open Beyond these Walls: An adventure through Equestria. (Applications open!)

[EcstaticWind 572]

@ Everyone

 

"Right. Best of luck, everypony. Crimson, catch up, mate," Aegis said, slipping into an odd accent as he did so. He flared his wings open and darted off after 'Blast' and Midnight, flying low for some reason.

 

'Now this is how you do an adventure! This will be one amazing story to tell when it's over.'

 

He slowed down and returned to walking when he caught up with Midnight. "Yo."

Edited November 10, 2013 by Windbreaker

[RAGESTAR 479]

Crimson simply nodded and kept his cursed mouth shut, quickly trotting after Midnight. Once he was close enough, Crimson chuckled. "The way you speak reminds me a bit of Twilight Sparkle, except if Twilight were leading this group, she would probably go crazy...have you ever met a witch? They aren't easy opponents...especially if one curses you, some curses have no counter curse...I really want to stop talking..." said Crimson with a deadpan look, his eye twitching slightly.

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight Sky

 

"I hope you know Aegis, I'm expecting you to reap a fortune once this story is published. We just have to make sure there's a happy ending, then nopony could give a negative review!" Midnight said to Aegis as they began going up the cliffs along the narrow path he had used earlier. Even now Midnight could barely register that there goal was so very close, that just up this cliff rested the last known Litany of Magic. "And I must say, we must be the strangest group that will have ever entered the sanctuary of the Litany. We've got two unicorns who used to be royalty in a land far beyond Equestria, a cursed pirate, a unicorn who can't remember his past, and a storyteller." Midnight said before looking over at Crimson.

 

"Yeah, curses are a pain. I even studied them for a while, but I stopped when I accidentally hit myself with a curse that made me sing everything I said for a month before I found a reversal for it. And if you really want to stop talking I know two ways that could be arranged. We could kill you, but that wouldn't be much fun, or I could cast a mute spell on you." Midnight said to the pirate in a joking tone, clearly not serious. He would never cast his mute spell on a pony, if only just because he didn't know a way to reverse the effects. Midnight became a little more serious as the group was forced to walk single file along the narrow path, he sure hoped nopony fell. He also couldn't help but notice that Sunshine wasn't talking anymore, he was beginning to wonder if maybe she was remembering the time they climbed over the Crystal Mountains. That hadn't been a pleasant experience and they both could have died, so this might bring back some bad memories for his little sister.

Edited November 10, 2013 by Icy Void

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

Blasted Nova

In mere moments, Blast reached the top of the falls and was standing on it's edge. The view was incredible at this height. Though, it wasn't something he could marvel at for long. There was a job to be done. Blast looked down into the falls to see what they were dealing with here. It took him a few moments, but he started to have a plan formed in his mind.

 

White Eclipse

Eclipse followed the group of unicorns. All he could think about was finding this Litany and remembering his past. He walked up to Crimson, as he just needed somepony to speak to.

"Crimson... have you ever had something happen to you that you just want to forget?" He asked.
 

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@Icy Void, 

 

Aegis grinned. "Hopefully. If I don't get a fortune, then the story is still there for everypony to read. They're not gonna forget this one anytime soon. Something wrong with your sister? She's being really quiet," He said.

 

'Please don't let things go wrong now. We've just got things moving, and we're so close. Please, just a little good luck is all I ask for...'

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight Sky

 

"Huh, noticed that did you? Yeah, the best I can figure is that she's remembering the other times the two of us have climbed mountains. As those weren't exactly good memories it's probably just soured her mood a little bit, but not to worry. I'm sure she'll be back to her optimistic self soon. Sunshine just can't stay down for long, it's not in her nature." Midnight said to Aegis, glancing over his shoulder to see Sunshine not far behind. Midnight looked ahead at the path they were taking, and he could tell they were about halfway there. It was good that this time wasn't taking as long, though that was mostly because he had already found the path so all they had to do was follow it.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

 

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@@SilverHeart,

 

Orion watched the other two mistrustfully: he didn't show it, but the voices warnings about the magic in the air around Mirror Image put him on edge - she certainly hadn't done anything to prove herself untrustworthy but there was something about the way she acted - flitting between reclusiveness and confidence - that dug at him.

 

'If you feel you cannot trust them, we can sleep in shifts. Let us take control when you tire: they won't know one of us from the other.'

 

The stallion, Orion trusted. The mare - less so. But with the voice, he could afford a little unwarranted trust. He smiled to himself.

 

"Are you quite alright Mirror? You look quite pale..." He said calmly.

 

---------------

 

Kingfisher.

 

Kingfisher kept herself as far away from the edge of the sheer drop as possible during the ascent: her fear of heights not quite getting the better of her. The ponies who knew her seemed to be mostly talking among themselves and by listening in, it sounded like they were supposed to be on some kind of adventure.

 

Just how somepony like her had ended up there, she didn't even want to know. Had she gotten mixed up with the 'wrong type' of ponies? Some adventuring rogue who had... no. She couldn't even bring herself to think about it - she wanted to go home, go see her parents and pretend this whole sorry mess never happened.

 

"Uhm, this is Neighagra falls, isn't it?" She asked no pony in particular, hoping for some kind of confirmation. It shouldn't be too tough to get home when she felt a little more like herself.

 

---------------

 

Redwave and ???

 

@,

@,

 

"Willow, you know this spiteful miscreant?" Red muttered determinedly as he pushed himself back onto his hooves and slowly removed the Dragon-thing from his head before glaring back at the changeling. "I am mere minutes from removing it from my presence - Sisters, damn these hooves!"

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@,

 

Pavisa turned to offer Kingfisher a small smile, things having quieted down with Midnight's group having rushed forward to scout the path.  "Yeah, it is.  Still don't remember much, huh?"

 

Thinking to try and keep Kingfisher busy thinking, Pavisa slows her pace a little in order to walk more casually with the other mare.  "Why don't you tell me what you do remember?  I might be able to try and fill in some of the gaps?"

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Kingfisher.

 

@

 

It was the pony whom had helped her out of the water: she recognised her from the very border of her faded memories - had they been talking when she realised her memories were fading? Regardless - she was the best link to the present that Kingfisher had.

 

"Okay..." She said looking down at the ground for a moment to focus as she tried to think. It was easier now than it had been while she was soaked though it was still difficult. "My name is Kingfisher. I live in Hoofington. My little brother lives with my parents in Trottingam - they own the company 'New Equestrian Imports' and bring in all kinds of things from overseas..."

 

She reeled this off without issue: established facts were easy - it was the actual history that she couldn't properly remember.

 

"I don't remember what parts go where after that. I was supposed to go visit my parents but... I don't even know when. Was that today or tomorrow? Last week even? I don't know how much is missing. There's a book, maybe this Litany you all keep talking about... and that unicorn said that I was supposed to know about swords and hurting ponies or something... and theres that name too: I know that name he mentioned but I don't know where from! None of it makes any sense..." she trailed off after a minute or two looking distraught, but not fantastically so.

 

She didn't understand enough to properly panic: didn't understand why her mane was so ragged and unkemped - why she was wearing some kind of harness with red rags tied to it and space for a sword at her side or why she had something metallic attached to her ear.

[SilverHeart 741]

@@Midnight Scribbler, @,

 

 

"Of course..." Mirror Image said weakly as Midnight Scribbler walked away. The mare closed her eyes as she laid back down, hoping to get some rest before Willow and Zintiik came back. 

 

A few seconds later the sound of approaching hoof-steps caught her attention. Mirror opened her eyes, expecting to see Scribbler again. Instead she found Orion standing above her. "I'm not sure, I don't think I've ever lost this much blood before...honestly it is rather draining." Mirror Image paused before silently chuckling at the unintended pun. "And how are you?"

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@, 

 

Pavisa wasn't sure what she should do with this revelation - Kingfisher remembered less than she had thought.  Her parents...  She thinks they're alive?  Should I break that news to her somehow?  It could spark a memory, but I don't want to upset her unnecessarily...  Celestia, what am I supposed to do here!?  Relax, Pavisa...  You have to do something, just...  Try to ease into it.

 

The guard takes a small breath before looking at Kingfisher again.  "Fisher?  Take a good look at me.  I'm not asking you to remember who I am, I just want to know what you see.  I look like a guard, right?  That...  That doesn't make you feel anything?"  

 

Deciding to try another tactic at the same time, Pavisa gives the other mare a somewhat cocky smile.  "5 bits says we'll get your memory back before the day's over."  It was just a small thing to say, but she hoped that by mimicking the bets they had exchanged on their way to the falls it may make her feel something.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

@@Midnight Scribbler,
@@SilverHeart,

"I'm good, our friend is a great healer it seems." Orion nodded, glancing back towards Scribbler. "At least the timing is... as good as this kind of thing could be. We've got time for you to rest while we wait for Willow and Zintiik."

 

There was no obvious spell in effect. Not that he could see - perhaps the voice was wrong...

 

"Do you need anything?" He asked.

---------------

Kingfisher.

 

@,

"Sorry, I don't gamble..." She said before stopping.

 

Should a guard really be making bets when on duty? That didn't sit right... maybe she wasn't the only one feeling a little out of place - or maybe the guard was trying to help her... somehow? "Uhm, I mean, okay. Sure, if you like." She said, quickly changing her answer.

 

Adventurers and gambling - she even suspected that the weight on her ear was a piercing of some kind... whatever next? Maybe there was some truth to what the other had been telling her after all.

 

"Thank you, by the way. For getting me out of the water and stuff. I'll figure this out soon I'm sure - I can't have forgotten that much."

---------------

[Umbreon 569]

Pavisa

 

@,

 

"Hey, don't mention it...  We're friends.  I promise Fisher, I'll help you get your memory back."  Pavisa was still conflicted about how much she should try to remind Kingfisher of.  So far speaking about what she knew of the other mare hadn't been helping her memories at all, and she didn't want to unnecessarily torment Kingfisher by bringing up other topics if they weren't going to help.  But...  She had to try something.

 

She does her best to give the other mare a relaxed smile, trying to mask her doubts behind a wall of confidence.  "So you don't remember how much you dislike the guards?  Or how stupid I was about everything on the way here?  Surely you remember the mound of bits I owe you so far, right?  Heh."  Maybe if they kept talking, something would click for Kingfisher.  It was the only idea Pavisa had at the moment anyways, so it was worth a shot.  I'm still skirting around any meaningful topics, though...

[RAGESTAR 479]

@

 

Crimson frowned deeply. "Well...If watching as your own father kills your little sister in cold blood as something you wish to forget, then yes...I do..." said the pirate in a reserved tone, yet with a surprisingly unsaddened expression. Mentally wishing for a bottle of Rum.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@, @@SilverHeart,

Scribbler, had his coat been a brighter shade, would have shown him blush lightly with flattery. He smiled sheepishly, looking shy of the recognition he had received, but was happy his talents were appreciated. He laid his head, and closed his eyes for a moment, feeling he could spare a moment of rest for the time being. Nothing seemed to be an immediate threat, and it didn't seem likely that willow would reappear anytime soon.

[Ihei 713]

@,@,  

 

Willow Starsinger

 

"Kind of.. yes.." Willow said, playing with a pebble at her hooves. "My brother must've sent it to find me.. I was gone for a little bit when I saw you here," Willow said, glancing back nervously at the direction Zintiik came from. "Sorry if I brought you trouble. I just felt bad to see you here all, well, petrified." She reached out her hoof to the Aspect.

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@Icy Void, 

 

"Well, I could tell her a story if that'd take her mind off it," Aegis offered. "I know some good stories about knights in shining armour fighting evil and saving the day. A story about a perfectly ordinary filly thrust into great adventure, perhaps? What kinds do you like, Miss?"

[Umbreon 569]

Zintiik

 

@,@,  

 

"Yeah, Orion is waiting for us!  So whatever we're-"  Zintiik had been buzzing cockily just off the ground, but suddenly his wings go quiet as he lowers himself to the dirt.  It had taken him a moment to really analyze what had just happened, but something Willow said had completely drained the changeling's desire to taunt Redwave.

 

My brother sent it to find me?  ...It?  He wasn't sure why something as simple as a little word like that would bother him.  He had been called far, far worse than an 'it'.  Heck, Redwave had called him worse within the last minute!  Zintiik hadn't been expecting something like that from Willow though.

 

When he speaks up again, his voice is noticeably lacking the cocky buzz that normally accompanies his speech.  "Er...  So whatever you're planning, you should decide on it soon..."  He takes a few steps away to sit on the trail in order to wait for them, eerily similar to the way he would sit and wait while disguised as Tactic Wind.  One might almost say he was sulking...  But that would be crazy for a changeling, right?

 

Bug-brain.  What were you expecting?  Of course you're still a monster, that's not going to change.  Just because a pony was nice to you doesn't change that.

[Icy Void 19]

Midnight Sky

 

"I suppose it's worth a shot Aegis, but try to keep it a short one. We're getting close to the cave." Midnight said to Aegis before turning his attention to the path ahead. He could tell that just a little ways up and small distance forward was the entrance to the cave behind the falls. Soon it will be time to put all their talents to the test, Midnight just hoped he could resist the Litany when they get there. He really didn't want to be the fool who caved in to the temptation of power, that wouldn't look too good.

 

 

Sunshine Rays

 

"Oh well, thanks but, I don't really like stories like those. They remind me of mine and Midnight's lives, so I usually prefer living in the present and making my own stories. But thank you very much for the offer Mr. Aegis." Sunshine said, surprised that the pegasus had spoken to her. Now that Aegis had snapped her out of her mood, Sunshine flashed him a big smile before talking. "But maybe when we all go home after this, I could visit you and tell you some of Mine and Midnight's stories. I could tell you about our home and it's history, and maybe even about our travels when we left if he says it's okay too!" Sunshine said. Unlike her brother who always tried to hide their past, Sunshine figured that it really didn't hurt anypony to know their past. It's not like any of the ponies who had tried to kill them even knew Equestria existed, so the likelihood of being found my somepony from their past was too small to worry about.

[Ihei 713]

@,@,

 

Willow Starsinger

 

Willow silenced her voice. "Zintiik's not that bad. He's just.. adapting, is all. He's a really nice pony if you get to know him. Not all changelings are bad." She said to Redwave. "So, are you coming with us?" Willow asked kindly to the white stallion.

Edited November 11, 2013 by Shaymin

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@Icy Void,

 

"It's just Aegis. I got my name from the times I used to stand up for the other ponies in my class. I was their shield from bullies, and I used to try and help others out whenever I could. My last name, Dare, comes from my stubborn determination. I 'dare' to go the distance. Couple stubbornness with good intentions, intelligence, and an imagination, and you get me. A Pegasus who travels Equestria looking for stories, adventures, and inspiration. I don't think I even have a house anywhere. Anyway, I loved writing and I decided that I was going to write a story for my school talent show and read it to everypony. When I stood on that stage, I felt like I was going to die of shock and embarassment, but I read my story aloud anyway. At the end, I had my Cutie Mark. A golden shield and a red phoenix. My dad was proud of me that day," Aegis said, wiping tears of joy from his eyes. "That was the happiest day of my life." 

[SilverHeart 741]

@,@@Midnight Scribbler, 

 

 

"I am inclined to agree. Mr. Scribbler does seem to be quite knowledgeable in various schools of magic" Mirror said, glancing from her side to the arcane bridge and finally at Midnight Scribbler. I wonder what else he can do? A terrible thought crossed Mirror's mind, if he was as skilled an illusionist as he was a healer he may notice her spell. For a brief moment her expression revealed the fear and hate she felt. She quickly forced herself to abandon that train of thought. So far Midnight had done nothing to indicate any distrust towards her, if anything he had been quite kind.

 

Turning her attention back to Orion she spoke, "How about some company? In my current state, I'm afraid I may fall asleep if left by myself."

[Geek0zoid 1,468]

@, @Pretty much everypony going to the Falls.

"I think I had a similar experience, having family killed before your eyes... but, the truth is, I'm not sure if it happened or not." Eclipse said, lowering his head. "All I see... is a magenta mare... how did she know who I was?"

After Blast took in everything the Falls had to offer, he made his way back down to the group.

"Alright, guys. After looking through the Falls for a while, I now know what we're dealing with. We just need a plan of action." 

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Orion Starsinger.

 

@@SilverHeart,

 

Sitting a short distance from the wounded mare, Orion held his head very slightly off to one side as he did his very best to not appear awkward or imposing.

 

"Alright, that sounds good. I'd like to get to know a bit more about you mirror." He said with a trace of a smile. "If you feel up to it? You've been very quiet but there's no need. You're safe here."

 

Safety: he didn't know if that was what the two of them wanted - they certainly seemed capable enough of looking after themselves - but it was all he could offer. He had given up so much of himself to ensure to safety of his sister - it was only recently that he realised that could extend to others who needed it.

 

They were following him for a reason: whether or not they were honest. The least he could do was offer whatever he could.

 

---------------

 

Kingfisher.

 

@,

 

"Why would I hate you?" The merchant questioned, raising a brow before shrugging and continuing. The trail was narrow and slippery - being so close to the waterfall. Surprisingly, she seemed to have impeccable balance considering her usual activities involved nothing more strenuous than visiting family.

 

"You've been so kind, I don't hate you - I can't imagine hating you before either. You're all acting as if I was some kind of thug or something - If that's the case I think I'd rather not know."

 

---------------

 

Redwave and ???

 

@,

@,

 

"Villains, all of them. Trust nopony but yourself Dawn, lest your trust be misplaced. As was mine" practically spitting the last line as he continued to glare at the changeling, Redwave remained silent for a moment to consider his options. He wasn't going to tempt fate by approaching Orion directly - despite appearances he didn't have a death wish.

 

But to leave the mare in the company of a... a... a nefarious deceiver like this? Neither opportunity seemed particularly appealing.

 

He lifted the compass by his side and muttered under his breath - watching the needle point stoically ahead. He pulled the gemstone around his neck up into view and frowned at the distinctly stony texture it had taken on.

 

"I cannot go with you Willow, I do not wish to give your brother another opportunity to end me. Perhaps I shall return home - there is little I can do for anyone in my current state..."

Edited November 11, 2013 by Cinderscribe

[SilverHeart 741]

 

(OOC: Posting from phone.)

 

Mirror Image nodded, "That sounds fine. It's easier to travel with friends than strangers. Currently I travel from town to town and perform for enough bits to live on. I mainly do it to practice my magic. You can only learn so much about Illusion magic by yourself. Is there anything specific you would like to know?"