open The pendulum swings.

[123 111]

Lucid stared at the chaotic scene as a shiver went down his spine, he couldn't explain it, but this scene scared him it made him want to leave and run, but he shock the feeling off. He regained himself and began to think to himself "okay... lets see... this place.... reminds me of one of my nightmares. Its so odd. Hmmm, why would he take them here to his workshop?" He stared at the group and examined their features. "whats going on here" Lucid hid in the shadows. He was safe invisible... but he knew that if he was detected or someone looked at him they might think he was hostile.

[ovr9000percentcooler 107]

"Woah..."

 

The whole place was filled with weird gadgets, devices, thing-a-ma-jigs, she could definitely see where the wings came from. After looking around, she could tell that with Clockworks knowledge, and whatever else these ponies could bring to the table, the whole town would eventually be saved, along with her job.

 

"Hmm, well... if it helps any, does anypony personally know any of the other victims?"

 

She didn't think it was much, but it seemed like a starting point.

[Contrast 292]

Muddle looked around the work shop, completely lost in it's massive size, "And massive mess." Her shadow added bluntly, and slowly looked around. "So this must be what insanity looks like." 

 

Muddle made no immediate movements, but she quietly gestured for her shadow to behave. "I feel sick enough as it is..." She held her hoof to her head for a moment and rubbed it gently. Being in this crowd for such a long time was beginning to make her sick. She continued to listen if not for herself, but for the mare that had been kidnapped; but she hoped that this 'meeting' would be over soon, and the group would disperse.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

Well, its Neon Strobe but, anyways

(woops, sorry. Misread that, my bad.)

 

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Midnight Scribbler wandered around, gazing in amazement at the complex mechanisms, and interesting designs. He had never seen such things before, and what were they for? He pondered this, analyzing a strange contraption with tank-like objects. They were bound together with hempen straps, and wired to a cable, leading off into somewhere inside the machine.

 

Clockwork gazed around to each of the members of the group as they filed in, commenting on his works and looking on with intrigue. He closed the door behind himself, and trotted into the main floor, in the center, where the floor was still visible. He hears Selune comment about her friend, and notes the name.

"Terra Lionmane? That name seems vaguely familiar. Perhaps I've done business in the past.. Anyways, let's get down to it then. We all know there have been disappearances, seven to date. I have taken the liberty of keeping track of names and information from the local paper. I believe this will help us in finding our missing ponies, provided we can. Nopony is certain how they went missing yet, that has yet to be determined, however the police have determined rough times and places they were taken from."

 

Clockwork walks over to his office table, pulling out a drawer, and removing a scrapbook. He places it on the table in front of him for all to see. The book contains images of the six previously missing ponies, and brief information on their lives and the nature of their disappearances. Each one similar in nature, all during the night, and each taken from their home in a forceful way.

 

Nova Strings-Female unicorn. Assistant of Clockwork Green.

Maryl Evergreen Female Earth pony tree farmer

Enderlink Male Unicorn magician

Snow Song Male Wandering bardic earth pony

Jinx Winder Female unicorn counterspell specialist

Green Snips Male gardener earth pony

 

The only one not listed was Sunset Glow, whom Midnight Scribbler only knew as yet. He noticed the first posting, "Assistant of Clockwork Green."

"You lost your assistant? How dreadful, I'm sorry."

Clockwork looked up from his book with a melancholy expression.

"Yes, even I am not unscathed by these crimes. Usually my workshop is much more orderly than this, it drove her nuts to see a mess. I worry for her so.. She is a dear friend to me."

Edited November 6, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

 

 

Nova Strings-Female pegasus. Assistant of Clockwork Green. Maryl Evergreen Female Earth pony tree farmer Enderlink Male Unicorn magician Snow Song Male Wandering bardic earth pony Jinx Winder Female unicorn counterspell specialist Green Snips Male gardener earth pony

 

@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@danzxc123, @Lucid Dream, @ovr9000percentcooler, @nioniosbbbb, @Skylar, @SkyStorm,

So that's why the pegasus was involved and was willing to help. The pegasus had lost one of his own and he probably felt vengeful. Well at least he was determined and it would be one the fact that would take to catch those bastards foalnapping those ponies.

She looked at the list...

"This is crazy... i don't see a common point to all those people. What about Sunset Glow? Can you tell me again what Sunset Glow was like? There must be a common point to all those people... otherwise we're in Big trouble."

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,
 

Midnight Scribbler looked to Selune, with the same worry. He was thoroughly confused, thinking about how random the crimes seemed.

"Sunset is a unicorn, she made candles, and was gifted with the ability of capturing the glow of a sunset in the glow of her candles. She didn't have any enemies, and didn't have anything of great value, it doesn't make any sense."

 

Clockwork leaned over, pointing to the list of names. "There is a common point with these ponies in fact, though it seems minute, it's the only link between them all. None of these ponies have family, and are relatively solitary, they don't have a lot of social connections. This would be an avid choice to go unnoticed for a long period for a foalnapper. However the last disappearance, well, that breaks the trend. Clearly Sunset had a somepony, who went to visit." Clockwork looks at Midnight, and continues. "My only hypothesis at this time is that they are being used for something, perhaps some form of black market slave trade. Or it could be far worse, but I choose not to think that way." He looks down, frowning with the thought, trying to shake it.

Edited November 1, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@danzxc123, @Lucid Dream, @ovr9000percentcooler, @Skylar,@SkyStorm, 

"So what you're trying to say is that this is not some sort of Vendetta with the victims, neither did they belong to a group. So it's not about "who" they are... but "what" they are. You said Sunset Glow was able to capture the beauty of the sunset into the flames of candles? What else could the other ponies do? Mister Clockwork Green... was your assistant special in any way? Was she working in some sort of invention or anything?"

[123 111]

Lucid Dream became very suspicious upon hearing about the assistant "wait a second, if someone kidnapped the assistant why didn't the creep take the wings, even a Pegasus would want such a thing it most cost a fortune, why take a simple assistant when you could fly or just make millions of bits?" he thought to himself. "This keeps getting more and more mysterious."

Edited November 2, 2013 by Lucid Dream

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Clockwork pondered for a moment on Selune's question.

"I believe you're correct in the assumption that it was based in what they could do. It seems the most likely in this case. Nova Strings was a very capable hand, she knew the ins and outs of this shop, and many of the mechanisms I had been working on. Her main talent however, was her ability to shape things at the molecular level with her magic. She was working with me on a very important invention before she disappeared in fact. I can show you if you wish, but I must ask that you don't reveal this idea to anypony. It may be as controversial as my wings seem to have become. Pegasus ponies tend to be against the idea, they feel as though it takes away from their natural talents. Just as this new invention may do with unicorns."

Edited November 2, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[PinkieShyFlutterPie 408]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

 "I'm sorry about your assistant Clockwork" Neon looked at Midnight "And, i'm sorry about your friend.." She felt bad for them both...And, as she listened to what the ponies were saying she got frightened, who could be taking these ponies? And why? It freaked her out that she could even go missing since it seemed like these ponies were just taken randomly. Neon stopped thinking about all that when Clockwork mentioned what he was working on, she looked up at him "Well, i'm not a unicorn so, i wouldn't mind seeing it" 

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@danzxc123, @Lucid Dream, @ovr9000percentcooler, @Skylar,@SkyStorm, 

Selune thought for a bit... it was true mechanical wings could become a substite for flying...

"Sure your wings are impressive, but it doesn't nessecarily mean that you're controlling the weather. I imagine the same might go with your device... manipulating magical energies isn't the same as handling magic. Do not worry... i have no intention of claiming any copyrights of your patent. I am not afraid of other non-unicorns casting magic... Besides there are other creatures with some magic in them Zebras for example do have some affinity over magic"

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Clockwork's ears perked at the sound of interest in his inventions, he hadn't expected such a positive interest in his work.

"All in good time, my dear. I can show you a demonstration of my machine."

He paused to let Selune speak, then replied.

"You are correct in saying that these inventions don't replace the natural versions of them. Magic, when contained, can be released for later use, but it is limited to only one type of magic. You could not yet create new forms of it without a true unicorn. However, I am sure, that with time and research, the secrets could eventually be unveiled. I don't believe I have the capabilities though. For that, you'd almost need live test subjects. Which, of course, is absolutely immoral. Surgical practice is not my field generally. I have knowledge enough to attach these, but I would not wish to tamper with a unicorn's head." He unfolds a wing, the sound of the metal plates sung as they fanned out like a sword being drawn. He gazes at it with affection, then folds it back to his side.

"Perhaps a demonstration is in order? I believe this invention may become the stopping force against these foalnappings. Unfortunately, it won't bring back the missing ponies, but it could prevent anypony else from suffering as Scribbler and I have."

 

Scribbler had grown impatient. He was beginning to wonder how this shop full of metal was ever going to help where unicorn's couldn't already. But no sooner did the thought cross his mind, then he began to beat himself up, knowing that even with his inborn natural talents, he hadn't stopped Sunset from being taken from him. Then it hit him.

"Giving anypony the ability to use magic could be dangerous, based on the type they have. But I can see where you're going with this. Self defense against something that would otherwise be too powerful to deal with. Earth ponies who don't know magic, could use a protection spell, and the like."

Clockwork nodded. "Indeed. Such is my intent."

Edited November 2, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[SkyStorm 334]

SkyStorm stares in wonder.

'Just a quick question, but how is this going to help with finding these missing ponys exactly?'

She sighs, but amazement still fills her eyes in ways she can't hide.

SkyStorm looks at pacing Scibbler with worry. We need to find Sunset soon.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Scribbler looked at SkyStorm, and then to Clockwork, nodding in agreement.

"I agree, I understand the importance of preventing further crimes.. But I really think we need to focus on finding all the missing ponies before anything else. Do we have anything more that can lead us to a conclusion?" He had become impatient with standing around, waiting for something to be done. Though he knew, somewhere deep down, that there may not be anything immediately apparent which would help them.

Clockwork glanced at SkyStorm, and replied. "I understand we do need to find them. But I think we need more evidence before we can begin narrowing a search. There's no suspects as yet, and we don't have any real leads. Perhaps we could return at some point to Sunset's apartment, see if there's anything there which might give us a clue as to who might have made off with her."

He begins to walk over towards the machine, looking up at it's shining brass components and tubing. "This can wait for now, unless any of you have any objection to staying for a few more minutes. I cannot leave my shop anymore today, I have too much work to attend to. But I shall be here if you return with anything new."

[SkyStorm 334]

SkyStorm shakes her head

'I don't know about you guys, but there is no reason we should stay from what I can think of'

She turns to Clockwork

'Thanks a lot for showing us all this, I'm sure it will help us'

She turns to the exit, awaiting every other ponies answer.

[Contrast 292]

@@SkyStorm,@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

"I think I will be going as well." Muddle said as she walked towards the exit. "Muddle, do you have any idea were your going?" Muddle stopped as she heard her shadows question, confused by what it said. "What?" Her shadow slowly shook her head in reply, and said. "You just got here, you don't have a map, and- never mind, Keep walking." 

 

"We will have to just find our way around, while searching. I'm sure it will be fine." 

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Clockwork, took note of Muddle's comment, and raised his brow at the sight of her peculiar shadow. He gazed suspiciously at her, pondering something, but remained silent.

Midnight Scribbler had noticed as well, having seen the shadow moving on it's own, below Muddle.

 

"Muddle, your shadow.. You keep talking to nopony, what is going on? Are you alright?"

Edited November 3, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@,@@Midnight Scribbler,  Selune had noticed the akward pony but imagine that was just mumblings of his inners thoughts. Maybe she was just thinking out loud... but now that  she noticed it...

Her shadow was abnormal... she felt a slight tingling sensation as she approached it. Something was wrong here... maybe it wasn't the source of all this evil but still. It made her curious... channeling some magic through her eyes she saw more than she had waggered herself seeing... the shadow had an expression of her own and much magic was coursing into it. This was no doubt a creature the pony carried with her... it didn't seem as if it controlled her but rather something like a symbiotic relationship. Muddle... what kind of unicorn are you? She thought inside her...

Selune's skills lay in seeing what other could not see. But she could not understand what this was... "Muddle? Your... your shadow's kinda weird... i've never seen a shadow with magic in it."

[Contrast 292]

Muddle's entire body tensed as she heard the two ponies speaking about her shadow. "Talking out loud!" she thought, realizing her mistake. "Really? I thought you already knew." Muddle turned around slowly, hoping that her delay would give her a moment to think of something to say. Unfortunately, she only had a very weak smile to show for her efforts.

"Muddle, your shadow.. You keep talking to nopony, what is going on? Are you alright?"

"Who me? I-I'm fine. I just had... A cold?"

"Muddle? Your... your shadow's kinda weird... I've never seen a shadow with magic in it."

"And magic shadows? That just sounds... ridiculous." She tried to look away from the ponies as she said, "I have no idea what either of you are talking about... really." 

 

"That's suppose to be a lie!" In her mind she thought, "...yes..."

Edited November 3, 2013 by danzxc123

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,
 

 

Scribbler gave Muddle a raised eyebrow, knowing he was being lied to, but didn't press the mare any further, as she seemed to be uncomfortable talking about whatever it was that she hid. He was suspicious of her now though, being unsure if he could trust this pony after her outburst in the plaza earlier. "What is she hiding?" he thought.

 

Clockwork continued to silently observe the situation, but questioned it no further. Instead he played her game, casually pretending not to notice what he'd just taken in.

"A cold, most terrible. You should get some rest, my dear Muddle. Do you have a place to stay?"

[Contrast 292]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

"Never mind Muddle... your genius..." She looked up at clockwork and nervously smiled. "No... I actually came into town not too long ago." She paused for a moment in hopes that she was done talking, but she could tell that these ponies probably wanted her to continue. "W-I was just going to find an apartment late in the day."

 

~

Her Shadow stared at Clockwork for a moment and wondered. "Muddle's a terrible horrible train wreck when it comes to lying. I know this for a fact, and this pony doesn't look like an idiot..."

Edited November 3, 2013 by danzxc123

[ovr9000percentcooler 107]

@@Midnight Scribbler,@,@, @@PinkieShyFlutterPie, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm

 

Even though she was hoping to get a little further, Clockwork was right. The group didn't really have much to say, considering they all barely knew each other. She was about ready to head back to her hotel when she heard Muddle's name being brought up. Up untill now she had thought the mare was merely talking to herself, it wasn't unusual. But now the more she thought about it, she did realize how weird her shadow was. She couldn't put a hoof on it, and was interrupted mid-thought by Muddle herself.

 

"W-I was just going to find an apartment late in the day."

"Well, if you need a place to stay, there's a decent hotel just a few blocks from here. That's where I'm staying at least." Sidesplitter offered. Edited November 4, 2013 by ovr9000percentcooler

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@PinkieShyFlutterPie,@, @@Lucid Dream, @@ovr9000percentcooler, @, @@Skylar, @@SkyStorm,

 

Clockwork's smile crept up at the corners of his mouth, but consciously forced it back. He glanced about the room from one pony to the next. "If any of you should require a place to stay, there is a fine hotel just up the street, as SideSplitter here said.. I have only room for one guest at the moment. Since Nova Strings is not currently occupying her room, one of you can stay here at the workshop for now."

 

Scribbler shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I have my own place. I could repair Sunset's apartment, some of you can stay there as well, there are two rooms and a full couch. I just have to fix the door, and clean up the debris. It won't take long. I also have a spare room at my place." He glanced about, seeing if there were any takers.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Midnight Scribbler

[Contrast 292]

@@Midnight Scribbler,@@ovr9000percentcooler,

 

Muddle thought for a moment about what the stallions had said, and was ready to make her decision. Lucky her shadow had anticipated her 'thinking' and spoke to her before she answered. "You're afraid of being around lots of ponies, you lied to the stallion with the house, and I don't really care for these inventions. Now choose wisely, or else!." She took this new information into consideration, and made her decision again.

 

She smiled timidly and said, "While both of your offers are very kind,  unfortunately, I think the hotels' the best place for me to be..." 

Edited November 10, 2013 by danzxc123

[ovr9000percentcooler 107]

@@Midnight Scribbler

@

 

She smiled timidly and said, "While both of your offers are very kind, unfortunately, I think the hotels' the best place for me to be..."

Sidesplitter figured most of the ponies here had just gotten here, and needed a place to stay, but she now guessed it was already planned out seemingly. "Alright then, I'm walking back myself, so I guess I'll see you guys later."

 

She began to head to the exit, then turned back to Muddle. "If you want to come along with me to the hotel, that's alright too."

Edited November 3, 2013 by ovr9000percentcooler