[IC] Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour: Explorers of STOMP

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

The moment the two tiles latched together was surprisingly satisfying. Amber would need to make that happen again. She mulled on the markings and what they might signify as she continued to free and clean the remaining tiles - was this quite literally a puzzle, so that the markings would connect into a single image, or did the markings signify something about the individual tiles? It seemed safest to free the remaining tiles, then see if she could work out anything about their pattern before physically connecting any more.

As Misty Monsoon and Maplejack continued to converse, Hazel Naught flew into the lobby. "I do believe this turned into an appropriate use of time. If you're ready, I can escort you to the Chief Director in a most expedient fashion."

Maple waved both wings and her forehooves at Miss Naught as she came in.

"Oh okay, I'll see you both later then."

No steps were lost as Hazel Naught was an economy of motion. Weaving through the halls, she led Misty Monsoon to Brisk Iron's door, then silently dismissed herself.

Photos were quite a painless process. While not fancy, the lighting was better handled than what Night Cap might experience at a mall. After being affixed to his ID card, "Don't-get-it-wet-within-two-hours-and-you'll-be-good. You-should-know-how-to-reach-the-projector-booth."

Maple smiled as her fellow Pegasisters flew off to go speak to Miss Iron. Walking back over to her tour guide kiosk... maple Smiled and said:

"Hello again Mr. sign."
"Hello again to you as well Mr. post."
"It is always a pleasure to see you Mrs. post."

And then proceeded to giggle softly to herself in between waving and saying hello to patrons as the arrived or departed.

Static sets the next reel running just as the knock on the door comes. He looks at the film still sitting on the other projector waiting to be put on the auto-rewinder. But he's got a good twenty minutes before the next reel. Plenty of time to see to his visitor.

He opens the door and tilts his head curiously. You...probably don't need to knock any more if this is where you're posted. At least, not if you know it's me in here for sure. Static waves Night Cap in and shuts the door.

I see you got your new ID. The camera was far kinder to you. I try to hide mine whenever possible. It's hideous.

Say! You've watched me put the old film on the rewinder and thread the next one several times today. Feel like giving it a shot?

"I guess this is it. The Chief Director's office." Misty looks up at the large door that was totally not imposing at all. Nope. She was definitely not even the least bit nervous.

Okay, maybe a little bit nervous. A teeny-tiny, eentsy-weentsy bit. But only that much!

She takes a deep breath, puffs out her chest, and knocks a hoof on the door.

The door opened to a waiting Brisk Iron. "I've been expecting you. Tomorrow, the Keep will have a special team making an expedition and I'd like you to serve as navigator. The Specialized Team for Obtaining Museum Pieces is usually involved in situations of heightened danger but hopefully this will be more subdued and thus serve as better training. I expect great things out of all of you. Any questions?"

Misty is struck dumb as she processes the information coming at her.

"I-I'll do my best!" she sputters after a few moments. She thinks briefly about what questions she should ask. "Um, where is the team going?"

"It's a cave system in a swamp near Nightmare Heights. Here's the exact coordinates. Also, you'll be doing physical training with most of the rest of the team tonight. If you wait with Maplejack, a pegasus named Rhapsody will be showing everypony where the gym is."

While the motions were slow, Night Cap did manage to successful load the film reel.

Spoiler

Good! Static congratulated. You learn fast. Static checked the silent alarm. still have a good seventeen minutes before we roll it though. Now we wait.

With time progressing, it was finally at the end of the workday. For those training with Sky Lynx, they'd need to meet Rhapsody in the lobby. However, Static Signal knew he'd need to meet Snowy Skies if he were to finish in time for his date.

Intuitive ingenuity incited the inclinations of Amber Spark as she set about removing the rocky substance from even more squares. What started as a slow and cautious process gave way to an excitedly enigmatic engine of intellectual ecstasy as the process grew faster and faster without becoming any less steady or efficient. Soon, they shone in the light as they were sated with their release. It may have been the end of the shift but not the end of Amber's day. Great secrets whispered her name and she alone could reveal them.

What manner of perfectly prodigious puzzle presently perplexes the bespectacled pony? Tune in next time folks for more of the Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour!

*static crackle*

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

[SOMETHING MISSING. The OOC thread indicates the previous *static crackle* post was edited to keep moving instead of having an act break. I don't have the edited version.]

Spoiler

Rhapsody watches the creation of the failed violin, even she could see the lack of life in the object despite its perfection... it kinda feels like a visualization of what she was speaking of previously, how something could be perfect and flawless... and still be hollow and lacking. "Any artist will claim that about the tools of their trade, Snowy." Rhapsody replies, though far from dismissing his claims. "But tell me, if the tools are alive; don't they have their own wants and desires? Are you assigning a belief that the only way to make them happy is for them to be used to their full potential?" She asks as he looks to the Doppelganger in front of her.

"Just because something is adept for a task, doesn't mean that the only way for them to be happy is application of that task to perfection. A pony who's talent is magic, doesn't mean they've got to go on to be the next starswirl, they could be happy just being a street performer. Is that a waste of their talents? Is that besmirching their cutie mark to not strive to be the absolute best? Could the same not also be true for the instruments? Maybe some are happy singing the way they do. Just like it doesn't make the pony less, it doesn't make the tool less either." She replies as she looks to him, seeing that fear.

"If you are not striving for perfection; then you're either doing the best you can, or doing what makes you happy. There is no shame in either. Even the best of us, have our wobbles. If a princess can falter, then why should we be so hard on ourselves if we aren't perfect in our fields either?" She asks and momentarily gazes skyward briefly.

The pink pegasus sitting behind the desk of the Heart Bright & Star Flight Air Ferry Service waved Light Fantastic over. "Hello again! Travel for the ballet company or perhaps something personal?"

Static took the last reel of the day off the projector and loaded it on the rewinder. He loaded the film for Snowy and turned to Night.

I gotta get something from Mr. Quill next door. If Snowy or Anchors come by, would you tell them I'll be right back?

Static goes next door and knocks on Ready Quills door.

Ready Quill opened his door. "Yes?"

Hi. Just dropping by to get the projector. Thanks again for letting me use it. I owe you.

Static picks up the projector.

Spoiler

Ready Quill nodded and waved Static Signal on.

[There seems to be a missing Snowy post, and Night Cap practices telekinesis here.]

Static tilts his head curiously, looking at Snowy. Just when I thought I'd seen everything, I see a genuinely real smile on Snowy's face! He lets a grin cross his face as he studies the stallion. Who is she? he asks as he directs Snowy into the booth.

He sees Night Cap looking intently at the film canister. Funny...it took me a week before I cracked that badly!

He shook out of it, handing Snowy the paper documents about the caves. Soooooooo! Who is she?

Maple stood at her little stand and waited... the last stragglers were being ushered home, and some of the day shift staff had already left...
Did miss Chief Director Brisk Iron say... no no, Did Miss Rhapsody want us to meet up somewhere else...do the rest of the stomp team use the back door...
Maple's mind was a flutter of confusion and excitement... with nearly half her toffee's gone over the day ... not including the gifts she gave her new friends... the fidgeting was as much sugar as it were nerves.

Snowy tilts his head, confused. "What? Who is who?"

Static smiles knowingly. A stallion smiling they way you're smiling...especially when they're not the smiling type...a pretty filly is almost aways the reason.

Fine, don't tell me. But seriously, good for you. I have your movie set up ready to go in the theatre.

Night Cap, work day's over. You can...stop doing...whatever you're doing.

Static threads the portable projector with the film he intends to show Anchors.

Snowy's face darkens a little. "I should not be that easy to read." He says flatly. "Thanks for the info. And thanks for, you know...all of this." He continues, spreading a hoof at the whole setup.

Static gave a confused look to Snowie. Did...did I just miss something? There's...nothing wrong with being happy for once in our lives, Snowy.

Anyway, I'm happy for you. If she can make you happy like that, you should hold on to her.

Night Cap? Umm...not to chase you out or anything...but Anchors should be here any minute. I'd...kinda like to be alone. If you'd like to watch the movie with Snowy? Or...whatever. The workday's over.

Snowy smiles, just a little. "Fair enough. It's just some immortal habits of mine. I'm still not telling you who she is, mind you." He says with a wider grin, heading for the entrance to the theater seats. "Enjoy yourself...among others."

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

Did...did you just declare vendetta on a film canister? Static shakes his head incredulous. Good luck with your training!

As Snowy took a seat in the theatre, the lights dimmed and the screen began to flicker.

A blue-green unicorn stallion with dark blue hair stood in front of a cave entrance. You've all heard the story. The usurper Queen Chrysalis strolled into the capital city of Canterlot, trapping Princess Cadence and a young filly who would become Princess Twilight in the caves beneath Canterlot Castle.

But how did this happen? How can an alicorn and a unicorn who can teleport out of anything possibly get trapped in a cave? Where did these come from? And what kinds of treasures are hidden beneath the very feet of Canterlot citizens? Join me as we find the answer to these questions and more.

The camera flew past the stallion and entered the cave. The scene cut between several first-person shots of flying through caverns. Non-discript stone caverns gave way to old abandoned mine equipment and walls that showed evidence of old veins stripped bare of whatever mineral was in them. The shots of the mine gave way to caverns full of crystals.

The skill of the camera pony really showed in that with all of the reflective surfaces, it took Snowy's sharp eyes to barely see a pegasus flying full speed holding the camera out in front of herself. Snowy doubted any casual observer would notice.

After flying through several more caverns, the camera zoomed in on the title "The Crystal Caverns Beneath Canterlot: Narrated by Speil Lunker."

The blue-green stallion stood in front of a crystal wall.

Normally when caves form, it takes hundreds if not thousands of years for underground rivers to carve their way through the earth. Indeed, some of the more rocky caverns leading up to the now abandoned crystal mines were formed this way.

But what about this crystal cave? No! No mere river is cutting these walls. The scene shifts to an animated few of minerals. It takes extreme pressure to compact the common minerals into the crystals you see here. The minerals start to compact and take on a sheen. After many years, we get a solid ball of crystal, too hard to be carved by any underground river. So how does this solid ball of crystal get broken into caverns?

The scene shifts to a sky shot of a black alicorn chasing a white alicorn, blasting rays of magic. The black alicorn clips the white one with a blast of magic. The white alicorn plummets and hits the ground with amazing force. She limps slightly as she take back to the skies.

Cracks can be heard coming from the crystal as fissures start to appear. Cracks grow throughout until the scene explodes into a cave system.

Nopony knows.

The camera comes back out to the unicorn.

What makes the crystal in this cavern so amazing, however, is not just its rarity, but also its versatility.

With a cut of crystal from this cave, a hand held telescope can see things from just as far away as the biggest of planetariums. Mirrors more perfect then the most polished of glass would be the envy of fashionistas everywhere. Powerful enchantments that would normally require a focus as big as your hoof can fit in a tiny trinket. And...if need be...a prison who's very nature of the reflective crystals prevent a unicorns magical teleportation outside the walls?

So why are the mines abandoned? Why does Equestrias largest source of this valuable mineral remain untapped?

A silhouette of what is undeniably meant to resemble Sombra and the crystal empire flashes across the screen.

Again, nopony knows.

Rhapsody huffs at Snowy seems to just dismiss her comments and pays him no further heed as she makes her way out to the lobby to see who all might be joining in on the gym trip this evening.

Maple is at her station... on her back with her wing spread and tiny legs kicking at nothing fast asleep, a sugar crash a likely cause.

Misty wanders around the lobby, looking for the pegasus named "Rap City."

Maple starts mumbling in her sleep... (in case she's to small to see behind her stand)

"stupid Princesses....mumble mumble, Whacha gonna do? ...mumble mumble.... MegaPowers!..... mumble mumble.. OH YEAH!"

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

While Snowy went into the documentary with some hope, his scowl deepened as the refrain, 'nopony knows' bounced through the room, time and time again. Wasn't there a rule about this yet? Wait, no. That only applied to grandiose questions whose answer was a flat NO. Hmph. The documentary was still fundamentally unhelpful. He may as well have watched a documentary about the properties of crystal. He would have to warn Amber to be careful with where she aimed tomorrow. As the credits spun across the screen, Snowy stood up to leave. there were still lights flickering in the projector room, so he suspected he shouldn't intrude, and Static probably knew what to do with the documentary reel far better than he did. Walking out the main exit, he gathers his things from the break room and punches out, walking back to his apartment with a tired tread. But not to tired to trace notes on a staff with his steps. He knew it made him look drunk, but for once he was too tired to care. As he told Static, today was a day of immortal habits.

What a day today had been, he reflected as he chopped potatoes for poutine (2 days late, after recent events). The last...24 hours or so had been one staggering event after another. A fight (put the oil on heat) into a nightmare (add 8 days worth of vegetable scraps) into some common ground (contemplate life as the pot simmers) into information about Brisk Iron (drain the stock), into mandatory training and release therefrom (curds were ready) into...a date? Not qui--Everything was ready. Put it all together, and...dig in. He sighs contentedly. Like so many other facets of his life, in the kitchen he had two skills, poutine and stuffed peppers. Unlike most other facets of his life, this limitation was by choice; He simply adored both meals.

Where had he been in the day? The almost-date. The precursor to the date. It had gone well. The entire event had been beautiful and wonderful, compared to how he was afraid it might've gone.

What had happened afterwards was...intense. What he had shared with Rhapsody was more intimate to him than anything he had told Light Fantastic. Something about her drew out his secrets. He supposed it was probably the inherent danger in revealing things to someone like her. In their line of work, someday all the cards would be laid on the table. Some idiotic bespelled door would require as key 'your darkest secret,' and then she would know. All Light could do to him as that point was run away, and leave him in the dust. Rhapsody would grind him into dust.

He had eaten perhaps three quarters of his poutine. He put the rest in the fridge for tomorrow morning; There was a nonzero chance that he would be stranded in the middle of nowhere without a decent meal after breakfast tomorrow, best to have something thick and filling. Now on to practice.

His discussion with Rhapsody lay heavy on his mind as he let out his violin and considered what songs to play. The soul of an instrument, it's joy at being played to its fullest, clearly could not be understood by someone who hadn't experienced it themselves, and yet...last night, there had been one real instrument in the room. As best as he can remember, no instrument that could be seen was anyone more alive than his sham of a viola that afternoon; the sound had been his masterpiece, the rest was just performance and flair. And yet, from all of those fake instruments, something had come forth, greater than anything he could ever take credit for accomplishing.

Still, last night had been an indicator. There was something about music that was lying beyond his perception of it, he'd always known that. Music was fractally nested. There was always a higher level from which you could see things. Perhaps the secret to his next step up was hidden within his lost symphony, from last night. With all of this in mind, a song smoothly slid into place in his head. He picked up his viola, nestled it into the crook of his neck, and spread his magic over the keys of his grand piano. This was going to be infuriating, maddening, and hopefully quite empowering.

There was a gentle knock on the projection room door. "Static, are you in there?"

Static was starting to get worried. Snowy's documentary had finished and was back on the shelf and Anchors still wasn't here.

Did he scare her off? That meeting in Brisk Iron's office was rather embarrassing. How long should he wait?

For the rest...of his...LIFE!

Luckily, it didn't take quite that long before there was a knock at the door. Static perked up and ran (as much as a pony could run in the few feet feet from the projector to the door) to answer the door.

Anchors! Hi! Please, come in. Static closed the door behind them. So...here's the story.

When I heard that Snowy was going to need to see a documentary after work tonight, I came up with a back up plan. Buuuuut, Snowy's documentary is finished. So that leaves us with a few options.

1. We can watch this documentary like normal on the normal theatre screen.

2. I was able to borrow a holographic projector that will make everything into realistic holograms. It looks very real. You'll actually be able to walk among the coral. Can't touch it...but still...very realistic. There's no audio, so I'd have to provide the narration. I've...actually seen this documentary so many times...I can provide the narration.

3. Still use the holograms, but without the narration.

Personally, I think you'd enjoy the holograms. It's not something everypony gets to see.

Anchors Away giggled, "Not everyseapony has either. I guess...holograms without narration. I have something for you..."She motioned towards her saddlebags.

Static walks up closer to Anchors to see what she has.

Anchors Away shook her head, "Get everything setup first. Needs to be during the movie."

Oh...it's set up already. Static pulls up a couple chairs. He figured that most of the documentary, Anchors may want to actually walk among the holograms. But who knows? It's been a long day. He dims the lights and flips the switch on the projector.

A bed of reef of coral appeared. At first it was rather unspectacular. It was the normal shallow water coral that any snorkeler wearing pony has seen on cruises. But pretty quickly, the camera dove down deeper into the ocean. The words flew up from deep sea and surrounded Static and Anchors "Lights of the Abyss."

Static and Anchors dove through schools of bio-lumenecent jelly-fish and other sea life. They came to rest among another reef of coral, this one deep sea bio-lumenecent coral. Reds, greens and blues filled the booth.

Spoiler

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

Anchors Away beamed a bit as she looked around, "It's not the same as being down there but I've never been this close to jellyfish either. Wow."

I've never seen it in 3D before. To actually see it first hand...I can't imagine!

The camera zooms in on something moving among the coral. It's a small shrimp with an oversized claw.

Oh this is fascinating. It's called a snapper shrimp. They hide within the coral. That little claw makes it one of the loudest species in the sea, if not the world. It uses it to stun its prey. The shrimp cocks its claw back and fires, stunning a smaller species of shrimp that it takes into its home inside the coral.

Static sighs a bit and looks to Anchors. These under water documentaries...it's like a whole other world. It's a dreamscape that's hard to believe actually exists. It's just hard for me to imagine what it must be like to live down there.

I...I don't know...is that how you see us sometimes?

Anchors Away sighed, "Well, you're a lot better at this whole walking thing, that's for sure. Plus, cooking is a lot different."

Heh! If it helps any, I'm not much of a swimmer. It must have been a huge adjustment...lungs instead of gills, walking instead of swimming...especially since you can only walk in a single plane at a time. And the culture shock? What made you decide to...I...I'm asking too many questions, aren't I?

Anchors Away sighed, "It made work easier. It's nice to see the sights around the world.

Except deserts. Those are bad."

Static almost laughed out loud, but stifled it. Yeah, I can't imagine how a desert would be comfortable for anypony. It's so hot and dry! Just looking at documentaries about the desert makes me feel like I'm going to dehydrate.

The film ended. The loose end of film flapped noisily as the reel continued to spin.

Aww! Too soon! Static sighed and took the film off the projector and placed it on the auto rewinder.

I'd love to play it again, but I should probably get the projector back to Ready Quill...maybe leave the museum before we get locked in.

But...you know...that doesn't necessarily mean that has to be the end of the date. I don't suppose you'd want to get some coffee...or something to eat?

Anchors Away jumped in surprise at the sudden stop to the movie, "Whoa, I thought it would be longer. I actually brought food. If you could rewind it slightly maybe..?"

Oh, sure. Static reloaded the film and shuttled it forward to where they went down through the jelly-fish and on down to the coral.

Some of these can actually be quite lengthy. I often get quite a bit of time to just...think.

But honestly it's surprising how short some of these others can be. Honestly, I can find myself switching reels several times within a rather brief conversation.

Anchors Away quickly, if awkwardly, moved towards the table. Out of her saddlebag she pulled out two small pies. "I made kelp quiche! It's a mini quiche since you said we shouldn't make a mess and I didn't know how long we'd have to eat."

Oh! Your favorite! I must admit, I've never had seafood before. This'll be a new experience for me. Static took a bite from the quiche. Oh! Ooooh, hey! This is...we much not rush through this. If the film ends, it ends. This...this has to be savored, he says, taking another bite. A look a pure bliss crossed his face.

Anchors Away made a showing of trying to make a small dainty bite...but wound up biting half of her quiche. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and she sniffed the air, "Oh, it's Sands."

Rhapsody looks around the lobby, just seems to be Night Cap, as she can't see Maple and as far as she doesn't know the blue pegasus. "huh, was expecting a bigger turn out. Maybe this should have been mandatory then." She says with a huff.

The sound of Rhapsody's huff stirs Maple from her sleep and she comes running out from behind her stand....

Misty's ears perk up upon hearing the word 'training.' She trots over to Night Cap. "Hi, are you part of the team that's doing physical training tonight? I'm supposed to join you."

Maple's hair has a floor shaped slant to it as she skitters to a stop next to the others.

"Nice to meet you, Night Cap! My name's Misty Monsoon. The Chief Director assigned me to be the navigator for the expedition tomorrow," she says, beaming with pride. She turns to the black pegasus standing nearby. "Are you Rap City?"

Anchors Away shook her head, "Nah, I figure Sands has his own training plans. Still dinner, well...a snack, and a movie was fun. I'll see you tomorrow."She nuzzled Static Signal's cheek, closed her saddlebag, then left out.

Maple yawns ..eyes still closed, head nodding as if to point her back in the direction of the happy cool floor she'd been enjoying. However a with her mouth open her crafting wings set to work on the straps of her saddlebag... and after a we seemingly well practices movements placed a toffee in her mouth in time for the yawn to end.

"OH HELLO EVERYPONY!"

Static nuzzled back. Yeah, can't wait! Thanks, Anchors. I had a great time.

After Anchors left, Static turned to Tangerine with a heartfelt sigh and a smile on his face. You know, call me crazy, but I'm beginning to think there's parts of this whole life thing that actually doesn't suck!

Light Fantastic approached the mare at the air ferry counter.

"Good afternoon!" she chirped, "I'd like to charter a flight to Nightmare Heights, if you please?"

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

The pegasus pulled out a brochure for Light Fantastic, "Nightmare Heights doesn't get much travel but it's oddly popular today. Is this for the entire Canterlot Ballet Company or just yourself? You obviously won't be economy class and I doubt basic class, so will this be deluxe class or fancy class?"

Tangerine Sands smiled softly, "The joy of my job is not catching and capturing criminals but knowing that ponies can have those good times. I'll wait for you to turn in your equipment and then we can begin."

Still on an emotional high from Anchor's nuzzle (the first genuinely affectionate contact he's had with another pony ever) it took Static a moment to realise Tangerine had said something. Equipment?

Oh...right! The equipment. Yeah...I'll just be a second. It's right next door.

Static leaves the projection booth just to come back in a second later. Yeah, might want to actually take it with me.

Static picks up the projector and goes to Ready Quill's office. He knocks on the door.

Ready Quill opened the door, "Turning-it-in?"

Actually, I think my night's just beginning, Static says with a nervous grin. Defense training...I think I'm about to get humbled a bit.

Static gives Ready Quill the equipment back. Thanks again for letting me use this. Things went...swimmingly. I owe you big time.

"Just for me," replied Light Fantastic, "Deluxe will be fine, thanks."

"Wonderful. Now, any special requests?"

Tangerine Sands led Static Signal out of the building. "There are many and numerous things that you can learn from traditional training but most of tonight won't be about that. Rather, we need to work on direction and control. What do you usually do when you're angry?"

"Um..."

Light Fantastic thought for a moment.

"Will there be coffee?"

"What kind would you prefer?"

I can't seem to answer anything simply, Static muttered. But honestly, I'm not used to being angry. I'm not used to feeling anything at all.

Until a couple days ago, everything...the best word I can think of is "numb." Either through the sheer boredom of work to being passed out drunk...I'm just not used to feeling anything.

The times I've been angry...well...you saw that first night with Silent Belle.

The second night, I was able to stop myself once the fight was over. I'd like to think that even if it weren't Zig Zag's body I was fighting against, I still would've been able to stop. Honestly...I just...I don't know.

But the two times in recent memory I've been really angry...I was fighting.

As they navigated the streets, Tangerine Sands said, "'Feeling' is certainly a start. Perhaps that is the beginning and first step. What you need is an outlet for negative emotion and a source of a positive one. I know someone who can help with the former. We will be meeting him at Skivey's Diner."

Static raised an eyebrow. Funny that you would want to set hoof in there again. As for the latter...well, I think I found a source for that. His face became downcast again. Unfortunately...she's leaving in a couple days.

But even then, I've got friends now. It's not as bad as it used to be. Even the boredom I talk about earlier...it's not as bad.

It's just...somepony invades my home and tries to hire me to spy on my employer, somepony (from what it looked like from my point of veiw) slaps my friend so hard her glasses fly off, somepony possesses one of my coworkers (even if I'd never even met her before)...I'm not sure if it's simply anger. It's red...hot...mind numbing...explosive...

Luna I must sound like a monster!

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

"It's less of my wants and more of your needs. Something occurred to me about it that displays and presents an opportunity.

As far as being a monster...do you wish to be?"

Luna no! It's just...sometimes I'm not sure if I can avoid it.

I mean...most of today I was fine. I was getting to know Night Cap. I actually got to create a documentary. Something I created will be shown to everypony. That's mine! I got to know Dusty a little better. I even met a breezie who...well...I doubt we'll be friends any time soon, but even throwing jibes back and forth with him was...I don't know...cathartic? And my date with Anchors! I mean...wow!

I know I have the capicity for being a decent pony. I saw it today. Today was an incredibly good day.

It's just...there's something else inside me. And the worst part...when I'm in that moment...when I'm in a fight...it feels...good. Like I told Dusty...it's like a dance. Move, counter move, attack, defend. In that moment, in the midst of a fight...everything's...calm. Everything makes sense.

That's what I mean when I say I must be some kind of monster. It's not that I just lose control. It's that...on some level...I like it.

And the fact that I like it...pony feathers! What does that say about me?

"Do you like the rush and the adrenaline or the violence itself? It very much feels like the former, so you should look for other things to replicate it. Dance would be a good way to replicate the feeling of a dance. Another option would be a sport. Unfortunately, it looks like we're here." Tangerine Sands looked upon the eatery in disdain. Across the street was new construction that advertised an upcoming "Pasta in a Pail" location.

Now that her eyes were open and the drowsies were fading away Maple was ready to begin.

"Are we going to head out now, I know it would be faster to fly but..." Maple looks to her Earth pony friend. Nodding toward his wingless back... the gesture having a secondary effect of being enough movement to 'jostle' her hair back into standard formation.

more of a *fffwoooshpp!* really, Like popping loose a suction cup

I think it is more the adrenaline and just the flow of it all. I hate it that other ponies get hurt...even Silent.

Static's stomach dropped as he entered Skivey's Diner. It was exactly what he was afraid of. He tried decent food and now he was finding the food he used to eat rather repulsive. Still, he doubted they were there to eat.

"Saddle Arabian, if you have it," said Light Fantastic.

The pegasus happily scribbled a note, "Saddle Arabian it is. Anything else?"

Walking in, Static Signal saw a large black griffon with a bandolier of pouches sitting at an abnormally clean table. "I don't know if you've been officially and formally introduced due to all the commotion in the past few days but this is Night Wings. We've partnered together on most cases and I'm sure his experiences can help you." "When I started out, I was a vigilante. I may have used my anger to take down miscreant scum for justice but I was out of control. First time I met Sands, we got into a fight over my methods. He cheats. However, I learned it's not the anger that's the problem but the lack of control. It can be useful if harnessed productively. I learned to clean as a way to clear my head. With proper training, I eventually joined the police force. Sometimes I still have bad days but I'm more capable of realizing that and stopping myself." "Static, you previously mentioned camaraderie. Now you are in the position to save it. That restaurant being built across the street? I sampled and tasted some of her food when I was in the museum and it was like a piece of home. Having a better product will make her far more effective at shutting this place down than any ordinance. Over the next...well, however long it takes, you are to come here and clean. You will be paid for this but it will be after all cleaning is complete. I have set this up with your Chief Director. Tonight only, Night Wings will be helping you, though he'll be doing most of his cleaning in the kitchen. Tomorrow we'll be headed back home so I wanted to make sure you had a good start."

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

"Nice to meet you, Night Cap! My name's Misty Monsoon. The Chief Director assigned me to be the navigator for the expedition tomorrow," she says, beaming with pride. She turns to the black pegasus standing nearby. "Are you Rap City?"

"Rhapsody." She corrects as the new pony introduces herself, looking to the trio; still smaller then she thought it would be. She had thought Static was joining them, and guesses Snowy opted out. "Sky Lynx's gym is on the other side of town, it will take time to get there, less someone wants to carry Night Cap." She says, of course he's the one that's gonna slow them down being just dead weight anyway.

[Janitor work? I'm going to be stuck doing...janitor work?]

Static's heart sinks.

[You did say you'd suffer any indignity.]

[I thought that would mean getting my plot kicked and mocked mercilously afterwards. But...janitor work?]

[If it helps curb the rage and...by the way...helps keep Skivey in business.]

Static nodded and grabbed a mop. So...what's first?

Night Wings pointed a talon. "Tables first. It's the most visible presentation and it's where ponies will be eating. There's sponges and soapy water ready. I feel it's best to let your mind wander while you do this. It's about the release, though the end goal of having something clean is obviously good. If you get more worked up, the dirt is the focus point. Use the anger to help you focus on doing something good. Also, alternate talons" "Hooves". "hooves as you go since this is good upper body exercise."

"Mr. Night Cap is right, getting to know the town a little better would help all of us I think." Maple said with a big grin, saved again.

"Okay," Misty concurs. Until now, most of what she knew about the town came from a bird's-eye view.

Maple hops up and gives Night Cap another hug.

"Thank you for wanting to walk Mr. Night Cap!"

Static took the sponge in hand. He wasn't sure what this exercise was supposed to accomplish. He already said he wasn't angry, not right now anyways. Today had been an incredibly good day. It had really been the best day of Static's life. He was being asked to focus his anger at the task at hand, and he truly was not angry.

Still, if for no other reason, he wanted to help Skivey. He was a friend after all. So whether it helped with anger issues or not, he set to cleaning the first table.

I feel it's best to let your mind wander while you do this.

Shouldn't be too hard. He wouldn't be able to get through his museum films if he didn't let his mind wander.

First he thought of Anchors. So what if she was a sea pony? She was Anchors. Even as many times as he stuck his hoof in his mouth around her, she still wanted to be with him.

She certainly wasn't like the pegasus who went out with him and didn't tell him she already had a colt friend...*twitch*...who was bigger than he was...*twitch twitch*...two times bigger in fact...*twitch* *scrub* Static certainly had his share of bruises after that night.

And of course there was the unicorn who needed a "plus-one" to get into a party. He didn't see her again after they got through the door. He spent most of the night at the side of the dance floor before he caught on that he was alone in the place. He left that party early. *twitch* *scrub* *switch hooves* *scrub* The sea pony is the kindest one!

Of course none of that was as bad as his father. Five years and you tell me this? Why should I stick around? He's not my son! *next table* *twitch* *scrub*

Aww Look! Stasi's gonna cry! *twitch* *switch hooves* *scrub* Cry, little foal. Cry! *twitch* They'd cry too if they'd just been punched in the gut. I should've shown them. *twitch* *scrub*

I SHOULD HAVE SHOWN THEM ALL!

Static took a deep breath and came back to reality. All the tables were done. Already? How long had it been. He looked around to see if he could find Night Wings.

[How...how much of that did I say out loud?]

"Mmm, that's about it," replied Light Fantastic.

The pegasus happily smiled at Light Fantastic, "Thank you for your business."

After walking back to the rest of the Canterlot Ballet Company, Light Fantastic saw Silky Double-Time rushing up to her with a camera wrapped around her neck. "Got several photos of that mystery mare's carriage. It looks like it's getting shipped somewhere, though she wasn't with it. Hoooowwweeever, one of the stallions pulling the carriage seems to be lingering around town. Drop it...or should we follow?"

The tables were quite resilient against Static Signal's attempts at cleansing but he discovered that four of them were revealed to be teal as opposed to "coffee". Night Wings was in the kitchen aggressively scrubbing the griddle to where it almost looked like metal again. He looked up when he Static Signal walk in. "I think we could have dug out a whole bunker with the amount of effort this is taking. How you doing so far?"

Kinda concerned I'm a regular here. You never know just how dirty a place is until you try to clean it. I think a couple of those tables are teal...ish.

I...my mind went to rather...unpleasant...places. I don't understand though. Today was going so well...probably the best day of my life. But I let my mind wander and...maybe I should return to the tables. Still a lot of work to be done

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

Rhapsody nods as the trio agree to walk. "Alright then." She says and leads the trio out from the main doors of the museum since they were already in the lobby. She looks over to Maple. "Aren't you supposed to be a tour guide? Shouldn't you have a better idea of the city already?" She teases.

"Sometimes anger needs a direction. In those cases, try to channel it. But...there's another option. Replace it. When really angry at somepony, think of soapsuds. When angry at a situation, perhaps you should focus on the good." Night Wings scrunched up his beak as he seemed to struggle to come up with the right words until, "Be like the moon. What do you have that lights up your darkness?"

I don't know. I mean...what's the good in my father abandoning me at 5-years old because maybe I wasn't his? What's the good in getting beaten up every day because I was the runt of the class? And the times I actually dared to defend myself...guess who's the one who got punished by the principal.

And those fillies playing games...I don't know...I guess it makes me appreciate Anchors even more. But it's also why it took me so long to even take a chance to opening up to someone else. So much time wasted!

Static shook his head helplessly. That's not even getting into the crap that's gone down the past couple days.

See the good in it? Static shrugged. Four clean tables!

As far as what I have that lights up my darkness? Static shook his head helplessly again. The only thing I can possibly think of is that...so far...the only ponies I've hurt have been ones that deserved it. That...isn't much of a bright spot.

Night Wings paused for a moment before asking, "Is Anchors Away a good part of your life?"

Static can't help but smile despite the heavy mood. The best, he admits. His smile slips away quickly though. But...her business here is going to be done in a couple days and then she'll be leaving. And...I'm not sure I could leave with her even if I did decide to sacrifice everything else for her. But...while she's here...

She's the moon, not me.

Night Wings sighed, "I think you both already get...and completely miss what I mean."

Static tilts his head curiously. Then his ears prick up and realization hits.

Whenever I get angry as something...like...really angry...focus on Anchors? Let her be what calms me? That sounds...simplistic.

"Is it on the way to the dock? Maybe I missed it on my way in this morning... ooh is it in a second floor loft? ooh ooh If it doesn't have a sign I might know how to get there, but not know that there is the place we should be going."

Maple grinned, satisfied that those might be a fun bunch of reasons. "Miss Rhapsody, it could also be on a street I haven't been on yet." Maple sighed, realizing that she had a lot more work to do in her off hours.

Night Wings chuckled, "You want things to be more complicated?"

Static stifled a laugh. I was actually speaking metaphorically. I mean...me doing ballet? I have four left hooves! He saw that Night Wings was actually being serious. Okay, I suppose I can ask her. I may want to have a backup waiting though.

Light Fantastic thought for a moment.

"Are you up for it?" she asked.

I actually saw Light Fantastic perform last night. It was quite amazing...you know...up until the whole resurrected princess trying to take over the world thing. I may even have to attend another performance some time.

It's just...please don't put me in a tutu.

Night Wings shrugged, "That's a decision between the two of you. Different performances are different."

We see eachother tomorrow. I can ask her then. Static takes a hopeless look around at the tables still left to do. For now...should I get back to the tables?

"Yeah, probably should. This time, practice redirecting and replacing the anger. Both are needed for different things."

"Is it on the way to the dock? Maybe I missed it on my way in this morning... ooh is it in a second floor loft? ooh ooh If it doesn't have a sign I might know how to get there, but not know that there is the place we should be going."

Maple grinned, satisfied that those might be a fun bunch of reasons. "Miss Rhapsody, it could also be on a street I haven't been on yet." Maple sighed, realizing that she had a lot more work to do in her off hours.

"Clearly, you need it invest in more maps." Rhapsody replies as she leads the group through the city streets. "It is on the way to the docks, yes. Sky Lynx likes the smell of the sea.. plus its easier to obtain fresh fish for his diet. But I really doubt you'd miss the place. Sky Lynx isn't exactly known for subtle. It's not flashy or garish... but trust me... you'll know the place when you see it."

Maple's smile sunk... miss Rhapsody was mad at her after all. Maple remembered back to her trip earlier down to the docks to see if she ... nope, nothing stuck out to her... maybe there was more than one way down there and Miss Rhapsody assumed Maple had gone the way she always does.

"I'm Sorry Miss Rhapsody."

Misty trails behind the group slightly, her attention drawn to the various sights and sounds of the street. She savors the smell of a street vendor's wares... takes a look in the window of a clothing shop... glances at the headlines of the papers at the local newsstand...

"Down that street is where I live at Saccharine Sweet's Sugar Shack." Maple said to Misty Monsoon, pointing with a wingtip down a street to their left

"Ohhh." Misty takes a look in the direction Maple points. "I think I've flown over it a couple times."

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

Static goes back to cleaning tables. Right! Redirect. Replace. Did I say 'simple'?

He takes a sponge in hand and starts scrubbing. That'll be a weeks detention! But they're the ones who started it. I was just defen... Want to go for two? That's not fair! That's two! Wanna go for three?

[Stupid power crazed mule!] [Redirect!] He was going to get that stain out. [Come on, stupid table. Show me your teal!]

Amber get’s nocked aside. INCONSEQUENTIAL.

[I’ll show you inconsequential!] [Redirect!] Get…clean…damn…you!

"This isn't an attempt to get out of work is it?” [Redirect!] "What do you call yourself doing?" [Redirect!]
"I'm docking your pay and this is your final warning. If this or anything even remotely similar EVER happens again, not only will you be out of a job, I'll drag you down to the police myself. [REPLACE]

"You taste like film canisters. Do you work in photography?"[Quite the first impression!] So, interesting cutie mark. Does that mean you work at sea a lot? Not that I was staring at you're cutie mark!!!! I just happened to notice...I wasn't staring. I mean! [I totally was!] We're...still on for our date...aren't we? "Was about to ask. Yes, we're still on for the date. Hopefully things will get easier with STOMP. 'Just point the fear toward a goal.' Static sighs. [She really is too good for you.] "I made kelp quiche! It's a mini quiche since you said we shouldn't make a mess and I didn't know how long we'd have to eat." Maybe I am luckier than I realized.]

Static takes another look at his progress on the tables.

Spoiler

Just then Tangerine Sands walked back into the diner with a box on his back, "Most impressive. You're much farther along than I predicted."

Static looks up from his work as Tangerine Sands walks in. Thanks! It...kinda horrifies me now that I actually eat here. He says giving another look around at the diner. What's in the box?

Tangerine Sands set the box down on one of the clean tables, "Bulk supply coffee. It's not high end but it's fresher than what was here. Granted, it might be a moot point with the coffee pot but that's where your training will come in. You are to clean the coffee pot without breaking it."

Simple enough. Anger issues or no...I've cleaned my own coffee pot at home before.

Static goes back to the kitchen in order to clean the pot. Of course, I don't think my coffee pot ever had this many layers of crud on it before! Static suppressed the urge to gag. I actually eat here! he said, trying not to wretch.

He tried to work up some anger for training purposes. But the truth was, he was simply drained. It seemed like he'd relived every bad moment of his life in the past couple hours. Okay, maybe not all of them...but enough. He was just...drained. He was tired. There just wasn't any more anger left in him at the moment.

He took the pot in hoof and started to clean it.

Could probably use a chisel, he chirped in.

Spoiler

It was very slow work as Static Signal attempted to clean the coffee pot. However, he was able to keep it secure without applying too much pressure or dropping it. Tangerine Sands sat down at one of the clean tables and his voice projected into the kitchen, "What are your plans for the future?"

[Oh crap! He's going to try to distract me...piss me off. Don't let him!] I actually haven't thought too much about it. Mr. Quill started me on actually creating some documentaries. It's exciting work, actually being able to create instead of simply running other ponies works. I had one in mind to do with Night Cap about Luna and Night Mare Moon.

[Do not mention Anchors Away. She's gone in a couple days. That's your weak spot and he'll see right through it. Do...not...mention...her!]

"Do you think Night Cap can be trusted?" "Instead of answering that unneeded and unwarranted outburst, I say you should your all into this new project. Let it be like a glorious sun that empowers your waking moments henceforth."

I haven't got Night Cap quite figured yet. But he hasn't done anything yet to make me mistrust him. If not for him, I might not have had the courage to face Dazzling Midnight again, Static couldn't help but say.

He was kinda surprised Tangerine didn't prod any deeper. But he was grateful. The last thing he needed while cleaning this fragile pot was to be thinking of anything...antagonizing.

[Don't think about her. Don't think about her. Don't think about her.] [She's your "replace." If you start thinking about her, you have nothing to "replace" with.]

[Pony feathers, there she is again in my thoughts!]

"So what is going through your head right this moment?"

Ponyfeathers you knew just the right time to ask that! Anchors...she's...gone in the next couple days. Cleaning the tables...thoughts of her are what calmed me. Now...he set the coffee pot down...I'm...I'm loosing my concentration.

You asked about my future. I told you about my job. Luna bless, I'd love to have a personal life at some point!

"Have you talked to her about this? She leaves based on work so it's not impossible she could be reassigned. Even if she isn't, it doesn't mean she's gone forever."

CoffeeHorse · Feb 16, 2022

Ask her to change her life around? Ask her to ask for a reassignment, turn her life upside down for a pony she's only known for a couple days...for me of all ponies? That's so not fair to her!

I mean, would I do the same? Static lets out a self-deprecating scoff.

You know...yeah, I actually considered it. My job at the Keep, my position in STOMP, the new friendships I've gained in just the past couple days: Night Cap, Amber, Snowy...Luna help me, I've considered it.

But it sounds so...crazy. I've known her for two days and already I want to turn my life upside down for her? It makes no Luna blessed sense!

I don't know what I should do. I just...I've heard the chances long-distance relationships have. Chances...aren't good. I just don't know what the buck I'm supposed to do! And I don't have a whole lot of time to figure it out.

"It's not just your decision, though. Talk to her about it."

Static nodded. Yeah, I guess you're right.

Light Fantastic grinned.

"Well, I'm ready when you are," she said.

Moving swiftly, Silky Double-Time and Light Fantastic headed to the southern part of town. Tucked in a corner not directly facing the canal was a little diner that seemed to hide in its own shadow. At the counter with his back to the large exterior window was a white earth pony stallion with a dark brown mane munching on a sandwich. Silky Double-Time nonchalantly motioned towards him with her head, "There he is. Should we ask questions or watch quietly and see where he goes from here?"

Spoiler

"Do you think he would know who we are?" asked Light Fantastic.

"If he ignores ballet, he might not. Otherwise, well...you are world famous. I don't think he know's anypony is following him, though."

"Hmm, maybe we should just observe for now, then," said Light Fantastic.

Maple stumbled, the Cobblestones on this street aren't as even as some of the others ... must be either an older part of the city.. or often not used by hooves. One of the things she's noticed in her travels is that places with integrated populations ... still often show subtle signs of - segregation wasn't the right word... more independence... but that wasn't right either.

"Or it could just be these little legs ... Maple accidentally mumbled. Her face plant on the ground shaking loose her inner monolog.

Taking a look to make sure things were clear, Silky Double-Time and Light Fantastic slowly and silently slipped in the diner without the bell on the door making any noise. Finding a rather pastel corner of the room where they wouldn't draw any attention, they saw another stallion with similar coloration sit down and glare. Calmly putting down his sandwhich, the first stallion said, "Not this again. Look, it's good money and she's kinda cute, too."
"I don't care how cute she is. That mare terrifies me."
"Just because you're chicken, doesn't mean I gotta be. And no need to run scared like a little foal since she's got business elsewhere so you won't see her for a while."
"Having common sense doesn't make me chicken. Besides, you'll just gonna move to the next questionable job like fetching things for that crazy inventor."
"She offers less outside work nowadays. I do got some deliveries for a marine biologist. And don't go complaining. Not like you can do anything about it. I'm the oldest and I know best."
There was a supremely intense staredown until the second stallion leaned over and swallowed the first's sandwich in one big gulp. Angry at having his edible alleviated, one shove led to another and soon there was a fight. Caught up in contagious aggression, a brawl broke out in the diner that blocked the door, though none had noticed the two dancers just yet.

Light Fantastic just stared as the brawl broke out.

"Mighty unprofessional for having such a fancy ride," she whispered.

Silky Double-Time whispered back, "I know, right? I mean, I don't know if they're doing this behind her back or if she just doesn't care who she hires. Thank Celestia we have better transportation than this. What do you think he means by an inventor and a marine biologist? Think the delivery is something fancy or something dangerous?"

"Could be," whispered Light Fantastic, "Hard to tell though."

"Should we wait for the fight to finish or try to sneak out while nopony's looking?"

Rhapsody wasn't mad, she was just being truthful. She also didn't open up to ponies easily, and with Night Cap around she was more on guard then she usually would be around two strangers.She lead them easily through the streets to a somewhat older part of the city, likely closer to the roots of where the town began before it sprung further outwards. She was used to flying over this way, but she had little trouble with the ground. The building generally seemed to match the roads, being rougher and older looking then the newer ones more inland, but none were even close to being rundown or damaged, just not all have aged gracefully. But then, there it was, Sky Lynx's gym.

It stood out as Rhapsody claimed it would as many of the buildings around it were mostly earth tones or warehouses. The Gym was two stories, the top story was snow white in color, and the bottom was vibrant medium blue, and between the the two was a red 'belt' that went around the building. On the side of the building written in red was:

Sky Lynx Gym
When you want to be better then the best.

"When we get inside, I'll go talk to Sky Lynx privately and see what he can do for us." She also had several things she needed to discuss with him as well, but those were more private matters.

How can one be better than the best? Wouldn't that then be the new best? Wouldn't that require an infinite escalation of power?

Night Cap walks in. He kinda feels like pronking in, but he can only exert so much effort in one day and he needs to save up. He expects this training to be good.

Misty isn't quite sure what to expect in this situation, but takes Maplejack and Night Cap's reactions as a good sign. She smiles and follows the others into the building.

Maple followed Miss Monsoon in. Hopefully leaving Miss Rhapsody and Mr. Night Cap alone briefly will be okay. Maple tried not to notice he wings jutting out behind her trying to hug Miss Rhapsody on the way past...they do not understand how the hug bank worked.

"It might be better if we try to get out while everyone else is occupied," replied Light Fantastic.

"They've got the door blocked, should we try to slip through the back?"

Spoiler

Light Fantastic glanced at the back exit.

"We can try," she said.

[broken spoiler tag]Light Fantastic uses Ballon, Brisé, Pirouette.
Roll for Acrobatics: Roll(3d20)+14: 3,12,10,+14 -> Total:39
Roll for Stealth: Roll(1d20)+7: 17,+7 -> Total:24

Amber had quite lost the track of time as she felt herself closer to picking up the track of the mystery before her, and had laid out the freshly freed and grandly gleaming tiles in a grid on the desk, trying to see if they fit together into a single image, like an ordinary puzzle. She was hesitant to make the final connections without knowing more, but felt she'd very likely know more if she did connect them - and it was only now that she considered asking somepony else for advice and realized that the workday had ended at some unspecified time in between.

She looked over the markings, trying to discern any kind of pattern now that she had them all visible.

Spoiler

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

The inside of the gym was just as heroically bright looking as the outside, and was busy catering to many sorts. All sorts of training equipment could be found, and in the middle of it all was a wrestling ring, currently in use by a pony and griffon. Staff all wore colored vests that might indicate rank or maybe specialty; White, Blue, a few were gold. but only one seemed to be unique. Near the back was a white and blue griffon wearing a red vest, his eyes hidden behind a pair of gold mirrored sunglasses. He was certainly getting on in age, but that didn't seem the least bit bothered by this... looking in better shape then most the customers and staff.

Rhapsody gives a nod to him and looks to the others. "Feel free to look around some, get a feel for the place while I make arrangements." She says and heads on back to the red vested Griffon, and the pair walk back to a back room, likely Sky Lynx's office.

Spoiler

A mighty mysterious magic of magnanimous magnitude masterfully mesmerized Amber Spark's mental mechanics as she looked over the ancient puzzle pieces. Lines led to angles which led to shapes until another satisfying click was heard. Working carefully, she eventually formed a 4 x 3 rectangle showing something resembling an abstract field of stars. However, there were so many leftover pieces. What was Amber missing? It seemed to be right there...

Like silk falling onto a freshly shampooed carpet, Silky Double-Time and Light Fantastic silently stepped towards the back. Valting the counter, they swiftly exited when nopony was looking their direction. Though the bell for this door did jingle, the patrons were too preoccupied to notice. "Whew. What do we do now?"

Maple Just stood dead center of the ring in awe

Misty wondered if she was supposed to be wearing a vest too. Maybe if she did really well, they'd give her one?

Maple walked to the side of the ring and took off her saddlebags and leaned them against the wall. Opening one of the flaps with her wing she reached in and pulled out a tiny pair of boots and a very sparkly white leotard.

This really was the best day ever.

Observing Maplejack, Misty becomes increasingly concerned with the possibility that she has failed to observe the facility's dress code.

Using her wings and some practiced moves Maple gets into her ring attire quickly ... and then reaches into her bag for one last item... a shiny white mask...

Spoiler
All

With her Mask on Maple struggles up the large steps to the ring... since she was to tiny get in under the bottom rope from the floor mats.

"Now this is the best part of my entire WEEK!" The mask did little to hid Maple's huge smile as she began to 'run the ropes'... a standard warm up, she'd seen done thousands of times... but never thought she'd get to do herself.

"After that, I could go for another cup of coffee," said Light Fantastic.

Being as she wasn't as long in the leg as most ponies, Maple had a lot of mat to cover running back and forth between the ropes... and as her mask only barely grazed the underside of the middle rope, she wasn't getting a lot of 'sproing' from bouncing off just the bottom one.

As the elder white and blue griffon locked his office door, he lowered his shades and looked at Rhapsody, "Been a while. I'm guessing you brought that flock of cubs here for a reason?"

"I... don't really know what we're supposed to be doing...?" Misty replies.

Maple noticed the eyes on her ... and ran to the turnbuckle. Climbed up one at a time and then posed at the top one. Listening to a roaring crowd that was out there somewhere ...

As the elder white and blue griffon locked his office door, he lowered his shades and looked at Rhapsody, "Been a while. I'm guessing you brought that flock of cubs here for a reason?"

"Yeah, work has kept me busy... actual work... mostly..." She replies and nods. "The Keep is sending a group on an excavation, and after recent events the bosses feel that the team needs to be better prepared for whatever dangers they may face. Since I know you are the best trainer this side of Equestria, I opted to bring them here. I felt that you would be good to get them at least somewhat prepared before the team ships off for their next relic hunt." She replies, having practiced the story in her mind on the way over here, while she fully trusted Sky Lynx, STOMP isn't her secret to share.

"However, the brown earth pony... I don't trust him. I can't officially prove it, but he's got some connections to that criminal organization that's been around lately. You may have heard of the attempted robbery the other night; he was consorting with two of the thieves and was running from a cop. He's also been shady and questionable on prior excavations. I want to break him; but my hooves are tied since... for some Luna-forsaken reason they hired him as staff." She says and punches as wall.. probably harder then she intended to. "You, as a personal trainer, can be rough on him... I want you to give him your worst, because I will not have the rest of the team put in jeopardy just because they're trusting a likely double agent."

Sky Lynx grunted and pulled out a few papers, "Not that I can't break him but if he is a criminal, I'd rather not be wasting the pomp and circumstance of training nor would I want to sully my gym's name. Why, I remember the time that..." Sky Lynx stopped himself. Holding up a talon as he thought, he then said, "I'll do it but I'll be watching him while I do and I'll be doing it above board. I trust your judgement but this isn't the kind of thing I'd want to mistakes with. If he's not crooked, then it's wrath that's misaimed. If he is crooked but he takes to the training well, then you're strengthening the enemy. But yes, this will be...strenuous. What about the other two? The cream colored one doesn't look like it's been all that long since she hatched."

"He's not done anything that is outright criminal, but everything he does feels like there is some ulterior motive, so he's either a clever manipulator... or just really stupid and a master of dumb luck." She then lets out a chuckle at the suggestion of Night Cap 'taking to the training well' "I'd be very surprised if he did, he is a coward and barely anything that could be considered close to a fighter or athletic. I expect regardless, that he'll be having his flank handed to him most, if not all night." She says and gives a shrug as he questions the others. "Don't really know them, both just joined this expedition today, and the boss wants to make sure everyone gets some kind of training to be less helpless out in the field. Two opted out of training, two are getting different training methods better suited to their skills it seems. These are the rest."

"Oh my goodness." Maple whispered as the endorphins and adrenalin started to fade, slowly backing down the ropes and then sliding out under the bottom one to the floor. Maple tried covering her face with a wing as she moved back toward her saddlebags... but she had forgot that her wrestling outfit bound her wings to her sides. Carefully Maple removed her mask and folded it softly and put it back in her bag, the boots and leotard came of quickly along with the Watch from her wrist and the locket from her neck.

Maple's face was so red it looked like her hair was eating her head when she came back over to Miss Monsoon and Mr. Night Cap.
"I guess you know my big dark secret now." Maple sighed... finally bringing her wings up over her face. "I just go so excited when I saw the ring... I've never been this close to one before and ..and..." Maple laughed, she hadn't even noticed... taking her wings back from her face a little, there in her left feathers was one of her extra special caramel toffees... So near to tears only an instant before, and now with a big happy grin Maple sat down on the mat right where she was and put the candy in her mouth.

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

"Two opting not to participate doesn't sound much like a team but I'm not in charge of the expedition. Still, let's see what I have to work with." Sky Lynx walked back out of the office and handed a paper to Night Cap, Maplejack, and Misty Monsoon. "I will need each of you to sign this waiver before you start training in the gym." Sky Lynx walked back out of the office and handed a paper to Night Cap, Maplejack, and Misty Monsoon. After giving them a chance to sign the form and reading each name, Sky Lynx announced in a booming voice, "Those unfortunate enough to lack foreknowledge of my illustrious career, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sky Lynx, former veteran of the Griffon Kingdom's royal guard and your trainer today. With my expert instruction, you will become pictures of athletic perfection. However, you will not be coddled like foals. They say 'no pain, no gain' and there's about to be a lot of pain. Before we get to the training itself, you need to warm up. Twenty laps around the gym! For the pegasi, the first half will be running and the second half flying. Well, don't just stand there! Move! Move!"

Hearing the second part was going to be flight Maple regretted signing the paper.
Spoiler

Light Fantastic glared at the camera pony.

Spoiler

"Would it kill you to ask before taking pictures?"

Spoiler

There were several more camera flashes until it finally registered to the stallion that he was hanging upside down. He blinked for a moment until answering Light Fantastic's question with, "I figured the surprise would better display you in your natural environment, as opposed to stopping to ask you.

...

I'm not being a rump, am I?"

Misty signs the paper and hands it back. Listening as Sky Lynx introduces himself, she is quite impressed with his credentials. At the griffon's command, she doesn't stop to think, she moves.

Spoiler

Maple Sets off running with the others.

Light Fantastic couldn't help giving a small smirk.

"You're certainly coming across that way," she said.

"Two opting not to participate doesn't sound much like a team but I'm not in charge of the expedition. Still, let's see what I have to work with." Sky Lynx walked back out of the office and handed a paper to Night Cap, Maplejack, and Misty Monsoon. "I will need each of you to sign this waiver before you start training in the gym." Sky Lynx walked back out of the office and handed a paper to Night Cap, Maplejack, and Misty Monsoon. After giving them a chance to sign the form and reading each name, Sky Lynx announced in a booming voice, "Those unfortunate enough to lack foreknowledge of my illustrious career, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sky Lynx, former veteran of the Griffon Kingdom's royal guard and your trainer today. With my expert instruction, you will become pictures of athletic perfection. However, you will not be coddled like foals. They say 'no pain, no gain' and there's about to be a lot of pain. Before we get to the training itself, you need to warm up. Twenty laps around the gym! For the pegasi, the first half will be running and the second half flying. Well, don't just stand there! Move! Move!"

"Well one is at least in as top shape as I am, and she probably has good reasons to be here. The other... yeah... not the best team player. I thought he might have changed his mind today, since we talked a lot and he seemed more open and friendly; but still didn't show." She says, seeming somewhat disappointed about that, but doesn't dwell on it. Rhapsody stands back and watches the three, unimpressed that Night Cap is doing well, she already knew the coward could run away. "I did warn them that you wouldn't be easy on them. I do remember that the little one was worried when I mentioned you being a griffon and that there would be flight training... I think I now see why..."

"Listen up! Each of you three will be paired up with a partner for your training. Night Cap will be training with me. Misty Monsoon will be training with Rhapsody. Maplejack will be training with..." Sky Lynx looked around until he pointed at a dark teal unicorn mare with a deep purple mane whose cutie mark was of a spiraling arrow." "...Pendulumnae. We'll be starting with tug of war. It'll be a way for you build up you grip when dealing with an opposing force. Why remember the day the Griffon Kingdom had to deal with the Great Turquoise Gravity Incident. It was on a day like this...

...and after my brave actions, the king awarded me my ninth medal. It was a rather fine show if I do say so myself. Now, grab a rope and get ready."

Spoiler

After pondering a moment, the stallion said, "Maybe I could trade you my camera for one of your legwarmers?"

Maple grins another new friend. "Thank you for helping me Miss. Pendulumnae." Maple picked up her end of the rope.
Spoiler
She wanted to grab on with her wings too, but they were still all limp and floppy from flying laps

Light Fantastic gave the stallion a flat look.

"Uh...no," she said, incredulous at the stallion's gall, "You could do this, though. Either you start to ask for permission to take my pictures, or I report you to the nearest guard and tell them that I have a very persistent stalker. Do I make myself clear?"

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

For the briefest moment, Night Cap might have been able to pretend he had a chance at tug of war. But after that brief moment, he was pulled quite forcefully, causing him to go sailing through the air and land on his stomach. "Disappointing. Again!"

Meanwhile, Pendulumnae quite effortlessly pulled Maplejack along with a smooth and easy motion. The trainer gave a friendly smile and said, "Gotta try again. What do you think would give you an advantage?"

The stallion looked shocked, "Whoa, I'm not a stalker. I just try to take photos so I can sell them to newspapers for a lot of money...erm. That is, yes I'll ask next time.

...

Can I take your picture now?"

Maple shrugged her wings ... "Maybe ..um, ... I don't know." Maple sighed.

Light Fantastic raised an eyebrow.

"You do realize that you just admitted to using my image to make a profit, right?" she asked, "I could sue you if I so desired."

Pendulumnae chuckled, "It wasn't a trick question. It's not just about strength. You need to learn how to adjust weight and leverage yourself based on your opponent's actions. C'mon, let's try again."

"Oh." The stallion fell silent after Light Fantastic's comment.

Light Fantastic sighed.

"Tell you what," she said, "I'll let it slide this one time. But if I even have an inkling that you're taking pictures of me without my express permission, I will contact every media outlet in Equestria and let everypony know how much of a thief you are."

She not-so-gently dropped the stallion.

"Okay, Maybe if I?" Maple leaned forward and grabber the rope with her front hooves and flapped her wings while trying to back up

Spoiler
Zam

Once more, Night Cap went sailing through the air. "You are not giving a good name to earth pony strength. Are you a stallion or a mere egg?"

Maplejack seemed to be adding an ounce more resistance but Pendulumnae still seemed to effortlessly tug her along. "You won't get it the first time but you are learning to work with what you have."

Silky Double-Time took a picture of the stallion. "Just in case you try something funny." He nodded and then ran off.

As hours turned into even more hours, Static Signal, Night Wings, and Tangerine Sands made enough progress so that Skivey's Dive finally looked tolerable. Escorting everyone out and locking the door, Tangerine Sands proclaimed, "Honest work deserves and requires a good rest. I'm sure the things discussed should help you better channel or eliminate the rage. In the future, you are to partake in whatever training the rest of your coworkers are doing. However, I have an ongoing project for you to work on. I want you to work on preparing a meal and practice improving it."

Static stopped mid-stride and his jaw drops at the proclamation of him preparing a meal. M...me? Cooking? I...I'm not even sure where to begin with that! Static thought for a moment. I mean...actually...maybe...I suppose I could ask Anchors about her kelp quiche. Sweet Luna, I don't think I've ever even used an oven before!

Maybe better get a fire extinguisher...

Misty picks up the rope in her mouth and looks at Rhapsody. "Ready when you are!" she says cheerfully.

Spoiler

Rhapsody stretches out some, loosing up her body before she nods to Misty. "Alright. Hope you are ready for this. I'm not going to hold back any." She states and takes the rope in her mouth and tugs, sending Misty flying with the greatest of ease. "You weren't ready!" The black pegasus huffs and looks over to the fallen blue pegasus.

[broken spoiler tag]1d20+9=28[broken spoiler tag]

Misty gets back up on to her hooves. "Ha... haha... you're really strong!" She seems to be having fun despite falling flat on her face.

She picks up the rope again. "Okay. I'm ready to go again!"

Spoiler

Maple saw that miss Monsoon was having fun and that made her smile too. So Maple wondered what she could do differently this time... at first she had tried to resist being moved... and the second time she tried to do that again a different way... she wasn't actually trying to pull the rope.

"Well toot." Maple whispered, before signalling she was ready to try again.

Spoiler
Zam

This time Maple had a plan... alternate pulling the rope towards her with her left hoof and wing and then pulling with the right set, while standing on her back legs.

Rhapsody smirks softly. "Just kinda... I mean, I've only crushed boulders with my bare hooves, no biggie." She replies with a laugh taking some amusement in Night Cap's failures. Taking up the rope again, Misty was certainly ready this time, not so easily tugged by her black counterpart, and maybe even gaining some ground on her. "Glad to see you're actually ready this time." She says around the rope.

Spoiler

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

After several minutes of intense tug of war exercises, Sky Lynx blew his whistle. "Five minute break and then we'll move to the next exercise."

"A fire extinguisher is good to have for basic safety anyway." "The quiche is a good idea but don't rule out other options. You may even want two goals, such as something simple as a first step and then something else as a later goal. A meal isn't necessarily just one dish."

Well, I guess I'll be going to the book store for a cook book and then to a grocery store on my way home.

A look of shocked revelation hits Static and he goes to one saddle bag then the other.

Aww, I forgot my bucking grocery list! Static sighs. I guess I'm about to need a different one anyway.

"It was good working with you but I can't stand being near this place anymore." Night Wings flew off while Tangerine Sands nodded to Static Signal, "May we meet again under the best of circumstances. However, it's late so I shouldn't hold you up from purchasing that cookbook and your groceries."

Maple thanked her trainer and walked over to Mr. Night Cap, "You did very well Mr. Night Cap... Maple smiled ... I got dragged around really good, but none of us let go of the rope." Maple Jumped in the air and floated a little before coming back down... "And I learned I can fly okay enough if I stay close to the ground. I wonder what Training we'll do next... Dodge ball OOOH I hope it's dodge ball!"

Thanks for your help, Mr. Wiings, Mr. Sands. Yeah, I guess I still have a bit to do before I call it a night.

Static walked to the nearest book store and looked over the selection of cook books. "Cooking for Dummies" grabbed his attention and he picked it up and took a look at it.

Kelp Quiche

4 eggs
2 cups milk (soy milk, almond milk, skim milk etc)
½ cup flour (millet flour, quinoa flour, oat flour etc)
1 TBL butter or oil
1/3 cup bull Kelp flakes (Nereocystis luetkeana) or shredded Nori.
Pinch nutmeg
½ tsp turmeric
4 cloves, crushed fresh garlic

Add all ingredients and blend in blender or hand mix well.

Pour into an ungreased 9" pie plate. Bake at 350 F for 50 to 60 minutes. Is ready when inserted toothpick or knife comes out dry.

Note: You can add a cup of any shredded veggies (spinach, kale, broccoli, mushrooms etc).

There were also plenty of other recipes he may want to try out eventually: Lo Mein, pizza, home made chimmycherrychangas. But he needed just one to start out with. He took the book up to the register and paid for it.

Next stop, grocery store.

He got a cart and started going through the aisles. Eggs, milk, flour, butter, kelp flakes, nutmeg, termeric, garlic, oat bars (in case this cooking thing doesn’t work out), tea, coffee...cider...

Here Static paused. He'd just thrown out everything he had this morning. He'd been so good...for two days. Sweet Luna he wanted to take every single case and just throw them into the cart!

He reached for one of the six-packs.

[But I've been so good!]

The cider called to him.

[Anchor's is gone in a couple days. Pretty soon, I'll be the only friend you have left]

[Not true. In so many ways, not true. Night Cap, Snowy, Amber...I've got friends. And the situation with Anchors...isn't hopeless.

[You're fooling yourself.]

So are you going to get some or not? C'mon, fella. Some of us have places to be!

Static gasped as he came back to the real world and saw the impatient stallion standing next to him trying to get to the cider.

Sorry...I want it...but I shouldn't...and...you don't care. Sorry. I'll get out of your way. Thanks! You just saved me from a major backslide!

Static rushed his cart away and went to the checkout lanes.

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

Maple smiled act Mr. Night Cap. "If you can get as good at it as those two, Maple points a wingtip toward Misses Rhapsody and Monsoon - I just don't like heights much." Maple covered her face with her wings, she'd never told anyone that before. "Please Mr. Night Cap, that was a secret and it just slipped out."

While on break, Misty stretches out each of her limbs, one by one, making sure they're nice and limber for when the training resumes.

"Mr. Night Cap, um, why didn't you speak up about flying.. when we did the laps earlier?" Maple cocks her head and looks at the Stallion a little sideways.

In a herculean effort, Snowy Skies resists the urge to throw his viola across the room. Playing two instruments at once was not the least bit empowering; It was downright infuriating. Trying to play piano with telekinesis while playing a viola by hand was like crossing your eyes and walking in four directions at once. How did he synthesize everything so easily with magic? He didn't have an answer to that, and he needed to cool down...He was low on milk.

Snowy Skies grabs his key and treads downstairs, stalking through the streets to the store in a stormy mood. He hadn't experienced a musical failure like this in years.

His storm clouds clear partially when, to his surprise, he spies Static waiting in line at the grocery store. When was the last time he had recognized someone around town? He waves and trots over, glancing over the contents of Static's cart. "Eggs?" He says, in greeting.

Snowy? Well, fancy meeting you here! Static looks around and chuckles. Fancy me being here. Yeah, I'm...trying something new. If you hear about a huge fire later tonight on High Street W...totally not my fault.

Snowy clucks his tongue. "You make the rest of us feel so small. I'm just here to restock on milk and clear my head. So what's the recipe?

It's actually not my idea. Part of my training is trying new things. Cooking and...something else...were heavily..."suggested." If you ever see me in a tutu please put me out of my misery.

As for this? Kelp Quiche. I was hoping to surprise Anchors with it tomorrow.

Silky Double-Time shook her head, "Some ponies. *sigh* So, where did you want to get coffee from? In fact, what were you up to while you were gone earlier?"

"Going to school must have been fun." Maple smiled, completely satisfied by the answer Mr. Night Cap gave her.
"Miss Monsoon, Miss Rhapsody... You were both really good at tug of war." Maple motions with her wings to Mr. Night Cap to follow her, as she walks over to the other two Ponies...

Snowy nods. "If you ever want to step your game up, I have some stuffed pepper recipes you can try. They're some of my favorites. How did things go with Anchors, anyways?" Shortly after asking the question, another one occurs to him. "They sell kelp here?"

"Just talking to a friend," said Light Fantastic, "Someone I knew from that mess last night.

"That stallion kind of killed my appetite. So what do you want to do?"

Static looked at the kelp in his cart for the first time realizing how odd it is that it would be sold at a normal store. Yeah. That is kind of odd, isn't it? Must be more popular than I thought.

I'll probably be looking for as many new recipes as possible soon, so sure. I'll probably want to start simply for now. But give me a week or so, I'd love to try those stuffed peppers.

Anchors, Static sighed happily. This was the best...night...ever! Statics wide smile slowly morphed down into a sad face. He shook out of it, trying to put on his happy face again. He could tell Snowy wasn't buying it. I'm sorry. It was a great night...the best. It's just...I can't help but be reminded that she's gone in a couple days.

Tallking to Static Signal could be downright confusing. His earnestness and heartfelt tone made it hard to stay on edge around him, but Snowy never knew what to say, which put him on edge. So now he not only didn't know what to say, he didn't even know what to think!

Snowy blinks instead of shrugging. "Ponies have a tendency to move. Unless you only want to make friends with inanimate objects, you'd best either move with them or get used to it."

I actually have considered that. There's other possibilities I'm just going to have to talk to her about. But if it comes down to it, I may just have to decide what's more important to me: my position in STOMP and the friends I've made, or her.

It...would be a hell of a decision to have to make.

So what about you? What is it you have to clear your head of?

Snowy grimaces. "Music practice." He says shortly. "I'm trying something new, and I'm no longer certain it's physically possible."

Static raises an eyebrow. After what you pulled last night? How can anything not be physically possible?

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

Rhapsody nodded to the littlest pony. "Yes, well I have been coming here for awhile now. I was surprised at how quickly Misty adjusted for my strength. It will be interesting to see how she develops. You seem to be learning a few things as well Maple." She makes no comments on Night Cap's efforts, but inside she was smiling seeing him fail so gloriously.

"What about Mr. Night Cap? I think He did really good to." Maple smiled, hoping that maybe Miss Rhapsody had something nice to say... >_<

Rhapsody ponders and then grins softly. "Well, he can certainly run fast... But then, I already knew that much."

"Anypony want a snack before the next thing starts?" Maple asks, happy that everything was going well.

"oh that sounds fun." Maple went over to her saddle bags anyway, she grabbed two caramels with her wings and checked on her watch and locket to make sure they were still in there nice and safe. Whether or not Miss Monsoon or Miss Rhapsody wanted one or not, Maple came trotting back to the group with a big smile on her face and caramel coloured lips.

Sky Lynx stared down Maplejack, "No food during practice."

Misty's face lights up at Night Cap's suggestion. "That's a great idea! Real food is the best kind!" she says excitedly.

Maple ran back and put the candies back in her bag!

Snowy laugh was barking and honest, but it was also bitter. "Do you ever get the feeling that you will never get to take credit for your greatest accomplishments? That no matter what you do, you always owe too much to someone else?"

My greatest accomplishments? Uhh...museum projectionist! Static said with a self-deprecating scoff. He shook his head. Greatest thing I ever did was to get the buck out of Manehatten. I take full credit for that.

Static tilted his head curiously. Why? What's your greatest accomplishment?

"Last night's performance." Snowy lies with perfect glibness. "Powered by magic and knowledge I stole from our assailant when she tried to take over my mind. It is literally impossible for me to replicate that without re-summoning her. And somehow, I don't think she'd be too keen on it either." He sighs. "Sands called it humbling, didn't he? Well, he wasn't the only one humbled."

Well then, maybe you shouldn't try to replicate last night. I mean, even if you could reclaim that level of performance, it's never a good thing to rest on your laurels.

You have real talent, outside of whatever you took from that princess. Try making your own music. Whether you ever achieve the same level or not, at least you'll have something no one could ever deny is yours.

Silky Double-Time sat and thought for a moment, "I don't know about right now but you wanna go bowling later on?"

Snowy looks very sad for a moment. "I'm...I'm a performer, not a composer. I don't write well, I play well. Last night was...the top. So far beyond what I ever thought was possible, but it was the height, depth, and breadth of musical performance. It's exactly what I never knew I was working towards. And now it seems like I might not ever reach it."

Sky Lynx blew his whistle, "Break's over! Next up is practicing defensive rolls. It's a vital skill both for softening a fall and for recovering if you're thrown. We'll be doing this in the ring where it's more padded. You'll need to tuck your head and curl yur body to properly do this. Pendulumnae and I shall show you how to do this." Sky Lynx demonstrated for the rest with Pendulumnae cleanly rolling and recovering after being tossed. "Notice how cleanly she's able to do this, even with a horn. Similarly, pegasi must be careful not to unfurl your wings. Of course, I was a master at this even when I first started. I remember the time my battalion was assaulted by a whole clan of ninjas...

...and that's how I attained grandmaster status of a third martial art. For the rest of you, you will retain your same partners for this exercise. The trainer will be doing the toss while you practice recovering." As Sky Lynx beckoned towards Night Cap with a stern expression, Pendulumnae trotted over to Maplejack, "Let me know when you're ready."

Spoiler

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

Spoiler

"I'll be back in a second Miss Pendulumnae, I can take care of the wing issue." Maple rushed back to her bag, placed the candies inside and took out her leotard... putting it on quickly on her way back.

I'm not sure what to say? "You can do it?" "Believe in your dreams?" A thousand other cliche platitudes?

I don't know. I've never really had many ambitions. Get out of Manehatten, get home and drink cider. I'm not sure I have anything I can say that can help.

Still...saving the Strut, ending the fight with the princess without hurting Zig Zag while the rest of us could only bludgeon her to death...I'd say you have some accomplishments you can call your own.

Misty folds her wings tightly against her body. "Okay! I'm totally ready this time! I think. Maybe?"

Spoiler

Light Fantastic perked up.

"That's sounds like an excellent idea!" she said.

Rhapsody trots over to Misty, and looks to her. "You need to be more sure then that, because a real enemy isn't going to wait for you to be ready, nor will they be going easy on you." She says as she tosses Misty, not wanting to hurt her, but sometimes her strength could get the better of her.

Spoiler

Misty goes rolling, but flubs the recovery, ending up in a jumble of legs, wings and head at the side of the ring.

"That's really... wow, dizzy!...That's really great advice, thanks!" Misty says as she sorts her limbs out and gets back up.

Misty trots back over to Rhapsody with ever-so-slightly off-kilter steps. "Okay! I am sure that I'm ready now!"

Spoiler

Maple gets up slowly ... shaking her mane, the large flattened area 'pops' back into place as she comes back to her spot to try again

Spoiler

I'm not sure what to say. "You can do it?" "Believe in your dreams?" A thousand other cliche platitudes?

I don't know. I've never really had many ambitions. Get out of Manehatten, get home and drink cider. I'm not sure I have anything I can say that can help.

Still...saving the Strut, ending the fight with the princess without hurting Zig Zag while the rest of us could only bludgeon her to death...I'd say you have some accomplishments you can call your own.

Snowy skies twitched an ear in an expression of tired confusion (not, as was more common, of irritation). "There's more to the world than music." He concedes. "I've always known that, but I've never liked it."

Well, I can tell I've been...less then helpful. Sorry 'bout that. My world was pretty simple until a couple days ago. So I'm just not sure how to relate. I do hope you land on your hooves though. Maybe if you can find somepony who shares your interest in music?

Rhapsody nods."Then let's see just how sure you are!" She says and once more tosses Misty onto the mat, only to watch the blue pegasus fail again.

[broken Spoiler tag]1d20+7=26[broken spoiler tag]

Light Fantastic grinned.

"That sounds like fun," she said, "What do you think, Silky?"

Well, I can tell I've been...less then helpful. Sorry 'bout that. My world was pretty simple until a couple days ago. So I'm just not sure how to relate. I do hope you land on your hooves though. Maybe if you can find somepony who shares your interest in music?

Snowy lets out another barking laugh, genuinely entertained this time. "The opposite, actually...on both counts. I needed that reminder, and my special somepony makes the music stop."
Well. Once again he found himself revealing a little more than he was comfortable with.

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

Amber looked at the completed block of tiles, wondering at the starscape that had presented itself. Was this another astronomical device of some kind? Her mind buzzed as if under the influence of the very finest coffee. What if it was even older than the Canterkythera Mechanism? There was no guarantee that all the tiles were here - if archeology were as simple as putting together puzzles, they wouldn't well have degree programs for it, now would they? - but this was no mere decoration. It was a machine - a part of one, rather - and Amber knew that inside, just beyond what she could see on the surface, there was a pattern and a system, that she could see the whole from within the part.

She thought back to her failed attempt to look into the Anugypt Strut script's secrets - but it was a piece of paper, its magic was written in notes, not orbits and interactions. Someone like Mr. Skies or even Toni could see more deeply into them, but Amber scarcely knew what the symbols represented in the first place. And these symbols were scarcely any better, and they probably weren't just decoration....

She held the interlocked span of tiles with her magic and lifted it slightly off the desk. She looked closely at one edge, what she took to be the gearings that interlocked the tiles. She'd been looking them over with a loupe, and she brought the loop over, but now she pressed at one slightly with her magic, and felt over the edges, as if she were preparing to reshape a piece of metal, talking to it.

She closed her eyes and "felt." Felt for the system, felt for any way to move or activate the mechanism inside. It scarcely occurred to her that this might be dangerous - an hour or two before, she wouldn't have attempted this, but the solution to this puzzle seemed just beyond reach, and the tiles were becoming frustratingly silent on the matter. It was time to ask them directly. C'mon, move.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Misty staggers back onto her hooves once more. "I guess... that wasn't sure enough... hah."

Snowy lets out another barking laugh, genuinely entertained this time. "The opposite, actually...on both counts. I needed that reminder, and my special somepony makes the music stop."
Well. Once again he found himself revealing a little more than he was comfortable with.

Hmm, musically inclined is she? Well, given Rhapsody's...inclinations...I'm guessing Light Fantastic...or one of her company. Good for you! Static says with a grin.

Snowy Skies quieted the internal battle in his head. If he was going to explain this to anyone other than Light, it was Static. "Good deduction, you should have my job. Yes, it's Light Fantastic, but I wouldn't describe her as musically inclined. It's just..." for once, opening up wasn't the hardest part. He just had no idea how to put the feeling into words. "The music stops. When she's around, the music stops." He says lamely. "And it never stops. It's been there all my life. The song changes, but music remained. But around her, it's all so...quiet. calm."

Like all the crap that drags you down from day to day, all the doubts, all the self recriminations...all the...crap...it just goes away whenever she's around and for that one single bright moment...it's okay to allow yourself to be happy?

Snowy looks at Static incredulously. "Anchors Away is a truly incredible mare if she makes you feel like that." He furrows his brow, trying to piece together the right words. "Also, sweet Celestia you worry too much. But you get that a lot, I know." He says, looking sympathetic as he has another go at it. He casts a cone of silence around them before speaking. "You know that feeling you get where there's a song stuck in your head, and it won't go away? Crank the volume on that song up really high. Like, distractingly high, to the point where it makes it hard to keep a line of thought about anything else. And the only way to get the song out of your head is to replace it with another song...or play what's already there. Even then, it doesn't exactly help. A new song slides in after it. And you learn how to function naturally in spite of the music. You learn how to look perfectly attentive, to keep your eyes trained on someone no matter where your head goes. It keeps you sharp, really. You have to focus on everything, because if you don't you'll miss it all completely." He takes a deep breath. "Then you see a mare dance. And as she dances, all the songs fade away like snow clouds in springtime. And for a few lovely minutes, you understand how normal ponies think, how they can function so naturally. Heck, you can do it yourself. It comes naturally to you, now that the song is gone. You thought you needed it, that it was responsible for making you what you were...but it turns out you do just fine without it." He idly stares at Static's kelp for a moment, lost in thought, then looks back at Static. "I may have just mentioned that I occasionally find it hard to believe that there's more to life than music. Light Fantastic, she's a good reminder."

"Sounds like fun. Haven't gotten to do anything competitive in a while." After getting all of their gear together, the four met at the farthest lane. "This is Hazel Naught, the Keep's Chief Accountant. Her turn's first." The beige pegasus looked at the lane in determination. Getting ready, she lined up her shot and rolled the ball...straight into the gutter.

"Oh.

Oh dear."

She stared in disbelief as Steel Flint scribbled some notes with her magic. "No worries. We'll solve this sport soon enough. Light Fantastic, you're up next."

Spoiler

With careful prodding and examination with her magic, Amber Spark found a tiny hidden lever that she flipped. She rather clearly heard something akin to the sound of a lock unlocking, though she realized the sound was in her mind and not in her ear. Several pieces seemed to have subtly changed their groove positioning and the piece she was holding now fit on a right angle like building a wall.

CoffeeHorse · Feb 21, 2022

"Alright then," said Light Fantastic, telekinetically picking up her ball, "Let's do this."

Spoiler

"Yes, that was obvious." Rhapsody huffs softly. "You have to have complete faith in yourself and your abilities. Be sure of yourself, because you never know if someone else will need to to be sure for them."

Misty shakes her head back and forth rapidly, shaking off the lingering dizziness. "Okay! Not going to say that I'm ready! Not going to say that I'm sure! Just... complete faith in my abilities!" Her tail flicks back and forth feistily.

Spoiler

As she sails through the air a thought occurs to her. Wait, what are my abilities?

"And there it is!" Static thought. As much as he enjoyed these talks with Snowy, they often turned confusing.

It would start out normal. Snowy could speak plainly as any pony. These were the times Static could almost swear he was breaking through with him.

But then it was almost invariably followed up with some deeply hidden message in an elaborate metaphor that he had to replay in his head a few times before he arrived at something he hope was approximately the point.

Static wasn't sure if this was him actually breaking through Snowy's barriers or if it was Snowy realizing they were down in the first place and re-raising them.

One thing he could latch onto though, it seemed Light Fantastic was as important to Snowy as Anchors was to him.

He didn't have anything particularly sage to say. Oh well. If you don't have anything deep to say, turn a phrase!

Light Fantastic is a truly incredible mare if she makes you feel like that.

Static snorts. Mares! And here I was living a perfectly hap...well...I don't think either of us would believe me if I said "happy." But not looking for anything more than my bachelors life. And after two day, Anchors has my world turns so upside down that I'm seriously considering...

Static stops himself, shaking his head. Oh what an ass am I?

Rhapsody watches as Misty fails another roll and blinks as she has no clue to her abilities. She sighs and looks over to Sky Lynx. "I think this is going to be a long night."

Spoiler

Snowy laughs again. "We're both only equine, Static. If we weren't fools by nature, my life would have been so much worse than it was." He shakes his head, still chuckling a little. "As things stand, it seems life goes on much longer than either of us expected it to. If you think you've got a future somewhere, you should chase after it."

It occurred to Static that for as long as he'd been talking to Snowy, the line hadn't seemed to move much. He looked up at the cashier and noticed he was still helping the same mare he was helping when he'd first gotten in line.

Bucking newbies! Static grumbled. C'mon! Why don't we go get your milk. Maybe the line will be shorter when we get back...or...you know...Static raised his voice a bit...MAYBE THEY'LL OPEN ANOTHER LANE SO MORE CUSTOMERS CAN BE SERVED!

As he got out of line he sighed thoughtfully. So...chase after this future no matter the cost? Scary thing is...I think I can actually do that. Static took a deep breath, trying to absorbed the enormity of it all. He was shocked to find that he wasn't kidding. He really would give up everything if it meant being with Anchors. What a foolish thing to do! And yet...So...what would you give up in order to be with Light?

[IC] Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour: Explorers of STOMP

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