Ciraxis

".....Are they involve fighting?" Esaka asked Sunburst carefully. However the gossip of two winged fillies caught her attention. "Wonderbolt? What's Wonderbolt?" Homura asked, undoubtedly to the shock of younger and older winged fillies due to her obliviousness. Of course any and all questions had to wait in face of griffon boy's freak out. His luggage? Oh.... "Well that sucks." she commented before taking her hat off and turning it upside down...."Alright we need to do a whip-round to buy Gallus..." Esaka started but at this moment the younger filly trio took off to chase after train! "Oy! What are you doing? That's stupid! And dangerous! Stupidly dangerous!" she scolded them but they didn't listen - especially pegasus filly seemed dead set to reclaim the cat-bird student belongings.... "......Jeezzz... Alright Noodle-Legs hold this for..." Homura started to address the other Neighponian, but Kireina already flew after the receding wagons as well.... "....<Yare yare daze>......" quilin muttered in annoyance before walking towards still stunned Gallus. "Here raptor-boy, hold this for me for a while. DON'T break it." Esaka said, as she stuffed her hat into griffons other talon....before she jumped the fence back into train-depot. When quilin walked on the tracks, she was already wrapped in amber flames. "....Alright, alright....it's been as while....I still got it. I still got it!" Homura psyched herself up, took a deep breath......and then let out the most hot-blooded scream any of her fellow students ever heard coming from the lungs of the filly! "ESAKA OUGI! - SHIN KAEN SENPŪ!!!" she roared as she punched/breathed forward - unleashing whirlwind of spinning air and fire that quickly caught up to winged fillies. However, true to it's name, instead of scorching their heels, the amber flame jet opened up, forming a half-pipe around and above Hyper, Fruit, Midnight and Kireina...but most importantly it also created a jet-stream-like rush of air, giving the winged fillies so much needed speed boost!

"Yeeees he did betray you...after you betrayed everyone else. Some friendship student you are." Swift said with a growl, his gaze shifting back and forth between draconequus and the bouquet that was pushed into his grasp. "They may have forgiven you, but they will never forget. The question is, have you forgiven yourself?" noblepony said aloud a painful reminder that surely had to gnaw at Discord's mind. After a moment Squall's stern gaze softened, if only for a moment. "There are no shortcuts for this one. It's something you have do rebuild little by little....until you can look at the mirror again, unashamed." unicorn saidmreflexively touching his chest, where his scars used to be. Despite help of everyone, he still found himself haunted by his guilty conscience...but at least Fire kept the nightmares away. Tooo bad she was leaving soo....wait. "Dear that story about that sewer maniac.....didn't you did that...yesterday?" he asked slowly. He was up all night long. "It...it's Thursday, right?" Swift asked, while taking look at incredibly expensive Long Guo statue calendar. "Right! And you were supposed to that job at Wednesday! This meas that today is you day-off!" noblepony realized. "......You know what, I tell oak to turn on pool heater while you change." he waved at her uniform. Yeeeah, not exactly easy to wash this one. Swift turned to the samurai. "I am sorry for the inconvenience. Things here are usual more...scheduled here. Please allow me to - AT LAST - show you to your rooms." Swift said before throwing glance at draconequus. "Yours as well, Discord." Squall murmured before leading the way. Of course their walk couldn't be silent as bored spirit of chaos kept rambling on and on. "Depends..." Swift mused when the Discord offered his 'help'. "If you know how to break the oligopoly that holds Equestria's shipyard industry while operating withing boundaries of the country law, then be my guest!" Swift growled again, for once venting his frustration on something else the chaotic being. Indeed solving this dilemma was a reason why he didn't shown at bed this night.

So, I assume this is still a thing? If Pyro won't post in few days, I can produce something.

Hou let out a giggle at stallion's first words. "Sombra's current state had little to do with this. He's always been less proficient in espionage and counter-espionage then he believes he is. Yet another display of his over-confidence. He get few flashes of cunning, but one swallow doesn't make a spring." sorceress mused before asking. "Did you extend the same request to him?" Shuren enjoyed Magnus reaction before continuing. "Not that it matters. Sombra pretends he can teach more then he could, but many of his talents stem from the fact that he wasn't born a pony." Hou explained patiently. "I remember a times when most of this...." she waved widely toward at surrounding landscape "...was a primeval beech forest. But I was always an unicorn, one that clawed her way up to where I am today...." sorceress explained before turning around and pausing. She looked somewhat....contemplative? "So you seek strength, and are aware of the price. The only thing that can defeat power is more power. That is one constant in this universe - even if that power takes many shapes and comes from different sources." Hou said. She already sounded like a teacher. "However, there is no point in power if it consumes itself. Power has to have a purpose." sorceress said with emphasis. "So, what is a purpose of that strength you desire, Mr.....?" Shuren asked, expectant expression.

Trotscany.... It has been decades since Hou set hoof on the verdant rolling hills of this Itaily region. Long ago she chose it as one of her 'safe' vacation spots, relatively safe from her schemes and plans. Because - let's be honest - who would want to disturb this charming countryside and it's warm sun? Well, brutes like Tirek and vermin like Chrysalis would - the short-slightness that was a reason for their initial failures. Even when putting some thoughts and preparations into the actual planning, they found themselves bested yet again. Shuren was glad that they were gone. The trio presented an uncontrollable disturbance, one to be taken advantage off - like she did yesterday - but not manageable. Sorceress was even more glad that they were not off the board entirely. As her agents reported, Alicorn Sisters and Discord lacked the nerve to deal with term permanently. Good. Perhaps when the time comes, they will prove to me more...controllable pawns. For now their fate proved yet again, that challenging Equestria upfront without an army - no matter how powerful you yourself were - was inviting your own downfall. This country had to be weakened first, undermined until it was valuable. To make them guess each and every move, and to make their sovereigns look over the shoulder every minute. And that required subtlety...and patience. Like those present in one that was her tail right now. This was going long enough. By now Celestia probably thinks she left the country entirely, or moved south to disappear into crowds of Manhattan. That was of course what she would normally do.... "You have been skulking behind me since half-way of Eponine Mountains crossing." Hou said, suddenly stopping in the middle of the country road and looking over the shoulder. "I assume from your persistence, and lack of REA guards swarming to annoy me that you have business to discuss." unicorn mare added, in somewhat expectant tone.

It was only few days but during them, Squall was living with anticipation to show Miss Applejack Fillydelphias's New Wonder-In-Making. Well, two wonders, although the one that was in the air, in the distance wasn't really tied to Filly per say. His vigil lasted from daybreak, so Squallcoast could only breath in relief when Apple mare showed up. From his sources, Swift heard that between their last meeting and today, Applejack's kid managed to get his wing broken. He winced in sympathy when he got this information - wing fracture's were always ugly, even more so in the growing age. Thus Squall wasn't sure if earth-pony mare will show up - although seeing that she approached him now, he deduced that she really needed the money for the health bills. That said, her mood was quite perky. Good, seems that little colts prognosis was promising. Too bad her family wouldn't be joining her due to circumstances. "Hello to you too Miss Applejack. In impish mood I see." he mused before releasing magical flare into the sky. "Let's go for a walk. We need to give it space for a touchdown." he added, which was odd since there was plenty of space around them already. "I am sorry to hear what happens Miss Applejack. I know that Sparkle got you with touch with Equestria's best doctors, but in case if that wouldn't be enough....I may be able to reach out for those beyond the realm. From my pocket." he offered. Before earth pony mare could protest, noblpony already raised his hoof. "This isn't an gift from employer Miss Applejack, but one from a friend. I won't accept 'No' for an answer. I am as stubborn as you, remember? Also...." he paused as large shadow passed over them. "Fifty-five thousand per month...." Squall added before droning noise above them couldn't be ignored any longer. Only now it became clear why he deemed it needed more space. While flying vessel appeared merely big earlier, it was only because it was far an away. Now orange coated mare could see that this balloon-lacking behemoth was actually half-mile long. "So what do you think? I wanted to show it to Sparkle first...but seeing that you part of Twilight Guard I was hoping you put good work for me." noble-pony admitted. "....Not that she can miss it from Canterlot anyway." he added after sudden realization. "Behold 'Endymion'. And before you ask - yes, the guy who named it is quite a Luna's fan. This is the last prototype from a long line, and as close to final product as possible. TEMPEST had to build a whole brand new shipyard just to have it constructed. The only thing he lacks are pre-installed weapons but....well, it's so large and so durable it could simply ram the Storm King's fleet and come up on top. It's all new magitech and state-of-art one at that." Swift explained as the landing ramp was extending for them. It in itself was wider them Applejack's house. "I...we are hoping for it to become Equestria's latest flagship. If Sparkle's agrees for a contract, then she will very easily can get two of those behemoths. Of course we will take care of building new maintenance bases for them too." Swift continued his explanation as they made their way to the bridge. At first it appeared that they were on the large terrace, but count quickly dismissed the notion. "The bridge is actually completely closed in. It's just that the hull above and forward is enchanted to be see-through from here, on top of durability spells. But ONLY from the inside." he clarified before turning to his companion. "So...ready to for a trip on the largest thing that took into the skies?"

I somehow missed this...in order: @SteelEagle In regards to staff I have few ideas. For example Squall really, really wants to become a better future spouse - which includes desire to learn to cook. And it's one of the things that he has no talent with. At all. He is also quite the Neighponesphile, and with his mansion commons he has enough place to put a whole garden and a castle in this style. Which he planned for a long time. Squallcoast manor is also old. It hides some secrets that even Swift doesn't know off....and some that he doesn't want others to know off. As of being his assistant - Swift travels a lot, and this tends to come with...accidents and excitement. He crashed twice so far in his business-pony career, and they were attempted kidnappings. He's also a very generous boss, willing to help his employees in more.....personal ways then just giving them a bonus or a raise. @PrinceBlueblood I love the idea, although I wouldn't call that 'crushes'. Probably add him to list of ponies that she's fan off (and imprint desire to know more about kung fu...because this is yet another chapter of it vs karate). Keep in mind she's also a street brawler, so she's has about zero knowledge about...ah...an etiquette when it comes to proper spar. I am also all behind her meeting Blue....although I wonder is he/she has to deal with issues of hot-blood incarnate....

Homura stifled the initial response that came to her mind to Kireina question. After all, Noodle-Legs didn't did anything to earn her ire. At least so far. "<......Just looking.>" she finally muttered after a moment before returning to her drawing. The mere mention of 'gladiator show' however, was enough to stir Esaka from her torpor. It was like an jolt run through filly, one that filled her eyes with a little more gleam. Quilin got next to Sunburst so fast one could swore that she teleported. Only small yellow-gold embers on the floor told otherwise. "Colosseum? Gladiator show? Can we go? Can we participate?" the little blood knight inside Esaka reared her head. "Please tell me more Sunburst-sensei!" she pleaded. The change was probably astonishing for her traveling companions. After all, this was the most lively and excited that Homura got since enrolling in the School of Friendship! "They do the whole 'pankration' thing there, right? I want to see it's moves!" Of course before Sunburst could answer, it came the time to leave the train. Homura gave unicorn professor a look that indicated that she wasn't done before rushing back to gather her things. During disembarkment, the young quilin bumped into toga wearing reptile. This made Homura do a double take. Wait, this wasn't a mare reptile - it was a dragon! True, it looked like horned lizard blended with a bat - unlike graceful dragons of Long Guo - but looks weren't everything. And besides, it weren't the looks that interested Esaka. No, she was much more interested in western's dragons reputation as temperamental and combative creatures that fought with claws, teeth and fire. There was one thing however....didn't western dragons supposed to be HUGE? "Or is she fun size? Neat." she muttered before joining the group. She really hoped that they get to hotel fast - the faster they do, the faster they can get to this Colosseum place!

Not joining, but seeing that Hou is my character I will be happy to provide some info and pointers via PM's if anyone wishes for it. Especially so since she's an old foe for both Luna and Celestia (more so with the later than the former, obviously due to more interaction) so they should know what they talking about. She also isn't in many books, and certainly not in Long Guo ones since Empire deliberately erased records of her - than again, Princesses not mentioning old enemies of theirs to Twilight is kind of a habit of theirs.

Epilogue: "....You are dismissed." Hou ordered to her minions, who in turn bowed and unobtrusively left the chamber. It's good to be back at Wunyun. Sorceress gaze glided across the spoils of the sucessful operation. It was good. Not perfect, but good, and that was enough. It was a shame that she had to reveal her presence to Sombra, but even more so that she had to leave his soul alone for now. But at least she got potential follower out of this mess...perhaps even student, if he fulfills his task..... He sough to learn from both her and fallen king. Good....she expected nothing less! Who knows? Perhaps with passing years he find himself with potential to become one of the Seven? And this pegasus that spied on them..... Hou wondered how her dark magic would influence her. She certainly didn't give it any direction. If she welcomes it, she may become something unlike any other creature in this world. And if she resist? Well, that was the mystery. No matter, she had time to find out answers for both of these questions. Of all ponies on the face of the world She had time. And she will use it to study her prizes in the meantime. Copies of Starswirl numerous notes, his monograph about mirror magic, the volumes of dark magic that eluded her for centuries.....Magic Mirror...and the Stone....those were but a few of treasures she got out of this. Of course more remained behind, like Staff of Sacanas....but all in due time. Shuren's gaze left the artifacts as she walked and sat on ornamented throne. Those were just tools, no matter how powerful. The true might laid in something else. Sorceress conjured magical images of exceptional ponies. Student's of Princesses.....two of the Sun...one of the Friendship....one of the Moon. Who knows? Perhaps Love will take apprentice of her own. She could hardly wait to match her wits and magical might with every one of them. Such delicious souls..... "Certainly, interesting times are soon to come....don't you agree, Your Highness?" sorceress said, to the petrified visage of the Storm King......

"Hoity toity?" Swift raised an eyebrow. It seems they all had their own little prejudices. Even more surprising how weather teams were treated here then in Manhattan or Filly. "Curious. There seems to be disparities on how such career is viewed between metropoles and smaller communities, yes. Yet another thing Sparkle will have to get a good look over. Although....Sunt facta verbis difficiliora." Swift mused. Indeed, this will be something that will not be easy to uproot. After all, all ponies had tribalistic tendencies in their blood. One had to just get good look at Kastrot or Acroneighos if they wanted an more visual example of that. "Well this is outside of expertise of either of us. Maybe your other half would have some more info about the issue. I would appreciate if you share it if she did." noblpony mused while reaching for his longcoat with his magic. He caught off guard when - after putting on his garments - he saw Applejack's outstretched hoof. They didn't sign any paperwork yet! but after initial surprise Swift returned the hoof-shake, along with a smile of his own. "I look forward to it too, Miss Applejack." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Next Monday, Commons outside School of Friendship. 7:00 A.M. Squall had to admit - School of Friendship and it's immediate surroundings made for a pretty sight - which was why he didn't mind at all in the open. Twilight has chosen the location wisely - being far enough from Ponyville to prevent it's students from being distracted, while also having a room for potential expansion or perhaps dorms. At the same time it was close enough to not make access or logistics a hassle. And best of all, those wide fields could serve as makeshift landing strips, in a pinch! Such was Swift thoughts as he - garbed in white for a change - awaited noth his new business partner, and their transportation....

How can one draw so good yet so fast?! Is this the power of.....UltrART Instinct?!

The unicorn knew that she will be eating well this afternoon. After all, not everyday you ran into such fiery soul. Sunset Shimmer - the other Celestia's student. And Hou knew that she chosen this - back then - filly for a reason. Sun alicorn wasn't unerring of course, but she had eye for quality. When it came to spotting extraordinary ponies, Celestia was very reliable. Even Hou had to agree, that the filly Pincess picked up to be her pupil was very special, as she watched her from afar. Great power, keen mind, burning temper.... Shuren was so impressed that she was ready to offer Shimmer to be her student after falling out with her solar mentor. Alas, the events moved too quickly before invitation could be made, and it took sorceress years to figure out where Sunset disappeared into. By the time of her return, she was already molded, changed mare. But as do Equestrian's say 'Waste not, want not.' While it was to late too make her apprentice, Hou had other - more straightforward - uses for this very special soul. And this extraordinary mare in possession of it, chose unusual activity for herself today. Unusual, but familiar. Nostalgic actually.... "Fenghuang Monk here. How...quaint...." Shuren mused to herself, before burning the flyer she was reading moment prior to ashes. Hou tapped her hoof as she pondered. How long was it was since the last time? Three hundred years? Long Guo monks and their practices were like a weeds. Let them out of sight for a moment, and they spread like influenza. Heh, she still remembered that event. She reaped many souls during those years. Did they believed her dead? That would be absurd, they should know better. True, her interests were directed more to the west and south for a while - but that doesn't meant that she was ignoring her homeland completely. Still, perhaps it was her fault after all? Maybe she was way to elusivey for her own good? True it benefited her in the long run, but how much more she could gain if she hid her true intentions under layers and layers of smokescreen? Throw an atrocity or two to make deception seemed plausible.... Hou waved her hoof, as if to dismiss unnecessary thoughts. Straightforward plans are often overlooked by those who spin their webs of intrigue for way too long. Complexity addiction can often be as dangerous to one's health as is dismissal of details. Flexibility, was the word to live by. White unicorn smiled under her hood as she readjusted her cloak. Not only she will be eating well today - she had an opportunity to put back fear of the dark into followers of Harmonious Path. An opportunity she was more the ready to exploit. With those thoughts, Hou left Ponyville plaza and directed her steps towards the distinctive hill....

Less then a week.....it was less then the week since Esaka arrived to this new school. And the first thing she got after accustoming herself a little to her new situation was...being dragged on the field trip. Figures. Then again, it's not like she was told to attend any classes at first. Most of the time she spend wandering School's halls, getting herself familiar with it and the town of Ponyville. Normally she would dive horns first into enjoying her new surroundings...and perhaps at some level she did found it exciting. It just...everything still seemed so grey, dulled out. Just not as much as back in Neighpon.... If only her irritation was so suppressed.Not only she was dragged on a trip she wasn't really ready for, she had to go along with the Noddle-Legs who was sitting in the same row, but across the aisle. At least she got herself busy with reading, so Homura could forget for a moment she was here. So quilin got herself busy too, just with drawing instead. The occasional bump on the tracks made it somewhat challenging, but they came in regular intervals so she adapted. So focused Homura was - both on the drafting the picture of ship engine from memory, and keeping track on the bumps - that she didn't noticed the pegasus filly until she was right in her face. "Eh?!" quilin vocalized her surprise, which was followed by a pregnant pause. "I am....I guess?" she answered finally - glancing from under her cap - although in a half-hearted way. What was this Roam city anyway? From what she recalled from history lessons in her previous schools, this place was old. Like, Kyoma old. Except less disasters. That meant it had a lot of history....but what kind of history? Did it had...Gladiators? Homura knew that some old civilizations did. Well perhaps if she eavesdropp on those three she will find out. So Esaka did just that, all the while eyeing up Hinode....