a thin beam from its hand, carving the smooth symbols into the plate. They would notice it, before it noticed them.

Spectra nodded to that assessment. "My concern with that would be the ones you worked with having word that you and I showed up, then word getting out about that we would be in Troy. Would potentially risk word getting out about the place, allowing others to find us. My identity and my connections need to be hidden." Spectra said, and eventually they would see something that would be of concern to them.

The structure that had been built over the river had been something that was out of place. Looking closely, much to Spectra's surprise - was the construct. It were clearly unmistakeable. Spectra would slow down the raft and stop right next to it. It would be unlikely that the Construct would be able to tell that this was her - given the different body and all. "I am not sure you recognize me, but I recognize you. I was the one who brought you into my lair. There was an incident that occurred there - leading to its destruction. By chance, we meet again. I am your owner." Spectra would say to it - hoping that it would recognize her authority here. 

This could go multiple ways. Either, Spectra could stand to benefit from the Construct - or it could hinder her. It remains to be seen.
 

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

Quote

"I will inform Clayton Quartz of your requirements, as soon as I am able. If he is working on a larger project currently, I will indicate that the contract might go to Hammerstone Industries. He will make time for your home, if he hears that."

Clayton Quartz were a wealthy business owner in Canterlot. At least his main seat were here, but his construction firm had offices in several places throughout Equestria, as well as storage facilities for the various materials he used to make buildings from. Not a noble himself, he had earned every bit he had gotten, by making his company from scratch, financed in parts by his immense knowledge of valuable gems.

His firm were also the best in the business, as he took personal pride in everything he made being up to par, and wouldn't tolerate failure. His homes even had a ten year guarantee, to cement that, and a long story of making homes that fit even the more outlandish wants of his clientele. His work included everything from nobles homes, to resorts, to recently, ensuring that Ponyville got repaired and improved, after specs from the peculiar forepony they had at the time, out of his own pockets. Yes it were tax deductible, but he still liked to be helpful, and didn't want to be cold and indifferent towards those with lesser means.

Hammerstone were second rank in comparison, but still did fine work, and the two had a rivalry going. Knowing that his rival might get a contract for a returning noble, that were going to create a lot of publicity, would definitely make Clayton take notice and ensure that some of his finest workers were on the case. It were not cheap, but quality work seldom were.

Spoiled Rich was satisfied with Legal Jargon's statement about the two individuals here. Of the two, Clayton Quartz would be preferred. Her Estate had been constructed by Clayton Quartz, no doubt something that Clayton had not expected the result of. Probably wasn't his fault though in the end - as it was due to the actions of the villain that her Estate had met its unfortunate end. 

"Very well. Of the requirements I would need - I will say this. Would want a taller fence around the premise to keep out unwanted intruders. The Estate that I previously had, as you no doubt remember - I took many painstaking hours to decide where I wanted the rooms. Now that it has been many years since it was constructed, there were a few things that I would modify. A large skylight in the living room. Master bedroom to be larger and more ornate - with the finest wood trim and a luxurious bathroom. The outdoor pool would need to be re-added as well. From what you say, the whole Estate itself was destroyed and left vacant. It will need to be rebuilt. Exactly as it was, but with a few minor modifications." Spoiled Rich stated to him and was satisfied with that explanation. Legal Jargon had access to those blueprints and the resources he needed to contact that, it were something that Spoiled Rich made sure to keep archived for rare situations.

As rare of a situation as this was, at least Spoiled Rich had enough foresight to see the potential of something of this sort occurring.

 

Quote

"I still make sure that your immediate family are updated on things, and still run various legal cases for your husband. I can assure you that Filthy Rich, and Diamond Tiara are alive and well, and furthermore that your husband is still legally married to you. I have never gotten the inclination that he wanted to return to her, but I have heard some murmurs that they have spoken. From what I can tell, it seemed he simply needed somepony to talk to, after you were presumed dead. Understandable grief as it were.

His mansion is still there too. It were only your primary home here in Canterlot that were torched. Your summer home, and mansion in Ponyville, yet remains, and he lives there currently. Soon as everything is in order, I will have it arranged for us to go meet them. It is best that the news does not get there before you do, lest they think it a cruel joke of sorts. You remember how it went with Mrs. Goldie, yes?"

One of the cases of a noble replaced by a changeling. It were a long, messy affair, that sadly did not have a happy ending, as the changeling had accidentally ended up killing Goldie, before taking her place for a few years, prior to being found out. This were one of the tales that were the cause for the increased security, when it came to returning nobles that had gone missing. One that had reached its conclusion around a year before Spoiled went missing.

Spoiled Rich would narrow her eyes more upon Filthy Rich being spoken of. So the two of them were alive and well, in the same place they lived. Spoiled Rich could work with that. There was a matter she needed to address. "So I've known that Goldie was killed by a barbarian Changeling around a year before this situation occured, and from the sound of it, Filthy Rich was rumored to have wanted to speak to the Changeling? I know that Goldie was to put it one way, an egregious sort, but a Changeling being put into the equation is another matter entirely. Lest you forget that they invaded Equestria, destroyed many homes, some of my...Golf Courses if I remember correctly, that I had to sell off because of the damage they did. Changelings are to not be welcome in my sights, especially not around my family." she said, her eyes starting to burn with fury, though not directed at Legal Jargon - but the mere thought of Changelings potentially being involved made her blood boil.

 

Quote

He would scribble down some details on his papers, that already had the other things she had said thus far. He didn't need to look at it. He were used to writing whilst focusing on his clients, as that tended to be the way they preferred it. The times they did not, he picked up on the signs most times, and pretended he did need it. Nobles were a delicate business to handle at times.

"I am afraid that the entire scope of what your kidnapper are capable of, are beyond my current knowledge, madame. But it sounds as if what you want, are rather reasonable. Especially considering the circumstances. I will make sure to mention to Clayton that you will require a safe room in every home of yours, including the new one. Or should it simply be limited to your new main residence?"

He would wait for the answer to that, before going on.

"Regarding the guards... I will try and file the required paperwork to ensure we get informed, but it might be an uphill battle. I will make sure to threaten them with publicity if they do not comply though. If this is critical enough, they would not want it seen in details in the news papers

If that is all for now, I will go and file the right paperwork, yet the process will take the better part of an hour at least. Far be it from me to give you orders madame, but might I suggest a trip to your usual spa in the meantime? I can make sure to have a new, hood crafted outfit prepared for you as well, if you would require so. From Gold Needle Boutique, of course."

Gold Locks and Needle Flow, ran one of the best dress makers in Canterlot. It were not the most expensive of the options, but it were still a high end store, that had some prestige to it. Including their service of offering a brand new dress and a hair and mane styling, so you were ready to go, straight from their store. It might come in handy now, considering Spoiled's... Somewhat rough state. He assumed she'd want to freshen up, before meeting her family again.

He'd also need to talk to her about her extended family and the issues there, but that would be later. It were best that she focused on her immediate family first, before the rest would grind her gears.

 

"The new one should have one of its own. In Ponyville, I would like a bomb shelter to be built within the basement of the one in Ponyville. I don't care if you have to send in the workers to tear that mansion apart as a welcome home surprise from me, I need it done. A Bomb Shelter, meaning, the best that Clayton can muster. I want my family to be able to survive a direct assault on the Estate without a single hair off of my back." Spoiled Rich stated, it was more of a demand if anything. Likely would be something be able to be covered by her investment funds - she had deep pockets. This was no brainer. The rebuilding of her Estate in Canterlot could likely be mostly covered by the sheer criminal nature of it - and her insurance.

"For now though, a trip to the usual spa will do some to ease my senses. New outfit would be nice. You know the details for that. Same style, slight refinement. I don't want a word getting out that I was walking among Canterlot looking like this, so we'll take the quick route there - I'll relax a bit, you handle what I said to you here and we'll meet back after the hour has passed, then you will make arrangements to find my family and inform them of my return." Spoiled Rich raised her snout in the air, ready to head off to Gold Needle Boutique. 

 

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

 

(Treasure)

Quote

They would examine the picture, but it didn't seem to hold much to it.

"The Canterlot Museum would likely adore having this in their collection, but beyond that, so far I see nothing of interest here, beyond the age giving us a pointer to go by at the least. Arcadian paintings like this were some of the things the lingering remnants of the town held on to dearly, according to the stories. I am not sure she ever were part of the high families, but she might have been there to steal from them."

"She isn't in the picture itself at the least, so she wouldn't be part of theirs, but yes, she might have been part of their society proper. Things like this, would be among those things still beyond the wall, I can imagine. So this had to come from before it were sealed up. Perhaps if we find more info on them later, we can find if there's maybe a mention of somepony like her in their tales. If not, we can probably assume she started in the town's later years. Before she'd have a chance to get a reputation."

They'd check the painting proper. Not breaking it, but looking over closely and carefully, the picture and the frame. Every inch, but unless something stuck out, like a hollow room for a slip of paper or something (yes, they would knock on it too, just to see if something sounded off), they would move on to the next thing. A small box of assorted nips it seemed. The top layer were jewels, but maybe something else in the cigarbox-sized container were worth having a look at. The jewelry themselves might be too, or the coins. If there were foreign denominations, that could help establish some things too.

There wasn't much else to the painting. It seemed that it was simply a painting and nothing more.

The coins however, proved to be most interesting. A lot of them had markings on them that indicated non-equestrian origins. Some of them had draconic markings to them, others Griffon, and there were others that were not readily discernible. It was enough proof that Spectra had either traveled that far to steal them, or stole them from others who did. There was also a large, golden book sitting on the table next to this - with a rather large lock on it. 

It was one of Starswirl the Bearded's books. From the looks of it, it was very well preserved but seemed to have been unopened for quite sometime. At least this were among the scores of precious materials such as tables and chairs entirely made out of platinum, crowns of various Griffon Monarchs that were stolen in the past, as well as a unique sword that belonged to one of the high ranking Equestrian families - the Silvers, as indicated by the style of the sword itself.

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

The construct heard them, and moved its head to look at them in better details. The diodes on its face plate, blinking as always, in codes that were alien for them to understand. It kept writing though, until it were done. And when the last scribble had been done, everything written the whole tablet, would start to faintly glow, though nothing more seemed to happen than that.

It would then jump down to them. Or well, rather slide down the side of the arc of the construction it had made, and then jumped from the edge of the shore, unto the boat. It would recognize Operata, and he it, as his face scowled even further, seeing this disgusting thing again, mocking him with its mere existence.

It turned towards Spectra though, in her new form, and raised it's hand again. The hand itself would split cleanly down the middle, and a thing line of lights would shoot out, and scan her from top to bottom, in a series of waves between the lines. She wouldn't even feel it. Nor would Operata when it did it to him, even though he nearly growled at the thing, and tried to move away, out of its reach. It did not work, and he'd be scanned all the same.

At the end, the beams would retract, and it would instead change the lights, to show a perfect square surface, with small buttons on it, that matched its faceplate. Some writing or other would be above it, but it were illegible for them, as it stood and waited.

"Hmph. Should smash this thing with a hammer and chisel, not indulge it in whatever this is. Some sort of authentication I'd assume."

It would in fact be that. If she recalled, the construct had made a series of various lights at her when she had first set herself, as being its new supervisor. Something that ended with it then blinking all the diodes. That would be her registration code. It were not sure if this were its supervisor, as she were not looking like the one he recalled, but she stood and acted like the last, and this one were following her too. It also found some trace amounts of particles and other things that were found on and near Spectra, where she had taken it before, that would indicate her presence around that area.

It could not tell for sure though, if this were its supervisor. Perhaps she had been replaced, or repurposed, and given a new shape, due to the former one being lacking. If it were her, she would know her authentication code though, and it would return under service. She had two tries to hit it correct.

If she'd touch the light-based display, she'd find that it would interact with her touch, and have some mass to it, so she would be able to push the buttons, though she best try and do it right. No telling what would happen, if she failed to do it properly.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

On 2024-04-03 at 6:55 AM, Props Valroa said:

"Very well. Of the requirements I would need - I will say this. Would want a taller fence around the premise to keep out unwanted intruders. The Estate that I previously had, as you no doubt remember - I took many painstaking hours to decide where I wanted the rooms. Now that it has been many years since it was constructed, there were a few things that I would modify. A large skylight in the living room. Master bedroom to be larger and more ornate - with the finest wood trim and a luxurious bathroom. The outdoor pool would need to be re-added as well. From what you say, the whole Estate itself was destroyed and left vacant. It will need to be rebuilt. Exactly as it was, but with a few minor modifications."

He would not respond, but just nod and write down notes on this. There were a time to write, and a time to talk. Sometimes both. yet right now, it were just for him to listen, write down in details what he had been said, so that he could pass it along properly, and then let her speak of everything she wanted to be done. If he spoke, he might miss something, and have her needing to repeat herself. It had been some years, but he very distinctively did not associate Spoiled Rich in his memories, as a mare who cared for repetition with her orders. Those she spoke to, ought to have listened the first time.

He could be misremembering of course, but he felt fairly certain of this. If not, he were sure his memories on how things worked, would be refreshed soon enough, as he went through the ropes, and readied himself to be at active work for her again.

On 2024-04-03 at 6:55 AM, Props Valroa said:

"So I've known that Goldie was killed by a barbarian Changeling around a year before this situation occured, and from the sound of it, Filthy Rich was rumored to have wanted to speak to the Changeling? I know that Goldie was to put it one way, an egregious sort, but a Changeling being put into the equation is another matter entirely. Lest you forget that they invaded Equestria, destroyed many homes, some of my...Golf Courses if I remember correctly, that I had to sell off because of the damage they did. Changelings are to not be welcome in my sights, especially not around my family."

"I may have misspoken. I merely meant that the situation with Goldie and her killer, were hard on the family, when it became known that a fraud were at play. Paranoia on such things have been present since, when it comes to high society ponies being gone for some time, just to return later. Hence why I think it best that before rumors begins spreading, and skepticism begins flourishing with your family, that we get there, so you can be the first to address them. My role at the scene, will be to verify whom you are, of course. Just so that everything goes smoothly.

As for changelings, I will see what I can do about Clayton perhaps being able to handle a sensor of sorts, build in for your properties. I will return with information on that, soon as it becomes available."

The news that changelings were now openly welcome in Equestria, along with several other races, might be best to save for a later time. It were among the less good news, that they would need to deal with eventually, that he did not want to spoil her mood further with, at the present time.

On 2024-04-03 at 6:55 AM, Props Valroa said:

"The new one should have one of its own. In Ponyville, I would like a bomb shelter to be built within the basement of the one in Ponyville. I don't care if you have to send in the workers to tear that mansion apart as a welcome home surprise from me, I need it done. A Bomb Shelter, meaning, the best that Clayton can muster. I want my family to be able to survive a direct assault on the Estate without a single hair off of my back." Spoiled Rich stated, it was more of a demand if anything. Likely would be something be able to be covered by her investment funds - she had deep pockets. This was no brainer. The rebuilding of her Estate in Canterlot could likely be mostly covered by the sheer criminal nature of it - and her insurance.

"For now though, a trip to the usual spa will do some to ease my senses. New outfit would be nice. You know the details for that. Same style, slight refinement. I don't want a word getting out that I was walking among Canterlot looking like this, so we'll take the quick route there - I'll relax a bit, you handle what I said to you here and we'll meet back after the hour has passed, then you will make arrangements to find my family and inform them of my return." Spoiled Rich raised her snout in the air, ready to head off to Gold Needle Boutique. 

He'd write down the last details, and then close the book. He'd need it with him, along with a few other things that he would place in his designer saddlebag for the trip. Though before she would attempt to leave the room, he would clear his throat to get her attention.

"Madame Rich, might I offer a brush?"

He tended to keep a few things ready, in case he had to look his best after a long day too, or his hair got frizzled in strong wind. So he kept a regiment of things. including a comb, which were so immaculately clean, that it might as well be new. A high end one too, that would glide through her frizzled mane well and good, and get it somewhat in control before they'd leave. If required, he could brush it himself, but he would offer it forth, as he assumed she would prefer to do so herself.

When it were over - or in case she cared not to do this - he would nod and head towards the door.

"The most direct route to the Dreamy Clouds spa, will be to take a small side street a few meters from here, and take a hard left. It should also leave less eyes to notice you for that time, Madame Rich. After we get there, I will go and make sure that the paperwork is done, as well as getting transportation for Ponyville prepared, and informing Gold and Needle that their schedule will be occupied shortly. They will be expecting you when your spa treatment is over, I assure you.

I will make sure everything is paid for in advance as well, with the usual account."

With that, if there were nothing else, he'd lead her out, and down the next-fastest, inconspicuous route. The fastest involved an alley with trash cans, and he wouldn't hear the end of it for a while, if he dared to suggest she'd lower herself to travel such a path.

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

 

(Treasure)

With the painting being mostly just old, and historically valuable for now, they'd set it carefully aside, and go look at some other things. Phantasma drawn to the coins, with Shade heading towards a book that seemed to hold a tinge of familiarity to itself. He wouldn't try to open it though, but examine the outsides first, trying to see what he had to deal with here.

Phantasma would soon after have separated all the coins she had found, into each their own sections, and sorted them after the approximate age. Though some were odd to her, and were stacked separately.

"Now this is peculiar, but might give us a timeline. Some of these denominations are beyond ancient. This draconic coin for instance, I've only ever seen pictures of. They don't even have a real one for display in the museum, as the few found are so heavily guarded. This one coin, could well end up buying you a home on its own.

The Dragon Isles hasn't used a coin like this for millennia. It could be a replica, or something she stole from a hoard. If not, she could be upwards of three thousand years old at the least."

These sorts of coins, were mostly only found in the hoard of elder dragons, or hoards that had been passed down. A very few individuals, had managed to steal or bargain for one, over the millennia, but it were not many, as the dragons tended to see their old currency as a status symbol of sorts to posses. Something from before the then dragon lord, had discontinued the coin making, since he figured it were smarter to just accept that gold were gold, and then use weight and purity instead of some marking, that wouldn't matter outside of their isles anyway. Most places went with some variation of gold, from the sand dollars of Troy, to the bits of Equestria, or the dinars of Saddle Arabia, so for those who did want to go out ad buy things, they could just bring gold.

"Hmm, she might have raided a collection, and if this coin is as rare as you say, I assume some of these others are of some rarity too. Might be that there'd be a record of some sort, if a collection that size had been reported stolen in Equestria's history."

They might need to ask around the more unsavory types, off the books of course, but a coin this rare, might have a trace in history that they could follow. Even if it were just a rumor of some fool stealing from an elder dragon once, that would still be something to work from.

"What are you working on? A book in gold. Anything out of the ordinary about it?"

"Yes. You are more knowledgeable about history, but I feel fairly certain that this marking, is Starswirl's, is it not?"

Phantasma would curiously go over, and look at what Shade would point to. She needed little more than a glance, to know what she were looking at.

"Yes indeed, that there is his symbol alright. If this is one of his books, that would be good news though. We have one that we can actively question about this."

"Yes, though if this is a spellbook, I wonder what she might have learned from it. We should question the old wizard to be sure, lest we end up getting surprised by something."

Their focus would be on this for now, but once that were set aside, they'd go and check out the sword. It seemed to stand out, though they were both pondering in what way. Phantasma would get it eventually, but she would need to wrack her brain for a bit.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

Quote

The construct heard them, and moved its head to look at them in better details. The diodes on its face plate, blinking as always, in codes that were alien for them to understand. It kept writing though, until it were done. And when the last scribble had been done, everything written the whole tablet, would start to faintly glow, though nothing more seemed to happen than that.

It would then jump down to them. Or well, rather slide down the side of the arc of the construction it had made, and then jumped from the edge of the shore, unto the boat. It would recognize Operata, and he it, as his face scowled even further, seeing this disgusting thing again, mocking him with its mere existence.

It turned towards Spectra though, in her new form, and raised it's hand again. The hand itself would split cleanly down the middle, and a thing line of lights would shoot out, and scan her from top to bottom, in a series of waves between the lines. She wouldn't even feel it. Nor would Operata when it did it to him, even though he nearly growled at the thing, and tried to move away, out of its reach. It did not work, and he'd be scanned all the same.

At the end, the beams would retract, and it would instead change the lights, to show a perfect square surface, with small buttons on it, that matched its faceplate. Some writing or other would be above it, but it were illegible for them, as it stood and waited.

"Hmph. Should smash this thing with a hammer and chisel, not indulge it in whatever this is. Some sort of authentication I'd assume."

It would in fact be that. If she recalled, the construct had made a series of various lights at her when she had first set herself, as being its new supervisor. Something that ended with it then blinking all the diodes. That would be her registration code. It were not sure if this were its supervisor, as she were not looking like the one he recalled, but she stood and acted like the last, and this one were following her too. It also found some trace amounts of particles and other things that were found on and near Spectra, where she had taken it before, that would indicate her presence around that area.

It could not tell for sure though, if this were its supervisor. Perhaps she had been replaced, or repurposed, and given a new shape, due to the former one being lacking. If it were her, she would know her authentication code though, and it would return under service. She had two tries to hit it correct.

If she'd touch the light-based display, she'd find that it would interact with her touch, and have some mass to it, so she would be able to push the buttons, though she best try and do it right. No telling what would happen, if she failed to do it properly.

Spectra looks to the Construct's movements as it jumped onto the boat. Spectra definitely did not share the same opinion as Operata towards the Construct. It was a useful tool, and perhaps she would be capable of getting something extremely useful out of it if they met someone who could say - take it apart and study it. Either that, or she could somehow find a way to make use of its magic for herself. Right now, it was hers and Spectra merely grinned across Yuma's face, her old body being long gone by this point - Thriceborne had likely picked it apart by now and done what she would with such a thing. 

Now the part of quandry was what it was doing with the buttons on the square surface. "No, we aren't going to do that. Even if I were so inclined to do so, it could potentially destroy the boat or put us at further risk. We will go along with it. It is my possession, and as my possession, it will work for me as intended. It will probably be of much service for the Trojans, helping them organize what they need it to - perhaps a bargaining chip to sweeten the deal and work for them. I don't like working for anyone, but if we can get something out of it - I would be open to it. Of course, at a steep price to pay." Spectra said, her brow furrowing somewhat as she searched her memories.

Thinking back to the series of lights the best she could - she would enter them in the correct sequence. It had taken her around a minute to have full confidence in inputting the correct code - she didn't want to fight this thing. Who knew what it were capable of. It was better for it to work for her than against her. Her commentary on it being something of service for the Trojans was mere idle talk. There was a lot of factors. What part of Troy they would end up in. What their opinions were of outsiders seeking to work for them, and the list goes on.

If the Construct seemed to settle down and accept her authority - she would resume her spell as she propelled the boat forward. Spectra didn't want to have them stopped somewhere for too long.

 

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

Quote

"I may have misspoken. I merely meant that the situation with Goldie and her killer, were hard on the family, when it became known that a fraud were at play. Paranoia on such things have been present since, when it comes to high society ponies being gone for some time, just to return later. Hence why I think it best that before rumors begins spreading, and skepticism begins flourishing with your family, that we get there, so you can be the first to address them. My role at the scene, will be to verify whom you are, of course. Just so that everything goes smoothly.

As for changelings, I will see what I can do about Clayton perhaps being able to handle a sensor of sorts, build in for your properties. I will return with information on that, soon as it becomes available."

The news that changelings were now openly welcome in Equestria, along with several other races, might be best to save for a later time. It were among the less good news, that they would need to deal with eventually, that he did not want to spoil her mood further with, at the present time.

 

Spoiled Rich's eyes narrowed slightly at that and for a few moments she went silent. "Right. You have access to what you will need to begin plans for the construction of the new Estate where the old one sat before. Blueprints tell you everything. Remember - Large Skylights in the living room. Outdoor pool. Underground bunker of reliable quality and with large supplies." she spoke, not even batting an eye at what it would cost her. Spoiled Rich's pockets ran deep from the many years of hard work she has done. Not only that, but the insurance would likely cover most of, if not all of the cost of the new build due to the manner of which the old one was burnt down.. It was something that she was extremely insistent on - preparing for situations like this.

It seemed as though she had been pleased with his overall statements, for now. 

 

Quote

He'd write down the last details, and then close the book. He'd need it with him, along with a few other things that he would place in his designer saddlebag for the trip. Though before she would attempt to leave the room, he would clear his throat to get her attention.

"Madame Rich, might I offer a brush?"

He tended to keep a few things ready, in case he had to look his best after a long day too, or his hair got frizzled in strong wind. So he kept a regiment of things. including a comb, which were so immaculately clean, that it might as well be new. A high end one too, that would glide through her frizzled mane well and good, and get it somewhat in control before they'd leave. If required, he could brush it himself, but he would offer it forth, as he assumed she would prefer to do so herself.

When it were over - or in case she cared not to do this - he would nod and head towards the door.

"The most direct route to the Dreamy Clouds spa, will be to take a small side street a few meters from here, and take a hard left. It should also leave less eyes to notice you for that time, Madame Rich. After we get there, I will go and make sure that the paperwork is done, as well as getting transportation for Ponyville prepared, and informing Gold and Needle that their schedule will be occupied shortly. They will be expecting you when your spa treatment is over, I assure you.

I will make sure everything is paid for in advance as well, with the usual account."

With that, if there were nothing else, he'd lead her out, and down the next-fastest, inconspicuous route. The fastest involved an alley with trash cans, and he wouldn't hear the end of it for a while, if he dared to suggest she'd lower herself to travel such a path.

Spoiled Rich would turn to him and take the brush. There was a mirror on the wall where they were thankfully, so she would brush it to the best of her abilities. It were not at all what she wanted. Her mane and tail had to be perfect at all times. Thankfully the path she took here was quick and she ran there quickly - with enough going on in the city around her, she was able to pass on by without talking to anyone or being noticed by anyone at all. The last thing she needed was to be seen in the sorry state she was in.

It took her a while. A few minutes to get her mane and tail brushed to satisfactory condition. Nowhere near to how she usually would have it, but it were enough to walk to the Dreamy Clouds Spa. "Perfect. The plan is in action. You know what you need to do to execute it, so there is no further word from me for now as of this moment." she spoke, her snout turning in the air as he would lead her out of the place. Spoiled Rich didn't trust many at all - let alone stallions. Legal Jargon had been selected for his job because he was the best of the best. Her butler, Randolph was getting old. Hopefully he would still be alive. So far it seemed that all was mostly okay. No family member deaths. Only lost resources.

Spoiled Rich knew she would recover from this. It would take time. With that in mind, Spoiled Rich would follow along towards the Dreamy Clouds Spa.
 

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

 

(Treasure)

 

Quote

With the painting being mostly just old, and historically valuable for now, they'd set it carefully aside, and go look at some other things. Phantasma drawn to the coins, with Shade heading towards a book that seemed to hold a tinge of familiarity to itself. He wouldn't try to open it though, but examine the outsides first, trying to see what he had to deal with here.

Phantasma would soon after have separated all the coins she had found, into each their own sections, and sorted them after the approximate age. Though some were odd to her, and were stacked separately.

"Now this is peculiar, but might give us a timeline. Some of these denominations are beyond ancient. This draconic coin for instance, I've only ever seen pictures of. They don't even have a real one for display in the museum, as the few found are so heavily guarded. This one coin, could well end up buying you a home on its own.

The Dragon Isles hasn't used a coin like this for millennia. It could be a replica, or something she stole from a hoard. If not, she could be upwards of three thousand years old at the least."

These sorts of coins, were mostly only found in the hoard of elder dragons, or hoards that had been passed down. A very few individuals, had managed to steal or bargain for one, over the millennia, but it were not many, as the dragons tended to see their old currency as a status symbol of sorts to posses. Something from before the then dragon lord, had discontinued the coin making, since he figured it were smarter to just accept that gold were gold, and then use weight and purity instead of some marking, that wouldn't matter outside of their isles anyway. Most places went with some variation of gold, from the sand dollars of Troy, to the bits of Equestria, or the dinars of Saddle Arabia, so for those who did want to go out ad buy things, they could just bring gold.

"Hmm, she might have raided a collection, and if this coin is as rare as you say, I assume some of these others are of some rarity too. Might be that there'd be a record of some sort, if a collection that size had been reported stolen in Equestria's history."

They might need to ask around the more unsavory types, off the books of course, but a coin this rare, might have a trace in history that they could follow. Even if it were just a rumor of some fool stealing from an elder dragon once, that would still be something to work from.

"What are you working on? A book in gold. Anything out of the ordinary about it?"

"Yes. You are more knowledgeable about history, but I feel fairly certain that this marking, is Starswirl's, is it not?"

Phantasma would curiously go over, and look at what Shade would point to. She needed little more than a glance, to know what she were looking at.

"Yes indeed, that there is his symbol alright. If this is one of his books, that would be good news though. We have one that we can actively question about this."

"Yes, though if this is a spellbook, I wonder what she might have learned from it. We should question the old wizard to be sure, lest we end up getting surprised by something."

Their focus would be on this for now, but once that were set aside, they'd go and check out the sword. It seemed to stand out, though they were both pondering in what way. Phantasma would get it eventually, but she would need to wrack her brain for a bit.

The coins were most definitely interesting and were definite proof that Spectra had at least gotten into things that were very hard to attain. Either she is really as old as the items she has here, or she somehow got them. Either way, it proved that she was very adept at getting into things very few ponies have access to. 

The book were probably the most interesting object of attraction here. If they would open it, they would find something unexpected within the words. It was Starswirl's own writings. Perhaps it would be something of which the two of them would doubt - and use their magic to determine the validity of the writings. If they did so, they would find that it would be genuine. It began with writings about magic - it was a type of Spellbook of sorts, that one is to learn from.

As they were flipping through the pages, a piece of paper taken from some other book would fall out. Written within the words, was the name "Diaspora". There was something of note here right off the bat in Starswirl's writing style. It seemed that it was from a diary of some kind. What they would read here, would be Starswirl's own words.

"Diaspora is a difficult student to work with - due to her disability. She cannot cast magic like any other pony, I theorize she may have been born under unusual conditions. I have never seen a Unicorn be unable to cast magic. Diaspora is frustrated, understandably so - but as the days go by, the more desperate she's become at the lack of answers I can give her. I really sympathize with her, I do - but...something's off about her. I can't put my hoof on it. There is a darkness in her heart. Yet her desperation, her pleading, begging tells me something else. I am very concerned for her. As the first student of mine this situation is most troubling." on the back of it, was more writing. This time, not from Starswirl.

It would read as follows - "You were a failure of a teacher. I hate you. You could never help me, the one pony I could trust to help me could never provide me any answers. Only more questions and frustrations. I hate myself for being born this way. Hate. Hate. Hate. It's all I have left in me. All my accomplishments in securing peace in Equestria on your behalf, all for nothing. No cure! Nothing! I can't stand it anymore...I'll find my own answers..." 

It seemed as though Diaspora was a name to search for in history. Whoever they were - could they be related to Spectra? Or could Spectra also actually be Diaspora?

The book had a lot more to search through. This were but their first find within the few minutes of searching through it, if they decided to.

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

The construct were unmoving, as Spectra began to try and figure out how to do this properly, but when she were done, the code were accepted. The lights on its own faceplate would light along with every press of a button she made, and when it were done, all would flash twice, and the construct would stop projecting the light panel, and close its hand up again. Her authority had been accepted, and it would thus get on the boat with them. Operata kept as much distance between it and him though, as were possible. Which weren't he hardest, as the construct would go to the front of the boat, and faced his supervisor. As he had now located her, or whomever had been deemed right to replace her, it were time for it to deliver its report of what had happened in the mountain.

It's chest plate would fold in, in a few, rectangular sections, and from them, would emanate light, that would give a holographic, three-dimensional *video*, of what had happened, from the moment when Magloria's shell were crackling, to when the various guards were wandering through, and of course, the explosion itself, and the fiery aftermath. It had not included when it had been the one to start Magloria escaping, as it were not something it deemed relevant information. Everything that had happened, that had triggered its alarm system, happened from after that.

The picture were still limited to the room of crystals, where it had hung on the wall, and looked over things. So everything that had happened outside of that room, wouldn't be recorded. Which included Shade taking his cats, as they had run around in a panic, as everything began to unravel around them. If his wife had been in the same room as Magloria though, he would be able to tell that she had been taken however, and were in fact no longer in the possession of Spectra, but rather some other power. One he knew, as Shade were all too known by him.

It had been a big base though. She were likely in some other part of the mountain, so she should still be able to twist this to fit her narrative.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

19 hours ago, Props Valroa said:

"Right. You have access to what you will need to begin plans for the construction of the new Estate where the old one sat before. Blueprints tell you everything. Remember - Large Skylights in the living room. Outdoor pool. Underground bunker of reliable quality and with large supplies."

"I still have the blueprints in the folder. The assurance company required the original, but I have both it, and a copy at this point. I will ensure the original, stays with me, and that only Clayton gains access to the copy."

He would scribble down the other details. He believed he had heard of something for the bunkers provisions, that would be helpful, but he would discuss the details with Clayton. best not to give false expectations. It were hardly fitting for him to give falsehoods to his employer.

19 hours ago, Props Valroa said:

Spoiled Rich knew she would recover from this. It would take time. With that in mind, Spoiled Rich would follow along towards the Dreamy Clouds Spa.

The route to the spa were thankfully as mentioned, rather quick, and still clean. So they would get to the entrance of the extravagant building soon. Not the cheapest spa in town by far, but it were also not meant for just anypony. It were meant for high society, to be pampered within, and soon she would be feeling that once again.

Discreetly entering, Jargon would go to the register, and pay the notable amount for a full treatment. The one at the register were well mannered and dressed immaculately, but he were also young and new. He didn't know about Spoiled, and would just assume this were her lawyer paying on her behalf, because she didn't deign it worth her time to do so. They had a few who used their assistants in much the same way, so it weren't too notable to him. Some of the workers would remember her though, and would be surprised, but welcomed her back all the same.

After she were done, she'd find that her lawyer were not there, as he were still arranging things, but the Gold Needle Boutique would stand ready for her arrival, not too far from here. It were time for her to be properly dressed and having her mane and tail done properly, before returning home to what would be a very surprised family.

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

 

(Treasure)

Phantasma would go and unlock the book fairly easily. Wasn't the first time she had to pick a lock, nor would it be the last. And this one were laughably easy. Old and not up tot he task. Though if had a magical protection... She'd still open it up, she just had to pull a few different extra tools out from her tail.

Before she got a chance to open it though, Shade would put his hoof down on the book. To say she were dismayed by the action, were an understatement, as she wanted to know what they had to work with here.

"Why do you try and ruin my fun?"

"It's one of Starswirl's. How much do you trust a lock, is the only defense it has?"

Her expression would stiffen, and she'd regrettably have to accept that he were right. This book belonged to one of the greatest unicorns in their country's history. He may well have put a magical trap on it too, just to keep others out of his private business.

So they would stand at a distance, whilst Shade used his magic to open the book. Tendrils of dark magic, floating off of his bony wings, to grab hold of the book, and reveal what were inside. If a trap would spring, they'd be ready. If not, they would eventually get closer, after flapping through some pages, which would soon after reveal the note. One that grabbed their attention, as they read it through several times.

20 hours ago, Props Valroa said:

"Diaspora is a difficult student to work with - due to her disability. She cannot cast magic like any other pony, I theorize she may have been born under unusual conditions. I have never seen a Unicorn be unable to cast magic. Diaspora is frustrated, understandably so - but as the days go by, the more desperate she's become at the lack of answers I can give her. I really sympathize with her, I do - but...something's off about her. I can't put my hoof on it. There is a darkness in her heart. Yet her desperation, her pleading, begging tells me something else. I am very concerned for her. As the first student of mine this situation is most troubling." on the back of it, was more writing. This time, not from Starswirl.

It would read as follows - "You were a failure of a teacher. I hate you. You could never help me, the one pony I could trust to help me could never provide me any answers. Only more questions and frustrations. I hate myself for being born this way. Hate. Hate. Hate. It's all I have left in me. All my accomplishments in securing peace in Equestria on your behalf, all for nothing. No cure! Nothing! I can't stand it anymore...I'll find my own answers..."

"Tangible proof. How... Easy."

"Yes, it shouldn't be taken at face value. However, it is something tangible, in that we can approach the wizard himself about it. It is a lead, if nothing else."

Phantasma would put the note in an evidence bag, and stuff that into her uniform. They were going to want to be sure that this were close at hoof. The same with this book, but they both didn't even need to speak to one another, to know that they both wanted to read a little more, to see if there were more clues to work from. There were a reasonable chance that Starswirl might just take the book, and tell them nothing, if they presented it to him. It were prudent as investigators in their own right, for them to examine this evidence closer. Though Starswirl would be involved sooner or later. They would need his account of things here, to figure out if perhaps, they had actually found Spectra. Might not be her real name still if it were, but if she went to Starswirl, and struggled with her skills, they may well have found what set her on her path, and a rough estimate of when she began her grizzly business.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

 

Quote

The construct were unmoving, as Spectra began to try and figure out how to do this properly, but when she were done, the code were accepted. The lights on its own faceplate would light along with every press of a button she made, and when it were done, all would flash twice, and the construct would stop projecting the light panel, and close its hand up again. Her authority had been accepted, and it would thus get on the boat with them. Operata kept as much distance between it and him though, as were possible. Which weren't he hardest, as the construct would go to the front of the boat, and faced his supervisor. As he had now located her, or whomever had been deemed right to replace her, it were time for it to deliver its report of what had happened in the mountain.

It's chest plate would fold in, in a few, rectangular sections, and from them, would emanate light, that would give a holographic, three-dimensional *video*, of what had happened, from the moment when Magloria's shell were crackling, to when the various guards were wandering through, and of course, the explosion itself, and the fiery aftermath. It had not included when it had been the one to start Magloria escaping, as it were not something it deemed relevant information. Everything that had happened, that had triggered its alarm system, happened from after that.

The picture were still limited to the room of crystals, where it had hung on the wall, and looked over things. So everything that had happened outside of that room, wouldn't be recorded. Which included Shade taking his cats, as they had run around in a panic, as everything began to unravel around them. If his wife had been in the same room as Magloria though, he would be able to tell that she had been taken however, and were in fact no longer in the possession of Spectra, but rather some other power. One he knew, as Shade were all too known by him.

It had been a big base though. She were likely in some other part of the mountain, so she should still be able to twist this to fit her narrative.

Spectra would observe as the Construct would sit towards the front of the boat and begin the presentation of what happened. Spectra would observe closely with her expression unreadable for the moments that it took for the three-dimensional video to play. It was a type of magic that Spectra was not familiar with - but she considered it extremely useful to her cause. 

Now then, she had a lot to say to this. Spectra would usually be extremely angry at this revelation - but it pleased her to be in the full know of what happened. "So it seems that one of my quarry, by the name of Magloria, escaped confinement. Evidently she had found a way to inform the Equestrian Royal Guard, they came in - triggered the alarm system and the explosion that took place." Spectra turned to Operata. "From this, you can clearly see I am not at fault for what happened. It was the Guards who triggered the process that unfolded. Not only that, the one to blame for all of this is that mare by the name of Magloria. Rest assured however, your wife is safe at another location. The guards seemed to only be able to extract a given number of my quarry." Spectra's brow furrowed and she gritted her teeth with visible rage in her face.

"To think that one of them got loose and then the guard came in, now we know we are compromised. The guard had likely gotten access to a lot of my possessions in there, if they had not been destroyed in the explosion. We are known about. They likely will know about you. Interestingly enough, Veil had escaped with Magloria. Veil betrayed my trust and this is what happens?! All of my hard work, destroyed at the hands of the Equestrian Guard! When we get to Troy, we are going to work on a plan to wipe Canterlot off the face of the Earth! Those disgusting guards will pay and we will destroy them!" Operata started to see a vein in Spectra's neck from her enraged shouting, as they moved further down the river at the same rapid pace as before.

"It matters not how Magloria escaped, because of her, all this was set in place. It is reasonable to assume that she is working with the Canterlot Guard as she had led them to the lair." Spectra huffed, and seemed to calm down slightly with a frustrated sigh.

Still though, she believed they could only go up from here. They had all the time in the world to plan their moves accordingly. Spectra would look to the Construct. "What did you experience after the explosion of the base?" Spectra would ask the Construct, to see if it could show a video of what happened after it departed the crater.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)
 

Quote

"I still have the blueprints in the folder. The assurance company required the original, but I have both it, and a copy at this point. I will ensure the original, stays with me, and that only Clayton gains access to the copy."

He would scribble down the other details. He believed he had heard of something for the bunkers provisions, that would be helpful, but he would discuss the details with Clayton. best not to give false expectations. It were hardly fitting for him to give falsehoods to his employer.

The route to the spa were thankfully as mentioned, rather quick, and still clean. So they would get to the entrance of the extravagant building soon. Not the cheapest spa in town by far, but it were also not meant for just anypony. It were meant for high society, to be pampered within, and soon she would be feeling that once again.

Discreetly entering, Jargon would go to the register, and pay the notable amount for a full treatment. The one at the register were well mannered and dressed immaculately, but he were also young and new. He didn't know about Spoiled, and would just assume this were her lawyer paying on her behalf, because she didn't deign it worth her time to do so. They had a few who used their assistants in much the same way, so it weren't too notable to him. Some of the workers would remember her though, and would be surprised, but welcomed her back all the same.

After she were done, she'd find that her lawyer were not there, as he were still arranging things, but the Gold Needle Boutique would stand ready for her arrival, not too far from here. It were time for her to be properly dressed and having her mane and tail done properly, before returning home to what would be a very surprised family.

Spoiled Rich was pleased with her lawyer's answers. The route to the spa made her think about some things - what she would do with her family, how she would break the news to them, and the like. It were a lot she needed to unpack. Spoiled knew that her family were strong and capable, they had been through villains before. Tirek attacked Ponyville when Spoiled was there, and her family had hidden in their basement for the whole thing. Discord, Nightmare Moon, and other minor villains showed their faces in the town before as well - and she survived. Spectral Fade may have been a lot more of a dangerous villain though - given that she was largely unknown and at large. There was probably a few things Spoiled would learn about in greater detail, that being the Destroyed Mountain and the effects it has on Equestria.

While in the Spa she would treat the workers as expected - playing it off like she had a bad hair day and totally not been gone for three whole years. Spoiled Rich didn't need many ponies knowing about her personal affairs at the moment. Her time at the spa would most likely prove uneventful - with her going through a total spa treatment. After the whole affair was over with, she was indeed feeling high society again. More confident in her exterior, she could now mingle among her peers without any situations arising at the mere sight of her for the most part.

If there was nothing else, she would wait for her lawyer - and once he had been finished with what was done, Spoiled Rich would begin the journey to Ponyville after arranging for a cab to Ponyville to be paid for, then they would journey there, with Spoiled Rich eager to see the town again. Initially she considered the town a backwater place filled with farmers and weirdos but after spending time there, she gained a begrudging affinity for the town. 

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

 

(Treasure)

 

Quote

(Treasure)

Phantasma would go and unlock the book fairly easily. Wasn't the first time she had to pick a lock, nor would it be the last. And this one were laughably easy. Old and not up tot he task. Though if had a magical protection... She'd still open it up, she just had to pull a few different extra tools out from her tail.

Before she got a chance to open it though, Shade would put his hoof down on the book. To say she were dismayed by the action, were an understatement, as she wanted to know what they had to work with here.

"Why do you try and ruin my fun?"

"It's one of Starswirl's. How much do you trust a lock, is the only defense it has?"

Her expression would stiffen, and she'd regrettably have to accept that he were right. This book belonged to one of the greatest unicorns in their country's history. He may well have put a magical trap on it too, just to keep others out of his private business.

So they would stand at a distance, whilst Shade used his magic to open the book. Tendrils of dark magic, floating off of his bony wings, to grab hold of the book, and reveal what were inside. If a trap would spring, they'd be ready. If not, they would eventually get closer, after flapping through some pages, which would soon after reveal the note. One that grabbed their attention, as they read it through several times.

"Tangible proof. How... Easy."

"Yes, it shouldn't be taken at face value. However, it is something tangible, in that we can approach the wizard himself about it. It is a lead, if nothing else."

Phantasma would put the note in an evidence bag, and stuff that into her uniform. They were going to want to be sure that this were close at hoof. The same with this book, but they both didn't even need to speak to one another, to know that they both wanted to read a little more, to see if there were more clues to work from. There were a reasonable chance that Starswirl might just take the book, and tell them nothing, if they presented it to him. It were prudent as investigators in their own right, for them to examine this evidence closer. Though Starswirl would be involved sooner or later. They would need his account of things here, to figure out if perhaps, they had actually found Spectra. Might not be her real name still if it were, but if she went to Starswirl, and struggled with her skills, they may well have found what set her on her path, and a rough estimate of when she began her grizzly business.

Given that they had luck so far with the coins, gems, and the book - it was possible they had just gotten lucky to avoid traps. If they had tried to pick up or examine the Silver sword though, they'd find that a nasty bolt of electricity would be sent in their direction. It was probably some kind of spell that Spectra had put on it. There were lots of other things here, including various chests with hefty locks on them. It could be that Spectra had been doing something with that book and the artifacts they went through so far and did not have the thought to put them back into the chests, or something more pressing led to her forgetting to put them back. Either way, the rest of the stuff was all going to be contained within those chests. The overly complicated design of the locks and the likelihood of spells being used to prevent them from getting into them was quite high.

The important detail about "Diaspora" being Starswirl's first student was made. Though, at the time they did not currently know if "Diaspora" was actually Spectra or not. It could merely be that Spectra had stolen a lot of possessions from high level ponies over the years, and that Diaspora was one of them. Either way, Star Swirl would be able to confirm the answers for that eventually, should they decide to pursue asking him about it. 

Now they had a tough job to do - unlocking and looking into those chests. That is, if either of them were not reeling from the sudden bolt of electricity sent their way - if it had hit them. 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-04-10 at 6:33 PM, Props Valroa said:

"It matters not how Magloria escaped, because of her, all this was set in place. It is reasonable to assume that she is working with the Canterlot Guard as she had led them to the lair." Spectra huffed, and seemed to calm down slightly with a frustrated sigh.

"Were it that simple, it would be more tolerable. But I know who three of them are.

The first is Captain Hailstorm. One of the more favored to take over as Solar Guard general now, after the last one that were meant to take over from General Dew, had his accident. He's highly efficient, but he is still a military pony. He is relatively predictable, in what he needs to prioritize. Those two however...

Shade Stealer. The leader of the Night Guard's special forces. Him and his workers stalk through shadows, and can literally jump out of one of them, and kidnap you, or assassinate you where you stand, in complete silence. He's a ruthless enemy, and I've long imagined that the only reason he haven't yet stabbed me in the back, is that he cares as little for the nobles as I do. He answers only to General Screecher, and if she wants something done, he will make it happen.

His counterpart is that fancy looking mare you see there. Glorious Phantasma. She is the leader of Solar Guard's special forces, and her looks are deceiving. Much as she portrays a far better public image than Shade, she is a far more cruel opponent to face. She's a master of hidden weapons, and enhanced interrogations. If she gets hold of you, it is not a matter of if you will talk, but when. Her team is renown3ed spies, and are good at getting stealthily hold of any target they are told to apprehend.

She might listen to the captain, long as their goals align, but is ultimately only answers of General Dew and Princess Celestia.

These two utterly despise one an other, so seeing them both on the same assignment, means that both the royal guards are interested in you. And this was before the explosion. At this time, you will have gotten infamous enough to getting the undivided attention of both of them, and thus the entire guard, that is not currently working on handling the aftermath of your actions. And that's not even talking about the Costal Guard spymaster, whom I am assuming are getting filled in as we speak. And I have nothing to say of that one, since I know next to nothing about them. Just the name Ocean Song. Which might just be a rumor spread by the Coastal Guard, to make others paranoid about what they can do.

Either way, the longer we stay in Equestria, the closer you will be to get stabbed from your own shadow."

Great. He thought maybe the military would be on them, and that perhaps they'd have mobilized their spies to work on them. But this meant that they had already been gathered for it beforehoof, and now they were there, and likely actively working to find them. Between the spy network that Phantasma had, and the skills of Shade and his crew, every second they spent in Equestria, had the potential of ending their trip abruptly.

Normally he would not want to be anywhere near either of them, but now... Maybe he deserved it, after all the things he had been involved in by this point. The last few days had made him an accomplice to several war crimes, and unspeakable fates towards innocents. And while after his wife's supposed death, he had done several cruel and horrendous things, that he hadn't thought he could once upon a time, and gotten so broken that he actually began to believe that he liked doing it, he had always targeted those who deserved it. He couldn't in good faith say that anymore. Not after what he had become part of.

He might not be able to just run off and surrender himself, but he were feeling an increasing hope, that the two of them would be found, before they crossed the border into Troy. Because when they got that far, it were unlikely that Equestria would come after them. The border situation were tense enough, without that sort of brazen invasion.

On 2024-04-10 at 6:33 PM, Props Valroa said:

Still though, she believed they could only go up from here. They had all the time in the world to plan their moves accordingly. Spectra would look to the Construct. "What did you experience after the explosion of the base?" Spectra would ask the Construct, to see if it could show a video of what happened after it departed the crater.

The construct would look at her, but not act at first. Something that made Operata scoff.

"I don't recall it getting a lesson in common tongue, so I doubt it understands you."

He would annoyingly lift his front legs, and make the movement of a box  with it a few times, until the construct appeared to understand what it were asked to do. So it would begin to project again, yet this time, being from a lower vantage point for the most part, as it showed what it considered the important part of its adventure since. It were not aware that it were meant to show everything.

It started as the mountain exploded, giving them both a good view of the chaotic mess of energy hammering in there, with it sitting calmly in a bubble of see-through light, yet rocks and fire would still rain down upon it.

Next scene would be it out of the fire, looking at the remains of the mountain. It were a wreck, with first responders showing up a little after that, mostly ignoring it as they tried to combat the flames.

Then came the town it had visited, where it had been doing a sweep of the town, to try and find its overseer. It had not managed to find one, so it were short, just showing it a little in clips, before it left again.

Afterwards, it were a return to the mountain. It were still burning, but the construct moved through it, unbothered by such things, and would eventually show off the large, marble-like statue made of Spectra, as she looked before, with a plate of unintelligible words adorning the base. Likely her designation.

Next was another town, far larger in size, and it showed a few places, where it had carved symbols into buildings, scrap heaps, etc, as well as where it had found a dumpster of books. It had showed itself scanning those for a time, explaining how it would have learned some degree of the language, though it still needed to be able to tell what thing meant what in the first place. It were just a matter of observation at this time.

It would end with it leaving Deltrot - a sign said so in one clip - and then going out here to build this. It did not show much of what were used for it, except for wood, stone, and other things it could find int he adjourning area. Primarily stone though, of which many had come from the bottom of the river. A long process, but it had kept it busy.

It would end at the point when it would have seen the two of them approach, and then sit down, gathering its limbs up, and becoming immobile. Light would go on in the eyes, but one could imagine it were recharging in some capacity, and thus were limiting excess power, on things not required right now, such as mobility.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

The trip to Gold Needle's were mostly uneventful. A fair few noticed and remembered her now, that she were looking properly like herself, minus a proper hair treatment, and a new dress. But as promised, the lawyer had made sure the two were waiting for her, and the second she opened the door, they'd lead her in, present her with the dress they had been informed were to her preferred tastes, and then Gold would start to properly manage her mane and tail, while Needle would sew the dress to fit perfectly,

Once all were said and done, she could go and find that the lawyer had arranged for a carriage, as he believed it being more dignified and proper for her, than a mere cab. The two muscular stallions dragging it, ready to be on their way, wings spread, and looking towards the trek to Ponyville. This were not the cheapest way to travel, and especially not when it were a flying carriage, but it would be the most direct, luxurious ride there, to arrive in class. And it had already been prepaid, tip included, so they simply waited for them to enter, before they took off into the air. And as were custom with this kind of high end travel, it were smooth, to the point where one would hardly notice they were flying, if they did not poke their heads out of the window. No expenses were spared, in this kind of construction. Which the price tag also showed, but that were not her problem to handle right now. Several others were, as Jargon would open his saddlebag, and present a folder of various paperwork.

"While we are flying, Madame Rich, a brief follow up on things.

I have contacted Clayton, and presented him with the schematic, as well as your new specifications. He is currently ensuring the proper materials are sent towards the location, and booking workers. They should begin breaking ground at sunrise. His best estimate is that it will take three weeks, for it to be build completely. Not as fast as his main competition, but undoubtedly more robust, and of higher quality. I will make sure to contact him with three day intervals, to get a progress report, and will return with any relevant details."

He'd handle her a copy of the signed contract to see and read, if she so wished to.

"As for your legal status, you have been formally declared alive and well, and your finances will reflect that accordingly. You will receive some legal documents within three days, but I have had them redirected to my office, and will handle them, in my capacity as your lawyer. You may end up finding that there will come a call for a blood test within the next few days however. In your absence, a few members of your extended family, had eyed your legal status as deceased, a chance to gain part in your estate. I have compiled a list of most abhorrent to least, when it comes to the kind of things I have been contacted about, regarding you, in your absence. I will give them credit where it is due, that it is an almost unheard of minority of bad faith requests. Most have simply been questions about when the date would be, so that they could plan a proper funeral for the date, or a request for a memento after the funeral, to remember you by, chosen by your husband. As well as regular request for news, regarding anything about what happened to you.

A few exceptions are of course present, from those who smelled money, but even then, I expected worse."

He'd hand her a few pieces of paper, with excerpts from things said or written to her, by the family. Including a letter from her daughter, asking him when her mommy would come home again. That one had hurt him in the heart, as he had feared any news he would eventually give, would be grim, but now Spoiled were back, he could see it in a much more endearing light. One that he hoped that she would see it in too. Much as she might think her daughter a... Stuck up little lady at times, she had genuinely missed her mother. What interactions he had with both her, and her father, had made that abundantly clear. It would be good for them both to have her back.

"I will also be preparing a slew of financial papers, to show you how your investments have paid of over the years. I will have them prepared with Clayton's update, in three days.

Is there anything else I might be of help with, Madame Rich?"

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

 

(Treasure)

Phantasma had held the sword, trying to examine the weight of it, and had reacted instinctively when the bolt of lightning came her way, dragging a beautifully crafted, thin curved sickle from inside her tail, and placed it where the tip of the electric bolt would hit, cutting it in half, to be shot at either side of her. A blade made of the same metal, that Fae had in her possession, gotten at no small cost. She'd ideally have gotten enough of the metal to make a proper blade, but this were all she had been able to get. In fact, it were several years worth of getting small samplings of the metal, just to make this one sickle. A long, tedious progress.

On one side where the magic went though, stood Shade would go in to interrupt, as they had the painting there, and dragged it briefly into the shadows, before going over and pulling it out again.

"Nasty little surprise that one. Somepony does not like others touching their stuff."

"It would seem so. I didn't expect you to handle it that way though."

"I suppose I could have used another trick, but I know you've heard of this one, and my first reaction were to make use of it regardless."

"Must have taken practice to not cut off your own tail."

"Trial, error, and hair grafts. Troubling, but worthwhile training. As I'm sure yours were too."

"Yes, but my errors include not being corporeal for days on end. I could not recommend it."

"What, your dark powers are not all upsides? Quite a shocker."

"I've paid the pound of flesh, to be able to use them in the first place. I've learned to accept that, and what other things can happen, from using these powers beyond what I intended."

"You claim you didn't take it for power?"

"No, but the question is wrong. You should ask what was worth taking this upon myself for. But I will let you find that out yourself. We have things to do, and if you want to know so badly, I'm gonna make you work for it."

"Hmphm. Can't simply make things easy now, can you?"

"Why start now?"

Acceptable enough, she supposed. Besides, it were more fun for her to figure it out herself, and not having to rely on just his word for things, which he probably also knew she'd find questionable. Better to let her go and question those in his home town, so she'd learn more, from other sources, that did not have a biased opinion on her, yes? Sounded accurate, but she expected to be told a story of predictable greed, and a feeling of wanting more than he deserved. A stale tale, but one that were ever present in stories for a reason, as that were often what led one to go and search for magic like this.

As for the book, they'd see a bit more, but after a time of no more information, they would close the book, and look around at the other things, yet to be examined.

"I would think more are boobytrapped. We need some other tools for the task."

"I will have my team deliver them, from the North Point safe house. IN the meantime, we should go and confront Starswirl. He have some explaining to do."

She'd concur, and would rendezvous with him soon enough, near Starswirl's current residence. Shade showed up first as per usual, though there had been a moment, before he slinked into the shadows. His wings spreading as Phantasma's did, and she took to the air, as if he were preparing to fly with her there. Then reality hit him, as the bony appendages, were not able to be used for flight, and he'd fold them in again, and go into the shadows. This power had cost him the skies, and so far, he hadn't figure out how to get him back up there. Not properly anyway. Sometimes, it really grinded his gears.

As he stood out of the shadows, and became fully formed, he'd shake the last few thoughts on this subject, out of his head. He had to focus here, and wait for Phantasma, who had taken the book without giving him a chance to take it himself. He'd argue he could get it there faster, but she probably just assumed that if he had taken this alone, he'd end up handling things before she even showed up.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

Quote

"Were it that simple, it would be more tolerable. But I know who three of them are.

The first is Captain Hailstorm. One of the more favored to take over as Solar Guard general now, after the last one that were meant to take over from General Dew, had his accident. He's highly efficient, but he is still a military pony. He is relatively predictable, in what he needs to prioritize. Those two however...

Shade Stealer. The leader of the Night Guard's special forces. Him and his workers stalk through shadows, and can literally jump out of one of them, and kidnap you, or assassinate you where you stand, in complete silence. He's a ruthless enemy, and I've long imagined that the only reason he haven't yet stabbed me in the back, is that he cares as little for the nobles as I do. He answers only to General Screecher, and if she wants something done, he will make it happen.

His counterpart is that fancy looking mare you see there. Glorious Phantasma. She is the leader of Solar Guard's special forces, and her looks are deceiving. Much as she portrays a far better public image than Shade, she is a far more cruel opponent to face. She's a master of hidden weapons, and enhanced interrogations. If she gets hold of you, it is not a matter of if you will talk, but when. Her team is renown3ed spies, and are good at getting stealthily hold of any target they are told to apprehend.

She might listen to the captain, long as their goals align, but is ultimately only answers of General Dew and Princess Celestia.

These two utterly despise one an other, so seeing them both on the same assignment, means that both the royal guards are interested in you. And this was before the explosion. At this time, you will have gotten infamous enough to getting the undivided attention of both of them, and thus the entire guard, that is not currently working on handling the aftermath of your actions. And that's not even talking about the Costal Guard spymaster, whom I am assuming are getting filled in as we speak. And I have nothing to say of that one, since I know next to nothing about them. Just the name Ocean Song. Which might just be a rumor spread by the Coastal Guard, to make others paranoid about what they can do.

Either way, the longer we stay in Equestria, the closer you will be to get stabbed from your own shadow."

Great. He thought maybe the military would be on them, and that perhaps they'd have mobilized their spies to work on them. But this meant that they had already been gathered for it beforehoof, and now they were there, and likely actively working to find them. Between the spy network that Phantasma had, and the skills of Shade and his crew, every second they spent in Equestria, had the potential of ending their trip abruptly.

Normally he would not want to be anywhere near either of them, but now... Maybe he deserved it, after all the things he had been involved in by this point. The last few days had made him an accomplice to several war crimes, and unspeakable fates towards innocents. And while after his wife's supposed death, he had done several cruel and horrendous things, that he hadn't thought he could once upon a time, and gotten so broken that he actually began to believe that he liked doing it, he had always targeted those who deserved it. He couldn't in good faith say that anymore. Not after what he had become part of.

He might not be able to just run off and surrender himself, but he were feeling an increasing hope, that the two of them would be found, before they crossed the border into Troy. Because when they got that far, it were unlikely that Equestria would come after them. The border situation were tense enough, without that sort of brazen invasion.

Spectra would listen closely as she directed the boat down the stream at a rather quick pace. Her brow furrowed as she sat back and listened, Yuma's body shuffling about as she sat there and crossed her hooves. It was likely somewhat off-putting to see her sitting like this, sitting there like she owned the place in such a casual manner. Yuma's body was definitely a lot stronger and more robust than Spectra, taller too. Spectra would easily be able to hold her own a lot more in a physical confrontation with this body - with all the spells to back up her newfound Earth Pony Strength.

These individuals that were spoke of to her - the best of the best in the Solar Guard. That was a problem. Even more reason for them to get out of Equestria. Spectra would lean back slightly as she pumped more power into the speed spell for the boat. It was enough to make a noticeable difference in terms of speed - without making the boat unstable or risking one of them being thrown out. As Spectra listened, she made sure to keep a keen eye on the waters ahead - occasionally shifting their path to avoid obstacles or to stay out of view of any possible onlookers.

"Well now, we've got a problem don't we? All the more reason to flee to Troy. Guess it seems that the Equestrians aren't as Utopian or Idealistic as they make the citizens seem. Some of those individuals, I did my own investigations into. And you know the best thing? While they did manage to snag a lot of material from my lair, my other lairs are the ones that contain a lot of personal information I could use to dig up dirt on these and stir up a storm if I needed to. Still though, what the Equestrians got their hooves on is priceless. Many resources that took centuries to gather, many spell books, and precious things that could only be found in the most remote of locations." Spectra shook her head in a disapproving manner here, and then made an angry sigh. It wasn't her doing, nor was it anyone's doing - other than Magloria and Veil.

"While I won't doubt Equestria will delve into spying into other nations, I suppose it will be harder to them than searching for the lands of Equestria. We are going as far as possible. Troy is a place to start, but perhaps even beyond Troy. I have a lot of knowledge and information on the Equestrians that the Trojans would like, that I can give to them at the right price - enough for them to bury any and all word of my presence within Troy to keep the Equestrians guessing. No doubt the Equestrians expect a direct attack on Canterlot, so I assume that Canterlot will be the most fortified at the moment, if that is where Magloria and Veil, and the Guards are operating out of currently - there is no way to know. The disaster has spread their resources thin as it is, so Equestrian military is weakened...perfect time for the Trojans to strike and throw some shade off our tail, so to speak..." Spectra would smile deviously at that.

 

Quote

The construct would look at her, but not act at first. Something that made Operata scoff.

"I don't recall it getting a lesson in common tongue, so I doubt it understands you."

He would annoyingly lift his front legs, and make the movement of a box  with it a few times, until the construct appeared to understand what it were asked to do. So it would begin to project again, yet this time, being from a lower vantage point for the most part, as it showed what it considered the important part of its adventure since. It were not aware that it were meant to show everything.

It started as the mountain exploded, giving them both a good view of the chaotic mess of energy hammering in there, with it sitting calmly in a bubble of see-through light, yet rocks and fire would still rain down upon it.

Next scene would be it out of the fire, looking at the remains of the mountain. It were a wreck, with first responders showing up a little after that, mostly ignoring it as they tried to combat the flames.

Then came the town it had visited, where it had been doing a sweep of the town, to try and find its overseer. It had not managed to find one, so it were short, just showing it a little in clips, before it left again.

Afterwards, it were a return to the mountain. It were still burning, but the construct moved through it, unbothered by such things, and would eventually show off the large, marble-like statue made of Spectra, as she looked before, with a plate of unintelligible words adorning the base. Likely her designation.

Next was another town, far larger in size, and it showed a few places, where it had carved symbols into buildings, scrap heaps, etc, as well as where it had found a dumpster of books. It had showed itself scanning those for a time, explaining how it would have learned some degree of the language, though it still needed to be able to tell what thing meant what in the first place. It were just a matter of observation at this time.

It would end with it leaving Deltrot - a sign said so in one clip - and then going out here to build this. It did not show much of what were used for it, except for wood, stone, and other things it could find int he adjourning area. Primarily stone though, of which many had come from the bottom of the river. A long process, but it had kept it busy.

It would end at the point when it would have seen the two of them approach, and then sit down, gathering its limbs up, and becoming immobile. Light would go on in the eyes, but one could imagine it were recharging in some capacity, and thus were limiting excess power, on things not required right now, such as mobility.

Spectra would sit there and turn towards the construct's projections. Her gaze was on the projections, thankfully as they would enter an area of the river where there were no obstructions or possible viewers, allowing her to focus on what was displayed in front of her. 

"I see that my Tartarus Flame worked well - that was quite an expensive resource to gather and install, took me a good amount of time to install that into the tripwire system. No doubt the ponies are having a hard time with it still. It doesn't respond well to being put out with water. The only way to fully quench the fire is to remove all sources of oxygen for an extended amount of time. They will eventually do it, but it will be costly." Spectra made a cruel subtle grin as she had seen all the fire raining all about where the mountain stood and the areas surrounding it.

The Construct being spotted by ponies was unavoidable so she couldn't really fault it for being spotted. However the statue that had been constructed from the marble remains made her smirk wider. Not only for the admiration of herself, but for the fact that such an obvious display showed an out of date picture - that being her old body. "You have done well with that. Leading the ponies astray with an out of date presentation of my body. They'll look for someone who looked like me, and they won't find any, they don't know my current look, so they will be unlikely to put the pieces together anytime soon." she stated, approving of the Construct's actions as she would not ask anymore of it for now, allowing it time to recharge - if that is what it was doing.

 

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

 

Quote

(Spoiled Rich)

The trip to Gold Needle's were mostly uneventful. A fair few noticed and remembered her now, that she were looking properly like herself, minus a proper hair treatment, and a new dress. But as promised, the lawyer had made sure the two were waiting for her, and the second she opened the door, they'd lead her in, present her with the dress they had been informed were to her preferred tastes, and then Gold would start to properly manage her mane and tail, while Needle would sew the dress to fit perfectly,

Once all were said and done, she could go and find that the lawyer had arranged for a carriage, as he believed it being more dignified and proper for her, than a mere cab. The two muscular stallions dragging it, ready to be on their way, wings spread, and looking towards the trek to Ponyville. This were not the cheapest way to travel, and especially not when it were a flying carriage, but it would be the most direct, luxurious ride there, to arrive in class. And it had already been prepaid, tip included, so they simply waited for them to enter, before they took off into the air. And as were custom with this kind of high end travel, it were smooth, to the point where one would hardly notice they were flying, if they did not poke their heads out of the window. No expenses were spared, in this kind of construction. Which the price tag also showed, but that were not her problem to handle right now. Several others were, as Jargon would open his saddlebag, and present a folder of various paperwork.

"While we are flying, Madame Rich, a brief follow up on things.

I have contacted Clayton, and presented him with the schematic, as well as your new specifications. He is currently ensuring the proper materials are sent towards the location, and booking workers. They should begin breaking ground at sunrise. His best estimate is that it will take three weeks, for it to be build completely. Not as fast as his main competition, but undoubtedly more robust, and of higher quality. I will make sure to contact him with three day intervals, to get a progress report, and will return with any relevant details."

He'd handle her a copy of the signed contract to see and read, if she so wished to.

"As for your legal status, you have been formally declared alive and well, and your finances will reflect that accordingly. You will receive some legal documents within three days, but I have had them redirected to my office, and will handle them, in my capacity as your lawyer. You may end up finding that there will come a call for a blood test within the next few days however. In your absence, a few members of your extended family, had eyed your legal status as deceased, a chance to gain part in your estate. I have compiled a list of most abhorrent to least, when it comes to the kind of things I have been contacted about, regarding you, in your absence. I will give them credit where it is due, that it is an almost unheard of minority of bad faith requests. Most have simply been questions about when the date would be, so that they could plan a proper funeral for the date, or a request for a memento after the funeral, to remember you by, chosen by your husband. As well as regular request for news, regarding anything about what happened to you.

A few exceptions are of course present, from those who smelled money, but even then, I expected worse."

He'd hand her a few pieces of paper, with excerpts from things said or written to her, by the family. Including a letter from her daughter, asking him when her mommy would come home again. That one had hurt him in the heart, as he had feared any news he would eventually give, would be grim, but now Spoiled were back, he could see it in a much more endearing light. One that he hoped that she would see it in too. Much as she might think her daughter a... Stuck up little lady at times, she had genuinely missed her mother. What interactions he had with both her, and her father, had made that abundantly clear. It would be good for them both to have her back.

"I will also be preparing a slew of financial papers, to show you how your investments have paid of over the years. I will have them prepared with Clayton's update, in three days.

Is there anything else I might be of help with, Madame Rich?"

Spoiled Rich boarded the expensive cab with her new dress fully fitted to her form. She walked delicately, yet also in a way with an intent high pace trot to show that she meant business and was not going to waver in the face of any obstacle. Spoiled Rich barely afforded the stallions that were going to pull the carriage any kind of look - they were merely part of the scenery to her. They were doing their jobs and that is all Spoiled Rich really cared about. When she got into the carriage, she'd observe as it would take off - observing the scenery of the land she had not seen in 3 years quietly as she listened to Legal Jargon, sitting directly across from him.

Upon the presentation of the Blueprints, Spoiled Rich would nod in approval. "That is an agreeable timeline. I know that these things will take time, but with the highly talented workers those 3 weeks should pass by without incident. Hopefully without a major international war starting in the meantime." Spoiled Rich leaned forward looking into his eyes to let those words sink into his mind for a little while. "He knows what will need to be done. The previous Estate, as you know, was something that took me a lot of time and thought to develop. It still burns me that it went up in flames, but I suppose this could be a silver lining - it will be built back to a better status than before, as well as to be more prepared for potential circumstances I had been too ignorant to predict." she said, gritting her teeth as she looked back out onto the scenery as it passed by outside the carriage as they flew towards Ponyville. Wouldn't be long.

A few moments later, she would look over the contact and nod with approval - no objections there.

Listening further, Spoiled Rich would smirk. "I expected more vultures to show up to my finances when news of my "passing" would be made. It is good to know that no formal funeral had been made in my name. Wouldn't be a funeral anyway, without my presence in the casket." she chuckled a dark chuckle, rolling her eyes as she gripped the pieces of paper a bit. "As there are but few vultures, I expect you know what will be done about them. Anyone who wanted a cent of my wealth other than my family, is not getting any. It would be shameful if I were to die, and my wealth to go to anywhere else other than my family. At least it would serve them in an honest fashion..." she spoke, her eyes looking through the letters and seeing the letter that Diamond Tiara had written him about her. Her gaze softened somewhat and her silence could be taken as a sign that she didn't expect her Daughter to miss her as much as this letter implied. 

 

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

 

(Treasure)

 

Quote

(Treasure)

Phantasma had held the sword, trying to examine the weight of it, and had reacted instinctively when the bolt of lightning came her way, dragging a beautifully crafted, thin curved sickle from inside her tail, and placed it where the tip of the electric bolt would hit, cutting it in half, to be shot at either side of her. A blade made of the same metal, that Fae had in her possession, gotten at no small cost. She'd ideally have gotten enough of the metal to make a proper blade, but this were all she had been able to get. In fact, it were several years worth of getting small samplings of the metal, just to make this one sickle. A long, tedious progress.

On one side where the magic went though, stood Shade would go in to interrupt, as they had the painting there, and dragged it briefly into the shadows, before going over and pulling it out again.

"Nasty little surprise that one. Somepony does not like others touching their stuff."

"It would seem so. I didn't expect you to handle it that way though."

"I suppose I could have used another trick, but I know you've heard of this one, and my first reaction were to make use of it regardless."

"Must have taken practice to not cut off your own tail."

"Trial, error, and hair grafts. Troubling, but worthwhile training. As I'm sure yours were too."

"Yes, but my errors include not being corporeal for days on end. I could not recommend it."

"What, your dark powers are not all upsides? Quite a shocker."

"I've paid the pound of flesh, to be able to use them in the first place. I've learned to accept that, and what other things can happen, from using these powers beyond what I intended."

"You claim you didn't take it for power?"

"No, but the question is wrong. You should ask what was worth taking this upon myself for. But I will let you find that out yourself. We have things to do, and if you want to know so badly, I'm gonna make you work for it."

"Hmphm. Can't simply make things easy now, can you?"

"Why start now?"

Acceptable enough, she supposed. Besides, it were more fun for her to figure it out herself, and not having to rely on just his word for things, which he probably also knew she'd find questionable. Better to let her go and question those in his home town, so she'd learn more, from other sources, that did not have a biased opinion on her, yes? Sounded accurate, but she expected to be told a story of predictable greed, and a feeling of wanting more than he deserved. A stale tale, but one that were ever present in stories for a reason, as that were often what led one to go and search for magic like this.

As for the book, they'd see a bit more, but after a time of no more information, they would close the book, and look around at the other things, yet to be examined.

"I would think more are boobytrapped. We need some other tools for the task."

"I will have my team deliver them, from the North Point safe house. IN the meantime, we should go and confront Starswirl. He have some explaining to do."

She'd concur, and would rendezvous with him soon enough, near Starswirl's current residence. Shade showed up first as per usual, though there had been a moment, before he slinked into the shadows. His wings spreading as Phantasma's did, and she took to the air, as if he were preparing to fly with her there. Then reality hit him, as the bony appendages, were not able to be used for flight, and he'd fold them in again, and go into the shadows. This power had cost him the skies, and so far, he hadn't figure out how to get him back up there. Not properly anyway. Sometimes, it really grinded his gears.

As he stood out of the shadows, and became fully formed, he'd shake the last few thoughts on this subject, out of his head. He had to focus here, and wait for Phantasma, who had taken the book without giving him a chance to take it himself. He'd argue he could get it there faster, but she probably just assumed that if he had taken this alone, he'd end up handling things before she even showed up.

There were a lot of things here - that likely had been trapped in many varying ways that the two of them may not even know of were possible. Just that they had gotten lucky so far with the painting, the gems and the book. Definitely something that Spectra had forgotten to put into one of the chests. The chests themselves? Very bulky, hard to open, everything about them seems to indicate that they were never meant to be moved or touched. 

When they would find Starswirl, eventually - if he had been forthcoming with them , he'd have quite a story to tell about Diaspora - the first student of his. Diaspora was an Arcadian who had become a prominent diplomat within Pre-Equestrian times between the tribes. Her lack of ability to cast magic made her appear constantly frustrated and her obsession with it would be a point of friction between them. Diaspora was someone that should in theory be remembered as an Equestrian hero in history, however the part that history wouldn't really make clear was what happened to her. Diaspora's desperation to fix herself lead her to turn to less than moral means, and Starswirl's discovery of it lead to a fierce confrontation between the two leading to a storied battle, something one would only know if they really delved deep into history in the archives. Diaspora had the chance to kill him, but did not do so - simply retreating away, seemingly never being seen again.

Until now, one could say. Starswirl would perhaps have mixed emotions about the discovery of his student - her actions and what she had been up to for all this time, but if there was anyone who had a chance to "get" to her, it would probably be him. 

Trouble was finding her. Diaspora had the same body as Spectral Fade (the one that had been carved out by the Construct), trouble was - nobody knew where she was going, especially considering her recent transformation. Starswirl would experience an old pain coming to the surface once again. Perhaps a longing deep down, for his first student, who was still alive. Seems they would have the motive - a desire to fix herself, became something so twisted and beyond immoral. 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:

"Well now, we've got a problem don't we? All the more reason to flee to Troy. Guess it seems that the Equestrians aren't as Utopian or Idealistic as they make the citizens seem. Some of those individuals, I did my own investigations into. And you know the best thing? While they did manage to snag a lot of material from my lair, my other lairs are the ones that contain a lot of personal information I could use to dig up dirt on these and stir up a storm if I needed to. Still though, what the Equestrians got their hooves on is priceless. Many resources that took centuries to gather, many spell books, and precious things that could only be found in the most remote of locations." Spectra shook her head in a disapproving manner here, and then made an angry sigh. It wasn't her doing, nor was it anyone's doing - other than Magloria and Veil.

"While I won't doubt Equestria will delve into spying into other nations, I suppose it will be harder to them than searching for the lands of Equestria. We are going as far as possible. Troy is a place to start, but perhaps even beyond Troy. I have a lot of knowledge and information on the Equestrians that the Trojans would like, that I can give to them at the right price - enough for them to bury any and all word of my presence within Troy to keep the Equestrians guessing. No doubt the Equestrians expect a direct attack on Canterlot, so I assume that Canterlot will be the most fortified at the moment, if that is where Magloria and Veil, and the Guards are operating out of currently - there is no way to know. The disaster has spread their resources thin as it is, so Equestrian military is weakened...perfect time for the Trojans to strike and throw some shade off our tail, so to speak..." Spectra would smile deviously at that.

"You could likely run a smear campaign, but I doubt it would do much. Phantasma has the adoration of many. They'll either end up ignoring what she may have done, or just believe it rumors with no facts to it. Or believe all she did, were fort he good of the kingdom. She's good at getting the populace on her side.

Nopony seems to like Shade, with the most glowing compliment I ever heard about him, being that he's at least effective. You might be able to make him act less publicly, but I don't think he'd care about that enough to make him stop chasing you. At least I don't think there's much of a reason for him to worry about being seen and pointed out, when he can literally move through shadows.

But that's just what I can gather. It isn't as if we'd ever move in the same social circles. Mayhap Troy would know more, but I don't want to get involved in whatever dealings you want to have with them. Whatever secrets you wish to share with them, in exchange for goods or favors, are not things I want to know."

In large parts because he believed those information, were not come by kindly. It would be tainted in blood, and the more he learned of Spectra, from wandering around with her, the more he were faced with the fact that said blood, were indiscriminately drawn. A fact that made him feel further dread, but this pit in his stomach were something he doubted he'd be rid off, anytime soon. Not when he didn't even have his girls with him anymore, to bring him some modicum of comfort.

On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:

"I see that my Tartarus Flame worked well - that was quite an expensive resource to gather and install, took me a good amount of time to install that into the tripwire system. No doubt the ponies are having a hard time with it still. It doesn't respond well to being put out with water. The only way to fully quench the fire is to remove all sources of oxygen for an extended amount of time. They will eventually do it, but it will be costly." Spectra made a cruel subtle grin as she had seen all the fire raining all about where the mountain stood and the areas surrounding it.

The Construct being spotted by ponies was unavoidable so she couldn't really fault it for being spotted. However the statue that had been constructed from the marble remains made her smirk wider. Not only for the admiration of herself, but for the fact that such an obvious display showed an out of date picture - that being her old body. "You have done well with that. Leading the ponies astray with an out of date presentation of my body. They'll look for someone who looked like me, and they won't find any, they don't know my current look, so they will be unlikely to put the pieces together anytime soon." she stated, approving of the Construct's actions as she would not ask anymore of it for now, allowing it time to recharge - if that is what it was doing.

"They will still see a testament to whom they have to blame for this, real face or not. A symbol of whom hurt them, and tore deeply into their country. Congratulations on becoming the next Discord, I suppose. Except you're not trapped in your statue."

The *Yet* part at the end, would hang silently in the air, though he wouldn't mind if that became actual. It wasn't as if she did not deserve such treatment, after all she had done. Though of course, Discord got out again, eventually. It'd likely be best if she did not. Maybe put her statue with her in it, down into a giant block of cement, and toss it somewhere where nature would not undo the work, with any ease?

*sigh* He knew it wouldn't happen. The statue were likely to e moved to a museum eventually, along with the story of that villainess, at some point after they had defeated her. Or she'd win, and she'd make the construct craft her more, to parade around her palace. Either way, he did not expect this statue to be used for anything overly important. He also had nothing else to say for now, lest she brought something up, or something would block their path eventually. Or they reached the point where they were told they had to carry the boat in a path away from Deltrot, to avoid the main city. It were on the map, and in the distance too.

"A statue filled with fire ants, I ho- Wait, what the hay is that thing?!"

It appeared that Yuma had not only reappeared, but now finally managed to see through what were once her own eyes. And she had seen the construct out of it, which were a bizarre monster to her. Likely a lackey of this horrible creature that had killed her, that she were now seemingly haunting.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:

Upon the presentation of the Blueprints, Spoiled Rich would nod in approval. "That is an agreeable timeline. I know that these things will take time, but with the highly talented workers those 3 weeks should pass by without incident. Hopefully without a major international war starting in the meantime." Spoiled Rich leaned forward looking into his eyes to let those words sink into his mind for a little while. "He knows what will need to be done. The previous Estate, as you know, was something that took me a lot of time and thought to develop. It still burns me that it went up in flames, but I suppose this could be a silver lining - it will be built back to a better status than before, as well as to be more prepared for potential circumstances I had been too ignorant to predict." she said, gritting her teeth as she looked back out onto the scenery as it passed by outside the carriage as they flew towards Ponyville. Wouldn't be long.

"He assured me that they would make use of materials and building techniques this time, that would ensure that even if a fire did break out, it would be unable to consume the house. I believe he might have found it a stab to his pride as it were, that the last one caught up in flames in the first place. I will make sure to ask further into things, as the building goes along, and run the information around with another professional as needed, to make sure that the claim holds true."

It wouldn't look well, to have 2 houses in the same place, burn down to a crisp. Not even thinking about the costs and reputation, it would give the more superstitious members of high society, a reason to consider the place cursed, and thus it could become harder to have gatherings, collect funding for various things, keep friends in general- Various things that in and by themselves did little, but as a whole, would cause annoyance and problems for Spoiled Rich and her family. Best that would not end up being the case.

Also, the resale value would plummet, and that tended to cause a slew of other problems. Certain ponies who did not want the property values to go down, could become quite troubling, if they had something to gang up on, and focus down.

On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:

Listening further, Spoiled Rich would smirk. "I expected more vultures to show up to my finances when news of my "passing" would be made. It is good to know that no formal funeral had been made in my name. Wouldn't be a funeral anyway, without my presence in the casket." she chuckled a dark chuckle, rolling her eyes as she gripped the pieces of paper a bit. "As there are but few vultures, I expect you know what will be done about them. Anyone who wanted a cent of my wealth other than my family, is not getting any. It would be shameful if I were to die, and my wealth to go to anywhere else other than my family. At least it would serve them in an honest fashion..." she spoke, her eyes looking through the letters and seeing the letter that Diamond Tiara had written him about her. Her gaze softened somewhat and her silence could be taken as a sign that she didn't expect her Daughter to miss her as much as this letter implied. 

Much as she were a stern mother, in the eyes of many, she were still Tiara's mother. It were only natural that she would miss her presence eventually, even if she weren't gonna run around and bawl her eyes out to everypony in town. That weren't suited for a young filly, that were above most others in social status. Spoiled would likely end up seeing an emotional daughter when she returned, as well as husband. He had been worn down a bit by all the things that happened after she went missing, including now being a single parent for the last almost three years. With the added stress of having to look into funeral arrangements for a ceremonial burial in a few months, when his wife would be declared legally dead, he were getting some sleepless nights, and found himself losing some of the hope he once had, that she'd eventually return back to them. And that were not even touching on his worries for the future, especially regarding Tiara, whom he had at times believed were getting a somewhat bad influence from her mother, but still, she also had a good impact on making their filly a stronger, more self-reliant pony. Without her, how would Tiara turn out later? Especially when she'd hit her hormonal teenage years, where he wouldn't know what to do.

Then of course, there were the leeches that had come out of the bushes, but he did his to try not to think about them. It just made him angry.

As for the lawyer... He would give Rich a bit of time to read the letter. He had brought it in the documents, because he believed it would be good for her, to see that her family did actually miss her, and weren't just looking forward to reaping the benefits. A little time to ponder that, would likely be good for her.

"Your husband is still the sole proprietor of your estate, in case you did get declared dead. He would have the legal right to make a claim against any inheritance you might have in your will, if he looks at them unfavorably. I have seen enough of them though, to believe that you going missing, and then seeing your family left behind, have also made some develop sympathy. Others I suspect, are just bidding their time, and won't make a large fuss until what they thought were the day, when the will would be read out.

Your cousins Money Bags and Time Matters, have been consistent in contacting me on occasion though, to just hear if I had any news about you, in ways that made it clear that they remain worried about you, and hope you return. I've not had a single request for anything of value from either of them. Just wants for news, and asking me to send their best to your husband and filly. I believe they will be genuinely happy to see you are still alive, Madame Rich."

It were cousins on two different branches of the family, with Money Bags being just a regular, high society socialite, and Time Matters from a part of the family tree that had a rougher time, but had pulled himself up and controlled a vast number of successful watch and jewelry stores, around Equestria. He were a hard working sort, that hadn't the most time back then, to go visit family for simply social calls, but he'd make the trip at times. As would Money Bags, though hers were more down to whenever she felt like it. She had enough inherited wealth, and business, that she never had to lift a hoof for anything, and neither would her offspring likely. A bit of a dingus, but a good hearted sort.

The cart flew over the far edges of the Everfree Forest by now. And on the other side of this vast expanse, would be her home and family, unsuspecting of the surprise that were coming their way.

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

 

(Treasure)

The two had been very persistent and insisting, that the old unicorn told them every little detail that he recalled about his former student. And what they heard, certainly gave them reason to think that this were their culprit's early days, and potential real name. A mare frustrated that magic eluded her, that saw failure from the greatest unicorn in the land, unable to help her with her affliction. Desperation turned to villainy, were not an unheard of story. It were a depressing regularity in story, yet this were one that were overall unheard of. Just somepony who had been forgotten in the cracks of history it seemed. A troubling thing, when that sort happened, and a surprise enemy then suddenly reared their heads one day.

Still, they had some information now, and likely proof that the one they had vision on, were the correct one to chase after. That were going to be useful for them, as were anything else that he could tell them. As a matter of fact, seeing as he had a stake in this, and were a renowned unicorn, they would ask him to come along. Well, *ask* were saying so much. More specifically, they would tell him that in the interest of the safety of Equestria, and because he were the closest they had to an expert on their enemy, he were required to come with them. They would not care if they needed to pla6y off his potential guilt over his former student now being the mass murderer that she were - including Shade telling about what happened at the base that she had caused to explode - even if it seemed rough. They needed him to come along, due to his expertise, his role as an Equestrian defender in general, and because it might bring in the others of his group, in case they needed to bring the battle to her. They would need every advantage they could muster.

Their trip now, would not be to the hut with the treasure though. It were time to return to Canterlot for now, and inform the generals of what they knew now, then get updates on what had happened in their absence. They could return to look at other things that Shade had managed to bring along, after everypony were caught up. The trip now being slower, as they'd have to make sure that Starswirl got with them. Unless he could teleport that were. Neither of them were fully aware of what he were able to do.

Shade were tempted to just kidnap him, in case he were not as willing to be useful, but he'd behave. He would go and try to convince the generals to have the princesses send him a formal call for action though, if he had no other options. The old unicorn, were not going to be allowed to just sit this out, if he had a say in it.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

 

Quote

"You could likely run a smear campaign, but I doubt it would do much. Phantasma has the adoration of many. They'll either end up ignoring what she may have done, or just believe it rumors with no facts to it. Or believe all she did, were fort he good of the kingdom. She's good at getting the populace on her side.

Nopony seems to like Shade, with the most glowing compliment I ever heard about him, being that he's at least effective. You might be able to make him act less publicly, but I don't think he'd care about that enough to make him stop chasing you. At least I don't think there's much of a reason for him to worry about being seen and pointed out, when he can literally move through shadows.

But that's just what I can gather. It isn't as if we'd ever move in the same social circles. Mayhap Troy would know more, but I don't want to get involved in whatever dealings you want to have with them. Whatever secrets you wish to share with them, in exchange for goods or favors, are not things I want to know."

In large parts because he believed those information, were not come by kindly. It would be tainted in blood, and the more he learned of Spectra, from wandering around with her, the more he were faced with the fact that said blood, were indiscriminately drawn. A fact that made him feel further dread, but this pit in his stomach were something he doubted he'd be rid off, anytime soon. Not when he didn't even have his girls with him anymore, to bring him some modicum of comfort.

Spectra would offer a cruel smile towards Operata. "I'm not going to tell you where I got such information, or how I got it - but should I get into that position of bargaining, I will know exactly what to offer the Trojans. My current plan is this. We'll get into Troy, offer them what I have access to, some of it in exchange for high amounts of protection and security. If not that - then it would be a place to where Equestrians would not be able to come to me. And if they are, I expect they would likely use some sort of Anti-Magic field to cease my connection to my quarry, something fast and sudden would be what would be required. I know I would likely be able to destroy them in open combat, and they probably know that as well, so I already know what is likely - if they are able to come to find me." she said to Operata.

"Not just about me. We are a package deal now. You Me, Yuma, and the Construct. Where we go one, we go all." Spectra's gaze narrowed a bit to make her point felt by Operata.

 

Quote

"They will still see a testament to whom they have to blame for this, real face or not. A symbol of whom hurt them, and tore deeply into their country. Congratulations on becoming the next Discord, I suppose. Except you're not trapped in your statue."

The *Yet* part at the end, would hang silently in the air, though he wouldn't mind if that became actual. It wasn't as if she did not deserve such treatment, after all she had done. Though of course, Discord got out again, eventually. It'd likely be best if she did not. Maybe put her statue with her in it, down into a giant block of cement, and toss it somewhere where nature would not undo the work, with any ease?

*sigh* He knew it wouldn't happen. The statue were likely to e moved to a museum eventually, along with the story of that villainess, at some point after they had defeated her. Or she'd win, and she'd make the construct craft her more, to parade around her palace. Either way, he did not expect this statue to be used for anything overly important. He also had nothing else to say for now, lest she brought something up, or something would block their path eventually. Or they reached the point where they were told they had to carry the boat in a path away from Deltrot, to avoid the main city. It were on the map, and in the distance too.

"A statue filled with fire ants, I ho- Wait, what the hay is that thing?!"

It appeared that Yuma had not only reappeared, but now finally managed to see through what were once her own eyes. And she had seen the construct out of it, which were a bizarre monster to her. Likely a lackey of this horrible creature that had killed her, that she were now seemingly haunting.

Spectra would smirk more at what was stated in her direction. "All the more reason for them to believe and follow me. After all, Spectral Fade was the one to bring misery to them - not Aurum Arcana. Names are a good tool to do one's bidding. The populace of Equestria is kept in blissful ignorance of their world. Their governments dealings. Plus, they don't even know their own wars, or their own borders of the country in most cases. It is the Alicorns that have held them back. I would be happy with deposing the Alicorns and just having Troy come in and take over Equestria completely, actually - let them deal with all the headache that would bring them, while I give them many things that would be otherwise priceless." Spectra chuckled. "Too many of my stature want Power, but they do not want the responsibility that comes with wielding it. Neither do I. I just want the credit, and I just want them to be under another's rule so that the Alicorns and their admirers are kicked into the dustbin of history where they belong." Spectra huffed.

"That's my Construct. Now you can finally see the world! Great! We are on our way to Troy, as you no doubt know by now! I got my hooves on it after it fell out of a rift in between dimensions when fighting against the ancient incarnation of Malevolence, true story." Spectra said to Yuma within her mind now that she had adjusted to the current context that was the present situation. Spectra would look down at her hooves, so that Yuma could see that she were trapped inside of her own body.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

Quote

"He assured me that they would make use of materials and building techniques this time, that would ensure that even if a fire did break out, it would be unable to consume the house. I believe he might have found it a stab to his pride as it were, that the last one caught up in flames in the first place. I will make sure to ask further into things, as the building goes along, and run the information around with another professional as needed, to make sure that the claim holds true."

It wouldn't look well, to have 2 houses in the same place, burn down to a crisp. Not even thinking about the costs and reputation, it would give the more superstitious members of high society, a reason to consider the place cursed, and thus it could become harder to have gatherings, collect funding for various things, keep friends in general- Various things that in and by themselves did little, but as a whole, would cause annoyance and problems for Spoiled Rich and her family. Best that would not end up being the case.

Also, the resale value would plummet, and that tended to cause a slew of other problems. Certain ponies who did not want the property values to go down, could become quite troubling, if they had something to gang up on, and focus down.

 

Spoiled Rich was quite satisfied with this explanation and knew that Clayton would be able to provide the best services possible. "Since we are dealing with a threat to national security, perhaps it was some sort of magical fire. Might be something to bring up with him at some point. As of right now though, there isn't much else to add about this matter. I shall see how it progresses." she said, not having much else to say about it for now. To her, all that mattered was that this construction effort wouldn't move without a hitch. Matters of national security or threats at Equestria doesn't matter to her in this respect. She will take advantage of any available time to have what she desires constructed. Nothing was going top her.

 

Quote

 

Much as she were a stern mother, in the eyes of many, she were still Tiara's mother. It were only natural that she would miss her presence eventually, even if she weren't gonna run around and bawl her eyes out to everypony in town. That weren't suited for a young filly, that were above most others in social status. Spoiled would likely end up seeing an emotional daughter when she returned, as well as husband. He had been worn down a bit by all the things that happened after she went missing, including now being a single parent for the last almost three years. With the added stress of having to look into funeral arrangements for a ceremonial burial in a few months, when his wife would be declared legally dead, he were getting some sleepless nights, and found himself losing some of the hope he once had, that she'd eventually return back to them. And that were not even touching on his worries for the future, especially regarding Tiara, whom he had at times believed were getting a somewhat bad influence from her mother, but still, she also had a good impact on making their filly a stronger, more self-reliant pony. Without her, how would Tiara turn out later? Especially when she'd hit her hormonal teenage years, where he wouldn't know what to do.

Then of course, there were the leeches that had come out of the bushes, but he did his to try not to think about them. It just made him angry.

As for the lawyer... He would give Rich a bit of time to read the letter. He had brought it in the documents, because he believed it would be good for her, to see that her family did actually miss her, and weren't just looking forward to reaping the benefits. A little time to ponder that, would likely be good for her.

"Your husband is still the sole proprietor of your estate, in case you did get declared dead. He would have the legal right to make a claim against any inheritance you might have in your will, if he looks at them unfavorably. I have seen enough of them though, to believe that you going missing, and then seeing your family left behind, have also made some develop sympathy. Others I suspect, are just bidding their time, and won't make a large fuss until what they thought were the day, when the will would be read out.

Your cousins Money Bags and Time Matters, have been consistent in contacting me on occasion though, to just hear if I had any news about you, in ways that made it clear that they remain worried about you, and hope you return. I've not had a single request for anything of value from either of them. Just wants for news, and asking me to send their best to your husband and filly. I believe they will be genuinely happy to see you are still alive, Madame Rich."

It were cousins on two different branches of the family, with Money Bags being just a regular, high society socialite, and Time Matters from a part of the family tree that had a rougher time, but had pulled himself up and controlled a vast number of successful watch and jewelry stores, around Equestria. He were a hard working sort, that hadn't the most time back then, to go visit family for simply social calls, but he'd make the trip at times. As would Money Bags, though hers were more down to whenever she felt like it. She had enough inherited wealth, and business, that she never had to lift a hoof for anything, and neither would her offspring likely. A bit of a dingus, but a good hearted sort.

The cart flew over the far edges of the Everfree Forest by now. And on the other side of this vast expanse, would be her home and family, unsuspecting of the surprise that were coming their way.

It was certainly true, Spoiled Rich was someone with a stern personality - controlling even. Even though Spoiled was her stepmother, she loved Diamond in her own way. That included being very controlling with what associations Diamond was allowed to have - it was her duty to protect Diamond from those who seek to drag her down. The CMC and Silver Spoon were of that type in Spoiled's eyes. They were not worthy of her daughter's attention - but for whatever reason Diamond chose otherwise. With 3 years of absence, Spoiled shuttered to think about what decisions Diamond made without her. She knew there was no possibility of reigning it in, as she had been gone for three years. It would be a significant change for Spoiled to adjust to - if Diamond was hanging around questionable relations.

Then there is Filthy Rich. He is likely burnt out being a single father and not capable of giving Diamond the attention she needed. There were so many variables and issues here, it made Spoiled very frustrated to say the least. At least she had been declared alive and gotten the construction of her Estate in order. That was good. Now family relations was going to be another matter. It is more messy and complicated than a simple matter of finances. "Filthy Rich, when I return...he and I are having a long private talk. Money Bags and Time Matters...haven't heard much of them lately. Though, depends on what you consider lately." Spoiled Rich said rolling her eyes, her eyes seeming to narrow slightly as if trying to spot out Filthy Rich from all the way where they were. With that, her silence would likely be taken as her thinking over what to do. 

There was a lot for her to think about. At least Spoiled were satisfied with Legal Jargon's explanation.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:

Spectra would offer a cruel smile towards Operata. "I'm not going to tell you where I got such information, or how I got it - but should I get into that position of bargaining, I will know exactly what to offer the Trojans. My current plan is this. We'll get into Troy, offer them what I have access to, some of it in exchange for high amounts of protection and security. If not that - then it would be a place to where Equestrians would not be able to come to me. And if they are, I expect they would likely use some sort of Anti-Magic field to cease my connection to my quarry, something fast and sudden would be what would be required. I know I would likely be able to destroy them in open combat, and they probably know that as well, so I already know what is likely - if they are able to come to find me." she said to Operata.

"Not just about me. We are a package deal now. You Me, Yuma, and the Construct. Where we go one, we go all." Spectra's gaze narrowed a bit to make her point felt by Operata.

"Yes, I feel the leash tightening ever more..."

More of her big scale plans. At this point, he would not be surprised if she would begin to infiltrate the high command in Troy, and build towards being able to have them invade Equestria, under false pretense, using various anti-magic weaponry. In the chaos, it'd only be her that would really win, and both countries would be irreversibly worse off for it. Not that she'd care, as she would continue to pull her strings, cackling somewhere in the shadows.

And he were part of it, with only death being an escape. And he weren't even sure if that would end up being the case, or if it wouldn't just be the beginning of a worse fate, still under her control. Or maybe he got lucky, and the construct would vaporize him in his sleep. What a... *Nice* thought that were.

On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:

Spectra would smirk more at what was stated in her direction. "All the more reason for them to believe and follow me. After all, Spectral Fade was the one to bring misery to them - not Aurum Arcana. Names are a good tool to do one's bidding. The populace of Equestria is kept in blissful ignorance of their world. Their governments dealings. Plus, they don't even know their own wars, or their own borders of the country in most cases. It is the Alicorns that have held them back. I would be happy with deposing the Alicorns and just having Troy come in and take over Equestria completely, actually - let them deal with all the headache that would bring them, while I give them many things that would be otherwise priceless." Spectra chuckled. "Too many of my stature want Power, but they do not want the responsibility that comes with wielding it. Neither do I. I just want the credit, and I just want them to be under another's rule so that the Alicorns and their admirers are kicked into the dustbin of history where they belong." Spectra huffed.

His mood soured, as she all but confirmed what he had sarcastically suspected, mere moments before. Just a wanton lust for power, caring not who got trampled in the path, or who it were... He had often been called a monster, for what he did, but he disagreed. He did not consider himself a monster, as he did not kill or maim indiscriminately. He made certain that his captures and torture, had not resulted in harm for the wrong ones. Spectra had no such qualms, and even gloated about doing so gleefully.

This were the face of a true monster. One wrapped in the visage of an innocent mare, who hadn't a clue what had happened to her... He felt disgusted just thinking about it.

On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:

"That's my Construct. Now you can finally see the world! Great! We are on our way to Troy, as you no doubt know by now! I got my hooves on it after it fell out of a rift in between dimensions when fighting against the ancient incarnation of Malevolence, true story." Spectra said to Yuma within her mind now that she had adjusted to the current context that was the present situation. Spectra would look down at her hooves, so that Yuma could see that she were trapped inside of her own body.

"Troy? Oh, you will get what you deserve there, witch... Just you wait and see. They won't let you get away with all your evil."

She tried to move where she looked, but Yuma couldn't even do that. She were locked powerless in this monster's body, haunting her until... When actually? Forever? At least until she died, and if she were going to Troy, she might get lucky and find that eternity would last a good while less. Not that she usually wished death and misery upon others, but this mare deserved it! And so did he. She remembered that one talking to her, and then starting to play music. Next thing she knew, she ended up like this. He were just as guilty as she were, and he knew it too. Why else would he constantly avert his eyes, and not look directly at them? He knew what he had done, and he should get what came to him, all the same. Monsters the both of them!

Grr... If only she could move around. Why wasn't she able to? She thought ghosts were like, mobile or something. Why couldn't she turn herself? Were haunting like covering  someone like a coat? Were she stuck inside, just looking out? She didn't knew which one were worse, but they were both uncomfortably horrible!

What had she done to deserve something like this? Sure she wasn't the best pony in the world. She knew that. But this... This were way too harsh of a punishment for anything she had ever done, and frankly worse than she knew anypony deserved. Being exiled to another dimension, or just flat out killed, were merciful compared to this nightmare.

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

 

(Spoiled Rich)

On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:

Spoiled Rich was quite satisfied with this explanation and knew that Clayton would be able to provide the best services possible. "Since we are dealing with a threat to national security, perhaps it was some sort of magical fire. Might be something to bring up with him at some point. As of right now though, there isn't much else to add about this matter. I shall see how it progresses." she said, not having much else to say about it for now. To her, all that mattered was that this construction effort wouldn't move without a hitch. Matters of national security or threats at Equestria doesn't matter to her in this respect. She will take advantage of any available time to have what she desires constructed. Nothing was going top her.

Jargon wrinkled his nose at the suggesting, and scribbled down a few things.

"Hmm, yes. That could be a distinct possibility... There is no real way to add anti magic, without complications to the resident. And the material for the anti-magic materials are still highly guarded by the royal guards.

Still, I can ask in about a countermeasure perhaps. If magical fire can be an issue, perhaps there is a magical countermeasure. I will inquire, and report back when I know more, Madame Rich."

It was a small oversight, but could prove important. He'd make sure to correct this mistake, and see what options they might have. Perhaps something with the sprinkler system, could be implemented to better work against things? Clayton would know better how to have it done, and he would have to include that. It were imperative that this new home were not ruined, like the old one were.

On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:

Then there is Filthy Rich. He is likely burnt out being a single father and not capable of giving Diamond the attention she needed. There were so many variables and issues here, it made Spoiled very frustrated to say the least. At least she had been declared alive and gotten the construction of her Estate in order. That was good. Now family relations was going to be another matter. It is more messy and complicated than a simple matter of finances. "Filthy Rich, when I return...he and I are having a long private talk. Money Bags and Time Matters...haven't heard much of them lately. Though, depends on what you consider lately." Spoiled Rich said rolling her eyes, her eyes seeming to narrow slightly as if trying to spot out Filthy Rich from all the way where they were. With that, her silence would likely be taken as her thinking over what to do. 

He would remain silent, for the short remainder of their time. He had said what he had to, and it appeared that she had several things to think of herself. Primarily regarding what she'd say to her husband and foal, when they would be reunited, he could imagine.

It wouldn't be long now. Within five minutes, they would land at the outskirts of Ponyville. Not that the trip were not to the door, but the last bit of the way the carriage would have to be driven normally. It were town ordinance to not have vehicles flying over like this, as it wasn't safe for the locals, or the cart, in case it veered off. The service did not include the hefty fine that would result in, so their drivers would take the last bit of the trip on ground. They would more or less just ignore the locals, nodding at best in response to any sort of greeting, and just keep going on their way, towards the mansion that Spoiled Rich would be residing within.

"We will be there shortly now. I can imagine they will at first be overwhelmed at seeing you, then ask questions. I took the liberty of bringing this along for that."

He'd open his briefcase, and show the test kit as it were, that he had used on her earlier.

"It should be sufficient to handle any concerns they might have, regarding your authenticity at least. I will leave the rest in your capable hooves, Madame Rich."

If she had naught to say, they would arrive at the mansion not long after, but she'd get a chance to look out, and see the locals wandering about all the same. A few who would even notice and remember her. Judging fromt he surprise, then weariness, they remembered her quite well, in fact, and her sudden reappearance would end up being part of the day's rumor mill. Unless she didn't try to look out. The seats were well places, so that if you didn't care to look out, you'd have to be quite tall for others to see who sat in here specifically. So it did come down somewhat, to how she wanted to approach this.

Regardless, when they eventually arrived at the mansion, neither her husband, nor daughter were in sight. It were mostly a gardener, and then of course, Randolph.

He were currently inspecting the yardwork, making sure that everything were ready for later today, lest he'd be put on line for a messy entrance. Not that it was his job, but as the head butler, the blame would always return to him somehow. Thankfully things seemed mostly in order, though he would go and correct a vase quickly, that were a few inches too far to the side of its pedestal. Not a lot would care, but oh, if Mrs. Rich were still here, she'd have him flogged he bet. She always expected things to be immaculate. Especially out here, where the public could see it. Couldn't have it be said in town, that the Rich family were as sloppy as any farm pony, no sire.

[Props Valroa 26,048]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

Quote

"Yes, I feel the leash tightening ever more..."

More of her big scale plans. At this point, he would not be surprised if she would begin to infiltrate the high command in Troy, and build towards being able to have them invade Equestria, under false pretense, using various anti-magic weaponry. In the chaos, it'd only be her that would really win, and both countries would be irreversibly worse off for it. Not that she'd care, as she would continue to pull her strings, cackling somewhere in the shadows.

And he were part of it, with only death being an escape. And he weren't even sure if that would end up being the case, or if it wouldn't just be the beginning of a worse fate, still under her control. Or maybe he got lucky, and the construct would vaporize him in his sleep. What a... *Nice* thought that were.
 

His mood soured, as she all but confirmed what he had sarcastically suspected, mere moments before. Just a wanton lust for power, caring not who got trampled in the path, or who it were... He had often been called a monster, for what he did, but he disagreed. He did not consider himself a monster, as he did not kill or maim indiscriminately. He made certain that his captures and torture, had not resulted in harm for the wrong ones. Spectra had no such qualms, and even gloated about doing so gleefully.

This were the face of a true monster. One wrapped in the visage of an innocent mare, who hadn't a clue what had happened to her... He felt disgusted just thinking about it.

Spectra merely sat there, looking over at Operata as if not really caring what he thought about it. Spectra knew Operata likely wasn't at all pleased by his arrangement with her, but she knew that he had no choice. If he was to go against her authority, she would merely put him back into line one way or the other. As she sat there, she'd observe as the boat was making its way towards Troy. The zebra said it would be a 3 day trip - but that was at a normal speed, and the rate they were going at was above average. Sure, it was a bit of a magic drain - but given the circumstances it was more than wise to leave Equestria as soon as possible.

Operata still had use for her - he had a lot of knowledge. One day perhaps, that use would come to an end. They weren't at that point yet. Operata had a unique role at her side, and sure while she had many work for her before - some directly, it wasn't quite like this. Spectra had all the power over him. 

On some level, Spectra knew that what she had done - and will do had made it so she is unlikely to get any freedom if she were captured. Still in her mind, she was a hero, and was doing this for Equestria's sake. Spectra was doing this to free the ponies from the Alicorns reign. Some damage was needed, it was war after all.

 

Quote

"Troy? Oh, you will get what you deserve there, witch... Just you wait and see. They won't let you get away with all your evil."

She tried to move where she looked, but Yuma couldn't even do that. She were locked powerless in this monster's body, haunting her until... When actually? Forever? At least until she died, and if she were going to Troy, she might get lucky and find that eternity would last a good while less. Not that she usually wished death and misery upon others, but this mare deserved it! And so did he. She remembered that one talking to her, and then starting to play music. Next thing she knew, she ended up like this. He were just as guilty as she were, and he knew it too. Why else would he constantly avert his eyes, and not look directly at them? He knew what he had done, and he should get what came to him, all the same. Monsters the both of them!

Grr... If only she could move around. Why wasn't she able to? She thought ghosts were like, mobile or something. Why couldn't she turn herself? Were haunting like covering  someone like a coat? Were she stuck inside, just looking out? She didn't knew which one were worse, but they were both uncomfortably horrible!

What had she done to deserve something like this? Sure she wasn't the best pony in the world. She knew that. But this... This were way too harsh of a punishment for anything she had ever done, and frankly worse than she knew anypony deserved. Being exiled to another dimension, or just flat out killed, were merciful compared to this nightmare.

"Oh, but you see - they don't know anything about me. The face they would see in the newspapers is no longer mine. Troy is at war with Equestria. We have similar goals. Your Alicorn rulers have oppressed you for far too long and now it is time for you to be liberated under Trojan hooves. Think of me what you wish, I am doing this all for Equestria. The explosion in the Mountain? I rigged that, sure, I am guilty, but the ones who caused it to go off? Your own Equestrian Guard. Once I find a better source of magic, I don't see any reason to not let all my captured ponies go. You have a front row seat. Within your own mind. Rejoice." of course Spectra was lying somewhat there - but whether Yuma would believe her or not was another story. Though it was not too far from the truth, Spectra did genuinely believe that she was 'liberating' the ponies from the Alicorns. The ones who failed to help her. Who failed everyone by letting them suffer. Sure, Spectra couldn't save the world and everyone's ails, but she thinks she is capable of at least trying more than the Monarchy, with a better system at place. Although of course she saw nothing wrong with what she had been doing, and is now planning to do.

Ignite a Great War that Equestria would be unable to win against. That was the goal.

That was a long way away though. They had to get there first. 

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

(Spoiled Rich)

 

Quote

Jargon wrinkled his nose at the suggesting, and scribbled down a few things.

"Hmm, yes. That could be a distinct possibility... There is no real way to add anti magic, without complications to the resident. And the material for the anti-magic materials are still highly guarded by the royal guards.

Still, I can ask in about a countermeasure perhaps. If magical fire can be an issue, perhaps there is a magical countermeasure. I will inquire, and report back when I know more, Madame Rich."

It was a small oversight, but could prove important. He'd make sure to correct this mistake, and see what options they might have. Perhaps something with the sprinkler system, could be implemented to better work against things? Clayton would know better how to have it done, and he would have to include that. It were imperative that this new home were not ruined, like the old one were.

Spoiled Rich would offer a sort of snort sound to what Jargon had said there. "Of course they'd keep something like that to themselves, however for now the best that I will get will be indeed countermeasures. I am sure something like that exists. It better." she said, not being all the pleased with the information that was presented. Jargon wasn't at fault, it was the way the Royal Guards did thing sometimes that got on her nerves. Canterlot was the only place Spoiled wanted to live - and even with the threat of war, she wasn't willing to budge. 
 

Quote

He would remain silent, for the short remainder of their time. He had said what he had to, and it appeared that she had several things to think of herself. Primarily regarding what she'd say to her husband and foal, when they would be reunited, he could imagine.

It wouldn't be long now. Within five minutes, they would land at the outskirts of Ponyville. Not that the trip were not to the door, but the last bit of the way the carriage would have to be driven normally. It were town ordinance to not have vehicles flying over like this, as it wasn't safe for the locals, or the cart, in case it veered off. The service did not include the hefty fine that would result in, so their drivers would take the last bit of the trip on ground. They would more or less just ignore the locals, nodding at best in response to any sort of greeting, and just keep going on their way, towards the mansion that Spoiled Rich would be residing within.

"We will be there shortly now. I can imagine they will at first be overwhelmed at seeing you, then ask questions. I took the liberty of bringing this along for that."

He'd open his briefcase, and show the test kit as it were, that he had used on her earlier.

"It should be sufficient to handle any concerns they might have, regarding your authenticity at least. I will leave the rest in your capable hooves, Madame Rich."

If she had naught to say, they would arrive at the mansion not long after, but she'd get a chance to look out, and see the locals wandering about all the same. A few who would even notice and remember her. Judging fromt he surprise, then weariness, they remembered her quite well, in fact, and her sudden reappearance would end up being part of the day's rumor mill. Unless she didn't try to look out. The seats were well places, so that if you didn't care to look out, you'd have to be quite tall for others to see who sat in here specifically. So it did come down somewhat, to how she wanted to approach this.

Regardless, when they eventually arrived at the mansion, neither her husband, nor daughter were in sight. It were mostly a gardener, and then of course, Randolph.

He were currently inspecting the yardwork, making sure that everything were ready for later today, lest he'd be put on line for a messy entrance. Not that it was his job, but as the head butler, the blame would always return to him somehow. Thankfully things seemed mostly in order, though he would go and correct a vase quickly, that were a few inches too far to the side of its pedestal. Not a lot would care, but oh, if Mrs. Rich were still here, she'd have him flogged he bet. She always expected things to be immaculate. Especially out here, where the public could see it. Couldn't have it be said in town, that the Rich family were as sloppy as any farm pony, no sire.

As they would approach for landing, Spoiled would put aside the conversations about construction of her Estate and the various other things she had been discussing - all that can be handled. Jargon knew what he was doing, and it was a very important moment in time. When they landed, Spoiled Rich's eyes would look out as familiar buildings would pass by the carriage on the way to the Rich family mansion. 

"The rest you will leave to me. You have a lot to attend to, as do I. Once you have worthy information to report back to me about, I will see you then. I trust you will be able to look into my suggestions, you have the time you need to do so." Spoiled Rich would take the test kit and suitcase. Jargon has served her well, and she has no doubts about his ability to handle her finances - however, this was a job only she could take alone on her own terms. It was family business after all. With only a passing glance, Spoiled Rich would exit the carriage. From the way she walked, she meant business, and there was no arguing against that. Spoiled Rich had more or less told Jargon that he was to be sent back to Canterlot to attend to the various tasks he needed to.

As Spoiled Rich had exited the carriage, she would notice Randolph. Walking up to him much like a shark would stalk its prey, her eyes would gazed upon the vase. Oh, that vase specifically. "Did you not remember that I told you to put that vase directly in the center of the pedestal? It needs to be in the center." she asked in a sudden dangerous tone that indicated he was to do so immediately without question. Randolph still being alive after 3 years didn't surprise her. That old stallion had kept going despite his advanced age. "There is a lot to discuss. Please come inside with me." Spoiled Rich said, with the almost passive aggressive tone still evident in her voice.

Though, as much as she may not admit it - she was glad that Randolph was okay. Randolph would know where her husband and daughter were, when they got to that point of discussion.



 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,429]

@Props Valroa

(Spectra)

On 2024-04-24 at 12:08 AM, Props Valroa said:

"Oh, but you see - they don't know anything about me. The face they would see in the newspapers is no longer mine. Troy is at war with Equestria. We have similar goals. Your Alicorn rulers have oppressed you for far too long and now it is time for you to be liberated under Trojan hooves. Think of me what you wish, I am doing this all for Equestria. The explosion in the Mountain? I rigged that, sure, I am guilty, but the ones who caused it to go off? Your own Equestrian Guard. Once I find a better source of magic, I don't see any reason to not let all my captured ponies go. You have a front row seat. Within your own mind. Rejoice."

She didn't answer at first. Just a weak whimper escaping her inner voice, as a moment of clarity, in a reflection in the water, allowed her to see through these stolen eyes, the extend of her suffering. That someone looked back at her. A familiar face, but twisted and wrong. An expression she never wore, under a horn that she did not own, and yet she could see that this were her. She had been killed, and forced to haunt her own body, after it were taken over by some... Skinwalker, or whatever this monster were. Whatever it were, this wasn't her. Or it wasn't, but not really. It were her, trapped inside herself, while some thing had taken her autonomy, and life from her. And now, she were using it to further some monstrous plan, which had included being the mastermind of the carnage that came, from the Green Mountains exploding. This were too cruel a fate to befall her, to be stuck with such a horrible monster. She'd rather be chained to Discord. At least he hadn't been known for intentionally killing a lot of beings.

A short while would pass, before a low voice would repeat what she had said before, but this time shaking and weak.

"You will get what you deserve..."

That were all she'd say right now, as she'd launch into a bit of an existential crisis, down in her lonesome, dark corner, of what used to be her own mind.

Meanwhile, a little after this internal exchange, they would reach the point, where the zebra had pointed out to them, it were best to wander in a path around. It would add at least a day to do so, but it would keep them fully clear of Deltrot. Or they could try and follow the river, which would get them into the town, near the harbor, and eventually swing by a few districts, that were build around the river, that were flowing through the large city. Although it were risky, it were the fastest route. If it were worth it taking the chance, would be up to Spectra herself, but she would at a minimum, need to tone down the way she moved the boat then. There'd be eyebrows raised. Same with the construct, and possible Operata. Though the construct would draw more eyes in general, if they didn't cover it. Potentially by making Operata take off his smoking, turn it inside out, and then use the darker inside cloth, to cover the seemingly dormant creation.

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(Spoiled Rich)

Since it sounded like she had a want for him to leave, and handle her other business for now, Jargon would part with his briefcase willingly. He hoped that she wouldn't break it though, as it were not exactly cheap, and he were rather fond of it. Though the things inside were more valuable, than the briefcase itself. It also contained some papers that he would need for this, so he would remove those first, before letting her have this. Fortunately he always kept such things n folders, sot he papers wouldn't be able to just scatter around. He didn't have a want to gather them up, and frankly, he didn't much care for the mess it would leave on the papers either. He were a professional, not some fresh faced court clerk.

He would order the carriage to begin bringing him back to Canterlot then, that he might begin on setting things up proper. She would expect a lot for him, and he were not in the business of disappointing his client. If he were, he'd likely have been fired years before she went missing in the first place.

Ideally though, he would have argued that perhaps it were best he stayed, so that he could be additional confirmation for the family, but her tone of voice and order spoken were quite clear. This were no longer a place he were supposed to partake in things. Hopefully his credentials would suffice well enough to be useful for the mistress of the house.

On 2024-04-24 at 12:08 AM, Props Valroa said:

As Spoiled Rich had exited the carriage, she would notice Randolph. Walking up to him much like a shark would stalk its prey, her eyes would gazed upon the vase. Oh, that vase specifically. "Did you not remember that I told you to put that vase directly in the center of the pedestal? It needs to be in the center." she asked in a sudden dangerous tone that indicated he was to do so immediately without question. Randolph still being alive after 3 years didn't surprise her. That old stallion had kept going despite his advanced age. "There is a lot to discuss. Please come inside with me." Spoiled Rich said, with the almost passive aggressive tone still evident in her voice.

"Right away ma'am. Terribly sorry for the mess."

He'd hurry even faster in moving the vase right back to the center, his muscle memory and automated response activating before he had the time to even think of the oddness of hearing Mrs. Rich's voice, once again correcting him on something that wasn't inherently his fault, but he would be taking some of the fall for regardless, if it wasn't corrected. He wasn't sure why. He always just assumed it was because he were technically the highest ranking butler here, and she figured if he were in line, so would they. Or it was because he had been with the Rich family, since before her husband had even been born, and thus she felt a need to ensure he knew that he were to listen to her, regardless of the fact that she had married into the family, rather than been born into it.

Not that it were even needed. Like his mother before him, Randolph were a faithful servant to the house, and soon as she had courted Mr. Rich, and even more after their marriage, he were bound to treat her as a proper member of the family. His loyalty were entailed there, and would only end if Celestia forbid, she and Mr. Rich had a divorce, at which point his loyalties would remain with the Rich family. Specifically, it would mean that he would go, wherever the young miss would go, as she were the newest branch on the family tree, and though she were unkind at times, and seemed to think of him more a thing, than a real pony, it were his duty to follow her. Just as it would be for his granddaughter one day, when she had finished her studies to become a proper maid.

Not his son though. He had decided to go into architecture, though Randolph didn't mind it. He had talent, and should follow it, even if it took him away from the typical family line of work.

As he set the vase specifically, he would suddenly tense, and open his eyes wide, then turn around and saw the mistress of the house looking at him, with that same gaze in her eyes, that he knew so well. Though he didn't get to say a word, before she indicated that she wanted them to return inside to the mansion, and he instinctively moved over to a following position. Though he wouldn't get too close, of course. It were not his place to, lest he were ordered to be close enough, or she began to show signs of fainting. Might be he couldn't catch her, but he were bound to at the least, fall down and act as a cushion to halt her from damages, if it came to that.

To say he were well trained to this job, would be somewhat of an understatement, though it might please Spoiled to see that he were still following her orders, without questions, regardless of her long absence.

"I... Mrs. Rich? Do forgive me my hesitation, but it's been so very, very long since I last heard your voice. How may I serve you today, Mrs. Rich?"

He'd of course also pull out the key to the front of the house from around his neck, and the second she moved, he'd make sure to go up, and have the door unlocked before she reached it, and made sure to hold the door, whilst bowing to her. In his memories, she were not a lady who were accustomed to waiting, or be treated as anything less than what she were: The lady of the house, who were to be treated with the outmost respect.

it should tell her that her family were not home right now. Randolph usually only locked the doors when he went outside, and nopony else were inside. Unless a change in policy had happened in her absence.

[Spectral Fade]

@Blitz Boom

(Spectra)

Quote

She didn't answer at first. Just a weak whimper escaping her inner voice, as a moment of clarity, in a reflection in the water, allowed her to see through these stolen eyes, the extend of her suffering. That someone looked back at her. A familiar face, but twisted and wrong. An expression she never wore, under a horn that she did not own, and yet she could see that this were her. She had been killed, and forced to haunt her own body, after it were taken over by some... Skinwalker, or whatever this monster were. Whatever it were, this wasn't her. Or it wasn't, but not really. It were her, trapped inside herself, while some thing had taken her autonomy, and life from her. And now, she were using it to further some monstrous plan, which had included being the mastermind of the carnage that came, from the Green Mountains exploding. This were too cruel a fate to befall her, to be stuck with such a horrible monster. She'd rather be chained to Discord. At least he hadn't been known for intentionally killing a lot of beings.

A short while would pass, before a low voice would repeat what she had said before, but this time shaking and weak.

"You will get what you deserve..."

That were all she'd say right now, as she'd launch into a bit of an existential crisis, down in her lonesome, dark corner, of what used to be her own mind.

Meanwhile, a little after this internal exchange, they would reach the point, where the zebra had pointed out to them, it were best to wander in a path around. It would add at least a day to do so, but it would keep them fully clear of Deltrot. Or they could try and follow the river, which would get them into the town, near the harbor, and eventually swing by a few districts, that were build around the river, that were flowing through the large city. Although it were risky, it were the fastest route. If it were worth it taking the chance, would be up to Spectra herself, but she would at a minimum, need to tone down the way she moved the boat then. There'd be eyebrows raised. Same with the construct, and possible Operata. Though the construct would draw more eyes in general, if they didn't cover it. Potentially by making Operata take off his smoking, turn it inside out, and then use the darker inside cloth, to cover the seemingly dormant creation.

"If anything happens to me, you will go down with me. My success is your success. You just happened to be the one I grabbed because I was in a rush. If it makes you feel any better, - you are safe." Spectra said in a sort of way to try to get Yuma to at least be quiet or go along with her words. Hearing that voice in the back of her head was sure something to annoy her. Perhaps this whole thing was a mistake. Though there was no going back. Thriceborne had likely cut her old body apart to be used for whatever it were going to be used for. There was going to eventually be a point that Yuma would fully submit to her. It had to happen eventually in Spectra's eyes. She was trapped within her mind and would be unable to resist or do anything no matter how hard she tried.

Spectra had opted to go around Deltrot entirely. Even if it may take a bit longer to get there than she waned, she would opt to avoid the risks of being potentially caught. The rate at which they were moving would hopefully make up for the difference. The boat seemed rather sturdy and able to carry them all just fine. Usually a boat wouldn't move this fast - since a pony wouldn't be physically capable of doing that. Spectra wasn't going fast to the point to where the boat would risk coming apart though. With all the adrenaline in her body, she would set herself to stay awake for the whole trip to Troy. Something that wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for her - considering the sort of missions she has done before.

At least by this point, they were a good ways away from where they were before. It wouldn't be something the Equestrian Guard would expect anyway - Spectra being in the body of Yuma, on a boat with a piece of machinery from another dimension ready to go to a foreign nation for refuge. Likely the Equestrians were still expecting an attack in Canterlot as of this point.

 

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(Spoiled Rich)

 

Quote

(Spoiled Rich)

Since it sounded like she had a want for him to leave, and handle her other business for now, Jargon would part with his briefcase willingly. He hoped that she wouldn't break it though, as it were not exactly cheap, and he were rather fond of it. Though the things inside were more valuable, than the briefcase itself. It also contained some papers that he would need for this, so he would remove those first, before letting her have this. Fortunately he always kept such things n folders, sot he papers wouldn't be able to just scatter around. He didn't have a want to gather them up, and frankly, he didn't much care for the mess it would leave on the papers either. He were a professional, not some fresh faced court clerk.

He would order the carriage to begin bringing him back to Canterlot then, that he might begin on setting things up proper. She would expect a lot for him, and he were not in the business of disappointing his client. If he were, he'd likely have been fired years before she went missing in the first place.

Ideally though, he would have argued that perhaps it were best he stayed, so that he could be additional confirmation for the family, but her tone of voice and order spoken were quite clear. This were no longer a place he were supposed to partake in things. Hopefully his credentials would suffice well enough to be useful for the mistress of the house.

Spoiled had no issue letting Jargon take what he needed from her - she only needed the credentials and various records proving that it was in fact her, incase anyone had any doubts about it. Usually she wouldn't have an issue with him being at her side - but this was a one off exception to that. She needed to set things straight on her own and didn't need anyone else distracting her. It was nothing personal. Spoiled had fired many who work for her in the past - Jargon just happened to be around the longest because of how he conducted himself. A proper worker, he was.

 

Quote

"Right away ma'am. Terribly sorry for the mess."

He'd hurry even faster in moving the vase right back to the center, his muscle memory and automated response activating before he had the time to even think of the oddness of hearing Mrs. Rich's voice, once again correcting him on something that wasn't inherently his fault, but he would be taking some of the fall for regardless, if it wasn't corrected. He wasn't sure why. He always just assumed it was because he were technically the highest ranking butler here, and she figured if he were in line, so would they. Or it was because he had been with the Rich family, since before her husband had even been born, and thus she felt a need to ensure he knew that he were to listen to her, regardless of the fact that she had married into the family, rather than been born into it.

Not that it were even needed. Like his mother before him, Randolph were a faithful servant to the house, and soon as she had courted Mr. Rich, and even more after their marriage, he were bound to treat her as a proper member of the family. His loyalty were entailed there, and would only end if Celestia forbid, she and Mr. Rich had a divorce, at which point his loyalties would remain with the Rich family. Specifically, it would mean that he would go, wherever the young miss would go, as she were the newest branch on the family tree, and though she were unkind at times, and seemed to think of him more a thing, than a real pony, it were his duty to follow her. Just as it would be for his granddaughter one day, when she had finished her studies to become a proper maid.

Not his son though. He had decided to go into architecture, though Randolph didn't mind it. He had talent, and should follow it, even if it took him away from the typical family line of work.

As he set the vase specifically, he would suddenly tense, and open his eyes wide, then turn around and saw the mistress of the house looking at him, with that same gaze in her eyes, that he knew so well. Though he didn't get to say a word, before she indicated that she wanted them to return inside to the mansion, and he instinctively moved over to a following position. Though he wouldn't get too close, of course. It were not his place to, lest he were ordered to be close enough, or she began to show signs of fainting. Might be he couldn't catch her, but he were bound to at the least, fall down and act as a cushion to halt her from damages, if it came to that.

To say he were well trained to this job, would be somewhat of an understatement, though it might please Spoiled to see that he were still following her orders, without questions, regardless of her long absence.

"I... Mrs. Rich? Do forgive me my hesitation, but it's been so very, very long since I last heard your voice. How may I serve you today, Mrs. Rich?"

He'd of course also pull out the key to the front of the house from around his neck, and the second she moved, he'd make sure to go up, and have the door unlocked before she reached it, and made sure to hold the door, whilst bowing to her. In his memories, she were not a lady who were accustomed to waiting, or be treated as anything less than what she were: The lady of the house, who were to be treated with the outmost respect.

it should tell her that her family were not home right now. Randolph usually only locked the doors when he went outside, and nopony else were inside. Unless a change in policy had happened in her absence.

"Just tell me where my Husband and my Daughter are. You've been in the dark all this time, so let me run it by you. 3 years ago when I was away in Canterlot, an Equestrian Villain by the name of Spectral Fade burnt down my property, abducted me to use me as a living battery - the same one who blew up the Green Mountain range." Spoiled had spoken in a more rushed manner as if she was more than eager to get inside the house. It became very clear to her that they weren't here, so she had all the time in the world to get things set straight with Randolph so he would be up to date on things.

"You are no doubt aware of the disaster that has happened within the past two days. An entire mountain, obliterated, overloading Equestrian resources. Despite this, my new Estate is now going to be under construction come tomorrow morning. I got things set with Legal Jargon, take a look." she spoke as she took out the briefcase that proved that this was indeed Spoiled Rich. "I also spoke to him about having a bunker put underneath the house here. Of course my Husband will need to approve of such a thing, but I want a bomb shelter built here as soon as possible. A war could break out tomorrow for all I know." Spoiled stated with narrowed eyes. "You know what this means, don't you?"

"We need to prepare for war." Spoiled said, she was understandably paranoid about what could happen here. The mare wasn't going to take no for an answer. She needed to know where her family were, and then they could discuss what has happened in the past 3 years she has bene gone for.