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

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlets jaw twitched as he heard ‘Maple Caps’ suggestions on how to improve things. While what he had read from STOMP very much showed that ‘Boss’ Vine s management of Petrichor might not be the full-on ‘Crime City’ Fiestas mayor had clearly heard about.

It was the exception, not the rule.

---

"Often the Right pony to have in power is one who is willing to give it up if that is what is best for her or his charges. Thank you for your Time Mayor, this city is in good hooves." Maplecap Smiles as she raises her voice a little so the mayor can hear her/him as he walks away.

While Maple didn't agree with what he'd said about her Friend... it was good to meet lots of different ponies with different ways of doing things. She'd have to tell Maple about that Chartography issue, maybe she could help make a better map of the area ...

>_< ... never mind Maple Cap Rolled his eyes

---

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Flairvoyant's ears lowered upon the mayor's exit. "Ouch. I forgot that the Falls had built up such a bad reputation. Well...I hope we can find something useful in those wonderfully exciting campaign pamphlets once Maple gets changed and walks back over here." Hazel Naught let out something akin to a mix between an unhappy groan and a depressed sigh at the mention of the campaign pamphlets.

---

Maplecap saunters off behind the changing wall again and then returns as her normal Maple self

---

"Wait! You mean you can just magic away all the glitter? Square...wait...Square...one moment please...wait...wait for me!"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Square Fun winked. "But you obviously weren't at a club so there's no problem. Besides, it's not even remotely fine grain."

Casino ponies

Once Maplejack returned to the table, Dart Noveau announced, "Alright, we should take turns getting food and looking over these. I guess me, Hazel, and Flair can head up there to the breakfast buffet first while the rest do some quick research. Looks like they fixed a potato and tomato medly but there's also fruit salad and some other stuff. If y'all already know what you want, let me know and I can bring it back for you. Otherwise..." Dart Noveau started to get up from the table.

Spoiler

---

Maple puts the pamphlets out on the table ..."just some water for me thanks." She said with a smile.

Spoiler
Zam

---

Wanderlust shakes his head. "Books before breakfast, that's what I always say. Though these don't really count as books..." Nevertheless, he helps himself to a pamphlet.

Spoiler

---

Spoiler
Sunbeam, Zam

---

Static sighs as he dusts off more of the glitter. He then gives a glance to Night Cap. "Yeah, I guess that's a negatory on the lollipops."

---

Wanderlust looks up from his pamphlet. "...did you get fired or something? And what does STOMP stand for, anyways?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I think you're doing a great job, Maple! And that Night Cap impersonation wasn't half bad, either," Misty says as she attempts to read the pamphlet.

Spoiler

---

"Oh... uh... I guess just fruits salad will be fine for me thanks..." Symphony says and she grabs a pamphlet and opens it up to browse over it.

Spoiler

---

"Well, I know I was told what it actually was a long time ago when I started... but I've just been thinking to myself that it means 'Stay Together On Missions Ponies.' ... which for the longest time I didn't seem to be able to figure out how to do... always found a way to get separated from the group... Maple gives Misty a quick nose nuzzle on her cheek.

...the mane wasn't too much? When I decided not to give him his horn and wings I thought I should at least make his mane all flowy." Maple partly stifled a giggle, clearly happy with being useful if only one pony had said so.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"I guess if we're going into a library, I might as well clean you two off," Square Fun said as he used his magic to remove the confetti from Static Signal and Night Cap. When he turned to Marmalade Zest, she hung her head and asked, "How...how does your museum director do it? I hoped to put forth a good showing for this town but I've been an embarassment this whole time. Not just figuratively making a mess of things but literally too. *sigh* Juggling torches is nothing at all like juggling duties and paperwork."

---

”that Potato medley sounds good to me. Thanks Darty—uh,,i mean Dart.

Halfway through opening a pamphlet, Scarlet heard Maples ‘don’t work for the Keep’ comment. Raising an eyebrow, he shook his head and in a low voice said.

”Maple, you’re on probation, not fired. If you didn’t still work for the Chief, you wouldn’t be here. Stop dwelling on your mistakes and focus on the here and now. Advice i should probably take myself, but thats beside the point.

Anyway. You’re here because the Chief wanted you here. She knew you’d be useful and you. You’re doing good Maple.

Night Cap doesn’t wings or a horn.”

Turning to Wanderlust, he added.

”A conversation for another time perhaps. Not here Wanderlust.”

Spreading the pamphlet out, Scarlet started reading.

Spoiler


”Special Team for Obtaining Museum Pieces.

We do the Impossible,” he added with a wink.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Oh yeah... " Maple snorts... "I was way off."

---

”Yes,” Scarlet said without looking up.

---

Static looks to Zest with both surprise and more than a little shock. "Mess? What, this?" he asks indicating the glitter. "That's just an honest mistake. You've been invaluable showing us around, helping us with the clock, helping me out with my social gaffes..." Static clapped her on the back. "You're doing fine. More than fine. And don't worry about comparing yourself with another leader. When I became team lead, I was wondering the same thing, 'how does Rhapsody do it'. But I'm not Rhapsody. I don't want to be Rhapsody. You just gotta figure out 'how do I do it'? I suggest one step at a time. It's helped me."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Marmalade Zest seemed to lighten up after hearing Static Signal's words. "Thanks, I'll try to keep that in mind.

I guess now it's time to head to the library?"

Casino ponies

As Maplejack was absentmindedly drawing circles with her hoof, she noticed something about the paper the pamphlets were printed on. Underneath the writing and decoration seemed to be a faded map! Furthermore, Misty Monsoon noticed that the front and back were two different halves of that map that fit together to make a whole.

Symphony found that the information matched up with what the mayor said though there was a lot of emphasis on the casino and it's foundation. The foundation was made of a material called 'meltimber' that Wanderlust recognized from talks with Blue Yonder. It was a factoid that been learned from Keen Craft's architect experience but Wanderlust couldn't remember exactly what Blue Yonder had said she said. However, as the group began discussing what they were discovering on the pamphlets, Scarlet Spectrum realized he had read about meltimber in the newspaper a while back. The trees were highly survivable in volcanic areas, were quite impact resistant, and wood made from them had become quite cheap on the market. However, it had become cheap because builders were abandoning it in droves. Meltimber didn't burn...but in the right conditions, it melted.

Just then, the others returned. Flairvoyant gave Maplejack her water while Dart Noveau gave Symphony her fruit salad and gave Scarlet Spectrum his potato medley. She then gave him a nudge and said, "You don't need to be so formal, Scarlet. Darty's fine. So, what all did y'all find?"

---

"Oh thank you." Maple says as she takes the water and drinks it rather quickly... before reaching into her satchel for her wetstone to refill the glass. She decided to let the others talk about what they'd found, Being Mr. Night Cap and making her voice all rumbly had really parched her throat

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Yeah, I guess to the library it is," Static answered, a little nervousness creeping into his voice. He couldn't shake the bad feeling he had ever since getting the rundown on this mission. It didn't help that the power from the clock tower only seemed to make the unicorn ill...just like Dazzling's magic at his apartment and the police station. They'd fixed the tower, however temporarily. But Static couldn't help but think there was something about it that he was still missing. And now going into what could almost certainly be a COIN stronghold...

Static patted his saddle bag and felt his Will still tucked away in there. Kitchen appliances to Night Cap. Couch and unicorn pendent go back to his parents. Several notes and books to Maple. Everything else to Anchors. He never thought this stuff would mean so much to him. But as he resolved to go face Dazzling...

"For your sake, I hope we never meet again."

Static took a deep, stabilizing breath and hung his head.

There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams, yet slips away from us
Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever

There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
this world has only one sweet moment set aside for us

Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever
Who dares to love forever
When love must die

But touch my tears with your lips
touch my world with your finger tips
And we can have forever
And we can love forever
Forever is our today

Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever
Forever is our today
Who lives forever anyway. ​

"Nothing for it," he said, the nervousness gone from his voice. He clutched the other pendant, the one Anchors entrusted to him, close to his heart can clenched his teeth. "Let's go."

---

Static looks after Night Cap as he trots off.

[But...but...I really need a hug!]

Static follows.

---

”One things for sure. The ‘Fire Evacuation at the casino... wasn’t about fire. That place is built on Meltimber and if i there’s one thing Meltimber doesn’t do...

It doesn’t burn.

It’s cheap, it’s tough, it’s perfect for areas like this. Except nobody wants to use it anymore.”

---

Casino ponies

Dart Noveau looked over a pamphlet. "I remember Keen bringing up meltimber. But...I don't know how that would stop a fire evacutation. If anything, it would make it even more important. A fire gets going with ponies trapped inside and rescuing them turns into trying to break into a rubber vault...or a collapsing, gooey mess. It's good for barrier walls but it makes houses even more dangerous." "Oh dear, that sounds dreadful. I wonder...I wonder if Verde meant to be gone already and the searching is taking longer than planned. Thus, Prim was willing to listen to the fire marshall because they know what might happen.

Wait. Symphony, Wanderlust...you two said you didn't see any signs of a fire, right?"

---

"Well... Um... There's always a possibility it could have been... well... elsewhere..." Something she'd brought up to Wander. "but there wasn't any fire near or around the Kitchen where Wander dragged me to explain the plan of snooping the hotel, and we were found before we could get to any of that."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Casino ponies

"How curious. Was there anything else you found in these pamphlets?"

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Marmalade Zest led the group to the library, then knocked on the door. "Mr. Page, are you there?" An elderly unicorn stallion opened the door. He had a grey purple coat and greying blue hair. He wore a dull brown tweed vest with a file card in the front pocket. Despite the dull colors on him, he had a warm expression. "Good morning, Zest! Oh, and I guess the rest of you are the visiting museum ponies?"

Spoiler

---

"Good morning, Mr. Page. Yes, I'm Static Signal. This is Night Cap and Square Fun. Thank you so much for opening up early for us."

---

Casino ponies

Flairvoyant happily munched on some of the potato medley. "At least we still have plenty of time to look over..." She paused. "Wait, don't restaurant staff usually get there early? Don't want you two to be late."

---

Misty folds the pamphlet, trying to match the front and back halves of the map together to complete the whole map.

---

Casino ponies

Flairvoyant happily munched on some of the potato medley. "At least we still have plenty of time to look over..." She paused. "Wait, don't restaurant staff usually get there early? Don't want you two to be late."

Wanderlust's eyes go wide, and he lets out a long, gusty sigh. "Probably, yes. Eat up...dear. We should get going."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Symphony nods with her own weary sigh and eats her meal as quickly as she can.

---

Seeing that Night Cap has already gotten into his groove doing his thing, Static took a subtle step back.

[The Will will have to wait.]

[Just try not to die any time soon.]

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Zest simply mentioned that you wanted to show up early but...come on in." Curled Page waved for the group to follow him inside. The library was well lit and well maintained. Not the largest in Equestria but decently stocked. Walking towards the reception desk, he asked, "Just what did you need help with?"

Casino ponies

The group quickly finished breakfast so that Symphony and Wanderlust could get dressed and ready. Dart Noveau galloped with them on her back to the casino. "I'm dropping you off, then I'll rush back to meet the others. Stay safe you two." Upon entering the casino, they found Poinsettia Prim waiting for them. "Not having you on the schedule is the only reason I'll tolerate you not being punctual. But on to more pressing matters: Chipotle Verde is having her morning breakfast and she requests that you two be the waiters to attend her. Follow me."

---

Zamuel:
Casino ponies
The group quickly finished breakfast so that Symphony and Wanderlust could get dressed and ready. Dart Noveau galloped with them on her back to the casino. "I'm dropping you off, then I'll rush back to meet the others. Stay safe you two."

Wanderlust turns to Symphony. "Is carrying ponies just, like, her thing?"

Zamuel:
Upon entering the casino, they found Poinsettia Prim waiting for them. "Not having you on the schedule is the only reason I'll tolerate you not being punctual. But on to more pressing matters: Chipotle Verde is having her morning breakfast and she requests that you two be the waiters to attend her. Follow me."

For what was technically a second first impression, Wanderlust looks less intimidated than yesterday. "It would be our honor."

---

Symphony shrugs a bit to Wander's first question as they are dropped off, though it didn't take long before the meek mare was wanting to turn the opposite direction as Prim greeted them, she hadn't been worried about them being late... that would have been easy to hoofwave and well... Prim does that for them. No it was the mention of Verde wanting to see them that just sent this large sense of dread through her after meeting the mare the day before, she was very sure that they officially boned now...

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

[Wow! He certainly didn't waste any time!]

Static likewise watches Curled Pages reaction to the question.

Spoiler

But is so caught up in his preoccupation with his own possible personal demise that he doesn't even see how he reacts to it himself.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Night Cap could sense that Curled Page seemed confused by the request. "The 517s? But...they don't exist. Surely you've made some mistake. What were you looking for? Perhaps I can help you find it."

Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

[font=courier new Dart Noveau galloped back to the rest of the group as they continued walking to the casino. [color=#0071bb "Flair, Misty, and Maple, we're gonna need you to keep your eyes and ears open while we're in here. I got a feeling 'Red' is gonna do something fishy at the table, on top of whatever Prim and Verde are doing."

[SIZE=2]Wanderlust - Symphony[/SIZE]

[font=courier new Symphony and Wanderlust were led to an enclosed room with a two way glass that overlooked the casino floor. In it, Chipotle Verde sat at a single table looking at a picture frame on the table. However, as they walked closer they saw there was no picture in the frame and that instead it had a mirror. The orange gem in her necklace glistened under lights that would have made the room invitingly bright in other situations but meant Symphony and Wanderlust were in full view. After Poinsettia Prim closed the door, Chipotle Verde turned to address them.[/font] "Buenos di...oh. My apologies. Good morning. And just how are you two today?" There was a knowing and self assured smile on her face as she looked at Symphony and Wanderlust.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Night Cap could sense that Curled Page seemed confused by the request. "The 517s? But...they don't exist. Surely you've made some mistake. What were you looking for? Perhaps I can help you find it."

Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

Dart Noveau galloped back to the rest of the group as they continued walking to the casino. "Flair, Misty, and Maple, we're gonna need you to keep your eyes and ears open while we're in here. I got a feeling 'Red' is gonna do something fishy at the table, on top of whatever Prim and Verde are doing."

Wanderlust - Symphony

Symphony and Wanderlust were led to an enclosed room with a two way glass that overlooked the casino floor. In it, Chipotle Verde sat at a single table looking at a picture frame on the table. However, as they walked closer they saw there was no picture in the frame and that instead it had a mirror. The orange gem in her necklace glistened under lights that would have made the room invitingly bright in other situations but meant Symphony and Wanderlust were in full view. After Poinsettia Prim closed the door, Chipotle Verde turned to address them. "Buenos di...oh. My apologies. Good morning. And just how are you two today?" There was a knowing and self assured smile on her face as she looked at Symphony and Wanderlust.

---

"Its too bad Miss Away isn't here then."

---

Static thought about it. Geometry was 516 and Numerical Analysis was 518. Either one of those should get them close to where they want to be.

As much as he wanted to let Night Cap do his thing, he didn't much feel like dragging this out or prematurely antagonizing Curled Page.

"Could you maybe lead us to Geometry? That should get us in the ballpark."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Very well, follow me." Curled Page led the group through the library until they arrived at the 516 section. "And here we are! Do you want to browse on your own or will you need any more assistance?"

Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

Dart Noveau replied to Maplejack with, "What do you mean by...ooooh. Well, don't know if it'll be that kind of fishy. Then again, Red's cloka was weird and liquid-like when I touched it."

---

"Eyes peeled... got it." She says, avoiding asking for any more detail about just what kind of liquid-like it was... squidgy, squishy squicky ...

Focus Maple... focus, this was Special Mision with Misty Day... no screw ups and stick with the team!

---

"Um, so, what should we be doing? Just walk around?"

---

Static glanced to Night Cap. "I'm not sure if he's got anything else for you. I do have one thing of personal business...not really connected with we're here for. Umm...could I get this notarized?" Static brings out the Will. "It's something I should've done long ago, but I just...well...you know how some ponies get with these matters."

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Symphony and Wanderlust were led to an enclosed room with a two way glass that overlooked the casino floor. In it, Chipotle Verde sat at a single table looking at a picture frame on the table. However, as they walked closer they saw there was no picture in the frame and that instead it had a mirror. The orange gem in her necklace glistened under lights that would have made the room invitingly bright in other situations but meant Symphony and Wanderlust were in full view. After Poinsettia Prim closed! the door, Chipotle Verde turned to address them. "Buenos di...oh. My apologies. Good morning. And just how are you two today?" There was a knowing and self assured smile on her face as she looked at Symphony and Wanderlust.

Learning you were going to wait on Chipotle Verde was one thing, encountering her was quite another. Wanderlust swallows and asks, "Is there anything you'd like, ma'am?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Wanderlust - Symphony

Symphony and Wanderlust were led to an enclosed room with a two way glass that overlooked the casino floor. In it, Chipotle Verde sat at a single table looking at a picture frame on the table. However, as they walked closer they saw there was no picture in the frame and that instead it had a mirror. The orange gem in her necklace glistened under lights that would have made the room invitingly bright in other situations but meant Symphony and Wanderlust were in full view. After Poinsettia Prim closed! the door, Chipotle Verde turned to address them. "Buenos di...oh. My apologies. Good morning. And just how are you two today?" There was a knowing and self assured smile on her face as she looked at Symphony and Wanderlust.

Learning you were going to wait on Chipotle Verde was one thing, encountering her was quite another. Wanderlust swallows and asks, "Is there anything you'd like, ma'am?"

"We are alright..." Symphony says in as loud a voice as she can muster, as this mare somehow made her more nervous then anything in a long time. "How are you doing today, Miss?"

---

Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

Dart Noveau thought about Misty Monsoon's question, then answered with, "Not too much walking. Don't want you to look suspicious. Find a table to eat at, though I guess not too much food. I'll leave it up to Flair since she'll be with you."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page looked over the will. "My stamp is at my desk so we'll need to go over there. The rest of you feel free to look around."

Wanderlust - Symphony

"I'm doing quite well this morning, thank you." Chipotle Verde turned to Poinsettia Prim and said, "¿Sabes lo que estaban buscando anoche? Si son espías, no son muy valientes." "No lo sé. Planeo mirarlos para ver si tienen algún aliado." They talked back and forth a bit until Chipotle Verde looked back to Wanderlust and said, "To answer your question, I'd like the fruit salad this morning. The house special version with the cactus fruit. It won't take long since I know they're getting some ready for the early arrivals."

---

Static walks with Curled Page back to his desk. He lowers his voice once they're out of earshot of the others. "Thanks for your patience with that one. I'm afraid he tends to have a one track mind. I personally think we were all the butt of a dirty joke." He gave a pitying glance at Night Cap. "I told him there was no such thing as 517. Closest thing would be 516.9, Non-Euclidian Geometry. But when he gets like this, it's usually best to humor him." He sighed heavily as he looked again at his will. "And thanks again for this. I'm sure you understand, it's something I wish I didn't have to do."

---

Wanderlust's mind raced as he tried to translate a language that he had learned just enough of to get by in another life (technically in this situation, *he* was the other life, but now wasn't the time for that). For some, 'Just enough to get by' meant learning the drinks menu, but for Wad it haf been considerably more...

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page nodded as he pulled out his stamp. Instead of being ink based, it would emboss a seal into the paper. "Well, it's always best to have plans in place for unfortunate events."

Wanderlust - Symphony

Wanderlust managed to pick up a rough idea of what the two were saying. Most immediately, Chipotle Verde was gloating over the fact that the two didn't know what was said. However, Poinsettia Prim expressed concern over the previous night's fire alarm. It felt like too close of a call and she wanted to know how close they were to finding what they were looking for. Especially since there was something suspicious about Symphony and Wanderlust. Chipotle Verde was dismissive, stating that the two were small fry that could be easily dealt with and that it would be easy to move on if a fire broke out.

Meanwhile, Symphony noticed something out of the corner of her eye before they stepped out of the room. Well, something other than Chipotle Verde adoring her own reflection. Out of the window overlooking the casino floor she spotted 'Red' from the picture Dart Noveau drew. But...the casino wasn't open yet. Furthermore, there was something about his cloak that suitibly off in the way it caught her eye but she couldn't catch just what with a quick glance.

---

"Yeah," Static muttered, "plans for the future." Static fidgeted a bit. "It's just..."

[Careful here.]

"This...isn't exactly a 'just in case' thing. Have you...I probably shouldn't even be saying this...but...try talking to any of them about it! It's just...have you ever had somepony tell you that for your sake you better not meet them again. And not just an idle threat. This mare...she makes a mockery of the poli! ce. Even went into the police station without a care in the world and busted out a friend. So...yeah...not an idle threat. And as much as you try...ever just get that feeling that you're about to meet them again...like destiny's forcing the meeting and there's nothing at all you can do about it? What am I saying? It's not exactly a common occurrence. Luna, I wish I were back in my projection booth!"

Static looks again for a reaction. If Curled Page knew Dazzling Midnight, he more than likely knew about the police station incident and would connect the two. He would probably even immediately start planning on how to get Dazzling there. Not sure how wise of a move it was, if Curled Page knew Dazzling, Static probably just lit the fuse on an explosive situation.

[This could suck.]

Spoiler

---

Spoiler


Scarlet frowned slightly and sighed. Keep8ng his voice low, he muttered.

”Imjust hope ‘Red’ has forgotten that ponyfeathered wager i tried last night.

‘sigh’

Ah well, here’s hoping.”

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page looked concerned. "Oh dear, that sounds dreadful. I'd ask if you've spoken with the police but it sounds like that may not be an option. Well, you seem like a good sort so I hope this gets worked out. Criminals like that shouldn't be allowed to run loose."

Meanwhile, Square Fun looked at the bookshelf as he listened to Night Cap's musings. "I wish I knew just what we were looking for. As is, it seems to be either be a dead end or another dead end. Unless somepony was using pocketspace or something for...

...hmm." His horn glowed faintly as he removed a few books and looked over the section.

---

Static took back the will after it was stamped. "Here's hoping. Meantime, hopefully I'll just get lucky and not run into her. Thanks for this. It's a serious load off my mind."

[Well, that's that. He's no more a COIN agent than I am.]

[Yeah, that look of concern, genuine confusion on the 517's...he's not faking. He has to be innocent.]

[I'd be surprised if he even heard the phrase before.]

[Well of course he knows the phrase. Square Fun heard him say it. The only alternative is if Square Fun is...a...liar...]

[...]

Static turns back to Curled Page before making it far at all. "Oh sir, just one more thing! I hate to be a nuisance. But you know, loose ends and all...can't abide them. You see, the thing is, this mare I told you about, she had a phrase she said. At first I just thought it was her catch phrase or something. But well...the thing is she had a thick Louisianeigh accent. Then I heard it again just recently, also from somepony who's from Lousianeigh. So I have to ask, have you ever heard the phrase 'there's no profit to be made from the end of the world'? Is that an idiom around here?"

[Please say you've heard it. Please say you've heard it.]

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page arched an eyebrow. "Yes, I have. It's not a particularly new phrase, though. If anything, it's slowly falling out of use."

Meanwhile, Square Fun stopped and pointed his horn at the bookshelf. "Amateurs or not, there's something here. I've got a grip on it--just need some help pulling. Or at least have somepony brace me."

Wanderlust - Symphony

Once Symphony and Wanderlust returned with the fruit salad, they overheard Chipotle Verde say, "Ese contador de cartas podría ser un problema. Observala.

Welcome back. With such speedy service, I'm sure you'll do great today. Prim? The two are dismissed for now. Wouldn't want them to be late for opening." After escorting the two out of the room, Poinsettia Prim placed one of the poinsettias from her own hair behind Symphony's ear and said, "I need to make sure everything is in order so go grab some menus. We open in one minute so there had better not be any problems."

Spoiler


Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

As the door to the casino opened, Dart Noveau whispered to the rest of the group, "Look alive everypony, it's showtime."

---

Misty makes a point of looking all around as she enters the casino. Whether she's genuinely impressed by the place or pretending to be so, is not readily apparent. But, knowing her, it's most likely the former.

---

Meanwhile, Symphony noticed something out of the corner of her eye before they stepped out of the room. Well, something other than Chipotle Verde adoring her own reflection. Out of the window overlooking the casino floor she spotted 'Red' from the picture Dart Noveau drew. But...the casino wasn't open yet. Furthermore, there was something about his cloak that suitibly off in the way it caught her eye but she couldn't catch just what with a quick glance.

Before they were hustled off Symphony noticed 'Red' out the window, and focused her attention on him and that cloak of his, her rainbow eyes seeming to shine abit trying to make sense of him in the brief window of opportunity that she had.

Spoiler

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

As Symphony did more than just look, as she gazed with sight beyond sight, she was able to instantly discover that the cloak was magical. Horrifyingly so. Despite its actual color, it was an endless void of darkness that stared back at her. It had the potential to be incredibly dangerous despite how unassuming it normally looked. In that it seemed fairly old, like an artifact, instead of something recently made.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

As Symphony did more than just look, as she gazed with sight beyond sight, she was able to instantly discover that the cloak was magical. Horrifyingly so. Despite its actual color, it was an endless void of darkness that stared back at her. It had the potential to be incredibly dangerous despite how unassuming it normally looked. In that it seemed fairly old, like an artifact, instead of something recently made.

Symphony was not the bravest and most daring ponies at the best of times... She was meek and always living in the shadow of her sisters... even if She'd found her sense of adventure in recent years, she always remained anxious... and this is why. Symphony had a natural ability to see things as they really wear, to see the curiosities of the word... and they aren't always friendly and many of them went unseen. It was the stuff other ponies didn't see that scared her. And right now they gray more might as well be white. She had seen very few things that manages to actually horrifiy her as deeply as that cloak does. "Um.. excusemeIgottago..." She says in quick quiet tone after the ponsetta was put in her hair, not even noticing it and rushes off to the nearest bathroom, something that Prim could brush off, and somewhere where she could just curl up in the stall and try and calm herself down.

---

Static arched an eyebrow in return. "Really? That's...interesting. To be completely honest, never having heard it before meeting her, I honestly thought it was probably the catch phrase for her (rather shady) group. But it's actually just a local idiom? That's...that's just...huh!"

Static scratches his head at that. At least Square's still in the clear. That's good. He was beginning to like him! "I'm sorry. I really do hate to be a nuisance. It's just...for the first time since meeting her, I feel like I'm actually close to getting some rather huge chunks of a puzzle...if you don't mind. Could you tell me how that phrase got it's start? What does it mean...I mean...idiomatically more than literally of course? Why did it start falling out of usage?"

---

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet - Misty - Maple (Darty - Hazel - Flair)

Scarlet Spectrum, Hazel Naught, and Dart Noveau were escorted to the table where they were playing before, while the others were more free to mill about. They seemed to be first there, though just then the other quiet stallion from the previous day was escorted to the table. "Good morning. Hope we don't have any more surprises like last night."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page replied to Static Signal with, "To make a long story short: Swamp pirates. A raft full of them had been periodically raiding the town for months and were getting less sneaky about it each time. One day, the first mate stole a trinket from an old pony who warned them that though it had magical power, they should beware the dangers of using it. Paying no heed, they caused a great catastrophe that was only stopped by the lucky chance that some of the royal guard were in the area. Without that, Louisianeigh could have been erased from existance. While the first mate was still defiant, the experience shook the captain up enough that he disbanded his crew and even turned himself in. 'There's no profit in the end of the world' was what he told the guard when they asked if he had anything to declare. It stuck with the town as a cautionary tale but like sayings sometimes do, the saying got misused over time and then eventually unused. Hmm...maybe the museum should do an exhibit about it. I'll have to ask Zest about that next time I see her."

Elsewhere in the library, Night Cap used a surprising amount of strength to pull Square Fun backwards. From out of the bookshelf fell a huge a large book that left a large cloud of dust when it hit the ground. Square Fun walked over to where the open book was and read,
"The might bestowed lasts evermore,
Command a power sage and keen.
Plants shall beckon and sway before,
Wand of Incomparable Green."

"Unless you want to sleep on the couch for a month, DON'T read from ancient tomes out loud," Keen Craft said as she frowned at Square Fun. She paused to look around and make sure nothing stranged appeared out of thin air, then, "That said...is this what I think it is? Night Cap, what do you make of this?"

---

Static rubbed his chin as he took in the story. "Wow! That changes a few things. Thank you very much. I'm sorry I took so much of your time. Though it was very...informative. I better get back to the others. Thanks again!"

Static starts to head back to the others.

Spoiler

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page walked over but paused, taken aback with shock. "Where did...where did you find this? This book had been missing from the library for quite some time." On the cover, it read 'A Study and Compendium of Wands in the Known World'.

---

"Quite right, Night," Static says. He looks to Square and Keen. "Do either of you have a library card so we can check this out? I'm afraid mine's for Caballuston." He then looks to Curled Page. "If that's all right. I mean, just like that phrase we talked about earlier...I just saw something that our chief would be very interested in seeing."

He saw Night Cap looking at the book as though it were one of his shiny things. In this case Static could relate. He wanted to give it a thorough study a! s well. But he wanted to stay on the up and up when it came to getting a hold of it. He wasn't sure Night Cap would feel the same. And he certainly didn't need the headache of being the one in charge when Night Cap did something...illicit.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"It's unfortunate that our library isn't completely connected to any others, so you'll need to get a card with us. I can get you the paperwork and issue you a temporary card in a few minutes.

The book...is another mater. I have to add it back into the system, readjust the card catalouge, and the works. I also don't know if it will be put into regular circulation. For the sake of preservation, I may need to have it listed as a title that can be read here but can't be removed. Contemplating even sending it off to Princess Celestia. While I sort this out, you're free to read it while here. Should be quiet since we usually aren't busy in the morning."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

As Maple milled about looking at this or that while smiling happily she couldn't help but notice how stiffly she was moving ..remnants of her last match no doubt.

Spoiler
Zam

As her eyes roam the room they often fall on Misty... it really was great to be spending as much time together on this mission as they had been... but as Maple watched the thing she did notices was a similar stiffness in her Marefriend. So when she walked over to her ... still casually milling and not in a deliberate b-line... Maple asked.

"Are you noticing how much standing and walking around we've been doing this mission? Maybe I should see if there's some sort of massage parlour here that we could go to... my legs are getting grumpy."

---

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

Symphony felt almost like she was gonna be sick. "No." she replies simply when asked if she was arlight, head in hooves she was trying to unsee what she did. "That Red pony.... The one we were told about... That cloak of his is... wrong... so very very very wrong..."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Feel free to take whatever pictures you need. As far as special clearance...no? This is a library. Keeping it here will help protect it for others to read. I mean, look at those pages. If I gave it to Princess Celestia, I'd be outright donating it to her school."

---

"I have to agree with my friend here. From what little I was able to glance before you walked up, this book is a roadmap to several powerful artifacts that some of those more unsavory ponies I told you about may use to horrific ends. Not to put too fine a point on it...but this book itself just became a powerful artifact. It may be best if you could move it somewhere that the general public won't know about...give it as much security as you can. We can probably help with part of that...temporarily at least. But I think calling the princesses in on this may not be a bad idea. Meanwhile, I better start with this," he says opening the book and taking out his camera.

Spoiler

---

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

Symphony felt almost like she was gonna be sick. "No." she replies simply when asked if she was arlight, head in hooves she was trying to unsee what she did. "That Red pony.... The one we were told about... That cloak of his is... wrong... so very very very wrong..."

Wanderlust finds himself at a loss for how to treat this much fear, so he simply puts a foreleg over her shoulders and hugs her tight.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Just then, Red walked over and joined the table with a smirk on his face. Addressing Scarlet Spectrum directly, he said, "Are you ready to pick up where we left off?"

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Oh my. I...I can temporarily put it with my own belongings. Actually, it may j! ust be best if I close the library for the day and deliver it directly to Princess Celestia. That would be far safer than anything I could provide. I'm not rich but I can at least afford a train ride to Canterlot."

Meanwhile, Static Signal swiftly made record of as much as he could. The table of contents revealed that the book was split into two halves. The first half was a lot of basic information on magical wands and mentioned numerous types around the world. The second half was titled 'The Four Greater Wands'. Thankfully, the Wand of the North Wind was the only one that seemed to have an overt discription of where it was. The Wand of Incomparable Green's entry seemed to not reveal anything particularly new and the Wand of Doubled Doubling confirmed what Grape Vine already revealed in that the wand existed in two halves. However, the information on the second half of the wand might be useful. Furthermore, the fourth and final wand might be a concern...

Just then, Square Fun pointed his horn at the bookshelf and said, "I think something else is in there. It doesn't feel anywhere near as heavy that tome, though. You want me to try to pull it out too?"

---

Static ponders Curled Pages offer to take it to the Princess. After all, it was the property of the library, and by extension, Curled Pages responsibility. It's not something his small group could, or really even should, take away from him.

But on the other hoof, even though so far he had shown his innocence (or more accurately, couldn't be pinned as guilty) from being a COIN operative, how much dare he trust him, especially with something like this? This one tome could completely change the fight between the Keep and COIN. The one who possessed this (or is able to keep it from the other's possession) would definitely have a hoof up on the competition.

"Hold that thought. Who ever takes it to Canterlot, I want to make sure they're protected. Go ahead and close the library if you feel it's prudent. But I want to make a call to the Keep first to request an escort for you." Static then turns his attention to Square. "Yes, go ahead and pull it out. In fact, be thorough. Whatever these ponies have hidden in there, I want to make sure it's no longer in their possession." He then turns to Night Cap and Keen. "Be prepared for anything. We don't know what it is he has a hold of."

---

"Those were my thoughts as well. But I'll still need to call it in first. Don't want the Chief calling down here and having her wondering why we took it upon ourselves to go to Canterlot without telling anyone."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

The Morse Code transmitter whirred to life and left a message:

SPLASH FLAUNT REPORTING. HOLD TIGHT. SEEKING OUT CHIEF DIRECTOR FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION.​

Meanwhile, Square Fun calmly pulled out a small book. It seemingly looked like a journal but was a fairly drab shade of brown about matching a paper grocery bag while the pages were the same shade of yellow used by most ledgers. There was something scribbled on the cover but erased. However, it could almost be made out...

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static glances at the transmitter. "Can't wait!" He then looks at the journel Square pulls out.

Perception
Roll(1d20)+7:
11,+7
Total:18

Well well well!

New D&D Roller:
https://www.wizards.com/d20modern/d20mdice/dice.htm

Seems to be a lot kinder than the old D&D roller:
https://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm

I think I'll keep with it for the time being

---

As Maple milled about looking at this or that while smiling happily she couldn't help but notice how stiffly she was moving ..remnants of her last match no doubt.

Spoiler
Zam

As her eyes roam the room they often fall on Misty... it really was great to be spending as much time together on this mission as they had been... but as Maple watched the thing she did notices was a similar stiffness in her Marefriend. So when she walked over to her ... still casually milling and not in a deliberate b-line... Maple asked.

"Are you noticing how much standing and walking around we've been doing this mission? Maybe I should see if there's some sort of massage parlour here that we could go to... my legs are getting grumpy."

"Sure, go ahead. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for trouble while you go look." She makes an expression that seems to hint at a wink.

Spoiler

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal could just barely make out a note on the cover that said: Do Not Touch - Property of Dazzling Midnight.

---

"Do...not...touch...property...of...Dazzling...Mid..." Static touches the cover no less than four times. "Open the cover." *touch* "Turn the page" *touch* "Turn the page" *touch* "Turn the page" *touch* He then closed the book and, with as much touching of the book as possible, held it up for Curled Pages inspection. "Since this isn't technically a library book, would you mind if I took this with me?" *touch touch*

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"What do you..." Curled Page paused and looked at the book. *gasp* "I know the mare that belongs to. Though she never reported it as missing, I'll have to return it to her the next time I see her."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Eh hem! Remember the mare I told you about? The one that threatened me and made a mockery of the police?"

*touch touch touch*

"I don't think it's missing. I think she was using your library for storage. Given it was her pocket space that was storing this book and the same pocket space that was holding a book that was absolutely library property...I really don't think you owe her anything. And even not knowing what's in here, I can only imagine that it...like that other book...is extraordinarily dangerous in her hoofs.

"Can I at least take it a look at it. This may be the first time ever we can finally get a hoof up on this mare!"

---

Maple smiles at Misty and then Mingles her way toward the door...

Wait no.. this is exactly what I said I wasn't going to do... *mental harumph* ...

Maple Mingles her way back over to Misty.

"I think it might be better if I just wait until we're done here. Besides, asking about a spa might come up naturally in a conversation at some point."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page scowled. "Dazzling couldn't be the same pony who threatened you. I'll not have you slandering my friend's name nor invading her privacy. Besides, what could her diary have that could possibly be of use to you?"

---

"Slander? Sir, I can tell you with utmost certainty that she was the one who threatened me. I was bloody well there! And if you don't believe me, you can ask the entire Caballuston police force about how she threatened me, broke into the police station, broke out one of her friends (who by the way I helped catch myself when she broke into our museum), then broke out again from the police station. Slander supposes a lack of truth and something said in malice. There are plenty of witnesses to affirm that what I say is true!

"As for what I hope to find in here...I honestly don't know. I can assure you I don't give one pony f! eathered fig about her secret crushes or her dirty little girlish fantasies or whatever embarrassing secrets she may have. I only want to know about any illegal plans she may have, because there may be no profit to be made in the end of the world...but don't doubt for a second that she has designs for ruling the fool place. And that's certainly not a world I'm interested in seeing."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Spoiler

As he had settled at the table with the others, Scarlet nodded to the nameless returning player from yesterday and was about to ask for their name... when ‘Red’ walked over. He was smirking. Managing to suppress a resigned sigh at the pegasus words, Scarlet outwardly smiled.

”The game was certainly getting interesting, wasn’t it ‘Red’?

Lets see how todays cards are dealt.”

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Curled Page was silent, collecting his thoughts. After a moment, he spoke with a shaky voice, "How...how am I to know what you said is actually true and not just something you conjured up with your machine?"

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"Indeed, we shall. Perhaps we should restart the bet in a different form? A little exchange about our jobs but merely in broad strokes." The dealer began shuffling and then dealing cards. Red's first hand had an ace face up and the second hand had a 5 face up. Hazel Naught had a seven while the mystery stallion had a three. Finally, Scarlet Spectrum had a two face up and his face down card was a three.

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Misty Monsoon noticed that Red wasn't anypony she knew. He didn't seem to be doing anything out of the ordinary at the card table but she'd be ready if he did. However, Flairvoyant waved her and Maplejack over to a table she was sitting at. "Been trying to figure out this map. It would be helpful if we could get some sort of clue of how it lines up but all the campaign garbage that got printed on it isn't helping."

---

"The break-in at the Caballuston police department would be a matter of public record, yes? Ask the Caballuston Expedition Keep Museum, ask for Brisk Iron. Tell her Static told you to ask her about the break in and about what she knows about Dazzling Midnight. She's in good standing with the princesses. You said you had access to deliver these directly to Princess Celestia? Ask her if she vouches for Ms. Iron. Tartarus! Ask her, ask Luna if they'd vouch for me while you deliver these. I'll wait!"

---

Spoiler
Zam

Maple Looked down at the map and could totally see what She was talking about... this had to be the most confusing map Maple had ever looked at... she just mentally compared it to the map in her head of home... and yeah.

"This is a really bad map. I wish I could just walk around and make one for us instead, but that normally takes a few days."

---

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

Symphony felt almost like she was gonna be sick. "No." she replies simply when asked if she was arlight, head in hooves she was trying to unsee what she did. "That Red pony.... The one we were told about... That cloak of his is... wrong... so very very very wrong..."

Wanderlust finds himself at a loss for how to treat this much fear, so he simply puts a foreleg over her shoulders and hugs her tight.

---

So after an awkward sibling employee hug, Symphony gets to her hooves and takes a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. "So... um... You may have noticed my eyes, how they're different from other ponies..." Referring to her rainbow hued irises. "I have... uh... I have the ability see... things... Thing that make a poor little filly scared of her own shadow... Things that make others think she's a coward because she jumps when 'nothing' is there... Things that make a mare not want to get outta bed in the morning because its safer there... " She says looking down and taking another breath trying to stay calm. "I've seen... alot... and that cape is probably the up there as one of the most frightening things I've seen..." She stamps the ground with a hoof, a pale intimation of her sister as she tries to steel her resolve. "I-If the others are dealing with him... they... they should probably know..."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"I-I don't have direct access. I was just going to head to Canterlot and...and hope I could gain an audience since what I'm doing is important.

...

Go ahead and read it. For as much as I don't want to invade her privacy...I need to know the truth."

---

"Thank you. And I promise, aside from any criminal activity, I will be totally discreet about whatever I see in here. Like I said, I don't really care what she thought of the latest book she read or any stallions she may have stared too long at across the room. None of my business. But if it's truth you need...just give me a moment."

Spoiler

---

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

Symphony felt almost like she was gonna be sick. "No." she replies simply when asked if she was arlight, head in hooves she was trying to unsee what she did. "That Red pony.... The one we were told about... That cloak of his is... wrong... so very very very wrong..."

Wanderlust finds himself at a loss for how to treat this much fear, so he simply puts a foreleg over her shoulders and hugs her tight.

---

So after an awkward sibling employee hug, Symphony gets to her hooves and takes a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. "So... um... You may have noticed my eyes, how they're different from other ponies..." Referring to her rainbow hued irises. "I have... uh... I have the ability see... things... Thing that make a poor little filly scared of her own shadow... Things that make others think she's a coward because she jumps when 'nothing' is there... Things that make a mare not want to get outta bed in the morning because its safer there... " She says looking down and taking another breath trying to stay calm. "I've seen... alot... and that cape is probably the up there as one of the most frightening things I've seen..." She stamps the ground with a hoof, a pale intimation of her sister as she tries to steel her resolve. "I-If the others are dealing with him... they... they should probably know..."

Wanderlust gives her a look he probably should have given Scarlet at some point, filled with sympathy and appreciation for how hard it was to get that out. He lets out a deep breath. "Yeah...they should. Now, uh, I'm not going to make any promises of valiant protection or anything, but I just want to point out that you're not alone here. We're a team. And while I wholly condone running away as a solution, maybe keep me close by next time? Just tug me whichever way you're going. I'll keep up."

---

"Why don't you check that bigger book for anything I may have missed? If there's anything pertinent in this journal, then I'll make sure we all see it. Otherwise, fewer eyes the better. COIN member not withstanding, this is technically an invasion of privacy and I don't exactly like myself for doing this."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Wanderlust wasn't quite sure what to make of the ongoing conversation between Prim and Verde. It seemed that they didn't want the casino to burn down, which was probably good information. But they also seemed to believe the fire threat had been real, which clashed with his instincts. If there hadn't been any sign of a fire in the casino...maybe there was a fire hazard underneath it? In the old dig site?

His reverie was cut short by Symphony's flight. With a quick, "er, yes. What she said," he darts after her, into the restroom. "Symphony, are you all right? Symphony, what happened?"

Symphony felt almost like she was gonna be sick. "No." she replies simply when asked if she was arlight, head in hooves she was trying to unsee what she did. "That Red pony.... The one we were told about... That cloak of his is... wrong... so very very very wrong..."

Wanderlust finds himself at a loss for how to treat this much fear, so he simply puts a foreleg over her shoulders and hugs her tight.

So after an awkward sibling employee hug, Symphony gets to her hooves and takes a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. "So... um... You may have noticed my eyes, how they're different from other ponies..." Referring to her rainbow hued irises. "I have... uh... I have the ability see... things... Thing that make a poor little filly scared of her own shadow... Things that make others think she's a coward because she jumps when 'nothing' is there... Things that make a mare not want to get outta bed in the morning because its safer there... " She says looking down and taking another breath trying to stay calm. "I've seen... alot... and that cape is probably the up there as one of the most frightening things I've seen..." She stamps the ground with a hoof, a pale intimation of her sister as she tries to steel her resolve. "I-If the others are dealing with him... they... they should probably know..."

Wanderlust gives her a look he probably should have given Scarlet at some point, filled with sympathy and appreciation for how hard it was to get that out. He lets out a deep breath. "Yeah...they should. Now, uh, I'm not going to make any promises of valiant protection or anything, but I just want to point out that you're not alone here. We're a team. And while I wholly condone running away as a solution, maybe keep me close by next time? Just tug me whichever way you're going. I'll keep up."

Symphony nods softly. "I-I'll try... but I can't exactly promise anything.. W-When my 'flight' response is triggered, I'm not exactly thinking of anything but 'Run!'" She says taking another deep breath. "It's probably a good idea that um.. If I am running... It might be a good option to follow, as most the time there is good reason for it..." She says with a soft giggle. "I-I'm.. uh... much better then I used to be... I-I'm generally getting better at dealing with and facing my fears... Thanks some to the Professor... But running is still a natural first response to some of them..."

---

Ah... well, this could have started better. Not only does he remember that ponyfeathered wager, but both of his hands out number (har har ‘sigh’) mine.
I have a grand total of five. While his first hand potentially has an 11 as a starter and his second has a five, plus whatever its face down card is.
Oh well, the upside of starting low is that i do at least have a wider margin for error.
...
Don’t got cocky. Or reckless.

Trying not to look nervous, Scarlet mind wentbto his pendant, wishing not for the first time, that its unforeseen side effects hadn’t made him such a terrible liar. Or at least, somepony who wasn’t very convinc9ng when it came to ‘bending the truth’.

Deciding to take a chance, Scarlet 3aved a wing and asked for two cards, as well as mentally crossing his hooves.

Spoiler


Keeping his expression calm, Scarlet tempered his (mild)disappointment at not getting an Ace himself, with the knowledge that 16 wasn’t a bad scire to be going on with.

So long as his next card, should he draw one, was no higher than 5.

---

Misty takes a look at the map. "Oh yeah. I was looking at that earlier. It's hard to read, but maybe I could figure it out..."

Spoiler

---

"I trust your instincts." Wanderlust replies, patting her shoulder as they exit the bathroom...and see Red seated at the same table as their friends. He lowers his voice. "...Hmph. How do we get a secret message to them without anyone noticing?"

---