Ciraxis

" Hmph." Squall snorted when Pathfinder chivvied him. He was getting to that part. " It's a simple one, in concept. I believe it was palpitating inside my head for a long time now, just unformed. It's only when Miss Sparkle founded this..." he waved his hoof at the School of Friendship, visible through the window. "....Institution, I realized what was missing in our endeavors." Squall walked away from the window and now gazed at the all three mares. "We were gathered to protect Equestria, but the truth is, our sights were inward all the time. Equestria may always been amicable to other nations, but the truth is, despite this friendly disposition we didn't bothered to reach out and offer a helping hoof when it was needed. Did we do anything when Griffonstone lost their Idol of Boreas? Did we act immediately? No, Miss Sparkle had to do the job decades after the fact. How about when Storm King came knocking at Abyssinian's door? Ditto. Or did we attempted to do anything, about the abhorrent situation on Stottinsberg Islands? Nope, still continuing. It was always Equestria first, Equestria above all else..." Squall paused while giving a heavy sigh. "We do all know that nopony is an Island. We can stand on our own, but not necessary alone. And the same - with a bit of good faith - can be applied to nations, as Sparkle's school showed. We can get along, regardless of race or shape, that school proved that. What am I saying is, that EPIC was founded to protect Equestria....But now....well....'Non Sufficit Equestria'." Swift paused again, this time to take a sip of offered juice. After giving his fiancee a thankful kiss on a cheek, unicorn continued. "If we are to aid our nation, we have to do this by offering kindness to other countries as well. Operation in Whitescar was a good start, but we have to get bigger, more involved. And this is an offer I am about to present to Princesses. The question is...?" he gave the gathered mare another, meaningful look. "Are you with me on this?"

"Morning?" Ossia asked with amused smirk. With that, the curtains that covered the windows were pulled aside by alicorns magic.....revealing starry sky, and a night lights of half-asleep city. "Blueblood, you were out for nineteen hours. The head of your house-staff was worried for you even ,but I dismissed her. After all, it's to be expected after such passionate work." she summed out, seeming somewhat...proud of him perhaps? "School? One would expect you had private tutors Prince. Or did your Aunt dearest had an idea that you needed to 'integrate' with others, by being really stingy with what was rightfully yours?" Di Nerezza asked, not missing an opportunity to undermine already shaky relationship royal pony had with sun alicorn. "But I digress. What those volumes are to teach you is not hard facts, but a shrewd ways of thinking." Ossia summed up. "Remember, cunning isn't the same as knowledge, just like intelligence doesn't equal wisdom. You surely met somepony who had so much information in his or her head, but simply lacked common sense, didn't you?"she asked. Nerezza tilted her head in interest as she heard Prince's recount of his experience with the earth pony mare. Home many times the two had met? Or more importantly, how in the world Applejack hasn't captured Platinum Gem yet, if Blueblood's words about his lack of successes was to believed? "Hmmmm somepony has a type." Ossia said teasingly, while extending one of her wings to stroke underneath of unicorn's chin with it's tip. "Not that I fault you. Why, I may want take her for a spin myself soon...." pink alicorn whispered. It would be wise to arrange a set of circumstances so she could gauge this 'Equestrian' capabilities for herself. Especially if she is proportionally, as capable as her counterpart.... "Wouldn't you like to see this? Two strong, athletic mares wrestling in front of you...." she added, painting a very suggestive picture in royal piny's head. "Now, what else do you have here...." she mused before clicking. But visage that appeared next was not someoneshe expected. Blueblood could see, as Ossia's relaxed demeanor instantly shattered, her expression frozen in surprise before slowly turning into that of a cold loathing, one of her grey eyes twitching slightly. "Bahamunt....Hopesguard......." the mare muttered in venomous tone, as amaranth aura crept around her and the bed....

"See. That's what I was talking about Miss Sparkle. You see lines and numbers and you already could make hypothesis of what magic was used. I know the spells by name, but math behind them? My own studies focused on mathematical economics. What I know of arcane comes more from first-hoof experience than scholarly text." unicorn pointed out. "Well then, let us hope that you analysis is incorrect - no offense to your knowledge. Miss Sparkle. We have little time as it is, without having to race against degradation of some ancient spell." Squall said while raising from the seat, only for his legs to start wobbling dangerously. Noblepony only saved himself from the fall by using his sheathed blade as a makeshift cane to lean on. "I am....fine. Just tired. Didn't had much to sleep." swordpony said to concerned Princess while he straightened up. "I will catch some sleep when we will be aboard the skyship." he added as they left Twilight's office. As they were walking the School of Friendship's empty halls, Squall did his best to keep conversation going. "My haste wasn't just because of the excitement of the discovery Miss Sparkle. While you analysis only adds to our need for urgency, I had much more prosaic reason for my quickness...." unicorn mused. "....Politics." he said, with a clear loathing in his voice. "It was no coincidence that St. Freesia Cathedral that is getting renovated just now. That is idea that came from the Mayor of Roam you see...." Swift started his explanation. "As you may know......he isn't very popular with his electorate. Some really poor decisions on his part, his management of public money being lacking...that sort of thing." stallion said. "And of course, so it happens that his current term is coming to an end rather soon. So of course he is desperate for a opportunity to score some popularity points. What's better way to do so, then restoring Roam's landmark, and Equestria's Site of Heritage to it's former glory? So he launched a call for tenders, and Tempest Corporation, My corporation, happened to win this one." Squall added. "Keeping this in mind, know that the survey site is at the very edge of Mayor's administrative power. If he knew a real reason why I left the meeting, he without the doubt would try to take control of both the survey and the excavation. All to earn a few more votes, competence be damned." businesspony snarled. "He would probably end up breaking something in his chase after higher PR score. And since this isn't the land I own, I couldn't sic my lawyers to keep him at bay. I needed somepony with authority big enough to put him in place. You being a specialist for the arcane, and already being familiar with Mycus's work made you natural choice." Swift revealed while they walked through the school's front door. The last tether's of sunlight died out on the edge of horizon, and orange glow of dusk was replaced by the glow of the stars. The lights in the surrounding buildings indicated however, that it wasn't time for rest just yet. "It should be here any minute now." Squall said into night sky before turning to lavender mare. "You may wish to cast something sound dampening Sparkle. Bevel's latest creation can't really be called 'subtle'." he warned, just as the roar of engines started to be heard, still far away, but fast approaching.

"Thanks. I wouldn't mind." unicorn said with gratitude while near-slumping onto offered chair. Squall then proceeded to take his shades, revealing puffed eye-bags, before taking a big gulp of cocoa, all in complete silence. After emptying his mug stallion gave a sight of relief, before turning his gaze - now much more focused - gaze at the mare before him. "We found one of Mycus Thrice-Blessed workshop-labs." Swift said, getting straight to the point, unlike the last time when they discussed the subject. "I assume you know about weather order mix-up in Itaily. Funny how one wrong comma could cause so much trouble." swordpony mused. "But I digress. As a result, Roam and it's close vicinity got much more snowfall than it got in prior two dozen centuries. Normally the weather ponies would take care of these, but since they got their hooves full with clearing the rest of the region - even with reinforcements from rest of the realm - they just cleared the skies and let the sun do the job. Predictibly that much water caused few landslides in the hillsides surrounding the city." Squall explained. "Now, I happened to be in Roam for business reasons. My company was negotiating a contract of renovating St. Freesia Cathedral. In the middle of the negotiations one of my employees brought to me the information that one of those landslides uncovered something unusual. So I excused myself, and left wrapping up the meeting to my assistants." noblepony kept going. "The place happened to be five miles out of the city. At first I thought that it was a simple sinkhole caused by the earth movements. But when I got closer I realized why I was called. It was too smooth in it's shape, and the walls were laid down with stone. Also the remains of the stairs at the edge helped." he added, his words getting quicker, and quicker. "But it wasn't until I inspected the pair of obelisk-shaped newels that I realized what we found. On each one was engraved a sigil. Mycus's sigil, way too specific for anypony else. Because I studied Rye Wind journal so thoroughly before giving it to you, I recognized it right away. Realizing what it meant, I left Itaily at once." Squall said. Before reaching to his pocket. "While I hurried here, on the transfer I got report of scanning that survey team did in my absence." He said while hoofing the document to Twilight, so she could read the results. "Bizarre isn't it? If I have to guess the whole place is magically sealed. Probably have a aeather screening against scrying as well, but , again, is just my assumption, I am no specialist." Swift said before pausing to catch a breath. "But You are Miss Sparkle. So that's pretty much it. Now, we have to leave as quickly as possible. I already contacted my other employees. One of my airships will pick us up, while as we speak, others are transporting necessary equipment from depot in Germaney." he announced while standing up. "Common Miss Sparkle, I help you pack up. We have no time to lose."

An echoes of the hurried hoof-steps could be heard across the empty halls of the School of FriendshipTM . The late evening hours left the building near empty, especially since Heartswarming Eve break was coming near - most students already left to reunite with their families for the holiday. These facts wasn't in the mind of the unicorn visitor. He was there to meet with the Principal herself, bearing the most exciting news - the discovery that would certainly interest Princess Twilight Sparkle greatly. Enough that he came here all the way from the Itaily without a moment of rest. And how could he rest? He was exited himself, at the prospect of discovery and adventure. Swift Squall was sure that by now Sparkle had studied the journal of Rye Wind that he presented her with very thoroughly. Or at least he hoped she did. For where they were going, the knowledge present in that book may turn very needed indeed. His search led his to Principals Office quickly, even though he never was in the building before. Noblepony paused to take a deep breath and composure himself. Seconds later he knocked at the door, and without waiting for permission he entered. "Good evening Miss Sparkle. It's been a while." he greeted the lavender mare.

I am sad to see you go...and, I guess , a little guilty as well (glances at all the unfinished RP's). I myself have my share of problems, being insanely reclusive and withdrawn - being afraid to hang on social media, public chat's etc. due to my paranoia. I can only assume that some people become so invested with their characters that they take any actions that put them in embarrassing or humiliating situations as a slight against themselves. I know I did when I was younger, Roleplaying on other sites, thinking my creations were a gift to other's so how dare they put misery on them. I will certainly miss your involvement Rex. It added so much needed spice in that overwhelming amount of slice-of-life threads towards which I have often a mixed feelings. And I admit, seeing your Discord's actions drive other characters into hair-pulling frustration was incredibly amusing. Squall will miss your Discord's too, and all those unpredictable challenges he threw at him ,that allowed the noblepony to keep himself sharp. So Godspeed Rex. I hope we meet out there, on other forum. And perhaps we actually finish a thread for once. Or maybe not. It's a journey that counts .

"Well Pretty Prince...there will be a lot of things I would like you will help me with in the future." she answered with a wink. For so long she desired to return to this world that granted her power unlike any other that only now she realized how little she had planned what to do next...... How fortunate that she ran into Blueblood then. For all her confidence, teaching will be a new experience for the pink alicorn. Ossia was sure that -regardless of the outcome - she will come to enjoy herself. And who knows? Maybe along the ride, Blueblood really will transform into a pony who's haughtiness was actually justified. With some guiding nudges from her of course. For now however, they had to get upstairs. She really needed that bath..... Ossia couldn't help but rise the eyebrow upon seeing the insides of the secret lift. "So....it just came this way, or was it designed to make potential trespasser think it was a way to the other kind of dungeon?"she asked. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * They said that time flies when you enjoy yourself. But right now di Nerezza was taking enjoyment from the passage of time, as she observed Blueblood rousing from the slumber after a very eventful afternoon and evening. "Slept well Pretty Prince?" she asked, while sprawled on the linens next to him. "Oh what am I saying. Of course you did. But don't worry, that's because you attended to your duties as a host and student verrrry serrriously ♥." Ossia said with a purr. "You surprised me, you know. You have such handsome face, but surly are brutish where it counts. I just have to show you how to throw a few mean right hooks. That and the equanimous composure. That bit of nervousness is really endaring but can be bad for business hmmmm?" pink alicorn added while rolling onto her back. She certainly had a room for it, seeing that the bed could only be described as 'emperor-sized'. "And speaking of businesses.....I did some things when you are sleeping. First thing some reading list." Ossia said before levitating the paper page up to stallion's face. Among position on it were such titles like 'The Art of War' , 'The Lord' by the Neighchavelli, Enûma Eliš and Nibelungenlied. "And before you ask, yes those are mandatory." she quickly added before presenting the Prince with his very own notebook. "Also you should think about a better password. But I digress. Knowing is half the battle and if you going to commit you have to study the opposition. Your aunts may be a bit too much to bite for now so.....How about this one?" Ossia asked while half rolling and showing the unicorn the image of earth pony heroine one the screen.....

"Ahahaha well yes. But in such cases you only need to be greater then relict itself, either in will or pure power. And as I stated earlier we will be working on enhancing both." Ossia reminded her newly 'appointed' student. "This also another thing to keep in mind - don't rely on items that hold power greater then you own, otherwise you will find yourself lost without it." alicorn paused before giving a heavy sight. "Of course it's easy to say for me. You don't exactly have a luxury of turning that maxim into a practice yet." Nerezza lampshaded "But once again, I will do everything in my power and beyond to help you grow." "Hmmmm we have to craft a backstory first. How about 'Clear-headed mare in a need of work brought Hoofsome Prince away from danger after some irresponsible costumed freaks engaged rabid dragon in a public space? Grateful he hired her as personal assistant.' Ho-Huuum." she mumbled while giving a self-satisfied nod. "Of course it needs ironing out. Ponies may - or rather, will - ask for details. For example, from where this...." Ossia paused, pondering. "Misty Note came from. Germaney perhaps? As of the appearance....." With those words pink alicorn lighted her horn and the royal stallion could witness how the colors changed after a flash of amaranth light - her pink coat turned lime green, and her multicolored mane became solid black, and so did her tail. "Hmm not a bad start. Now....." a few smaller magical burst ensued. Her female musculature was toned down a bit, manestyle changed form a high ponytail to a pixie-cut, and she added a pair of glasses to give more 'professional' look for this 'unicorn mare'. Something that was also suggested by her 'new' Cutie Mark, a document holder and a signing seal of some sort. "Well that sha...." Ossia started but cut herself short upon seeing a shadow of disappointment on Bluebloods face. It took her a few seconds to connect the dots before she realized the reason for stallion's chagrin. "Ufufu...very well." she mused and in another display of magic, Misty Note horn was 'replaced' by a pair of wings. It seemed that flying mares were one of Blueblood's triggers, an useful thing to remember..... "I guess writing using wings is still fun. And I guess I could use some dexterity exercise for them anyway, so I could put the to a very good use later. Like a massage." di Nerezza noted, her voice practically purring. "I have to make a proper 'anchor' and do some more work to make it into a proper solid form. It's too fragile otherwise seeing it's just an illusion. See?" she added before grabbing Blue's hoof with her magic and guiding it to her stomach. While it looked relatively average right now, he could without a doubt feel a sculptured muscles hidden by the arcane mirage. "It's still me underneath all of that." "Oh I fine either way." the winged mare answers Prince's question. "I have a feeling it will turn into hot bath regardless." she added with half-lidded gaze. "Now, would you lead the way Hoofsome?"

"Pathfinder, TMI!" Squall chastised the pegasus mare when she begun describing her 'experience' as captive of WRAITH. Still her words reminded him of something - a threat always present at back of his head, but till now always pushed to the background. "Razorclaws....Morianna..." he muttered, as his thoughts brought him to devilishly intelligent Aquelian professor. This was danger that was left unchecked far too long. It would be wise to bring it up after all the other topics were discussed, especially since it directly tied to one he was going to bring up anyway. "You are not wrong Dear. That's why it's not from Tirek's account that I know about this." noblepony explained, while still withholding his 'source'. "And I disagree about children being innocent. I myself know I wasn't when I was young, and I can assume others here had dark thoughts in their child years as well . Darkness dwells in any heart Moto. It feeds on pride, envy, hate and other malicious feelings until it's festering get's to one's mind and soul. That's why acting against them is so meaningful. Everything is a choice, good or bad. How could they have any weight otherwise?" unicorn dropped a bit on his views on those present. Luckily and further brooding on his was interrupted by a welcome arrival indeed. "Rose. You are here." Swift said, part disbelieving but even more thankful. "Please sit down. There is much to discuss, and I wish for your input as well." he welcomed the unicorn mare. Squall could only stand there as Pathfinder gave him a lecture, astonished by how....logical the eccentric mare was. Was she always like this? And to his shame Swift had to admit to myself that he didn't knew. It was so easy to draw conclusions, judging her on account of her (admittedly) larger then life fanfilly'ism towards Daring Doo franchise. So easy that he didn't even bothered to peek underneath and to know this mare he had a gall to call 'comrade'. Squall clenched his teeth, angry at himself. He supposedly learned this lesson thanks to Spring Breeze - or Naj as others tended to call her - and yet, here he was again. What a stubborn fool he is. Why he keeps making the same mistakes? "Not the comparisons I would use. Yet..." Swift started when he regained his ability to speak. "You...are right. You are absolutely right Pathfinder. I was so focused on the pieces of the puzzle...that I forgot what kind of picture they make when put together." he admitted while walking towards the window, and taking at both the Moon and School of Friendship visible in the distance. "But....you aren't the only one who was 'right' Pathfinder....." he said after a moment, while turning towards his comrades once again. "I was pondering a lot in recent weeks. And I came to epiphany. You see, the reason why I asked to gather here is not just from security, or to get away from the prying eyes in Saraneighvo. No, it is because I found out that the reasoning, that the mare that calls this Castle home came up with, to be one I agree with." Swift explained before taking a pause, gazing at other ponies, as if he was expecting some questions.

"Poor Trashcan thinks that law of her world applies here. Cute." Ossia answered in deadpan tone to Lightning robot-speak. However her eyes widened upon seeing cyborg mare breakdown. "Oh.My.Gosh." she spoke in a hushed voice with a widened eyes....before her expression turned into that of beguilement. "This is just precious. I barely started and she's already coming apart at the seams. Well guess that happens when you're held together by couple of wires and mind altering drugs." Nerezza mused with a shrug, just in time for Hexxer to get out of the wrecked ambulance. "Ohhh belive me...there is no medico of any specialization qualified to deal with this hot mess. Now, becchino on the other hoof....." pink alicorn mused with a malicious smile. Alicorn rolled her eyes when dullahan gloated about being messenger of death or whatever, but kept herself silent, deciding to just roll with it. You would think a pony who took a peek beyond veil of life and death to be more low-key. "Actually I am." Ossia unexpectedly agreed to headless mare proposition "One should save a savoury until main course is finished after all. Even if it's freshness leaves much to be desired." the winged mare justified her decision before descending down to be more in-level with Hexxer. "This flying toaster right there is just a harbinger of much larger swarm of locus from another world. One ruled by greed, where they exploited everything and everyone until their planet itself turned crumbling, hollow husk - all for a few soldi more. But for them it wasn't enough, it never is enough." alicorn explained, her words full of enmity and disgust. "And so they are trying to reach out here." Alicorn turned her face to Hexxer as she continued speaking "If she's allowed to roam unchecked, she will inevitably establish a gateway between her homeworld and this one. That would be...problematic." Ossia revealed, her pretty face twisting into a frown. With that said, her magical aura flared up as she ascended air again. "So be a good Gan Ceann and try to not get in my way as I dispose of her okay? I will tend to you soon..." she said before turning her attention to LDEL6370 once again. "Well then Mrs. Forger, Assembler and Recycler, you still think you have enough bite to backup that giudizio of yours?" Nerezza dared the cyborg when she reached the same high the turquoise mare. "Trust me, you shouldn't. Allow me to give you a slice of what an alicorn is....." Ossia added before raising her front hooves. Above each one, a disc of amaranth aether condescended...and judging of a noise heard, they were really, really sharp, even audibly so. "Here's my Appeal!" she said as she spun, sending both of the projectiles flying - and homing - on the Lightning!

Ossia of course couldn't help but notice Blueblood's strange behavior when he put away that gender-bending Garnet of his. Was something bothering him? It would be better to do some preemptive maintenance just in case.... "Don't ponder to much over tools." she said while nonchalantly leaning against one of the shelves. "I saw relics capable of turning whole realms to ashes turn useless in hooves of incompetents. The item - no matter how magical or not - is only as capable as the will of it's user. Take this blade for example...." Nerezza proceeded to summon the sword she took as a trophy a mere minutes ago from some pocket dimension. "Remember that dragon those nincompoops were struggling against? It may be not obvious at first glance, but this weapon should - by all means - fell the wyrm in one blow. And yet...." she shrugged before dismissing the blade. "Well in that case that 'sorting' shouldn't take long at all. This escapade was a show of quality over quantity." she mused when Blueblood commented on her proposition of making improvements. Carpentry wasn't exactly something she found exiting, but she picked a thing or two during her dimension-hopping life. Ossia mercifully omitted to comment on Blueblood prior success rate. Was it really his first genuine victory? If that was the case, then Di Nerezza had more work before herself then she expected. "Well....it's a bit chilly out here." Ossia said after Prince's proposition, while rising her hoof to neck part of her bodysuit. With an audible hiss coming off the suit, and gasp of relief coming from the mare, Prince could witness her garment inflating, before splitting into half on her back and finally falling to the ground. "Uhhh finally. You have no idea how long I was in that thing. My coat is all matted from sweat." pink alicorn complained as she stepped out of her suit, allowing Blueblood to fully contemplate her physique. Sure, her cloth was form fitting, but the black color was hiding more then few details. This was how Cadence could look like if she spent her life as a fitness instructor. Athletic, but not unfeminine, the sculpted features only highlighting the softness of the other parts. Speaking of which, Blueblood finally could take a good look on her Cutie Mark..... A crystal heart, just like Candace's. But slightly smaller, jade instead of cyan and incumbent on what looked like a black throne. "You are a Prince correct? You do have pool upstairs, correct? I haven't been able to enjoy one in ages!" Ossia said, for a moment completely oblivious of any effect her unclothed form had on the royal pony. Only after taking a few steps and gazing down at her own leg she came to realization. "Oh right. That won't do."

From my part, Ossia certainly should be among Active Villains, while Blade Runner would be one to be counted among Active Heroes. ........ We have quite a disparity in Heroes-to-Villians ratio, are we?

While Ossia imagined that the spell would take them straight to Blueblood's mansion, what she saw was special surprise. "Oh, a secret cave ♪ . You can't go wrong with the classics." pink alicorn commented in a sing-song voice. Nerezza looked around noticng how...unfinished the place seemed. "Good location, but could use some more 'touch' - have to get to that soon. You did all of this yourself, didn't you Pretty Prince?" Ossia inquired. Having to maintain his secret identity, there wasn't much of a choice on his part. Yet, seeing that Blue wasn't exacly....the physical kind of pony, it had to be daunting for him to do even that much. Ossia smiled while picturing an image of Prince trying to put together pieces of furniture. "Oh, how much your muscles had to ache how labored you had to be....My advice is learning to enjoy that kind of thing. While some would regard this as a grunt work....There always is a certain amount of satisfaction when doing things yourself." she said, with expression that made it clear she wasn't talking about carpentry. "That and the fact you can't always rely on servants to do the job for you." Ossia added, her gaze getting harsher for a moment "If the Soldiers are to follow, the King has to make the first step. Learn to lead through the example, not just paycheck." With that said, Nerezza face quickly brightened up. "Still, seeing that yu got what you wanted, I guess the congratulations are in order. So: Congratulations on taking the initiative so resolutely!" pink alicorn genuinely praised the Prince. She even clapped to show her appreciation! "Taking hold on the ample opportunity is not something many could do, they don't know when to be...spontaneous. Plans are good, but one has to not hesitate to abandon them when a better occasion present itself. So, Good job Your Highness." Nerezza said with a smile. "Buuuut don't allow this one success to make you rest on the laurels. Examine the order of event's, learn from your experiences, ponder what you could do different or better. Don't revel in your victories - better yourself through them. And if you do well enough...Well...." she said before making a twirl. "...You get the idea. You didn't thought I started this way, did you?" Ossia asked giving Blueblood's brain something to munch on. "Well, enough of the lectures for one day. Downtime, time!" she suddenly announced before taking off the green sash around her waist. The metal bracelets on her legs soon followed, and so did the black tiara on her head. Oh dear. Was this going where it was going?

"Unfortunately, as proven time and time again, I am talking too much." Swift replied, remembering all the times his big mouth only inflamed the situation. "I...didn't had friends until I moved to Fillydelphia. Even now I don't know what to say." "I probably am." Swift agreed when Fire mentioned that he was way beyond high school hi-jinks age-wise. "Perhaps Sparkle should think about working out university level curriculum." "Wrong." noblepony objected, hearing his fiancee getting the details wrong. "The kid used Him, putting into practice what she learned from correspondence with the centaur." he explained =although Swift chose to omit from where he got all that information. Seeing the clear surprise on both mare's faces he felt compelled to add "Monster's come in all shapes and sizes." Squall pointed out, solemnly. Pathfinder reaction was kind of expected. She was very predictable in her fangirlismm so it was no surprise tha... "GACK!" Squall squeaked when hyperactive pegasus snatched him in bear-like embrace. "A-Air...." he managed to gasp while she flew around with him in tow. Thankfuly after a few moments Pathfinder released the noblepony, being too excited to maintain her grip. ".....Gahhhh.....you seriously making me reconsider any future potential presents." Squall muttered massaging his neck, while Pathfinder kept bouncing around the room. Swift got quite irritated when Fire didn't agreed on the number of their potential scions. The stallion could only roll his eyes before he reminded his fiancee. "Dear, I am the last Squallcoast. And let me tell you, holding that burden can be....lonely. Not to mention my social class is pretty.....spoiled. If we were to improve it, we have to add to it. And besides...." he added with a smirk "It's not You who will have to 'Go through that again' , is it? Besides, I am rich. It's hardly the same." noblepony pointed out. "Turtles....ummm turtles are...errr..." Swift slurred as he tried to wrap his head around the fact how sound Pathfinder suddenly got. When exactly did she started to do logic?! Was that a result of receiving her 'fix'? Questions for later. "A....Anyway....What are you saying is very plausible Pathfinder...." he started, his expression getting more steely with each moment as he walked towards the adventurous pegasus. "But it change anything. Split or not, intentional or not, we came together and swore to stop them. To punish them for their crimes. How many did they hurt? Crystal Empire, Askr...denizens of those are just the top of the list and they all cry out for justice! This isn't just about me, you or anypony else Pathfinder. I saw what atrocities they were capable off, and so did you! Are you saying you ready to stop just because you....bored? To turn you gaze away and wash your hooves? Do? You?" Swift asked. his voice was quite , bud demanding the answer.

".....!!!" Ossia was so transfixed on the Blue, and quinted before her, that even she didn't noticed the approaching wyrm. It's only due to the royal pony cry of warning that she had enough time to put the magical barrier to shield herself and Blue from the granite shards. "What audacity from this beast, to steal both the prey and the spotlight from us." pink alicorn commented, her voice somewhat between disappointment and annoyance - as if it was beneath her to be bothered with being angry at the reptile. "....But perhaps that is what should be expected from a dragon - an avarice given flesh." Nereza pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "....Normally such malfeasance would be a death warrant for creature such as this one...." she explained while observing the dragon and five 'heroes' go at it. "....but right now it would change nothing. The mood of the scene was simply, irrevocably tarnished, a shadow of what it was. And I, Ossia, refuse to be satisfied with a mere scraps." Nerezza stated, haughtily before turning towards Bluebelle. "It looks like we have to seek new means and occasion to assert you, Pretty Gem." she mused with yet another endearing term. "Rejoice! This means you have a chance to better yourself in the meantime!" pink alicorn proclaimed. Right then - following the yelp of shock and pain - the sword in black and gold flew the direction of the skirmish, and got embedded in the stone stairs. "Hmmm? What's this?" Ossia mused while pulling the blade out. "How surprising. While this faker-knight and his colleagues appearances are affront to the eyes, this weapon is of excellent craft. Not really my color but this is something that can be remedied..." she mused while studying the blade. "Ufufu....I will keep it, as a reminder of my promise to those jesters, and of the insult towards us." "You....witch! That's not yours!" the golden 'knight' protested while struggling with the dragon's jaws. "Hmph." Ossia scoffed. "A lizard's chew toy has no right to claim ownership over anything." alicorn dismissed the stallion' objection before turning towards Platinum Gem. "The wizards interference is gone, and we lingered here long enough. There is nothing else for us in this unsightly scene." Ossia declared. "I trust you servants are shrewd enough to find way on their own? Grab my shoulder Pretty Thing, and think about place you desire to find yourself in and I do the rest." alicorn instructed, her aura flaring up around herself and their loot in preparation for teleportation.

Ossia stood tall after her outburst. The alicorn tilted her slightly, trying to determinate if her spell had an effect. The voice she heard before didn't bothered to speak again. Was it incapacitated? Stroke with terror upon realizing the difference in power? Or maybe it did the smart thing and simply fled the scene. No matter. At least now Nerezza knew it wouldn't muddle the situation even further... "Speaking of which." alicorn reminded herself in her thoughts, as she turned around to observe the battle two other mares were having....Well halves of the mares at least. "Intriguing..." Ossia mused, getting a sneak peak of what the two could do...... It seemed only fair that she return the courtesy. The unknown stallion's interference and her following outburst got di Nerezza roused enough that she couldn't stand aside anymore. "Ufufufu....." she giggled before before conjuring a grey ball of 'smoke' and hurling it into the sky. Soon the heavens above darkened, as dark clouds grew larger and larger, shrouding whole Manhattan under their cover, while flashes of lightning raced across the sky. But all of these was just a prelude, for suddenly violent winds roared into life, bending foliage and breaking the windows of the nearby buildings. The city denizens could observe to their horror as the funnel cloud descended from the sky, a clear sign of what to come. Before they knew it, LDEL6370 and Hexxer had a bona fide tornado on their hooves, one that was tearing the Centrail Park , and the skyscrapers neighboring it asunder. It was too late for escape, and soon the two combatants were snatched by the raging vortex. After being battered for a minute or two by the gales and items of various shape and size, similarly seized by the twister, the two was dumped by the edge of park's decommissioned water reservoir when the tornado started dissipating. And certain alicorn was already waiting for them, undisguised and in her full, lovely glory. "Hello girls." she said while dullahan and cyborg were getting back on their hooves. Oh, this will be exhilarating. "Room for one more?" Nerezza asked before flashing a mocking smirk.

Daaaawwww. You spoil us Steel. Myself, I certainly like to hear more. I hope that Battlemage will be involved for....reasons . Also, seeing that EquestrianSchoolar is MIA I will be posting in Gate Kicker...if it is okay with both Dusty and Pretzy.

"Why, this is exactly what I am talking about." Ossia said, confirmed her with to take Blue under her tutelage. "And I have a lot to teach indeed. Ufufufu...if you thought your 'Aunt' is experienced, wait until you spend a week with me. I will mercilessly pour wisdom and knowledge onto you at mornings, noons and evenings. Very looong evenings." alicorn mused with a purr. "Yes, they are an affront to the eyes. Although I am think they are a bit too old to be students." Nerezza agreed with Platinum while adding her own observation. "CORRECT. AND-WE-PITY-YA-FOOLS. IT'S-YOU-WHO-ABOUT-RECEIVE-A-SCHOOLING." android minotaur chimed in "..........I loathe basically everything in that sentence." pink alicorn said in completely deadpan tone before turning her head towards the Platinum. "It seems those jokers don't bother taking us seriously." she mused while setting the royal pony down onto museums steps. If Platinum had any doubts about alicorn's intention's towards the quintet, Ossia's psychotic smirk was enough to lay all of them to rest. "Let's witness how bothered they will be when they see what you do." she added before raising into the air. "Haaaaaaaahhhhh......" she took a deep breath, while shrouding herself in the raw power, the spire of aether she was floating in reaching high into the darkening sky. Slowly, but surely the expressions of the five 'heroes' turned from that of confidence into those of horror and confusion. And as suddenly as it started, Ossia's display ended. For Blue's eyes nothing changed, but it was obvious that only now the five could witness Nerezza true form. "Ahahaha. What's wrong? Never saw an alicorn before? Where is it all that prior bravado?" she mocked the quintet. "Isn't she....? How?" unicorn mage gasped, demanding answers. "SHE-SUPPOSED-TO-BE-IN-SAN-FRANCISCOLT-RIGHT-NOW. IT-CAN"T-BE-HER." android clarified. "It isn't her. She feels...different. Wrong. What are you?" the quilin mare asked, apparently more distraught then her comrades. "Me?" Ossia said, quite pleased with bewilderment of the quintet. "I am a heart's true desire. The lover's touch of passion. A mother's first kiss for a child. Every gaze filled with longing. I am the Love given flesh, the guardian angel for this one..." the pink alicorn gave Platinum an knowing look "...but for you five....I will take a role of an executioner." she added, which made the 'heroes' take a step back. "Platinum Dear...." she addressed the unicorn mare beside her, while the misfits before them were still struck with terror. "Why don't you assist me in this one? That way I can measure how capable you already are, before our first lesson." Nerezza explained while stroking Bluebelle's neck.