open The pendulum swings.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

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@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@@Lucid Dream,

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@@wakuboys,

@@Sasha,

 

As the Gargoyle statue began to lift. Suit Twister could be heard coughing heavily through the dust. He trotted out from behind it, having been narrowly missed by it, he was scuffed from it knocking him over, but was otherwise unscathed. A drip of blood ran down his cheek from a minor cut, which he didn't seem to notice. "We're still here.. MHAHA HEHEHEEE!!" He Jumped over the rubble around the fallen pillar and stood atop a large chunk. He stopped for a moment, glancing about, then sat, his expression changed from glee at having survived, and seeing his newly found friends had been untouched, to sadness at the sight he saw around him. "Lights in the darkness we see.. Many return to the source today." He hung his head in respectful mourning.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@Lucid Dream,

@danzxc123,

@wakuboys,

@Sasha,

Selune had no time to consider what Suit Twister wanted to say right now. She had to get to the ohers... "Suit Twister are you alright? *cough*... we gotta find them... the rest... they may be hurt. We'll need time and a place to formulate a plan! Move please fast... i gotta let this thing down."

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@@Lucid Dream,

@,

 

Suit Twister glanced down to Selune from his perch and nodded, sighed and jumped down. He trotted over to her, looking slightly tearful with the thoughts of many ponies around him suddenly having been silenced from his mind. He was glad to see her, regardless of how little he knew of her or the others. He was just happy to hear thoughts floating about still. Not everypony had been killed, thankfully, but there were many who had been. Blood ran from under portions of the stone pillar, and lay in patches where some who were wounded had gotten up and moved from, or were moved by others. Paramedics had begun to show up, searching for survivors in the wreckage, and firefighters had begun scouring the unstable building, looking for the cause of the explosion.

 

Suit Twister glanced about, seeing two others approaching, and instantly knew who they were, with combined knowledge from Selune's, and their thoughts. "Suit is pleased to meet the ones who are called.. Muddle.. and Sidesplitter. Hmm. Friends, you are already?" He wiped his face, smearing the blood across his cheek from his cut.

[Contrast 292]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

 

Muddle wasn't sure how to respond to the odd way the pony was talking, or how he knew her name, but she knew how to respond to seeing selune and the others alright. "Guys!" She happy was to see everyone alright, then she noticed the blood running down from the pillar and gargoyle, and suddenly her happy felling had been slightly reduced. 

 

She coughed ignoring the queasy feeling in her stomach and said, "Are any of you hurt?"

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@Midnight Scribbler,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@Lucid Dream,

@danzxc123,

@wakuboys,

@Sasha,
 

"I am fine.... i'd like to believe the same for Suit Twister but i will once he's been properly examined. Where are the others Muddle? We need to get to them... we need a safe place to re-organise ourselves. Or at least someplace to gather."

[123 111]

 

 

"Suit is pleased to meet the ones who are called.. Muddle.. and Sidesplitter. Hmm. Friends, you are already?"

Lucid replied, "w-wait! What about the explosion... who caused it..... we need to treat carefully... he could s-strike again you idiot!!! He spoke in rude term out of fear and looked around frantically at the havoc. "I-I'm sorry but we could all be in serious danger!"

He closed his eyes "oh father... please hear me dad.... please hear me... I'm need help...."

He hoped Suit Twister couldn't hear a ghost's thoughts but in a few seconds a faint voice called in his mind "what... is... it?"

Lucid spoke to his father, mumbling under his breath "I dont know father.... there's a lot of havoc going on and I might need to use double soul... I'm scared... there was a bomb that just went off... so many ponies dead..."

"very well.... I'll be ready... I need some action" the voice in his head responded. 

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

@,

@@Lucid Dream,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

 

Suit Twister looked around at Muddle, then to Selune. "We are undamaged.. heh heh.. well.. Mostly." He looked at Lucid intently for a moment. "Two thought clouds?? Hmmhmm this pony has secrets.. secrets, secrets, secrets.. We see there is more here than meets the eyes." "What now then? Which path shall we tread from here, my friends? Much death had been brought to this place.. Not safe for us here.. no. We should go find a place to gather.. Somewhere out of the way of the pendulum's swing. Hmmhmm."

[ovr9000percentcooler 107]

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@@Lucid Dream

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@@Midnight Scribbler

 

Sidesplitter stood with the group, glad to see Selune was safe, but didn't recognize the other two. She noticed the gargoyle lay smashed aside from them, and she heard what Suit Twister, considering he was talking in third person for whatever reason, had to say. "I agree with...Suit, I don't want to spend another second in this place....Selune, I don't suppose you have any ideas?...."

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,
@danzxc123,

@Lucid Dream,

@ovr9000percentcooler, 

"Somewhere where the pendulum swings..." Selune repeated. Was this metaphorical? No... that would be way too generic and Suit Twister didn't seem to speak with riddles... at least not that complex. "Is there a place in the city with clocks? Or pendulum-like mechanisms? Wait... i think Suit Twister is saying the same thing as i was earlier... we need to get to Clockwork's workshop... he has lots of devices that would resemble pendulums and clocks. Maybe we shall find a clue there."

[123 111]

((OOC: Lucid's father speaks in light blue text, no one but Lucid and Suit can hear him. And Lucid's father's name is Epic Dream.))

@@Midnight Scribbler, 

Lucid's father  "Hey kid, " he spoke to Lucid, "whats going on now? Can you explain to me why that pony over there is talking in 3rd person...." Lucid explained the events leading up to this point.

After Lucid subconsciously explained this to his father Epic said "Midnight Scribbler........ Clock Work Green. Boy kid your in a town full of psychopaths...."

 

 

"Somewhere where the pendulum swings..." Selune repeated. Was this metaphorical? No... that would be way too generic and Suit Twister didn't seem to speak with riddles... at least not that complex. "Is there a place in the city with clocks? Or pendulum-like mechanisms? Wait... i think Suit Twister is saying the same thing as i was earlier... we need to get to Clockwork's workshop... he has lots of devices that would resemble pendulums and clocks. Maybe we shall find a clue there."

Lucid snapped out of his dazed state "Right then I guess we better get going fast... I know the way to his lab." Lucid said out loud to Selune.

 "I'll be ready kid...." Epic said to Lucid. "I dont like the looks of things. Ya better be prepared........"

"Yes father..." Lucid replied.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Lucid Dream

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@,

@@Lucid Dream,

 

Suit Twister watched Lucid dream intently, his near trance-like stare was broken by Selune speaking, repeating his words. He glanced to her. "Into the darkness we wander, combine our minds we must, else we shall be at peril's merciless hand. Be wary of concluding before all the pieces are in place.. An unfinished puzzle yields no picture.. HahEHEHEEE!!" He waited for the others to begin moving. Lucid spoke up finally, and looked to be somewhat flustered for a moment. "To the inventors workshop we go then.. Hmmhmm." He began trotting off ahead of them, stepping between chunks of debris, in the direction of Clockwork's shop.

 

The morning was late now, the sun was rising higher, and the smell of dust and blood filled the air. The sound of falling mortar could be heard here and there as the unstable building crumbled slightly. Time seemed to be moving more quickly, or had it been merely the excitement of all that had taken place?

[ovr9000percentcooler 107]

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@@Lucid Dream

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@@Midnight Scribbler

 

Despite being extremely cautious of this...interesting stallion, they did need to get another move on. Clockwork really needed to hear this, if he hadn't seen it already somehow. Sidesplitter turned towards Muddle, a sorrowful look finding its way back to Side's face. "Come on, let's go..." She started to follow the ink-ridden pony.

[Contrast 292]

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Muddle looked at Side with both pain and confusion. The second may have been natural for her, but the first was possibly coming from within her head. Stressing over exactly what the future holds from now on can do that to you, at least she guessed.

 

She shook her head in agreement and started to trot behind Side. "Alright..."

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@danzxc123,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@Lucid Dream,

Selune walked beside them all the while thinking what Suit Twister had said. She knew that behind the rambling of the pony there was extremely rational thoughts... an unfinished puzzle wields no picture. If Clockwork had something to do with all of this was he doing it alone? And why the hell was all this chaos happening in the city? Quick action was needed and Selune was happy to arrive where they wanted. Once they all entered she closed the door behind them... none should interrupt them right now.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@,

@@Lucid Dream,

@,

 

Suit Twister stepped into the building after Selune, followed by the others. As Selune shut the door, as if it had been planned, a large clock built into the wall ahead of them began to chime in a deep bass note. The clock was situated on the far side of the room above Clockwork's desk, and a large pendulum could be seen swinging behind a glass door. It was noon. "Tick, tock, tick, tock.. Hmmheehee." Suit twister mockingly mumbled in imitation of the clock's loud ticking. "What now?" The shop's floor was still the same as before, scattered with inventions and bits of machinery which had yet to be completed. Suddenly, a figure appeared on the balcony above the shop floor. "Ah.. I wondered when you'd return." Clockwork's voice echoed through the large, open room. "It would seem things have taken a turn for the worse.. Selune.. please forgive my actions earlier.. I was merely avoiding the media, I hope you can understand." He began to descend the stairwell along the far wall. "Those vultures can destroy one's image."

[123 111]

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(catching up)

"Well kid lets get going, we got a maniac to catch," Epic said to Lucid and Lucid followed.

"The lab isn't too far ahead, what can we expect?" Lucid said to his father.

"Well I don't know, I like to keep sane and never lived in this crazy city. Perhaps I should stop talking to you until we get to this place." Epic said.

"But why?" Lucid replied.

"That Suit Twister freak could find me out." Epic said, now aware that Suit Twister was listening.

"Oh right" Lucid said, and he tried to not to think of anything and caught up with the group. "This Clockwork green, if he crashed... where is he now, and with that artificial horn....."

(Current time)

 

Lucid entered the laboratory "What a dump..." Epic remarked.

Lucid then was shocked to see Clockwork Green, "Yo-You... what are you hiding... Clockwork Green? Where are all the others? If you are an inventor who wants to sell products... wouldn't you be WANTING to see the media, you know, advertise, what better way that national television!? Answer me!" Lucid yelled.

Edited December 11, 2013 by Lucid Dream

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@Lucid Dream,

 

Clockwork looked coldly at the unicorn as his demeanor went from meek and apologetic to defensive and tense. He spoke with a venomous and angry tone. "Watch your tongue in my home, unicorn. I'll have you know I'm doing quite fine without those story twisting journalists in my life. If you look around.. I'm certain you'll notice many of my works in use around the city. Elevators, winches, clocks and timepieces of all varieties. Even the city hall's grand clock was my work.. until today of course." He looked down, slightly sullen with the thought. "You had best be careful of accusing me of secrets after I found you skulking about invisibly in my shop yesterday. I have half a mind of reporting you." He said with a stern tone.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@danzxc123,

@Lucid Dream,

"Enough Clockwork... it's time to give an explanation for all of this. You obviously know a lot more than you say... so tell me... what is that is going on in this city and what do you have to do with all of it? Clearly you know more than you let us into the last time... and as a matter of fact you were too quick to come to the scene."

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

@@Lucid Dream,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@,

 

Clockwork raised a brow, surprised to hear accusations coming from Selune suddenly. His face darkened with anger. "If you have something against me, I suggest you bring proof. I see no reason why it is wrong, showing up when somepony is yelling and looking frantic. Or have you forgotten, I've lost somepony as well? My assistant was a dear friend of mine, should I not have the right to aid in her rescue?" He walked over to his desk, sitting down. "Clearly my efforts have gone without recognition. I think it best if you all just leave, before I get more angry than I already am. I hide nothing.. I dare you to prove otherwise." He glared across his desk at the group. "And I suppose the rest of you have something more to add?"

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@Lucid Dream,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@danzxc123,

"I did not accuse of anything yet Clockwork... yet you act like i do. Now there are two answers to that... either you're paranoid or you're indeed guilty of "something". But as i said... i came here for answers... tell me Clockwork... i noticed a sort of chip on your head. Another one existed on pony friend of mine perhaps you remember Midnight Scribbler? What do you know about them? More importantly... have you noticed any lack to your memories, or your feelings having suddenly changed?"

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

@,

@@Lucid Dream,

 

Clockwork Looked coldly at Selune and replied "I beg your pardon, but.. implying I haven't been honest with you, it would seem that you did indeed accuse me of hiding things, which is entirely untrue. I haven't withheld anything. I know as much as anypony else what's going on in this city, and that is not enough." He paused at the word "Chip" And looked somewhat drawn back by the query of lost memory. "A chip? On me? Hah, of course not, I haven't had any memory problems, nor do I carry any chip on my person. I do believe you are mistaken for my caster device. It's my latest invention. I have one built into my hat, it's wired to the same battery as my wings are." He removed his bowler hat, flipping it over to reveal the little device wired in underneath. It appeared to be like a small gyro sphere within a glass bulb, and was connected by a length of cable to his backpack. "Is there anything else I may do for you all while you are here? Or do you still wish to dissect me further for the same information?"

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Midnight Scribbler,

@ovr9000percentcooler,

@danzxc123,

@Lucid Dream,

"Then tell me why did you run? Was it seriously the fame that you were trying to escape? Why did you shove Suit Twister on me? No matter i don't want to know... right now i need you for greater things. If you are as innocent as you claim then you will help to what i require... aid me us removing this device from Midnight Scribbler... and help us figure out what it is and does before it's too late!"

[123 111]

 

 

"Then tell me why did you run? Was it seriously the fame that you were trying to escape? Why did you shove Suit Twister on me? No matter i don't want to know... right now i need you for greater things. If you are as innocent as you claim then you will help to what i require... aid me us removing this device from Midnight Scribbler... and help us figure out what it is and does before it's too late!"

 

Did he have that chip on his head before?" Lucid thought. He then said in a polite meek voice "Excuse me Mr. Clockwork. Exactly how did you get that chip that Selune speaks of? I know you have nothing to hide you wouldn't mind telling me.... or....." his voice grew stern and dark "are you really hiding something?"

 

"Be careful kid....." Epic said in a cold tone. 

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

@@Lucid Dream,

@,

@,

@@ovr9000percentcooler,

 

Clockwork raised a brow when Selune mentioned Midnight Scribbler. "Midnight Scribbler? Where is he anyway? I don't see him among you here." He scowled at Lucid, having asked about chips again, then once again accusing him of hiding things? "Would you PLEASE cease with the accusations already, I believe we've concluded that I have nothing to hide here. I have conveyed everything I know to you, even demonstrated my machines, which have yet to be publicly shown. I would consider myself lucky, were I in your place. And for the last bloody time, I have no chips.. I haven't the slightest idea what you're on about with these.. chips." He swayed a hoof as he said the last word, as if swishing the idea from the air like an annoying fly. "Perhaps we should begin by locating our friend, Scribbler?" He gazed around at them.

 

Suit Twister was hiding behind Selune, clearly nervous of the tension. He couldn't hear this pony's thoughts the same way he could with others. He whispered just loud enough for anypony directly near him to hear. "This one is silent.. Blankness within."

[123 111]

 

 

"Would you PLEASE cease with the accusations already, I believe we've concluded that I have nothing to hide here. I have conveyed everything I know to you, even demonstrated my machines, which have yet to be publicly shown. I would consider myself lucky, were I in your place. And for the last bloody time, I have no chips.. I haven't the slightest idea what you're on about with these.. chips.

 

"Why can't you show off your inventions to the public sir? Why did you show them to common folk, and for that matter, when this entire thing started yesterday.... you approached Midnight Scribbler, I followed all of you. Why did you let s few normal pony's off the streets into your lab and what where you even doing out in the streets?" Lucid asked.

 

 

"This one is silent.. Blankness within."

Then Lucid turned to Suit Twister and whispered "you can't read his mind? Well... maybe he really does have a chip" then Lucid thought to himself "Odd... how can Suit Twister not read his mind. Dangit! I know he's hiding something, but if I get too pushy we could all be in serious trouble!"

"Its best we wait for him to slip up kid...." Epic said to Lucid.