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

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

Amber resisted the urge to ask Rhapsody any more questions, nearly turning to whisper to her and then second-guessing it. Amber still felt unsure quite what she was seeing. The audience was a little less ... reserved than she would have expected for any ordinary stage play.

The tiny actor on the stage with the booming voice somehow seemed almost as impressive as she seemed to think she was. Amber let out a small giggle.

Green Bean moved back towards the microphone. "And her opponent...

Hailing from Parts Unknown, this high flyer of horror dazzles her opponent with devastation. Who knows how long she will scourge the division? I ask you to shift your eyes towards...The Changeling Champion!"

A few hidden weather ponies wafted fog through the aisles as organ music began to play. She was dark teal with purple hair with marking on her horn that looked like holes. She had a matching bright green mask and leotard combo with subtle honeycomb texturing and embroidering on t! he side of the leotard that gave the illusion of wings. As she proudly trotted out to the ring, boos erupted from the crowd. Leaning into the microphone, she smugly smirked at her opponent. "Such a small morsel, I could just
eat
you
up!
Mmwa hahaha! You have no hope of withstanding my Changeling Magic. In fact, you're nothing more than a stepping stone towards achieving my ultimate goal...winning the Southern Equestrian Regional Championship!

Melon Hide snorted and leaned towards the other Keep employees. "I'll give her credit for being a good wrestler but I don't see her winning title. I'm not too keen on heels either. For most of them it's just a persona but a few take it too far. This one time a heel snuck and hit his opponent with a wooden chair and got away with it since the ref didn't see it. That fiend!"

Spoiler

"Ohhh! Go get her, Map- er, Masked Mystery Mare!" Misty yells.

"GO FOR THE EYES MASKED MYSTERY MARE!!!!

Coal Nights thought for a moment. "You know, it is a little odd that you didn't join a band or get into movie effects or anything. Still, good luck on whatever you finally choose. I'm guess you already have a place to stay since you've been here for a while? I'm staying at this hotel apartment thing made from a warehouse. They kinda treat it like a big secret."

Snowy shrugs again. "Like I said, Court-ordered Work-Release. I'm here a while yet before I can choose for myself. If this warehouse is such a secret, how'd you find it?"

"Somepony told me about it but they made me promise not to reveal who they were or to tell too many ponies so it doesn't get overcrowded.

It's getting late, huh? Gotta turn in for work but it's been good catching up with you. Stay safe." With that, Coal Nights left. The ponies taking the tour had left and Snowy Skies found Zig Zag waiting for him at the greeting stand.

"Hey, wait!" Snowy said, but Coal was already gone. He had always been good at disappearing. Coal Nights was a good pony. He hadn't appreciated that much when they were working together, but he appreciated it now. "So how'd I do?" He asks Zig Zag. He wanted to follow Coal back, but stirring up any more trouble with Zig Zag was a bad idea. Besides, he'd probably already taken to the air.

She'd stopped her spin for the crowd when the other wrestler's music began... Turning to the entrance, she waited in the center of the ring until her opponent began to ascend the steps leading up to the ring ropes. She wanted to start the match, but the dance had steps - steps that need to be taken. The dance of the face and heel.

Moving to the ropes, she held them open ... pushing down on the second and pulling up on the third, creating a wider gap.

The audience cheered... mostly, Chivalry was alive and well in this sport... though She had noticed some fans appreciated when the long legged Mares had to bend low to get under the top rope... so as she held open the ropes a few scattered "Ahh!"s could be heard as well.

But the Dance has two dancers after all now doesn't it. With a flip of her damp looking mane the Changeling Champion ... sashayed around to the other side of the ring balancing on the edge of the ring apron... as her long limbs seemed to slide against each other slowly and deliberately... she reached her desired spot and bent really low... under the top rope. The "ahh"s becoming contented "oooh"s... of course.

Her opponent now in the ring, there was no need to hold the ropes... they snapped back into place as Mystery Mare made her way back to the center of the ring. Eyes locking the two circle each other as tension builds in the gathered ponies waiting for them to lock hooves and properly begin tonight's event.
One more step.

Stopping so that the entrance was directly behind her... giving the largest percentage of the spectators clear sight of what she was doing.
let it begin
"NO HARD FEELINGS CHUMP CHANGE-LING." Holding a Hoof out as a gesture of Good will, she waited... as the crowd settled - it was now her opponent's turn to lead.

Zig Zag frowned at Snowy Skies.
"Thieves Guild? There was none.
Wrongful info hurts the tour.
Don't ever do that."

Her mood then lightened.
"Yet, the atmosphere:
You weave a story quite well.
It was impressive.

I have a write-up,
Melon Hide will review it.
Have any questions?"

Green Bean stepped aside as the referee entered the ring. As the referee signaled for the bell, Changeling Champion smiled at Masked Mystery Mare. "I was about to say the same to you Morsel. Slapping Masked Mystery Mare's hoof away as soon as the bell rang, Changeling Champion swiftly shoved her competitor over and immediately tried to go for a pin! Much of the crowd booed at this, including Melon Hide.

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

"Oh no she didn't! Go for the jugular, triple M! The jugular!"

Melon Hide seemed confused by Static Signal's comment. "Huh? The Juggler isn't in this match."

Static gave an equally confused look to Melon Hide. How could anyone outside foalhood not know what the jugular is.

"The throat! Kick her in the throat! If an enemy can't breath, they can't fight."

"It was hard to make that rod interesting." Snowy replies, sounding as though he was making a grudging agreement rather than an excuse. "Not about work, no. Do you know which department heads are still in their offices? I have plenty left to do tonight."

As the ref dropped to start the pin count. MM kicked up, easily sliding out of the premature cover attempt. Getting to her hooves She stood and pointed accusingly at ChaCha
"YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TRY HARDER THAN THAT I'M AFRAID."

Once again moving toward her opponent MM held out both her fore-hooves for the traditional test of strength

Zig Zag pondered for a moment,
"Steel Flint, Hazel Naught,
The latter just got back in.
Maybe some others."

Melon Hide was about to reply to Static Signal but he swiftly became silent as he saw the ring. The test of strength was one of the hallmarks of the sport. Two wrestlers would lock fore-hooves in an attempt to see who could overpower the other. Starting a match with that purity of grappling itself is what separates wrestling from other combat sports. All of the high flying and banter may have been filling sides but this was the main course. Furthermore, it usually tended to reveal the mindset of the wrestlers involved. The most stalwart of competitors would readily meet this way to start the match. However, more dastardly foes would avoid it or try to sneak in a cheap shot. And the Changeling Champion sought to deny this essence of grappling as she smugly shook her head and began to circle the Masked Mystery Mare.

Static stood looking at Night Cap, mouth agape. He could almost understand Melon Hide. He probably hadn't been in a fight in his life.

But Static knew for a fact that Night Cap had been in many a fight. He knew Night Cap's point of view on some things could be...skewed...but come on!

But he dreaded to explain to Night Cap that they were fighting, lest he felt compelled to go help defend Maple.

He didn't get a chance anyway as he was soon distracted by the display in the ring.

"Oh now that's just...that's just not right. If that's how she wants it, just kick her where it hurts."

"Some places more than others," Static replies flipantly. "Even for a mare in spite of what some ponies would have you believe."

Static gives another 'what the hug' look at Night Cap. "Remind me to show you a few fighting moves I learned in Manehatten sometime."

"I DIDN'T WANT TO BELIEVE WHAT I'D HEARD... BUT BEANIE WAS RIGHT!" Dropping her hooves when the t.o.s was rejected, MM just shook her head broadly and shrugged for the crowd. With a dash of earth pony speed, MM went in for the tie up... fully expecting some other form of dirty shenanigans from the horrible monster.

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

"Whoa now. Don't want to see triple M get disqualified. Though...I am wondering how she is going to pull this off. A pin can be harder with this much of a difference in wei...whoa!" Melon Hide was surprised by the burst of speed from the Masked Mystery Mare. But more importantly, the Changeling Champion didn't seem to be expecting it either!

"She'd only get disqualified if she got caught," Static replied with a grin.

Melon Hide paused for a moment, then nodded almost sagely. "Oh...you're one of those types that wants the face to act like a heel or even turn heel but when it happens you wind up disappointed. Why aren't you cheering for Changeling Champion then?"

Spoiler

"I can agree with her fighting philosophy...doesn't mean I like her attitude," Static replied. And while that was true, he also didn't want to out Maple if Melon Hide didn't know who the wrestler in front of him was.

"Look out, Changeling Champion!"

Amber seemed to notice her own waving hooves, then realize suddenly that she was standing in her seat. With a self-conscious glance to either side, Amber returned herself to the seat.

Static looked sideways at Amber. "I like your enthusiasm...so...please don't stop because you're feeling self-contious and all. But...Changling Champion???"

Amber was indeed suddenly feeling rather self-conscious about letting herself into the moment like that, so when she responded, it was hesitantly, in a voice difficult to make out in the din of the crowd. "Well, it hardly seems fair that everypony is cheering for the Masked Mare," she said. "And Changeling Champion must know she isn't very popular, and yet she seems so ... confident", Amber added, almost as a question.

Zamuel:
Zig Zag pondered for a moment,
"Steel Flint, Hazel Naught,
The latter just got back in.
Maybe some others."

Snowy nods. "Thanks, Zig Zag." He heads for Steel Flint's office, knocking on the door twice, then twice quickly.

Steel Flint curiously stuck her head out the door. "Ah, Snowy Skies. What are you doing here so late?"

Static could barely hear Amber in the crowd. But working in a job where he would many times have to listen to many things at once (whatever film was playing at the time, conversations with anypony in the projection booth at the time, silent alarm) and having honed his ability to be woken up by a 'silent alarm'...Static was able to manage better than she probably anticipated.

"Well, there is a reason why everypony's cheering for Masked Mare. Changeling Champion's the bad guy here. Don't worry about hurting her feelings, though. It's just a persona...an act. You're supposed to cheer for the good guy."

"Besides...after dealing with Silent Belle...among other...unsavory...ponies, I'm sure you can recognize the difference between confidence and...arrogance?"

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

Rhapsody chuckles softly. "They play their parts, The Changeling Champion isn't out here to be liked, this isn't two heroes going at it. Villains get there enjoyment from being hated and cuasing trouble, and occasionally there are those that enjoy watching a good villian... but other times there are those that designed not to be liked, such as this one. So don't worry about her feelings, as Static says. Win or lose, she'll thrive and continue on."

Steel Flint curiously stuck her head out the door. "Ah, Snowy Skies. What are you doing here so late?"

You'd think she would recognize his knock by now. "An unexpected variety of things." Snowy says, always loathe to leave a question unanswered. "A ways back Rhapsody was passing out business cards that she had found at a suspected COIN hideout. They had a tulip surrounded by stars, and no text." As he spoke one melted into view beside him, gently turning on an axis. "Did the Keep keep any of them? I think I found a name for the businesspony."

Steel Flint nodded. "Brisk Iron kept one. The card actually resurfaced during that incident with the conservation presentation."

"It apparently belongs to Tipsy Tulips, a mad inventor. Have you heard of her? I certainly haven't."

Spoiler

"YEAH! GO! GET HER GOOD, MYSTERY MARE!" Misty shouted, standing up in her chair in a moment of excitement.

She sat back down after hearing a displeased grunt from the seat behind her. "Ehehe."

Static wondered what the problem was with the pony sitting next to Misty. "Hey, don't pay that pony any mind, Misty. We're at a wrestling match. Aren't we supposed to get a little roudy?"

"I suppose the two of you do know more about this game than I do," said Amber, seeming not entirely convinced.

Was that Miss Spark just now? I didn't know she got that loud ..or excited, heh who knew?

The moment of distraction was all it took for Changeling Champion to gain an advantage. Capitalizing MM's mistake with a forehoof across the face, that broke the tie up.

"OOooPH!"

"I suppose the two of you do know more about this game than I do," said Amber, seeming not entirely convinced.

"Come to the Gym for training one night, and you can discuss it at length with Sky Lynx. He knows the sport very well, considering he used to wrestle around here." Rhapsody grins. "Of course he'll talk your ear off about everything else as well..."

Amber watched the quick exchange between the players intently. "I'm not quite certain yet, but I think I might like that," said Amber.

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

"I think not?" said Amber, leaning out around Static to reply. She blinked. "Mr. Cap, ah, I think only the players wear those," she said.

"No, we're not supposed to like her, within the confines of the squared circle at least. When she is out there, it would be like cheering for COIN. A large part of the reason she's in that identity is because ever since the Canterlot Invasion, Ponies have been scared of Changelings, so Dressing up as one is good and quick way to be 'obvious bad guy'. That's not a comment on if we're supposed to hate her during off hours, nor is it a comment on if we should hate Changelings themselves." Rhapsody explains as she watches the match.

"Part of the glory and appeal of wrestling, is in the spectacle, the story, the drama. Think of it a bit like theater or ballet, there is always quick ways to tell who is who, the only difference is that Wrestling feels more 'interactive' because its a sport; its live in front of us and not something we know is rehearsed for days or weeks. We're encouraged to be reactive and cheer, rather then just quietly watch and that's as much part of the excitement as the match itself: we get to be part of the story, even if just background players urging the hero to win." She states, trying to not go into full on nerd, as between her own love of the profession, and being mentored by Sky Lynx... she's could be just as bad as the old bird...

Steel Flint shook her head. "The name isn't ringing any bells but I will make sure to alert Brisk and the authorities."

The Changeling Champion eyed the Masked Mystery Mare as she rebounded off of the ropes. Crouching down briefly, the Changeling Champion leaped forward with a powerful flying shoulder tackle to her smaller foe! Laughing proudly, she proclaimed "I wonder if it's time for a little Changeling Magic!" The crowd gasped in concern as they looked to see what the Masked Mystery Mare would do.

"It is a pretty nice costume, though."

"Oh no!" Static's ears pinned back in horror. "WATCH OUT MYSTERY MARE! SHE'S ABOUT TO STRIKE! MOVE!!!!!"

Amber listened to Rhapsody's explanation but wasn't sure what to say when she'd finished beyond a "Hmm" and a quick nod. And yet ...

Static's outburst drew her attention back to the stage. Amber tried to hold back a grin of anticipation.

MM's head lolled from side to side... that last one connected really well, knocking the air out of her... the first few rows could likely see her eyes wandering.

Blast, confound it to Tartarus! She was out. Changeling Champion was getting ready for a crippling blow and Maple was out. Static couldn't see how she wasn't going to take this hit. She needed something to focus on.

"Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare!" C'mon, crowd. Get into it! She needs you! "Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare!" Focus on the chanting, Maple. Come back to reality...fast! "Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare!"

"Oh noooo! Come on, Mystery Mare! Show her what you're made of!" Misty wildly gesticulates with her forelegs. "Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare!"

The Changeling Champion dragged the Masked Mystery Mare towards the turnbuckle. The wily combatant started to climb the rope as if she were going to do some sort of high flying maneuver with the whole audience waiting in suspense...only to shake her head and instead positioned herself behind her smaller opponent for a sleeper hold. Several boos erupted from the crowd. "Oh come on! She's a high flyer, not a submission specialist!

Oh um...I don't actually want her to win but I don't get why she's toying with triple M."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

"Good!" Static says with a nod and a frown. "The longer she toys with her, the longer she has to regain her senses and get a second wind."

"Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare! Mystery Mare!" C'mon, Maple! Snap out of it. You can do this!

"OHNG!"
Standing slightly slumped, Mystery Mare struggled to fight to remain conscious... fore hoof waving wildly along with the chanting audience. Dropping to the mat as one rear hoof slid out from under her. Changeling Champion following her down maintaining the hold.

The referee motioned for the Changeling Champion to release the hold. She seemed confused until she saw what had happened. The Masked Mystery Mare had hooked one of her hooves on the rope...meaning an opponent would have to end a hold or pin attempt else they be disqualified! The Changeling Champion moved towards the center of the ring and waited to see how her opponent would react.

Static let go of a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That was too close.

"Yeah! Way to go Mystery...Mare! You're still in it. Make her regret it."

Getting her hooves under her, MM stood up slightly wobbly as she sucked in some glorious fresh air as she tried to get her head back in the waking world. After a quick shake to make sure nothing rattled around in it, she followed her opponent back to the center of the ring.

As Changeling Champion began to prepare to again launch into the fray. MM held up a hoof and stopper her in mid motion. Again with the entrance to her back MM called out to the crowd. "GREEN BEAN ONLY TOLD ME YOU LOT WERE BAD APPLES... HE DIDN'T MENTION YOU WERE ALSO REALLY GREAT WRESTLERS!"

MM took a step toward Cha Cha and again extended her foreleg for a hoof bump of respect.

"Why are they breaking it up? Is it over?"

"I'm...not sure," Static replied confused as well. "By the way the ref was pointing, I guess Changeling Champion isn't allowed to make a pin when the hoof of her opponent is in the ropes like that."

Getting her hooves under her, MM stood up slightly wobbly as she sucked in some glorious fresh air as she tried to get her head back in the waking world. After a quick shake to make sure nothing rattled around in it, she followed her opponent back to the center of the ring.

As Changeling Champion began to prepare to again launch into the fray. MM held up a hoof and stopper her in mid motion. Again with the entrance to her back MM called out to the crowd. "GREEN BEAN ONLY TOLD ME YOU LOT WERE BAD APPLES... HE DIDN'T MENTION YOU WERE ALSO REALLY GREAT WRESTLERS!"

MM took a step toward Cha Cha and again extended her foreleg for a hoof bump of respect.

"She's not throwing in the towel, is she? C'mon! Don't give up now! Never give up. Never surrender!" You can still do this, Maple! A member of COIN would not be merciful!

Snowy looked saddened. "I'd hoped there was something for me to work with. Ah, well. If you find anything, I'll be at Amber's bench." Snowy marched away from Steel Flint's office at a quick pace, picking up the two sheets of translucent paper and bringing them into Amber's workplace with him. Their see-through nature implied that they should be layered on top of each other. Perhaps it worked like a paint by numbers kit...Snowy began laying the sheets on top of each other, first one way, then the other, then cross-wise, then other cross-wise, sketching in and blotting out illusionary lines to test ideas that flitted through his head...

Spoiler

The Changeling Champion eyed the Masked Mystery Mare's hoof as if it were some sort of dangerous creature. There was prolonged pause and a tangible stillness in the air. Then...she respectfully nodded. "It seems you're less of a mere morsel and more of a meal." The Changeling Champion gave the briefest hoof bump, then began to circle her opponent once more.

Chants and hoots for both Wrestlers welled up from the crowd, fans of both delighted in the show of respect finally earned. It goes a long way to help Smooth the entry into a new territory to make the wrestlers themselves know that you respect the work they've done... as well as let the ponies in the audience know that their territory's roster is equal to the challenge of anything the new arrival has faced in the past.

Maybe making a new friend didn't hurt either. XD

As the pair circled MM again motioned for the test of strength. "CHAMPION EH? WILLING TO PROVE IT TO ME NOW?"`

"Why are they breaking it up? Is it over?"

"Nope, the ropes are... like a safe word. You get to them, even just brush them, and you've got to let the person go. Heels don't always follow the rules, sometimes they push their luck just to 'win' even if they'd lose the match. But the Champion at least has some concept of fair play it seems."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

The Changeling Champion moved in with fore-hooves lifted as if she were going to meet the test of strength but instead leaped forward for another flying shoulder tackle! It wasn't as strong as before but it still knocked the Masked Mystery Mare flat on her back.

"C'mon, Mystery Mare! You're down but not defenseless. Sweep the legs!"

So, that's how she wants it!
MM came to her hooves with a kip up... almost as if the shock of the betrayal went straight into the fiber of her muscles and was now powering them for justice.
The look of Shock that passed over The Changeling's expression clear for all to see. Mystery Mare helping to tell the story by waving a foreleg admonishing in her opponent's direction while giving the fans she was facing a look that said as plainly as her words.

"CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?" MM didn't wait for a response from the crowd however, charging at Cha Cha with an outstretched front leg... going for a clothesline.

"YEAH! Get her good!"

Snowy Skies began his careful process of aligning the sheets of paper. He quickly found that once aligned properly, almost exactly half of the numbers corresponded with a line. Using his illusions to estimate several a multitude of possible connecting lines, he finally came to a conclusion. They were...floor plans. It seemed to be for a large residential structure, like a mansion, though a lot of the specifics were different from modern buildings. He also was able to decipher the letters 'MW' in the margins, presumably the initials of the one who drew the floor plans.

The Changeling Champion barely had time to gasp in surprise before being bowled over by the Masked Mystery Mare!

"Yeah! You got her! Nearly took her head off with that one. Finish the job!"

Snowy looked at the papers, quietly stunned that he had actually made a breakthrough. He had an awfully good guess of what mansion this floor plan was outlining. He needed to speak to Desert Rose as soon as possible. Was she conscious yet? He believed she had been staying at the same hospital as Zig Zag, but Zig Zag would be on a tour right now, covering the other half of his training shift. Steel Flint probably knew. He carefully outlined his illusion lines in red, then snatched up the papers in his magic and bustled down the hall to Steel Flint's office. How many hoops would he have to jump through to go back to the swamp at Nightmare Heights?

Upon arriving at the office door, he knocked twice, then twice quickly.

Cha Cha prone on the mat beneath her MM went to work on the right foreleg. She'd done her research, Chump Changeling here was right hoofed... if she could disable her here for part of the match it would certainly quell an awful lot of her offense and or resistance when it came to make the pin.

"SINCE IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE YOU USE THESE FOR ANYTHING DECENT, MIND IF I BORROW ONE!?!" Dropping to the mat herself MM wrapped up Changeling Champion's limb in a modified 'legbar' ...modified in that MM was using all of her 4 legs to press and hold Cha Cha's arm at an angle, back and up..forcing her 'shoulder' into the mat.

"Either you've discovered something or I've suddenly become very popular." Steel Flint quipped as she opened her door.

Still chastened from Rhapsody's lecture, Amber couldn't help wincing as the Changeling Champion hit the mat.

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

While she couldn't get her smaller foe to release her grip, the Changeling Champion was able to scoot sideways slowly until she reached the ropes. The referee motioned for the Masked Mystery Mare to release.

releasing the hold immediately MM backed away with her hooves up

Static could only shrug at Night Cap's question. "First time I've been to one of these myself. I'll tell you one thing, I'd be ready to pound that mule the very instant she got off the ropes if I were the Masked Mare."

Though Static was beginning to think he'd seen enough to develop a philosophy about this whole wrestling thing, and it boiled down to one single thing...too many rules.

The times Maple had gotten into trouble were the times she was trying to show her sportmanship side. Otherwise, the times she was actually fighting she'd be wiping the floor with this Changeling Champion. He was 100% confident about that.

Seriously, Maple had gone up against Baromets and survived. She'd fought brainwashed cuckarockas and won. Maple was a fighter through and through.

But the difference in those times she won...no rules.

The Changeling Champion slowly walked back towards the center of the ring, a bit more labored than before. Then, to the audience's surprise, she lifted her fore-hooves to challenge the Masked Mystery Mare to a test of strength. No smirks or comments, the Changeling Champion merely locked eyes with her opponent and nodded.

Resting against the ropes, okay more like bouncing slightly... keeping the pulse up, MM couldn't help but grin: As her opponent stood, she thought about the part of this that she found the most fun, and what she missed most since her last match in Manehatten.. The structure, and the story-telling... sure the physically was a rush in and of itself, and the Competition with others -testing yourself against often superior skill was glorious... But this wasn't a fight in the street, this was a sport. Sure it was Dangerous and wrestlers could always get hurt seriously any time they got in the ring - but there was always the understanding that everyone agreed! to the ground rules. Don't cross the line and everyone has fun.

With the Ref between them MM had to wait... it was also their job to make sure the wrestlers were fit to continue, after every stoppage they would ask if you wanted to keep going... often even if the wrestler said yes, if it was plainly obvious they should be saying no - the Ref was there to make that choice for them. As Changeling Champion shook her leg out, testing it... She was doing her own steps in the dance. MM often had villains like her brag to the crowd that it hadn't hurt at all, and that they could have taken the hold indefinitely..often even seemingly forgetting having had to actually follow the rules and use the ropes to have the hold broken.

MM loved that part, it made her ever so more inclined to try again.

"Either you've discovered something or I've suddenly become very popular." Steel Flint quipped as she opened her door.

Snowy opens his mouth, then carefully closes it. "I'm actually not certain whether I'm allowed to tell you about this, and I'd rather not take my chances. Where is Desert Rose? Or failing that, Brisk Iron?"

Static stood with his mouth agape. "Are you kidding me? After the last two times? Sweep the legs and pound her face! She'd do the same."

"Let me get you the address for the hospital. I visited Desert Rose earlier today and she's doing abnormally well. The doctors may even let her go tomorrow so it seems you're just in time." Steel Flint scribbled the directions as she spoke, then gave them to Snowy Skies.

The two competitors locked fore-hooves as they locked in a test of strength. The Masked Mystery Mare didn't seem to be able to overpower her larger opponent while the Changeling Champion seemed to have difficulty maintaining a proper grip one her smaller foe. There were steps back and forth as each tried to gain advantage. This soon led to measured sidesteps of the two circling as they stayed locked. Faster and faster this went until the Changeling Champion had picked up the Masked Mystery Mare and was spinning her around. Instead of being thrown, the smaller mare was set back down and stumbled in dizziness. Wasting no time, the Changeling Champion rushed for the turnbuckle, climbed up, and leaped. Whether it was a brief teleport or a trick of the light, there was a flash that signaled this was Changeling Magic, her devastating finishing move! There were two spinning front flips ending in a body splash on her opponent. The Changeling Champion then quickly rolled up the Masked Mystery Mare in a pin as the referee counted
One
Two
Three.
The Changeling Champion had won the match. However, as the referee went to raise her hoof in victory, she instead pointed for somepony to bring her the microphone. "As all you ponies see, the dominance of the hive is simply unmatched. But I must say that the Masked Mystery Mare was quite a surprise. A worthy subject to my future reign, may we possibly compete again some day." The Changeling Champion climbed out of the ring as her music played. Then, there was a short intermission between this and the next match to give the audience a brief break and to allow preparations.

Amber smiled and turned to Rhapsody, then to Static, smiling hesitantly. "See? She's not as bad as all that."

[Night Cap]

"Huh. That's a surprisingly peaceful way to end it. One just has to hold the other down that long?"

Under the dimmed lights, the Masked Mystery Mare, struggled and stumbled her way out of the ring with the help of the ref. Waving and hoof bumping with some of the fans along the exit way. proclaiming for all that could hear, that she was here to stay, despite this early upset.

***
As the fans began filing back in behind the stomp team a familiar voice said from the seat behind Amber.

"Yeah did you see that flip she did? What a fun match to watch eh? Did anypony want some popcorn? I should have asked before I left, but you all had gotten really into it. Heck I don't even think you knew I was back here, that's how into the match you were." Grinning from ear to ear Maple leaned forward and held out the bag between Amber and Rhapsody.

"That Changeling Champion sure is strong, I don't think the masked mare new what to expect. Oh, sorry you guys didn't get to see me wrestle tonight, my match got canceled last minute." Maple shrugged, while still maintaining a grip on the popcorn

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

"Oh, Miss Jack! You really have been uncharacteristically quiet."

Static's face turned downcast as the Mystery Mare was defeated. Too darn many rules! That's what happens when you bring honor into a fight, unfortunately.

Still, Maple fought well. She put on a show, gained the love of the crowd and the respect of an one of the more senior wrestlers. Sometimes that can be as important as a win.

As her voice came from behind them, Statics ears perked in surprise. That was fast! He grinned as Maple tried to deny that was her up in the ring. "I'm sure you'll get your chance next time," he said ambiguously.

"Sorry, I got in after everyone had sat down already, and I was kinda in a bit of a grump about the match." Maple backed up a little with the popcorn so she could get a little more for herself before moving it back down between the two again, resting it on the raised floor just behind the back of their seats. "I was so looking forward to hearing if you thought I made for an okay Unicorn." Maple whispered, so as not to give away her secret to a few more ponies who were showing back up. Maple undid the flap on her saddlebag showing what looked like a folded up blue suit, darker blue boots and a blue mask with a clearly (at this close inspection) fake horn on it's forehead.

"Pay? ... is that what the costume is for? were you wanting to audition Mr. Night Cap?" Maple moved the pop corn bag quickly down to his spot.

Snowy knew he would have been extremely peeved to know that anyone was withholding information from him, but he supposed he and Steel Flint were just wired differently. As things stood, he snatched up the address and barely left himself time to say "Thank you," before bolting down the hall, papers still following behind. Finally getting a breakthrough with these infernal chests was so exciting! It was a break from the monotonous cycle, and he'd certainly earned it. He navigated the city streets carefully, generally familiar with the location. He'd never been admitted himself, but really, how did one miss a hospital? They were big buildings. Stopping for a moment! to catch his breath, he walked through what he thought was the general entrance. It had the sign over it and everything, and it granted entry to a spacious lobby. Taking the lack of a swarm of orderlies pushing him towards the exit as confirmation, he approached the front desk. "Hello, I'm a member of the Equestrian Expeditions Keep, and I'm here to see Desert Rose? The ward number is on here." He says politely, passing the scrap of paper over the counter.

"I was wondering how quickly you'd reveal the truth to us. I am rather surprised at how... efficient... you are at trying to hide yourself. If 'd not seen your costumes previously, I might not have known." She smiles. "Of course you know next time with Sky Lynx, you probably can't wear that if you want to keep thinks secret."

"Oh wow, Maple, I totally thought the Masked Mystery Mare was actually you! In fact, if you hadn't just explained that you've been sitting quietly behind us for most of the match, I'd probably still be thinking that!" Misty bubbles. "You know, she's nearly the same size as you... maybe you two should have a team up?"

Maple smiled at Misty. She was happy her friend liked the show.

"I Know her really well actually... turning to Rhapsody ... that's why I let her borrow one of the costumes I wasn't going to need tonight."

The hospital receptionist read the ward number and then gave Snowy Skies the room number for Desert Rose since it was still within visiting hours.

"My - they're very lovely costumes, Miss Jack," said Amber. "Simply capital. It's a pity we didn't get to see you perform tonight. I really had no idea!"

CoffeeHorse · Sep 14, 2022

A bit of doubt snuck into Static's mind...though he was still leaning towards believing that was Maple in the ring. But still...all it takes is that smallest sliver of doubt and...

Puh! Let her have it her way. Either way, he still had a good time tonight.

"Well the next match should be starting soon, don't worry about asking questions." Maple winked at the stylish stallion, "No trade secrets though."

"Glad you enjoyed the match Maple. It's kinda nice to actually go to a match with some ponies. Oh look, they're about to start back up." Green Bean announced the next match, a tag team bout to determine the number one contender for a future title bout. The team Washboard Waylay had bubble designs on their matching outfits with washboard logos on their backs. Their opponents, the Fancy Finances, wore starched cravats over their leotards, starched their manes, and had masks designed to look like goggles made of coins with eye holes poked out. It was an exciting match but Washboard Waylay managed to score a clean win over their opponents. Another short intermission was given as preparations were made for the final match of the night.

Spoiler

The hospital receptionist read the ward number and then gave Snowy Skies the room number for Desert Rose since it was still within visiting hours.

Snowy tried to control his pace as he navigated the well-marked trails towards ward 4. Running in hospitals tended to make people panic. Lives were on the line when people ran in hospitals. And no matter how excited he was, for once no one was in danger at all! He quietly knocked on the door, twice then twice quickly, and walked into the ward. He spied Desert Rose seated by a window nearby, looking much more lively than when he had last seen her, so he quickly signed in on the visitors list and trotted over to join her. "Desert Rose? You might not remember me, but I'm Snowy Skies. I was part of the team that retrieved you."

Spoiler

"I always heard it was much more rough than this. They're making it look fun. It seems like it's at least as much a performance as it is a battle."

"I did pretty much state that earlier." Rhapsody replies. "It's still very rough, and even dangerous at times. I remember a match, years ago. Ponykind was in a cage match 'Tartarus in a cell' they called it, against Grave Digger one of wrestling biggest badasses... It was a rough and brutal battle... and completely awesome. Two of my favorites just beating the ever-living crap out of each other... At one point, Ponykind looks to the crowd... it looked like he was smiling as blood oozed from his mouth. He later went on record that he was trying to show a where a hole had ripped in lower lip. But the image of him smiling through the pain, that is part of what elevated his legend after that; he was the pony that could take any sort of beating and still go on just as insanely happy as he seemed to be." Rhaposdy says with a smile at remembering that. "He's semi-retired nowadays... becuase all those injuries did take their toll as they added up, but he still appears sometimes. Usually outta costume and as a commentator. Still an amazing personality."

Looking to that match itself Rhapsody chuckles softly at the 'Fancy Fiances' "I'm not sure they know their gimmick, or are still getting used to it. They just seem to be a bit all over the place. Usually the rich wrestlers tend to be heels, or at least snobby. Puttign priority on their wealth, fame, and manners. How they are better off then all of us, and such. They seem to be trying to do that, while still being faces... Not sure it works."

Static didn't have as much of a personal interest in this particular match as he did with Maples. He also didn't see a clear cut good guy or bad guy with this one. That couple with the fact that he had really spent most of his energy during Maple's match, he was quite a bit more reserved for the second one, choosing instead to just sit back, watch and study.

He was beginning to understand some of the rules and how things were done.

He hated to say it, but Melon Hide did have a point. In the realm of faces vs. heels, Static was seeing that his own particular fighting style would be more in line with the heels.

But what was so wrong with that anyway? Why should he put himself at a disadvantage in a battle just because it's the 'polite' or more 'sportmanship' way to do things? "Stand amongst the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters."

He couldn't remember where he'd heard that before, but it had long been a truism he'd lived by while living in Manehatten. STOMP may have changed a lot of things about him...made him softer...weaker. But Tartarus if he was going to let STOMP take that from him.

Then he looked around at his team mates...his...friends. Since when was that word a part of his vocabulary?

But...weren't they worth the changes he professed to hate about himself? For that matter, was he really weaker for it? He never would've survived Silent Belle without Black Night, the Princess of Anygypt without Snowy and Light Fantastic, the wasps without Anchors, Baromets without...

Buck this was so confusing!

"I'll be back before the next battle," he told nopony in particular. He didn't care where he was headed. The rest rooms, the concession stand...it didn't matter. He needed to get to where the noise was duller...somewhere he could get his brain focused again.

Misty had gone to get her own popcorn between matches, and as she struggled to see the second match past the overflowing super mega jumbo popcorn tub balanced precariously on her lap, she wondered if perhaps she should have elected for a smaller size.

Gosh the popcorn was tasty, though!

Maple watched Static leave, maybe she shouldn't have mentioned the race again.

"I'm not as big of a mark as I was when I was younger, but I still enjoy watching it now and then. As for Sky Lynx; he used to wrestle around here, he trains some of the rookies in the finer points of things. Those that want to get better usually come to see him. I've had a few lessons, as some techniques can be useful even out of the ring, but I've not trained as a wrestler."

"I have no idea what goes through that old Griffon's mind."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

"It might be fun to not hold back this time." Maple said with a blush.

Desert Rose paused to look Snowy Skies up and down until saying, "Ah, I remember you. It was a little fuzzy at first since I was a little out of it when I was rescued."

"Perfectly understandable" Snowy sits down and nods, drawing the overlapping papers into view. After the hurried trip, they needed some adjustments, and he hastily put them in their proper alignment. "Miss Rose, how much do you remember about your time in the alternate dimansion?" He plays the syllable out to carefully accentuate the pun, hoping to keep her at least a little at ease. The self-assurance that she might get from recognizing the papers as mansion plans (and putting two and two together) could hopefully aid in that.

"I'll be right back, I should probably use the mare's room before the next match." Rhapsody says and slips out. "You look like you've had better days." She says as she walks up behind Static.

Static gasps and spins around to see Rhapsody. "Oh...Rhapsody, hey!" He gives a non committal shrug. "I've had far worse too. It's just all this talk about faces and heels." he shrugs helplessly and leans back against a wall for moral support.

"It's just...I never went looking for a fight. But back in Manehatten, if you ever found yourself in one, you did what you had to. If you had a chance to hit an enemy from behind, you took it. Throw sand in their eyes? Do it! If you had to kick a pony while they were down just to make sure they stayed down? Well then...the only rule was to win...barring that...survive!"

"But now? Now I work by Ms. Iron's rules. Given what would happen, I don't dare break those rules. So...now I have rules. I just don't know. Does that make me better pony now that I have rules...or just...soft?" he said as though the word left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Rules exist for a reason. We all have them. It's not just Brisk Iron's rules. There are lines we decide not to cross, stuff we can deem that is too far. Those become our rules. I am a fighter, if I have to I will hurt others; really hurt them. But I've been trying not to since North Wand mission. I was used to doing stuff on my own, working by my own rules. I realized after that mission, after I had time to think things through that I could restrain myself, because I was working with others. A fight was no longer just me vs them, it would be us." She says as she looks to him, taking a deep breath. "I am still very rough around the edges, I am likely never gonna have that roughness sanded down completely. But things I have learned over my life, all the hurt and tragedy; Rules are important. They keep us safe... sometimes from ourselves more then anyone else, they can also keep us sane, as no rules... they can lead to madness... you become dark, you become angry, you become violent... and it keeps going and because there is no rules, no lines, where do you stop? Why should you stop?" She asks taking another breath and turning away. "Others might think it makes us weak, that not fighting or knowing when to stop makes us soft. Compassion and respect are not weaknesses, they are things that can make us strong, give us drive and purpose beyond survival."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Desert Rose quietly studied the sheets of paper, carefully looking them over before announcing, "The floor plans are wrong. Or...I guess that over simplifies things. The plans themselves are probably right. The rooms were as if somepony took these plans, wrote them on taffy, then stretched them. However, my concern is figuring out just how the entrances work. I was in New Coltro but that's not where the team you were with entered. As far as things I remember, I certainly know my investigation was interrupted. I also know getting pulled in was some sort of accident on behalf of the stallion trapped in there."

Static never thought to look to Rhapsody to be a good judge for how one should live there life, nor did he ever think to look to her for deep perspectives on life. Looks like that was a mistake.

"It's...something to think about. I guess I did see where the no rules mindset leads with Silent Belle. I just...heh! Thanks, Rhapsody. That actually helps."

Rhapsody smiles and nods. "Glad to hear it. Shall we get back to the match now?"

Static perks up. He'd gotten so caught up in his own head, he'd forgotten where he was. "Match? Oh right! Yeah." Static follows Rhapsody back to their seats.

Desert Rose quietly studied the sheets of paper, carefully looking them over before announcing, "The floor plans are wrong. Or...I guess that over simplifies things. The plans themselves are probably right. The rooms were as if somepony took these plans, wrote them on taffy, then stretched them. However, my concern is figuring out just how the entrances work. I was in New Coltro but that's not where the team you were with entered. As far as things I remember, I certainly know my investigation was interrupted. I also know getting pulled in was some sort of accident on behalf of the stallion trapped in there."

Snowy breaths out a quiet sigh of relief. So they wouldn't have to return to the swamp to return to the mansion, necessarily. "Did you ever get the stallion's name? There are initials on the corner of the drawing, I can only assume they belong to him.

"Welcome back. You're just in time." Green Bean walked out to the center of the ring. "And now for what I'm sure most of you have been waiting for, tonight's championship match! You may be waiting to see the champ but we've chosen to first reveal his opponent. After careful decision, it has been decided that his opponent shall be the current number one contender, the Changeling Champion!" She once more trotted out to a chorus of boos as her theme music played. Climbing into the ring, she announced, "Don't cheer too loudly ponies. Soon, my ultimate goal shall be fulfilled and all of you shall become subjects of my foreverlasting and glorious reign!" "And while I'm sure he needs no introduction...

Hailing from right here in Caballuston, the current Southern Equestrian Regional Champion, the one who brings a harvest of heroism...Victory Squash!"

As the bombastic horns of his theme music started up, the cheers through the crowd were deafening. Victory Squash was a light orange stallion with pale green hair who wore a heroic blue mask and leotard combo. Balanced on his back was a platter with slices of grilled squash. As he walked down the aisle, he gave hoofbumps and food samples to various fans. Reaching the third row, he passed the platter to Melon Hide, then galloped to the ring. Standing on the turnbuckle to wave to the crowd, a stark white 'V' could be seen on his chest. Sauntering over to the the microphone, he looked at the Changeling Champion and said, "I hope you don't think your sinister soliloquy will propel you to the stars. I've been in match after match against the forces of evil and the results have always been the same...good always triumphs. Now you best prepare thyself miscreant, because I'm about to gather up a cornucopia of justice!" Most of the crowd, Melon Hide included, said 'cornucopia of justice' along with Victory Squash. Seems like everypony was prepared for one exciting match.

Spoiler

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Two matches in one night? This Changeling Champion was pushing it. Hopefully Map...Mystery Mare took enough out of her during the first match that it shouldn't take too much for this Victory Squash guy to finish her off.

Static did a double take at Night Cap's question. "Beast hu..wha?" Where in Equestria does he come up with these ideas?

Desert Rose shook her head, "He was missing parts of his memory and seemed to be slowly regaining it while I was there. With a name, I could at least do a missing ponies search. I wonder just how long he's been trapped in that place."

"But you never met him? You only spoke to him through that book?"

"Affirmative. I'll admit that knowing what he looked like would help a lot but he didn't even seem to know. It was as if he had become part of the building."

"OH MY GOSH CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SOUVENIR MR HIDE!" Maple said excitedly. "Changeling Champion sure knows how to get the fans against her... coming out here again after defeating a new hero... I hope Squash was watching the first match and remembers to focus on her right hoof." Maple was on the edge of her seat.

"Affirmative. I'll admit that knowing what he looked like would help a lot but he didn't even seem to know. It was as if he had become part of the building."

Snowy stared hard at a corner of a window, trying to recreate the whole situation in his mind. He took a very different but much more familiar mansion and stretched the halls out, leaving one person...somewhere. Not in the main foyer, where Desert Rose had been. She said she had been taken there because the stallion was there..."Do you think the stallion was responsible for you being pulled into the dimansion? Or was the mansion itself more to blame?"

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Desert Rose sighed, "I just don't know. I don't even know if he actually sleeps because that would give me a different way to try to find him and ask more questions. Maybe more of his memory has recovered by now."

Misty pokes her head around the mountain of popcorn. "No, this is wrestling, silly!"

Static was perplexed by Night Cap's "understanding" of the world...a trend he was beginning to notice more and more.

Still, it's not like Static hadn't had his own moments of just not understanding a situation. He was sure other ponies were probably equally perplexed by him in those moments.

At least that's what he told himself. After all, Night Cap was one of the first friends he made in Cabullastan. He didn't want to let it cross his mind that he was finding it harder and harder to relate to him.

"Well, to be fair, the two do have their similarities," he said, trying to be of some support to Night Cap.

Snowy's mind catches on the comment, like it tripped over and idea. "You dreamwalk?"

Desert Rose looked around the room before replying, "Yes. For whatever reason, I couldn't reach my superior, Tangerine Sands but I did manage to get a call for help to Light Fantastic. That seemed to net limited response but I eventually managed to find Night Cap."

The bell rang and the match started. Victory Squash lifted his fore-hooves for a test of strength but the Changeling Champion slowly started to circle him. Instead of waiting, he rushed in to grab. With her defensively lifting her fore-hooves, they locked in a seemingly even test of strength. Neither seemed to be able to gain an immediate advantage until Victory Squash bent down and tossed the Changeling Champion over his shoulders. However, instead of hitting the mat hard, she smoothly tucked and rolled, protecting her horn in the process. Quickly standing, she was quite ready to continue.

"...I think I might have smelled you on her..." Snowy says absently, putting a few things together aloud. "The stone our team entered from didn't activate until Night Cap touched it. Night Cap is unique for a variety of reasons, but it seems likely that it was his dreamwalking abilities that drew him in. Light Fantastic had, I don't know, essence of dreamwalker, or perhaps Desert Rose residue from your visits to her, so she was pulled in...had you ever had any contact with Amber Spark before you saw her in that dimansion?"

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Desert Rose shook her head, "I've never met Amber Spark before this. Was the stone they entered from like a mirror?"

Snowy tilted his head and shrugged. "Sort of. It was a reflective crystal, but it had a consistency like...nothing else, really. It was solid, but gave way like jelly when you pushed on it...without actually displacing any crystal. Hooves just sort of passed through it if they pressed hard enough. At least, until Night Cap touched it. After that we all avoided it, since we didn't know where it would take us. Why? Did you touch a mirror for some reason?"

"There was a mirror in one of the rooms I was investigating before I wound up in there. I don't remember touching it directly but that's the only guess I have."

It was an odd theory to suggest, but Snowy was willing to accept it. Desert Rose didn't seem like an saboteur masquerading as a rescuee. The he doubted that the team would get a chance to go to that mirror anytime soon, but Snowy wanted to be thorough. "Where were you when you were pulled in?"

Static grunted as the Changeling Champion avoided the test of strength. "Predictable. She really doesn't like that test of strength thing. Then she get's tossed. "Maybe that's why." Then she somehow manages to land on her hooves. "Quick with improvising. Even having already been through a fight this evening, something tells me she won't go down easy."

Static raised an eyebrow. "So she left her original territory to spare the feelings of the new political leaders? That sounds above and beyond the call of duty. So she's actually a pretty decent pony outside of her in-ring persona?

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Desert Rose commented, "I found an underground tunnel network in New Coltro. I was undercover in the search for stolen goods."

There was a tense staredown where both wrestlers made motions like they were about to rush the other but neither committed fully as they tried to gauge a good opening. Without finding a good advantage, they wound up meeting in another test of strength. This time, Victory Squash seemed to be gaining the upper hoof and transitioned to position for a pin but the Changeling Champion managed to slip out of his grasp at the two count.

"...Really?"

Static raised an eyebrow. "So she left her original territory to spare the feelings of the new political leaders? That sounds above and beyond the call of duty. So she's actually a pretty decent pony outside of her in-ring persona?"

Rhapsody smirks softly. "Oh yeah. The ring personas, are about as a true to who they are as an Actor's role is to them. Some regions will very strictly enforce wrestlers to remain in character, even out of the ring. I've heard there were a set of wrestlers, two were gonna be leaving for a new region, and they got a out of character goodbye from two other wrestlers... the issue is that we have heels and faces showing that they're friends. It was a supposedly touching moment, but I only know from stories." she says with a smile as she watches the match. "Its why when Amber and Night cap asked about hating the Changeling, I tried to keep it limited to 'within the match' that yeah, we're not supposed to like her, but when its all over, they could be very different ponies."

"That's one of the fun parts of this sport Mr. Night Cap... it is perfectly fine to root for the villains if that suits you better. Or even if you just like one more than the hero he or she is wrestling in any particular match." Maple looks back out to the ring as CHA CHA gets out of the pin.

"I'm in an awkward spot myself in this match... while Squash would be the obvious choice to hope win - If he retains the title long enough that I've got to wrestle him for the title at some point down the road... it might force us to be enemies ... and if we're enemies that might make the audience turn one of us Heel."

Maple turned to Mr. Hide... "that's happened a few times in this Territory's tag team division hasn't it? Remember how tempted every pony was to think the one team 'should be heels'." Maple added, looking back and forth between her friends.

Static's eyes open wide and his ears pin back. His hoof snaps to the side, pinning Night Cap in his seat. "No you don't!

"What? I'm sure soon everyone could learn to fear the mighty platypus!" Rhapsody says barely able to keep from laughing herself silly at the thought.

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

Maple leaned down next to Night Cap.

"I didn't know your mother was here Mr. Night Cap." Turning back to Static, she grinned ear to ear before rising back out of view.

"I could find out for you if the promoters are looking to have a try out soon." She adds, Smiling at Rhapsody.

Maple was Happy everyone was having a good time.

"Oh, Amber I hope you don't mind if keep making notes about your Unicorny-ness... I've been watching Snowy too... I thought I'd made some progress, but I've got a bit more time now to perfect the disguise."

Static cringed.

[She's doing it again.]

[Doing what? She has a point. Maybe you should let him try.]

[Try what? To get himself killed?]

[You're not his mother.]

[He'll get himself killed!]

[You...did see what he did to Barometz...right? You know...the only one among us to make it feel pain?]

Static hesitantly lowers his hoof away from Night Cap. "Mmm...mmmm...mmmmmay...be?"

"That's the Spirit Mr. Signal! You to could be... Maple waves a hoof over their heads dramatically ... The Platynumpus and the Pro-jector!"

Static takes a deep break as he looked over to Rhapsody. "We're going to need some training."

"Sky Lynx could do it. He's an old pro when it comes to all this. All my knowledge either comes from him, or from being a fan when I was younger."

"Yes, rushing into this wouldn't be smart... you've also got to work on your Stamina Static. Mr. Night Cap has that to Spare... but yes, with your work on your Project, both kinds of Keep work... and of course your personal lives, Marefriends..rescuing damsels... etc... -it doesn't leave a lot of time to be professional wrestlers."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

[Woah...wait...what??? I said if...IF...he needed a tag-team partner.]

[You really stuck your hoof in it this time, Stasi.]

[But maybe he doesn't want a partner. Maybe he rather go solo]

[Don't wuss out now.]

[But...]

[You gave your word.]

[But...]

[To the one who helped you face down Dazzling Midnight.]

[How long are you going to hold THAT over my head?]

[Static...]

[Wait...you heard what Maple just said. We simply wouldn't have the time!]

[Static...!]

[Craaaaaaap!]

"It's up to you, Night Cap."

"So it's a team effort? Count me in too!" Misty adds.

Desert Rose commented, "I found an underground tunnel network in New Coltro. I was undercover in the search for stolen goods."

Snowy nodded. It seemed highly likely that the stallion would draw another dreamwalker into the house eventually. Said dreamwalker would, in all likelihood, find Night Cap or someone who knew him, and the team would get pulled in that way. All that seemed to remain was the stallion himself.
"What can you tell me about the stallion on the other side of the mansion? Night Cap kept the notepad, do you think it could st! ill be used to contact him?" They still hadn't tried, for some reason.

"He seemed lonely and apologetic. He didn't want us to leave but he knew we couldn't stay since the place was making me sick. I don't know if the notebook will still work or not since I don't know if it's connected to him or simply part of the mansion."

Both wrestlers stared each other down in preparation for another test of strength. Suddenly, the Changeling Champion dashed forward and slid under Victory Squash. Lifting him onto her back, she spun around multiple times before setting him down. He stumbled dizzily as she raced to climb the turnbuckle where she jumped for her Changeling Magic finisher. However, almost as if by instinct, Victory Squash stood on his hind legs and reached behind his head with his fore-hooves. Using the Changeling Champion's own momentum against her, he grabbed her out of the air and slammed her hard on the mat behind himself. The regular fans knew that this was his Squash Cutter finishing move and that he was commonly known for using its simple application to turn the tides against his opponents. Quickly rolling her into a pin, the referee gave a three count. Green Bean climbed into the ring. "The winner and still your regional champion, Victory Squash!" He waved to the crowd and headed to the back, though Victory Squash didn't seem quite as excited as he did before the match started. Melon Hide leaned over to the others. "I couldn't ever be a wrestler but if y'all try out, I wish you luck. The match was shorter than expected but it was more technical than I thought it would be. C'mon, they should let us in the back to get the platter autographed."

Spoiler

"Thank you for talking to me. This was very informative." He stands up to leave, but pauses for a parting question. "Amber believes the embroidery on the curtains contained a language that wasn't remotely Equestrian in origin. Did you see any foreign languages in the mansion?"

"Huh. While it's not impossible that it's a language, I assumed it was simply decorative.

And you're welcome. This weather is kinda driving me nuts so it was nice to get my mind off it while I wait to be released. I've always found the desert air energizing and I know I'll have work waiting for me when I return."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 19, 2022

"Well, fantastic! Looks like I have another extracurricular activity."

[Ponyfeathers!

Static wasn't sure who to cheer for any more...the obvious face character on stage or the potentially nice pony from backstage who Maple seems to be friends with.

He couldn't help but gasp at the incredible move by Victory Squash however. "Wow!" he said with sparkles in his eyes. "I... I think I gotta learn that."

"There are a number of variations that you can make to any number of moves to make them your own... you just need to come up with a name that reflects your character." Maple grins, picturing all sorts of funny poses a costumed Static might make. "But if you're serious about being a tag team you should work on one together. Sometimes a team can get broken up into individuals..or even rivals if one pony gets to be more popular then then other, and a super fun finisher could do that, because if you use it enough that it becomes popular... ponies will start to question why you even need a partner."

"I could be a backup... or maybe just go on my own... I'm not sure." Misty figures there's no harm in giving this a shot, even if she's just helping with training.

"Maybe we can even start off as rivals but then have to team up against a common enemy. That way we get our own names established separately before becoming a team."

"I'll try to go easy on you. I'd hate to embarrass you too badly," Static said with a wide grin.

"What? That's it? It's over?!"

Amber looked around her again, gradually taking note that her friends had been in the middle of some kind of conversation.

"Hmph. Squash indeed. Really."

Static shrugged. "Masked Mare probably softened her up a bit for him. Sometimes it's like that. At least there were a couple 'wow' moves in there, no matter how brief the match."

"I suppose," said Amber. "Are a lot of matches like that?"

"Sometimes it just depends on who's in the ring with who..." Maple shrugged, "...Statistically speaking, not as often as you'd think... and occasionally more often then you'd like. Skills, luck, timing ... it can all come together to make for a quick match." "Changeling Champion was in one of the longest matches I've ever seen actually. She was against Steel Stallion... and it went so long 5 other matches were postponed until the next event. It was Awesome!."

CoffeeHorse · Sep 21, 2022

"Huh. While it's not impossible that it's a language, I assumed it was simply decorative.

And you're welcome. This weather is kinda driving me nuts so it was nice to get my mind off it while I wait to be released. I've always found the desert air energizing and I know I'll have work waiting for me when I return."

Snowy had never been to the Desert, and he suspected he wouldn't care for the climate much at all. But...to each their own. "Tell Tangerine Sands I said hi." He signs out and leaves the ward, but before he can leave the hospital his stomach sharply reminds him that between the post-training chatter and the late night tours, he hasn't eaten dinner. He trots over to the generally pleasant visitor's cafe, orders a small egg and cheese croissant, and sits still for a few minutes, focusing on chewing his food and piecing together everything he had just learned.

Starting roughly from the beginning, someone had built this mansion using relatively modern architectural notation. It somehow ended up in a pocket dimension, with all the warpings that might entail, with a resident inside it (architect, homeowner?). Meanwhile, the plans for the mansion were put in ancient or possibly alien treasure chests and stowed in natural grown prisons courtesy of Barometz, the physical incarnation of the Wand of...Implacable? Incomparable? something-something-Grandiose Green. It was unclear whether Barometz had grown the cages itself, but his courtesy was certainly necessary to store the chests in his domain. He didn't seem particularly loathe to part with them, though. Could they have been placed there before Barometz took a more physical form? How long ago would that have been? That was a mystery, but hopefully inconsequential. Moving closer to the present, The imprisoned inhabitant of the mansion appeared to be benevolent, pained, and immune to whatever respiratory problems had afflicted Desert Rose. It was lonely, but didn't seem warped by that. It had drawn Desert Rose into the dimansion, but was uncomfortable with keeping company there until it died. Was it possible that Night Cap and the others had similarly been pulled in by his wish to save Desert Rose? If so, Light Fantastic had been a good choice. Perhaps Night Cap was a sort of trans-dimensional conduit, but what did that make Amber Spark? Perhaps (a chill went down his spine) Amber was meant to serve as Desert Rose's replacement? If so, the stallion was not a very skilled manipulator; Once he told them the way out, no one was staying. And if he knew the way out, why didn't he take it himself? MW...Hm. Maybe the stallion was the house itself. He should look through some old architectural history books for those initials.
His croissant long finished, Snowy stood up. He supposed he had a report to write. Did he get any actual office space as a member of the Greetings Department? Probably not.

Spoiler

After navigating the flow of the crowd, Melon Hide showed a security guard the platter and their ticket stubs. As they were escorted through the halls and turned the corner, the STOMP team barely managed to glimpse the Changeling Champion sneaking into Victory Squash's locker room.

Misty looks into the tub of popcorn, which is still far from empty.

"...Popcorn, anyone?"

Misty carries her popcorn tub as she follows Melon Hide's lead. She stops for a moment and lifts up the tub, tipping it so that the buttery kernels fall into her open mouth. Cheeks bulging as she crunches the last of her salty snack, she thoughtfully disposes of the tub in the nearest trash bin. Or attempts to, at least. With a little effort she manages to mash the oversized tub into the undersized bin.

Then, spotting the group heading backstage, she hurries to join them.

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

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.

Exhausted, but still standing.