Ciraxis

[colour=green]"So...this is the place?"[/colour] lone unicorn muttered to himself. He checked the letter one more time - yes, there was no mistake. Few day's ago he received the letter. The message held details for the first step of so called 'Game'. According to it he was supposed to meet with the other participants at Canterlot warehouse district at 12:00. So here he was, standing in his best traveling gear - Swift Squall wasn't going to give fate any chances. His usual brown trench coat was replaced with black duster - stuffed with equipment and thrown weaponary. Around his waist hanged heavy belt, which in turn held one of the money punches, a whip and a dagger. On his back was a special harness in which Swift carried his sword. Suddenly, a loud whistle blew and the crowd begun to disperse. Yet Swordstallion quickly noticed that despite pushing masses of workers, there were ones who stood in place, not moving an inch - those must be these 'others'. At first unicorn had an urge to join the stream of ponies, sneak into an alley and from there up the roof of one of the warehouses, to spy upon others from above - but he resisted that. Instead he himself chose to imitate the statue, turning his face into expressionless mask. Only his eyes - thankfully completely hidden from others by his trusted shades - followed the ones who was left. And they suddenly widened when he noticed Sparks and Sleuth. [colour=green]"Wha-what are they doing here?"[/colour] he wondered, surprised. Stupid question - it was obvious - the same he did. Squall didn't seen them from the time of the robbery in Fillydelphia Museum of History. He closed to the distance slowly. [colour=green]"Yet again, our paths cross. And yet again, in unfortunate circumstances."[/colour] Swift greeted them. [colour=green]"Both of you got a letters."[/colour] It wasn't the question, that was a statment [colour=green]"And so did I"[/colour]. Swordstallion sighted - he just hoped that both of them would take the situation seriously. He turned around and gave others a glance....what a mixed bunch.

Muggo turned out to be very nice and pleasant fellow. Squall couldn't help but notice his thick and heavy accent, probably cose he wasn't accustomed to Fillydelphia yet, despite living here for several months already. [colour=green]"No...it's okay. She speaks what she thinks. If everypony would be this honest there would be less problems."[/colour] he said. [colour=green]"True, and that's means I am a hypocrite ain't I?"[/colour] he added in his mind. [colour=green]"Besides, she's right, I mean...[/colour] he gave his garment a look. Fresh stains from mud and rainwater couldn't be missed. [colour=green]" That's mine fault through, jogging whole day...and on top of this I lost piece of cloth that held mine mane together. But I can assure you Wind, normally I look much better."[/colour] unciorn smiled and shrugged. Looks wasn't important for him anyway. [colour=green]"Still..."[/colour] he thought [colour=green]"Fire said...that I am handsome?"[/colour] [colour=green]"And I will not point out who behaves like who. As I recall you yourself told that you used to be quite...rought yourself."[/colour] unicorn teased the scarlet mare. [colour=green]"Hmm..."[/colour] Squall pondered. [colour=green]"Fire...is she really that fast? I mean...you told me already that 'Yes, she is.' but...[/colour] Swift said to mare in a whisper so filly wouldn't hear him. He paused for a moment before continuing even quiter [colour=green]"If that is true...well did you consider that she can be a flying prodigy? In such case you need to be very, careful...Wind can become dissatisfied with development of her talent and...well you know well how it ended with me. Did you thinked about getting her a private tutor or trainer of some sort?"[/colour] [colour=green]"Well...it's seems that Windy's brain can keep up with her wings. Never underestimate a kids. I rember when I runned into that little thief in..."[/colour] he started when suddenly door bell rang. [colour=green]"Dunder."[/colour] Swift was glad to see him....yet at the same time, remembered that he need to have mature talk with the brown pegasi. But that had to wait for later, when they will be alone. He sat silent when fliers had they little exchange, but he couldn't withhold himself from giving Blust a disapproving look over the shades when pegasus moved to hug Wind. [colour=green]" Err....??? I-I mean, congratulations Fire! Yet...can't say I am surprised."[/colour] when other gave him a confused looks he explained. [colour=green]"Think about it....we all have more 'can't-survive-that' and 'now-I-really-gonna-die' situations under our belts than couple of battalions putted together. It's kind of obvious that 'fate' either hates or loves us. And now it's seems that it's the later."[/colour] [colour=green]"I would love to but...well to tell the truth I don't think I should get one. I mean...I don't wan't to brag but I can afford myself such trip with ease. It's just doesn't seem fair."[/colour] his face turned red, Swift now felt really ashamed for being rich.

[colour=green]"Actually, you gave me them even earlier Fire, in the letter. It's just mine terrible luck that prevented me from meeting the owner."[/colour] warm baritone was heard from the entrance. The gazes of the three ponies followed to the owner of this voice. Yep, it was Swift Squall but he looked unusual...for himself that is. While his trusted sword Jaohm and his trademark green sunglasses was still on the right places the rest was not. His long mane, normally kept in ponytail was now flowing freely. Instead of duster, treanch coat or some loose jacket he was wearing hoodie. Also on his legs were some metal branclets - they looked very heavy. [colour=green]"But it looks like I hit a jackpot at last. Instead of one long awaited meeting I got two at once."[/colour] unicorn continued as he closed the distance. [colour=green]"Hi Fire. You look great, it's been more then three weeks isn't it?"[/colour] he spoke softly, truly glad from the meeting. However before he could meet her gaze Swift shifted his attention to the filly at her side. He gave his friends sister a welcoming smile - he always had a soft spot for kids. [colour=green]"Ahh...you must be a Wind Walker, isn't it? Fire talks a lot about you. Half out it are complains. Propably because she can't keep up with you. The other part is somewhat in the tone of...How shall I put it? - I have best younger sister ever!"[/colour] Squall allowed his shades to slide down a little while he spoke. Before placing them back he gave a filly a friendly wink. [colour=green]"And here we have the owner of this fine place. Both of our winged friends had spoken nice and high about you. Good enough to make me wish to meet you. I am Swift Squall - the swordstallion"[/colour] said the unicorn, offering his hoof to the Muggo. He skipped all other titles, deeming that they were not important. [colour=green]"I see that Blusty is not here yet."[/colour] Squall noticed.

Ohhh...good to know. I was getting worried about the topic.

Instead of answering Swift just smiled at the pair. He took the book when Dunder passed it back to him. Squall gave a chuckle before gazing at the page where the two pegasi left their writing. Count knew that he will remember that moment forever. It lookas like his attemt to be more open have payed of. Swift gave a book one more look....something was missing. He grabbed the quill and placed it at the top of the page. Unicorn wrote then one, single word "FRIENDS" With enough luck, just first of many. Fin

Prepared as well. Let's roll.

One can wonder why nopony uses crossbows funnel style, it shouldn't be hard with some training, Rarity herself showed to be capeable with levitating numerous stuff. Also we have a teleportation, probably second most broken magic there is. However we have no data about limitations of teleportation. Spike's breathing shows that items can be teleported, this however can be limited to dragon breath. If it is not, one can imagine teleporting projectiles mid-flight or teleporting something (presumebly, very sharp or pointy) into someone. Not counting the fact that we could teleport someone veeeery high to make them splat on the ground. Or heck, into the ground, burying them alive. There is no need for fancy fireball stuff, just some imagination.

Annnnd now I am back. Sorry for all that waiting.

[colour=green]What?[/colour] just this one word flashed through unicorns mind after Fire's confession.[colour=green]Dunder. Did. What?[/colour] A uncertain stable path that was before Swift shattered at this very moment into million bits. He...wasn't surprised to think about it. For all this time that Squall came to know Dunder, his pegasus pal was oblivious in extreme way to the signal that various mares was sending towards him. Worse yet, he unintentionally wooed almost all the girls he came across...and now one got hurt because of it. [colour=green]Dunder...we need a serious talk.[/colour] Swift thought both furious and concerned abot his very first friend. But...it was not all. Week, after week since meeting the both pegasi, he started to think about red mare more and more. He never before felt anything like this...he just wasn't sure if this is just a simply an attraction towards her or something more. He never attended normal school, place best suited as the test field for developing feelings. He got private tutors instead, that taught him a lot, certainly more than at normal school...yet nothing about this! Yet Swift was not naive, and he knew there was one obstacle that was unvanquishable on the way of confirming this. Swift never before had any close friends...and he knew since their first meeting that Fire liked Dunder - even if that loveable knucklehead suspected nothing. Squall could not risk that friendship for some one sided love rivaly...so he been silent, his indeterminated feelings kept deep inside. Now however, beast that was imprisoned by the chains of hopelessness had awoken in his chest. Maybe now, he could have a chance, after Dunder so reclessly throwed away such treasure... [colour=green]But what if...I would only hurt her more?[/colour] horrifying thought came out of nowhere. Yes...Fire Walker was hurt recently...in the way more painful than any physical wound. He himself had a similiar experience, altrought it was bond with his father that was damaged. Unicorn knowed her well enough to reconize the truth despite her words, she propably was angry on herself. Right now any botched declaration of his could only worsen that pain. He need to be subtle, kind and patient. Oh Celestia...why it all was so hard? * * * * * Unicorn himself got so pensive that he did not noticed that Fire had walked away...that confession must been hard for her too. He just walked back from the "Wardrobe Alley". He didn't take the floor until he noticed that pegasi was rather depressed by the surroundings, but he got an idea.... [colour=green]"Splendid idea Fire...well at last I this so. It's you who know Muggo not me right? Errr...[/colour] he paused for a moment. He sounded like a dork. He quickly came with something different to cheer her up. His head turned towards Cydonia. [colour=green]"While I didn't find anything for myself here I came to like your style. I think about making an order...twelve rooms and dinning hall if not more."[/colour] swordstallion said aloud [colour=green]"There is no hurry in that, so how about we all go to some club to discuss that? And don't worry about anything...my treat and pleasure. Especially for a somepony so talented at woodcraft and a griffon with such quick wit."[/colour]

My voyage have come to end. So once again I am ready to jump into the fray of roleplaying and posting!

Good that you mention this Chippy. I myself will be gone from the 4 too 11 or 12 of October. Sorry about that.

I will be gone for a whole week starting with hmmm...tommorow. There is 98% chance about lack of internet where I will be going and that's HORRIBLE ! I should be back at 11 or 12 of this month.

[colour=green]"Indeed, you are missing something Gerrard. You should know that it was not equestrian. It is the language of my teacher...the one who taught me a material arts. He was not from here but from lands overseas. It was his catchphrase and I...kinda picked it from him, besides the ability to kick flanks with just my hooves that is."[/colour] Swift said to griffon, loathing expression on his face. [colour=green]"Sometimes I wonder where he went."[/colour] he added to himself, much more quietly. When they entered the shop unicorn took the deep breath. It really smelled nice, he could sense bothe the familiar and some exotic. [colour=green]"You made all of this yourself Cydonia? Astounding."[/colour] Squall said, quite impressed. There was many items to chose from and it showed up that Fire did not know where to begin. [colour=green]"Well...how about....hey, isn't that a jukebox frame?"[/colour] he walked to the direction he pointed at. [colour=green]"My, my...look at this. So much detail, nothing like that manufactured rubbish you can usually buy. Is that..sandalwood?"[/colour] he mumbled while exmining the item. [colour=green]"He does have a jukebox...right?"[/colour] [colour=green]"I think I will buy something as well. Some of the rooms are still lacking furniture..."[/colour] he checked his purse to see how much bits he had with himself. At that moment a realisation flashed through mind as he finally rembered. [colour=green]"Pssst....Fire."[/colour] Swift whispered towards pegasi and pointed ate the row of the wardrobes, behind which he disappeared. When she fallowed him he begun to explain. [colour=green]"I recalled where I meet Cydonia. It was in...Las Pegasus, some months after....my pops found up that mum was writing to me...and sending allowance. I was broke and desperate so I sleept at Mercenary Guild for it was free. I founded that the some group - you know whp I mean - was looking for members."[/colour] he frowned at the unpleasant memory. [colour=green]"However time was an issue, and they were at Hoofington...and I didn't had a money for a ticket. And...she (Cydonia that is!) lended me some bits. I didn't ever asked...but she was just so nice. After that ,you know how it turned up to me, I just forgot about my debt...and so it seems that she forgot as well. It didn't occured to me until now...she didn't had scars on her face when we meet the last time,and that throwed me off."[/colour] he stopped and brooded a while. [colour=green]"I think...I will invite her to our Canterlot mansion. Oh don't be so suprised Fire. You know who my father is, and what he does. It's just natural, that we have a big house in every major city in the Equestria in case he needs to travel there."[/colour]

Nope. It was friend of theirs who suffered fate worse than that. I planed nothing specific so go ahead with imagination.

[colour=green]"Wonderbolt you say?"[/colour] Swift didn't really liked them, opposite in fact. For him flying shows was waste of time and bad role model. He keept it for himself through. [colour=green]"Speaking of Muggo..."[/colour] Squall throwed in [colour=green]"Since you and Dunder spoke so nice of him, I tried to - you know - meet the guy. But every time I try, it's either his bar closed, or he is not there or...nevermind. Guess I must have some terrible luck."[/colour] unicorn shook his head and took a sip of tea. What worried Squall was the fact that Cydonia did not took his bait. He was hoping that his provokation will get him some hints about her past. He was now sure that he meet her durning his time as mercenary...yet still could not recall why it felt important to him. When griffon proposed the hug Swift got confused. [colour=green]"What is..? Whatever."[/colour] he thought. [colour=green]"Yare yare daze."[/colour] unicorn said aloud instead.

[colour=green]"Speaking of rooms. I wonder what is behind that door at the end of the corridor in that pit...and why would somepony build such thing in the garden?"[/colour] Squall pondered and took a bite from his pizza slice, he was sure that door had some bas-reliefs on it, but shadows hidden the details. [colour=green]"That is decent advice Fire, I will do that. Yet not before I get myself back together. But...if something behind that door belongs to my family I am not giving that away, regardless what it will be."[/colour] unicorn declared vigorously, after swallowing. [colour=green]"Of course I will not do this alone. And if any of you will not manage to be here I will inform what I foind by letter. Oh right, if I supposed to write to you I need your adresses. Now, where I put the notebook?"[/colour] Swift left his pizza, walked to the side and began to search inside the boxes.

[colour=green]"By Celestia, what is this guy's problem? Is he always that kind of jerk? Does he really want to prove he's a douche?"[/colour] Swift thought. [colour=green]"Thank's but I won't take the offer from someone who was obviously not hurt...in either way. And the honor is something more then just obeying the law."[/colour] Swift said quietly. That talking about..wounds, even in figurative sense was not pleasant. [colour=green]"Tell me about it. I got pretty busy myself. Robbery of ancient magical artifacts, fighting against bunch of ninjas, wresling with giant alligator, preventing..ah nevermind... - you know, the usual stuff. And don't remind me about about the renovation, I had to hire another group because Bubble accidently showed up and scared them off. Superstitions...thankfuly all work was done just before winter. I still need to take care of cellars but at least mansion don't look like bats nest anymore."[/colour] unicorn grumbled. [colour=green]"Wind? Well finally. I guess she will not torment you about help at getting it anymore. And what her Mark would be? Come on, don't hold that for yourself Fire."[/colour]

Desert? you must be very carefull on the desert. Most of wildlife thinks your yummy. Especially on Arrakis.

{OOC: Ignore this. Unnecessary double-post cose of my lack of focus<mumble, mumble>}

"...Right." this one word sounded more like a growl then an answer. They were...just friends. Swift knew well that Fire had a crush on their good pal Dunder. She wouldn't even look at the unicorn that way. Swift allowed his sunglasses to slide down on his snout a little. He did things like these rarely, for he disliked direct eye contact, but Gerrard needed a lesson. Swift gave the griffon an angry glare. It was a stare trained to deal with criminals, sellswords and other rabble-rousers without starting a fight. Even the toughest melted before that glare. "You fairly quick to jump into false assumptions Mr. Grayfeather." Squall said slowly and clearly, all the while pinning a griffon to his seat with intimidating look of his emerald eyes. "One can wonder, did you lost some of so famous Aquilian honor durning these six years? No wonder, with so many nobility in one place the air is just reaking with falsehood and deceit. One can't help but to start to tell a little lies here and there...isn't it Mr. Grayfeather? Really most of time I am myself ashamed to be a Count." swordstallion finished and readjusted his shades so they hid his eyes again. The griffon looked sympathetic enough, but that should give him a lesson about trying to embarass a strangers. "What? You didn't knew? Well I guess now it would be best to let Mrs. Cydonia explain it herself. After all, what can I know about being a..." he shruged and gave a chuckle. "And belive it or not Mrs. Cydona...I wanted to confirm something. I can't tell you what just yet, but I think it will be soon enough."

Forest Touch frowned at the pantomime "Somepony really wants to get his bed turned into fur eating ooze...again. Ohh I remember the first time I did this. You have a nice shade of pink under there. Like a big, earth pony shaped sausage." unicorn chuckled at the memory "She was so amused at the sight that..." Forest giggle stopped like if it was cut by the knife. He turned his head slightly to the side, apparently ashamed "We should visit her more often. It was so long..." he turned around and lifted one of the glasses filled with liquor and swallowed all of it in one gulp. "It was my fault..."