open Into Limbo: Worlds Collide

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

" you do know that if you stayed with me... You'd be pretty much stuck with me for the rest of your life right? It's not too late you know." She looks at Fuoco calmly waiting for her decision. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Kujamih @Illiad Easle

“We weren't trying to hide anything, Blu. It's not the time to bring that up, not when there are other ponies around.” Silver whispered low enough for only Shallow and Blu to hear, “Let's talk about it when its just the three of us.”

If the other guards were to look at their direction, they would obviously catch the sight of Silver wearing silver iron armor, they would also not recognize him. Was he a guard from somewhere else? While they hadn't heard of their hushed conversation, there will be a high chance of Silver's armor will attract unwanted attention to him and his companions.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih

(Blu)

Blu raised an eyebrow at Lyra's antics, but he'd be lying if he didn't admit he were at least a little relieved to see her, "I'd appreciate if you didn't do that again, I nearly took your head off. Those two," he pointed at Shallow and Silver, "took Dusk to a hospital or something, but that was before all of this happened."

In regards to Silver's comments, and the fact that Lyra and BonBon didn't seem all that concerned, he sighed, "Alright, we'll talk later then. Let's get out of here, I haven't had the chance to eat anything since this started."

 

(Fuoco)

Fuoco looked instantly repulsed by Alpha's statement, "Well that's just... cuivré! I save your life and that's how you intend to repay me? Indentured servitude? Stuck with you for life my flank."

She immediately stood and turned to leave, casting a final remark over her whither as she left the structure, "I hope you live to repay me with something more than not killing me and not enslaving me."

With that she would storm off, still cautious to look out for what predators might be around her, as well as trying to determine where exactly she was, and how she might procure food and shelter, which she had hoped to gain from Alpha, but wasn't willing to agree to a lifetime commitment to acquire it.

Depending on what was around (Since you never described their surroundings beyond the interior) she would do one of the following:

If they were in the forest, she'd do a circle around the structure to try and find a path, then follow it. if there was no path she'd chose the most open area and head that way, hoping to find a source of water or a path to follow.

If they were in a village, she'd investigate the other houses for ponies, food, or water.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

 

Before Fuoco leaves the room.

Scootaloo would give her a farewell.

"Hey!... Go to the Castle... You'll be safe there, for a gullible princess resides there... 

"Goodbye Fuoco, we will meet again. And when we do... Be a good pony and don't make me regret this... One was enough. Don't be the second one."

If Fuoco would reply back she would just end up talking to the wind. There won't be any pony there to talk to. It's as if she was talking to a ghost, or maybe she was delusional.

But one thing's for sure... She is alone in the room now.

As she sets foot at the outside world, she would be greeted by a post apocalyptic view. Buildings semi burnt, the color of ash and dirt scattered everywhere. As she investigates among the houses she scavenged. She'd noticed that there's no body of the dead, and the food and water are still somewhat fresh. Which is quite weird. The food indicates that the apocalypse has just happened yet no corpses to be found?

As she continued off on the streets she would spot the Purple creatures she was warned about once in a while, truly only a few of them remained in the village. Their sizes present from the village is from the size of a small animal and a big dog. Going through buildings can easily avoid this creatures.

Furthermore Fuoco would eventually find a castle like structure... But this seems to look like it's made of wood and abandoned. 

But then again she was in search, to scavenge.

The building as well is quite abandoned and messed up. But on the walls a painting of a map presents itself.

It's a bit damaged and dirty. But still readable.(that is if Fuoco has the same hoof dialect or hoof writing with Equestria. )

There she'd spot plenty of places but three drawings on the map captured her eyes that seems to look like a castle.

She recalls she is in a village.

And one particularly small castle is beside a village. Fuoco now knows what the castle looks like based on the painting.

Further scavenging the place, you'd notice that there are cabinets and paperwork's scattered about. Indicating that maybe this was an office? Or a place where wizards and scholars study? Not much food can be found here.

But a noise cought your attention from the other room though. And as you moved closer to it, it suddenly stayed quiet.

She hears something sniffing ever so quietly from the other room. 

 

 

 

Edited August 6, 2022 by Kujamih

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

Luckily Lyra's and Bonbon's presence deterred some of the guards to go near the group.

" Hmm? They look sane to me... Although your magic is really messed up." Lyra replied.

Bonbon would interrupt Lyra and agree to Blu.

" I agree with Blu but I'm not sure if our house is still standing from this carnage."

Bonbon said this with a heavy heart as she thinks of her home with Lyra would be no more.

" Anyway we still need to check and collect anything useful in the house.. if it still stand then good. But if not, then collect as much equipment that is usable and meet back at the castle of Friendship okay Lyra? Meanwhile I'll stay by the Princess's side. I think thunder and buckshot won't be joining us for a while... " As she spoke of Thunder and Buckshot, she then remembers that Blu does not know these ponies yet.

" Oh right, you have two older Sisters now Blu... Sorry." She apologetically said to him.

(If no further actions, Blu , Lyra , Silver and Shallow would be heading back at BonBon and Lyra's house while Bonbon, Buckshot, and thunder stay with the Princess.)

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Is Windy not going to do anything?)

(Fuoco)

Fuoco was more than familiar with the sight of charred wood, if anything it felt familiar to her, like the battlefield she had left wasn't so far away after all. She wasn't disturbed by the lack of bodies either, while her fire wasn't hot enough to reduce ponies to ash, she knew of plenty who could. She hoped one day to reach that level, but that was neither here nor there. She was surprised though that the food seemed undisturbed by the damage surrounding them. The heat necessary to remove bodies would easily spoil food. Maybe it had been localized? She wasn't about to look a gift pony in the mouth though, and gathered up what she could after sating her thirst and hunger.

She was perfectly able to read the writing, but in her mind it was clear that a commoner had written it, it didn't have the notes or bars that indicated how it were to be sung, it was just flat, conveying information without any power behind it. She took note of where the castle was in relation to the village, but her attention snapped to the sound when she heard it. With a soft whistle she conjured a small bit of fire to better illuminate her surroundings and to potentially throw if she found an enemy. So long as she kept up the low sound it would remain, making it hard to stealth, but the trade was measured. She'd cautiously approach where she had heard the sound coming from, keeping the small ball of fire in front of her as she moved.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

As Fuoco whistles ever so silently towards the room, she hears someone sobbing. As she slowly enters and her flame lit the room ever so slightly she would see a group of foals cowering in fear at the back of a mare, who seems scared and stressed out. The mare guarding the foals was a purple Earth pony.

As the flame lights the foals eyes, they started to cry and panic. Even the mare was a bit blinded from Fuoco's weak flame. 

" Hush now children do not cry... I will not leave you." The mare tried to calm the foals.

The mare then picks up a broken pipe and tries to intimidate you.

" Stay back purple beast!" 

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco sighed, mostly in relief, as she saw that there was not danger here, or that she was apparently the most dangerous one here. In doing so she put out the fire that she had carried, she'd need her voice to speak anyway. "Apologies, I mean you no harm. I don't know what you refer to by purple though, last I checked I was very white, orange, yellow, but not purple."

She sat down so as to appear less threatening, "What's going on here? I arrive here to find the place abandoned and destroyed, is there somewhere safe I can help you get to?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

"Thank hoofness!" The mare sighed with great relief.

" Finally a pony to rescue us... Wait? Arrived? You're a traveler? Have you not seen the purple monsters roaming around the streets infecting everyone it bites!? " The mare panicked once more.

" Where you followed!? Oh please tell me you weren't followed by a purple creature or any of that sort?"

As the mare tried to collect herself and get rid of the stress that built up, she finally calmed down and thinked straight.

" Okay... At least this time I'm with an adult unicorn to aid me and the children to escape... This is actually good...

Okay I'll take you on that offer, my name's Diamond Tiara. I'm the mayor of this little village called Ponyville. You see an evacuation towards the castle was ordered out of no where. As I already got out purple creatures have already invaded my Village. All I could do now was save as much as  I can and bunker down on my office. Was lucky enough to have seen this foals in a group running towards the office so I just had to help them... And now we've been waiting for hours now for rescue. I guess it's time to make an action than to wait here."

" Help me save this children get to safety of the castle and not only will you have the backing of the mayor, but the princess as well. I know her first hoof.  " She bragged.

"So what do you say, friend?" 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco raised an eyebrow at 'hoofness' having never heard that phrase before, but she didn't interrupt as Diamond went through her several thoughts. Waiting until the end to respond, "I wouldn't be so quick to declare friendship, we've only just met, but I'd be more than happy to help. Lead the way. Also," she gestured to her forehead, "Not a unicorn, just a flutist trained in pyromancy."

She stood aside for Diamond to take the lead, intending to follow behind the foals and defend from behind if needed.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

 

"please... I'd considered anyone a friend if they didn't tried to eat me hahaha." She laughed awkwardly... But then hits her... When she did noticed that she has no horn. 

".... But... But you just did magic?.... You just did magic!?..." 

As Fuoco stood by, Diamond Tiara's side, she is still flustered and confused at what was unraveled to her.

While the foals clustered around her, amazed and awe shocked.

" Can you teach me magic miss? They told me that earth ponies such as us can't use magic! But you sure proved them wrong!"

But before everything got out of hand, Diamond Tiara quickly tried to handle the situation.

" Children, remember to stay quiet. We aren't safe yet. True we have a magic slinging earth pony with us... But that doesn't mean we should let our guards down."

The foals where quickly pulled back from reality and stayed quiet.

" That's good... But don't worry... We'll continue this when we reach the castle."

 

As they packed for supplies and readied to head outside. Diamond Tiara went to Fuoco and gave her thanks once more.

" Hey... Thanks again for saving us... Not only physically but mentally as well.

At first all we waited was fear and dread... But when you showed up... A great relief surely spread among us... I swear your acts of heroism will not go unheard of or be paid."

As they exited the building Diamond Tiara would head out first sneaking her way through nooks and crevices, then gives the signal to the rest... Unfortunately, her way of sneaking around would be stopped. As a group of purple creatures blocked their way..

"It looks like an infected pony and a Dog like creature is blocking our way... And is the other one a cow? Shoot what now? Find another route? "

She asks herself as she mumbles away, thinking a better solution in their predicament. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco raised an eyebrow at the talk of lack of magic, but held off on commenting beyond telling the foals, "I wish I could teach you, but I'm not skilled enough to know how to explain how it works. But I'm sure if you could find the right teacher they could help you. Everypony has magic flowing within them, it's just expressed in different ways for different ponies."

 

In regards to their predicament Fuoco returned to the front, speaking quietly so as to not traumatize the foals, "I could burn them if you think that will help. I don't know if there is concerns about killing these creatures, can they be cured?"

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle and @Kujamih

Despite his desire to scout around and locate any more of the dark-magical beings that are still in town, Silver was delighted about getting some rest and getting something to eat. Like Blu, he hasn't eaten anything since he had woken up to the invasion still ongoing. It also gave them time to discuss privately especially serious subjects they have to talk about, specifically the presence of dark magic in him and Shallow “Count me in, i've been carrying an empty stomach throughout this morning. What do you say for a post-battle breakfast, Shallow?” he turned to the shark-pony with a small smile.

Edited August 29, 2022 by Windy Breeze

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

~Blu~

As silver turned around he'd see a Shallow Shade chocked out and fainted on the arms of Lyra.

Lyra on the other hand would wonder on the look on the rest of the other pony's faces towards her. As she wonders she'd noticed the reason why.

" Oh oops. Sorry I did it again Shallow... Anyway I'm sure it's a yes from her. You guys ready to head back home?" Lyra said to the group while Bonbon faced hoof.

" Anyway I'll leave you pony's now and head to the princess" she said to the group as she waved goodbye. 

~fuoco~ 

( On standby for a bit, fixing timeline... )

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

~Fuoco~

As Fuoco suggested to burn the infected, Diamond Tiara was a bit shocked and taken aback.

"I... I-i don't know...."

She looks back at the infected and back at Fuoco and the students, shocked and scared.

" A decision must be made.... For now I'd prefer the children to have no more trauma... Anyway. We don't want our only fighter to run out of energy from using to much magic... I'm sure you magic won't last forever right? So I guess it's best we save it and have a detour."

Diamond Tiara would lead them to a back ally. The road was more crowded and messy. But this aid them to escape the purple creatures who roam the streets.

Slow and steady they'd finally reach near the castle and saw some guards.

"Finally! We're safe...!?"

The fillies where also excited to see the royal guards and would rush towards them with glee.

But a shadow from above would be noticed by both mares and saw a giant purple like flying creature zooming towards the students.

Diamond Tiara's instincts would rush in and her adrenaline bursts within.

She'd rushed towards the children as fast as she can to save them. She sees the purple creature is targeting the filly who was at the very back, so she rushed in and pushed the filly off of it's way... But in return she is now on the creatures way.....

In a glance she'd look at Fuoco.

Her face was scared and sad.

She seems to be looking at Fuoco for salvation? For answer? For reassurance? 

She looks desperate that's for sure. 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

~Lyra's home sweet home~

a week has passed and within the house hold of Lyra heartstring, there she cooks her pancakes every morning to feed her growing family.

even though her house has a broken off roof and mostly half of her house were thorn off, she was still happy. What matters is family to her.

" FILLIES! BREAKFAST IS READY!"

She shouts gleefully to Shallow, Silver and Blu.

" Would you mind grabbing Blu from the basement Shallow? You know how hard it is to penetrate down there. Oh and Silver? Be a dear and set the table for us. ...I wonder what Bonbon's up to...sigh."

mean while at the basement, where bonbon and Lyra's S.M.I.L.E. Equipments and mini base/ headquarters is, Shallow slinks in the shadows to go and grab Blu.

"Hey bro, mom's calling us for dinner.... What you up to now?" Shallow asked Blu with curiosity, as Blu is making another project at the basement.

 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Kujamih

It has been weeks ever since he arrived in this world and the invasion of Ponyville. He has been living in Lyra and Bon Bon's house ever since. While it appeared he easily got used to the sudden change of turn for his life, he is beginning to miss his own world despite what happened to his hometown and the sacrifices he had to make. It is most likely Luna Light, and Sparkle Guide, are overwhelmed by the living dead. Still, he appreciated his newest friends in this Equestria he doesn't belong to.

He snorted when called a filly. It wasn't much of a big deal for him.

Silver wordlessly prepared the table with plates and food for breakfast. Lyra's house needed some repair, he wondered why she hadn't hired a repair pony, he would imagine ponies working for secret organizations would give their workers high-paying salary compare to a mere town guard.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco wasn't one to hide and sneak around, but she deferred to Diamond's decision in the first instance, avoiding the first group of infected.

When it came to the second attack though, Fuoco was already moving to strike when Diamond went to protect the targeted filly. She pulled out her flute, took careful aim, and with a loud sharp note sent a lance of fire magic straight towards the flying creature. If the creature was mostly mist it would stab through, lighting it on fire if it were flamable, and if it were solid it would simply strike and spread flames.

If the creature tried to dodge, she'd play a few more notes to redirect the fiery lance to hit it's target, or at least keep it on the defensive until the other ponies could get away.

 

(Blu)

Blu didn't like being forced to stay in one place like this. While he held no allegiance or much care towards this place he still felt like he needed to do something.

He had spent the entire week iterating on and improving his rifle, along with passing in all the information he could to the Kernel. As Ponyville had been cleaned up he would be able to get the information he had previously tried to get from the library and the school, allowing him to create special bullets for his rifle to allow him to trigger a variety of spell effects on impact.

After a week his rifle had evolved into a rather sleek design reminiscent of the weapons from his home world. It would have very long range and supreme accuracy, especially when combined with another technology he had been working on: a heads up display in his glasses that would connect to the Kernel, allowing the super computer to help him aim and spot targets at greater range.

 

This devotion to progress had turned him into even more of a recluse than usual, only leaving the house to get the information from the library and school, and only leaving the basement to eat. And even then, thanks to the display in his glasses, he was still working even then.

 

15 hours ago, Kujamih said:

"Hey bro, mom's calling us for dinner.... What you up to now?"

Blu rolled his eyes at that, he had never hidden his annoyance at Lyra's attempts to have everyone pretend to be one big happy family. His family was dead, and he had accepted that long ago. He didn't need a replacement family.

Still, Lyra had done enough for him that he wasn't going to deny her that fleeting happiness. So he didn't verbally deny it. "Don't suppose I could convince you to just bring it down here for me?" He sighed, setting down the latest version of his rifle, "This one should be 5% more accurate with a 15% greater maximum range, plus a quick switch to rapid fire at close range. Assuming it tests well, I think it will be the last version. Then I can focus on something else."

That said he'd turn his attention towards Shallow, she'd be able to see the lines of calculations from Kernel moving on his glasses, "Fine, I'm coming up."

He'd head upstairs and take a seat at one of the corners of the table.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

~"Shallow Shade And Blu"~

As Blu mumbles away and decided to head up, Shallow gave a sigh of relief.

" Phew... You know how Lyra gets when she doesn't see you, you know? She ends up smothering me instead... Gulp... "

As they head upstairs Shallow shade would continue to have idle chatter with Blu.

" Hey... You know I've been requesting you to make me one of those guns for a while now... Come on... Just one simple cool yet cute one is enough.... Where it's small and easily fitted in my hooves... eyy... Your not listening aren't you..."

shallow pouted.

As they've reached the table they'd see Silver preparing the table while Lyra is putting they're breakfast at the table.

It was hay and pancakes, with some hot coco on the side.

"Eat up everypony!" Lyra perkily said to everyone.

Shallow would immediately chowed down, waiting for no one.

"Hey mom? Isn't there eggs in these pancakes?"

Shallow questioned, while her mouth is full.

" Ap apapapap! No talking while eating! You're a mareshark... Mare none the less... You should still use proper manners. You're supposed to be the older one here and set a good example."

"ahhh... Yes... Sorry."

Shallow blushingly said as he tries to use some utensils.

She was able to use the spoon and fork, but only once. She tends to bite off the utensils and end up eating it up as well...

"Well there goes our set of silver wear... No matter we can easily forage for it."

Lyra casually said to the others.

( Questions can be asked here but only through Lyra though.)

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

Fuoco would successfully lit the creature into flames, but not strong enough to change it's trajectory towards Diamond Tiara.

The  a blazed creature would instead crash towards diamond tiara, knocking her unconscious. Burning a part of her body.

The guards on the other hand did react at the event and would push the creature away from her and put out the flames.

The rest of the guards would come out and rescue the rest of the children.

One of them would notice Fuoco and encourage her to head inside the barricades near the castle where it is safe.

" Please everyone, Hurry inside where it's much safer! Let the guards handle the situation for now! "

It seems that the guards have no clue as to what has happened here... They're more focused on extracting everyone from outside and escort everypony to safety. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

 @Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco cursed under her breath as her attack hadn't been enough to save Diamond. It seemed her magic simply wasn't as potent here as it had been back home. She'd have to train harder and play harder if she wanted to keep herself safe here.

Still, she moved at the guards' command, a bit disappointed that she didn't recognize their armor configuration, another piece of evidence that she was far from home. Once inside, and with the relative assurance that things were safe, she'd find some place to rest, it had been quite some time since she had last slept. And nearly a week since she had slept longer than four hours at a time. Maybe that had caused her music to falter? Who knew.

Assuming nothing required her attention, she'd soon be asleep in some dark corner, but a light sleeper.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

 

~Fuoco's Sombra~

As she took her slumber, the days would go by unnoticed.

Attempts to know what is happening outside their new cage is for not, for they're forced to stay at the section they're in. as to avoid further infection and problems along the way. 

Attempts were made by other creatures. They tried to wonder off on other sections of the base to find they're loved ones. But were immediately dealt by the guards, forcing them to follow the rules for the time being.

As days passed, Fuoco learned more about this world.

Where earth ponies are more on talent and have no such things as spells at their disposal.

The world was at peace and every nation is at harmony ruled over by the Princess of friendship herself, Twilight Sparkle.

An invasion of unknown purple creature was just recent and this chaos is just new. 

But, Ponyville is once again at their hooves. They were able to repel the remaining purple creatures, and reclaim what was once theirs. 

Within a week the lock down was gone and the places that are heavily guarded are the ones at the gates.

Food rations and beddings were gradually given to every creature, prioritizing the elderly and the injured, Then the ones with foals, while the young and strong were enlisted to help out.

The Foals with them had no parents. They where quickly placed inside the castle, as per the princesse's orders. While Diamond Tiara at that time was badly injured and unconscious. She was immediately sent to the ward. Mean while, Fuoco would be forced to enlist since she was still young and able.

But the 2 mares faith would be intertwined once more.

As Fuoco lines up to take her rations, a familiar mare would hand her her meal.

" Fuoco? Is that you?"

 

The newly burnt mark on her side and that voice quickly gave it away... It was Diamond Tiara. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Kujamih

Fuoco chafed terribly under such close watch, this was exactly the sort of thing she had been trying to avoid by leaving Alpha in the forest after all.

She spent her captive time practicing her music, learning the limitations of her magic in this realm.

She was a bit incredulous when she heard that the world had previously been unified in peace, her world had never managed anything more than tentative truces enforced by large walls and well trained defenders. Still, if the guards said they were at peace, she wasn't about to risk upsetting it. Unless of course someone tried to take her flute, she'd sooner burn down the castle and everyone in it than let someone take her flute.

She was especially irked at the mandatory conscription she faced, but if the alternative were starving, she'd do what she could.

6 hours ago, Kujamih said:

The newly burnt mark on her side and that voice quickly gave it away... It was Diamond Tiara. 

Fuoco cringed when she saw Diamond's face, "Caesura... " she shuddered, "They should have brought you to me, I could have healed your burns before they scarred. Or at least minimized them." She shook her head, "No helping it now I suppose, I'm glad to see you up in any case. They forcing you into service like me?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

Diamond Tiara was a bit upset at how Fuoco reacted to her scar. Making her more conscious of it. 

" No helping what so ever...hmm... And forced?" Tiara was left confused as to what Fuoco said.

" Well it's not that we wanted this situation to happen... It's more of everypony is forced to adapt in this situation.... I mean the least we could do is help out one another, right?"

She'd look around and point out that "in  this kind of situation this is as much as we could do though... Well unlike you spell slinger." She hands out the ration to her.

" How bout you? I'm sure you've been helping out."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Kujamih

(Fuoco)

Fuoco shrugged, "My magic in healing is limited and best when applied to fresh wounds. I can only bolster the body healing itself, once something is scarred the body isn't trying to heal it anymore so I can't help."

She sighed, nodding in thanks as she took the ration, and looked about the room, "I'm a visitor to this town, so I don't know how you typically do things here, but where I come from this sort of thing would call for action, fighting back, not just waiting. I don't mind guarding a castle, but I'd much rather be out there fighting off the monsters that did this."