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

[Vibrant Grove]

Vibrant would see this scene unfolding before him, but it wasn't his call. Despite his great expertise with woods of Everfree Forest, his knowledge of parasprites was lacking. However, he certainly would welcome any sort of hint regarding the current situation and the curious, little thing appeared to be having at least some answers. He would look at Dyny and Caramel and say "I do believe so too. If anything, this may help us truly understand what's happening now. But ultimately I leave the decision to You." He would smile at them both. 

[Thunder Gust]

@Stone Cold Steve Jobs @Princess Silky

With the changelings dispersed, Gust was free to accompany Ana back to the rest of the group at the cottage. He had a few cuts and bruises from his struggle inside the swarm, but nothing worse than what he'd have after a crash or two in flight training. "Filthy things," he muttered to himself. "I can't believe they tricked me like that." The annoyance was more visible on his face than the pain from his wounds, annoyance at himself for falling for their trap. He looked at the aftermath of the battle and the other two ponies who had been fighting. "Are they all gone?"

[Frostbite]

1 minute ago, Tangled Roots said:

As Magloria, or Frostbite for that matter, would look around, they'd notice the entire scene was clear. The only thing disturbing that remained was the resin goo upon the tree that would later disturb @Silly Druidat some point if even discovered. Other than that, the area was covered with memories of battle and tension. But now they could retreat to recover their thoughts -- and their muscles.

Frostbite stared down at the changeling under him. His axe was buried in its stomach -- it was still breathing, but it might not be soon. He continued to glare unblinkingly at the changeling, shaking with rage or adrenaline or something else -- he couldn't tell; he only knew he hated it. The feeling, and the changeling.

Changelings didn't bleed red, he'd found out. Part of him wanted to bring a hoof down, delivering the final blow. 

Instead, he spat on the ground, leaving the axe in. Back away. He had to back away. Breathe.

I hate changelings. He moved slowly, hoping to avoid throwing up. He wasn't weak, he told himself.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Dynamo Pad @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Princess Silky

Caramel would blink at how quickly the Paraspite would appear to heal and thne be all cheery, then shake her head "That's got to be the quickest healing of a broken wing I've ever seen" she would say but then would look to the others, then back to the sprite, "Well, I'm glad to see you are all better litlte one, and feeling cheerful" she'd say and then shake her head once more, "I..you were spying on Queen Chrysalis? Do you happen to know how she escaped? I know both Thorax and Pharynx, and neither of them would have helped her, I'm sure" she'd say, following it to the passage "and how exactly can each of us help? Is this some sort of test?" she'd ask "Perhapsto see how well we all work together?"

She then looks to her companions and smile a bit more "O-oh well thank you, both of you, helping is sort of what makes me happy.."

Edited February 18, 2023 by AuroraGlimmer

[Tao 7,561]

Blinking, Blue went to move, the smell of moss dampness heavy in his nose, blinking,  he felt an odd soreness in his body in trying to recall his last moments as the lights and greeny filtered into his eyes while blinking.

"Raven?"  his voice asked,  looking around,  still dizzy a bit from the last memories stuck in his mind.  "Something happened huh?"

Standing,  his legs felt odd in the soft exposed grass floor of the maze under his hooves. Blinking to clear the almost drug-like feeling he seemed to have "Raven are you close?  Any pony out there?"

@Brony Number 42

Edited February 19, 2023 by Tao

[Silverspark]

3 hours ago, Star Silk said:

Silky would look around, seeing @Astral Souloffering some tea to Tree Song @Silly Druidshe would smile fondly before making her way to the other side of the table. @Silverspark184! "Oh Silvy?! Where are you?!" She'd gently call, looking around, now officially concerned. Was she taken by a changling? Her eyes were now wide with worry. Usually the little filly was always disappearing and being up to mischief, but now with all the buzzing gone -- shouldn't she be near? Silky would check under the bed and other areas SilverSpark normally hid under.

@Princess Silky @Sycofear13

Silverspark :hiding in the rafters of the small cabin her violet blue eyes glowing silver as her horn is ready to blast any  changling that would be coming at her she had some traps ready Venus flu traps really big then poison joke  and lots of smoke bombs made with sneeze powder and itching powder yet small hoof print paint to those that will recognize it would follow it to find her 

[Reality Check 631]

7 hours ago, Tree Song said:

@Princess Silky

After listening to the tree's response, Tree Song searched the area around its trunk. As the tree said, there were three gems hidden there. She picked them up, and caught up with the rest of the group, examining the cottage.

"The tree has given us these lucky gems as a thank you gift for helping it. This one is for you, @Sophie H.." Tree Song gave her the yellow gem. "And this is for you, @Reality Check" Reality got a teal gem. "And I've got the purple one." She showed her gem for everypony to see. "The tree said you should keep them close."

RC looks at the teal gem he got for a brief second before putting it in his hat. "Well now, that that's settled., let's look inside."

When the horde of changelings came charging in, RC quickly took out hit sketchbook and was able to spawn out a timberwolf. Unfortunately he was only able to spawn one, but it was at least enough to hold them off from attacking him and a few others. This lasted until Magloria and Frostbite were able to fend them off.

Seeing no reason to keep it around, there are foals, and the fact it was already pretty cramped, he sent the timberwolf back into his sketchbook. "... close shave?"

[Skylight Scintillate]

14 hours ago, Vibrant Grove said:

He looked around and it is then that he realized the true magnitude of problem he got himself into. The place looked horrible. The smell of rot was overbearing to his nostrils, the very weak, greenish light was not enough for him to be able to fully comprehend where he's at. He heard and in some cases, saw, however several other ponies being with him. He looked around for @Princess Silky, but she was nowhere to be found. 

"Silky?" He called multiple times. But his calls were not answered. They were trapped. He tried flying up, but some strange magic prevented him from reaching beyond the walls. Pounding against the wall was useless, the moss prevented even the strongest blow to actually reach the stone. He felt some sadness inside of him from how they got separated.

He sighed and then, trying to keep his more confident presence turned around to the rest of ponies that got trapped with him.

"Okay, everypony, I will speak with honesty. I don't know what happened or where are we. But there must be a way out from this. For that - we have to work together. Stay close, don't let go of each other. Is any unicorn here able to give us some more light? I can't see a thing in here.

Somehow, Skylight didn't notice this until then, but everything looked awful, and it somehow smelled even worse. "Wow, this place smells awful," Skylight remarked, waving a hoof in front of her nose to dissipate the smell but to no avail. Skylight gasped when Vibrant admitted that didn't know what happened, but she held onto Dynamo and tried to remain calm. Even though Dynamo beat her to it, Skylight decided to help contribute and casted a light spell as well, stacking several spells she learned in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns to increase the brightness. 

13 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

@Skylight Scintillate

Dynamo blinked in surprise as he was suddenly pulled into a hug by Skylight, before smiling and returning the embrace. "I know what you mean, Sky. Letters are nice, but it's nothing compared to seeing a friend in person. Seeing you now, all the memories are flooding back in." He'd say, wiping a stray tear from his eye as he was feeling sentimental himself. Upon the mention of Skylight's comment of introductions, Dynamo tilted his head slightly in confusion as he slightly shrugged. "That could be a possibility as I was always awkward with introductions. Mostly because I never knew what to really say or do when introducing myself." He chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck with his left fore hoof. "Oh, I still remember that! The day we first met with our parents and the group of students. I felt so lost, confused and unsure of what to do. I remember we both met up and talked for a bit, before going off to find the rooms. Meeting Twinkle and Sealight, I remember how we all became the best of friends." He would say, sighing softly as he was feeling nostalgic.

"I'm glad you've been continuing to study magic, Sky. With the spells you showed me and the others, you looked to have been on the breakthrough of discovering new types of magic. Especially the digital magic and the magic tablet. As for me, I went back to Fillydelphia and worked at the local arcade from time to time. Mostly have been traveling to compete in video game tournaments and practicing on my magic." He would say, shaking his head at the question of Twilight blasting Chrysalis with rainbow lasers. "I'm not entirely sure, Sky. I do recall the time that Twilight and the others managed to stop Chrysalis and the other villains in one go, but it looks like she managed to escape. The question is how, but I can't say for certain. I'm glad the four of us are still together, but hopefully we can reunite with the rest of the group. Who knows what's going on the other side of the maze." He couldn't imagine how worried the others on the other side were feeling, but he hoped that they would be okay. 

As he listened to Skylight's suggestion, Dynamo's eyes widened as he recalled the game the two played. "Oh! I remember that game now! I think it was called Changeling Escape, right?" He asked, shuddering slightly at some of the memories. "That game was fun, but the only thing I didn't like about it were the jump scares. They came out of nowhere and the scared factor just hits you, you know? Although, I guess that's why they call it a jump scare, after all. Why do you ask, Sky?" He asks, wondering what his friend had in mind.

@AuroraGlimmer

Upon feeling somepony grab onto him, he looked to find Caramel, who looked to be shaking in fear and quivering. Seeing this caused Dynamo's heart to break. He knew that the two had just met, but he knew he didn't want to abandon his date. For some reason, he blinked as he thought he had seen a change in her mane. Along with her hoof having a hole or two in random places, but he shook his head as he knew making sure that she was okay was more important. Without a second thought, he wrapped an arm around the chocolate pony's shoulder and gave said shoulder a reassuring pat. "I-I know how you feel, Caramel. I don't like what's going on either. I don't get why she's here or how she escaped. I-I know that stopping her might be crazy o-or impossible, but I know that we'll get through this. E-Everything will be okay because I'm here for you, Caramel." He'd say, giving her a hug and without thinking, nuzzled her gently.

"Ah cool, cool. Hey Nebel, maybe you could share a bit about yourself and we can see if we have anything in common. Like even though Dynamo and I are both horrible at introductions, we also went to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns together, and apparently, both of us vividly remember playing Changeling Escape. Those changeling jump scares get me every time... Though I brought that up because maybe we could use what we learned there to figure out how to escape this place."

Skylight looked over to Caramel and noticed something off about her. "Hey Caramel..." Skylight pondered how to phrase what she was about to ask next. "Please don't get offended by this, but are you a changeling? I mean, given how afraid you were of Chrysalis, I'm willing to trust you..." Skylight said. Skylight glanced at Dynamo nervously, hopping that she hadn't offended Dynamo or Caramel. This was exactly why she didn't like introductions.

5 hours ago, Vibrant Grove said:

Vibrant took a moment to look around as there was finally some light visible. He recognized all the ponies, that were here with him. After all, he was the one that delivered mail to them. @Brony Number 42 @Tao @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @Sparklefan1234 and of course @TheRockARooster with whom he just got very closely aquainted. 

Casting light on the area has shown truly how grim it looked. The walls were almost overtaken by moss. The paving stone they stood on was uneven, occasionally missing, dotted with pools of green, toxic-looking water. Everything looked hostile. There wasn't much more to be seen, the monotony of the corridor only further increased its disturbing impression. Before them were 3 split paths, but where would they lead was unknown to them. 

Vibrant, thanks to his expertise and exploration of wilderness had a chance of guiding them safely if any tracks or related clues were left, but before that he looked at @Dynamo Padto answer. 

"That is me, it's a pleasure to meet You, Dynamo! Thank You so much for the light, it's still not much, but compared to complete darkness it's plenty help. Circumstances may not be perfect, but any friend of Silky @Princess Silkyis my friend too! As of now we should simply stick close to each other."

Before anything more could be said Vibrant felt like he heard very silent fluttering of wings...

When Skylight glanced around to see who else was in the group, she recognized Vibrant and Roswell, but didn't really recognize anypony else. Skylight walked up to Sir. "So, where should we go?" Skylight asked Vibrant, glancing at the different paths.

3 hours ago, GeneralDirection said:

@Skylight Scintillate@Dynamo Pad@AuroraGlimmer

“Yes, it will be a good friendship-building opportunity for us all, I suppose.” Nebel nodded his head in reply to Skylight’s comment.

“Nice to meet you, Dynamo.” He replies as he returns the hoofshake. “You are correct, my name is Nebel. It’s a shame we couldn’t all meet on better terms.”

Nebel also notices Caramel’s adverse reaction to the recent events. “I uh, well honestly, I have no idea how Chrysalis is back again nor how we all ended up in this mess.” Nebel sighs.

As he got acclimated to his new environment, he couldn’t shake this nagging feeling in the back of his mind that some creature here needed help in some way. This feeling would shortly become confirmed when a lone, injured parasprite emerged from the maze. It seemed to be attempting to search each of them for… something. It stopped in front of Dynamo and Caramel, and to everypony’s surprise, weakly asked for help. Nebel watched silently to see what their reaction might be, meanwhile considering if there was anything he could possibly do to help. Currently, nothing was coming to mind.

"So uh, why don't you talk about yourself? See if we have anything in common? Maybe something you're good at?" Skylight asked Nebel nervously. She hopped that they would have something in common to bond over, but she hopped that she wasn't being too pushy, especially given how shy Nebel seemed.

3 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

@AuroraGlimmer 

"Uh...oooooookay? I'm not the only one that heard that, right?" He asks, craning his neck to look towards the others to see if he was going crazy or not. Looking back towards the creature, the unicorn picked up his jaw, while the look of concern was still present. "What's wrong? What do you need help with. We'll make sure to help in any way we can."

"Huh, I heard it too," Skylight noted. She glanced at the parasprite intriguingly. "You can talk?" she asked. 

1 hour ago, A Curious Parasprite said:

A parasprite would perk up, feeling like its calls were finally answered. It ignored, though the call to not fly for some time and continued hovering in the air. However, now it was finally opening up to @Dynamo Pad and @Aurora Glimmer

"Thank You so much!" it spoke to Aurora in a high pitched, cheery voice. "I've been looking for the both of You! Dynamo and Aurora, am I right?" It would examine them more carefully and humm with a soft voice. As its assumption was confirmed beyond any doubt it continued.

"You may wonder how do I know Your names, hm?" It giggled playfully. "You see, I actually know of that mean black mare's plan! I was spying on her! That means I also know how to get You all out from here. For that, however... I need ponies with Your talents! Would You follow me? That way I can show You gratitude for help!" The parasprite would giggle again and spin in the air several times, its mouth opened wide with visible excitement.

Skylight analyzed the the parasprite, thoroughly glancing at it up and down trying to figure it out. There were all kinds of strange things about this parasprite. For one, it talked. In addition, it's wing healed extraordinarily rapidly. And it recognized Dynamo and Caramel. If Dynamo wasn't offended by Skylight suggesting that Caramel was a changeling, Skylight would whisper to Dynamo asking if he thought the parasprite might be a changeling. 

Plus, the parasprite was quite cute. Skylight tried to recall if this was the suspicious kind of cute like Cozy Glow, or the genuine kind of cute.

[Ana Flare]

@Totally Lyra

Ana cranes her neck and looks up before loosing another lighting spell into the sky. "I don't know if it's a retreat or if they're regrouping. Are you okay, Gust?"

[Nebel]

@Skylight Scintillate

“Oh yea, um, I suppose I could talk about myself a bit. Just… just been a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s been going on. I’m really into martial arts, I practice pretty regularly. I like playing board and card games, and also just sitting outside on a quiet night enjoying the night sky. I don’t… really get out much. I don’t like loud or angry ponies, don’t care much for sports, either. Or um, dirt.” He says, staring at the slimy ground underneath his hooves.

[Thunder Gust]

@Stone Cold Steve Jobs

"I'm fine," Gust reassured Ana, "it's just a scratch." He looked over himself and winced. "A few scratches, I guess, but they'll heal. What about you Anya, are you hurt?" He let out a chuckle. "You know, for a second there, I actually thought they had. . . " The humor left his voice as his smile faltered. "I thought. . . " His gaze fell for a few seconds before he regained his composure and forced a smile back onto his face. "Sorry, it's nothing," he said, though the worry in his eyes told a different story.

[Gentle Breeze]

10 hours ago, Frostbite said:

Frostbite stared down at the changeling under him. His axe was buried in its stomach -- it was still breathing, but it might not be soon. He continued to glare unblinkingly at the changeling, shaking with rage or adrenaline or something else -- he couldn't tell; he only knew he hated it. The feeling, and the changeling.

Changelings didn't bleed red, he'd found out. Part of him wanted to bring a hoof down, delivering the final blow. 

Instead, he spat on the ground, leaving the axe in. Back away. He had to back away. Breathe.

I hate changelings. He moved slowly, hoping to avoid throwing up. He wasn't weak, he told himself.

When Frostbite @Cagey would deliver that final blow with gusto -- saving Magloria from another cowardly assault -- in addition to the *cracking* sound of breaking through the exoskeleton there was also a clink of metal against something... else. Should he investigate, he'd find another gem. Glistening in a frosty color that kind've resembled Magloria's essence in some undetectable way @Props ValRoa but through the goo, there would be another one, this one was a color and essence that resembled Frostbite. They would clink together before catching the light in a brief glisten.

[Vibrant Grove]

8 hours ago, Tao said:

Blinking, Blue went to move, the smell of moss dampness heavy in his nose, blinking,  he felt an odd soreness in his body in trying to recall his last moments as the lights and greeny filtered into his eyes while blinking.

"Raven?"  his voice asked,  looking around,  still dizzy a bit from the last memories stuck in his mind.  "Something happened huh?"

Standing,  his legs felt odd in the soft exposed grass floor of the maze under his hooves. Blinking to clear the almost drug-like feeling he seemed to have "Raven are you close?  Any pony out there?"

@Brony Number 42

Vibrant would keep looking for ponies that were not with the group to ensure nopony would get lost. He noticed that Blue still looked dizzy and shocked by what happened, so he quickly approached him. 

"Hello! I don't believe we had a chance to talk before. My name is Vibrant Grove and we happen to be in the same... situation as You probably noticed. Where is Your match? Do You see them with us?" He asks as he points at the group of gathered ponies.

@Brony Number 42

6 hours ago, The Wife of Law said:

The ground begins to tremble and the sky darkens. A tall, lean, quadruped figure flying toward the venue appears. It isn’t obvious who it is right away but after hearing the buzz of her wings, any pony can deduce that it is Queen Chrysalis.

Wolf Tracks leaps in front of Saffron, back facing him. Was she protecting him? She growls at the insect hybrid. Before she can lunge toward her, the area starts to change. Moss, roots, and leave shuffle and the attending ponies start to panic. “What is going on?” she thanks to herself. She turns her head back to Saffron “Was this party a set up by Queen Chrysalis?” 

Upon noticing Wolf Tracks and Saffron, Vibrant would extend his invitation to the group to them as well. "Come with us, friends. Nobody has any idea as to what happened, but I believe we should all stick together!" 

5 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

Somehow, Skylight didn't notice this until then, but everything looked awful, and it somehow smelled even worse. "Wow, this place smells awful," Skylight remarked, waving a hoof in front of her nose to dissipate the smell but to no avail. Skylight gasped when Vibrant admitted that didn't know what happened, but she held onto Dynamo and tried to remain calm. Even though Dynamo beat her to it, Skylight decided to help contribute and casted a light spell as well, stacking several spells she learned in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns to increase the brightness. 

When Skylight glanced around to see who else was in the group, she recognized Vibrant and Roswell, but didn't really recognize anypony else. Skylight walked up to Sir. "So, where should we go?" Skylight asked Vibrant, glancing at the different paths.

"No kidding about the smell, I don't think my nose will ever get used to it." Vibrant responded. "Where to go? Now that's a very good question, I believe that for now following the parasprite may be the best idea, I don't see any sort of clue that may present a different option to us. Thank You so much for more light." He smiled at Skylight, group finally able to see their surroundings a bit more. 

[Mossy wall]

As more light is cast the group would finally be able to see everything clearly. The walls and path as putrid and dark as before had no more surprises. It wasn't a welcome sight to anypony, in fact it would be better to not see so much of it. 

But now finally all ponies can see each other, light provided by combined spells of @Dynamo Pad and @Skylight Scintillate being intense enough to cover all the area around them. All the ponies stuck within mossy walls can see each other. 

Also another detail became clear now. One of bricks forming the pathway, the parasprite is leading them to had a little engraving on it. It appeared to roughly resemble cutie marks of @Aurora Glimmer Caramel and Dynamo Pad. The two remaining paths seemed to have no indication as to where may they lead, assuming they would be leading the group anywhere. 

[A Curious Parasprite]

10 hours ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

@Dynamo Pad @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Princess Silky

Caramel would blink at how quickly the Paraspite would appear to heal and thne be all cheery, then shake her head "That's got to be the quickest healing of a broken wing I've ever seen" she would say but then would look to the others, then back to the sprite, "Well, I'm glad to see you are all better litlte one, and feeling cheerful" she'd say and then shake her head once more, "I..you were spying on Queen Chrysalis? Do you happen to know how she escaped? I know both Thorax and Pharynx, and neither of them would have helped her, I'm sure" she'd say, following it to the passage "and how exactly can each of us help? Is this some sort of test?" she'd ask "Perhapsto see how well we all work together?"

She then looks to her companions and smile a bit more "O-oh well thank you, both of you, helping is sort of what makes me happy.."

The parasprite would tilt its head... well... its entire body with a little bit of a confusion from Caramel's questions. "Never heard of any... Queen Crystalism? Actually I never heard any of these names, I am sorry!" it giggled and started to playfully fly around. 

"If You mean the mean black mare then yes! I was spying on her! She never caught me. Such a dummy she is!"

Seeing that @Aurora GlimmerCaramel finally followed it into the passage the parasprite looked at @Dynamo Pad "You're coming?" It seemed to not notice @Skylight Scintillate whispering to the blue unicorn. "We won't be able to do this without You! Everypony else may come too!"

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

1 hour ago, Mossy wall said:

One of bricks forming the pathway, the parasprite is leading them to had a little engraving on it. It appeared to roughly resemble cutie marks of @Aurora Glimmer Caramel and Dynamo Pad. The two remaining paths seemed to have no indication as to where may they lead, assuming they would be leading the group anywhere. 

Raven examined the bricks. "Looks like a path. Might as well follow it."

[Dynamo Pad 11,263]

10 hours ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

@Dynamo Pad @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Princess Silky

Caramel would blink at how quickly the Paraspite would appear to heal and thne be all cheery, then shake her head "That's got to be the quickest healing of a broken wing I've ever seen" she would say but then would look to the others, then back to the sprite, "Well, I'm glad to see you are all better litlte one, and feeling cheerful" she'd say and then shake her head once more, "I..you were spying on Queen Chrysalis? Do you happen to know how she escaped? I know both Thorax and Pharynx, and neither of them would have helped her, I'm sure" she'd say, following it to the passage "and how exactly can each of us help? Is this some sort of test?" she'd ask "Perhapsto see how well we all work together?"

She then looks to her companions and smile a bit more "O-oh well thank you, both of you, helping is sort of what makes me happy.."

@AuroraGlimmer
Seeing how fast the wing had healed, Dynamo had blinked in surprise, yet looked curiously at the sprite. “You can say that again, Caramel. Either the wings heal faster than normal due to a parasprite’s design, or this is a different kind of parasprite altogether. Considering we didn’t expect this one to talk.” He’d say, nodding at the mention of Thorax and Pharynx. “I think I saw Thorax once when living in Ponyville, but I think it was a brief visit.going by appearance, he honestly looked like a nice changeling. So, I don’t think he’d help Chrysalis.” He says, wondering if this was a test as Caramel had put it. 
 

6 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

Somehow, Skylight didn't notice this until then, but everything looked awful, and it somehow smelled even worse. "Wow, this place smells awful," Skylight remarked, waving a hoof in front of her nose to dissipate the smell but to no avail. Skylight gasped when Vibrant admitted that didn't know what happened, but she held onto Dynamo and tried to remain calm. Even though Dynamo beat her to it, Skylight decided to help contribute and casted a light spell as well, stacking several spells she learned in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns to increase the brightness. 

"Ah cool, cool. Hey Nebel, maybe you could share a bit about yourself and we can see if we have anything in common. Like even though Dynamo and I are both horrible at introductions, we also went to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns together, and apparently, both of us vividly remember playing Changeling Escape. Those changeling jump scares get me every time... Though I brought that up because maybe we could use what we learned there to figure out how to escape this place."

Skylight looked over to Caramel and noticed something off about her. "Hey Caramel..." Skylight pondered how to phrase what she was about to ask next. "Please don't get offended by this, but are you a changeling? I mean, given how afraid you were of Chrysalis, I'm willing to trust you..." Skylight said. Skylight glanced at Dynamo nervously, hopping that she hadn't offended Dynamo or Caramel. This was exactly why she didn't like introductions.

When Skylight glanced around to see who else was in the group, she recognized Vibrant and Roswell, but didn't really recognize anypony else. Skylight walked up to Sir. "So, where should we go?" Skylight asked Vibrant, glancing at the different paths.

"So uh, why don't you talk about yourself? See if we have anything in common? Maybe something you're good at?" Skylight asked Nebel nervously. She hopped that they would have something in common to bond over, but she hopped that she wasn't being too pushy, especially given how shy Nebel seemed.

"Huh, I heard it too," Skylight noted. She glanced at the parasprite intriguingly. "You can talk?" she asked. 

Skylight analyzed the the parasprite, thoroughly glancing at it up and down trying to figure it out. There were all kinds of strange things about this parasprite. For one, it talked. In addition, it's wing healed extraordinarily rapidly. And it recognized Dynamo and Caramel. If Dynamo wasn't offended by Skylight suggesting that Caramel was a changeling, Skylight would whisper to Dynamo asking if he thought the parasprite might be a changeling. 

Plus, the parasprite was quite cute. Skylight tried to recall if this was the suspicious kind of cute like Cozy Glow, or the genuine kind of cute.

As @Skylight Scintillate had used her magic to help add to the illumination of their surroundings, Dynamo turned to her and smiled. “Thanks for the extra light, Sky.” He say, before tilting his head in confusion to his friend’s question of caramel. “What do you mean, Sky? What makes you think that Caramel is a changeling?” He wondered as he did notice the difference in Caramel’s mane and the hole in her hoof. However, his expression stayed the same as he didn’t want to assume. He wanted to trust both Caramel and Skylight as the latter was his friend and the former was slowly developing a crush on her. His ears perked slightly as he heard Skylight whisper to him, before shrugging his shoulder at her question. “I’m glad to know I’m not the only one surprised if it talking, but I don’t think so. It looks so friendly, but I want to trust that this parasprite is the real thing.”

1 hour ago, Vibrant Grove said:

Vibrant would keep looking for ponies that were not with the group to ensure nopony would get lost. He noticed that Blue still looked dizzy and shocked by what happened, so he quickly approached him. 

"Hello! I don't believe we had a chance to talk before. My name is Vibrant Grove and we happen to be in the same... situation as You probably noticed. Where is Your match? Do You see them with us?" He asks as he points at the group of gathered ponies.

@Brony Number 42

Upon noticing Wolf Tracks and Saffron, Vibrant would extend his invitation to the group to them as well. "Come with us, friends. Nobody has any idea as to what happened, but I believe we should all stick together!" 

"No kidding about the smell, I don't think my nose will ever get used to it." Vibrant responded. "Where to go? Now that's a very good question, I believe that for now following the parasprite may be the best idea, I don't see any sort of clue that may present a different option to us. Thank You so much for more light." He smiled at Skylight, group finally able to see their surroundings a bit more. 

“You can say that again, @Sir HugsalotVibrant.” Dynamo says as he looked to both Skylight and Vibrant. “After taking a whiff of the maze wall, I thought I lost all sense of smell. Not the best decision I’ve ever made.” He’d say with a sheepish chuckle. 

54 minutes ago, Mossy wall said:

As more light is cast the group would finally be able to see everything clearly. The walls and path as putrid and dark as before had no more surprises. It wasn't a welcome sight to anypony, in fact it would be better to not see so much of it. 

But now finally all ponies can see each other, light provided by combined spells of @Dynamo Pad and @Skylight Scintillate being intense enough to cover all the area around them. All the ponies stuck within mossy walls can see each other. 

Also another detail became clear now. One of bricks forming the pathway, the parasprite is leading them to had a little engraving on it. It appeared to roughly resemble cutie marks of @Aurora Glimmer Caramel and Dynamo Pad. The two remaining paths seemed to have no indication as to where may they lead, assuming they would be leading the group anywhere. 

27 minutes ago, A Curious Parasprite said:

The parasprite would tilt its head... well... its entire body with a little bit of a confusion from Caramel's questions. "Never heard of any... Queen Crystalism? Actually I never heard any of these names, I am sorry!" it giggled and started to playfully fly around. 

"If You mean the mean black mare then yes! I was spying on her! She never caught me. Such a dummy she is!"

Seeing that @Aurora GlimmerCaramel finally followed it into the passage the parasprite looked at @Dynamo Pad "You're coming?" It seemed to not notice @Skylight Scintillate whispering to the blue unicorn. "We won't be able to do this without You! Everypony else may come too!"

 

As the parasprite talked, the way it said Chrysalis’ name was off. With what he and Skylight had discussed, he guessed that the parasprite wasn’t a changeling, after all. “It’s okay and no need to apologize. We were just wondering as we were confused and concerned. If Chrysalis didn’t damage your wing, then how did you get injured?” He wondered as the parasprite mentioned that she never noticed it. 

Seeing that Caramel went to follow the little pink floating ball, Dynamo looked to see it asking if he was coming too. Looking back to the group, before looking to Caramel, he took a breath as he knew they couldn’t just sit still. “Wait for me as I’m on my way.” He would say, looking back to the others in the group. Thanks to Skylight’s help, he was able to get a better look at everyone. “Come on, you guys. Follow Caramel and I. Maybe we can find the exit with the parasprite’s help. Let’s just make sure to stick together like Vibrant has said so we don’t get lost.” He’d say as he figured what did they have to lose? Maybe the path they’d follow would lead them to Silky and the others, but only time would tell. 

With the extra light, Dynamo and the others were able to follow the path more easily as they continues to follow the parasprite. Even though the walls and path still looked unpleasant, there didn’t seem to be any surprises for the time being. That was until they stopped at one of the bricks that had engravings of his and Caramel’s cutie marks. “Hey. That’s my cutie mark. That one looks like Caramel’s too, b-but why?” He asks, unable to make heads or tails on what he has seen. As the group arrived at two paths, Dynamo looked down each path as both looked similar. “So, which way? Maybe we can flip a coin and go down the desired path.” He would say, looking to the parasprite and wondered which path it would take them next. 

[Star Silk]

As @Astral Soulwas gathering some tea cups and wares from @Sycofear13Calicarpa's stolen goods (aka her satchel) Silky would look around until she'd found @Silverspark184 hiding with all of these impressive traps and defensive tactics.

"There you are! You adorable little filly! Come to my arms. There are no more changlings out there." She'd offer a soft, warm smile before she'd look around. "Come! Let's meet the gentleman who is making you tea and his darling friend @Silly Druidwho sings to the trees and knows how to communicate with them.." Her eyes would widen with the expressive exaggeration of a child, "isn't that cool?!" 

There was soft giggle as she retreated from the little filly, "Here, I'll go make you some tea."

Silky would look around, the hem of her dress giving a slight twirl from her pivot. "Wait a second... " she'd look to Astral - the tea master. "We need something fresh. Right now, there's too much chaos and destruction... and our fighters could use some good nourishment and energy. "Fresh is good.."

After @Reality Checkwould conceal his sketchbook from that amazing move, Silky's eyes would light up as she'd look at him. "Wait a second! That flower on your mane -- over there." She'd beam. "It's so lively and health-looking, that's perfect for my alchemy! We'll need more potions to stay safe. May I have it? Where did you get it?

[Reality Check 631]

1 minute ago, Star Silk said:

As @Astral Soulwas gathering some tea cups and wares from @Sycofear13Calicarpa's stolen goods (aka her satchel) Silky would look around until she'd found @Silverspark184 hiding with all of these impressive traps and defensive tactics.

"There you are! You adorable little filly! Come to my arms. There are no more changlings out there." She'd offer a soft, warm smile before she'd look around. "Come! Let's meet the gentleman who is making you tea and his darling friend @Silly Druidwho sings to the trees and knows how to communicate with them.." Her eyes would widen with the expressive exaggeration of a child, "isn't that cool?!" 

There was soft giggle as she retreated from the little filly, "Here, I'll go make you some tea."

Silky would look around, the hem of her dress giving a slight twirl from her pivot. "Wait a second... " she'd look to Astral - the tea master. "We need something fresh. Right now, there's too much chaos and destruction... and our fighters could use some good nourishment and energy. "Fresh is good.."

After @Reality Checkwould conceal his sketchbook from that amazing move, Silky's eyes would light up as she'd look at him. "Wait a second! That flower on your mane -- over there." She'd beam. "It's so lively and health-looking, that's perfect for my alchemy! We'll need more potions to stay safe. May I have it? Where did you get it?

“Huh?” RC turned to @Princess Silky “Oh this? I think it came down from the tree that swung me around. I found it beside me before I got one of the gems from Tree Song”

[Star Silk]

1 hour ago, Reality Check said:

“Huh?” RC turned to @Princess Silky “Oh this? I think it came down from the tree that swung me around. I found it beside me before I got one of the gems from Tree Song”

Silky would blink once from the new information. "Oh..." she was so captivated by its beautiful, healthy color. Then, when Reality Check would mention gems, Silky would look even more confused. Gems? Her brows would furrow in confusion. From Tree Song? Why was Tree Song giving people gems? And why wasn't she gifted one? She looked like a child about to pout from missing out. But the sentimental moment would briefly pass. Oh well, no time to contemplate that, "I'll be back soon, @Silverspark184. You stay here and be safe."

She'd throw a cloak on and then upon stepping outside of the door, she'd check if the coast was clear and then swiftly make her way to the tree. 

[Ice Princess Silky <3 13,529]

1 hour ago, Reality Check said:

“Huh?” RC turned to @Princess Silky “Oh this? I think it came down from the tree that swung me around. I found it beside me before I got one of the gems from Tree Song”

Silky would stop and look back at Reality Check, thoughtfully. "Oh! Can you show me where the tree released them?" She'd smile.

[Frostbite]

@Props ValRoa 

3 hours ago, Tangled Roots said:

When Frostbite @Cagey would deliver that final blow with gusto -- saving Magloria from another cowardly assault -- in addition to the *cracking* sound of breaking through the exoskeleton there was also a clink of metal against something... else. Should he investigate, he'd find another gem. Glistening in a frosty color that kind've resembled Magloria's essence in some undetectable way @Props ValRoa but through the goo, there would be another one, this one was a color and essence that resembled Frostbite. They would clink together before catching the light in a brief glisten.

Frostbite paused, then collected the gems, only touching them through levitation. He made no move to rejoin the other ponies.

[Roswell]

*flies over to Raven @Brony Number 42 and lands*
 

Hi, I’m Roswell.

I’m an investigator and I could use the light of your horn to investigate further.

[Reality Check 631]

26 minutes ago, Princess Silky said:

Silky would stop and look back at Reality Check, thoughtfully. "Oh! Can you show me where the tree released them?" She'd smile.

RC tilted his head slightly. “Which? The flower or the gems? Because the gem was given to Tree Song, @Sophie H. and I. And I’m not sure where the flower’s from”

[Star Silk]

1 minute ago, Reality Check said:

RC tilted his head slightly. “Which? The flower or the gems? Because the gem was given to Tree Song, @Sophie H. and I. And I’m not sure where the flower’s from”

With curt nod, Silky would ask Reality Check to stay safe inside while she steps out to investigate the tree.