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

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra agreed with him and proceeded on into the town. She didn't pay the cats that much attention as they proceeded about the place. She would casually wave to those who waved to them, and had a casual aura to her as she proceeded about. She flaunted herself much like one normally would around her, it seemed like she was good at reading the general zeitgeist of an area to determine how she would behavior around here. It was rather strange they would have a tourist area where someone is trapped inside a barrier of some kind. Hopefully Duke Mind Storm would prove amicable in conversation, he likely would be eager to be freed - and hopefully not have some way to escape Spectra's magic.

The place looked rather nice, and she wondered how they would react to what their plan would be. Hopefully there wouldn't be any time for them to react to it at all, really - for she wanted to get in and get out with as little attention drawn to them as possible. Spectra noticed the older one there at the guard station, it was more likely in her thoughts that they treated this as lax as they wanted to the point where they likely didn't even think about something happening in this rea. She was careful to not get too comfortable with this, though. Looking to him she'd point to the guard station.

"You can go in there and play melodies to get the guards asleep. When all of the guards are asleep, I'll go in and look. In the meantime, I'll go look in the forge. If there is anything of value, I can teleport it to my base. Wouldn't need that much magic, depending on how large the items are. Consider this your first independent decision." she spoke, but giving no room for any sort of retort as she had already gone to the padlock and began picking the lock with her magic quickly and being sure to stay out of sight.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

"*sigh* As you wish."

So this is what he had been reduced to? A lackey, sent in to do meandering tasks, for someone who did not understand the extend, and value of his skillset? He were a classically trained musician, and skilled sound magician. And yet here he were going, playing lullabies to a bunch of bored guards... It were like asking a master chef, to make you a bowl of cereal, but alas, what choice had he in the matter? Least this way, none would die.

Now, be it far from him, to say he had never severely hurt, and potentially even caused some deaths. But he had directed his ire at targets, that deserved some of his hatred and wrath. A bunch of guards, in a tourist town, were not something he'd consider in his scope of things. Not as it stood currently at least, yet he had his orders.

*sigh* independent decision his flank...

He's pass the sleepy, older guard out front, with a nod, and then pass through to slowly begin his work in there. If he were going to cause a n entire barrack to rest, he may as well try and be subtle, so he'd hum slowly, as he wandered through the halls, and step by step, spread the drowsy tunes, throughout. Things should be pleasantly simple, once Spectra would arrive.

As for her, she'd likely have an easy time with the padlock, as it were as standard as they came. A few nick and picks, and it should pop open without issue.

Inside, she'd find... Little. Sadly, this forge weren't often used to deal with weaponry, but were often part of the tourist attractions. They made things like replica armor pieces here, strung together around blue, translucent figures, of various shapes and sizes. Maybe something of significance, seeing that they were meant to be tourist attractions, of some sort.

She'd also find horse shoes of various kinds, and a few minor projects, for things around town. Hinges, nails, barrel bands, that sort. Though there were a chest way, way in the back of the storage room, that had another lock on. One from the same package as the one to the front it appeared, and opening that one, would reveal a crate of actual useful things. A half dozen swords, two spears, a large, heavy, duo-bladed axe, and something thatwere best described, as a tough wooden bat, covered from just above the handle, to the tip, in thick, short, slightly blunted spikes. Whoever would swing this normally, wanted to not kill, but make something hurt A Lot, it seemed. There'd also be a spare set and a half of armor, two sizes larger than what she were wearing, and one size smaller, respectively. So a bit of usage here.

She'd also find something else, if she lingered here too long: A blacksmith, confused as to why the lock were not there, and going in to take a look, if someone had gotten lost, and ended up in here. If she lingered the five minutes it'd take for him to show, she could probably talk her way out of it though. She did look like a guard after all, so the blond, soot-stained stallion, might trust her due to that.

If she were gone before five minutes though, he wouldn't be none the wiser, likely. Depended on the lock, and how close to the deadline she got. Could be she were at the door, when he came back, and wondered why she were fiddling with the lock. Something easily explainable too.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra knew very well what she was doing and she enjoyed every second of it. The way she treated him and had him do menial tasks for her was something she definitely enjoyed - hidden behind the veneer of her otherwise authoritarian and perverse nature. It was hilarious, and she was going to get him to do more of these tasks later on when the opportunity came up. Despite having all the power in the world, perhaps she would make him do most of the heavy lifting during any fights they come across. Although, that may wear out his reliability to her. That was something for her to think about for the future. 
 

With approval, she would observe him as he would proceed into the barracks to continue his duties and would take the lock off and leave it unlocked so she could go in, and then exit in order to lock the lock back up so it would seem like nobody was in there. Once inside, she would quickly search the place for anything worthy of wear. She'd ignore the replica wear as she headed towards right to the storage room and upon opening up the chest and crate, she'd observe the contents with a grin. All of these were valuable to her, and she'd quickly prepare her spell around the items. With a good amount of focus and a rather large expenditure of magic, the crate inside the chest would vanish - to appear in the storage room she had in her base, containing similar arrays of items throughout it's large interior.

With another blue flash, the two sets of armor vanished. Perhaps she could find a use for those later, such as melting down their contents to make stronger weaponry for herself later on or finding a way to get them to fit with the other sets of armors she had from other places. Something to consider later on. That was another good amount of magic spent, not to mention the amount she had to use to remove any magical residue inside the place.

As she was leaving the place, she would see the stallion looking at the lock. She'd casually explain she was just performing an inspection and would lock the lock back up and proceed to leave, she did a motion with her hoof, suggesting that she had the key when she really didn't. If she was prompted about the key, she would explain that she has a spell used to unlock and unlock locks, which was rather useful for guards, but she would avoid saying anything further than that, as she would enter into the guard barracks, to survey the work Operata had done with the guards, and with intentions on stealing anything else there of value for herself. 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

The forgepony, did look, as Spectra were meddling with her shed, but as she were explained thing, he'd nod and just wish the mare a good day. He didn't even ask in about the lock, so she hadn't the need to explain that part to him.

Wasn't like he had reason to suspect foul play. This were a generally peaceful area, with only a few problem tourists. And of them, most were just drunk and stupid, doing more or less harmless stuff. Full on robbery, and tampering with official guard gear? Unheard of. As were it to impersonate an officer of the law. They tended to have a respectful, yet jovial connection with most, even if not all of them were local. Just folks, trying to do their jobs as assigned, and generally doing so well. This weren't Equestria after all. Their brand of monster attacks, and unrest, were far from common up here, in Caneighda.

As such, he did not even check the door, and just went over to clean his forge. It'd probably be hours, before he noticed anything missing. Days even. And even then, he'd have to ask the guards, if perhaps they hadn't just misplaced the things. Could be upwards of weeks, before there were an actual theft noticed.

As for the guard's office, the elderly guard outside, were resting soundly. Which really, weren't that unusual. Door duty were just his, because he liked the sound of the town, and he were going through the last months, before his retirement. That he had a little nap on slow days, weren't something he were judged on. Wasn't like there were trouble here to begin with, and as he were local, it were hard to find anyone around, who'd think poorly of him enough, to demand anything were done about it.

Inside, there were about a dozen guards, all leaning against a wall, resting soundly. Their positions making it obvious, that they had become steadily drowsy, and then sat down, or leaned against the wall, and then fallen asleep. It hadn't been sudden. Which could've caused injuries, and the less of that mess they caused, the less of a fuzz they'd make here.

Going further down the halls, and past the water cooler, she'd be able to hear the hum of her servant, which might begin to affect her slightly. Though if she'd push on, and he got into view, he'd halt the song, that he were humming. He'd be inspecting a storage room, with a few sets of spare armor, weaponry, food and water, as were standard issue. As well as having lifted a hoof, removing some of the armor on his leg, as well as rolling up his sleeve, to scratch properly. He hadn't thought there were others here, so it wouldn't be trouble.

What could be seen at about the hoof's width that he had rolled up his sleeve, were scorched fur. A few spots were some just didn't grow, over marred skin, and a little natural fur coat left, though most were halfway to wholesale torched off, and seemed dead. Like the hair just couldn't grow right again, regardless of how often it would normally grow out. If even it could, as no exposed skin, looked normal. It were too crusty and dark.

The natural looking coat, one could normally see around the end of his sleeves? Fake. It were stitched on the inside, giving the illusion that there were nothing out of the ordinary here. And as he noticed her, he'd quickly roll his sleeve in place again, and button it tightly around the bottom of his leg, right were the sleeve would meet his hoof.

"I see you're back already. Were your endeavors fruitful? For as you can see, mine have been."

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra forged her way in and observed the sleeping guard out front. An elderly guard such as he was not something that interested her and she forged in. Besides, it really didn't seem like they would have much in the way here of value other than what she had already taken. She walked into the guard's office and observed the various sleeping guards about the place, before walking into the place further and searching. She could hear his humming, and proceeded towards it, and would see him inspecting the storage room.

She saw his hooves there and knew something was up, he wanted to hide something. No doubt a large amount of burns and damaged hair from something in the past - perhaps that being the reason why he wears what he does. Not that she really cared, his personal past and injuries didn't interest her very much. She could ask about it, but now wasn't the time for her to do so. She wanted him to not know that she didn't see those injuries on him - so perhaps any further comments on it in the future would be far more potent. Oh well, time to focus on the objective.

"Yes. I managed to find two armor stands and there were some other weaponry there. Nobody suspected a thing. Let's see what we got here." she said as she marched up towards the storage. "Nothing seems to be of real interest here, anyways. Weaponry. Let's at least arm ourselves, before we proceed to the objective." she said, grabbing the most deadliest weapon she could find in here for herself, letting him choose what he needed. They already had armor, so they had what she needed. With a quick sip of the water, she was ready to go.

"Ready to go? There is nothing really here, so let's just go and get it over with." she said, almost like she was barking orders. 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

The deadliest weapon in there, were likely the jewel-encrusted saber. Seemed like someone here, were either originally from Saddle Arabia, or were a big fan of their weaponry. Compared to the other blades, it were not as defensive, but the curved weapon would certainly be more offensive, and the blade were sharp enough to cut blades of grass. Even if this wasn't much of a dangerous area, that didn't mean that you couldn't put some pride in your weaponry, right?

Gems seemed to be somewhat of a theme, for higher ranking ones. Nothing special or expensive, like Moon Tear Opals, but it were visually pleasing. And what Operata would go for too, had he the chance. He were not big on swords and the like, with more likeliness, that he'd hurt himself with that, or a spear, than whomever he were meant to hurt. But there were something. A bundle of chakrams, in seemingly pure silver. They did not have gems per se, but he holder the three chakrams were in, did have a rather notable blue gem, to give it some flair, seemingly.

His interest in this, were twofold: First being that in his teen years, he had actually practiced using these, and been fairly okay at it. primarily via magic use, but he knew how to do decently, without. Hence, this would be a familiar one, that he could make proper use of, over the more cumbersome swords and spears. Sure his hobby had never gone far back then, but it might now come back to be of use. And he doubted that Spectra would pick these. A chakram were not a weapon for beginners. Practice with these, typically included on site emergency nurses, just in case, for a reason.

The second were, that the gem might eventually prove useful. Not that he could attune it perfectly himself - there were a reason why he had bought batons in bulk - but he could maybe work a little on this, to make something work. And with some luck, Spectra wouldn't notice, until she were in a good enough mood to consider allowing that, if he used the guise of it being needed, to teach her more advanced magic, of his variety. Which honestly, were true as well.

"I suppose this would function."

There were other weapons, like the classic spears, and even a bow with some arrows, and a rifle of some sort, but he'd do best with this, if he were given the choice. Near combat were usually something he avoided, in his own way. Distance were more of a friend for him.

He'd also take some of the rations, and extra water, and put it in a saddlebag, which he equipped.

"Just in case, our trip takes longer than expected. If there are no objections, I would be ready to leave. Though we should likely make way to the barrier then. These guards, as well as those around the barrier, will inevitably wake up. We should be inside, before that occurs. Yes?"

Least this seemed all they'd do. Rob them of some prices weapons, and rations. Minor stuff really, as they didn't seem interesting to Spectra. For the better, he'd say. They'd get pursued with far more vigor, if some guards went missing. Them just robbing them of a few things, would get searches out, but it wouldn't be as fervent.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra smirked wildly at the deadliest weapon in here. Something she would take for herself, she knew for sure. "This is mine, oh yes..." she couldn't help but grin wildly, as she grabbed the weapon and hid it within her armor so that only the handle itself was sticking out, of which she easily obscured by shifting the armor slightly. 

Spectra would allow him to take the weapons he wanted. She was somewhat charitable as well, allowing Operata to pick what he pleased. If anything, this was just a method of making sure he wasn't entirely innocent in this situation - as such the two of them would go down together as a form of collateral in her eyes. But they would do best to make sure that didn't happen, and come out successful. The other weapons, such as the rifle she would take as well. She would leave behind the lower class weaponry such as the other swords and weaponry, she was after the high prize for herself.

She'd also take some of the rations, and extra water, and put it in a saddlebag, which she equipped in the same manner that he did. With that, she was ready to go.

Spectra agreed with him. "Reasonable suggestion. Let's get out of here and make ourselves scarce. By the time we are inside the barrier, these guards will be awake and not have a clue what happened. Let's make sure that remains the case." she spoke as she would leave the place, leaving everything else as it were. Spectra didn't take any of the guards though, none of them really appealed to be particularly powerful and she didn't wish to bog herself down by doing complex un-needed spells.

After Mind Storm, however? More ponies and others would be great game for her. After Mind Storm was gotten along with the other one of notable character - going 'hunting' would be on her to do list. Not a high priority, but one nevertheless. 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-02 at 10:26 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra smirked wildly at the deadliest weapon in here. Something she would take for herself, she knew for sure. "This is mine, oh yes..." she couldn't help but grin wildly, as she grabbed the weapon and hid it within her armor so that only the handle itself was sticking out, of which she easily obscured by shifting the armor slightly. 

Sadly for her, a weapon of that size, were not something that could just be hidden, within an armor, that were designed to sit well on the torso. Not without cutting her to the point of potential death. But if she took one of the blue capes from the room, which were sometimes used on the uniforms, in case of things needing to get a little bit more official (or if they felt fancy/cold), she could hide it under there. Long as it were in its scabbard, she'd be fine. A scabbard which of course, were also jewel-encrusted. Someone had really wanted to make things extra fancy for themselves. Maybe the loss of it, would make Spectra a little bit more happy.

As for the other things she'd nick, that were what that were. Rifles were a nice thing for non-magic users, to offer some range. Archery were not as heavily enforced in Caneighda, as it were in Equestria, with them preferring rifles, if need be. It were still pretty niche though, but never hurt having a few around.

Food and water, could be stored in one of the saddle bags, which Operata could already tell, he'd have to carry. Because of course, she'd make sure that he knew his place. Why wouldn't she? At least that were his thoughts, before seeing her doing so herself. Huh... Maybe she were messing with him again? Probably that, yes.

On 2022-07-02 at 10:26 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra agreed with him. "Reasonable suggestion. Let's get out of here and make ourselves scarce. By the time we are inside the barrier, these guards will be awake and not have a clue what happened. Let's make sure that remains the case." she spoke as she would leave the place, leaving everything else as it were. Spectra didn't take any of the guards though, none of them really appealed to be particularly powerful and she didn't wish to bog herself down by doing complex un-needed spells.

After Mind Storm, however? More ponies and others would be great game for her. After Mind Storm was gotten along with the other one of notable character - going 'hunting' would be on her to do list. Not a high priority, but one nevertheless. 

This incident, I can imagine they'll eventually 

"This incident, I can imagine them investigating discretely. No one missing, or hurt. Just some things stolen. It'd be embarrassing for them, to admit that they were tricked. Security will likely be raised for a time after.

No, the spectacle will not truly start, until they see something happen, inside the barrier. Either we'll die there, and this will just be a bad day for them, they'll pretend never happened. Or we cause something, and this will become quite the scene. Best be on our way, so we can give them something to remember."

At least, he hoped it would go that way, rather than them getting killed inside the barrier... One never knew with things such as this, but he for one, would prefer life, now that he had meaning for it once again. Couldn't be as careless, and somewhat thoughtless, as he had been for a while now.

Going outside, no one would bat an eye at them, long as they moved normally, and casually, like they had thus far. Nothing to see yet after all, eh? Just some guards, moving around. They even got a few more nods and waves. A nice town this were.

And getting to the forest, they'd find little more had changed. Although it seemed like there had been someone here, causing trouble. Besides them, that were. Specifically, it appeared that the guards had their personal packs ransacked, and coins and pictures, had been left within. Any food however, had been taken. Only one culprit would remain, to prove who had done this, as its furry little head, were still currently in one of the packs, pulling out another ration.

(This, but in charcoal black and grey)

The squirrel-like creature, with the over-sized ears, and webbed paws, would pull its head out again, ration in hand, and would turn around. It got a chance, to look at the two of them - as well as the cats, that had rejoined them as they were about to leave town, looking at it, like it might be interesting prey - and would jump a step backwards. Then, it would open its mouth at them, and what a sight to behold. Cause this one, had a maw far larger than it seemed like it should have. Enough width and height, fully opened, to comfortably fit a full grown pony's head, and were lined with three rows of backwards-pointed, small, yet sharp teeth. Seemed clear that anything going in there, were not supposed to go out again.

A hissing would come from its mouth, at which point, both cats had jumped back, and hidden behind Operata again. This were not prey. No, did not want.

"What the- What's a Mimic doing up here? I thought those things went extinct. Shoo. Shoo."

He'd urge the creature to leave. Which it would, unless Spectra had other ideas. Sure it didn't have magic, but it were a creature, born out of magic originally. Back from Discord's reign, when he had changed many creatures, one of them, were a band of squirrels, who adapted well with their new, aquatic predator side, and heightened intelligence. When Discord had been trapped, all of his chaos had gone away with him, but these creatures had bred over several generations by then, and it had gotten ingrained. They had lost some abilities, but the physical aspects, had mostly stuck.

They'd been thought off, as extinct some two hundred years past though. The community of them, had lived near Canterlot, but over the years, they'd just vanished. Historians assumed it were the massive town, which did it. A small town, they could do well with, but not a metropolis, and thus, they had left, and then not heard of again. Most assumed they had been eaten by bears, or something of the like, around four hundred years ago, or hadn't been able to do well, in unfamiliar surroundings.

That they were still a thing, were a surprise. The scavenging however, were not. They were notorious opportunists. So seeing all these sleeping guards, made for an easy time, grabbing some supplies. Ad to also mess with them, judging by the amount of twigs and moss, layered around on a few of them, to make them look silly.

As for this particular member, it would close its mouth, and slowly back away, whilst keeping an eye on them. Spectra more than the others. The creature knew the cats were scared, and Operata seemed to not be interested in doing anything, but scare it off. Spectra though, it wasn't sure about. It were an intelligent creature, so it were taking stock of them.

Wasn't valuable magically, but as a creature with a hidden side, and little to no moral scruples, she might find it an amusing creature, with some interest. Especially if she wanted to keep some tabs on/mess with the cats. And in turn, Operata.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would be sure to take one of the capes with her. She'd give one to Operata, not so much so for the sake of him having one but for the sake of her having a second one just incase anything had went wrong and the cape ended up getting damaged. In her eyes capes made one more suspicious - which is the reason why she never adorned them often in recent memory. In the old days, before the founding of Equestria she remembered that they were the norm at the time and then fell out of favor. How interesting that was, really.

The rifles were something else of interest. Ironically for one of Spectra's personality she never intended to kill anyone. The reason being that she'd be losing out on potential 'victims', as it were. Honestly, her mind was more numb to any form of consequences to her actions. She had been at her work for a long time after all, it's something that has more or less bled into her mind with no real enjoyment from it anymore, as she had not had the chance to go after the larger prey as they were doing now. 

Of course, she made Operata do all of the menial work for her. That was to be expected. Perhaps she could get him to do most of the fighting as well, just so she could save a fraction more of her power. That would be adequate. 

Spectra would laugh at his comment there, casually. "I've lived so long that a death now would matter little to me. After I have lived as long as I have thanks to my magic, I have realized that lifetimes such as your own are something that I do not quite care for. It is my own fault I did not accomplish my tasks, long, long ago. Perhaps if I had, you and others like you would have never lived under the monarchs that rule over Equestria." she stated. 

"Then again, I've held myself back for far too long. Food for thought. The last time I was conscious in this world was when I had captured the one most close to you. I only thawed out after I realized I accidentally put too little into my own spell. If it went as intended, I would have not wakened for another 200 years, as that is my goal. Every 200 years or so. Heh. Everything looks so flashy around here, doesn't it? It's nothing that I've really seen, these weapons here?" she asked, patting the rifles in her cape. "Are ones I am not at all familiar with, nor do I know how to use them." she grinned wider.

"I was tempted to wait for far longer terms and I easily could. I was afraid that if I waited for longer terms on the scale of thousands of years, I would have ended up in a world where the species of ponies no longer exists through self imposed means or were wiped out in some other event. Thing is with my magic, I can't go back. Not ever." she said in a rather serious tone, her eyes narrowing.

"How amusing, really. I saw our civilization rise before my very eyes and I am one of the only around who can still tell the tale of that. Nobody would listen to me nowadays. What, with their rainbow lasers and friendship? Hah, how pathetic, sour saps they are. If that's the way they go, then I would not be surprised if this truly the last the land has to offer." she added further before noticing the affects of someone else's meddling in the area. 

Spectra appeared unphased at the appearance of the fuzzy creature. At least more unphased in comparison to her companion. These creatures were interesting nevertheless. Could perhaps have another pet? Would take time and focus to raise, and she was never really one for animals beyond passing curiosities. Her eyes gazed at the creature. "Would be interesting, with our theft, and what the creature just did - maybe they'll blame this furry fellow, and not think any ill of any possible intruders? Not that it matters, it's best left in the wild. Rare creatures after all, that I am not equipped to have in my possession." her eyes turned to his cats. "2 cats is enough." she spoke.

Like that, she intended onward towards the barrier.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-10 at 2:10 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra would laugh at his comment there, casually. "I've lived so long that a death now would matter little to me. After I have lived as long as I have thanks to my magic, I have realized that lifetimes such as your own are something that I do not quite care for. It is my own fault I did not accomplish my tasks, long, long ago. Perhaps if I had, you and others like you would have never lived under the monarchs that rule over Equestria." she stated. 

"Then again, I've held myself back for far too long. Food for thought. The last time I was conscious in this world was when I had captured the one most close to you. I only thawed out after I realized I accidentally put too little into my own spell. If it went as intended, I would have not wakened for another 200 years, as that is my goal. Every 200 years or so. Heh. Everything looks so flashy around here, doesn't it? It's nothing that I've really seen, these weapons here?" she asked, patting the rifles in her cape. "Are ones I am not at all familiar with, nor do I know how to use them." she grinned wider.

"I was tempted to wait for far longer terms and I easily could. I was afraid that if I waited for longer terms on the scale of thousands of years, I would have ended up in a world where the species of ponies no longer exists through self imposed means or were wiped out in some other event. Thing is with my magic, I can't go back. Not ever." she said in a rather serious tone, her eyes narrowing.

"How amusing, really. I saw our civilization rise before my very eyes and I am one of the only around who can still tell the tale of that. Nobody would listen to me nowadays. What, with their rainbow lasers and friendship? Hah, how pathetic, sour saps they are. If that's the way they go, then I would not be surprised if this truly the last the land has to offer."

Nothing but troubling revelations, or potential lies, in her little villain speech. Not as grand as some he had heard, but he had found that these sorts, tended to have a fondness for speeches, soon as they got going. And far too often, it were troubling stuff that were presented.

Still, credit where credit where do. At least she did not flaunt too much, or give away the grand plan, as well as admitted a little bit of error. That were not something he heard often, though he were still not sure, how true any of this were. She had a history of lying, and making up stories, after all.

At face value though, if this Were true, she'd not only be pretty old, but would have gone into various hibernation stages. That in his mind, did not bode well for him. If he were not useful, his wife would never get released. If he were too useful, why wouldn't she just freeze him down with her, and make use of him in the future too? There truly did not seem to be an outcome, where he were free, lest you counted death as freedom. Not unless he somehow gave her one, that were far more useful to her then he were, whilst having played an instrumental part, in acquiring them... It was bleak hope, but perhaps, hope nonetheless.

It did also put in perspective, with her victims... There may truly be more changed for them, than at most, a few years, as he had previously thought.

"Might I inquire about the time? Why every two hundred years? Furthermore... By civilisation, do you mean the start of Equestria, or generally, equine's rise to some semblance of civilisation? There's a difference of several millennia there.

And I would not be so careless, around what you call rainbow lasers. They have managed to contain demi gods, with such magic. Powerful creatures, who laughed at it's mere mention too."

On 2022-07-10 at 2:10 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra appeared unphased at the appearance of the fuzzy creature. At least more unphased in comparison to her companion. These creatures were interesting nevertheless. Could perhaps have another pet? Would take time and focus to raise, and she was never really one for animals beyond passing curiosities. Her eyes gazed at the creature. "Would be interesting, with our theft, and what the creature just did - maybe they'll blame this furry fellow, and not think any ill of any possible intruders? Not that it matters, it's best left in the wild. Rare creatures after all, that I am not equipped to have in my possession." her eyes turned to his cats. "2 cats is enough." she spoke.

Like that, she intended onward towards the barrier.

The mimic would keep backing off, until near a bush, at which point, it would turn around, and hightail out of here. It did not know who these two were, but the female looked and smelled like trouble. Big trouble. It should probably go back to the village, and warn the others that they needed to watch out for the one that looked like her. The ones with blue capes.

"They might blame some things, but that will mostly be the teasing, and food, as well as any minor things. What I recall reading about them, they were- Are, notorious scavengers, and opportunists. A bunch of sleeping guards, are easy to take advantage of. I'm guessing there's a river somewhere nearby, where their village is, or what else you might call it. Were this a better time, I'd have half the mind trying to find it myself frankly, and jolt it down. A fiar few who'd pay well, to hear about seemingly extinct species, not being so extinct after all.

That said, I agree with my girls. Shouldn't stick around with them. Even just looking at it, it seemed like a ton of trouble. Which isn't much of a surprise, coming from creations of Discord, I suppose.

Regardless, we're here, there's some others to blame for a bit of this. Shall we enter? And if so, how'd you like to do this? Scale the wall, and be subtle about it, or get rid of any kind of pretense, and just blast a hole in it? There's no gates to wander through, if that ifs what you may think. This were not build for others to go inside. Just to keep noisy foals from entering."

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

"Why the time? I threw a dart at the board and that's what it came up to be. I've long since lost any care for the time that passes. Months, days, years - it's all dust in the wind but in the end I'm still all the same. When you were walking the streets as a foal, I was out there frozen in stasis in a dreamless sleep as my only escape from this world. I once thought about putting myself in stasis and not coming out, just so that I wouldn't have to realize my limitations every day, every moment of walking on this trodden ground." her words felt more honest, but was she honest? That was hard to tell. She felt the need to bury the truth spun up with lies, if he could pick the two apart from the other? That was up to him to do.

"One day I'll die knowing that I'll be whole and that's what's on my horizon. Many of your historical figures of my stature care about power and control. Of course, that's part of the game but not the reason why you play? Power is all a means to an end. When you know the streams of time you know that it all fades eventually into the rapids. But knowing what I want, I'll be the one to overflow the streams, wipe the land clean, and give this world the restart it needs so that the Alicorns don't hog up the water with their massive waterlocked ships." she commented, clearly making an analogy.

She didn't have much to really say or add on the Mimic, finding it to be an interesting creature. If they had the time perhaps they would have taken it with them and she would have trained it, but alas, that was not meant to be. "Let's scale the wall, I want to be in and out as quickly, quietly and as without risk as possible. If something big happens here then its only a matter of time someone out there gets wind of it. So let's be subtle." she spoke with no room to disagree.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-12 at 1:45 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Why the time? I threw a dart at the board and that's what it came up to be. I've long since lost any care for the time that passes. Months, days, years - it's all dust in the wind but in the end I'm still all the same. When you were walking the streets as a foal, I was out there frozen in stasis in a dreamless sleep as my only escape from this world. I once thought about putting myself in stasis and not coming out, just so that I wouldn't have to realize my limitations every day, every moment of walking on this trodden ground." her words felt more honest, but was she honest? That was hard to tell. She felt the need to bury the truth spun up with lies, if he could pick the two apart from the other? That was up to him to do.

"I... See. A peculiar direction, but if it works for you, that is what is of importance, yes?"

Honestly, he more thought it was wildly foolish, and dumb. If she wanted to get better, waiting in stasis, wasn't gonna change anything. The equine races had not historically gotten weaker over the generations, but rather stronger. Varying slightly, depending on area, of course. Whereas Spectra then, would just remain the same, rather than improving. That wasn't all that sensible, but he couldn't just openly call her an idiot. Not anymore.

On 2022-07-12 at 1:45 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"One day I'll die knowing that I'll be whole and that's what's on my horizon. Many of your historical figures of my stature care about power and control. Of course, that's part of the game but not the reason why you play? Power is all a means to an end. When you know the streams of time you know that it all fades eventually into the rapids. But knowing what I want, I'll be the one to overflow the streams, wipe the land clean, and give this world the restart it needs so that the Alicorns don't hog up the water with their massive waterlocked ships." she commented, clearly making an analogy.

"I've met one who said much the same. He tried to go and wrestle power from a god to have the power to reset the world, in a - according to him - better image.

Far as I know, he got lost, and eaten by a bear.

I suppose that's not important. Just a mention, that lofty goals are good, but only those who knows their limits, tend to get there. I genuinely worry how competently, you could likely accomplish something similar, and not be eaten by a bear."

On 2022-07-12 at 1:45 AM, Spectral Fade said:

She didn't have much to really say or add on the Mimic, finding it to be an interesting creature. If they had the time perhaps they would have taken it with them and she would have trained it, but alas, that was not meant to be. "Let's scale the wall, I want to be in and out as quickly, quietly and as without risk as possible. If something big happens here then its only a matter of time someone out there gets wind of it. So let's be subtle." she spoke with no room to disagree.

Scaling the wall would be no small feat, but then, that were only for earth ponies. As magic users, they could simple have themselves be engulfed in magic, and float over. That it at least what Operata did, and thus, he would pass through the magic barrier, with his cats. Which were fairly easy. Like floating through a thin layer of water. Though if one tried to push at it from the inside, it would be stronger than any concrete or metal, and there were no teleporting out of it. At this point, they'd either defeat Duke Mindstorm in some manner, granting them an exit, or they'd die in here. Which they'd find, were not unheard of, as not four feet from them, there were two, old sets of of skeletons. Likely griffon, though age and severe mauling, had made them near impossible to identify fully. Were it not for some beak parts, Operata at least, could only guess what the parts, scattered over a three diameter area, were.

They'd also soon see that the stories of monsters, were not false either. Not ten seconds had passed, after Spectra had entered, before one of the nearby trees, would shake violently. The branches would lift, the creature would uproot itself, and then lurch towards them, with vines firing from the crowns, of the tattered crown of it. The bark would give way to three unevenly placed eyes, entirely yellow. Like globes of gold.

In the middle, a large maw would open, leading into a room bubbling with some sort of green liquid, flailing, fleshy tendrils, and a myriad of teeth, above and below the maw.

The first target would be Spectra. It seemed to think her the easier prey. Likely the last mistake it were ever going to make.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra went silent and would follow him up the wall by floating over the barrier in a similar manner to his own. As she did so, his words went throughout her mind. All or nothing, she thought. Either she was going to accomplish her goals or die trying. No consequences in her mind. She had gone far too long to even think about such a thing. Failure for her meant a horrible death, so obviously she preferred total victory and would not settle for anything short of that. It was a relentless goal to reach - one that has such consumed almost all facets of her mind. It would be foolish to talk her out of it. Didn't stop some from trying. 

When they entered within the place she would overlook the remains of those who found an unfortunate end here. She scoffed somewhat at that. Looking to the tree that uprooted itself she would begin a magical charge. Her horn would light up a brilliant blue, with many ponies flowing through it. She forgot how many ponies she had captured within her orbs. Spectra lost count at a dozen. The years blurred together. All with that one and insatiable goal before her eyes. 

"When every tree in this world becomes a cinder tomorrow - it will be my paradise, so long as those of the future have the power to call their ashes their own!" she chanted as her horn strobed brilliant shades of blue. A large ice shard would fire forth from her horn and shoot right at the creature's maw. Right as it did so, it split exponentially until there were tiny barbs of ice crystals right into the creature's maw. She made a motion for Operata to begin an attack on the creature as well.

Edited July 18, 2022 by -Solstice-

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-16 at 2:45 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"When every tree in this world becomes a cinder tomorrow - it will be my paradise, so long as those of the future have the power to call their ashes their own!" she chanted as her horn strobed brilliant shades of blue. A large ice shard would fire forth from her horn and shoot right at the creature's maw. Right as it did so, it split exponentially until there were tiny barbs of ice crystals right into the creature's maw. She made a motion for Operata to begin an attack on the creature as well.

The tree would stagger back, clawing feebly at it's maw, where the ice crystals were spreading. It were not used to magic like this being used against it. Unfortunately, it would be a short-lived thing, as the stomach acid they would've seen, would start to erode the crystals fairly quickly. Though they had done something. They had made this thing really angry, and it now charged towards Spectra as quickly as it's creaking body allowed. Which really weren't all that fast, but the vines were. That were how it usually caught unaware prey.

That were, until a chakram came flying through the air, guided by magic to some extend, and cut off four of them, that were headed towards Spectra. Still left the two, that were trying to get to her throat though, yet not those aimed for her limbs. And by the deep, guttural groan that came from the thing, this had probably hurt.

From the cut off vines, would not spring a few drops of sap though, but a steady stream of glittering, emerald blood, for a few seconds, before the ends hardened, to avoid more of a loss. Where it landed on the ground, the grass bloomed, yet looked deformed. Like how the evergrown of dryads would grow things, yet with something having gone wrong in the process. Perhaps the backstory to this thing existing.

Regardless of reason, it would extend branches towards him, trying to both get the mare with its vines, and him with the branches. Made him jump back some, and miss the capture of the chakram. His minor outburst of curse-words over that, were mostly focused on him lamenting that he were too rusty with these things, yet his magic were troubling to use here, without a foci. He couldn't direct things properly, so if he tried hitting the tree, it would also hit Spectra.

Grr... Maybe he just had to hope that she were able to counteract the worst by now, and hope for the best.

So his horn would glow, with musical nodes dancing upon the length of it, and he'd start to let out a deep, baritone voice. No words there, beyond a generic *La la la la*, but the effect were not in words, but the tone. This one specifically, were meant to cause headaches, and weaken the mind. Which he stopped with quickly, as it became obvious that it did not work. Like, at all. The tree monster, did not have the systems needed for getting affected, like a regular being like that. Maybe lacking a brain, or at least having it encased differently. Whatever the case, it would keep trying to get them both, with branches and vines, whilst he had to jump away from attacks. Same with the cats. Grr, had he only his foci, he couldn't had them empowered and attacking, but right now, it were too risky. Especially since the tree began to drip corrosive goo from its mouth, leaving smoking holes in the dirt wherever it hit.

"Your ice attack. Can it go further? Might work to pierce it from the inside out. I'll try and draw its attention."

And for the record, it could work. It weren't made, to be frozen from the inside out, since frankly, who'd think of that? Sure it could melt whatever ice came in, but piercing would do a little. Better bet would be to make it brittle, then shatter it. Not fire. If this thing started to run around, whilst on fire, they'd end up setting fire to everything in this entire forest. Which would include them. Controlled fires only, though even then, with how dry it were in here right now, it were not advisable.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

The vines of the creature were enough to keep her from getting closer to it. Now that she had the ice crystals inside of it, that didn't matter all that much. Spectra kept her distance from the creature as she focused on the ice shards inside of it. In the meantime, she looked to Operata with an approving nod to show that she approved of his actions. Honestly this thing was quite creepy, and they'd be doing the world a favor by ridding the world of it's presence. 

"I can go further. I hadn't started yet." she called out to him. The ice inside of the creature's maw would begin to expand in fractal like formations. It was a slow process, but it was noticeable. Her horn glowed a bright shade of blue as this occurred. Also of note, a blue beam of light formed from her horn and shined into the maw of the creature. Shortly after, she started to move the ice crystals around inside the maw of the creature painfully. Dragging them around, tearing at it's flesh or whatever form of interior this creature would have.

As she'd tear them about it's maw, the crystals would slowly expand. Across Spectra's face came a cruel and sickening grin. One so wide, that it could almost split her face. Perhaps it comes with experience? Either way, she wasn't going to allow anything or anyone to beat her down. "Don't bother trying with Music. Let's slay this with efficiency. Aim for the branches, offensive actions!" she commanded him, like a military general would.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-20 at 4:43 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"I can go further. I hadn't started yet." she called out to him. The ice inside of the creature's maw would begin to expand in fractal like formations. It was a slow process, but it was noticeable. Her horn glowed a bright shade of blue as this occurred. Also of note, a blue beam of light formed from her horn and shined into the maw of the creature. Shortly after, she started to move the ice crystals around inside the maw of the creature painfully. Dragging them around, tearing at it's flesh or whatever form of interior this creature would have.

The hollow groan would increase in volume, and frequency, as the creature staggered. It wasn't used to the scarce prey that walked in here, to fight this much. It wasn't right. It wasn't how it were meant to be. It were the predator. The one who killed intruders! The one who... The one who...

As the insides were torn and shredded by the ice, the pain were stirring something else. Something long forgotten, by the thing that were slowly, but surely bleeding out from the attacks, both inside and out.

A feint glimmer flickered in its unnatural eyes, and it brought its own hands to its head, clawing away at it's bark, exposing more glittery blood, that fell to the ground, causing more abnormal flora. Yet it were short-lived, and fury would raise in its eyes now. Claws extended, and with a loud, bellowing groan, it would lumber forward, eager to take blood for blood.

They'd only have to avoid for about ten more seconds though. The internal wounds were too severe, and while the sap would try and cover things, it couldn't keep up, and soon would lump over, falling to the ground with a loud, notable thud.

The disturbing part though, were not that, but rather what followed. The internal wounds, having cut way to some internal parts that did not seem like they should belong. Some rather... Equine ones, if one knew their organs. Which sadly, Operata did, to some extend. Seeing the twisted, yet notable heart especially, made him gag, and walk back in disgust.

"I heard... Stories, the last time I was in the area. Of monsters born, of the mad duke's experiments. There were never anything conclusive, but the rumors were plenty, about what happened to his once plentiful staff...

...The world will not miss the one, who did this."

And to think, this were just the outskirts. What else might they run into, as they went deeper inside this treacherous forest? He were not thrilled to find out, but it were sadly not, as if he had a choice in the matter. There were no way out, except for through him. And to get to him, they first had to get to the ominous tower, rising high in the midst of the forest.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would run away from the creature as it staggered towards them, and kept hey eyes on it as it eventually collapsed and succumbed to it's internal wounds. It was a horrifying thing, really. Something that did not deserve to exist within the world whatsoever and she'd soon find out exactly why. Looking at the revelation of the Equine Organs was enough to convince her what this thing was. A mad experiment, committed by the a mad pony - just so happening to be the one they were after. 

Operata could see within Spectra's eyes more emotion than he had seen out of her before. A combination of Melancholy combined with a sense of...loss? She'd force that to the side, but it was clear that Spectra wasn't entirely what she claimed to be. Maybe the vast majority, sure, but what remained if all that was taken away? There was a possibility there, to be sure. She would remain silent for a little while, gazing at the corpse of the creature. She didn't feel one bit guilty for doing what she did to the creature, if anything it released it's misery and pain after all this time. Spectra granted the creature what it needed. Mercy.

Then she looked to him. "It is clear to me now that these monsters that roam this area are that of former ponies. The only solution to this is death. They deserve that much. These ponies have already had fates worse than death, but perhaps we can grant them the peace that they need in the end. If anything, you should relish it. If such a mind created this, then I am sure that such a mind would be able to create something far greater. However, this Duke Mind Storm...is not to be shown any kind of freedom, once we have him. I will not risk him escaping, and potentially causing needless chaos and misery." she pointed to the creature.

"We will gild him into what the world exactly needs. Or give him too - a release from his wrongdoings." she mentioned and turned away, already charging up another spell in preparation for the next monster to take down, as they proceeded forward. "Each step of the way, we make history. Let us make a future, as well..." with that, she was ready for what lay ahead. At least that is what she thought so far. She did suggest however, that they stay quiet, in the attempts of hopefully being able to avoid these monsters as much as possible.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

On 2022-07-23 at 6:00 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Then she looked to him. "It is clear to me now that these monsters that roam this area are that of former ponies. The only solution to this is death. They deserve that much. These ponies have already had fates worse than death, but perhaps we can grant them the peace that they need in the end. If anything, you should relish it. If such a mind created this, then I am sure that such a mind would be able to create something far greater. However, this Duke Mind Storm...is not to be shown any kind of freedom, once we have him. I will not risk him escaping, and potentially causing needless chaos and misery." she pointed to the creature.

"We will gild him into what the world exactly needs. Or give him too - a release from his wrongdoings." she mentioned and turned away, already charging up another spell in preparation for the next monster to take down, as they proceeded forward. "Each step of the way, we make history. Let us make a future, as well..." with that, she was ready for what lay ahead. At least that is what she thought so far. She did suggest however, that they stay quiet, in the attempts of hopefully being able to avoid these monsters as much as possible.

So she did have a sliver of decency to her after all. Provided that she spoke truthfully, of course.  Yet if ever there were a point, now would be it, considering what it were that they had just witnessed. History in its own right, yet tuckered away, and desperately attempted to be forgotten. Sure it were a tourist attraction, but that had happened despite the original wishes, as others became curious, of the strange magic dome. The town had not been thrilled at first, but eventually, it had accepted that they may as well, make the best of a bad situation.

Wasn't all open and sunshine though. All documentation, of what happened in the tower, and of Duke Mindstorm himself, were burned. Those who were lost in here, had their death certificates all say that they had died in combat, and back in the day, the few surviving locals that had worked there, and knew what had happened, had been sworn to secrecy.

In time, the survivors died off for various reasons, including old age, but a few yet remained. As did their stories, which had been shared to some extend. Not about what the things in there were to begin with, as that were the biggest, and heaviest secret, they had to carry with them. But about the duke, his evil deeds, and some details about his experiments. It added to the stories, that tourists came to ask, though they sat with heavy hearts, when they remembered the entirety of what had happened, and heard the rumors that the tourists, and younger locals, would begin to spin around the old tales. None of them knew exactly how bad it were, or why it had taken place. And they prayed that none of them ever would.

"There's more to it sadly, than what these poor, twisted souls deserve. Think further. What happens, if the barrier goes down, and they're still all alive? You saw the guards. This is clearly not seen as a place, where they send their best anymore. If these things gets out, it's going to get ugly, and we're going to have a spotlight shone harshly upon us.

And I doubt we have seen the worst this place have to offer. The most dangerous creatures, are never at the edge."

She might not care as much, but he for one, would like to not be known, as the infiltrator, who caused widespread ruin, by letting an unknown number of rampant, former ponies turned monsters, loose on the populace. Were they not chased before, they certainly would be afterwards. And not by second grade adventurers, or like him, someone who had been put on punish duty, more or less. No, it would be actual, top tier fighters, and bounty hunters. Heck, they might even get The Hidehunter himself on their trail, and Operata would not want to be within fifty miles of that minotaur.

"Be that as it may... It is good to see you have some empathy for the former ponies, as well as ire to their creator. The latter of whom I would strongly agree on, should not leave this place as a free being.

Yet I wonder, what the source of this all is. The thing we just fought, you saw how greenery grew, where its blood fell? This effect is similar to the evergrown's blood, yet it didn't seem to be perfectly replicated. Seems an odd thing to pursue."

As they walked further in however, pursue would be a good word, as they would not long after, be subjugated to another creature. This one getting noticed, when the cats began meowing at a berry bush. The bush itself seemed benign, but upon closer inspection, the shadows around it, seemed darker, and thicker, than should be cast by this. More spacious too. Operata halted to look closer, and then, something would unfurl from the bush, and jump up towards him. A swarm of small, shadow-colored insects, about a hoof in size, swarming like one entity. A form of an elongated, humanoid shadow, with an open, buzzing mouth, reaching out with clawed hands, and pinning him down with it's left one.

It would reach it's other up, seeing to slice down, but he'd break out a soundwave. The little he could, and pushed the hand off of him, before it hit, where he had been before. Might be that these things were small individuals, but they seemed to be a hivemind, moving in perfect tandem, and having the consistency of bone. In fact, were you to kill one, it would fall off, and become inactive, while the rest moved to accommodate the lacking space being made. The inactive part, would then be shown to actually be pearl white carvings and splinters, made of bone. Likely equine. The entity seemed to be those, animated by some sort of foul, dark magic. As well as being a fast, ambush predator. They shouldn't linger with this, if possible.

His sound magic had some effect on this one, with the sound he made, seemingly making it shiver, and move erratically, as that sound, had some interference with the one the things made themselves. Yet without the foci, he could mostly just keep it locked down, more or less. He did not have the tools to kill it.

They seriously needed a talk later on, about him being allowed one of his spare battons. This were getting ridiculous.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

As they walked forward, Spectra had it on her mind that she didn't know or understand the full background of this place. She had never heard of this place before. That was likely because of her long time spent in stasis. Perhaps this time period should be an exception to that, because there was clearly a lot more to learn about the world after all. She has her youth spells after all, for being a mare of her age her body was relatively young even including the time periods she has rapidly advanced herself through. But despite that, she's missed out on new knowledge. Probably one of the reasons she has never heard of the types of magic that Operata wields. Back in her day, it was more elemental based magic. Things you would normally see in nature - very rarely, if any beyond that as far as she can remember.

One thing did cross her mind. That being her homeland. The Kingdom of Arcadia. At the time, it was a vast distant land far beyond that of Equestria. It was only populated by Unicorns, so it was different from that of the three tribes that founded modern day Equestria. According to what she remembers, Arcadia at the time she was young was one of the most powerful nations on the planet. It's Unicorns wielded authority over the elements and their King and Queen were wise and fair. Her hometown of Wormwood, was close enough to where the spires of the Capital were seen on the distant Mt.Atlas. Not all that dissimilar from Equestria, that is. Arcadia had a larger amount of pine forests and Redwoods, as it was slightly further to the Northwest - it was many many months of travel away on hoof, boat, and such. 

With how technology has progressed, she can imagine that at some point in the past the newly founded Equestrian nation opened up official contact with them and eventually overtook Arcadia in power and influence, eventually absorbing it. She imagines with the alicorns, the Arcadians would have been bred out of existence and their natural identity would have completely vanished from the face of the Earth. Another reason for her to dislike the alicorns, for removing her homeland from existence. However, there was no proof of this concept. She had no answers, and there was no word from anything of that area. For all she knew, it could still exist as a distant Kingdom, but likely far different from when she was there due to how much has changed. Spectrahad her own lore, and so did this place. Interesting that she didn't know of this place, and it didn't know of her. How ironic.

Looking to him, she'd agree. "That is not something I would like to be responsible for. We are here for one purpose and anything else would only further delay our task and not only that, open up influence from other more powerful forces to intervene. If anything goes wrong, and these creatures do indeed escape - I do not want to be around here when that happens. We need to make sure that doesn't happen, though. We need to make sure all of these creatures are brought to death." she added grimly, and then considered what he said next.

"Now that you mention it, it is indeed strange. Perhaps we can find the source and neutralize it. Likely is within the tower, if these creatures are animated by something external from themselves. Perhaps that will be a key to killing them." she spoke, and went silent after that. 

As soon as the other creature came about, it was clear their previous conversation would be over with. The creature that they were dealing with was strange like the other. It was insect like and definitely seemed to have signs of a hive mind. As it charged at him, she would encourage him to use his magic against this creature as it seemed to be vulnerable to it. "Use your sound magic to distract it, while I attack!" she signaled to him, and her horn glowed a deep blue color and from her horn three large ice spikes would form and burst forward at a gracious speed, aiming for the main creature itself - to stab into it, and as the spikes flew through the air smaller ones would break off at somewhat inaccurate manners, perhaps some of them would hit the other insects, perhaps not. She was more than glad that he was able to defend himself against this creature.

 

Edited August 10, 2022 by -HeedGreen-

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

None of the bone insects, were the prime one. Every last one, had a part of the greater hive mind imprinted, and thus, her attacks did diminish it slightly in size, as it would need to reform around the dead members, but it wouldn't be killed, nor made all that much weaker. It would though, make them angrier, and though disoriented by the sound, they would strike. Splitting apart into two main swarms, forming large, sharp hands, flying towards them both.

The one going for Operata, would split up, just before it got too near him. T% smaller hands, 2 grabbing as his cats, while the others went for him. He fended those off well, and his cats did mostly fine... Until a loud, scared meow, proved even before she were raised up, that Falsetto had been caught by the tail, and were now about to be carried off for quick consumption. The poor dark cat, flailing in the air, helplessly trying to paw away the insect swarm.

Upon seeing this, the otherwise meek and friendly Sonata, would growl notably, and bash away at her own, whilst going up for her friend. In turn, Operata would also have just about had it, and would - with a deep, bellowing base sound - begin a song to strengthen. It couldn't give as much to the cats as earlier, but it would do enough, as they would begin to crackle slightly, and with more powerful hits, bash away bits and pieces of the insects, eventually leaving it to stop trying to grasp for them, and begin a hasty retreat, along with those that had gone for Operata. Those specifically, had given him some cuts, as he focused on this, but as they had gone for his cats, this had gotten personal, and his anger were felt in his music. As it were not directed, it would after all, hit Spectra too. Empowering her, but also carry the increasing rage, and anger that he felt, over seeing anything daring to harm who meant so much to him.

The same rage that made him throw out the chakrams, and join his cats in constantly attacking every remnant of the swarm, regardless of how much they attempted to fall back, and get away from him.

"Perish, you disgusting creature!"

He would not get all though. Unless something changed, it would have at least twenty members semi-scattered, making a hasty retreat, whilst some members of it, would be killed off. Following them, would be whomever survived the attack on Spectra. Which would likely be none, as she were plenty capable of handling this, and whatever remnants attempted to escape her too.

Once everything were said and done, and Operata's music would slow down, and then halt, he'd stand there, taking breaths through gnashed teeth, and looking like he were just about ready to kick somepony's face in. Not a surprise really. The music he had played, combined with his mental state before, had unbalanced him some. What one could expect though. She had seen how emotional he got, when he saw his supposedly dead wife. Now too she saw him react on his cats. Though he did his to hide it well, he were by nature, a very emotional pony, and one that got attached to the creatures around him, that were with him. His wife for one, but also their cats, as they had been darlings of his wife, and had won him over far more easily, than he wanted to admit.

The double edged sword, of being a musical magic user. Or bard, if one wanted to be pedantic, and hopelessly short-sighted on the topic. You had to be emotional to get the greatest effects, but know which buttons to push, and it could backfire. Like now, when he looked at Spectra, really not in the mood for more drivel.

"When this is over, I want a baton. Keep the one you took. Tartarus be damned, keep most of the dozens more I have hidden. But I need to be able to direct this, or I cannot protect them."

It'd be a bit more of him taking deeper breaths, and softening slightly, bit by bit, as he did so, before he would continue. This time in a more rational, less irritated voice.

"...Please consider my meager request, and humble apologies for my outburst. I would still have no reason to attack you, nor the capacity to win regardless. And I could teach you better things, you could use your own crystals for."

He didn't like being humble, but he had not done himself favors before. He needed to try and make it better, before he dug himself too far down a hole, which he could not escape from again.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would observe the creature's actions before noticing the actions of his animal companions. While she was doubtful of any use they could possibly have in combat, it was proven now that they were able to have some use after all. She was wrong to doubt his ability and would be sure not to do so again. While she never would admit that verbally, she did see how wrong she was in that regard. There was no time to dwell on that, though, there were far greater issues at hand here that she had no time to make a delay in. 

While Operata was doing his highly emotional musical attacks on them, Spectra was using her ice magic to spear the creatures individually. While this was a bit more inefficient, it was a lot more likely for her strikes to land true to the mark exactly as she intended. While she did miss a few here and there, the creatures who had remained were wiped out by the combination of their magic. It was oddly poetic, the two former enemies facing off against the same threat together. How interesting things change, now isn't it? 

Spectra would bide her tongue throughout combat. In her eyes, talk during a sign of combat was improper. She didn't really care about what he did, though, as she was more focused on her own attacks and setting priorities within her mind. She'd watch as the rest of the creatures would flee the area, and figuring it was best to proceed forward before more could come about. It was a plus, that his manner of magic was highly emotional in nature, as it made him a lot easier to string up and manipulate to the way that she intended. She met his eyes a bit coldly.

"We will discuss that some other time. If we succeed, you will definitely prove your worth and I will return your Baton to you - and find something equivalent or greater for myself. Let's get a move on before any of those creatures are able to return, and find us in greater numbers." she spoke, and shot him a bit of a glare, before proceeding forward like they were before, on high guard. 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

The remnants of the creature they had just faced, would gather somewhere else in the forest, far from them. Long as some of them were alive, they could rebuild, and rise up once more. One had to destroy every last part, for it to be truly done. Yet the more of it got replaced over time, the less there were, of the pony, or ponies, it had once been. It had long since become far more than simply one, as it devoured hapless fools entering this forest, or other, weaker monsters, or the animals that sometimes got themselves trapped in here. Primarily birds, flapping down to roost.

On 2022-07-30 at 8:12 PM, Spectral Fade said:

"We will discuss that some other time. If we succeed, you will definitely prove your worth and I will return your Baton to you - and find something equivalent or greater for myself. Let's get a move on before any of those creatures are able to return, and find us in greater numbers." she spoke, and shot him a bit of a glare, before proceeding forward like they were before, on high guard.

"No, the one you took are... Changed. As said, I have extras. I bought them wholesale, in case of something happening to my batons. The one you took, were my third lost. They are attuned to me, but as you are making progress in copying my sound, perhaps it will not take much to attune most of them to your particular tune. Though I don't know how severe the effect would be, with a combined foci, and your expanded magic."

She were clearly not pleased by his outburst. He'd need to try and smooth this out, as well as offer her more than he had let on. Both in foci, and in usefulness in here.

"If it will help smooth over my... Previous insolence, I can offer you the name, and last known address, of the one I bought these from. He could attune them better than any.

The curse of emotional magic. It can grip you, like so much else magic, if you are not careful. Necromancers growing closer to death, friendship magic users, getting irritatingly clingy- Things can go poorly, if one is not careful"

"A lesson all of us learned..."

They'd hear the voice, before any would show. Operata would have weapons drawn, when he heard the otherworldly, female voice, and turned to see one step out of the forest, cautiously, and with no apparent weapon, or aggressive stance even.

The one in question, seemed to be a being made out of pure, magical energy. A light blue color, reminiscent of arcane, but with small puffs of saruka-pink blossoming within randomly, before fizzling out, rinse and repeat. There were some thick wooden plates giving features though. The top half of a kitsune mask, complete with the long snout, plates on the front of all four legs, and three rings, wrapped around the glowing fox tail, wafting calmly behind the creature. A last one made for the back piece, though none of them seemed defensive in nature, so it were hard to grasp why they were here, if not for some aesthetic reason. Or perhaps, it were the rough form, keeping it contained.

"Who are you? What tricks are you planning?"

"I am... Was? Thin Veil. I don't know what to call myself now. Not that it matters. The others don't listen. They're too lost. Even those newer than me.

You're fresh. Do you know what year it is?"

It, or she, would sit down, waiting for a response, at a distance. If any of them attacked, they'd find the area around Veil would seemingly go erratic, making it impossible to actually hit the creature with an attack. A common trick with kitsune, yet here, you could see the magic pulsate from the form. An interesting, yet odd sight, in his eyes.

Regardless of if Spectra tried to attack, he'd answer what year it were, wanting to see where this would lead. Which would be the energy fox looking upwards. An aura of sorrowfulness would run through the air for a moment, like a wave, passing soon after, before she would look back at them. Her eyes were just the same energy, sitting in the mask, yet emotions focus would be felt, if one tried to focus on it.

"Three years then... I wonder how long it's been, after what he did...

You won't end up like us. He's done. But you're strong. Maybe you can last, until he breaks through, and you can escape? I haven't seen anything deal with Buzzworth yet, like you did."

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

Spectra listened to his words in an attentive manner. "We'll worry about that when we get there. I doubt we'll find anything like that here, so after we get out of here we'll pursue finding a proper foci for me. You can have yours back. You have no doubt proven your loyalty to me and my cause. And you know exactly what that loyalty will bring, someday." she winked, hinting at his wife there but not overtly saying it. She was sure to show some form of diplomatic and understanding towards his situation, if only to further manipulate further. He was worth his weight in the work he could do for her. If he could pull enough weight, his worth would be worth more, and she may be willing to give more in turn. Will have to see.

"Do not worry about your outburst. Focus it. Attune it to your power here. We have far more to deal with than emotions." she said in a cold manner, only really caring about what lay ahead. His issues were his own to face, and she didn't seem to be all that interested. She was going to speak further on this until she heard the male voice and prepare to attack, but didn't just yet as she listened to the magical Kitsune as he spoke to her. Honestly, she didn't have much of an expectation as to who they would find here. She were more focused on the what. In her eyes slightly, was a look of pure surprise. 

Spectra didn't attack, and allowed Operata to answer his question. "Buzzworth? I presume you mean the insect like creatures we fended off just a little while ago? Well, if you know that, you can tell why we are here. We are wanting to get him on our side, we have big plans for the future and we need him to be onboard with it. I presume you too want your freedom, we can give that to you, if you tell us everything you know about what has transpired here and where exactly, we may find him." she spoke, not even mentioning him by name, although Veil likely knew exactly who she meant in truth.

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@-Solstice-

"There were a time, when I saw them, that parts of them still remembered. That is the name they said, before they took those parts, and tore them to shreds. They do not want to remember what he took from them. No one does."

A sorrowful feeling came through the air, as the creature recalled her own past, before... This. Before she had been changed by the mad duke.

"She wants him on her side. I for one, want him tortured to death. He doesn't seem like the kind of pony, who should be given an inch of freedom."

"He is not. I was brought before him, three years ago, when I got trapped in here. We were told he were mad, but it's more than that. He's evil. Worse than the books said Discord were, or the sirens. You've seen some of those he changed? He laughed, when he said most of them were left to remember who and what they were, and he found it hilarious, to see them go feral and mad. He wanted me to do the same, but... He said he would be done soon. I hoped that meant I could get out. Away from this. But not home... Never home.

I kept sane, by stealing books. Gave me something to do. And it won't be long now. The tower is changing. He will break out soon. It would be smarter to hide."

"Well, we're not. As you hear, we're going after him, to make him kneel."

"Why? What do you want to do with his power?"

"Something better than what he wants. Isn't that enough?"

She would grow silent, and seemingly contemplate for a moment, before slowly nodding.

"I suppose that is true. Either you fail, and he kills you, or you win, and all of this will end. I can show you the way."

The air would shimmer around them, as a few blooms seemed to burst in Veil's form, and pop outwards. They'd find that if they looked closely, they'd be slightly see through. A cloaking spell, where the others that would look at them, would have a hard time to perceive them, unless they were up close.

"It is not as good as I hear, the real kitsune can do, but it will help a little. Just stay alert."

She'd begin to wander calmly towards the tower, then take a sudden left, and lead them in a large bow, away from some flowery field ahead of them. Seemed harmless, so it likely wasn't.

"You lead him, yes? What will you do, when he won't obey? And what next?"

She would talk to Spectra, looking for an answer, more concise than what had been given by Operata. A tinge of interest were felt, if she focused on it.

[Props Valroa 25,979]

@Blitz Boom

"We are going to put his energy to better purposes for the world to say the least. He is an aberration on the face of this planet that will either be repurposed, or eradicated. The ponies who live outside in the town know nothing of true combat, they are weak and frail and would be quickly over-ran by any forces he unleashes. It would be quite a battle to take him out, if he escapes with his full power. I have a way around this, and if it fails, then I am more than prepared to die trying." Spectra said, but seemed almost untrusting of the Kitsune, what if the Kitsune was just trying to lead them astray? 

Nevertheless, Spectra would follow along. "If we can't get him to go with any capacity for his magic to be useful, then we'll restrain him and I'll take it from there, and you'll see what that means. If you are being truthful, you will be remembered for those who lead us on the true path." she said to the Kitsune. She wasn't all that bothered by what she had seen here, but it would be most unfortunate if they met a bad end here at the hands of the Mad Duke that governed these lands.

Spectra would nod in an approving fashion, approving of the cloaking measures. She obviously approved of it, but didn't reply verbally to that. "Never would have expected him to have the possibility of breaking out of here, so it's a good thing we are coming here, anyway." she said to them openly.