open Into Limbo: Worlds Collide

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

Blu would see the worry and dread in Cozy's face as she waited outside the door looking left and right as if to see the cost was clear.

It seems that cozy was at her limits at waiting and left the place, down and defeated. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih

Given the worry and dread, Blu put aside the thought that this might be a trap and decided to open the door, just enough to speak through, "Hey, what are you doing here? Need something?"

Inwardly he knew that there was no way she was here for him, she couldn't possibly know he lived there, so she was likely after Lyra or Bonbon, though it still begged the question of what she could need them for.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

 Cozy Glow was a bit happy when she heard the door open and quickly went back, but as soon as she'd see and hear Blu's voice. Her smile turned to confusion.

" Wait.... You live here? This IS Lyra and Bonbon's house... I couldn't be wrong... Well nevermind that. Is Lyra and bonbon inside? I have something important to ask them... If you don't mind." 

Cozy Glow asked Blu with a hint of agitation. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih

Blu shook his head, "They left about this time yesterday, said it was something urgent and important, and didn't say when they'd be back. But yes, I live here for the time being. Apparently my parents were good friends with Lyra." He looked down at that with a sad sigh, but returned his attention to Cozy, "Sorry to disappoint, you want to leave a message I can give them when they get back?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

Cozy, at first was quite disappointed to hear that Lyra nor Bonbon weren't present, but quickly tried to relax and change her attitude, so she wouldn't seem rude to the one she is talking to.

" Ahmm, sorry... I was really hoping to meet one of them... So you're one of their new adopted children I see? I guess your my new brother then?" Cozy would smile.

" Actually I too lived here once, you know... since we're orphans and all... but I got in to the school of friendship now!... Again ahmm....  So I'm staying at the school now, assisting the princess.... Anyway, hehehe I just came to say hi too them and say I missed and love them." 

Cozy would notice that you have an ornament on your horn, since her attention would keep on levitating to that, but wouldn't ask about it.

"Say did they ever tell you about the story of "the Odd Traveler" by any chance? About the dimension traveling pony? The story is so unrealistic and odd... But for some unknown reason the events of their story is somewhat happening in real life... Hehehe anyway maybe it's just a coincidence... Sorry for taking your time it's nice to see you again, we'll definitely meet again though."

The mare would leave you if no further important events would happen. 

 

 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih

Blu looked a bit surprised to hear that Cozy had also been 'adopted' by Lyra, given Bonbon's previous comments on the matter, but didn't comment on that.

In regards to her question about the story he'd shake his head, "I don't believe they did, I'll have to ask them about it when they get back."

Assuming she still turned to leave he'd simply say, "Be safe out there." before closing the door.

After that he'd go wash up, gather his things, and start making his way back to the animal sanctuary to see if he could meet back up with the two ODTs from the day before.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

They would give their goodbyes and Blu would prepare to head to the Everfree forest.

As soon as he got there it was a slimy mess.

A lot of damaged trees and purple gunk was littered on the sanctuary.

The purple stain and damaged trees leads deeper trough the forest... But purple creatures seems to litter the path, sizing from bunnies to bird and to wolves. Their quantity is few. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu was cautious of the downed creatures and the destruction surrounding the area, but as he didn't seem to be in any immediate danger he decided he would wait there a bit to see if the ponies from the previous day would return. If they didn't show up within an hour or two, he'd start planning what he'd do next. He wasn't the kind of person who typically relied on others, as others had often failed him before, so he wasn't too concerned about moving on without the others if it came to it.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

It wasn't a wise move for Blu to wait at the infested sanctuary as sooner or later the purple creatures would notice him and slowly approaches him. The closer they get the quicker they move and hungrier they get from sensing your magic. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih

Blu would leave the sanctuary at the first sign that the creatures were not unconscious, frustrated that there didn't seem to be anyone in charge to take care of this mess. You'd think that between two rival factions there'd be at least one pony assigned to cleaning it up.

Still, he wasn't about to give up on meeting up with his potential allies. Once he was done fleeing from the creatures, again, he'd try and find the castle that the shark mare had suggested dropping Twilight off at, maybe they were still there, or someone there knew where they had gone from there.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

As he enters ponyville to search the castle. He sees an alicorn he once met on top of the library before, with the nosy pegasi... But this time the Alicorn is dragging an earth pony mare and two stallions and Cozy glow following suite.

If you chose to follow them. you'd end up catching them at the entrance of the school of friendship. 

If not there's a bunch of ponies who'd willingly guide you to it, and easily be there. You'd see the shiny castle resembling someone giving you a middle finger. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu had no reason to assume that the alicorn filly were in any way related to where he needed to go, so he'd simply keep moving. Given how large the castle was, he didn't end up needing help finding it, nor would he be inclined to ask for it, but still he'd see the resemblance between the shape of the castle and the rude gesture, it lent a little credence to his bias that authority figures couldn't care less about those they ruled over.

Still, he wasn't going to be the one to give up first when it came to potential allies, he'd do his part. Blu would approach the castle looking for someone he could ask bout his group's whereabouts. 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

As he wonders around the castle, two royal guards are stationed at the entrance. One of them noticed the young stallion and approached him casually.

" Good day to you young one, I don't recall seeing you in these parts of Ponyville? Might you be a tourist, visiting the Castle of Friendship? If so, I'm sorry to tell you this but today is not a good time, apparently something big came up and the princess is very busy at the moment. So tours in the castle has been stopped. It's kinda lonely to be honest. Not sure when it'll resume, but hopefully it resumes in a week. But for now here a pamphlet."

The guard gave you a pamphlet. There if he chose to open, he would see the whole map of Ponyville.

Showing sites to see and tourist destinations.

" I hope that the princess isn't dragged on one of Cozy Glow's mischief... "

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu would raise an eyebrow but accept the pamphlet nonetheless, "I'm actually looking for a few ponies I came into town with. We were supposed to meet up around here last night but I got delayed. Maybe you saw them? Or would know where they might have gone to? One of them was a purple unicorn mare if that helps."

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

" oh I see... Let me ask my buddy over there for a minute, he's actually on the late shift and about to switch out with me." 

He turns around and yelled at his co worker.

" EYYY! BUG EYES! ANY VISITORS LAST NIGHT!? A PURPLE UNICORN MARE TO BE PRECISE! YOUR TYPE OF PONY!"

The guard would reply back from afar as well with a yell.

"IF THERE WAS , YOU WOULDN'T BE SEEING ME HANGING AROUND HERE NOW WOULD I!?  ... THE ANSWER IS NO! JUST THE COLD WIND AND LONELY ATMOSPHERE WAS HERE TO ACCOMPANY ME..... SERIOUSLY I NEED A LOVE LIFE ... HEY COLT IS THAT MARE SINGLE!? MAYBE YOU COULD INTRODUCE ME!? "

The guard neer you was taken aback and would put an embarrassed face to his coworker.

" Sorry about that sir. I guess the night shift finally got to him... Better change shifts with him before he's far too gone.

Anyway, I believe it's a no. We could've easily notice ponies visiting the Castle since everyone in Ponyville knows that there's no tour open yet here, and the usual ponies going here are tourist who haven't heard the news or just got lost. Sorry if I couldn't help you on that matter, maybe you need something else from us?"

(Blu would recall that he told them to leave Twilight at the hospital.)

Edited June 12, 2022 by Kujamih

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

Added event's

You'd see a jet stream in the air leading towards the School of Friendship, then followed by a large boom from the shock wave it produced.

" Holy cow! That was one fast Sonic Rain boom!" The guard yelled.

The distraction would caught your attention at the back and see that Flurry Heart and Cozy Glow are back at the Castle. But a commotion is happening there, soon after you see one of the guards at the back shoved Cozy to the ground. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu would take advantage of the commotion to simply leave the castle, given how dead set the shark pony had been about taking her to the castle, he was surprised that she hadn't. Although, it was entirely possible that she had, and had simply not been noticed by the guards. Still, np stone unturned, unless that stone was the School of Friendship, and he wasn't going back there until he was ready to burn it to the ground.

Thus, the hospital was his next search location, maybe the shark had listened to him and taken her there.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

As the commotion happened you'd notice that panic has already spread to Ponyville. Ponies packing and leaving their homes, heading the opposite way of you. It seems that everyone in Ponyville is heading to the castle.

As you've reached the Hospital, you've noticed that they too have started the evacuation. Multiple ambulances in line and one by one leaving, to Celestia knows where. But one particular pony cought your attention. It was Beta.

Closer inspection sees that she is escorting what seems to be a pony covered by a white blanket on the hospital bed.

She too noticed you, and would come up to you instead.

" Hello there lost one? Looking for some pony in particular?" 

A siren would be heard and it seems to be coming from the Castle. Not long after royal guards are flying through the air in groups. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu did recognize Beta, but as she did not seem to recognize him he didn't think it necessary to call attention to himself in that way, besides, she may not be as caring as Lyra and had close ties to Alpha. Still, as she had called out to him, he figured she might know something, "Yeah, I was with a group that got attacked in the forest, we were supposed to meet up at another location but that got attacked too. One of my group, a purple unicorn mare, got injured in the first attack, and the other two mentioned bringing her to the hospital before we got separated. Any chance you've seen them or know where they might have gone off to?"

Edited June 14, 2022 by Illiad Easle

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

9 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

As Blu had never met Beta, he wouldn't recognize her. Still, as she had called out to him, he figured she might know something, "Yeah, I was part of a group that got attacked in the forest, we were supposed to meet up at another location but that got attacked too. One of my group, a purple unicorn mare, got injured in the first attack, and the other two mentioned bringing her to the hospital before we got separated. Any chance you've seen them or know where they might have gone off to?"

 

@Illiad Easle

" Oh, your guardian that Lyra and Bonbon left you? She'll be fine... her ambulance just left and she'll be treated with the finest facility in Equestria. Down at the base where it's safe."

She glared at Blu.

" I suggest you go and hide now. That siren is an invasion alert, most likely Rogue, mindless ODTs. I suggest you not head to Where the School of friendship is and in the Everfree forest, there's a lot of them there. Probably killing more of us, maybe this way the world would take us seriously and heed our warnings and ask for our protection from the likes of you."

If Blu has nothing to ask Beta would ride one of the Ambulances and leave with it. 

Edited June 15, 2022 by Kujamih

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Blu didn't react to the news that Dusk was fine, as that wasn't the pony he was concerned about, but figured that Beta was withholding the information he wanted, or at least wanted to make it seem that way, otherwise they would likely have mentioned that they didn't know where the other two went. You'd think she'd be curious about the 'other two' if she didn't already know.

His expression darkened though when she said 'the likes of you', but he didn't deign her blatant, intentional or not, xenophobia with a response. Still, invasion alert seemed as clear a weapons free order as could be expected, plus the opportunity to loot the school for whatever books had been stolen from the library in the process.

Before Beta would leave Blu would simply say, "Pass along my regards to Alpha." It was clear by his tone that he did not mean it pleasantly, but also not out of hostility, more of a: 'I'm not threatening you, but we're in no ways friends' sort of way.

That said, he would ready his weapon and head off towards the school, it was time for a proper field test.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle

" you can say that to her in person. I don't know what witchcraft you did to her to change... But you'll never get me into your side." Beta replied back to Blu about Alpha.

As both left their separate ways, Blu once again heads to the now truly accursed school of Friendship. As you got near, the Chaos Grows injured students of the School resting and being treated by the royal guards. This site for Blu would give nostalgia on war, the scene looks identical to a post bombing or air raid.  Where everyone is injured and being taken care by the medical team, Lots of shouting for aide and plea for safety.

As you reach where the path leads to the School, the guards there are busy defending the spot from on coming Purple Creatures. The Guards who can fly are also busy defending the air and trying to reach the school.

A guard would've tried to stop Blu from even coming near the place, but the  Chaos was too much to handle with so few Horse power. And what's worse is that the infection would spread if the guards become careless, and could not stomach to kill their fellow infected guards, and students.

They have little knowledge from this kinds of invaders.

Maybe if a SMILE Agent was handling things they may have handled it better since they have experience with ODTs.

But the only one who has experience with this creatures is Blu.

Knocking them out can stop the infection all together. Shooting them on the other hand might work, as it seems the mist seems to take the full damage to protect it's host. It's up to Blu if he should test it out. 

Edited June 15, 2022 by Kujamih

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

(Nostalgia is definitely not the right work, traumatic flashbacks would be more accurate. Still, while Blu has military training he has not seen a battleground or real war outside of simulations.)

Blu took a moment to asses the situation, before nodding to himself, "Let's do this then." He would take advantage of the relative safety to securely strap the kernel to his back, then make a final adjustment to his gun such that it would fire the rounds at subsonic velocities to make them less lethal. It was still likely to kill unshielded smaller creatures, but it should be effective at knocking out the rest. He could always turn up the power later if he needed to.

He'd take a moment to steady himself, holding the gun with his gloves in his magic, then start firing. He'd start on the animal targets, making sure it wasn't killing them, before turning his aim on the possesses students and guards, if he could show the rest how effective knocking the infected out was, they may have a chance at defending themselves.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

( I wasn't sure if he experienced war first hoof so I avoided using that word, but he must've seen the effects of war written or pictured in a book, so I thought nostalgia might fit.)

@Illiad Easle

 As he tries to shoot the smaller Purple Creatures, it would successfully puff into purple clouds and drop off the unconscious victims.

He would try with a larger creature, but it would only halt it, and put it in pain, soon after would attract it. But as soon as he shoots it at the head and knocked it unconscious, purple puff would release and return it's victims back to normal, but in a dazed and drained state.

The Guards soon sees his actions and at was first hesitant, but soon after seeing the results, they would rally at the colt and charge enthusiastically! 

" We have been guided by our savior! Do not succumb to weakness and CHARGE!!! PROTECT THE MAGICIAN!"

Now Blu is surrounded by royal guards ready to protect the colt. 4 royal earth ponies holding a shield to guard you and 2 royal pegasi at the sky fending from the sky.

One guard would speak to you with a familiar voice.

" Who would've thought that the lost colt I talked too was actually going to be a hero in the future, you better give me an autograph after this mess."

The Guards would protect Blu with their life, as they know that he could save them if they've turned. The rest would try to save the downed comrades and students. Eventually they'd be able to clear the path from the wretched purple creatures and a path towards the school is now available.

" I mean no disrespect, but I believe you've done enough, you've brought back hope and saved more lives than we could've handled. It's actually quite embarrassing to ask more from you, but if you wish to go forward with this, you have the royal guards backing!" The familiar Guard spoked. 

[Illiad Easle 3,143]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze

(Nostalgia is typically the word for fond memories, but anyway)

Blu was unused to fame, or even being noticed for that matter, but he was happy that those around him were no longer underestimating his abilities. His military training gave him experience commanding a small group, and given they respected him he shouldn't have issues having his orders met.

Given he was firing at subsonic velocities, and not penetrating his targets, the bullets should experience little to no deformation after being fired, so he would task some of the guards surrounding him to recover the bullets and return them to him. It would also give them the chance to recover those liberated from the infection before they could be reinfected. Thus he would have a steady supply of bullets. If he were running low at any point, he could probably ask one of the guards to start breaking down some metal, likely from their armor, to make new ones, but he'd hold off on that until it were necessary.

Blu would take his group and move in whichever direction seemed to have the highest concentration of creatures.