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

Props Valroa · December 19, 2022

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Operata were well aware of how many others were here. Hundreds, if not thousands of being, taken out of their lives, and stored in this purgatory... Yet what could he do for them? He had nothing here. He could not fight Spectra, as she had fought with a powerful entity, and technically won the fight, proving that he were vastly outclassed. So what, he were supposed to jump into the deep end for a fools errand? Or get the help of the other draconequus, one who'd might be able to actually best her, if she wished to?

But then what if she failed? Or even worse, succeeded, and it turned out there were strings to this. Spectra had clearly lived a long time. For all he knew, her life energy were directly linked to these at this point, and her dying, would kill all of them. Or there'd be a failsafe to destroy them. Or she'd instantly kill his wife, due to his treachery, because who else would make Fright go after her?

No, he could not fight, and he still carried hope that there were a chance for life, and freedom, for his wife. So he'd bow his head, ignore these others, and do as he were told.

Selfish? Perhaps. But he knew none of them. He knew her though, and he had once sworn to her, that he'd do anything for her. Let his perpetual servitude be proof of that, and may she soon taste free air once more. Even if the only way it would happen, would be for him to cram a thousand more in here...

He'd sit in the dim room, looking directly at his wife, and let the feelings of inadequacy and guilt, fill him once more.

There were many orbs in here. The number was hard to guess, but they lined the walls in circular fashions. Many levels lined up the walls. For whatever reason it seemed as though Spectra had chosen to have his wife in the center of the room next to another certain Orb. The orbs glowed blue - the glow coming from whatever material had made up the orbs themselves. It was clearly some kind of mix between Crystal and glass, but it had an odd consistency to it. He could clearly see within an orb if he got close enough, but if he stood further away the occupants seemed rather blurred out. Whatever caused that, it was something he was unlikely to have seen before.

Every now and then the orbs would flicker slightly - almost like a flickering flame. The difference in luminosity was subtle, but enough to be noticeable. Perhaps it was because Spectra's magic was still recovering from the climatic battle with Malevolence. This place had a sense of eeriness to it. It was not like the pure evil that could be sensed in Mindstorm's tower - it was more of the sheer silence and display of all these ponies within the orbs. A collection of individuals. A collection of lives. All trapped in stasis. None of them aware of how much time has passed. He might as well be looking at ponies frozen within ice.

If he had the interest, the orb that was directly next to Operata's wife contained a certain blue mare. One that looked exactly like how Spectra looked when they first met. Magloria, was it? Within the orb, Magloria would stare outward with a look of disgust. It was the face a harsh school teacher would make when a student did something out of line. Whoever Magloria really was, perhaps if she had ever gotten free - there might be some real answers to be gleamed from her.

After all, Spectra spoke very vaguely about her. There was something...about her that stood out from all the others, though. It was hard to really put into words. But if he looked within Magloria's orb, he'd certainly feel it. Her eyes radiated of power, authority. Harsh, but fair. Her stature was well accomplished - but not royal, nor malevolent.

A mystery is what she were.

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The construct did not need the rest. It were little more than a robot, and could function in perpetuity, long as it were not deactivated. And as they went in and looked, it seemed to be done with some of the sorting and ordering of the things they had brought. It also however, seemed to clean them. It's hand open, and a wavy light escaping from it, sloshing against the object it were holding with the other hand, and seemingly go over it like a washing cloth. Albeit a see-through, magical one, that rubbed dirt and grit away, and left the things sparkly clean. Once the object were clean, it would be put in it's correct position, orderly down to the millimeter, and the light would retract. The hand would close, and it would go on to the next thing. A fair bit were clean, so this treatment were just for those things who were not.

"I think it's uhm... Doing okay. It's very strange though. Efficient however. I uh... Dunno what it will do, when it is done with these. maybe wash the walls? It seems very goal-oriented.

And sleep... Sleep... I used to have to dig myself into the ground, and cover myself in a meter of dirt to try and find enough peace to rest. I guess, being magical, means I don't have to breathe... I can't remember anymore, what it were like to sleep in somewhere without danger. There were always so many horrid things, in that forest... I hope they're at peace now."

In case Spectra meant that Operata needed sleep, then maybe, though he'd for now, stay and keep watching, lest he were approached.

As for the cat they had with them, the orange tabby would have been curious as they moved, and jumped up on the back of Veil, sitting on the piece of bark, that made for her back. It only covered around half her actual back, and sitting in the middle, but it would still be part of what seemed to give her this form, and as she cat jumped up on it, it bend down a little, then stabilized up again. The cat just laid down on it after that, and enjoyed the ride. Lazy little girl sometimes.

Spectra had actually meant Operata, but did not approach him when they had entered. Her focus was geared more towards the construct and what it was doing. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she looked over to it as if she was mentally processing what she was seeing. It was very interesting to watch it work like that. It knew it's place and it did it's work without dialog or complaint. It was the perfect servant for tasks such as this. She had to find out how it worked and if she could make use of it's magic for herself. But now? She were honestly...tired, she hadn't felt that way in a long time. Spectra were starting to reel from the fight a bit and yawned. She needed rest.

"Perhaps it can do that. I'll specify my instructions further, and see what it does." Spectra would speak, and would briefly walk over to the construct. She'd order it to continue cleaning the objects - but would state that once it was finished, that it should clean the walls, floors, and the ceiling in the same manner. It was something Spectra herself had done in the past with her magic, but she did not find it in her interest to do that again when there was another that could do it for her. Spectra herself, remembered those times where she'd spend entire days cleaning and getting everything just right. It was when her mind had less to do, and less to think of.

Spectra would notice the cat jump onto Veil's back, but would not seem to really react to that. Spectra would begin walking away from them all to a large dark wall on the opposite side of all the orbs. Her horn glowed white, and her hoof did too. She would then stand in front of the wall for a moment. With her hoof, she'd draw a strange symbol on the wall. There then was a large humming sound, and the wall itself would open up with a bright white light.

A hidden passageway.

Spectra would smirk to them as her body shimmered white as various white crystals on the wall in whatever the hidden room contained - began to light up. With a motion of a hoof, she would motion them over.

Blitz Boom · December 22, 2022

@Props ValRoa

On 2022-12-19 at 5:59 AM, Spectral Fade said:

If he had the interest, the orb that was directly next to Operata's wife contained a certain blue mare. One that looked exactly like how Spectra looked when they first met. Magloria, was it? Within the orb, Magloria would stare outward with a look of disgust. It was the face a harsh school teacher would make when a student did something out of line. Whoever Magloria really was, perhaps if she had ever gotten free - there might be some real answers to be gleamed from her.

After all, Spectra spoke very vaguely about her. There was something...about her that stood out from all the others, though. It was hard to really put into words. But if he looked within Magloria's orb, he'd certainly feel it. Her eyes radiated of power, authority. Harsh, but fair. Her stature was well accomplished - but not royal, nor malevolent.

A mystery is what she were.

It were not lost on him, where the one Spectra had her looks from stood, even if he placed most focus on his wife, crouching as she were in the ice block. He wondered, did she even know, that she had been taken from the fires? Had she heard his screams, as he had reached into the flames to try and get to her, but been forced away, by those thinking they were helping him? Were she stuck in dreams of fire closing in, threatening to consume her?

She had been a strong unicorn, magic wise. But panic had an ugly tendency, to make you forget your tricks. And even then, her specialty, were not one that helped here in the midst of a blazing inferno, engulfing all parts of her home. Nor were the arcane of much help. Blasting through walls, would not have helped when everything were falling down around her, and while she might heave been able to maintain a bubble, and run... He had not blamed the fire on the nobles for nothing, nor the intent of them. The fire reports had shown one thing, while he found others. Such as things that would have halted her attempt at leaving. Traces of others...

It broke him then. To think that others had not just started the fire, but could just stay and watch, while it engulfed the building, and not feel anything, as they knew someone would burn in there.

Inquiries had gotten him nothing. Everything just brushed off as him being delusional, after trying to save the inhabitant of the house. Until one night, a team of goons had shown at his door, and tried ton intimidate him into stop snooping around, if he knew what were good for him.

Only one of them hadn't manage to escape his crazed, rage-filled response, of magic and malady. And that one, he took to a secret place. A small, underground place, deep in the woods, where he went to think, and train, as the acoustics were delightful to him. So too were they then, when the sounds of music, were replaced with pleading words and screams. Took him a few days, but he managed to break that one, and get some answers., The things he heard, gave him a goal, and a vengeful thirst. And he made sure that when he did send back the weeping, whimpering mess of a pony, that were left after experiencing his undivided attention, that they knew that they would be made to pay.

He already knew before he came out of there, that his home were trashed. Not in what way, but as it turned out, the answer were framing. Framing the murder of his wife on him, while still being unable to show that they were married in the first place. Her family had few that knew, and those who did, did not share any information. He had told them of what had happened, and while they said they could not approve of what he had done to learn it, or his ways forward, they'd honor his request to not stain his wife's name, by associating her with him. It were the last time he had been there, as he had been banished from Sanctuary. The only thing he knew, were snippets he heard here and there, passing through places, or the few who still wished to talk with him, if they encountered him.

He did not claim innocence though. While what they framed him from were bogus, he still kidnapped and tortured others. He were guilty, and in time, he accepted that he'd face his punishment. In fact, his current life, might well be that punishment, seeing everything that had taken place, the last day or so. Regardless, he were guilty of things now. Murder was just not one of them... Yet.

Looking over at the pony Spectra had gotten her looks from though, she doubted the same were true for her. That look of disgust... Something told him that Spectra, or whoever she actually were, had revealed something to this mare. Something... Horrendous, and her reaction, were the reason she were now in this ice cube. Or maybe, her getting trapped here, is what made her look at Spectra in disgust. A look of someone thoroughly disappointed, appalled, and maybe even betrayed...

Maybe there'd some day be answers. Hard as might try, this whole thing would not last forever. Eventually, someone, or something, would cause at least some of these to be broken out, and then, it would be a matter of time, before everything came tumbling down.

Nothing lasted forever. And if this one got out? Something told him, that she would be the key to getting to the very center of what Spectra were, and how to deal with her. Cause did one did not look as much of a victim as others. She looked like even frozen like this, she had not covered, or been taken by utter surprise. She had faced Spectra, and were placed in front of many others. A trophy for display, she wanted to see...

"What were you to her?"

On 2022-12-19 at 5:59 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Perhaps it can do that. I'll specify my instructions further, and see what it does." Spectra would speak, and would briefly walk over to the construct. She'd order it to continue cleaning the objects - but would state that once it was finished, that it should clean the walls, floors, and the ceiling in the same manner. It was something Spectra herself had done in the past with her magic, but she did not find it in her interest to do that again when there was another that could do it for her. Spectra herself, remembered those times where she'd spend entire days cleaning and getting everything just right. It was when her mind had less to do, and less to think of.

The creature would look up, lights flashing in seemingly random patterns. Though maybe not so random. She may have recalled the last time she tried to explain it things, they were more spread out, and seemed to lack focus. Now the lights flashing in the diodes of its face, would flash in an even, steady pattern. It might be recognition, to some extend by now, understand it had duties to fulfil, and trying to logically come to a conclusion of what that might be. Maybe even recognizing some words, and beginning to grasp a bit of how their language worked.

They'd see tomorrow probably. As for now, when she were done speaking, the thing's lights would all flash at once, then it would turn and return to its work. Whatever the morning brought, it were likely to make at least some things orderly. It did not appear to need sustenance or rest, so it would work diligently.

On 2022-12-19 at 5:59 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra would notice the cat jump onto Veil's back, but would not seem to really react to that. Spectra would begin walking away from them all to a large dark wall on the opposite side of all the orbs. Her horn glowed white, and her hoof did too. She would then stand in front of the wall for a moment. With her hoof, she'd draw a strange symbol on the wall. There then was a large humming sound, and the wall itself would open up with a bright white light.

A hidden passageway.

Spectra would smirk to them as her body shimmered white as various white crystals on the wall in whatever the hidden room contained - began to light up. With a motion of a hoof, she would motion them over.

Sonata made big eyes, and let out a loud, impressed sounding meow, as it saw the light show. Veil were certainly surprised - she were not good at hiding her emotions, as they rolled of from her - and had taken a step back, as she gazed at the sudden secret hallway, that had appeared in front of them.

"I... I did not think of this. That's uhm, a s-surprise. A good way to stay safe though.

Is it usually you and Operata that sleeps wherever this leads then?"

Operata would probably sooner sleep outside, doing an ice storm.. His accommodations last time, would likely be as it would continue for some time: A slab of moss, his winter clothes on top of that, and then use that as a layer to sleep upon. Not here, but somewhere he and the cats, could rest soundly and alone. It would also allow the cats to be able to go out, which they needed, as nature could call. Sometimes literally, if the sound of a bird landing nearby, would get them into hunting mode, and aim to score some fresh breakfast.

Yet this time, Sonata stayed on top of Veil. She had seemed sad, and she knew that if anything helped improve the mood, it were the presence of her kitty self. She had been outside before anyway. A short time as she went to Veil, so she'd last through the night.

Veil would follow, as she were motions forward, her magical paws, not making a sound as they wandered across the surface. She were moving forth calmly, inspecting the crystals walls of this hallways, not wanting to seem too eager, nor unable to halt in time, if she were told to stop.

Props Valroa · December 22, 2022

@Blitz Boom

Each of the ponies Spectra had managed to capture inside of her caves all had their own unique stories. Many of the ponies seemed simply unaware within their orbs. The rare few, like Magloria were more defiant in expressions - indicating that they were acutely aware of what was happening to them. Though, Magloria was the one that stood out the most from what could be seen. Whatever Spectra had done with them were tales long lost to time - yet those who experienced it were frozen in time. There, in each of the orbs, they all were waiting to escape their confinements. It may not be years, centuries, or even millennia until that happens.

Spectra had truthfully never killed anyone...directly. While she did have a hand in the shadier sides of societies in days old - she would never murder. For the simple reason that it would be depriving herself of another avenue of power. Living magic. Spectra had many limitations, she could never gather magic from non-living sources or ever convert non-living into living. She never cared to try, for it was a magic art that as far as she knew - never existed. Besides, capturing living ponies was far easier than tinkering about with untested technologies that could have very well proved deadly should something go wrong.

Magloria was the first of all the ponies. She was a proud seafaring captain who knew her duties well in distant days. While she was often chastised or looked down upon for being a half breed of a zebra and a unicorn, she saw herself to a level of prominence out on open shores. While the banners she sailed for are all long forgotten in the history books - the tales of seafaring captains echoed throughout time. Perhaps she was lucky, to have her own tales. Magloria never cared for fame or fan fair. She were a worker, through and through - with rarely a smile across her face.

In the distant days of Arcadia, the Arcadian Monarchy had a rather high monopoly on the sea trade out beyond the western shores. Arcadia was a nation in their own right, who far preceded Equestria's times. Magloria herself, had never heard of Equestria. She was someone long before that time and was never interested in the East. Her time on the open oceans, exploring new lands and areas of which ponies could settle. Doing trade with other races, along with the occasional troubles of the time as all to her name. In truth, she hated the Monarchy just as much as Spectra did - without realizing that Spectra was intending on restoring it's power under her own image.

Magloria and Spectra had been in contact with each other, out on those distant shores. The two eventually came to blows. Magloria didn't want anything to do with Spectra's grand designs. She just wanted to do her duty. To focus on her own life, while Spectra would arrogantly wish to involve Magloria with her. If Spectra was able to get her on her side, then Spectra herself could have gotten a lot of political power. Of course, that never worked out. Spectra sealed Magloria's fate - literally, within her first orb. It was a rather gleeful moment, for Spectra - to feel such power over another.

Magloria's story and the truth about what happened only resided within the same mind that trapped her so long ago. As do all the others, including Operata's Wife. Perhaps what Operata knew about what happened was not the full picture after all. Who knows, after all? Spectra's a mare of many secrets within that tightly sealed skull of hers. All that gets out could very well be lies or distorted truths to keep Operata occupied while her real dealings were kept secret.

The truth is more deadly than secrets, after all.

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The creature would look up, lights flashing in seemingly random patterns. Though maybe not so random. She may have recalled the last time she tried to explain it things, they were more spread out, and seemed to lack focus. Now the lights flashing in the diodes of its face, would flash in an even, steady pattern. It might be recognition, to some extend by now, understand it had duties to fulfil, and trying to logically come to a conclusion of what that might be. Maybe even recognizing some words, and beginning to grasp a bit of how their language worked.

They'd see tomorrow probably. As for now, when she were done speaking, the thing's lights would all flash at once, then it would turn and return to its work. Whatever the morning brought, it were likely to make at least some things orderly. It did not appear to need sustenance or rest, so it would work diligently.

Spectra had recognized that the lights across it's face had changed. It was perhaps a creature that was quick to learn. It had no capacity to talk back to her. Simply doing her orders, seemingly mindlessly. If only she could reduce a pony to this level of duty. But that wouldn't make sense - ponies need rest, food, care, etc - while this construct needed neither. It was quite an amazing thing really. If only she could find more of these, and perhaps raise some kind of army on her own. Have them go about the land, bring back all resources about magic and bring it to her - and amass all of it's knowledge to become the ultimate magic user of the land, while her constructs carry out her orders throughout the land. Perhaps that would be another long term plan. Something to think about.

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Sonata made big eyes, and let out a loud, impressed sounding meow, as it saw the light show. Veil were certainly surprised - she were not good at hiding her emotions, as they rolled of from her - and had taken a step back, as she gazed at the sudden secret hallway, that had appeared in front of them.

"I... I did not think of this. That's uhm, a s-surprise. A good way to stay safe though.

Is it usually you and Operata that sleeps wherever this leads then?"

Operata would probably sooner sleep outside, doing an ice storm.. His accommodations last time, would likely be as it would continue for some time: A slab of moss, his winter clothes on top of that, and then use that as a layer to sleep upon. Not here, but somewhere he and the cats, could rest soundly and alone. It would also allow the cats to be able to go out, which they needed, as nature could call. Sometimes literally, if the sound of a bird landing nearby, would get them into hunting mode, and aim to score some fresh breakfast.

Yet this time, Sonata stayed on top of Veil. She had seemed sad, and she knew that if anything helped improve the mood, it were the presence of her kitty self. She had been outside before anyway. A short time as she went to Veil, so she'd last through the night.

Veil would follow, as she were motions forward, her magical paws, not making a sound as they wandered across the surface. She were moving forth calmly, inspecting the crystals walls of this hallways, not wanting to seem too eager, nor unable to halt in time, if she were told to stop.

Spectra would look to Sonata and Veil. It was interesting to see their reactions to what she was showing them. Nobody else had seen this before - but she felt it fitting that she would reveal this to Veil. Operata was free to do as he did before. His leash was invisible, but well known by him. Spectra knew that he wouldn't be capable of doing anything to meaningfully resist her currently. To Veil, she would speak.

"This is only where I sleep." she spoke as they proceeded down the passageway. It wasn't too long, but still of notable distance. The crystals lit at full brightness, giving the impression that the hallway was longer than it actually was. At the end of the hallway, was a large and open room, seemingly carved expertly. There was a large pool of sorts - but contained in this pool was a white looking fluid. On the sides of the walls there were various different crystals humming with energy.

"This is where I sleep. It's not what you'd expect." Spectra would speak as her horn pulsed a blue color. The white liquid seemed to react and shift about a bit. She'd slide into the pool, the pool making very little sound. The white liquid seemed to have a higher viscosity than water, but not by much. It smelled of something unfamiliar, whatever it was - it smelled good. Spectra would stretch out her arms and let out a groan as her coat changed colors subtly. "That's more like it...ah..." Spectra sighed, as if she was getting a massage.

Blitz Boom · January 8, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2022-12-22 at 10:33 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra had recognized that the lights across it's face had changed. It was perhaps a creature that was quick to learn. It had no capacity to talk back to her. Simply doing her orders, seemingly mindlessly. If only she could reduce a pony to this level of duty. But that wouldn't make sense - ponies need rest, food, care, etc - while this construct needed neither. It was quite an amazing thing really. If only she could find more of these, and perhaps raise some kind of army on her own. Have them go about the land, bring back all resources about magic and bring it to her - and amass all of it's knowledge to become the ultimate magic user of the land, while her constructs carry out her orders throughout the land. Perhaps that would be another long term plan. Something to think about.

She might want to remember what it were that Fright had told her, before attempting to mass produce this creature. Creatures of pure order, would want everything to work as such around them. This one, or maybe a few, would be able to be controlled to do tasks as they were given. But too many, and they'd likely begin to control other unorderly aspects, at a larger level. That could even include the residents, who might be seen as too disorderly, due to their habits, lack of routines, and of course, that pesky free will, that simply weren't gonna do it, in an orderly environment.

She may have embellished it some, as she were in essence, the direct opposite of this creature's origin, but the warning had likely been genuine. That said, if she could deal with the order, and just have subservient beings, that were another matter entirely. Different creator, might mean different outcomes.

On 2022-12-22 at 10:33 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra would look to Sonata and Veil. It was interesting to see their reactions to what she was showing them. Nobody else had seen this before - but she felt it fitting that she would reveal this to Veil. Operata was free to do as he did before. His leash was invisible, but well known by him. Spectra knew that he wouldn't be capable of doing anything to meaningfully resist her currently. To Veil, she would speak.

"This is only where I sleep." she spoke as they proceeded down the passageway. It wasn't too long, but still of notable distance. The crystals lit at full brightness, giving the impression that the hallway was longer than it actually was. At the end of the hallway, was a large and open room, seemingly carved expertly. There was a large pool of sorts - but contained in this pool was a white looking fluid. On the sides of the walls there were various different crystals humming with energy.

"This is where I sleep. It's not what you'd expect." Spectra would speak as her horn pulsed a blue color. The white liquid seemed to react and shift about a bit. She'd slide into the pool, the pool making very little sound. The white liquid seemed to have a higher viscosity than water, but not by much. It smelled of something unfamiliar, whatever it was - it smelled good. Spectra would stretch out her arms and let out a groan as her coat changed colors subtly. "That's more like it...ah..." Spectra sighed, as if she was getting a massage.

Veil would walk forward into the room with caution. She were not used to being in others room's, as it wasn't like she had a lot of friends before... This. Even if she had, this were different. And not just because this looked unlike any bedroom she'd ever seen. Also because this were the room of a hero, who had saved her. That were always bound to make things a little special.

That said, this were really an odd room. The trip in had been cool and reminded her somewhat of some of the comic books that her little brother read all the time. Supermare, had a crystal castle somewhat like this, she seemed to recall, from some of the times when he had stuck one of those things into her face, and shouted loudly about how cool it were.

He'd really annoyed her sometimes back then, but... *sigh* How she missed even his punchable little face these days...

A somber, sad emotion rolled briefly from her, as she stepped into the room, and towards the odd liquid tub of sorts, that Spectra had slid into. She'd try and distract herself from those thoughts, by instead focusing on this, as it were quite strange, and she hoped it would do the trick. Sonata got closer to smell the fluid too, but she did not like the sensation she got, and backed away, before sneezing. It might smell good to these, but she did not like it. It seemed too weird. And it might be water. She did not like water at the best of times.

"So uhm... W- What is this? Some kind of spa thing?"

She'd get closer, and stick a paw down to poke at the liquid. Even if it were dangerous, she were primarily made out of magic. She'd probably be fine, albeit it might still sting. If it were just oddly gooey and such, she might stick a full paw in, just to see what would happen. It seemed pretty odd, but it appeared that Spectra felt good from being in it. Like a spa thing. A strange bubble bath maybe? Just without the bubbles. She'd never been in a spa herself. Just looked at others as they exited. But she'd guess this were the kind of thing they'd have in there. She'd been told they had all sorts of things, that helped you feel better, after a long day's work. It sounded rather nice.

"...Also, am I gonna sleep in here? I promise, I won't snore. I uh... D-Don't have lungs, so it's... Impossible, right?

*sigh* I'm sorry. I don't mean to be w-weird. Just... A lot of things I don't u-understand. Never had much time to think about it either. Maybe I just didn't want to. I dunno... A-Anyway, sorry for rambling. I'll uhm... B-Be quiet."

She'd sit down in a corner, on the floor, whilst Sonata would wander around the room, and sniff everything. Never knew what fun things might be in here. Probably nothing, but she'd still check, as well as rub herself up against a good few things. If Falsetto ever wandered in here, she'd know then, that she wasn't first.

Props Valroa · January 8, 2023

@Blitz Boom

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She might want to remember what it were that Fright had told her, before attempting to mass produce this creature. Creatures of pure order, would want everything to work as such around them. This one, or maybe a few, would be able to be controlled to do tasks as they were given. But too many, and they'd likely begin to control other unorderly aspects, at a larger level. That could even include the residents, who might be seen as too disorderly, due to their habits, lack of routines, and of course, that pesky free will, that simply weren't gonna do it, in an orderly environment.

She may have embellished it some, as she were in essence, the direct opposite of this creature's origin, but the warning had likely been genuine. That said, if she could deal with the order, and just have subservient beings, that were another matter entirely. Different creator, might mean different outcomes.

Spectra had this on her mind as she was getting into her private "room" as it were. It would be a possible goal to study the construct more. To become the one who enforces order on the world, but she were not willing to go too far. She wanted ponies to willingly accept her rule. It was far more satisfying to think about ponies willingly accepting her power over them, instead of her forcing them down to bow at her hooves.

Willingly submitting to her was far more preferable. Less chances of her being worked against. Domination and destruction was not her style. Subversion and slow building up of control was what she wanted to do, as it was far more effective. Too many came before her to attempt to take over with power as their only saving grace - and she wanted to avoid the terrible fates of those who fought like that.

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Veil would walk forward into the room with caution. She were not used to being in others room's, as it wasn't like she had a lot of friends before... This. Even if she had, this were different. And not just because this looked unlike any bedroom she'd ever seen. Also because this were the room of a hero, who had saved her. That were always bound to make things a little special.

That said, this were really an odd room. The trip in had been cool and reminded her somewhat of some of the comic books that her little brother read all the time. Supermare, had a crystal castle somewhat like this, she seemed to recall, from some of the times when he had stuck one of those things into her face, and shouted loudly about how cool it were.

He'd really annoyed her sometimes back then, but... *sigh* How she missed even his punchable little face these days...

A somber, sad emotion rolled briefly from her, as she stepped into the room, and towards the odd liquid tub of sorts, that Spectra had slid into. She'd try and distract herself from those thoughts, by instead focusing on this, as it were quite strange, and she hoped it would do the trick. Sonata got closer to smell the fluid too, but she did not like the sensation she got, and backed away, before sneezing. It might smell good to these, but she did not like it. It seemed too weird. And it might be water. She did not like water at the best of times.

"So uhm... W- What is this? Some kind of spa thing?"

She'd get closer, and stick a paw down to poke at the liquid. Even if it were dangerous, she were primarily made out of magic. She'd probably be fine, albeit it might still sting. If it were just oddly gooey and such, she might stick a full paw in, just to see what would happen. It seemed pretty odd, but it appeared that Spectra felt good from being in it. Like a spa thing. A strange bubble bath maybe? Just without the bubbles. She'd never been in a spa herself. Just looked at others as they exited. But she'd guess this were the kind of thing they'd have in there. She'd been told they had all sorts of things, that helped you feel better, after a long day's work. It sounded rather nice.

"...Also, am I gonna sleep in here? I promise, I won't snore. I uh... D-Don't have lungs, so it's... Impossible, right?

*sigh* I'm sorry. I don't mean to be w-weird. Just... A lot of things I don't u-understand. Never had much time to think about it either. Maybe I just didn't want to. I dunno... A-Anyway, sorry for rambling. I'll uhm... B-Be quiet."

She'd sit down in a corner, on the floor, whilst Sonata would wander around the room, and sniff everything. Never knew what fun things might be in here. Probably nothing, but she'd still check, as well as rub herself up against a good few things. If Falsetto ever wandered in here, she'd know then, that she wasn't first.

Spectra would look to Veil as the strange white liquid rolled off her face. Oddly enough, she didn't close her eyes when it went over her eyes. It wasn't something natural. If Veil had a sense of smell, it's sweet smell had a slight chemical smell combined within whatever it smelled like. It was hard to really put a pin on it exactly what it was. The pool was decent size. Enough to fit a group of ponies. The construction of the whole area was fairly plain, yet also appealing. The walls had murals of various ponies congregating within the pool itself, along with the surrounding landscape. Of note, was that the landscape looked slightly different from however it is today.

Spectra was interested that Veil had came in here - she didn't know how a non-physical being would react to the pool's effects. That is, if it would even work at all. To all of Veil's nervous comments, she'd chuckle lightly and swim closer to her, looking Veil directly into the eye as she poked the liquid. It was oddly warm and thick - not like honey though. It didn't feel like it would be difficult to move through it, despite how thick this liquid truly was.

"I found this, a long time ago. This lair, as it were - is not of my creation. While I've modified lots of things over the years, it's construction has always remained an enigma. I could not find much details about it, other than that it had been constructed by Ancient Unicorns at the time of Equestria's founding. By the time I had came here, it was long since abandoned, but it's enchantments kept it from falling apart. The Ancient Unicorns would come here to replenish their magic, heal injuries, and improve lifespan with this pool here." she said, gesturing a hoof into the pool.

"Of course, I've modified it quite a bit...with knowledge that they didn't have. Took years..." she smirked as memories rolled through her head. She would have various intelligent unicorns come here, and use them to do whatever she needed around here. Of course, after she had them complete their tasks - she captured them inside of the orbs. Spectra would take only naturally take credit.

"This liquid here, has a special property. You can fall asleep in it and it will awake you at exactly 8 hours. Perfect. It's better than any bed, really, come on in and try it out.." she gestured with her hoof.

Sonata wouldn't be able to really smell much about the room, it was purposefully simple in design.

Blitz Boom · January 11, 2023

@Props ValRoa

Veil would keep an eye on the strange pool, as her paw went through it. It felt a little odd, with it being like a kind of runny, strangely colored mud, but it felt pretty good beyond that. Soothing in a way, that she hadn't tried before. Honestly... She didn't think she'd get to feel things like that anymore, yet she kept being surprised.

Magical as her body were, it shouldn't be responding to stimuli, the way that flesh and blood should. Yet she found that most things, she still felt. Externally anyway. She did not feel hunger, didn't need to breathe, and you could stab through her, without killing her. It would hurt though. And that was one example: She still could feel pain. Just as she could feel pressure, heat, cold, and despite not having muscles, could enjoy things that caused relaxing to muscles, it appeared. She could also tire for some reason. She weren't sure why, but had just chalked it up, to the magic needing to recharge something. She did not possess the sort of smarts it took, to know these answers. She were just the unfortunate soul that had to live and try.

"Well, I g-guess it seems safe..."

Slowly, Veil would enter the pool. It certainly felt odd, but it seemed to react well to her. Maybe it were going in and soothing her magic, in a way that worked a lot like with muscles? She didn't know, but it were nice, and helped ease her nervousness, and worries. Maybe that were how it worked, in a way? It didn't affect her body per se, but more went in and soothed her mind, which then in turn stabilized, and calmed her essence? Whatever the case, she were radiating calm, soothing waves of emotions now, making it evident that she were feeling quite okay right now. Though she kept her head above *water* for now. She wished to still be able to hear, and her ears being full of gloop, might not make that possible. If earth could dampen sound, then this surely could too, right?

"It feels nice. But I guess you can tell that, huh? I don't understand why it is that I radiate emotions. Or really anything about this. The only one who might know, is currently gone, and I'd prefer not to see him again. Especially after what he did to my old body...

I... I'm not angry, over what you and Operata did, by the way. I wish there were a way back, but... I guess I always knew it wasn't possible. Not after I woke up, after what he did, and saw my own, hollowed out body, on the slab next to me."

A bit of fear rolled out from her briefly, as well as pain, and grief, but it would subside again, soon after, and she'd let out a mental sigh.

"Still didn't change that it hurt to see myself again, and then have to watch, as I flickered away. But it were for the best, right?

Sorry, guess I were rambling... You said you found this pool, and made it better? That's very impressive. But I guess, seeing how strong your magic are, it must have been a little trivial. Must be a lot you can do, with how powerful you are. I mean, you fought and won, over a draconequus. A fake one, but still, he were really strong."

She'd begin to swim around the pool a little, enjoying the feeling of the odd water. Wasn't much space, but it still felt nice and calming. She wasn't sleepy yet, but she could imagine she could fall asleep in this pool. And hopefully not dissolve during the night. That wouldn't be the end she had assumed she'd face.

Props Valroa · January 12, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would chuckle somewhat as she stretched out, allowing the liquid to press into all areas of her body as she laid there - floating effortlessly. "Truth be told, by the time he had teleported himself away I wasn't going to have lasted much longer. If he had kept fighting, chances are, he would have bested me." she spoke, her eyes glancing over towards Veil as she spoke. Spectra were being purposefully humble here, and while she knew that she technically won the battle - openly gloating about it wasn't her style, really.

Spectra would go silent as she would look to Veil in a friendly manner. She was able to feel Veil's emotions. If only it was simple for her to feel the emotions of all ponies, so it was even more easier to gauge their reactions and plot accordingly. It made her smile ever so slightly to think about such things. Spectra was trying to get Veil to trust her more here, after all. Her smile was warm and friendly. In truth, she was merely coaxing Veil into trusting her more. Veil was rather manipulatable - given her past traumas and how Spectra had set her free. Beyond that, she didn't know what kind of usefulness Veil would have for her. That would remain to be seen. She wondered if the book that was given to her by the villagers would provide information that could possibly restore Veil back to a physical body.

"It is most unfortunate what happened to the body of yours. Perhaps the key to fixing you was written by the same one who damaged you. If one can take bodies apart, then one could maybe create a new one. I don't know how that would work, but surely we could think of something for you. I obviously hadn't had the time to read through that book myself and take the proper steps into absorbing that information into my mind." she sighed softly and would reach over, giving Veil a comforting pat on the head - if Veil would let her. In reality, this was more of a "you are mine" sort of thing rather than genuine comfort.

"Wish I knew more about this pool, but sadly I don't. Haven't been able to find anything similar anywhere else in the world - let alone anyone who knows about such things. It could very well be a lost ancient technology. Makes you wonder what other knowledge was lost throughout time. How far we'd be, if we kept it..." her words trailed off in a pondering fashion. She imagined herself having control over various ancient manners of magic that the ponies of today wouldn't be able to stand up against. Hopefully the knowledge they'd have of her in that hypothetical situation would be enough for them to submit to her freely.

So she hoped it would happen. One day.

Blitz Boom · January 14, 2023

@Props ValRoa

"If what he did to me, is in those books. I... I'd rather they got burned. I don't want to risk anyone experiencing what I did.

I can't even explain it, if I tried to. THe kind of just... Nothing, and then pain. Horrible pain, but I couldn't scream. I couldn't move. I just had to f-feel getting dragged out, and then finally, it stopped. THe pain was over, and I thought that maybe... Maybe I were dead, right? That had to be better than... Than the others.

But then there were something again. And it were... I couldn't even begin to describe it. Beautiful, for a few seconds, in some way. Then I started to feel again, but it wasn't me."

Fear rolled in waves from her, as well as memories of what she had felt. It were hard to describe said feelings. But the pain of her getting separated in the first place, appeared to be part of it. Not enough sedatives it appeared, to cover for how she had been extracted. And considering the state her body had been in, Spectra could likely guess in which way Veil's soul and essence, had been dragged out.

Also, as it were but a memory, the feelings were not as strong, and waned quickly as it were. The true thing, were something that would make a grown pony howl in pain, til the walls shook fromt he sheer, trembling force of their scream.

"I don't know h-how to explain it. being lost in myself, seeing my body just... Laying there. And then him. Standing there, smiling that horrid, gruesome smile of his, and saying it were a success. Then came the chains and other experiments...

I don't know how long it were, before he got bored of it, and tossed me outside to the others, but I wouldn't wish any of it, on anyone. No one deserves that kind of evil."

The fear would calm down in waves, as she got herself more under control again. The pool were certainly helping on it, and had she not been in it, it were questionable, if she would have been able to get through this, without simply curling up in a corner. She didn't want to remember the things he had done to her. Or the others, as he had taken her in to witness some of his work at times, and tell her how happy she should be, that she had gotten off so easily. As if she should have been thankful about this...

The pat on her head helped Veil more, and would give Spectra her first chance to really get a feel, for how it were to touch the parts of her body, that weren't encased in the few, seemingly floating pieces of wood, that seemed to give her some degree of shape.

It would be surprisingly similar to actual fur. Yet it were energetic, and brimming with magic. Varied kinds too, to make her former equine magic, fit more into this faux-kitsune style. He clearly hadn't had magic of actual kitsune, as there were no trace of leyline magic, and grown up kitsune were able to tap into those veins. Yet illusion, wind, and some healing were easy ones to spot, among others. The base were raw arcane magic though. And it were that raw, arcane magic, that would be possible to press on. At one point, getting dense, like a proper body would have been, though no blood run beneath the surface. Just magic.

As for the wooden pieces, they'd feel like what they were: Carvings made in some sort of oak, seemingly tethered in place, at the right points, to give the shape that Veil were in. The surface didn't show much, and it weren't obviously present what kept them in place. Yet they were not moving, even if pulled on, though it would hurt Veil, if there were pulled too hard.

On 2023-01-12 at 5:51 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Wish I knew more about this pool, but sadly I don't. Haven't been able to find anything similar anywhere else in the world - let alone anyone who knows about such things. It could very well be a lost ancient technology. Makes you wonder what other knowledge was lost throughout time. How far we'd be, if we kept it..." her words trailed off in a pondering fashion. She imagined herself having control over various ancient manners of magic that the ponies of today wouldn't be able to stand up against. Hopefully the knowledge they'd have of her in that hypothetical situation would be enough for them to submit to her freely.

So she hoped it would happen. One day.

"You mean like Nibwha Heiju? That's what the stories calls it anyway. Some sort of ancient capital of ponies and dragons, long, long before the dragon and pony wars. The library tome said it has wondrous things, never seen before, but there's been found nearly nothing about it. Just a few mentions in some old books, and a chest, carved out in dragonbone, fused with metal. The royals of Caneighda have that... Or it's been given to the ministry? I'm... Not sure. And I dunno what's in it either. Apparently they won't tell anyone what - if anything - is in there. That's the legends mentioned in the page anyway. It's a bit of a hearsay thing.

I like the name though. It's apparently a mixture of old ponish, and ancient draconic. Means something like *Make Heaven*. It's a bit rough translated. It could also be *Us who forge the heavens*, or something like that. It's not easy to read the mixed texts.

Sometimes, I dreamed of finding Ancalagon, the eldest of all elder dragons, and ask him if this place were real. I wanted to be an archeologist. I guess that's a moot point now."

Props Valroa · January 15, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Quote

"If what he did to me, is in those books. I... I'd rather they got burned. I don't want to risk anyone experiencing what I did.

I can't even explain it, if I tried to. THe kind of just... Nothing, and then pain. Horrible pain, but I couldn't scream. I couldn't move. I just had to f-feel getting dragged out, and then finally, it stopped. THe pain was over, and I thought that maybe... Maybe I were dead, right? That had to be better than... Than the others.

But then there were something again. And it were... I couldn't even begin to describe it. Beautiful, for a few seconds, in some way. Then I started to feel again, but it wasn't me."

Fear rolled in waves from her, as well as memories of what she had felt. It were hard to describe said feelings. But the pain of her getting separated in the first place, appeared to be part of it. Not enough sedatives it appeared, to cover for how she had been extracted. And considering the state her body had been in, Spectra could likely guess in which way Veil's soul and essence, had been dragged out.

Also, as it were but a memory, the feelings were not as strong, and waned quickly as it were. The true thing, were something that would make a grown pony howl in pain, til the walls shook fromt he sheer, trembling force of their scream.

"I don't know h-how to explain it. being lost in myself, seeing my body just... Laying there. And then him. Standing there, smiling that horrid, gruesome smile of his, and saying it were a success. Then came the chains and other experiments...

I don't know how long it were, before he got bored of it, and tossed me outside to the others, but I wouldn't wish any of it, on anyone. No one deserves that kind of evil."

The fear would calm down in waves, as she got herself more under control again. The pool were certainly helping on it, and had she not been in it, it were questionable, if she would have been able to get through this, without simply curling up in a corner. She didn't want to remember the things he had done to her. Or the others, as he had taken her in to witness some of his work at times, and tell her how happy she should be, that she had gotten off so easily. As if she should have been thankful about this...

Spectra would feel the fear rolling off of Veil. It was a feeling that she was foreign to. It wasn't like Spectra lacked fear - she knew her limits and bounds. Even during the battle with Malevolence, she didn't feel something like this, no. It was more caution and introspection, rather than fear. She truly didn't understand this concept at all. It was truly alien to her. Spectra didn't know the reason for that - but it was because of her mind. Her mind, internally, was broken. Her ambitions, goals, and limitations all from that one central point - without her realization.

She were truly broken. For unlike all the others she faced - she had no free will. Only subservience to these feelings, that one day - may cost Spectra her life.

"No. What I have done to get this information is far too costly. I could have died during that battle. This information is my own, and I will use it as I see fit - to one day defeat Malevolence and see what good it can bring the world." Spectra spoke, the only thing she was concerned about was her own power and she may wield it. But a little fanfare here and there may suffice for her purposes. Spectra were absolute in her word, but seemingly understanding for why Veil felt the way she did.

Words and perception were everything, really.

Spectra's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as Veil got her emotions under control again. She gave a few moments so that she may gather her thoughts as she looked into Veil's adolescent eyes. "He was truly an enigma, having all this power for himself. I have not a clue where he got it from. Duke Mindstorm and Malevolence are two separate beings - Mindstorm gave into Malevolence's ways in his total isolation and garnered his power on his own. Now, he is gone, and one with Malevolence. Malevolence completely having consumed his mind and destroyed his original identity. Mindstorm is dead, for all practical purposes." Spectra would speak ominously and then lean back, letting the pool flow off of her hooves as she stretched.

"Wherever he has gone, I will face him again. Whether it be tomorrow, next year, or a decade later - it is inevitable. I shall spend all the time I have to garnering more power and magic, for he is probably doing the same..." she pondered. "The combat we had attracted someone of great power. I do not like the idea of attracting others into such an affair...feh." she waved her hoof dismissively, almost forgetting she was alone here in her conversation.

Quote

The pat on her head helped Veil more, and would give Spectra her first chance to really get a feel, for how it were to touch the parts of her body, that weren't encased in the few, seemingly floating pieces of wood, that seemed to give her some degree of shape.

It would be surprisingly similar to actual fur. Yet it were energetic, and brimming with magic. Varied kinds too, to make her former equine magic, fit more into this faux-kitsune style. He clearly hadn't had magic of actual kitsune, as there were no trace of leyline magic, and grown up kitsune were able to tap into those veins. Yet illusion, wind, and some healing were easy ones to spot, among others. The base were raw arcane magic though. And it were that raw, arcane magic, that would be possible to press on. At one point, getting dense, like a proper body would have been, though no blood run beneath the surface. Just magic.

As for the wooden pieces, they'd feel like what they were: Carvings made in some sort of oak, seemingly tethered in place, at the right points, to give the shape that Veil were in. The surface didn't show much, and it weren't obviously present what kept them in place. Yet they were not moving, even if pulled on, though it would hurt Veil, if there were pulled too hard.

The way Veil felt was quite interesting to say the least. A living magical construct, it would be interesting to see if Veil herself was capable of any magical abilities. If she was, all she needed to do was to have Veil cast or do something magical to her, and Spectra would be able to use it herself. With Spectra's power base, she could likely do anything Veil did - but with far more power. With that in mind, she would proceed to ask, "Are you capable of casting magical spells? If you are, I would like for you to cast something on me. Don't worry what it is. If you can, I'll show you why I am asking..." she said, grinning somewhat as she looked directly to Veil.

Would be interesting to see Veil's reaction to Spectra's natural ability to absorb magical spells cast on her. If not, then it was time for the rest that Spectra really needed.

Blitz Boom · January 17, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2023-01-15 at 7:43 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"No. What I have done to get this information is far too costly. I could have died during that battle. This information is my own, and I will use it as I see fit - to one day defeat Malevolence and see what good it can bring the world." S

"I-I didn't mean to imply you couldn't. I just... D-Dont want others to go through this. I'm sure you can u-use it for better things."

Veil got a nervous spike again, as she were lectured, that this information were not for her to decide the fate of. She knew that, but she just didn't want to be in the position, of having to look at them again. Especially not if what happened to her, were written within. The memories were horrible enough as it were. She did not need to be confronted with images, or detailed writings, from the madpony, who thought it were a good idea in the first place. She'd end up a weeping mess in the corner then. Or well, she might, if she were able to cry still, but these days, all she had was the feeling of it pulsating from her, if the situation arose.

It weren't the same, but this were sadly what she had been reduced to. Things removed, that apparently hadn't been seen as essential, or unavoidable. If it were even with much more rhyme and reason, beyond just what he felt like, or had just happened. She would not be surprised, if Mindstorm had only ever focused on getting a stable result, rather than one fully functional.

On 2023-01-15 at 7:43 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as Veil got her emotions under control again. She gave a few moments so that she may gather her thoughts as she looked into Veil's adolescent eyes. "He was truly an enigma, having all this power for himself. I have not a clue where he got it from. Duke Mindstorm and Malevolence are two separate beings - Mindstorm gave into Malevolence's ways in his total isolation and garnered his power on his own. Now, he is gone, and one with Malevolence. Malevolence completely having consumed his mind and destroyed his original identity. Mindstorm is dead, for all practical purposes." Spectra would speak ominously and then lean back, letting the pool flow off of her hooves as she stretched.

"Wherever he has gone, I will face him again. Whether it be tomorrow, next year, or a decade later - it is inevitable. I shall spend all the time I have to garnering more power and magic, for he is probably doing the same..." she pondered. "The combat we had attracted someone of great power. I do not like the idea of attracting others into such an affair...feh." she waved her hoof dismissively, almost forgetting she was alone here in her conversation.

"Is that... I thought that F-Fright said that Malevolence was the mind of all of them, made into one? I guess I just thought that meant he were part of them now, and not uhm... Eaten. Though I don't think Malevolence is any better. They seemed very focused on wanting to do some rather bad things. I couldn't hear a lot from inside the fiery bubble, but the way they did things looked intimidating."

Veil wasn't sure that she believed that, though the telltale sign of her gaze averting Spectra, wouldn't be noticeable. hard for that to be the case, unless she turned her head, considering her eyes, were not technically there. Physically speaking, she were a *solid* mass of magic, looking somewhat like a fox-shaped mannequin, covered in magical fur. Including having no facial features. The only thing that gave her a notable face, or features, were the carved wood that were placed on her body, in the locations that they were. Including her face mask, which gave the impression of a kitsune to match the rest. The eye holes were where she looked out from, but she did not have irises or the like. Thus, her gaze were not notable to see, if it move away.

Still, the uncertainty she felt, were something that could be bitten note in. If she chose to find it being something that mattered.

"It was weird seeing her, when she showed up, but you dealt with her well, I think. If you both get stronger though... What else could end up being summoned? Discord? An a-actual god? And why did the fight cause this?

There's a lot I don't understand about all of this, but... I believe in you, when you say you'll defeat Min- Malevolence."

Some hope rolled from Veil, as she said this. Genuine and true, she were in doubt about a lot of things, but she had faith in Spectra being the strongest in the end. She didn't know how much she'd be able to do to help along the way, but she'd do her part. Maybe it'd make the path forward a bit more clear for herself too, in the process.

On 2023-01-15 at 7:43 AM, Spectral Fade said:

The way Veil felt was quite interesting to say the least. A living magical construct, it would be interesting to see if Veil herself was capable of any magical abilities. If she was, all she needed to do was to have Veil cast or do something magical to her, and Spectra would be able to use it herself. With Spectra's power base, she could likely do anything Veil did - but with far more power. With that in mind, she would proceed to ask, "Are you capable of casting magical spells? If you are, I would like for you to cast something on me. Don't worry what it is. If you can, I'll show you why I am asking..." she said, grinning somewhat as she looked directly to Veil.

Would be interesting to see Veil's reaction to Spectra's natural ability to absorb magical spells cast on her. If not, then it was time for the rest that Spectra really needed.

"Spells? Well uhm, y-yes. Like that cloaking spell I cast on you earlier, when we were going towards the tower.

I'm still not sure about everything I can do, but I can do some illusions, arcane magic, and a few other weird ones here and there. I think he tried to make me like a kitsune, but it's... I'm, not the real deal. I'm not that strong, and I don't know if I can heal like they do. Never really tried... But there's some things I know I can do."

She'd mentally prepare herself, and then activate her magic. With no horn or the like as an outlet, her whole body were technically an outlet for magic. But as last time, the rosa bubble in her center, seemed to radiate a different wave, and color, as she did something. In this case, going an earthy brown, pulsating with slight orange, as she weaved together a small construct out of thing air, whilst she waved her paws around. Well, sort of. It wasn't a thing like the creature outside, but instead an acorn, that would disintegrate into a flowing stream of dust, wafting on unseen winds, and after a loop, would lead the dust to impact, and run across Spectra.

The experience would feel disorienting, as it would attack her senses, and feed them incorrect, contradicting inputs, whilst also half-blinding her. A lingering effect, that would last for a half dozen seconds more, after the dust had wafted past her, been made inert, and shriveled into nothing.

"Did uhm... Did that help?"

She were hopeful, and had she breath, she'd currently be holding it. This were an exiting thing.

Unless you were a cat. In which case, you'd have gotten bored sniffing things, and had instead either laid on top of a high object, or crawled into some cloth/a crate, to have a cat nap. Whatever were available.

Props Valroa · January 18, 2023

@Blitz Boom

"Nobody else will. I would rather destroy this knowledge than have it get in the hands of someone else who wants to continue the work that...Mindstorm created. Rest assured, the criminals kept here are kept under lock and key. They will not be escaping anytime soon. You can be sure of that." Spectra would speak in a reassuring manner towards Veil as she felt the nervous spike. She wanted to keep Veil in line, but opted for a more persuasive approach towards her here. She was very traumatized and innocent, after all. Spectra could take advantage of that over time.

Nothing would stop Spectra's ambition. Nothing will. Spectra's will is all that mattered to her, in the end. Although that will was not one that would go to the depths of depravity that Mindstorm would. There were better ways to deal with the world's issues - other than complete corruption and destruction.

"Whatever the case is - Mindstorm lost his mind to Malevolence and he isn't getting it back. His individuality is erased, and if his mind is lost somewhere within Malevolence's influence, through whatever means - he is as good as dead. His original body has been discarded and made into a hollow husk. Very little of who Mindstorm was actually remains thanks to his work. The whispers of Malevolence corrupted him, and Mindstorm willingly listened, as far as I was aware. He was always questionable from the start, using his alchemy skills with the intentions of creating higher forms for ponies. In his isolation, he truly lost his morality and is irredeemable through his actions." her eyes would narrow slightly.

Spectra looked into Veil's facial features - looking at them intently to see if there was anything she missed. The more she looked, the more she felt that Veil was less of an actual individual - but rather, a pawn in her scheme. The lack of any facial features besides the mask and eye holes was enough to hammer home the idea that Veil was little more than a pawn in her scheme. One that she would be sure to get as much usefulness as possible.

"Rest assured, Malevolence in his current incarnation will fall." she said, leaning back a bit. "But in that instance, an actual...god showing up would prove a problem. I believe the cause of Fright's arrival was the amount of damage done to the dimensional barriers in the area, that amount of magic was so intense that it caused reality to break down around the area. Such raw power, is what attracted her. Least that would be my guess." she stated, hoping that next time she could avoid another encounter with Fright. Hopefully, whoever she encountered next would be unable to see who Spectra was at heart. A conniving schemer who only cares about her power, but she genuinely believes that her power would benefit others. The whole of it, was her mind was completely warped from the inside out, having no real control over her own actions or the ability to resist her inclinations. Spectra was just as much a pawn as Veil was, maybe one day Veil would be around to know the truth of it.

Now that they had reached the part that Spectra were focusing on, Spectra was quite pleased. Conversation was good and all - but this was much better.

Spectra would stay silent as Veil would prepare her magic. Spectra would watch intently as Veil would perform her magic towards Spectra. It was very strange, and she had not seen someone do this before. Whatever this, it was clearly something she hadn't come across before. Spectra would feel the magic attack her senses. This was something that "counted" as a magical attack, and thus, Spectra's body would begin to directly absorb the spell. After the spell's effect over Spectra had passed, Veil would see something quite strange. Her body would glow an Earthy brown, and that brown color would glow around her horn as her body returned to normal. With a pulse - the brown color vanished from her horn, indicating that Spectra's body had absorbed the spell.

Then after this, Spectra would consciously begin the same spell that Veil had used and use it on the ceiling. She wasn't going to do something that would hurt Veil out of nowhere, of course. The spell, if Veil had looked - could be seen being casted on the ceiling above them before Spectra would end the spell, finding herself satisfied in the depiction of what she had just done.

"Whatever Spells you are capable of, cast them to me directly, one by one. One at a time." Spectra would speak. It was more or less an order, though. She wanted Veil to cast all of her spells, so that she may eventually be able to use them as her own. Spectra's lips purred with satisfaction.

Blitz Boom · January 20, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2023-01-18 at 5:11 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Nobody else will. I would rather destroy this knowledge than have it get in the hands of someone else who wants to continue the work that...Mindstorm created. Rest assured, the criminals kept here are kept under lock and key. They will not be escaping anytime soon. You can be sure of that."

She felt reassured about what she heard there. That were good, and the criminals here... They wouldn't be escaping either, so if Malevolence became part of the collection, he were staying too. Though it did make her wonder, what had Operata's wife done, to be part of this place? She had to be a criminal too... Maybe he were too?

"The ones trapped... Operata said his wife were in there. Is she a criminal too? Is he? Is that why he's here? To atone for something, before she can be let out? To convince you to give her a chance? I'm sorry, I just... Never heard of a setup like this, and I'm not sure how it, or him, are part of it all. It didn't sound like he liked being here."

It kinda made sense if he were a criminal too, that he didn't like it here, but then why were he lose, when everyone else were trapped? *sigh* Why must everything be so complicated all the time...

On 2023-01-18 at 5:11 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Whatever the case is - Mindstorm lost his mind to Malevolence and he isn't getting it back. His individuality is erased, and if his mind is lost somewhere within Malevolence's influence, through whatever means - he is as good as dead. His original body has been discarded and made into a hollow husk. Very little of who Mindstorm was actually remains thanks to his work. The whispers of Malevolence corrupted him, and Mindstorm willingly listened, as far as I was aware. He was always questionable from the start, using his alchemy skills with the intentions of creating higher forms for ponies. In his isolation, he truly lost his morality and is irredeemable through his actions."

"I don't know if I would call this being a higher life form... I'm just a copy of something else.

Even if it were, there's no way I could forgive him. I bet all those others he tortured and turned into monsters, wouldn't either. So much pain and destruction... That can't be how ponies become something more. Right?"

She hoped not at least. Ponies were fine as they were. She had been one for all of her life, before that field trip, that ended up with her getting caught in the clutches of Mindstorm. She had never wanted to be more than that. Just a pony, with all the dreams and interests of one. Yet this were how she had ended up instead, because of one mad ponys ambitions. May he one day rot in Tartarus for what he had done to her, and even more, to all the others. At least she were stable, and still had her sanity. The others hadn't been that lucky. The few who were, ended up going mad eventually though, or get eaten by some of the more feral experiments. One of them by choice, as it seemed kinder than what they were experiencing after their *treatment*.

On 2023-01-18 at 5:11 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Rest assured, Malevolence in his current incarnation will fall." she said, leaning back a bit. "But in that instance, an actual...god showing up would prove a problem. I believe the cause of Fright's arrival was the amount of damage done to the dimensional barriers in the area, that amount of magic was so intense that it caused reality to break down around the area. Such raw power, is what attracted her. Least that would be my guess."

"Yeah, that didn't look good, with the tears in the air. It was good she could fix it, but hopefully, it won't be so bad the next time you fight.

Maybe it were just a weak spot? They never talked about these sorts of things, in magic class, so I don't know. I guess they didn't think it would ever be a thing that had to be talked about.

*sigh* I just hope for no gods. A demigod did so much, without barely lifting a hand, and thankfully were on our side. A god that wasn't, could really cause trouble."

She really didn't knew of many gods. She knew there were some, as they were covered in their own classes, and she knew that Equestria didn't worship any gods - even though the reverence to their alicorns, bordered on the same thing - but those gods she knew of, were unlikely to care, if they were summoned. That were the whole thing, if she understood the texts right. Gods were nurtured and made stronger, by worship, but they existed on a level above mortals like them, that didn't really make it clear what their intentions were, and what they'd do, and for what reasons. Like what they'd consider good and evil, couldn't really always be connected to gods, who might well operate on a level above that.

Depended on the god she supposed. Like Acronia, seemed to be pretty focused on just everyone that showed her attention, to partake in her feast, and sing songs of praise and joy, rather than sadness and pain. Probably why she were one of the more popular gods really. She took sacrifice in produce only, and prayers to her were done with song and laughter. And in return, she'd offer pleasing times, and great feasts, at various high points, or whenever she felt like it. A big hit by farmers up in the north and north west of Caneighda, from what she'd heard.

On 2023-01-18 at 5:11 AM, Spectral Fade said:

Then after this, Spectra would consciously begin the same spell that Veil had used and use it on the ceiling. She wasn't going to do something that would hurt Veil out of nowhere, of course. The spell, if Veil had looked - could be seen being casted on the ceiling above them before Spectra would end the spell, finding herself satisfied in the depiction of what she had just done.

"Whatever Spells you are capable of, cast them to me directly, one by one. One at a time." Spectra would speak. It was more or less an order, though. She wanted Veil to cast all of her spells, so that she may eventually be able to use them as her own. Spectra's lips purred with satisfaction.

Veil were confused, curious, and in awe, all at the same time, as she noticed what Spectra did. Taking the attack done on her, and then... Absorb it? No, not that. Copying it were more like it. Like she registered it that way, and then added it to her own arsenal.

"...Blue Mage. You're a blue mage, right? That's why you have so many spells. It's just like Dice Roller's games."

She were actually a little excited over this. She didn't think blue mages were real, and just a tabletop thing. But here were one. That was what this had to be, right? Blue magic. The way of taking hits, but in turn, being able to imprint, and copy the spell from that.

She had been the only filly at the Caves & Lizards games that Dice had set up. They hadn't wanted her there at first, but she had been very curious, and persistent. Plus her mother made sure to give her some cookies along for the game, and they loved those, so they let her join in, and she had a lot of fun there. IN fact, in the last game they had started, she had begun to use a blue mage, as her character.

To think that she were now with a real life blue mage... That was so cool.

She'd cast what spells she knew after this, thought it were not many. The stealth one from earlier had passed, then the confusion one were done too. Then came a slight healing spell, which involved her paws glowing pink, like her core were. Then there were regular telekinesis, one that made sounds appear elsewhere, and then at the end, one where she'd cast a clone of herself, that'd go over and poke at Spectra. The copy itself, passing right through her, as it were just a fake, meant to distract. Which a lot of her spells here were.

"That's pretty much all I know. I didn't have a lot of time to train things in there, hiding from the others, and I can't use unicorn magic like I used to. A bit of telekinesis, but that's about it.

B-But I can try and train, and learn new things. I promise. Maybe I'll be able to do something that will really help you someday... That'd be nice."

Props Valroa · January 22, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Quote

She felt reassured about what she heard there. That were good, and the criminals here... They wouldn't be escaping either, so if Malevolence became part of the collection, he were staying too. Though it did make her wonder, what had Operata's wife done, to be part of this place? She had to be a criminal too... Maybe he were too?

"The ones trapped... Operata said his wife were in there. Is she a criminal too? Is he? Is that why he's here? To atone for something, before she can be let out? To convince you to give her a chance? I'm sorry, I just... Never heard of a setup like this, and I'm not sure how it, or him, are part of it all. It didn't sound like he liked being here."

It kinda made sense if he were a criminal too, that he didn't like it here, but then why were he lose, when everyone else were trapped? *sigh* Why must everything be so complicated all the time...

That was something Spectra had not wanted to be asked. It was a real problem - and she would do her best to explain herself away here. "Operata...let's just say he is in a position that he doesn't like. It's for his own good. He is far too useful to me to warrant me locking him away or turning him over to the authorities. I know it's complicated, but I ask for your complete trust in me." Spectra would speak, smiling in a friendly manner. She hoped that would work in order to convince Veil of her point. It seemed like a good enough lie to pass as truth - it wasn't anything too extravagant and it was something that she believed Operata would be able to come up with, should he be asked that question. Neither of them had the capacity to stand up to Spectra in any meaningful manner.

Quote

"I don't know if I would call this being a higher life form... I'm just a copy of something else.

Even if it were, there's no way I could forgive him. I bet all those others he tortured and turned into monsters, wouldn't either. So much pain and destruction... That can't be how ponies become something more. Right?"

She hoped not at least. Ponies were fine as they were. She had been one for all of her life, before that field trip, that ended up with her getting caught in the clutches of Mindstorm. She had never wanted to be more than that. Just a pony, with all the dreams and interests of one. Yet this were how she had ended up instead, because of one mad ponys ambitions. May he one day rot in Tartarus for what he had done to her, and even more, to all the others. At least she were stable, and still had her sanity. The others hadn't been that lucky. The few who were, ended up going mad eventually though, or get eaten by some of the more feral experiments. One of them by choice, as it seemed kinder than what they were experiencing after their *treatment*.

Spectra shook her head to this statement. "That is not at all what I meant. Originally, it seemed like he wanted to improve the lives of ponies themselves through alchemy, of course his original intentions became self serving in the end...until he became what he was, as you knew him." she spoke, sighing somewhat as she thought about that process again. "Maybe one day, we can find someone who can fix you..." she said, trailing off in her words slightly there. Someone who could fix her was more important. She wanted to cast magic normally - blissfully not realizing she already had something that far eclipsed normal pony magic. The way to get it was frustrating, relying on others to increase her own power. If she had been a regular pony - she would have tried conquering Equestria long ago for herself. Without an Elements of Harmony to stop her.

Quote

"Yeah, that didn't look good, with the tears in the air. It was good she could fix it, but hopefully, it won't be so bad the next time you fight.

Maybe it were just a weak spot? They never talked about these sorts of things, in magic class, so I don't know. I guess they didn't think it would ever be a thing that had to be talked about.

*sigh* I just hope for no gods. A demigod did so much, without barely lifting a hand, and thankfully were on our side. A god that wasn't, could really cause trouble."

She really didn't knew of many gods. She knew there were some, as they were covered in their own classes, and she knew that Equestria didn't worship any gods - even though the reverence to their alicorns, bordered on the same thing - but those gods she knew of, were unlikely to care, if they were summoned. That were the whole thing, if she understood the texts right. Gods were nurtured and made stronger, by worship, but they existed on a level above mortals like them, that didn't really make it clear what their intentions were, and what they'd do, and for what reasons. Like what they'd consider good and evil, couldn't really always be connected to gods, who might well operate on a level above that.

Depended on the god she supposed. Like Acronia, seemed to be pretty focused on just everyone that showed her attention, to partake in her feast, and sing songs of praise and joy, rather than sadness and pain. Probably why she were one of the more popular gods really. She took sacrifice in produce only, and prayers to her were done with song and laughter. And in return, she'd offer pleasing times, and great feasts, at various high points, or whenever she felt like it. A big hit by farmers up in the north and north west of Caneighda, from what she'd heard.

All this talk about gods was something about a bad Omen, and so she didn't want to speak of it much further - out of fear of somehow drawing the attention of a high power right to her location. "I don't know how it works, all I can surmise is there the magic was so strong that point in reality was broken. Let us not speak of Gods further. If Gods truly have the power I think they do, I do not want to draw their ire. I may be Paranoid...but rather safe than sorry." she spoke to Veil.

In her thought process, taking over Equestria wouldn't - as she wouldn't seek to endanger the powers that be in reality. Merely re-align Equestria's government and overthrow the Alicorns, she'd leave most, if not all alone otherwise. Normal ponies living their lives wouldn't be of her concern - and she wouldn't want to do anything that breaks the very nature of reality anyway. That wasn't her style. Reminds her of what Discord attempted to do - and she knew very well how that ended.

Quote

Veil were confused, curious, and in awe, all at the same time, as she noticed what Spectra did. Taking the attack done on her, and then... Absorb it? No, not that. Copying it were more like it. Like she registered it that way, and then added it to her own arsenal.

"...Blue Mage. You're a blue mage, right? That's why you have so many spells. It's just like Dice Roller's games."

She were actually a little excited over this. She didn't think blue mages were real, and just a tabletop thing. But here were one. That was what this had to be, right? Blue magic. The way of taking hits, but in turn, being able to imprint, and copy the spell from that.

She had been the only filly at the Caves & Lizards games that Dice had set up. They hadn't wanted her there at first, but she had been very curious, and persistent. Plus her mother made sure to give her some cookies along for the game, and they loved those, so they let her join in, and she had a lot of fun there. IN fact, in the last game they had started, she had begun to use a blue mage, as her character.

To think that she were now with a real life blue mage... That was so cool.

She'd cast what spells she knew after this, thought it were not many. The stealth one from earlier had passed, then the confusion one were done too. Then came a slight healing spell, which involved her paws glowing pink, like her core were. Then there were regular telekinesis, one that made sounds appear elsewhere, and then at the end, one where she'd cast a clone of herself, that'd go over and poke at Spectra. The copy itself, passing right through her, as it were just a fake, meant to distract. Which a lot of her spells here were.

"That's pretty much all I know. I didn't have a lot of time to train things in there, hiding from the others, and I can't use unicorn magic like I used to. A bit of telekinesis, but that's about it.

B-But I can try and train, and learn new things. I promise. Maybe I'll be able to do something that will really help you someday... That'd be nice."

Veil would see something unusual from Spectra after she spoke to her. Her eyes widened at that statement. How could Veil possibly know that? That didn't make any sense. Spectra would shake a little bit at Veil's knowledge. "H-how could you possibly know that?" Spectra said, seemingly nervous at the implications of that knowledge - before she would straighten up a bit and take upon her usual passive glare. "I would be what is considered a Blue Mage, yes." she spoke, and then paused. "I was born this way. A long time ago. That's all." she shrugged idly, but didn't find it in her interest to divulge her information further.

The reality is, the majority of her magic came from Magloria. The first one she captured. The Stasis Spells and all that, largely came from her. Magloria was a Blue Mage much like herself, although she didn't have the mental inhibiting factor that Spectra did. Spectra wanted to manipulate her because she thought she had finally found someone the same as she was, but that was not the case. Magloria wanted nothing to do with Spectra's power plays. Though, Magloria was the one who also captured ponies in a similar manner to what Spectra had done at some point in the past - just that Spectra was the one who...stole her collection from her, and put her in one of the orbs that she had created. Magloria was far less of an evil than Spectra was...for the most part, that is.

Spectra would feel the knowledge of Veil's spells absorb into her when Veil casted the various spells onto her. Very useful magic, for her. She hadn't had this type of magic absorbed into her just yet, but now she had - this would be perfect in the case of combat. Which would come again, eventually.

"This will do nicely...it's perfect...Be this as it may, I believe we have reached the point to where it is time to rest. Just lay down, and I'll do the rest. We'll wake up soon." Spectra would speak calmly. If Veil would comply, Spectra could begin. It had been a long time since she had 'slept' after all.

Blitz Boom · January 23, 2023

@Props ValRoa

22 hours ago, Spectral Fade said:

That was something Spectra had not wanted to be asked. It was a real problem - and she would do her best to explain herself away here. "Operata...let's just say he is in a position that he doesn't like. It's for his own good. He is far too useful to me to warrant me locking him away or turning him over to the authorities. I know it's complicated, but I ask for your complete trust in me." Spectra would speak, smiling in a friendly manner. She hoped that would work in order to convince Veil of her point. It seemed like a good enough lie to pass as truth - it wasn't anything too extravagant and it was something that she believed Operata would be able to come up with, should he be asked that question. Neither of them had the capacity to stand up to Spectra in any meaningful manner.

"It sounds complicated, but I guess... I guess you know how to best handle the criminals."

She didn't feel completely confident in this though. It seemed like she had to ask Operata at some point, and ask him. Maybe she'd understand it better if she heard his side of this. Though it sounded like he were a criminal, doing some sort of service to Spectra, so she probably had to take his words, with a grain of salt. Still seemed like a nice thing all in all, that he were staying, and watching his wife in one of the crystals. She must mean a lot to him.

23 hours ago, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra shook her head to this statement. "That is not at all what I meant. Originally, it seemed like he wanted to improve the lives of ponies themselves through alchemy, of course his original intentions became self serving in the end...until he became what he was, as you knew him." she spoke, sighing somewhat as she thought about that process again. "Maybe one day, we can find someone who can fix you..." she said, trailing off in her words slightly there. Someone who could fix her was more important. She wanted to cast magic normally - blissfully not realizing she already had something that far eclipsed normal pony magic. The way to get it was frustrating, relying on others to increase her own power. If she had been a regular pony - she would have tried conquering Equestria long ago for herself. Without an Elements of Harmony to stop her.

A feeling of hopelessness, and sad resignation pulsed slowly out from Veil, at the prospect of her one day getting fixed.

"There's nothing left of the old me, so what's there to fix? I'm happy that you try and cheer me on that, but I think we all know, I just have to accept this. You can't just make something from nothing, right? I know one of my teachers used to say that sometimes."

It wasn't easy for her to accept, but at some point in there, when she hadn't been hiding, or running, she had to come to points, where she had to look at herself, and face what she had become. It were not something she liked, and she had her long nights, of wallowing in grief, and denial. But she'd been like this, for several years. Eventually, she just had to accept that there weren't any way back.

She had a brief moment of hope, when her body had shown again, but that were dashed, and crushed. It hurt, but that didn't change, that she didn't see a way back. And even if there were a way back, what then? It had been three years by now. Her family would have had to count her as dead by now.

*sigh* She missed her family, but what were she to do? Just meet up, and claim that she were their daughter? Even if she could prove it, and they believed her... Just look at her. She were a freak. A... A monster. They probably grieved her, but if she showed up, it would only rip open those wounds. She couldn't do that to them.

No, this were all she had now... Guess it could be worse though, right? Least she wasn't in that nightmarish forest anymore. That were something.

On 2023-01-22 at 9:26 PM, Spectral Fade said:

All this talk about gods was something about a bad Omen, and so she didn't want to speak of it much further - out of fear of somehow drawing the attention of a high power right to her location. "I don't know how it works, all I can surmise is there the magic was so strong that point in reality was broken. Let us not speak of Gods further. If Gods truly have the power I think they do, I do not want to draw their ire. I may be Paranoid...but rather safe than sorry." she spoke to Veil.

She were about to respond to this, but simply nodded. Guess it made sense that she didn't want to tempt things, now that she might have caused some sort of interest to fall on her. Might be there were just a tiny little push more needed, for all sorts to come around, and gods could cause lots of issues. Might just be best that they didn't risk it, by talking more about it right now. Or by saying any names of the gods she knew, out loud. Maybe some other time, afgter things had calmed down a bit.

On 2023-01-22 at 9:26 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Veil would see something unusual from Spectra after she spoke to her. Her eyes widened at that statement. How could Veil possibly know that? That didn't make any sense. Spectra would shake a little bit at Veil's knowledge. "H-how could you possibly know that?" Spectra said, seemingly nervous at the implications of that knowledge - before she would straighten up a bit and take upon her usual passive glare. "I would be what is considered a Blue Mage, yes." she spoke, and then paused. "I was born this way. A long time ago. That's all." she shrugged idly, but didn't find it in her interest to divulge her information further.

"Well, I play... Uhm, played, a game called Caves & Lizards. You could have all sorts of fantasy classes in that game, and Blue Mage were one of them. I didn't think they were real, but... You work exactly like they do in the game. That's so cool."

A bit of wonder, excitement, and for once joy, came rolling out of the magical construct, that were Veil. Some admiration slid in there too. Might be a silly thing, but how often did you play a fantasy game, and then run into an actual fantasy hero? She even had powers like them. And uh... Well, guess the morals and stuff of them too. Heroes in that game, weren't perfectly noble and honorable either, even if they did the right thing.

On 2023-01-22 at 9:26 PM, Spectral Fade said:

"This will do nicely...it's perfect...Be this as it may, I believe we have reached the point to where it is time to rest. Just lay down, and I'll do the rest. We'll wake up soon." Spectra would speak calmly. If Veil would comply, Spectra could begin. It had been a long time since she had 'slept' after all.

Excitement and magic aside though, some sleep might be nice. A bit of a chance to recharge now, which she could use, after the magic she cast. It weren't enough to exhaust her, but she figured if any time were right to recharge, it would be right after doing something like this. There'd be a long day tomorrow too, she were sure.

Veil would do as she were told, and start to snooze off. The way she did so though, were a little... Strange perhaps.

Now, the fact that she'd radiate emotions in her sleep too, were hardly a surprise. They'd be calm, lest she had nightmares, and could count as soothing for some, if they needed it. That she were safe, would likely give her a long night of peaceful rest.

What were more surprising though, were how her body acted as she did so. The magic would shimmer and dim, seemingly implode upon itself slowly, until what were there, were a small orb of magic, that were probably dim. So would have been the last look of it at least, but the plates covered her fully now, Her essence in that regard, being kept safe, in what looked like a wooden figurine, roughly in the shape of a sitting fox, with an oversized head.

The plates would be impervious to magic, and physical attacks. How Mindstorm had made that happen, were anyone's guess, but it were practical, if nothing else. It'd allow Veil to be moved easier, as the hollow figurine, weren't that heavy either, and added protection as she slept. Likely without her knowledge either, or she'd probably have mentioned this.

Any liquid or dust, would have peeled off, before she had gone into this, so there weren't an of the pool trapped inside of her currently. Nor would anything flow into the holes in the eyes. Something were blocking them. Examination, would reveal it to be slides of wood. Maybe originally, her form had meant to be able to blink? Hard to say.

Props Valroa · January 25, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would simply smile to Veil as she would take in the various things that Veil had spoken to her. Veil had been someone who was truly well meaning, and Spectra could almost feel sorry for her. Of course, she would if she had the capacity to care for others on that level. Spectra doesn't - all she sees is potential pawns to be manipulated into doing her bidding, or else they would turn into living batteries for her to sap energy from. She'd just look to Veil, as watching what was happening with her. Spectra truthfully didn't have much else to really say. The fact that other Blue Mages existed, enough to the point to where they were legends is something that truly interested her. Perhaps there were other more similar to her - even down to the goals they had, that was something that interested her. There were so many variables she had to consider for the future.

But for now, Spectra would rest.

Looking to Veil's sleeping form in the pool - Spectra would wonder to herself quietly about what it is Mindstorm had wanted to do with her. She was unable to come up with any real explanations, other than that Veil's form had not been fully realized to it's original design. The slides of wood in her eyes were a good indication of what that was. Before long though, Spectra would pull herself away and spread her body out a bit - and the pool's soothing features soon overtook her mind, and Spectra promptly went off to sleep.

Blitz Boom · January 26, 2023

@Props ValRoa

Sadly, she would not be able to find answers to why Veil were as she were, from the books she had gotten. It showed some of Mindstorm's early ideas, and the research around it, but Veil were more of a culmination effort, far further down the line, and it seemed as if all tomes that might include that kind of knowledge, had been liquified by Fright. As such, the only one who truly knew, would be Mindstorm himself, but as he were now part of Malevolence, it were hard to say how many of the old memories were kept in the hivemind, nor if he'd even answer, if asked, in the first place.

Sadly all that Veil knew, where that he had said a few times, before she had escaped his grasp, that she were a great proof of concept, but with no more context. Usually, he just did some follow up experimentations on her, or had her walking around like a dog on a leash. A pet, as he had called her more than once then, and several times during the end.

But this aside, the next day would eventually rise on the horizon, and as she woke up, Veil's form would expand again, as her core woke up, recharged in full, and putting her back to the form she had when they first met her. The apparent eyelids, were among the last things that lifted up, but much like her unfurling, and shutting down to a smaller form in the first place, she did not appear to be aware of it.

Spectra had seen it though, and now, so did a certain feline, that had jumped back from the edge of the pool. She had woken up before them, and after wandering around a bit, rubbing her scent here and there, off on various surfaces, she had gone to the edge of the pool, curious about the odd statue she had seen there. She had been in the process of trying to bat at it a few times, when Veil had woken up, with the first thing she'd see today, being the cat looking up at her, seemingly confused.

"Oh uhm... G-Goodmorning kitty."

She'd shake her left front paw, free of pool *water*, and reached it over to pet the cat. Sonata were still confused, but she liked the pets, from the slightly tingly feeling paw, that were giving her scritches, so she'd start to purr soon enough, with a big, pleased grin plastered over her face.

Props Valroa · January 27, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra's dreams served more of a purpose than the dreams of most ponies. Her dreams were a place she came to terms with the events of the waking world and noted things she missed while awake. Her mind was still very much active, when she was asleep. Despite that, even in the dream realm she was no typical pony. It was always about analysis, power, and becoming stronger. No other real emotions seeped into her dreams beyond scattered undefinable thoughts.

Perhaps one day she'll get the answers she wanted from Malevolence. Perhaps she could find a way to force Malevolence to give up a lot of his power to her by defeating him and absorbing that power into herself. That was a long way away, and soon enough - she would awaken and stretch. Her eyes would open - falling upon the feline who had been looking at the unicorn statue. The statue seemed to be part of the floor itself - so it was very well secured. It was fairly large and looked somewhat relaxing to look at. The statue was clearly of a beautiful, peaceful unicorn mare. Perhaps it may be the one who made the pool originally? Who knows.

Spectra would slowly rise out of the pool. Interestingly enough - when she'd shake herself off, the fluid in her fur would automatically seem to flow back into the pool from where it came. It was so that none would be wasted.

"I wonder where Operata went..." she said, quietly - as she would walk away from the pool. Veil could choose to follow, or not. Seems as though Spectra is the type to wake up nearly instantly. She was going to go see where Operata went.

Blitz Boom · February 1, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2023-01-27 at 7:48 PM, Spectral Fade said:

Perhaps one day she'll get the answers she wanted from Malevolence. Perhaps she could find a way to force Malevolence to give up a lot of his power to her by defeating him and absorbing that power into herself. That was a long way away, and soon enough - she would awaken and stretch. Her eyes would open - falling upon the feline who had been looking at the unicorn statue. The statue seemed to be part of the floor itself - so it was very well secured. It was fairly large and looked somewhat relaxing to look at. The statue was clearly of a beautiful, peaceful unicorn mare. Perhaps it may be the one who made the pool originally? Who knows.

While the cat looked at the statue, she did not think so much on who this were, or the historical aspects to it all. Rather, she were thinking that this might be something nice to sit and sleep on the next time she were in here. For now though, she'd just rub against it, purring slightly. It felt rather nice, although her interest in this would falter for now. Especially once the path opened, at which point, she'd perk up, and with a loud meow, would rush along, headed for the exit. She had to go outside for a little bit.

Veil would follow along with Spectra, in her tempo instead. Awake and fresh as could be, she still looked much the same. Her energy hadn't been depleted enough to be seen last night, though she were feeling a bit more perky. That could also just be down to the fact, that she had awakened, and not had to dig herself out, or fear that something had tried to eat her, while she had been resting. That sort of peace of mind, meant a lot.

On 2023-01-27 at 7:48 PM, Spectral Fade said:

"I wonder where Operata went..." she said, quietly - as she would walk away from the pool. Veil could choose to follow, or not. Seems as though Spectra is the type to wake up nearly instantly. She was going to go see where Operata went.

"I guess we could uh, go and look. And g-goodmorning, of course."

She had slept rather well, and hoped the same were the case for Spectra. She seemed well rested at least to her, though as she did look, and saw the water drip off... Mighty peculiar effect, how it all went back into the lake again. She hadn't really noticed as it dripped off from herself, but now that she did, she did bite now in how it rolled down her tail, to the floor, then seeped back there. Strange, but... Least it saved on the cleaning, yeah?

Anyway, as they wandered out, they would not find Operata at first. The first one they'd see, were Sonata, being joined with Falsetto, in running out of here. Next one though, would be the little automaton. Or rather, the efforts it had put in.

As they had slept, it had finished organizing all the items, and had cleaned the entire room it had been in. It looked utterly spotless. If they followed the trail from there, they'd find that the cleanliness, continued into the main room, where for instance, Operata's wife were locked up. He were still resting as it appeared, laying upon the winter clothes he had worn, when he found Spectra the first time. Around him, the majority of the room had been cleaned spotless too, with the crystals polished so well, it seemed they were almost blinding, if the light would fall down on them.

Yet as they entered, the focus from the entity, were not on the crystals further in, but rather on Operata himself. It were crawling on him, and currently polishing the buttons on his suit. It also seemed to have straightened his hair, and put some sort of coloring on his facial wounds, as they were not visible right now. Or had it healed them? It were hard to say right now, and the entity did not even move to address them in any way, as they entered the room. It appeared to be more focused, on cleaning up Operata, while a pale, rose light, beamed from its diodes, down on him. Might well be what kept him sleeping, while he were being cleaned. Or it were checking him for dust. It were hard to say, but it would stop soon after, and wander off him, considering him clean, and orderly. That also meant it had turned him, to make him, and the clothes, lay facing the side of the crystals, a few more inches to the right of where he had laid down. Too uneven. His posture were also one where all of his body laid upon the clothes, and if they had the inkling to think of it, in a position that seemed ideal, for having him stored in a box.

As for the entity, unless it were spoken to, it would wander over to the nearest wall, and climb it, to get to the taller points. It appeared to have n issue scaling it, nor leave a mark, so some kind of suction effect, would likely have to be employed.

"Well it uh... C-Certainly doesn't do things halfway. I don't know if I should be impressed, or worried about that."

Had she been in the room earlier, she might have been worried in fact, as it had also tried to clean the cat. Falsetto however, had not rested idly, and gotten up, bashing at it, before running off. She had been wandering around a bit after that, looking for her sister, until the cat had suddenly rushed towards her, and she joined the tabby, in going outside.

Props Valroa · February 2, 2023

@Blitz Boom

As they would leave the room behind - the large door that had lead to it would close. Spectra would cast a spell on the door and there would be a brief flash of light from the doorway, before it would seamlessly mold back into the wall around it. It was clearly an illusion of some kind. However Spectra learned it - she was unwilling to tell. She didn't seem to be in that much of a talking mood, then again she never really was a talker. Spectra was a thinker at heart. Having Operata, Veil, and the Construct around was something she found to be a rather strange experience.

Not one that she entirely disliked, but the only topic on her current mind was her garnering more power. Veil wasn't exactly useful to her - not anymore. Spectra now had all of Veil's magic inside of her, and she wasn't really sure if her stasis spell would even work on Veil. It was something she was unsure of doing, but open to trying. Veil's time with Spectra - had come to a close. At least in Spectra's mind. Spectra had to think more about Veil to decide what she wanted to do with her in the long run.

Her eyes would turn to that of the construct and she'd look upon what it had done with the place. It was most impressive, and she were more than thankful that it had organized the place for her. The place was also cleaned nicely as well. So much progress had been made in recent times - it made a smile fall upon her face. She'd walk over to the construct and speak - "Continue what you are doing." she would order to it, finding herself completely satisfied with it.

She'd had taken note of what the construct had been doing with Operata. Moving him about and keeping him perfectly clean with it's magic. A bit too...far, but not exactly a problem? She'd step on over to Operata and shake him awake, it was time for her number one pawn to give her more information about potential targets for her to go after. While she was waking him up, Spectra would glance over at the cats as they ran outside, the construct having tried to clean them.

"The place is much better off with it as it's caretaker." she smirked slyly to Veil, waiting for Operata to wake up.

Blitz Boom · February 4, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2023-02-02 at 5:52 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"Continue what you are doing." she would order to it, finding herself completely satisfied with it.

The automaton would turn around as it were addressed, and blinked the lights of its face a little in response. Yet would return to the duties. It grasped that it had not done anything unsatisfactory, and thus, saw no reason to stop the current set of actions. It still needed some fine tuning as to what the duties involved it seemed, but it were learning, and thus, it would likely get there, sooner or later.

On 2023-02-02 at 5:52 AM, Spectral Fade said:

"The place is much better off with it as it's caretaker." she smirked slyly to Veil, waiting for Operata to wake up.

Operata would wake up after being shaken enough, though the way he grumbled as he opened his eyes, he were not pleased about it. Could also be because his resting area were nowhere near the luxury of the others, but it were his choice. He could've slept in the grass outside instead, for a more comfy cover, though his suit would likely have been dirtied up most fiercly then.

Barely had his eyes opened though, before he'd cringe, and grab his hooves to the side of his head, teeth clenched in what seemed like pain, where he were attempting to avoid screaming in agony. Didn't want to give Spectra the satisfaction after all, though it got close, over the next few minutes, before it appeared, that he finally got himself under control. Though his expression were still looking like he were pained in some way.

"Why is my face burning? Can I not even rest without being subject to random acts of cruelty?"

"Random... Uhm, we didn't do a-anything. the small thing were standing on you, and cleaning you. It uh... D-Did something to your face scars."

Operata would raise a hoof, and poke at his face, where he knew a rather nasty one of those scars had been, and at the touch, would instantly retract his hoof, and keel over, clenching his teeth.

"I'm going to smash that thing with a hammer... Insufferable little monstrosity."

There were no bite behind the words. He knew he wouldn't be allowed to, but at the same time, it appeared to have fixed his scars, in a rather painful manner. Probably forcefully removing the dead tissue, and doing something to patch it over with more clean, living tissue. Growth of some sort, though that still included him having face surgery, with no pain meds. It did not appear that pain were a fact it cared much for, over simply completing its task, and his face scars had been asymmetrical, and unorderly. It had to be fixed.

Props Valroa · February 6, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would stare at Operata and smirk slightly upon his pained expression. She'd had stood there for a few minutes and observed his reaction to the circumstances. "It healed you. I know very little of this creature, but I find myself greatly impressed with it." she said as she strode towards Operata. "You should be thankful for it healing your scars. You look as good as new." Spectra would say, the light glinting off of her pearly white smile as she looked him dead in the eyes.

"As for what we are doing today - by this point, my magic has fully healed from the recent combat experience. I believe time would be well spent by studying the book I had been gifted." she spoke as she would pull out the book that was given to her that detailed Malevolence's plans.

"Or, if you are feeling up to it - you can spill me information about your former Criminal Employers and tell me where they are based out of, perhaps I could add more to my collection here." she spoke with a slight gesture, putting an emphasis on the "Criminal" part so Veil wouldn't get suspicious.

Blitz Boom · February 7, 2023

@Props ValRoa

21 hours ago, Spectral Fade said:

Spectra would stare at Operata and smirk slightly upon his pained expression. She'd had stood there for a few minutes and observed his reaction to the circumstances. "It healed you. I know very little of this creature, but I find myself greatly impressed with it." she said as she strode towards Operata. "You should be thankful for it healing your scars. You look as good as new." Spectra would say, the light glinting off of her pearly white smile as she looked him dead in the eyes.

"Easy for you to say. Your face doesn't feel like someone assaulted it with burning knives, and stitched it up with barbed wire."

He didn't much care to be courteous, as he responded there. His face hurt! Those scars had meaning, and while they also made him more recognizable, he had come to accept his wounds, and looking at them, reminded him of what brought him to where he had gone. That they had been seemingly fixed without his consent, were not something he much cared for, as it weren't like he tried to beauty himself up for anyone anyway. His wife were the only mare that had ever been for him, and while he had thought some things on how Spectra had been attractive, when he had first met her, his heart belonged to none but his wife. Even when he thought her dead, he could not see himself with another.

It also didn't help, that that little monstrosity, had seemingly treated him with the same degree of cold, callous care, as if he were a machine. Not caring about how he felt, but just dealing with whatever twisted logic dictated to it, that it were proper to do this to him.

How had it even done it? With how much it hurt right now, he should realistically have woken up at some point., Probably whilst screaming. So it were seemingly able to either dull his nerves while it were fixing him, or it had him incapacitated in some fashion. Neither really made him feel comfortable, resting anywhere near that thing again.

23 hours ago, Spectral Fade said:

"As for what we are doing today - by this point, my magic has fully healed from the recent combat experience. I believe time would be well spent by studying the book I had been gifted." she spoke as she would pull out the book that was given to her that detailed Malevolence's plans.

"Or, if you are feeling up to it - you can spill me information about your former Criminal Employers and tell me where they are based out of, perhaps I could add more to my collection here." she spoke with a slight gesture, putting an emphasis on the "Criminal" part so Veil wouldn't get suspicious.

"Actually, before we do, maybe uhm... I mean, I can try something?"

She had never really tried this sort of thing, but... Kitsune were able to heal, right? Maybe she could help with this.

She'd go over, and lay a paw on the top of his head, still making him wince, and tried to focus on her magic. The center of her, began bubbling, and blossoming in various colors around, as she tried to center on something. A vague feeling, rather than a spell... It wasn't the healing she had done yesterday, but something else she wanted to try. Something she felt she might be able to do, but hadn't actually tried before.

"Look, I know you are trying, but I don't thi-"

Suddenly, a jolt of yellow, and sparkly orange, shot from her core, up through her leg, paw, and shot out through her paw, striking Operata on the head, and going right through his head, impacting the floor. His eyes lit up, and the same strangely colored light would be seen glowing out of his open mouth.

It would last but a second, as Veil would withdraw her paw, fear and worry roaring from her, as she looked at Operata. The light had left him, and while he were still standing up, he seemed stunned. His head also appeared slightly fizzling, warping in and out of view

"O-Oh gods oh gods oh gods. I... I were just trying to..."

Suddenly Operata seemed to get firmly back into reality, and blinked several times. He'd try to poke his face, but still cringed, having clearly hoped this would somehow have done something to the pain.

"Urgh. Why is... *sigh* You tried doing that, of all things?"

"W-Wha?"

"Memory implantation. I am not sure what I am going to do with memories of what I assume is some kind of dancing bear costumed griffon though."

"T-That was a festival thing. I... I'm sorry. I were just t-trying to see if I could uhm, d-dull the pain or something."

"I'd suggest more practice young lady. With supervision. You're woefully unaware of what you can do, if you do something like this out of nowhere."

Veil had untapped potential to make some fairly interesting spells it seems, but by the gods were this done poorly. A visual temporal spell, mixed with a delusion spell, and accidental memory implant? Each having something of value, but not when mixed up and disorganized like this. At least it distracted him for a few moments he supposed... *sigh* but now he had to answer his mistress...

"I can't tell you where The Undercourt is. That scroll you demolished, were my only way back, except for making contact to one of the other members, that still have a scroll of return. Or by taking contact to a safe house, within an allotted amount of time. As you might imagine, I have not, and the scroll being demolished, means they will assume something have gone awry.

They're an underground association of criminals, working on their own premises, and with no supervision. They're not risking someone getting caught, and exposing their location. I might have some idea where a few of them could be, but the high members are secluded. I don't know if they even leave the base at all.

If you want that, read your book for a while. I'll try and think up where I've heard some were headed."

Props Valroa · February 7, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would glare to Operata at his comment about his face. Spectra couldn't care less about it. If anything, she is very much glad that the construct went ahead and removed his scars. At least it made him more appealing to look at. He should be a clean gentleman specimen who dedicates all his knowledge to her. While Spectra had his obedience - she wanted more than simply obedience. For him to pull his weight. So far, so good. He wasn't there to back her up during the battle with Malevolence, but it wasn't that much of a problem. That wasn't his fault in the end.

"It may feel like that for now - but you'll thank me later." she smiled, giving him a bit of a sultry grin. It was more of a sly look, if anything though.

Spectra would listen to the banter between the duo - she'd smirk more at this. It was entertaining, but she were a mare of business. Getting down to things as soon as possible with little leeway was how she ideally would operate. A rather useful ability - one that she had been unaware that Veil would have. However this was one of the rare chances she would turn down a chance to gain magic. Her mind was hers and hers alone. She would rather perish than have anyone, or anything peer into her depraved isolated mind. Her mind isn't for the faint of heart - above all else.

It was a rather curious display. Veil could be made to learn magic, and she can give it to Spectra. But that would be for later.

"As amusing as this is, let's move along." Spectra would state, a tone of clear annoyance in her word. She wanted to let them know that she wouldn't tolerate too much leeway. "We have work to do, and you better keep that magic to yourself. Don't want anything going wrong. You will learn how to control it, one day - but not today." Spectra would say, pointing a hoof to Veil as if singling her out slightly, before she'd turn away and listen to Operata's statement.

"Not that out of line with how I thought." she'd say to Operata, pleased with his thoughts. "Now I will read. Only bother me if it is absolutely needed and necessary - or if you have more to tell me about the whereabouts of those you know, and who they are, what they look like, any other details you can remember." she said, really trying to coax out the information here.

Blitz Boom · February 11, 2023

@Props ValRoa

On 2023-02-07 at 11:52 PM, Spectral Fade said:

"As amusing as this is, let's move along." Spectra would state, a tone of clear annoyance in her word. She wanted to let them know that she wouldn't tolerate too much leeway. "We have work to do, and you better keep that magic to yourself. Don't want anything going wrong. You will learn how to control it, one day - but not today."

"I... i promise that I will train, and learn more."

"And I'll provide some modicum of guidance, before she ends up accidentally switch minds between me, and one of my cats."

"T-That before was just an accident."

"An accident I don't want to see expanded upon, or made worse. This is not up for negotiation, young lady."

She'd argue back, but his stern look, and clear tone of *This is final*, made Veil give in, and eventually just nod, whilst looking away. Truth be told, it were likely for the best that she had some kind of tutor in things, before she ended up doing something mad. If she could do what she just did, what else might happen, if she tried to do something, whilst lacking control, or understanding of it? Operata might be a criminal, by all accounts, but he had a point. And she supposed, if he tried to make her do some bad spells, or were too crude whilst teaching, she could always tell on him. Spectra would reel him in, if he went too far.

...Probably...

On 2023-02-07 at 11:52 PM, Spectral Fade said:

"Not that out of line with how I thought." she'd say to Operata, pleased with his thoughts. "Now I will read. Only bother me if it is absolutely needed and necessary - or if you have more to tell me about the whereabouts of those you know, and who they are, what they look like, any other details you can remember." she said, really trying to coax out the information here.

"I can describe some, but it wouldn't do much, without knowing what area they might be in. I will think of this, whilst setting Veil up with some rudimentary magic lessons, and come by you, when I have something concrete.

That said, maybe I should prepare breakfast first, after setting her up with those exercises. Please, I insist."

To Veil, a comment about him seeming a little humble perhaps. Spectra though, would likely recall their talk regarding this, and understand it being more of a matter of him, not wanting them to be poisoned by blandness. Scouring a few spices and workable herbs outside, would give him some time to think of more details regardless.

Props Valroa · February 12, 2023

@Blitz Boom

Spectra would narrow her eyes as she looked into Operata's eyes. She didn't want to do any lessons or anything like that currently. She wanted to go out and gather more power! But Veil just threw a wrench into all that. It was far simpler when it was just one pawn to keep track of - now she has two. She sighed in frustration and Operata could clearly see her annoyance with the situation. Veil would be useful in the future - but she didn't want to deal with this at the moment. Though, there was some merit in it - and she relented.

"Go ahead. If there is anything you can find out from her, let me know - but if there is anything that risks your lives or damages my property, there will be consequences." she spoke, absolutely adamant in her word. She gave Operata a glare. Usually Spectra was not openly angered - but here she was so, if only slightly annoyed. Spectra really didn't want to bother with Veil currently - although she realized the importance of the magic she had in the future, and it was quite powerful - then it was best put to use as soon as possible. With that, she would go back to her reading, clearly not wanting to be disturbed further unless there was something of utmost importance.

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