Happy Hearts and Hooves day 2023 - Your Matches - The Gathering

[Frostbite]

On 2023-02-21 at 4:37 PM, Magloria said:

@Cagey

Magloria observed the far wall and saw how everything was all enclosed. The situation made her disgusted - but she kept her emotions under control. She knew that Changelings feed on emotions - so what if the key to defeating the Changelings was to simply feel nothing? She was good at that. It got her through her life so far, so why not now? Magloria looked to him, her eyes moving to look over at him, Her eyes were deep and cold. Much like an arctic ocean. If he looked closely, he could see the reflection of their environment on her gray-blue eyes.

"Those insects feed off of emotion. Trying to get us all in here so we could fight each other so they can feed off of it like the parasites they are. I suggest we play the waiting game. Keep contact with other ponies minimal." she spoke calmly.

Magloria would examine their prison. "The Changelings will obviously keep us alive. A dead pony means no emotion to drain off from." she added, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Frostbite eyed her, trying to see if she had an ulterior motive, but her eyes gave nothing away. He nodded sharply. "Obviously."

He hated staying put, doing nothing, but she was right that they shouldn't play into the changelings' hooves. And it was as good of an excuse as any to avoid any double-edged conversation.

[Skylight Scintillate]

On 2/21/2023 at 3:52 AM, ChrysalisM said:

After a white flash a changeling stood before those gathered where the parasprite stood.  It was missing a wing, and had a single starch white eye. It looks around a bit sheepishly and takes a few moments before speaking. "I know you all probably are mad right now, but hear me out. Please." The changeling than seems to regain an element of composure. "First of all, my name is Cimex, but feel free to call me Ix. I haven't been in the reach of Equestria for a while, rather worlds apart, and the last contact I had was during the wedding. I need not say which. Needless to say, I didn't exactly think that high of ponies. Still, since I came back, with a much broader view than I had before, I found the state of affairs was much different than I previously had experienced. I took this job out of loyalty to my queen (as much of an old hag as she is), but I really couldn't lead you to your dooms. I'm Chaotic Good for Myhriss's sake!"

 

Ix than kneels before you. "I'll take whatever consequence you feel is necessary in light of my actions, and surrender myself to your mercy."

"I knew there was something sus about you! Look, I KNOW adorableness and cute - and I can tell you right now -- this parasprite is NOT as adorable and cute as it seems!" Skylight exclaimed. However, she calmed down when she realized how this changeling reacted. "Can you help us get out of this trap?" she asked.

On 2/20/2023 at 8:01 PM, Nebel said:

@Skylight Scintillate

“Ah, great, I’m glad you like it too, Skylight.” He says with a smile. “I’m, uh, not much into video games personally. I just stick to board and card games for the most part. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of Takenoko, mind explaining what that is?” He asks, hesitating though once he heard about Skylight using baked goods as combat weapons. “Uhhh, ok, bread doesn’t exactly sound like a good thing to attack somepony with, but ok, you do you.” His smile returning. He doesn’t exactly know Skylight very well yet, so perhaps later things will make more sense. “Canterlot, huh? I used to go there quite often when I was younger, not anymore though.” He explained, his mood dipping a bit. He doesn’t seem to want to discuss this further and the conversation continues.

He raises an eyebrow at Skylight’s question. “Well, there’s definitely something going on here. I agree that some of the things that we have seen since we got down here have been a bit too coincidental. But, aside from wandering around this maze cluelessly, I don’t see much of an alternative. I also feel that sticking together will give us the best chance of getting out of here sooner.”

Skylight pondered for a minute of how to explain Takenoko. "Let's see, so I think the best way to describe it is that each player has a different goal for growing bamboo in certain plots of land, while there is a panda that eats them," Skylight explained. She seemed to pick up on Nebel not wanting to talk about Canterlot, but she wasn't sure what to do with this information.

On 2/21/2023 at 6:40 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

@Dynamo Pad @Sir Hugsalot @GeneralDirection @ChrysalisM@Skylight Scintillate

Caramel would smile over at Dynamo as he had succeeded, and she nods "yes, and I think..one more turn and wr can be.." She then  turns her head to see that the parasprite had revealed itself, "I.. was hoping it wasn't true, I was hoping I hadn't let my new friends down and led them into a trap" she'd say, before doing the pattern  "listen, I'm not mad at you, upset yes, but not mad..you were following orders, and I know..I know that not all changeling are bad, because I've met two very nice ones and a grumpy but good one and..." She was about to finish the pattern when Chrysalis appeared, making her shrink back and hiss.

After Chrysalis did her monologue thing and then disappeared, she'd shudder and then return to the 'game', "I got this.." She then succeeds in the pattern, and she cheers, but then sighs  "to finish what I was saying, I know not all Chamgelings are bad because.." She sighs and turns to her true form, which was quite different from the type that Chrysalis was, as she herself was a spider Changeling, a jumping spider to be precise "because, I am one myself"

Ooc: this is what she looks like

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Even though Skylight suspected something about Caramel, she was still surprised when Caramel revealed herself. Once Skylight managed to calm down, she asked "So what is a spider changeling and how is it different from a changeling? Does that mean you have spider abilities?"

On 2/21/2023 at 7:39 PM, Dynamo Pad said:

Looking back towards @GeneralDirection Nebel, Dynamo grinned upon learning the unicorn's hometown. "Now that's really convenient and you can say that again. I might need a refresher course on the game, but I'm always up to playing with a team. It's like the old saying goes with strength in numbers." He would say, nodding at the mention of being introduced to the others. "Awesome and I look forward to it. Thank you for the invite, Nebel." He says with a smile, before recalling a few memories with @Skylight Scintillate. "Oh, I remember we did do a session of Ogres and Oubliettes together. I remember the one time you defeated an enemy with a move that made it rain with baguettes." He chuckled, before sighing softly. "That was truly nostalgic. Oh, I miss the old days, but I remember how resourceful you were when playing that game. I think I remember you and I played Takenoko together with Twinkle and Sealight, but it's definitely been a while. I'm really sorry if I forgot the rules, Sky."

When the mention of the parasprite came up, Dynamo had to agree. "I'm glad you trust Caramel as I trust her, as well. I'm not sure what to make of the parasprite, but it did try to help us. Granted, we got ourselves into that earlier situation with being stuck in place to play a game. I want to say they meant well, but I'm not entirely sure, to be honest." He would say, giving his two cents, before smiling. "I'm glad you still live in Canterlot. It'd be pretty cool to visit every now and then. If Nebel is having a session of Ogres and Oubliettes, then I know I'm definitely inviting you. If @AuroraGlimmerCaramel is interested in that, then I hope to invite her, as well.

Closing his eyes from a momentary white flash, the gaming unicorn slowly opened his eyes to see the parasprite had changed. Gone with the small pink ball and wings. In it's place was a changeling. However, this changeling was missing a wing and had a starch white eye. Dynamo's eyes widened in surprise as his jaw dropped slightly. He didn't expect the parasprite to be a changeling, but from the way Ix kneeled, it looked to be friendly. "I mean, we were basically tricked, but I don't want to say mad. Confused and concern would be more appropriate as I can imagine this is on everyone's mind. Why did you help us? Was this room meant to be a test or trial for us to overcome, or was this a sort of trap set up by Chrysalis?" He asks, wonder what Ix's intentions were. By the way the changeling kneeled, he wanted to understand this changeling. From what Caramel had told him of Ocellus and the other changelings, he knew that everyone deserves a chance.

Once the group gathered up, the gaming unicorn's ears fell as he heard the sound of a growl. Looking up, he narrowed his eyes slightly as Chrysalis had made her appearance known. "How could you say such a thing? You call Ix a weak link when maybe they wanted to try and do the right thing. With what I've learned, maybe the weak link is the opposite way of thinking." He wanted to say that maybe Chrysalis was the weak link, but he knew he'd probably end up in trouble. He had to hold his tongue as seeing her toss Ix aside had bothered him. Even if they failed, it still wasn't right. A friend wouldn't do that to another friend, but it looked like Chrysalis was different. Just as soon as she had appeared, she vanished into a dark cloud without a trace. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he looked over to the others to see how they were holding up. That was until he saw the chocolate pony turn into her true form, a spider changeling. Seeing the new creature in front of him, Dynamo's eyes shrank as he started to back away slowly. "S-S-S-S..." He tried to utter out, but found himself unable to find his words. Looking around, he met @Sir Hugsalot Vibrant's gaze, while his look of fear and shock were still present. "N-No. Honest and I promise I didn't know about Caramel turning into form." He would say, his back slowly leaning up against the mossy wall, before his legs gave out on him. Sitting down, he pulled his hind legs close to him. Lips quivering as he felt his spine tingling. "I-I'm really sorry, Caramel. I-I'm really sorry everyone. I-It's not that I'm against Caramel or anything along those lines. I-It's j-just..." He closed his eyes as he felt worried about bringing this up. "...I'm honestly afraid of s-spiders. I'm not afraid of Caramel as a changeling as I know that she's not like Chrysalis or any other bad changeling. I-I'm just afraid because of my fear." He would say, feeling ashamed as he felt he heart his crush's/date's feelings.

"Yup, I love my baguettes. And no worries about Takenoko, it's been such a long time anyways," Skylight said.

When Dynamo started panicking due to Caramel revealing herself as a spider changeling, Skylight hugged Dynamo. However, she didn't really have the confidence to reassure him given that she was kind of nervous herself. 

After Dynamo calmed down, Skylight whispered to Dynamo "My cutie sense is tingling again. There's something else pretending to be cute here..."

[Gentle Breeze]

While all the commotion was happening on the of divide, Mossy Wall -- the other side, Tangled Roots was quite calm.
Tree Song @Silly Druid and Astral @Astral Soulwere having a lovely discussion of some tea, to relax.
After all of the chaos that had threatened them before, it was nice to relax and recharge.

Silky was preparing some potions while allowing the little fillies @Silverspark184and @Sycofear13to run around and play. @Sophie H.seemed to enjoy watching the silly fillies as she goofed around to keep it up up the energy. @Reality Checkseemed more respectful and quiet observing his sketches. Frostbite @Cageyand Magloria @Props ValRoa had isolated themselves from the cottage -- much to Silky's internal relief. But she hadn't noticed another group of fighters who avoided the cottage. Gust and Ana @Totally Lyra@Stone Cold Steve Jobs had wandered off to explore while the others chatted, mingled and discussed where to proceed from here.

As Ana and Gust would explore, they'd find nothing but tangled knots of many entwined and gnarled roots as a surface for most of the environment. The maze, which was one very floral, happy and open was closed in with little spurts of light to light the way. A unicorn could easily see through but should they use the assistance of light, they'd notice there were two paths to take. A fork in the road, one to the left, the other to the right. Each one lead towards what seemed to be foreboding darkness. 
 

[Silverspark]

Silverspark:setting up a chair she found and dressed it up "Hey Cali @Sycofear13 you want to play a game I usually play this with my toys but it would be more fun having another pony around to play its really fun "she said 

Edited February 23, 2023 by Silverspark184
(Just need a re make)

[Vibrant Grove]

@Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @ChrysalisM @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse

Seeing how Cimex remains calm and not aggressive Vibrant calms down, but still keeps a close eye on her. Still, he focuses on his group for now.

On 2/22/2023 at 1:39 AM, Dynamo Pad said:

As Dynamo and Caramel traded button prompts, the couple successfully managed to clear the patterns. Effectively making the wall light up, while the effects of their body's being frozen in place had dissipated. Blinking in surprise at regaining control of his body, Dynamo's smile slowly grew into a grin as he jumped for joy. "Woohoo! Alright! We did it!" He cheered, before taking notice of something peculiar on the ground. Squinting his eyes as he thought he was seeing things, he leaned down to see something glowing underneath the mushrooms. He couldn't explain why, but it was as if the glow was inviting him to take what looked like a gem. Reaching out with his hoof, he pulled the gem out, before standing up and taking a look at what was in his hoof. "Uh...hey guys? I just found this gem, but do you have any idea on what this is or what this means?" He wondered, turning the gem around a few times to make heads or tails of it. The only thing that he knew was that the gem shared the same color as his fur.

Once the group gathered up, the gaming unicorn's ears fell as he heard the sound of a growl. Looking up, he narrowed his eyes slightly as Chrysalis had made her appearance known. "How could you say such a thing? You call Ix a weak link when maybe they wanted to try and do the right thing. With what I've learned, maybe the weak link is the opposite way of thinking." He wanted to say that maybe Chrysalis was the weak link, but he knew he'd probably end up in trouble. He had to hold his tongue as seeing her toss Ix aside had bothered him. Even if they failed, it still wasn't right. A friend wouldn't do that to another friend, but it looked like Chrysalis was different. Just as soon as she had appeared, she vanished into a dark cloud without a trace. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he looked over to the others to see how they were holding up. That was until he saw the chocolate pony turn into her true form, a spider changeling. Seeing the new creature in front of him, Dynamo's eyes shrank as he started to back away slowly. "S-S-S-S..." He tried to utter out, but found himself unable to find his words. Looking around, he met @Sir Hugsalot Vibrant's gaze, while his look of fear and shock were still present. "N-No. Honest and I promise I didn't know about Caramel turning into form." He would say, his back slowly leaning up against the mossy wall, before his legs gave out on him. Sitting down, he pulled his hind legs close to him. Lips quivering as he felt his spine tingling. "I-I'm really sorry, Caramel. I-I'm really sorry everyone. I-It's not that I'm against Caramel or anything along those lines. I-It's j-just..." He closed his eyes as he felt worried about bringing this up. "...I'm honestly afraid of s-spiders. I'm not afraid of Caramel as a changeling as I know that she's not like Chrysalis or any other bad changeling. I-I'm just afraid because of my fear." He would say, feeling ashamed as he felt he heart his crush's/date's feelings.

He saw the surprise and a hint of fear in Dynamo's eyes about the sudden change. He would approach him closer "I'll be honest with You, friend. Caramel's change surprised me just as much as it surprised You. But it's still same Caramel, with whom You just beat this challenge. I cannot say I am not a little off guard from this, but I can say I believe she can be trusted and she is our friend". 

He would take a look at gem in Dynamo's hooves and analyze it. "Hmmm... it may be important. I suggest we keep it safe, it must be tied to You in some way". He felt happy inside as this finally started giving some answers as to their current situation, however small these answers were. Such things gave him comfort - if there's anything Vibrant truly feared, it is the unknown. What just happened made the unknown that much smaller.

He would then notice the gem Caramel is holding. She still had her spider form, which will take a while for him to get used to. But then... whatever she is... it is good she is on their side. "I believe You should hold onto Yours as well."

On 2/21/2023 at 12:17 PM, Chrysalis said:

Stage 2: Mossy Wall Divide

As the ponies would gather -- the silence of their confusion would be shattered with a growl that immersed from the skies.
The presence of someone's eyes confirmed as the voice would finally speak with a pretentiously booming authority!

"Your little antics are enraging me! You THINK that because you've won over one our WEAKEST links...." She'd narrow her eyes to make it personal with Cimex, "That that somehow gives you some kind of power?! You're all below me in power and your pursuit of silly freedom will be all for naught." She'd cackle maniacally. "I have hundreds -- millions of allies below me to ensure you remain in your doom -- FOREVEERRRR!"

She'd then stop for a moment to notice Caramel and then wince with a snarl before retreating back into the dark cloud from whence she had emerged.
The black cloud would dissipate. The air would only slightly improve and then it was as if no one was even there....

For Mossy Wall Divide Group: 
@Brony Number 42 - Raven @Tao -Nocturn Blue @The Wife of Law - Wolf Tracks @Dark Horse - Saffron @Skylight Scintillate - Skylight @GeneralDirection - Nebel @Dynamo Pad - Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer - Caramel @Sparklefan1234 - Windy @TheRockARooster - Rosewell

Upon hearing Chrysalis's speech he would cringe, feeling both annoyed by the entire situation and worried about those ponies that are not with him, especially Star Silk. "You better not hurt her" he whispered to himself. 

On 2/22/2023 at 9:04 AM, ChrysalisM said:

Ix sighs. This one will be impossible to talk to, but still... "Think of it this way. I currently am not harming you. I have no intention of harming you later. At worst, you have a cooperative prisoner. At best, and I assure you it's at best, you have a friend who can help." They offer a hoof out with a small smile.

Vibrant would lower his guard towards Cimex. Chrysalis's heated reaction convinced him of changeling's change of heart. "I apologize for initial outburst. But since clearly You caused that annoying thing *points to where Chrysalis was before* so much anger then I believe I can trust You" He extended his hoof towards her "My name's Vibrant Grove. Nice to meet You, Cimex". 

17 hours ago, The Wife of Law said:

“I would like to know what is happening here. First I receive a bizarre invitation to a party and then Chrysalis arrives. If any of you know what’s up, tell me and everyone else. I really don’t have time to be dealing with her”. Wolf Tracks’ ears twitch, as her sensitive hearing picks up on her moving. “But for right now, we should find a way to escape. I’m willing to trust all of you”.

That's when Wolf Track and Saffron reached them. He would be surprised at Wolf Track's demanding tone, but find some irony in it. She clearly underestimates the situation they're in. "Wolf Track, since You decide to drown us in questions... first of all - nobody here knows what's going on. It's not every day that a party turns into a putrid mess of a maze with Chrysalis trying to be scary in the sky. I am pretty sure we all "don't have time to deal with her". If You'll find a way to convince her to let us go, because we're busy - go ahead. For now... I would recommend team work and maybe we will happen to actually really find a way out."

Then he would turn to Saffron. "If You're worried about who might we be - no need to. Just stay close, because we are not alone here. 

[Sir Hugsalot 9,179]

OOC: Important note to Mossy Wall team. As of now team is split into two groups!

Group 1: @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Group 2: @TheRockARooster @Sparklefan1234 @Brony Number 42 @Tao

Because of that, for now the 2 groups can't directly interact with each other, until eventual reunion! 

Keep that in mind for future replies! 

 

[Mossy wall]

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Shortly after the ponies united into a group of 8 a buzzing sound would be heard approaching. It sounded like a hive of aggressive wasps was heading their way as if to blame them for current state of this place. But as the buzzing became louder its source became visible. Black, body full of wholes and blue, buggy eyes. A group of changelings begun their approach, angry, likely sent after one of them betrayed them. 

[An impersonating changeling]

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Changelings all landed before the group. There were only 5 of them, so numbers were on the side of the group. One of them fixed its stare on Cimex and hissed. "Traitor! We will deal with You later." 

4 of them attacked the group. Only Nebel seemed to be free from the assault, while the rest had to deal with the attack. One of them quickly flew at Wolf Tracks, and Saffron. Two others noticed Caramel's unusual form. They looked initially confused, never seeing this kind of changeling before and tried to knock her down together. 

4th changeling couldn't tolerate Cimex's betrayal any longer and lunged at her, hoping to drag her back in front of Queen Chrysalis and be rewarded for bringing the traitor for punishment. 

The last one has given a malicious look towards Skylight Scintillate. That's when suddenly it flashed with light and... took on her form. It cackled evily, using her voice, feeling like a corrupted version of her. Afterwards it quickly jumped at her, knocking her down and knocking her fabled baguette off her hoof. They looked exactly alike now. It felt impossible for the rest of the group to distinguish, which one is the real Skylight. 

The changeling knew that. Suddenly it took a completely docile posture, trying to imitate Skylight's behavior and calmness. It pointed the hoof at her accusingly and shouted to already overwhelmed GeneralDirection. "Help me! One of them went after me!!" 

[Sophie H.]

1 hour ago, Tangled Roots said:

While all the commotion was happening on the of divide, Mossy Wall -- the other side, Tangled Roots was quite calm.
Tree Song @Silly Druid and Astral @Astral Soulwere having a lovely discussion of some tea, to relax.
After all of the chaos that had threatened them before, it was nice to relax and recharge.

Silky was preparing some potions while allowing the little fillies @Silverspark184and @Sycofear13to run around and play. @Sophie H.seemed to enjoy watching the silly fillies as she goofed around to keep it up up the energy. @Reality Checkseemed more respectful and quiet observing his sketches. Frostbite @Cageyand Magloria @Props ValRoa had isolated themselves from the cottage -- much to Silky's internal relief. But she hadn't noticed another group of fighters who avoided the cottage. Gust and Ana @Totally Lyra@Stone Cold Steve Jobs had wandered off to explore while the others chatted, mingled and discussed where to proceed from here.

As Ana and Gust would explore, they'd find nothing but tangled knots of many entwined and gnarled roots as a surface for most of the environment. The maze, which was one very floral, happy and open was closed in with little spurts of light to light the way. A unicorn could easily see through but should they use the assistance of light, they'd notice there were two paths to take. A fork in the road, one to the left, the other to the right. Each one lead towards what seemed to be foreboding darkness. 
 

Of course Sophie would enjoy watching the fillies play around while her own tail sways like a puppies tail "You sure are having fun!" Sophie chuckles softly with a wiggle of her nose before her gaze would move over to @Reality Check, tilting her head slightly to the left side as she'd see how he kinda seems alone "Hey, Reality" Sophie says with a warm smile as she gets up to walk over to him, taking a sit next to him so she can gaze over his sketches as well "I'm pretty sure you're going to add another few sketches after this little adventure, huh?" Sophie asks in a cheerful voice "By the way.. do you mind if I play a little? to make that depressing silence.. less depressing? and don't worry, I'm not going to play loud" Sophie asks as she slowly pulls the guitar from her back in front of her.

[Roswell]

18 hours ago, The Wife of Law said:

Wolf Tracks looked up at Chrysalis again as she spoke. The insect pony was clearly confident in what she had planned. Wolf Tracks was more worried than frightened, however. Not much scares her considering her background.

When she turns her attention back to Saffron, she notices there are 8 others that have appeared. “Oh, for the love of wolves… Just what I need, eight more bodies to worry about” she says with an obvious tone, rolling her eyes. “ @Dark Horse Saffron, we should stay with these guys. There is strength in numbers” she adds, looking at Saffron with honest eyes”.

 

Finally, she turns to the group

@Brony Number 42 @Tao @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @Sparklefan1234 @TheRockARooster

“I would like to know what is happening here. First I receive a bizarre invitation to a party and then Chrysalis arrives. If any of you know what’s up, tell me and everyone else. I really don’t have time to be dealing with her”. Wolf Tracks’ ears twitch, as her sensitive hearing picks up on her moving. “But for right now, we should find a way to escape. I’m willing to trust all of you”.

@The Wife of Law

I have no idea what’s going on but we all will need each other to get out of here.

[TheRockASaurus Rex 50,477]

44 minutes ago, Sir Hugsalot said:

OOC: Important note to Mossy Wall team. As of now team is split into two groups!

Group 1: @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Group 2: @TheRockARooster @Sparklefan1234 @Brony Number 42 @Tao

Because of that, for now the 2 groups can't directly interact with each other, until eventual reunion! 

Keep that in mind for future replies! 

 

OOC : I’m sorry about that, Sir.

[Sparklefan1234 169,236]

Huh. It looks like we've been divided into uneven groups. No need to PANIC! 

@TheRockARooster  @Brony Number 42 @Tao

[Roswell]

@Sparklefan1234 @Brony Number 42 @Tao

Stay close together, guys.

We need each other to get out of here.

[Vivi]

9 minutes ago, Sparklefan1234 said:

Huh. It looks like we've been divided into uneven groups. No need to PANIC! 

@TheRockARooster  @Brony Number 42 @Tao

"Un-even, ey?" It was the same cloaked mare that had bumped into Frostbite to run from Magloria before the split had emerged and divided them. But she was keeping to herself the whole time, suspicious that Magloria might appear again through some portal. Or maybe of these ponies was Magloria in disguise?!

Her left eye would twitch and she'd look around. "Looks like you guys should stick to each other if the number is uneven... I saw a whole group of yas... I'll just be here in the corner... observing.." and out of nowhere, she'd nom a random sprig on a tree limb. It looked healthy enough. Why not? 

[Sophie H.]

As Sophie was sitting right next to @Reality Check she would look over her shoulder to see what the fillies were doing "Hey.. Reality.. wait a minute" she whispers as she places the guitar next to him before she gets up, walking over to the fillies. "Hey.. um.. @Silverspark184 and @Sycofear13 " She'd ask as the fillies seemed to be a little too close at that maze "I know you love playing! and I love watching you playing! but could you guys do me a BIG favor?" Sophie asks as she puts on the most sweetest smile she could make "Could you play in the cottage instead of the maze? I really don't want to loose you guys.. It's so fun to watch you playing around! also I love to hear your laughing!" Sophie says cheerful, in hope bothj of the filiies would agree on Sophie's idea by playing in the cottage.

[Silverspark]

3 minutes ago, Sophie H. said:

As Sophie was sitting right next to @Reality Check she would look over her shoulder to see what the fillies were doing "Hey.. Reality.. wait a minute" she whispers as she places the guitar next to him before she gets up, walking over to the fillies. "Hey.. um.. @Silverspark184 and @Sycofear13 " She'd ask as the fillies seemed to be a little too close at that maze "I know you love playing! and I love watching you playing! but could you guys do me a BIG favor?" Sophie asks as she puts on the most sweetest smile she could make "Could you play in the cottage instead of the maze? I really don't want to loose you guys.. It's so fun to watch you playing around! also I love to hear your laughing!" Sophie says cheerful, in hope bothj of the filiies would agree on Sophie's idea by playing in the cottage.

Silverspark:looking at @Sophie H. as she set up the chair she has "oh cool we can pretend the cottage is the castle we need a place to put this chair we can use as a throne room for this game I am hoping to play "she said as she levitated the chair with her magic "what do you think Cali @Sycofear13?"she ask 

[Skylight Scintillate]

1 hour ago, An impersonating changeling said:

The last one has given a malicious look towards Skylight Scintillate. That's when suddenly it flashed with light and... took on her form. It cackled evily, using her voice, feeling like a corrupted version of her. Afterwards it quickly jumped at her, knocking her down and knocking her fabled baguette off her hoof. They looked exactly alike now. It felt impossible for the rest of the group to distinguish, which one is the real Skylight. 

The changeling knew that. Suddenly it took a completely docile posture, trying to imitate Skylight's behavior and calmness. It pointed the hoof at her accusingly and shouted to already overwhelmed GeneralDirection. "Help me! One of them went after me!!" 

"Wait, but I'm the real Skylight. Why would you impersonate me like that?" Skylight asked, also taking a docile posture and giving a hurt look to GeneralDirection before her tone suddenly shifted as she stared back at the imposter. "Eh, who am I kidding? I've seen better. I can see right through your fake cuteness. If you're the real Skylight then surely would be able to do this!" Skylight replied before throwing a glitter bomb at the fake Skylight and beating her up with baguette bread and finishing with a cream pie to the face for good measure. 

Once the changeling was down, Skylight would approach cautiously before casting a spell to pin the changeling down and another to keep it in it's changeling form. "You're so mean. Why are you doing all of this to me?" Skylight asked with a hurt and docile look. If @GeneralDirection and @Dynamo Pad aren't busy, she would hug them and then get them to interrogate the changeling together.

[Dynamo Pad 11,185]

1 hour ago, Vibrant Grove said:

Seeing how Cimex remains calm and not aggressive Vibrant calms down, but still keeps a close eye on her. Still, he focuses on his group for now.

He saw the surprise and a hint of fear in Dynamo's eyes about the sudden change. He would approach him closer "I'll be honest with You, friend. Caramel's change surprised me just as much as it surprised You. But it's still same Caramel, with whom You just beat this challenge. I cannot say I am not a little off guard from this, but I can say I believe she can be trusted and she is our friend". 

He would take a look at gem in Dynamo's hooves and analyze it. "Hmmm... it may be important. I suggest we keep it safe, it must be tied to You in some way". He felt happy inside as this finally started giving some answers as to their current situation, however small these answers were. Such things gave him comfort - if there's anything Vibrant truly feared, it is the unknown. What just happened made the unknown that much smaller.

11 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

Even though Skylight suspected something about Caramel, she was still surprised when Caramel revealed herself. Once Skylight managed to calm down, she asked "So what is a spider changeling and how is it different from a changeling? Does that mean you have spider abilities?"

"Yup, I love my baguettes. And no worries about Takenoko, it's been such a long time anyways," Skylight said.

When Dynamo started panicking due to Caramel revealing herself as a spider changeling, Skylight hugged Dynamo. However, she didn't really have the confidence to reassure him given that she was kind of nervous herself. 

After Dynamo calmed down, Skylight whispered to Dynamo "My cutie sense is tingling again. There's something else pretending to be cute here..."

 

Hearing @Sir Hugsalot Vibrant's voice, the gaming unicorn blinked as he quickly turned towards his approaching friend. He felt an embrace, before quickly turning to see that it was Skylight who had hugged him. As he listened to the two talk, he slowly looked over to Caramel, who looked hurt from his previous reaction. Taking a few steady breaths, he nodded as what his friends said had made sense. "Y-You're right. You're both absolutely right. I wasn't scared by Caramel being a changeling, but because I have arachnophobia. So, seeing her in the form honestly scared me, but I know t-that isn't fair to Caramel. She helped us and she and I worked well together. She even helped me through the trial when I didn't believe in myself at one point." He spoke slowly and calmly, before giving Vibrant and Skylight a hug as he gave his thanks to them both. Slowly pulling away from Skylight's hug, the blue unicorn slowly made his way over towards the spider changeling.

17 hours ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

@Dynamo Pad @GeneralDirection @Sir Hugsalot @Skylight Scintillate @ChrysalisM

At first, Caramel was a litlte hurt by Dynamo's reaction to her reveal, but then she remembered that @Princess Silky had told her about his fear, as Silky was one of the very very few ponies she trusted with the truth. "It's okay Dyny, I won't hurt you, I..I know I look a bit scary, but I'm a good spider, my dad, well my adopted dad says that I am a Jumping Spider" she'd say to him, before looking to Vibrant, "Silky didn't tell you?" she would ask him, "I suppose she really values my trust in her, though I did tell her she could tell you" she then shifts back to her disguise and looks at the gem "This gem..it feels..like it wants me to pick it up" she'd say, using her magic to pick it up.

Upon reaching @AuroraGlimmer Caramel, Dynamo had kept his gaze low towards the ground. He was feeling more ashamed that he had hurt her feelings and felt he had ruined any chance together. "C-Caramel?" He asks, slowly looking up as he tried not to shy away. "I-I wanted to apologize for how I acted. I-I don't doubt your words, honest. To me, I'm just afraid of spiders since I've been young. However, I can't just judge someone because of a fear. The way you and I worked together, your words of encouragement, your kindness and so much more meant a lot to me." He started, shaking his head at the mention of Silky's talk. "To be honest? No. She never told me anything about your true form. Silky is one of my best friends and I know how much she values yours trust and the trust of others. It's why I value her trust and friendship so much. So, I want to do the same if you still want me. I want to get to know you more and hopefully conquer this fear of mine. I know we just met, but I really do like you, Caramel. I'm really sorry about before." He lowered his gaze once more, while feeling worried that he ruined his second chance.

1 hour ago, Mossy wall said:

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Shortly after the ponies united into a group of 8 a buzzing sound would be heard approaching. It sounded like a hive of aggressive wasps was heading their way as if to blame them for current state of this place. But as the buzzing became louder its source became visible. Black, body full of wholes and blue, buggy eyes. A group of changelings begun their approach, angry, likely sent after one of them betrayed them. 

1 hour ago, An impersonating changeling said:

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Changelings all landed before the group. There were only 5 of them, so numbers were on the side of the group. One of them fixed its stare on Cimex and hissed. "Traitor! We will deal with You later." 

4 of them attacked the group. Only Nebel seemed to be free from the assault, while the rest had to deal with the attack. One of them quickly flew at Wolf Tracks, and Saffron. Two others noticed Caramel's unusual form. They looked initially confused, never seeing this kind of changeling before and tried to knock her down together. 

4th changeling couldn't tolerate Cimex's betrayal any longer and lunged at her, hoping to drag her back in front of Queen Chrysalis and be rewarded for bringing the traitor for punishment. 

The last one has given a malicious look towards Skylight Scintillate. That's when suddenly it flashed with light and... took on her form. It cackled evily, using her voice, feeling like a corrupted version of her. Afterwards it quickly jumped at her, knocking her down and knocking her fabled baguette off her hoof. They looked exactly alike now. It felt impossible for the rest of the group to distinguish, which one is the real Skylight. 

The changeling knew that. Suddenly it took a completely docile posture, trying to imitate Skylight's behavior and calmness. It pointed the hoof at her accusingly and shouted to already overwhelmed GeneralDirection. "Help me! One of them went after me!!" 

4 minutes ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Wait, but I'm the real Skylight. Why would you impersonate me like that?" Skylight asked, also taking a docile posture and giving a hurt look to GeneralDirection before her tone suddenly shifted as she stared back at the imposter. "Eh, who am I kidding? I've seen better. I can see right through your fake cuteness. If you're the real Skylight then surely would be able to do this!" Skylight replied before throwing a glitter bomb at the fake Skylight and beating her up with baguette bread and finishing with a cream pie to the face for good measure. 

Once the changeling was down, Skylight would approach cautiously before casting a spell to pin the changeling down and another to keep it in it's changeling form. "You're so mean. Why are you doing all of this to me?" Skylight asked with a hurt and docile look. If @GeneralDirection and @Dynamo Pad aren't busy, she would hug them and then get them to interrogate the changeling together.

 

 

Perking his ears at the sudden sound of buzzing, Dynamo craned his neck to see a group of changelings had begun their approach towards him and the others. Seeing that two of the changelings were heading towards Caramel, he spun in his spot as he kept his back towards her. "Sorry, but you're not hurting any of my friends!" He knew he had been practicing his new magic for a little while, but it was time for a test. "Ever liked playing Pokemon? Well, time to see some moves." Concentrating to channel his magic, his horn glowed as small purple flames began to take shape. Letting out a breath, he locked eyes with the two attackers, before launching the flames at the two. "How about you try out my Will-O-Wisp!" The flames would fly around and chase their intended targets, while Dynamo charged up a laser spell to take aim. Even as the spell was released, it wasn't as strong as a normal laser, but through practice it still packed a bit of a wallop. With the flames smacking into the incoming attackers, they were left dazed and were susceptible to being hit by the laser spell. Effectively knocking them back, while being stunned.

Taking a moment to charge a light spell, Dynamo looked around to see how everyone else is fairing. "Don't worry, Caramel. No matter what, I've got your back through this." He would say, looking back to give his match a reassuring smile. Quickly looking back to keep an eye on everyone, he looked to see that there were two Skylights. His eyes widened as he worried about guessing the wrong friend incorrectly, but had an idea. Thankfully, the plan was never to be as the real Skylight had managed to stop and capture the changeling. Walking over, he'd meet @Skylight Scintillate halfway and hug her back.

[An impersonating changeling]

4 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Wait, but I'm the real Skylight. Why would you impersonate me like that?" Skylight asked, also taking a docile posture and giving a hurt look to GeneralDirection before her tone suddenly shifted as she stared back at the imposter. "Eh, who am I kidding? I've seen better. I can see right through your fake cuteness. If you're the real Skylight then surely would be able to do this!" Skylight replied before throwing a glitter bomb at the fake Skylight and beating her up with baguette bread and finishing with a cream pie to the face for good measure. 

Once the changeling was down, Skylight would approach cautiously before casting a spell to pin the changeling down and another to keep it in it's changeling form. "You're so mean. Why are you doing all of this to me?" Skylight asked with a hurt and docile look. If @GeneralDirection and @Dynamo Pad aren't busy, she would hug them and then get them to interrogate the changeling together.

@Skylight Scintillate

The changeling would get caught completely off guard by the sudden attack by Skylight Scintillate. Knocked down by the ferocious baguette attack it wouldn't even resist the pie, processing what just happened alone was sufficient to leave it completely speechless and unable to react to anything.

Against its better judgement it decided to simply lick the creamy pie off its face and say "mmm delicioussss!" It found itself unable to do much else anyway... in the background Vibrant Grove could be heard bursting in laughter despite the still ongoing fight.

4 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Perking his ears at the sudden sound of buzzing, Dynamo craned his neck to see a group of changelings had begun their approach towards him and the others. Seeing that two of the changelings were heading towards Caramel, he spun in his spot as he kept his back towards her. "Sorry, but you're not hurting any of my friends!" He knew he had been practicing his new magic for a little while, but it was time for a test. "Ever liked playing Pokemon? Well, time to see some moves." Concentrating to channel his magic, his horn glowed as small purple flames began to take shape. Letting out a breath, he locked eyes with the two attackers, before launching the flames at the two. "How about you try out my Will-O-Wisp!" The flames would fly around and chase their intended targets, while Dynamo charged up a laser spell to take aim. Even as the spell was released, it wasn't as strong as a normal laser, but through practice it still packed a bit of a wallop. With the flames smacking into the incoming attackers, they were left dazed and were susceptible to being hit by the laser spell. Effectively knocking them back, while being stunned.

Taking a moment to charge a light spell, Dynamo looked around to see how everyone else is fairing. "Don't worry, Caramel. No matter what, I've got your back through this." He would say, looking back to give his match a reassuring smile. Quickly looking back to keep an eye on everyone, he looked to see that there were two Skylights. His eyes widened as he worried about guessing the wrong friend incorrectly, but had an idea. Thankfully, the plan was never to be as the real Skylight had managed to stop and capture the changeling. Walking over, he'd meet @Skylight Scintillate halfway and hug her back.

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer

Changelings were caught by surprise as Dynamo Pad launched magic attacks at them. One changeling managed to react in time and close in on Caramel, but another got a direct hit from the spell. The changeling fell to the ground and left out a silent groan. Then it slowly got back up on its hooves and eyed Dynamo "You... dare!" it uttered and flashed with anger. Then it flew at Dynamo Pad, as if it considered the attack to be a challenge.

[Vibrant Grove]

@Skylight Scintillate

Vibrant would initially get surprised by the attack of changelings, but looks like none of them paid attention to him yet, focusing on other ponies instead. He is not a capable fighter when it comes to close, melee combat, so he did what he believed he's best at. He sat down and pulled out his guitar and started playing brawl music, making the attack by changelings feel like a tavern brawl instead. He would find himself laughing as he saw the sudden counterattack by Skylight against one who believed impersonating her is a smart idea. He also would love to have a pie now. 

The room was now covered with melodic, playful music that would further encourage his group to fight off changelings, letting them continue on. 

 

[Astralshy 26,325]

On 2/21/2023 at 9:31 PM, Tree Song said:

Happy to have Astral by her side, Tree Song approached the tree and heard it whispering to her. She listened for a long moment, then addressed the group:

"Listen everypony! The tree has more things to say to us. There will be two more gems, I'm not sure who they are meant for though..." She searched the area where the gems were found last time, and indeed there were two more: one deep grayish blue, and one glistening pinkish yellow. "Look! Here they are." She showed them to the rest of the group.

"There is one more thing for me and @Astral Soul..." She took two flowers from @Princess Silky, and gave one to Astral. "Whisper a wish into it," she told him, and whispered her own wish so no one could hear it:

(OOC: You can look into the spoiler and see the wish, if you dare.)

  Hide contents

I wish Astral would find The Orb.

"After that, we should exchange the flowers and make them into the tea," Tree Song explained.

@Silly Druid

Astral Soul was happy to receive the flower and put it on his top hat to wear it proudly. He gave Tree Song another beautiful flower out of gratitude for this beautiful present

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@Dynamo Pad @AuroraGlimmer @GeneralDirection @Skylight Scintillate @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @ChrysalisM

Caramel would pick up the gem and look at it before then looking to Vibrant, "I have the feeling that you are right, I can sense some form of Changeling magic from this" she'd say, nodding and putting the gem into her saddlebags, before looking to the rest of the group, "I appreciate your continued trust in me" she'd say, turning to Dynamo who was cautiously approaching her and then she listened to him before looking at him with nothing but sincerity and genuineness in her eyes "Dynamo..I must admit, I was a bit hurt at your reaction, despite Starry telling me about your fear, but I do understad how you feel" she would say before smiling "Of course I want to still give us a chance" she would hug and nuzzle him "And Silky is like a sister to me, she was one of the very very few ponies I trusted with my true form, until now" she'd say.

She would then look to both Ix and Skylight "Honestly, I can't really tell you much about my own kind, see, I was dropped off at my adoptive father's doorstep in a basket as an egg with a note, all it said was that my parents were running from Equestria to escape having to 'help' Chrysalis with her plans to attack, and as much as they loved me and wanted to keep me, they wanted me to have a 'normal' life and noth having to always run and hide. They knew my adoptive father well, as he's very accepting of ponies, no matter the race or gender. Anyway, he took me in and raised me as his own, if any of you have been to Manehatten, my dad's name is Alexis "Heavy Metal" Rock, and owns the "Hoof to Face"  Music Store." she would say, just as the swarm of Changeling would appear and attack them.

Caramel would slowly back away, but would stand in front of Ix in a very proetective stance "You will not harm them!" she shouts but is soon barreled over by a Changeling that flew towards her, the one that avoided Dynamo's attack.

 

[Nebel]

@Skylight Scintillate@Dynamo Pad@AuroraGlimmer@ChrysalisM

Nebel nodded and smiled in silent receiving of thanks from both Cimex and Caramel. But that moment would soon be interrupted as a group of five changelings descended upon them, no doubt because of Cimex’s betrayal. He quickly surveyed the room to determine who needed help first. He initially thought Skylight would be the first pony in need of assistance, but proved to be more than capable of dealing with her lookalike.

He then saw two changelings headed towards Dynamo and Caramel. The first one, Dynamo was able to hit with a spell, knocking it down to the ground. The other changeling, however, is able to dodge the attack, reach Caramel, and take her down. Nebel sees his window of opportunity and gallops over to the assailant, delivering a side kick that sends the changeling into the nearest wall with a rather loud thud. The attack appeared to do little to the unicorn, still upright and very much aware of his surroundings should any further attackers attempt to approach him.

“You two ok?” He asks Caramel and Ix.

[Ana Flare]

@Totally Lyra @Princess Silky

Ana, seeing the floral life in one of the paths, is instantly drawn towards it. She beckons Gust excitedly.

[Gentle Breeze]

15 minutes ago, Ana Flare said:

@Totally Lyra @Princess Silky

Ana, seeing the floral life in one of the paths, is instantly drawn towards it. She beckons Gust excitedly.

As Ana would approach the more floral paths, despite the gnarled roots that gripped them, they still withheld some level of their innocence. There was nothing but more and more verdant decay through the environment. But one thing stood out into the distance, something glistened on the ground as the perspectives would change from advancing and Ana would quickly realize it was fragmented glass at her hooves that would be wise to walk around.

Upon further investigation of its source, she'd notice the glass pieces were from a shattered lantern, abandoned and almost buried through the grip of some vines.