open Against the Crown RP [dark/betrayal]

[Torrent505 370]

 

"Well since it has been removed as a punishment and torture is outlawed, yes, I wouldn't have thought you would be used to such a thing. But is that what it is Radiance? Is that why you can't appreciate this like I can? You think you're too jaded?" The Raven's laugh was still warped and emotionless, "that's a choice you make Radiance. You distance you're from those that serve you, think their pain is meaningless, lump them all together as your toy soldiers to be broken and tossed aside. Maybe that why I'm a better strategist than you. I know the value of every single pony that serves or opposes me and I feel their pain."

 

The Raven continued to gently play with Radiance's horn, it's feathery hoof circling the ring restraining it, "like her," it nods toward the broken recruit, "her name is Forlorn Hope, she was second in her training class. The Pegasus who's throat I slit was Golden Dive, they were in the same class and he was the last in their class. She could have been first in her class but she fell for him and carried him through training. The others who died were Zephyr, Tin Tap, Silkstream, and Sticks; one also from their class three they met in spare time from a separate class, they were only recruits for two more weeks, then they would have been true royal guards. What does it say between us that I care more for your pawns than you do?"

 

"Consider it another lesson between us that you won't win this war if you can't stop seeing them as faceless and meaningless. Think of what her future will be like, the loss of a horn often leaves a pony with amnesia, she may never truly remember this night. The Royal Guard won't allow her to graduate and join their ranks, they barely let any Earth ponies join, a unicorn with no magic will be out of the question. In one night she loses her special somepony, her magic, her career, and she can't even recall it. Abandoned by Celestia and the guard she'll be left with a hatred and mystery she can never overcome, while haunted by vague flashes of what happened. In the end she'll take one of two paths, suicide or survive on the streets. If she's a survivor and chooses the second path it will lead her straight into my waiting hooves."

 

The Raven let out a heavy sigh and seemed to even shudder, "really appreciate that Radiance, appreciate that. Though maybe you could make a hard decision and change all that for her, but I doubt you care enough or are even kind enough. But you're right enough of my lessons. We move on to what's next." The Raven's pressure on the ring inhibiting Radiance's magic suddenly increased moving in a pattern, Radiance was suddenly and painful forced to use her magic with far more power, speed and precision then would normally be possible. Her magic enveloped the heads of the Raven's eight pony thugs and with a sickening crack, it twisted and broke all their necks at once.

Edited May 26, 2014 by Torrent505

[Convergence 83]

Radiance listened with a mounting interest as The Raven lectured on. It was during times like these that she could really delve deeper into his head and learn his thought process. It would not last long though, The Raven seemed to be incapable of going five minutes without attacking a pony. He spoke as if he told Radiance of great and mystical secrets that only he was capable of seeing, yet he only spoke of common sense that Radiance foresaw long before each event was completed.  "This is either a large act, or he is truly a delusional idiot. Either way he is very dangerous."

 

Suddenly, pain cascaded through Radiance's horn and down through her body. She forced herself to ignore it, and her face never showed any sign of the agony her body was going through. She watched as the heads of the eight pony thugs were sharply twisted, breaking their necks in one clean motion. "Such power in that ring, perhaps I can have one similarly enchanted. I need to try and leave with that loop off my horn and on my hoof."  Radiance looked at the eight dead ponies and yawned. "Every time you are about to peak my interest, you shatter it completely. You can rest assured that I do not think in the present, I think for ten moves later. I had a feeling that you would break her horn far before she was conscious, and I had already decided what I would do when that move came to be. Just as I knew your henchmen were dead the moment I saw them in this cellar. You say it is time to move on to what is next, I am waiting."

 

((that does not include Double Barrel and Ice Breaker, right?))

Edited May 26, 2014 by Golden Shield

[Torrent505 370]

@Lady @Scribblegroove @Demirari @Marathon @Tricksters Pride @AnonBrony

 

Bone Breaker stood, locked eyes with the Mage across the table, "well I think maybe it is best I leave lest I impede plans that I do not approve of." His horn lit and shimmering, "Raven, I request that I might be informed of any developments of interest, the mage's madness excluded of course." He nodded toward Lady and then Dorado though he kept his eyes on the Merdyn, "if anyone needs me, I imagine they will be able to find me. The mayor's office and manor are hardly a Canterlot secret. May everyone have a pleasant evening."

 

With that the large unicorn backed out of the room, refusing to turn his back on any of the ponies in these tight quarters, especially after most had shown they didn't quite share his views.

 

 

(So I'm a bit concerned by Tempest absorbing magic to increase his own aura strength, this is another power of his I must have missed, sorry. I'll allow it but it needs to be an extension of his 'combat magic' with restrictions. My opinion as GM would be, it only works to absorb direct magic such as telekinesis and projectiles; when you are absorbing you cannot release your aura, as a result if you try to absorb too much it will shatter your amulet. This is temporary as a magical/possessed item your amulet will repair itself, just like how it will return to you if separated for too long, but during that time Tempest won't even be strong enough to fly. What are your thoughts?)

 

(Oh also these are just grunts, I'm okay with players god modding (automatically landing hits and describing the fight and damage for themselves) grunts, just try not to go too over the top. Or you can of course just leave it open ended and I'll play it however I feel it should play)

 

The spear ponies were well trained warriors of the guard, all three were Pegasus and while Tempest busied himself with disarming them, they advanced down the discarded weapons and closed the distance between them. The two on each side close enough to make it difficult for the bat pony to strike properly as they moved to unsheathe their daggers for close combat; the third was not nearly as restrained, trusting his wingmen to occupy the strangers swords he charged head first seeking to deliver a devastating helmeted headbutt.

 

The two unicorns moved in opposite directions around Tempest seeking to draw attention and provide flanking for each other, however they didn't dare to fire with their comrades locked in melee.

 

 

(Yes that didn't include Double Barrel or Ice Breaker)

 

"Oh? Am I so transparent to you Radiance? Good, I want you to see my plans; I want you to know what is coming. That's what this is all about Radiance; if you had come to the table upstairs we should have played a game of pleasantries, we would have plotted together and could have shared a toast of wonderful wine. Should've, would've, could've, but we didn't. You don't get to play the game anymore, instead you work for me now. You are a tool, like they were, granted you are a much more useful tool... At least I hope you will be. So prove your worth, what is the next move? What do I do next? Why am I even bothering to do this?" The Raven leaned forward and nuzzled it's plague mask beak against her neck, "what am I trying to accomplish here?"

[Drago Ryder 641]

(Well, this just got a lot more interesting, though I assume this only happens when he absorbs to much at one time? As for the amulet breaking, I'm fine with that as long as it's fully repaired within the hour.)

 

Tempest shrugged, as he watched the guards get into position. "You know, you guards should really do some research." He said, as he did as he brought his swords up, dragging them across the exposed skin of the guards. He then flew over the guard that had attempted to head-butt him, and fired a point blank aura sphere into his back. "If you did, you might just learn a new trick." The bat pony then turned his attention to the two unicorns. "I would tend to your wounded, and leave this town. Though, you probably will anyway. Celestia will want a debriefing of what happened here and whatnot. By the way, tell her Xena says hi." With that, the bat pony simply began to trot away, and towards the everfree forest, after sheathing his blades. He had plans for the next few days and wasn't about to give up.

Edited May 28, 2014 by Nightfury01

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Jade Heart.

 

Jade watched for a moment longer before glancing back towards The Raven.

 

"Very well..." She said silkily. "I suppose I too shall take my leave: allow my companion here to have some fun, so to speak."

 

Motioning towards Lady, she stood elegantly and double checked the fastenings of her cloak before bowing slightly towards her host.

 

"You are an enigma dear, but take care to watch your ally's. Some lies are more dangerous that others. You know how to contact me if I can help in any way.."

 

As for the rest...

 

"There is a jewellery store in Canterlot known locally as 'Exquisite Elegance'. Should any of you need to contact me, leave a message with the young mare who works there."

 

She smiled again - bright eyes sparkling clearly, half-lidded beneath her hood. Turning, she stepped carefully from the room. Pausing only to look back before leaving.

 

"Oh, and the drink was most excellent dear - perhaps I can treat you to one of my own favourites sometime?"

 

Jade left with a good-humoured chuckle - of course, The Raven would keep its identity a secret... but it was only polite to offer.

[Convergence 83]

Radiance stared at The Raven as it nuzzled her neck. "A pop quiz eh? I never fail. I am a strategist,  I play games of chess for a living. Albeit, far more complicated, large scale and dark then a game of chess. What do chess masters do when they play chess? They do not attack the king, even though that is how the game is won. No, that is what the opponent is expecting, has laid traps for. To win a game of chess, you attack vulnerabilities, the units that have the least protection, and the units pivotal in protecting other units. You take a piece, and then replan your game to structure pieces in order to utilize the opponents loss in power."

 

"Likewise, we cannot charge at Celestia, even though it will end the war. Her power is far too great. The Royal Guard protects her, and not the people. Do not think that I would abandon my duties so that you could win your war. It is common knowledge my excellence in strategy, and should I fail for one instant, I will be beheaded as a traitor, and another will take my place. Then you would lose your precious play thing. Even if we were able to best the Royal Guard and all of Canterlots defences, Celestia still controls the elements of harmony. No we must play in a far more subtle manner."

 

 "And it really is a shame, if this is the way you treat your tools. Without oil and your care, they tend to rust and fall apart. Of what use is a tool without a use? If I am a tool that means there is somepony far grander holding the handle. You hold power, that is for sure, this ring is a testament to that. What is the next step, the next step depends entirely on you. Am I the only tool you hold in your eye, or am I one covered in dust within a forgotten cupboard? How much time and resources are you prepared to spend to oil me up and call me special? How much room will you give me to fulfil my purpose? To me, the logical first step would be one that you may not like. A game of thrones that I am not sure if you are willing to play. After all, how can I structure my pieces if I know not what is at my disposal."

 

"Why are you doing this? Because there is the possibility of something far more grand when Celestia is dethroned. A grandness that you will make what you will out of. And this is what you are trying to accomplish here. Not simply to dethrone Celestia, but something far more grand in the aftermath. Perhaps in time this tool will earn your trust and respect and you could tell it your plans."

Edited May 28, 2014 by Golden Shield

[Torrent505 370]

 

(It's my job as GM to keep things fair and interesting That sounds fine to me, one hour to repair itself and yes its only from absorbing too much too quickly and not releasing it.The only other thing I could think of for the absorption being absorbing dark magic hurts Tempest as it corrupts him and Alicorn magic hurt Xena as it purifies and pushes a spirit to move on, little amounts would still be fine. It just away to show how much more dangerous those magics are)

 

The two unicorns threw up shields over their fallen comrades but didn't risk moving to them until the strange bat pony was out of sight in the forest. Gathering them and tending their wounds as best they could to two prepared them to move for the hospital.

 

"What in Tartarus was that?!"

 

"Nothing good. We need to send a message to Celestia, the rebels haven't been actively aggressive since the schism and fleeing Canterlot. Attacking guards like this, the princess had been trying to wait them out but this will need a show of force. It's going to be a war"

 

 

The Raven pulled back and stared down into Radiance's face, "you can try to compare our game to chess as much as you wish, but if this is a game you should know it was rigged from the start. I see all the pieces and control more than half of them, Celestia is strong and has support though no one but me can see all the pieces on the board and understand every move. I was playing this game before anypony else even realized it had started."

 

It leaned in conspiratorially, it's emotionless voice barely even a whisper, "I moved Luna against Celestia. I already shattered the rule of the two sisters. And because of their feud Celestia no longer even has the elements of harmony to help her; I unbalanced her and now they reject her." It moved back cocking it's head to examine her with one lens.

 

"That's just one of the many parts of this game that you don't anything about. Though you are right that I won't share my plans with you because I can't trust you yet. I've seen nothing you've done accomplish anything to help me trust you. As for how I treat my tools, you obviously don't recognize what I'm doing here in this room; I'm oiling and sharpening you right now... So knowing that, what happens next in this room? What do I do to help make you a sharp tool? And don't answer with what you want to happen, think from my point of view. What am I going to do?"

[Convergence 83]

"What happens next in this room? Well, there are 13 dead ponies, Ice Breaker, Double Barrel, you, I and the recruit with a shattered horn. Perhaps you would present to me the opportunity to examine her, to make a decision and decide her fate. I am sure there is a lesson for you to teach in that, a whetstone to grind with." Radiance continued to blankly stare at The Raven, in an attempt to not betray her emotion. She had had enough of this pest, and wanted nothing more than to run it through. "I have to play, for now."

[AnonBrony 1,469]

Dorado was surprised at the ponies leaving. The meeting was dragging on, but they have yet to agree to a proper plan; they have only come up with ideas. Dorado was annoyed by this but after a moment he sighed in reluctance.  He'd wish they would get along better, but as of now we seemed to almost be at each others throats. Though Dorado supposed that was the Raven's fault for gathering this group of ponies and expecting them to get along swimmingly. Dorado had doubts now; he doubted that even if they were to agree to a plan they wouldn't be able to pull it off. He immediately shrugged off that notion. No. He is El Dorado. He is a great pony and if anypony is going to make their goal become a reality it was him. He was confident of that. 

 

"Muy bien... I would have wished to discuss more but if ponies wish to leave then I guess we can end the meeting here. I hope to continue this soon..." He then looked to Lady. "Señorita if you wish to join me I will be outside la taberna." He then gave her a wink will tipping his hat. Dorado was about to head out before realizing something. He turned to look at the Raven. "El Cuervo? When will be our next meeting?"

Edited May 28, 2014 by AnonBrony

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest smirked as he exited the treeline and trotted into a clearing that had a view of the ruins of a castle. "I'm so close to bringing her back, and the others have no idea of what I'm about to do." He thought, as he stuck to the shadows. "I might as well see who'll join me, and then kill the rest." The bat pony then laughed slightly. He didn't normally kill unless it was necessary.

[Torrent505 370]

@Lady @Demirari @Scribblegroove @Marathon @AnonBrony @Tricksters Pride

 

The Raven cocked it's head at Dorado craning it in a confused manner, "meeting again? We won't be meeting again, at least never like this. There will be no reason to, the connections have been made; arrange your own meetings among yourselves. As for me if I want to speak with you I'll find you and if you wish to speak with me... well one needs to merely leave their window open and sleep, I'll be at their bedside when they wake."

 

*****************************************

 

(Angel's Share main room)

Bone Breaker stood with the Mayor who was seated at his own table. Bone Breaker had his parchments out and spread over the table, he seemed to be lecturing the mayor as he went over the notes, though his voice was too quiet for anypony other than the two to hear.

 

The mayor however looked rather bored and uninterested; until his eyes found Jade as she exited the hall to the devil's cut room. He gave her a sly smile and barely perceivable nod, before his eyes darted to the bar indicating to her the two city guards standing there interrogating the younger Pegasus bartender, a slight warning.

 

 

The Raven shook it's head, "no, she's already served her purpose; I won't waste any more time on or let you waste my time on her. You can choose how to handle her soon enough. See her part was a key to how I'm oiling you up as a tool. The poor sole surviving recruit that help you survive this horrible ordeal. Some poor pretty little mare unlucky enough to get herself and friends caught up in a fiendish plot to poison and kill the commanding strategist. The despicable thugs dragged them and you into their hideout to kill and torture, but you, Radiance, a true noble soul flew into a rage when they shattered her horn. Those cowards, crippling one of your beloved soldiers as she was helpless on the floor and right before your very eyes as you struggled to recover from poison and handicapped by a magic inhibitor; you found strength you didn't know you had, you over powered the inhibitor and dealt them swift justice."

 

The Raven started to play with Radiance's horn again, "do you see the picture I'm painting? The story that will turn this little set back into twice the gain? The public will eat it up, Radiance, you'll be a hero and with the way things have been going you need some good press. When the guard manage to find you here every detail will support the story I'm offering you."

 

Double Barrel started to storm over shouting, "find her here! They can't find her here! I have a business to run, I have-"

 

The Raven never let him continue, it ran it's feathered hoof along the inhibitor, activating it's magic and forcing Radiance's ceremonial dagger to magically appear. It's hoof shot out in a blur and the dagger went flying burying itself deep in Double Barrel's neck.

 

The old stallion staggered his words becoming a surprised gargle spraying blood. His eyes glared at the Raven full of hate and betrayal; is horn flickered to life and made the Raven's chest glow. It merely laughed and tap it's mask, "did you really think I would breath any of the air in your domain, Double Barrel? Did you think me a fool or an equal, perhaps a friend or ally?"

 

The Raven turned back to looking at Radiance, "then you managed to summon use your dagger and slay the leader of those thugs, the creator of foul poisons. A good stallion twist by a personal hate for you because of his grief for his lost son. Tragic really." The Raven stepped away from the bed moving toward Double Barrel who was now on his knees, the hate in his eyes had gained recognition and understanding as they darted to Radiance and back. They still held vibrant life in how much malice they showed. The Raven merely chuckled, "it's true and you know it Double Barrel. You would have done anything to avenge your son." It leaned in over the dying pony it's mask to his ear, "how cruel you are to love one son more than another; did you every think of your son Pine? He's upstairs working hard trying to impress you and here you are dying because of petty vengeance and bits. You leave him with no one left, you die and leave him alone with me..." The hate faded from Double Barrel's eyes becoming fear and regret. "Don't worry too much I'll see that he is in good hooves." The Raven stepped over him now moving toward Ice Breaker and the door to the cellar. Double Barrel's eyes started to go glassy but they sought out Radiance's face he looked to her pleadingly, begging for something, vengeance, forgiveness, help, even the old stallion himself didn't know what he was searching for from her as he fell into darkness.

 

The Raven turned around once it reach the door, it stood at Ice Breaker's side as she looked tense and stared at the ground. It addressed Radiance, "I made you a hero here tonight, it will elevate you among the public and even among the guard and elites. You'll be untouchable and no one will know you now work for me. The guard will come find you soon, hold onto that ring for me, once you figure out how to remove it I'll send someone to pick it up." It turn away moving to leave then paused looking over it shoulder as if it had forgotten something, "oh dear, I told Double Barrel that Pine Barrel would be in good hooves... My hooves are hardly good, but Radiance you're supposed to have good hooves, take care of him for me will you? Thank you so much."

 

 

(The castle of the two sisters isn't quite a ruin yet. It's damaged from Luna and Celestia's fight but the Rebels are taking care of it. So it's not quite like it was a thousand years later in the show)

 

The castle was alive with activity, guards paced on all the ramparts; they were all former night guards so they were used to this pre-dawn patrolling but it was close to morning and they were anxious for they're shifts to end. From inside the echoes of the day guard getting ready for their turns on watch and planning came through the walls.

 

The night guards on the wall were distracted by thoughts of how soon they would be relieved of duty and none had seen the Bat Pony on the edge of the castle grounds, yet.

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest smirked as he entered the castle. He then formed his aura blades, and put them by his side. "Let's see how many ponies are still loyal to Luna." He thought to himself. The bat pony then entered the main room, and trotted forward. "Well, well what do we have here?" The bat pony then laughed slightly, and sighed.

[Torrent505 370]

 

The main throne room of the Two Sisters Castle had been converted into a war room, the table at it's center was a scale model of Equestria with colored markers all across it representing various forces. At the table stood a gentlemanly dapper looking unicorn Stallion, his coat was as black as the void itself and his mane was silver steel etched with the beginning of white hairs; his body however showed none of his age and wore it's night guard armor well. Shadow Shield the ex-commander of the Royal Night Guard had been waiting for Oath Taker to arrive so the two could share the nights report and days planning, now he stood looking quizzically at Tempest.

 

"You're a solider obviously, night guard... I recognize the face, your not one of our rebels or a natural bat pony. No Athena was our only bat pony; Tempest, I recall now. Tempest Sol, a loyal and brave soldier." Shadow Shield's eyes flicked to Tempest's swords, "what have you come to do with those? Has Celestia sunk so low as to desperately send a colt to assassinate stallions? When did you become a coward and fool Tempest?"

Edited May 30, 2014 by Torrent505

[Demirari 454]

Cryptical Code finished the last of his wine before standing up, "Thank you for the wine," he bowed his head in respect. It was the right thing to do to a host. Then he continued to the door before stopping, "Trottingham St., I'll be somewhere there," then he left at that, it'll be foolish to disclose anything further than what he already did.

 

Leaving, he immediately started walking toward the building he had recently bought. He had plans, large plans. It wasn't going to be simple espionage and politicking. Organizations had influences. Money buys power. That was all that was in his thoughts as he entered the building, his agents greeting him.

[AnonBrony 1,469]

Dorado hung outside the tavern. He began firing shots at trees with his crossbow. He was waiting for Lady to come out, though she'd probably be with that stupid mage. He began to get angry at the very thought of them being together, but that soon dispersed as he focused on his next shot. Practicing helps calm him and clear his mind. He was aggravated however that they weren't going to meet all together again. They didn't even decide on a plan so they must all have discuss sooner or latter if things are to progress. His quiver then ran out of bolts. He sighed and walked over to the tree to retrieve them and continue his practice. 

 

He wasn't just waiting there to get Lady away from Merdyn, he also did wish to speak to her about the plan she same up with. She was the only one to come up with one that he can back behind, the only problem was to try and get everyone to agree on it. He could probably convince almost everyone except Merdyn; he was probably his only challenge. He seemed content with summoning Luna. There must be another reason why he wanted to do that. Perhaps hes one of those Luna fanatics like that batpony? Maybe he wants Luna to be in power instead of Celestia? Or maybe he wants to control her power so he could rule and be a wizard king? Whatever the case may be Dorado still didn't like his version of the plan anyhow, and rather go with Lady's. 

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest glanced at Shadow Sheild, and chuckled lightly. "You know who I am, so you probably know what I'm capable of." He said, nonchalantly. "You also made two mistakes. The forest being that I would ever serve Celestia, especially after what she did to Luna, and the second being that you underestimate me. Speaking of which, you say that you want a Equestria for the poor majority, a Equestria where every griffion, zebra, draconequess, and pretty much every sub species of pony are equal. Well, Luna can grant that, and I know of a way to bring her back." The bat pony then drew his swords and twirled them like sticks. "I assume you also know what I do to those who aren't exactly loyal to my cause. Athena's basically joined, and she has already proven useful." Tempest then smirked slightly, knowing that ponies would die, either way. Of course, the numbers would vary, but that was beside the point.

[Torrent505 370]

 

Shadow Shield merely raised a trim maintained eyebrow, "No believe me, I know what your capable of, you're an above average soldier in almost all marks. If you had had more marks in patience and reasoning you would have been a captain or lieutenant and not just one of her elite guards. So I will correct myself from before, you are apparently a brave idiot and not a cowardly fool. Tell me Tempest have you done your research? Do you even know what happened to Princess Luna?"

 

Shadow was ignoring Tempest's display of swordsmanship and simply walked towards him, "if you had you would know Princess Luna is dead. She killed herself, she dabbled in Dark Magic and summoned a creature that torn her apart and left nothing of our kind mistress behind. The nightmare that Celestia dealt with was a gift of vengeance. Luna can't help anypony, not anymore."

 

The black stallion stood before Tempest his rapier still in its sheath, "as for loyalty to you and your laughable attempt at a threat, do you think you can actually kill me, over two hundred trained guardsmen and Grand Commander Oath?"

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest's features turned from nonchalant to mild amusement . " A lot has happened since her banishment.Oh, I assure you that Luna is very much alive. A little birdie told me all about her imprisonment on the moon, and I know of a few ways to get her out. Every prision has it's weakness, no exception" He said. "As for killing you, well I won't really need to do that, seeing as how I basically took care of about five of Tia's guards without breaking a sweat. She'll probably think I was one of your troops, and come looking for you. Even if she doesn't, there is also another group vying for control of the throne. So the way I see it, you're going to need all the help you can get." The bat pony then gave a coy smile, and got ready to fight, should Shadow show any signs of aggression.

 

(Is it ok if I show some of Xena's abilities during the inevitable fight with Shadow and Tempest, give or take a few hundred extra ponies.)

[Demirari 454]

Cryptical Code seated himself in front of a table as his two agents sat before him. It was rather quiet before he spoke up, "I'll be departing back to my villa. You two will stay to continue operations… some might come and find me, and begin searching for suitable candidates that are fit to be an agent."

 

The two agents nodded their heads slowly. There really wasn't any need to ask questions. They were told to never ask, they were agents, they were tools. Professionalism deemed that it was impolite to question.

 

Their eyes slowly followed their leader's form as he left the building. They knew their operations for Canterlot. It will certainly be a while before they are able to depart. Especially with the search for potential agents in a city such as this.

[Scribblegroove 565]

Merdyn stood up without saying a word, nodded at raven and then stood still behind Lady's chair. "Why don't you accompany me for a little walk outside." He said, with a hint of mystery in his voice. "I'll be waiting for you under the night sky. I have something very important to tell you." He continued. He then walked to the door and exited the Devil's cut.

 

As he walked through the tavern the smell of alcohol and imbeciles hit him again. He ignored any of the bystanders that tried to mock him and walked straight out of the door. As soon as he was outside he turned around, facing the door. He could still slightly see the imbuement that he had made on the door at the start of this night. He cast a spell, and the sign dissapeared.

 

He then saw Dorado pointlessly fireing arrows at a tree. He was about to say something piercing, when he realised that he was now in quite a bad situation. There was an armed and skilled pony right over there, very mad at him, and he had nothing to defend himself with. He thus ignored Dorado and stepped on the sidewalk. Then he waited for Lady.

[Lady 55]

@@Scribblegroove,@@AnonBrony, @,@@Torrent505,@@Demirari,

 

Lady giggled a bit, she knew every well that things would go her way. It's just the little touch she had learned while interacting with these ponies. Making sure you're confident in your proposals and you'll get a better chance of the table going your way. The changeling knew this, all too well. At least their is a plan seemingly in place, odds are going in right now in her favor. The young queen listened very well, and observed the behaviors of these sentient cattle.

 

 She heard Bone Breakers, and Darado's comments. She simply replied with a nod of her head. Once the Raven had spoken about Radiance, she sighed a bit in relief. "Very well." Lady told The Raven as she fixed her mane once again. Lady simply smiled softly when she heard Jade Heart speak to her. She nodded. "Why thank you...I do take pride in surprising others." Lady stated as her lion-like tail curled softly.

 

The changeling placed the cup on the table, next to The Raven. "I believe this is yours, only fair to give it back." Lady told him, before anyone left, she said the following in a thankful and delighted tone of voice, like a hostess speaking to her guests.

 

"It's simply wonderful meeting you all...may the odds ever be in our favor. If any of you wish to speak to me simply go to the Pale Rose Hotel and ask for me in the front desk, I am most likely in my room. " 

 

Jade left, El Dorardo came to her and offered to speak with her, she nodded softly and then giggled at the hat tipping. These cattle certainly were better at making a mare feel special. "I'll see if I would be able to, if not then you know where to find me." She told him honestly as she got ready to leave. Once she heard the voice of Merdyn, her ears tilted softly to the direction of his voice. Lady couldn't help but feel compelled to see what he wanted. After all...she basically stole everybody away from his plan. Everyone seems to agree with her and called him mad. Lady silently hoped she didn't make a mistake choosing him as her prime target. "Very well Merdyn." She told him as she see him leave.

 

None else left it seems, she walked over to Cryptical and placed her hoof on the table in a similar 'stomping' fashion in order to get his attention and probably show signs on intimidation due to her tall stature. "You and I, we need to speak at a later time. We still haven't finished our conversation." Lady simply said in a seductive purr as her mane bounced softly with her body's movements. "Three days from now I would like to discuss business within the Pale Rose with you, and you alone. If you can join me on that day it would be wonderful. If not, whenever we're available." With that, Lady left before he could reply.

 

'I'm counting on hearts like yours to keep me burning.

To keep me up 'til two in the morning.'

 

The changeling saw Dorado and whistled over to him to gain his attention. "Mañana! En el hotel, bueno?!" She told Dorado as she trotted over to Merdyn. Her tail swayed lightly as she looked up at him. "So, Merdyn, what would you like to tell me?"

[Scribblegroove 565]

Merdyn cringed when she gestured Dorado to come over. That is definately not what he wanted. "What I want to tell you is something I want to tell you in private... not with him around." He said softly. He frowned at Dorado in the distance, but quickly turned his attention towards Lady again. "I promise you, from the bottom of my heart that nothing will happen to you, but please come take a walk with me. Alone, away from here." He explained. He was blushing from under his hood and he was hot and sweating as if he were in the middle of a desert. But he wouldn't hide these feelings like a teenage filly... No, he sensed that something about her would fit in perfectly with his plans. If only they could be in private for just a second.

 

"Come, let us leave. If you are afraid I will ambush you, your stunning ambiance would prevent anyone from harming you, including me..." He urged forward, towards the dimly lit alleyway that led to a small park with a pond and a few trees. "What I am about to tell you will change everything..."

[Torrent505 370]

 

Shadow Shield looked at Tempest in disbelief, "you truly are delusional aren't you? You couldn't kill me if your life depended on it, boy."

 

He turned his back on Tempest and started back towards the war model, "do you think there is no reason that the rebellion acts so freely and openly? Celestia herself is afraid to face me and Oath in open combat. I think you've done us a favor, Oath only wants to work out a peaceful path."

 

He turned around sharply back to face the bat pony, "perhaps this will force the war we need to happen to change Equestria for the better. I'll tell you what, for this and the information you've shared I'll let you live. Go ahead and leave now Tempest, there is nothing for you here; all the soldiers pledge no allegiance to any princess."

 

He magically drew his rapier, "and I hope you free yourself from the remnants of Luna and this fiction you've created around her. Only a nightmare awaits those who would risk tampering with the moon."

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest rolled his eyes, and sighed. "I was hoping I would be able to convince you, but I suppose I overestimated. We do have one thing in common, we both want what we think is best for the country we once served." He said, as he threw his swords behind him and made the energy they consisted of disperse. "I hope the next time we meet will be on better terms, but remember this. A light shines brightest in the darkness." The bat pony then trotted out the castle and took off his amulet. "It should take me awhile to get to Ponyville, and hopefully I'll be able to meet up with Athena before then." He thought to himself.

 

(Just say that Tempest talked with Athena during the time skip, and we can meet at Tempest's home.)

Edited June 2, 2014 by Nightfury01

[Demirari 454]

@@Lady,

(He already left. .-. But I'll just write a small part that happened prior to him leaving, if that is ok. ^^)

Cryptical Code wasn't a slight bit intimidated, but he nodded his head at that. He'll certainly be keeping that in behind... although behind his current plans. That was more important, though he will certainly be paying a visit in three days. The request, however, did raise suspicion from him.

----

Cryptical Code's carriage stopped before a gate as the driver was paid. Then, Cryptical Code continued onwards till he stopped before the metal bars as they opened up slowly, silently. Moving forward, Cryptical Code felt a bit at ease as his ears at times listening to different directions. Even in his own estate, Cryptical Code was not at ease. While he could trust his agents, never did he trust them with his entire soul and key. Then, he suddenly stopped as another set of doors opened up for him, silently, nothing to be seen. 

 

(Got approved!)

"Good day sir!" a voice spoke happily, Spurious Latent, his right-hoof (hand?) stallion. Of course it was the more livelier one of his agents that broke the dead, pregnant silence that hanged in the atmosphere before he even got close to his estate. And it was natural that his most trusted agent would greet him... though he preferred if the other seven agents were there. It was more of security and to know the status of his agents at the very beginning. 

 

Giving a mild nod, Cryptical Code responded with a simple, "Good day," his voice dead as always as Spurious Latent nodded and motioned him to a large room. It was his personal library; Cryptical Code's most treasured part of the villa. Then, he let a small smile out as he sat in his modest chair before seven ponies--Spurious Latent had privileged himself to sit in a more comfortable chair not far off. 

 

Cryptical Code adjusted his tie before handing out eight letters that he had written to each of the agents. Waiting, he cast a single glance at his agents, reading their current expressions a bit before nodding. No discontent as of now. Another glance after most of them had finished. Some with the expression of wonder and the other of understanding. No opposition. Then eight bow; eight confirmations from his agents at their agreement of his plans. Excellent, now, Cryptical Code would have to wait and see. In a few hours time, most of the ponies in this room would be departing off to find fresh recruits. 

Edited June 1, 2014 by Demirari