private Adventure to Atlantis

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord,

(OOC: There, I fixed it)

 

Giant backtrotted rapidly, stepping away from the spinning whirl of blades. He glanced up--the top barrel of his Kalash was sawn off halfway down the barrel.

He sighed heavily. "Back o' the truck..." he mumbled, trying to think of a way to restrain the swordpony. If he could get in close enough to hold him down...but being close was exactly what made Steel Accord a dangerous proposition.

"Darn it, Steel, you couldn't hold together for me a little longer?..." Giant ran after Steel as the former pony took after Paradox, rushing backwards along the passage. When Steel took a flying dive into the river, however, he skidded to a halt. His pupils shrunk to pinhead.

 

He couldn't. Not for...not for anypony. It was just--he could barely move, let alone think about it. He couldn't. 

 

But every ounce of soldier in him called him a hopeless coward for leaving his effectively-squadmate to drown himself. Giant stood paralyzed, unable and unwilling to go either backwards or forwards.

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

@@Steel Accord,

@@Count Paradox,

 

Iron Hoof mumbled something about ponies wanting to die before he flicked his hoof at three pegasai.
The three of them nodded and took to the air. On of the grabbed onto Steel and forced him back to the trucks. The other two flew down to Paradox, picking him up from the water and also flying back to the trucks. The pegasai dropped the ponies right at Iron Hoof's...um...hooves. "If you two want to die. I have a gun right here. Please let me shoot you, it would be a big help to get rid of you from the team. THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED YOU BOTH IF WE WEREN'T QUICK. GET IN THE BUCKING TRUCK." He yelled. "YOU...Don't let them out of your sight." He muttered, pointing at Giant.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

(OOC you DO realise that paradox had already been underwater, and, with the speed of the current, coupled and combined with the swimming he was doing thanks to the beast in his eye, he would have been VERY deep and VERY far away by the time the pegasus would have gotten to him, and the pegasi's wings would have been soaked, meaning it couldn't fly...)

[Dawn Stripes 301]

(OOC: And she's also the DM.  )

 

@@Steel Accord,

(OOC: I be just playin' the character; no plans whatevs. If it makes you feel better, Giant certainly doesn't want to fight Steel)

 

Giant gave a quick salute and then as the trucks started chugging away, nuzzled Steel to encourage him to get up. And then the black and white one, too, just to be fair. "On you feet, colts," he said in a low voice, "We have a train to catch. Are you both okay?'

Thank goodness that had been taken out of his hooves. For a second he'd considered....best not to think about it too much.

"Steel, what's your name and r--uh, home address? And...birthday?" Giant asked, eyeing the wobbling pony. "You feel dizzy. Nausea?' He had no idea what the physical symptoms of advanced CMFID were supposed to look like, all those presceription-jargons tended to blur together, but asking helped. Made him feel like he was doing something when he couldn't.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

(OOC: And she's also the DM.  )

 

@@Steel Accord,

(OOC: I be just playin' the character; no plans whatevs. If it makes you feel better, Giant certainly doesn't want to fight Steel)

 

Giant gave a quick salute and then as the trucks started chugging away, nuzzled Steel to encourage him to get up. And then the black and white one, too, just to be fair. "On you feet, colts," he said in a low voice, "We have a train to catch. Are you both okay?'

Thank goodness that had been taken out of his hooves. For a second he'd considered....best not to think about it too much.

"Steel, what's your name and r--uh, home address? And...birthday?" Giant asked, eyeing the wobbling pony. "You feel dizzy. Nausea?' He had no idea what the physical symptoms of advanced CMFID were supposed to look like, all those presceription-jargons tended to blur together, but asking helped. Made him feel like he was doing something when he couldn't.

The Master Seargeant's nuzzle comforted Steel. Helped him reinforce that the Master Sergeant was the Mentor of Steel's current arc. "Yeah." He cleared his throat. "Yes Seargent. I can feel myself slowly coming back." Steel smiled. "I'm sorry about your rifle."

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Dox just glared at Iron Hoof and spat out some water when he left. "Bastard... Stopped my daring rescue and romantical... Whatever it was. I'll probably look like a jerk to Feather now..." He mumbled to himself. He then pushed Giant away as he tried to help him. "Leave me alone." He got up, put on his eyepatch, and walked away.

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord,

 

Giant looked up. That...that was something else. Giant knew they didn't exactly make them like they used to, but he was pretty sure you weren't supposed to be able to chop these things in half.

"Don't worry about it," he said finally. "I'm gonna' stick with you for a few minutes, though, okay? Maybe a good dousing helped, but you're not exactly outta' the clear yet. Get some food in your system if you can. Keep talking to me."

 

He was supposed to be watching Paradox,, too--Giant used one eye on that pony, walking near the rear of the convoy. As long as he didn't get too far Giant didn't care where he wanted to trot.

 

While they walked, Giant took a wrench and tried to jab at some of the clamps holding the top barrel in place. He'd be able to move a lot easier if he could just get this...deadweight off of him...unfortunately, the pony neck didn't bend that way. He eventually gave up, resigning himself to making repairs on the thing once he took it off. That was regulation operating procedure, anyway.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Dox just glared at Iron Hoof and spat out some water when he left. "Bastard... Stopped my daring rescue and romantical... Whatever it was. I'll probably look like a jerk to Feather now..." He mumbled to himself. He then pushed Giant away as he tried to help him. "Leave me alone." He got up, put on his eyepatch, and walked away.

  

The Master Seargeant's nuzzle comforted Steel. Helped him reinforce that the Master Sergeant was the Mentor of Steel's current arc. "Yeah." He cleared his throat. "Yes Seargent. I can feel myself slowly coming back." Steel smiled. "I'm sorry about your rifle."

"Well . . . he isn't going to be making any friends if he continues that tired stalker/loner bit." He laughed a chuckle really. "One of these days, we really should have a friendly spar. I'd live to see what you could do." Steel smiled, hoping to convince the Sergeant he was all right.

 

@@Steel Accord,

 

Giant looked up. That...that was something else. Giant knew they didn't exactly make them like they used to, but he was pretty sure you weren't supposed to be able to chop these things in half.

"Don't worry about it," he said finally. "I'm gonna' stick with you for a few minutes, though, okay? Maybe a good dousing helped, but you're not exactly outta' the clear yet. Get some food in your system if you can. Keep talking to me."

 

He was supposed to be watching Paradox,, too--Giant used one eye on that pony, walking near the rear of the convoy. As long as he didn't get too far Giant didn't care where he wanted to trot.

 

While they walked, Giant took a wrench and tried to jab at some of the clamps holding the top barrel in place. He'd be able to move a lot easier if he could just get this...deadweight off of him...unfortunately, the pony neck didn't bend that way. He eventually gave up, resigning himself to making repairs on the thing once he took it off. That was regulation operating procedure, anyway.

Steel could see that Giant was struggling the bindings on his battle saddle. "If you want . . . I could help you with those." Steel offered. I have a certain . . . specialty that could remove them without damaging the weapon . . . any further that is." Steel said sheepishly.

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord,

 

Giant answered conscious of the inert peice of luggage over his head. "Maybe, kid, maybe. Somehow I just figure it'd come down to how many paces you gave me, though. Sides. Firearms don't make good 'sparring'. "

 

At Steel's suggestion, Giant frowned for a secnd, then chuckeld as he realized what the colt was getting at. "Go ahead. Might as well." 

[Agent505 661]

Upon seeing the situation calming a little, Frostbite took her pack back, and threw it over her shoulders again. She looked off to one side and down at the floor, almost as if she was disappointed, or even upset with something as she stopped walking, letting the trucks trudge on past her. As the last truck's cab levelled with her, she sluggishly started trotting along, keeping pace with the truck but not in any visible rush. 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Steel Accord,

 

Giant answered conscious of the inert peice of luggage over his head. "Maybe, kid, maybe. Somehow I just figure it'd come down to how many paces you gave me, though. Sides. Firearms don't make good 'sparring'. "

 

At Steel's suggestion, Giant frowned for a secnd, then chuckeld as he realized what the colt was getting at. "Go ahead. Might as well."

 

Steel drew his swords. "You'd be surprised. I know a blunting spell many unicorns have used that make my swords as effective as styrofoam and your bullets as effective as spit balls. You KNOW you've been hit, but no damage is done." Steel steadied himself. "Hold still, Sargent. This only works if you trust me." Steel raised his weapons . . . and struck downward.

 

SHIIIING

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

@,

 

 

Iron Hoof sighed. "You. I need some shut eye. I feel a migraine coming on. You're the driver." He said, pointing at Frostbite as he climbed into the back of a nearby truck.



Meanwhile...
Ocean had managed to get herself up onto the beach all the way and was laying there, unsure what else she could do...until she heard hoofsteps.
She looked up to see three ponies with rather odd markings all over their coat. They were all standing around her and one of them slowly approached her. Ocean was to tired to do anything. She just lay there and waited for something to happen.
The pony levitated a blue crystal from around its neck and touched the crystal to Ocean's hoof. Instantly, Ocean started changing back as the pony backed away, adjusting its black helmet as it did so. "Necesse est ad urbem redire. Dimittat illam." Said the pony who had a very feminine voice. "Wait." Ocean croaked, trying to get them to stay. Right after Ocean spoke the three ponies ran off into the cave, leaving her behind. Ocean watched them go before she blacked out.

[Agent505 661]

@, 

 

"If you want this truck getting anywhere in one piece, you'll get somepony else to drive. I've never touched a vehicle in my life" was about the best response she could muster, not thinking of anything snarky in her current state. She simply sighed and looked at the cab "but...if you really feel sleeping is more important than getting supplies where they need to go..."

Edited May 16, 2013 by Creeping Dusk

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

@, 

 

"If you want this truck getting anywhere in one piece, you'll get someone else to drive. I've never touched a vehicle in my life" was about the best response she could muster, not thinking of anything snarky in her current state. She simply sighed and looked at the cab "but...if you really feel sleeping is more important than getting supplies where they need to go..."

 

Iron Hoof mumbled something then just sighed as he climbed into the front of the truck. He didn't say anything to Frost as he started the truck and began to drive. "Our first resting place should be right around this bend. There should be a fresh water lake we can gather water from." He said into a radio connecting the trucks.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Dox had climbed into the back of a truck and slumped down. He had both wanted to save Ocean and show off to Feather, but that damn Iron had to go and buck it up. He laid his head down and closed his eyes, wondering what he would do if Feather approached him about what happened.

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord, 

 

SHIIIING!
CLUNK.

 

Giant examined the pieces at his hooves. He had been running on the assumption that when Steel offered to help him--er, disassemble his weapon, that Steel had some idea of the construction of modern pony firearms. Perhaps, he wondered, this had been an unwise assumption, as he picked up his sighting scope, took a look at the cleanly choppsed-through mounting bracket, and shrugged as he tossed it in the nearest truck.

 

"Well, I didn't really need to aim anyway," he said good-naturedly.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Dawn Stripes,

 

Steel was horrified. "By Harmony, your rifle!" Steel dropped to the floor trying to gather all the pieces together. "The weapon that carried you through all those tours. Your lifeline, I've destroyed it!" Some pieces fumbled out of his grasp as he spoke. "I was just trying to help, but this whole time I've just been a burdened to you and . . ." Steel began to hyperventilate. CIMFIS began to creep in again, it wasn't quite gone yet. "What's wrong with me?!" Steel clutched his head, feeling everything begin to slide away. Like causality and purpose were melting from his perception. Steel himself however . . . had no idea what CIMFIS even was. 

[Ano170 162]

@, 

 

 (OOC: Figures I was away for all the fun. Oh well, no doubt karmic retribution for my forgetting to let everyone know I was going offline. XD).

 

Dazed, all Feather had been able to do was stand in the truck and watch, the warmth spreading through her conflicting with the external chaos.

 

She had screamed mentally at her legs, with every intention of going after Paradox - and of course Ocean - herself, but she had remained paralysed. Now, at least, things seemed to be quieting down: Steel was still swinging his sword at the Sargent, only now in a much more amiable way; Captain Iron Hoof seemed to have taken back control of situation; and Paradox appeared to have not drowned. A part of her was hurt when he stalked away rather than come talk to her, but a bigger part was relieved.

 

Paradox. Feather sighed; she really wasn't sure she wanted to think about him right now, even if her muzzle was still tingling. Truth be told she wasn't sure what was the port of call when the other pony apparently liked you back... 

 

"I'll speak to him." She promised herself. "Later...."

 

Coward. A voice whispered in her head. Feather nodded in agreement. So far, during every disaster we have encountered on this expedition, I have been completely useless. With a soft, irritated growl, she hopped out of the truck and trudged behind it, glaring at the ground. She'd been sitting on her plot too long.

 

It's for the best. The voice reasoned. If you'd tried to go after Paradox, you would have just gotten caught in the current and then somepony would've had to come rescue you too.

 

Feather shook her head. But nopony is doing anything about Ocean; it's like every able pony has given up on her. That's wrong!

 

Ocean can take care of herself - she's a smart pony, that we know. Besides, it's not like she can drown. This argument is pointless and you know it; you're just avoiding the bigger issue.

 

Feather stopped abruptly. One of our ponies - the expedition leader no less - a good pony, is lost. She can't drown. but I'm pretty sure she can starve. And nopony can do anything about it. What could possibly be a bigger issue than that? She snorted. Deep down, Feather was certain Ocean would okay, but she still felt restless. Normally, she would have sought out Dox to confide in, but now the thought of talking to him made her stomach flip. She wanted to confront him, but....

 

"This is stupid." she grunted. "I've known him for what, a day?"

 

Looking up, Feather could see Moon Wave further up the convoy. If anypony was going to be able to help, it was her - Moon had gotten her into this mess after all. Feather flew over, calling out to the other mare. 

 

"Hey, Moon! How is my second-favourite mare, après moi bien que. No wait, that's wrong..." 

 

You're such a show-off when you're stressed. That voice mocked.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Ano170

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Dox got to his hooves after a few minutes and began to pace. How WOULD he confront her if they met? It's not like she would want to speak to him anyways, after kissing and running. "I'll just avoid her for the rest of the expedition... It'll be better... for both our sakes.... But geez, I'm hungry now... And no food in this truck... Guess I'll go look at the other ones." He got out of the truck he was in and began to walk to another one, keeping his eye out for both Giant and Feather. He didn't want to get a lecture from that stallion. And he would be very nervous in front of Feather.

[Milk Wave 454]

@@Ano170

 

Moon was steadily staring down into nothing, trying hard to forget anything about what happened as of now. But, every time she would forget, something indirect would remind her of Ocean every time which continued to slowly make her depressed. 

Maybe she couldn't forget the pony at all. Maybe it was just stuck in her mind, like her brother..

Back in the real world though, a Pegasus from afar came closer to Moon. She didn't happen to realize until her name was called, which she lifted her head and looked.

 

I guess talking to Feather could help..

 

By saying that, Moon quickly arose and gave a wave toward Feather and laughed a bit when she made a mistake in her greeting. Though on the outside she tried her best to contain her depression. Doing whatever so it wouldn't get the best of her as of now.

 

"Your second favourite mare is doing just as bad as you are." She replied with a smile.

Edited May 16, 2013 by 1_0_4_3268764 0 OK 0

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord, 

 

Aww, buck it. Giant should have been watching for that. He tossed the parts and grabbed Steel's shoulder, trying to keep him calm. "It's just fine, steel, it's just fine," he crooned. "Just the scope. I can use this thing just fine without it. Rarely even used that anyway," he lied.  "And I can fix whatever I want as soon as we get to land."

 

While Giant split his attention between two colts, it suddenly occured to him that there was another 'pony' he really ought to be keeping an eye on. But that conjecture was met with some surprise. Ocean Wind was nowhere to be seen.

After looking nervously around a few times and discovering nothing, Giant began to worry. What was going on?

Steel should know. It had been the colt's job to watch Ocean after all; surely he had been doing it. "Say, Steel," he asked, "Where...where is Miss Wind?"

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Dawn Stripes,

 

If the dam explosion wasn't enough the floodgates were about to burst again. Steel did not want to cry in front of Sgt. How much lower could he possibly make himself? Steel took in a deep breath to steady himself before speaking. "Sarge . . . she," He pointed to the river, fading into the distance. "Even if she couldn't drown. She's probably lost, miles away, unable to even speak. That's IF she wasn't carried into the sea. How will she get back to Equestria?! Sarge . . . she trusted me." Steel's eyes glazed over. Despite his near outburst near seconds prior, it was clear Steel had no more passion or fury left, just dismay.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Steel Accord

[Dawn Stripes 301]

@@Steel Accord,

 

"..Wha?" Giant glanced at the river behind him. That explained a few things. Why ponies had suddenly decided to take a dip in the river, for one thing. Why Steel Accord was breaking down entirely. 

 

Ocean Wind was...gone? Just like that? Giant hadn't even been able to pay attention when he was being ferried across the dried stream. It wasn't how he expected it to end. Just turned around one minute, and that was over.

 

He supposed he shouldn't feel glad about it. Sounded like an engineering accident. But she wasn't his problem anymore. If nothing else, Giant could relax a little now that Iron Hooves was the only one leading the expedition. It was too sudden. He wasn't sure what to feel about that. So he took the soldier's safe route, which was to feel nothing, and say as little as possible.

"I see."

[Ano170 162]

@@Ano170

 

Moon was steadily staring down into nothing, trying hard to forget anything about what happened as of now. But, every time she would forget, something indirect would remind her of Ocean every time which continued to slowly make her depressed. 

Maybe she couldn't forget the pony at all. Maybe it was just stuck in her mind, like her brother..

Back in the real world though, a Pegasus from afar came closer to Moon. She didn't happen to realize until her name was called, which she lifted her head and looked.

 

I guess talking to Feather could help..

 

By saying that, Moon quickly arose and gave a wave toward Feather and laughed a bit when she made a mistake in her greeting. Though on the outside she tried her best to contain her depression. Doing whatever so it wouldn't get the best of her as of now.

 

"Your second favourite mare is doing just as bad as you are." She replied with a smile.

 

Feather offered a sad smile of her own. "Well in that case," Feather thumped the barrel of one of her battle saddle's shotguns. "This thing is always loaded..." But not even she could manage a halfhearted chuckle.

 

Oh sure Quill, a joke about suicide. That's a wonderful way to cheer everypony up.

 

Inside, a part of Feather was despairing; she had hoped Moon Wave might have been able to help her, but it seemed the other mare was in just as much need of support as Feather was, if not more. Still, she supposed. What else should I have expected?

 

Feather hesitated before asking her next question. "So what do you think we should do? Iron Hoof doesn't seem all that interested in rescuing our expedition leader..."

[Milk Wave 454]

@@Ano170 (( Don't forget that you came to Moon for Paradox~ ))

 

"He probably already thinks its too late then." She replied back to Feather. "I know how Iron acts like around others, and its never good."

 

It took her a few seconds before Moon could think of anything else to say. Her mind went blank after what the other Pegasus spoke right now.

But she looked at the battle saddle that Feather had thumped at. It would seem like one of the ways out of here, but it wouldn't look good. So Moon took her eyes off that and instead focused back on topic.

"All we should do is wait.. I wouldn't think our captain would die just from a river current."

Edited May 16, 2013 by 1_0_4_3268764 0 OK 0