Ciraxis

Not much of a talker, was she?  Not that Hou could blame her.  Tempest's Shadow may been a mare that tempered her body to withstand physical strains beyond that a normal unicorn could endure....but she only had one lifetime to do so. Such speed had to leave even extraordinary pony short of breath. The question is, could Storm King's ex-right-hoof-mare has enough stamina to finish the race while keeping that tempo? She shall see first-hoof if Tempest can walk her talk!

For now, 'Jade' glanced backwards. It seems that both Berry and Tiger took her challenge like champs. Hoofsome areion on other hoof, chose to lag behind. A shame....or perhaps an opportunity? After all, unicorn mare had good idea how to wear him out....this evening.

It also took all of her willpower to not gape at....Tongue Twister, was it? The cape she wore seemed inconspicuous...but Shuren knew that this mare didn't used it last time. Was the dark magic she gifted her with, affected that part of her body? Now 'Beaker' wanted to take a peek even more!

But no, she had to be patient. She rather drag her out of her hotel room in the middle of the night, when everyone will be asleep and oblivious. Then she can have 'heart-to-heart- with her test subject.

With that decided, 'Jade' once again re-focused on Shadow. Hou heard she had quite a temper. It was good oppurtunity to verify that rumor.

"I see." sorceress answered before flashing Tempest smirk. Part audacious, part belittling. For a start. "By all means, show me!"

 All Out!

It seems bat stallion got a little miffed with her words/treatment of him. Good. His giggles at her flirting were cute, but he was supposed to be Guard's Pony no? Have a little pride. Put others in their place when necessary. Good, this made the game so much more interesting.

"Ufufufu..." she let out excited giggle while glancing back. Yes, chase me!

Speaking of interesting, these two others took her challenge as well. Splendid, the more the merrier! They even managed to come close to her. After they introduced themselves, 'Jade' made a slight bow in return.

"A superb names. I am Dr. Jade Beaker. I am an ethologist.....and so it happens, I specialize in great cats." her gaze landed on a Tiger Blood for a longer while.

"And, it may be be obvious, but when working with such animals, it's important to have physical capabilities. Like managing to run faster...and longer then them!" unicorn mare explained....and accelerated.

They couldn't know that due to all the souls she absorbed before the race, Hou could keep this tempo for hours. Outward nothing could be detected, but the spirit energy within her steadily transformed into vitality, replenishing stamina while cleaning such unpleasant things like lactic acid from her muscles. Sprinting till the finish line was possible....but so deep in her foes territory, appearances were everything. For now sorceress will be content to level with the mare she didn't interact with yet - Tempest Shadow!

"Hello there." 'Jade' spoke as she appeared directly on Tempest's six. "You pretty good. Planning to keep it up till the end?"

High Path

This turned out already more enjoyable then 'Jade' expected. Not only she got to observe first hoof ponies who could become potential obstacles or become useful, she got plenty of 'eye candy' to rest her gaze at. And best of all, they seemed to return her attention. It was a while since she shared her sheets with other....especially after a.....surprise it resulted from it. A prospect of ending this abstinence by going for multiple was....tempting.

But she had other things to worry about. Three pressing things that made her lag slightly behind.

Fist was a rough weather - a mundane concern at first glance. However sorceress experience eye told her that something more could be at play. Perhaps it was a runaway storm, caused by incompetence of Heartland Weather teams (which slowly started to become proverbial)? Or perhaps something more purpose driven then mere job accident? There way ways to conirm this of course, but not without revealing her TRUE capabilities.

Tying to that was a matter of choosing the route. The bridge was shortest, most obvious one - and like most of such choices it came with a catch. Not only the bridge itself saw better days, the number of racers and the raging brook posed a question of how much longer could it last? Hou was utterly unconcerned with a flood. Has she been alone she could flash freeze it, hold whole bridge in place with her magic long enough to pass, or even part the water to pass the river bed dry hoofed. But yet again, doing so would reveal her true competence.....and perhaps even identity, seeing the 'Experiment' was close.

No it, was again unicorn's mare nature to go for such unnecessary risk, especially when she had to take into account so many other things. She will take more longer but less demanding path. The fact that grey stallion and the purple mare gazes shifting towards it, make it much more attractive choice too!

The last worry...the last worry was that she sensed the presence of a pony which she didn't accounted for!

'Element of Laughter?! Here?' Shuren expressed in her head, while  maintaining her cheerful composition outside. '....Her attendance must've been last minute decision on her side.' sorceress rationalized '.....Whatever the case, I have to be twice as careful. She may have look like a ditz, but if my servants reports are true, she had at correctly judged others at many occasions.' Hou made a mental note to herself....Better to keep contact with pink, earth pony mare to minimum! It took considerable amount of will on 'Jade's' part to not have her gaze suspiciously glued to the line of trees. She had to distract herself with something. Oh right! Cute areion stallion ahead! The purple mare already helped him up, but that didn't meant she couldn't join in.

"Not that kind of dirty hoofsome." she playfully reprimanding him while clearing his body with her magic. Also dry it up a little. She didn't bothered to do do the same with herself. Uhh better to come up with something.

"Oh please Darlins'. I am from Wingapore. At it's latitude this...." she waved at at the weather, answering unspoken question. "...Is barely a drizzle. Couldn't give me a sniffles." she boasted before giving Berry and Midnight a half lidded gaze. "...But maybe you two can. Along with your names...." she proposed...before taking off like an arrow, gaining speed and jumping over the gap not with a normal leap, but am Amanar vault.

What could Hou say? She liked to show-off from time to time.

"....If you can catch me that is...." she added from the other side, with another wink, before running off. She had other kind of storm to look forward to. A real tempest of a mare....

Far behind everypony, a booming sound could be heard - like a bomb going off. Numerous birds took flight - partially started by the noise....and partially by what it heralded.

They didn't had to wait long, soon enough they got cough up by a cloud of dust and then......

With a mother of all power-slides, 'Jade' emerged from the behind the corner - kicking up a wave of dirt reaching treetops themselves! Luckily, now that she got the group into her sight, she opted to shift into less staining movement. The unicorn moved less like an equine and more like a gazelle, gaining distance with a long leaps, only skimming the dirt the dirt with tips of her hooves. Was this the most effective way to catch up? Heck no! She clearly did it for nothing more then giggles...something more emphasized by the fact, that she didn't even appeared to be short of breath!

As she neared the the Berry Punch and two stallions, 'Beaker' couldn't help but muse.

"Ahhh the thrill of the chase! Hadn't a fun like this in ages!" she giggled, before shifting her attention toward Midnight.

"And you handsome....I will chase you allll the way to the hotel room...if that's what you want❤. After a good drink or two from this nice. Maybe bring her along too? I don't mind sharing." 

'Jade' was laying it down thick, as her leaps became shorter and shorter, shifting steadily into proper pace.

When you almost two thousand years old, you begin to get hungry for new experiences in life. Like a local traditions.....not that Hou would call this years 'tradition' despite the announcer's clam. After all, it wasn't even three hundred years!

Of course she couldn't attend looking her usual self....but that's why she spend considerable amount of time crafting over a four dozen different personas (with documents included!).

For today Shuren was 'Dr. Jade Beaker', an pretty - if bespectacled - unicorn mare from Wingapore, who 'despite her name was wildlife researcher, specializing in great cats...and that means she was a pony in excellent physical shape!

She took preparations to make this believable as well. Right now she possessed stamina and endurance of ten ponies....and certain graveyard in far away Germany town had far less spiritual activity.

As others, 'Jade Beaker' stretched herself - but the activity was almost the second nature to her - and thus, she was far more interested in other participants.

And my, oh, my, what collection it was.

First of, the 'Experiment'. The very mare that she met during her recent duel with Sombra. Sorceress could tell that the pegasus was uneasy, sensing that 'something' was wrong, but unable to determine exactly what. Hou wondered how she developed? Previously she just pumped her full of dark magic, and allowed pegasus personality and resistance - or lack of it - do the job. Depending on what she will see today, the other dose may be in order.

Next was a stallion who happened to be a candidate for Ponyville mayorship. It seems that he aimed for a top spot for race other then election one as well. Greedy, greedy boy! He might have had chance for it as well, scars being indication of experience....if Hou wasn't here as well, that is!

Next participant was an areion stallion, stance, way of speaking just screamed Guard Pony. He was quite a cutie as well!

On 11/7/2020 at 3:42 AM, Skycoaster said:

"So, where is everypony from," he said with a smile, as he trotted along the course, looking over the other competitors. He would blush for a moment when looked to see Berry. Hopefully she didn't see him staring at her at the starting line....

"Oh you know...." she answered while making a firefly yoga pose...."...East...." she added while effortlessly shifting to a standing full split, showing how tightly her crimson leotard was clinging to her. "....You might find out more if you do well!" she added with a flirtatious wink. The last part wasn't really an act.....

Speaking about easy on the eyes stallions, the next one was a hunk of an earth pony. He appeared to be though cookie, if smell of his soul was any indication...

Moment later her suspicion was validated - immigrant from Hesperia - also known as 'Everything-Trying-To-Kill-You' land.

He wasn't an only earth pony in the race though....What's is? Wasn't this a lil sister of Lady Applejack herself? And her kid as well? Ufufufu....unexpected, but welcome nonetheless. Perhaps she will find out something to blackmail Element of Honesty with? But she had to be careful. 'Hero' with a grudge often proved to be fatal to those that provoked them.

There was also other earth pony gal, of older variety. 'Jade' tilted her head as she observed the purple mare. She know the type. Single mother, desperately in need to find somepony. is or was functional alcoholic. Sorceress was hoping that she surprises her with something beyond those estimation.

And last but not least...Tempest Shadow. Hou heard she was excellent fighter...which meant she could potentially hold her own for a minute and half. Good. Eastern mare planned to see all her capabilities before the dusk falls. Shadow was in her mind often, recently, after the heist she pulled.....mostly due to one of the prizes she acquired. Oh, if only Tempest knew!

Having a mare named 'Tempest' seemed to jinx the weather...not that Hou believed in luck. Just like Shadowm, 'Beaker' welcomed an additional challenge.

"Come thunder , come lighting...." she said before addressing the others, with master-level acting"May the best pony win❤!" 'Jade' said with cheerful smile, while Hou insider her added...

"Which would be me."

...before shifting into ready position and quietly muttering "Vae victis....."

On 11/4/2020 at 5:03 AM, SteelEagle said:

"Get ready."

"Get set."

Silence.

He blew the whistle.

The Running of the Leaves had officially begun!

...All others shoot from the ready line....

Except Jade that is!

'Ummm..." the old pony said, perplexed. "The race has started." he reminded her.

"I heard." 'Beaker' acknowledged, with a strange gleam in her eyes.

"They running away!" starter squeaked, now somewhat creeped out.

"Yes. Yes they are." unicorn mare agreed...with outright predatory grin....

On 11/5/2020 at 5:58 AM, StrongCopper said:

He's running for Mayor, he might as well run this race as well. And if we can convince Spoiled to run as well... Full power to the little spite goblin in our souls.

Speaking of spirit (no necessary that of competition).....this race doesn't seem thrilling enough!

That's why Shur...ehem, Jade Beaker will be joining the 'fun' as well!

The training proceed immediately - just after they found a shaded grove that more or less hid them from the prying eyes.. Hou quickly proved herself a demanding if talented teacher. It was clear that Magnus wasn't the first student she took under her theoretical wing. She didn't linger long on practice either. For most of the spells, sorceress only shown them once or twice, and only allowed the stallion until he got them right. And further practice had to be done in his own time.

That said, she was very informative, explaining pros and cons of each spells in detail. Why 'spells'? As in, plural? In Hou's own words.....

"He who uses only hammer, thinks everything's a nail." she explained "The life itself is a proof of that. If you dig deep and long enough you will find remains of creatures of bizarre shapes, which led equally strange lives. Some of them were quite impressive in fact. But they are no longer around. You can guess why. Specialize to much, and you have no tools to adapt and you have no tools when changes came. And contrary to what most believe, changes always come." She explained before barking. "Next!"

Soon enough the lesson extended into evening and then nightfall, and the two found themselves sitting around firecamp. Well, laying in Hou's case - cause she conjured a Long Guo style couch for herself. She did produce a tent for Magnus as well, but didn't bother to do the same for herself. Either she thought herself as most dangerous thing in the dark of Italy (which might be a case), or she didn't needed to sleep at all.

"Not bad day at all if I say so myself." she mused, to nopony particular. Sorceress was laying on get her back, staring towards the starry skies visible trough the leaves. One of her hooves extended, as if reaching out to those distant lights.

"One day, even those distant worlds will be within reach." she mused while flashing a confident smirk, before rolling over to face Magnus.

"Aren't you a brooding one. Not curious at least a bit? No questions? It may be a while until such opportunity comes again you know." she teased waving her hoof, all but confirming that she was willing to satisfy his potential inquisitiveness.

Going on vacation from 27.09 to at least 06.10 so no posts from me, since I will be totally offline! No bears and mountain people this time.

"Immortal huh?" Squall mused before giving Sparkle a look-over. She was still missing her wings at the moment, but they will come back - sooner or later.

"So ravages of time have nothing of you? I guess Celestia and Luna aren't 'retiring' permanently then. Sure, they may be out of spotlight for century or three, but at some point they will want to be involved again. It will be at least five of you then." noblestallion shared some of his thought with his companion.

"And Mycus's records have to be older then those of Crystal Empire. If we save at least some of them from aeather decay..."

Of course the magical trap they found themselves in derailed his train of thought. What Sparkle described sounded dangerous......

"So....clap you hooves if you believe huh? If effect is so powerful, why aren't it used in modern magecraft?" he asked. The way she spoke about the magic, as if it was mere annoyance instead of danger put him at ease, allowing to indulge himself in curiosity.

The moment Sparkle finished her countdown, Squall jumped into the air, making triple-and-half somersault, landing on the 'floor' gracefully. Swift knew that Twilight was powerful, but it seemed that casting that spell required some effort from her.

"......I know you regaining you strength by the minute, but is it alright to strain yourself so much? Don't want to see you drying yourself....to the bone." Swift said as he glanced upward at the skeletal remains. Hmmm, this place was sealed until they got inside. Over curious students perhaps? Either way, better to not bring this to Sparkle's attention, if her near-freak out in previous room was any indication.

As Twilight opened the door and was about to pass the study threshold, Squall's leg barred her path.

"Hold it Twilight. We both can agree, that of us two...." swordpony beat his armored chest for emphasis. "..I am the less squishy one at the moment. Let me go first."

With that said, Squall entered the Mycus's study, without waiting for Princess confirmation.

The first thing Squall noticed was darkness... and dust. Lot's and lot's of long undisturbed dust. This place wasn't protected in same way that rest of facility was. Could it mean that it won't suffer from the same aether decay as the rest of it?

Pondering over this had to wait, because the second and third thing that Squall noticed - respectively - was circular railing and books. Massive, massive MASSIVE amount of books.

Noblepony carefully walked towards the railing, igniting two of his spellsabers to illuminate the place at least a little. The tome filled shelves that lined the walls confirmed that the whole place was circular.

This wasn't really a study...well perhaps it WAS - but it if was the case then it was combined with the largest underground library Squall has ever seen. Stallion sent one of his blades flying into the darkness, lighting the way, before it came back to him like a boomerang. Yup, the room was really big.

"......Around two hundred and twenty meters across....that means that circuit equals around three hundred and eighty...." he calculated aloud before looking over the railing.

"At least three floors below and...." a quick glance up..."...three more above. That makes seven minimum. If we assume that high of each floor is the same as this one...." another quick calculation.

"That's more the 42 million books...if not more. That's bigger then Bibliothèque de l'Prance......Sparkle?" Squall stopped and turned around, after hearing the sounds of utter GLEE coming from the filly-sized Princess.

"Oh right, Princess of Bookworms. You ARE in your element, huh?" swordstallion deadpanned.

"Panicking...Hah!" Squall scoffed at the idea "The day you start panicking over something so trivial, is the day trees in your orchard starts bearing dates." unicorn dismissed the idea.

Nobelpony knew what Applejack was implying. Which in a way, lead him into reason he was here.

"I know, I know!" Swift decided to skip the game of suggestions and get straight to the matter. "But she's a strong mare - trained soldier all her adult life. Had at least half as much adventures as myself. And she's big where it counts." he said with insistence.

"....Fine one horseshoe then. It's...it just...." unicorn gave a heavy sigh "....I was the one who asked her you know? The moment she said 'Yes' made this Nightmare Night the best day of my life. And now she's also mother of my little, unborn daughter. But the closer 'this day' comes I find myself asking - Will I be good enough spouse? Good enough parent?" Swift said, as he opened up, expressing his doubts and fears.

"....Mother said that the fact that I ask those questions means I care. But you can care and still screw up. I was looking for some....pointers, I guess?" swordpony said.

"You are only one I know that qualifies. Ice is a divorcee as far as I know, Pathfinder has a spouse but she's almost never home for her, Spring had a horrible breakup, Sparkle is married to the job and I am yet to discover for what in Tartarus Blueblood...Bluebelle?....aims for a relationship." Squall explained while going through his social circle. "......And I shudder at the thought of asking Discord. Does he even Know what romance is?"stallion pondered.

"The point is that I......I don't want to screw up. She doesn't deserve it. And I don't ever want to see her cry those kind of tears ever again." he added quietly.

The inside of the old silo fell silent for a moment, until Squall broke it once again.

"...I am sorry. I shouldn't throw this all down on your lap. Especially today." stallion reflected while turning around.

His expression brightened somewhat when Applejack put her own feelings into words.

"Is that so?" he mused, smirking. "Melt away huh? Seems it's a contagious feeling." Swift said as he headed to the door.

"Oh right!" with this noblepony stopped  "I 'confiscated' this on my way here." he explained before reaching out and levitating bottle of...something...on the stool standing next to the mirror.
"Miss Punch said it's latest Cranapple batch, but absolutely-perfectly-totally-propably not 'liquid courage'." stallion mused.

"...Not that you need it." he added while flashing Apple mare a smile and finally leaving his gloomy exterior behind.....

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

....Just to run into an odd conversation. Couldn't be any different, seeing who was part of it.

"Who are you calling Squallard you Fossil?!" he butted in, in peeved tone - not really fitting his very deep voice.

"I should see you coming Gramps. You look very.....You, today." Swift said, which was the most polite way to descriptive fashion disaster that was floating before him....

Before noticing Berry Punch throwing out a whole bowlof....well...PUNCH. With some garlic swimming in it. It didn't took him a second to put two-and-two together....

"Discord, fix nice mare's beverage. Doing petty pranks like this today is beneath you...." he scolded draconequus.....

"....At least before ceremony is done. After it...I will pretend to not notice." Squall mused. With THIS bomb defused (hopefully), noblepony turned to his love, and planted a hiss on her temple.

"Sorry Dear. I had to be sure to dot all the i's and cross all the t's here and there....or at least help with it." as if to a emphasize it, a bunch of help ponies poured in, carrying extra chairs. Swordstallion briefly turned towards them and waved a hoof where they should put them.

"It's great practice before our own 'Special Day', don't you think?" Swift asked while he leaned to nuzzle crimson pegasus neck....which made his gaze land on a certain broken-horn mare....

"Betrayer......" he said with enmity before breaking the hug, and unconsciously walking between Tempest and his mate and unborn child...despite the mare he was glaring daggers at being more then ten meters away. To his credit--  unlike the last time similar situation popped out - Squall didn't moved out to smite Tempest Shadow with one of his weapons that his garb undoubtedly hid. Still the tension in air was tangible.

Swift remembered Storm King's invasion well....after all, he helped evacuate the non-Princess government when the monarchs were petrified. And he had to repel this exact mare to do this. Which he kept in secret so well, that even Fire found out only recently.

Hou scoffed when she 'noticed' what he was doing - or rather, refraining of doing - with his weapons. So that's how it looked from the outside?

Still, his patience and self-control WAS reassuring. He might even aspire to great things if he keeps them.

....Which appeared to be something that she needed to cultivate. The young stallion was rearing to go the moment she finished her explanation. Ponies these days....

"Started? Boy, you nowhere near ready to embark for this task." Shuren said, before quickly clarifying when she noticed that he started to open his mount for the response.

"First off, yes I will call you 'Boy'. It's non-descriptive term when in public, and when you have so many years under belt, pretty much everpony aside from alicorn or draconequss is a kid." sorceress mused, kocking Magnus down a peg. "Second, do you think I would let you go before giving you tools to use in case events go south? You being discovered - or worse - captured, means that that it all can be tied to me and waste preparations I was making for years. I not taking any chances, and neither should you!" she announced before flashing him an audacious grin.

"I hope you not tired after that mountain-trekking, for we are putting an all-nighter training session. By the end of it, you will know presence concealing spells that have no counter yet - mostly because yours truly invented most of them." unicorn mare said smugly.

"You know, I saw you without hat already. No need to be jittery." Swift Squall said as he slipped into a silo. How did he deduced that she was without headgear, just a moment ago, was anypony guess.

Stallion paused for a moment, before reconsidering. ".....Well, I suppose it would be hard not to be in such day." he mused before giving apple mare a look-over. "Sparkle was right. White and blue DOES suits you. I am sure you will knock you wife-to-be off her hooves when she lays her eyes on you." noblepony complimented his friend. "....And now I owe Princess fifty hundred bits."

And speaking of clothing

....For the occasion, the noblepony made sure to garb himself in white and vivid green longcoat, with white suit underneath - quite similar to wear he had on the first day he shown Applejack Fillydelphia Botanical Gardens - but more regal and professional.

And professional he had to be. While Miss Rarity was obviously the mare to decor things, and Miss Pinkie was one who was in charge of the 'FUN' stuff, Squall took upon himself to be responsible for the logistic, making sure that those two - or anypony else involved in the preparations - needed for nothing. Seeing that he had a fleet of airships at his beck and call, he was obvious choice for such role.

"Those additional chairs that were needed should be here in 5 minutes. As will be extra appetizers. I knew you had large family but between hearing AND seeing..." he shook his head somehow between impressed and horrified, while leaning on silo wall. "....And you do nothing to buck this tradition." Swift said while pointing at her gravid belly. "Not that there is anything wrong with that! Plenty of unused land in Mustangia to expand to." he quickly added. "I am sure she will as good of a kid as you colt is. Heh, who know what career path she might choose?" he pondered before giving a deep sigh.

"Sorry, I guess you have enough on your mind already without my rambling to disturb you...." he said with grimace. It was clear that he was displeased with himself.

"But I......How does it feel? I mean....in few months I will be in your horseshoes. I wanted to ask before those Five will have you all to themselves so...." he paused, this time for longer.

Hou held her sinister smile for e moment upon seeing that Magnus sported a smile of his own...before quickly dropping it, walking forward and.....

<SMACK!>

....delivering a dope slap to the back of the stallions head!

"This is for getting carried away. Consider that a Free Lesson No. 1" sorceress explained before taking a deep sight and elaborating further "Anger and hate can empower us, but should never defy us. We are....or are supposed to be Masters of them, not the other what around. I will assist in that...vendetta of yours, but only because it leaves your attention split. Only when it's done, you will be able to achieve your optimal level of focus."

Shuren walked aside, before pausing, tapping her hoof expectantly. The story she was about to share was not on that she did gladly, but if it helped the boy here help from getting himself killed or - worse - dragging her with him....

"I am old Magnus. Ever fresh, but old. And during my long life and numerous endeavors I aimed at vengeance ONCE....." she started "...And you know what it got me? Failure, humiliation and gritted teeth. Since then I swore that I will not play that suckers game ever again. So far I am a whole lot better because of it." white mare revealed

"Of course it may be hard for you to comprehend this. You are young - from my perspective at least - and dedicated your life to do just that. But you had a lesson how such endeavor gone spectacularly wrong just a few hours ago, in Heartland...." she turned around, the look of her purple eyes dead serious.

"You know why those three lost? Because they wanted to get EVEN, instead of removing obstacles towards what they desired. Rather then doing practical thing, they had to rub their supposed superiority and advantage into their opponents faces. And it costed them everything....again!" Hou pointed out.

"...I won't discourage from your revenge. But if...when you get down to it - be quick, be efficient and by Tartarus. Do. Not. Gloat. At least not directly, and/or unless you want to get a rise from somepony for some purpose(but that's whole other can of worms). We have things for that! Like Astral Projection." Shuren give Magnus a tip.

"If you want to revel in your victory, do so later. Preferably sitting at the armchair near a fireplace, while enjoying some fava beans and nice chianti, smiling at the memory of your triumph..."

"But enough for now. You wanted to earn you 'education'? You have to bring me some things that I can't get ,myself." Hou stated in matter-of-fact tone.

"The first task, is making a copy of the book that every other copy was lost.....except one in Crystal Empire. Unfortunately, since Sombra showed his face there for a second time, their defenses against dark magic where.....upgraded by Celestia herself. And I am sure she kept me in mind while doing so....." sorceress mused

"...You however are not tainted by dark magic yet, and thus, beneath suspicion. At least until you will express the desire to borrow it - not that you could , it can be read on-site only."

she explained "...So instead you will take the tome to the darkest corner of the reading room, and use this on it...." Hou said while hoofing him a small crystal pyramid.

"This magical device is able to copy text, using something not so different to Aether Dubling, and then project the stored information on other physical body - like paper, or stone tablet - although it erases Imaginary Space Copy within the crystal in the process, leaving it blank again. Useless when competing with printing press, priceless when you want to copy something that wasn't supposed to be copied....." unicorn mare explained before adding....

"Of course 'Limits of Time and Space' is one of those books that are not supposed to be copied....."

Finding the place whee the lessons supposed to occur wasn't hard at all. It was on a hill....it ALWAYS was on a hill. Hou stopped asking herself long ago, from where this tendency came from. A symbol of getting 'closer' to Longri-La? Compensation for something? Well it didn't mattered. She will walk over it - and the monk that chose it as his/her classroom - all the same.

However all her sarcasm and bluster couldn't prepare Shuren for who - or rather WHAT - the monk in question was.

"A diamond dog? Really?" she thought to herself as she mingled with a crowd, while at the same time reducing her dark presence - it would be shame to reveal herself before witnessing how much the Order 'devloved' over past few centuries.

Sorceress studied the monk first. Half millennium ago the Fenghuang Monastery wouldn't even consider one of her kind to be allowed to 'Walk the Path' and yet here she is - off the leash, spreading their foolish idea and fleas alike. In short, a waste of time....

Or maybe not? Perhaps she saw this from the wrong angle? Hou assumed that Monastery entry standards lowered....but could it be that it was other way around? Could it be, that this dog was was so exceptional that she got accepted despite being what she was? Whatever the case, Shuren was bout to know in an hour at maximum. It was a while since she had to squash a biped.

With those thoughts, her sight shifted to the pony. Sunset Shimmer seemed like a very different mare from the ever-angry student of Sun Princess she used to be. Was the the defeat at the hooves of Twilight Sparkle a reason for such change? For all her power Hou only manged to get a mere glimpses into that houman world...until recently.

Shimmer seemed more reserved, more controlled....but where have been gone all that splendid ambition? Were was this fiery passion? Wasn't she aiming to be Alicorn? Did the unicorn mare had hit a 'wall' in her growth? It would be a shame if that was the case, she preferred her nourishment to be well done. But once again, sorceress judged that is better to wait with verdict until...she could 'stress test' the mere in question.

For now, Hou gracefully returned the monks bow, along with rest of the 'class'. It was a while since she gone over the basics....

"Vengeance?" Hou asked 'surprised'....or at least did her best to act like she was. I reality she was doing her best to not show how trite she was feeling. Not because she had any qualms against Magnus's motivation, no. But Shuren was expecting for his drive to be fueled by something more...original.

.....Then again, it wasn't exactly her business of what he will be doing in his free time. At least the stallion seemed to be aware of cycling nature of such endeavor....and that one had to find themselves a goal after fulfilled revenge.

"M a g n u s  D u r u m" sorceress slowly said stallions name, as if to taste it. "Not a name of Equestrian origin. Was your father from Kastrot? Or your father's father?" Hou inquired but quickly returned to 'introduction' part.

"I would give you my name, but I guess you already know who you sought....." white unicorn said with confident smirk, which quickly turned into more serious expression.

"Yes, I have the means and tools to turn your revenge into reality...and perhaps give you purpose beyond it....." Shuren admitted.

"However, this - like all things - comes with a price. Not only that, I have to see if you are somepony worthy investing into. Are you willing to throw yourself at challenges I give you? Are you willing to pay the price to see those that wronged you suffer?" sorceress asked, her expression at the end turning into something equally wicked and excited.

".....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......