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

[CoffeeHorse]

[Night Cap proposes that they come up with a name for their group]​

---

"A name isn't anything I was particularly concerned with."

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"A name isn't anything I was particularly concerned with. However, I guess we shall use Silent Lethargic Equine for Esoteric Protection."

---

"Emergencies might be a bit of a wrinkle to work out in the future. Some have greater capacity for contact but not everyony has the same skills."

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"This is a problem. The best solution would be a way to alert each other during the day when we can expect each other to all be on the same channel. But dragon mail is too rich for my blood and I can't just commandeer the royal mail service every time I need to get an instant message out. Hmm, maybe we should just have regular meeting until we figure this part out."

---

"Understood. Even something like Morse Code will have limitations since they're still getting it fully installed for Warning Sound and it can't always reach us when we're out and about. But for now, we'll meet at another time." Zig Zag helped escort those out who needed it as the meeting was adjourned.

Spoiler

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[CoffeeHorse]

"Oatmeal is almost a cookie..." Maple grinned slightly as the inviting smell roused her from under the sheets

---

Well, so much for keeping track of him. Snowy grumbles a little, but he was quickly awake, groomed, and bolting the oatmeal.

---

"Scarlet?"

In the split second before waking up, Scarlet Spectrum heard a voice call out his name. It was a voice he hadn't heard in a while and the tone was as if she was relieved to see him again, too. However, upon waking up, there was no one there.


Everypony was promptly available to set out for the expedition the next morning. They initially had to take the teleporter to another museum then immediately moved to the reserved air ferry. After an uneventful flight, they soon saw a town with a crowd of ponies waiting. Four were holding signs with letters that spelled out 'KEEP'. Upon landing and exiting, a voice shouted out, "The Daughter of Bronze Mettle has returned!" "How can I have 'returned' when I've never been here bef-OOF!" Nearly all of the ponies rushed in to give Brisk Iron a group hug. She spread her wings in an attempt to obtain some free space.

---

Static smiled at all the ponies waiting on them. His face showed his elation at being so well received before they'd even done anything.

The tremor in his voice, however, betrayed a bit of inner nervousness. "I guess this is where we learn how we stack up to previous STOMP teams," he said to nopony in particular.

---

Still somewhat distracted by thoughts of the voice he had heard before waking, Scarlet still managed to smile warmly as he saw the Chiefs attempts to avoid getting swamped by those so obviously (and happily) remembered her father.

Looking over at Static, he nodded in agreement.

"I know how you feel Static. A mission the follows up on not just "A" STOMP team, but "THE" STOMP team? No pressure,"" he said, a hint of nerves in his own voice.

Despite that however, his mind revolved back to her voice. He hadn't dreamed about her in a long time, and then his dreams were just slightly exaggerated memories of the past. This was different though. She'd called out to him, as if she were there. He'd checked around his room, even outside the warehouse, but nothing.

This was going to bug him for the rest of the day.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"You seem distracted. Everything alright?"

---

"Hearing voices when nobodies there. Its nothing really, just and odd dream," Scarlet replied without thinking.

---

[Hearing voices? What an odd pony!]

[Coo coo! Coo coo! Coo coo!]

"Dreams do tend to linger," Static said with a nod. "I used to say 'it's only a dream' and dismiss it at that. But then I met Night Cap."

---

Scarlet chuckled.

"Whenever i feel the phrase 'It's only...' coming on. I remind myself of all the weirdness i've seen or read about.

Hehe. Night Cap is a singular pony isn't he?" He then looked a Statics odd expression. "Your thinking i'm weird, aren't you?"

---

It was Static's turn to chuckle. "That's a good one! We all have quirks. But when compared to a lot of the ponies we work with...?"

[loner recovering cider addict who's in love with a seapony, a seapony, illusionist with a penchant for musical metaphors, amnesiac who...I still can't figure out half the time, the chief directors niece who hangs out in air vents all day, and...Night Cap.]

Static shakes out of his reverie. "Nah, you're actually one of the more normal ones. Of course, I've only known you for a couple days."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Well, so much for keeping track of him. Snowy grumbles a little, but he was quickly awake, groomed, and bolting the oatmeal.

Snowy finishes his oatmeal and looks at Domino. "You're the only one who knows where we're headed." He says flatly.

---

"We'll leave when Maple's done," Plainclothes said in a very measured and even tone as he continued eating.

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Misty stands up and stretches, working all the kinks out of her back. "Ah, I feel so much better!" she says, before taking a step off the cloud and plunging into a free fall. She spreads her wings, sharply halting her descent, and lands lightly on her hooves. "Good morning, Pendulumnae!"

---

"I guess this is where we learn how we stack up to previous STOMP teams,"

"I know how you feel Static. A mission the follows up on not just "A" STOMP team, but "THE" STOMP team? No pressure,"

"If you let that get into your head, you're already set yourself up for failure."

---

"I guess this is where we learn how we stack up to previous STOMP teams,"

"I know how you feel Static. A mission the follows up on not just "A" STOMP team, but "THE" STOMP team? No pressure,"

"If you let that get into your head, you're already set yourself up for failure."

"True! Sorry! Static straightens up and tries to get such thoughts out of his head.

---

"Fair enough. Should focus on what we're here for and not whats happened before. Still, it's a rarity to follow in the hoofsteps of early STOMP missions.

Acknowledgeing your nerves isn't the same as giving in to them."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"So about that remark of me supposedly returning..." A pale pink unicorn stallion sighed and stepped forward. Yes, we have a bit of a storytelling culture here. The comment was a followup to a campfire tale of sorts. My name is Astute Fact and I serve as archivist here so our actual history remains untainted.

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"Oooooh! You're the documentary department? You suppose you and I could have a talk later?"

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*sigh* "I suppose if my princess deems it worthy."

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Rhapsody smirks faintly. "Looks like you can't stand up to a living legend, Static."

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"Wha? Oh...no! No that's...I didn't mean to pry! I mean, it's just lately I've been getting into learning cultures and histories of other places. It's a hobby I seem to have picked up quite by accident while actually doing it for the Keep. But I certainly don't want to pry where I'm not wanted or bore you with anything you'd find tedious. It was...just an idea.

[Oh yay! Rhapsody's back to her old bantering self.]

[That's a good thing right? It means she's feeling better then...right?]

Static looks to Rhapsody, then to Ms. Iron, then back to Rhapsody. "Nor would I even try!"

---

Maple finished up her breakfast -after covertly adding in some raisins she'd made with the first batch of her secret, 'not for sharing' grapes. and then placed her bowl neatly on the little end table.

"I'll be ready just as soon as I fold up this chesterfield and straighten up the sheets a little." Remembering how nice Mrs. 'Owner' was...
Maple stopped and added the building to her map... it was a very nice place to stay... though as she locked in the picture of the front of the building in her mind, a thought suddenly rang out like a fog horn in her mind. You might not ever need to travel again Maple.

Having finished her cleanliness-ness and a quick face wash in the nearby restroom... Maple returned to the other two ready to go.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Where is your princess anyways?" "Right here!" A light green pegasus mare with a pink mane adored by leafy crown was standing right next to Brisk Iron. The other villagers stepped back slightly to give space. Outside of the crown, she was fairly inconspicuous. "My name is Canopy Joy and I happily welcome you. You aren't actually in the village yet but our neighbors often graciously let us use their space when needed."

---

[She's a princess? Where's her horn?]

None the less, Static gives a respectful bow. "Thanks for the welcome. It's quite...humbling...to be standing somewhere where our predecessors seem to have made such an impact."

---

"Well then, I'm sure we're ready to see your village." "Would you like for us to carry you?" "Erm no. That won't be needed. Surely we are hearty enough explorers that we would never dare take advantage of your hospitality." "That sounds most gracious of you. Truly a worthy...

GAAAAAASSSP!

We have the daughter of Bronze Mettle right here. Let us prepare the Liquid Comb!"


"Good morning to you to, Misty! Ready to start your training?"


"Very well." Plainclothes got up and led them out of the inn. There were a few curious glances at Snowy Skies but they seemed to dismiss inner thoughts upon spotting the cutie mark of 'Overcast' Skies. As they walked closer and closer to the hill where Flute Manor stood, things slowly grew quieter. Not just from getting away from other ponies, it was as if the air was muffling tears from the sorrow brought about by the absence of joy. Even hoofsteps and breathing were muffled in their short trek. Upon reaching the building, it was quite obvious as something permanently unmelting. A structure whose frozen exterior glistened in the sun. Yet, something about it caused the eyes to drift away from beholding it. As if reality was crying and it didn't want others to watch.

Stepping into view from the nearby trees was A Sharp. While he was in relative health for his age, he hadn't aged gracefully. He looked older than anyone of his wealth had a right to and he looked to Snowy Skies with a mix of worry and hope.

---

This was more like he remembered it. Snowy holds out a hoof to feel the nevermeltice. When he had made it, it had felt warm. alive. With his piece of the windigoes gone, it just felt painfully cold. He drew back from the structure as he heard A Sharp approaching, and turned to look him over. He didn't seem to be in a cunning mood. Maybe this could be everything he dreamed it to be.

Rather than greet the older pony, Snowy simply says, "I watched your funeral from the attic."

---

[The Chief Director's getting a makeover?]

[Don't laugh! Don't snicker! Don't...just...don't even grin

Static can't help a wide grin crossing his face.

[Get your face under control. She's standing right there!]

Static's face goes through several levels of grinning to genuinely trying to get it under control...never with too much success.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"As ready as I'll ever be!" Misty replies enthusiastically.

---

"First is a bit of a test of pinning skills. In the next warehouse is a ball of roughly your height that is covered in cooking oil. Your job is to stand, sit, or lay on it for three seconds. If you think you have what it takes, enter and begin. You may try up to three times."

Spoiler



"That sounds about right." A Sharp looked at the others. "Didn't expect an audience but I guess that adds validity to all of this. I set out to end the rivalry between our families and that's what I intend to do. I thought it would be impossible but then I heard about what happened at the ballet in Caballuston and I had to be sure. I had to find out if you really survived."

---

Snowy watches A Sharp's for a long, silent stretch. Eventually, he says, "I feel like you have a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of conflict. Killing the house heads hardly accomplished anything. Are you sure you weren't just trying to save yourself?"

---

A Sharp had a look of confusion and derision on his face. "I didn't request your presence to waste time with wordplay and accusations. Answer me this, Smooth Scales: What do you want out of this? I can't make amends to somepony with no interest in that."

---

At the mention of Smooth Scales, Snowy's composure shifts. He sighs, and admits that he is very, very tired. "I wanted answers, very badly. But I came to make amends too. Do you know how this happened?" Though he knows it will hurt, he puts up his hoof and lets it rest against the icy door frame of flute manor.

---

A Sharp shook his head. "I don't...and I have a feeling I don't want to."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Would you like for us to carry you?"

Night Cap opens his mouth to speak.

"Erm no. That won't be needed. Surely we are hearty enough explorers that we would never dare take advantage of your hospitality."

Night Cap closes his mouth.

---

Scarlet looked on at the crowd surrounding the Chief. At the mention of being carried, his mouth dropped open in surprise, and he spied Night Cap opening his.

He's not going to say 'yes' is he? He wouldn't...

Erm no, that won't be needed.

Night Cap closes his.

Really? You were!

At the mention of the Liquid Comb, Scarlet could not surpress a low chuckle.

---

"Mm." Snowy says, pulling back from the painful cold. "We both wanted things to end. We both wanted the fighting to stop. I was harsh just now, because I'm scared that there was another way. But like I said, I'm here because I want answers. How scared I am is irrelevant. What was your plan? What did you gain by faking your death?"

---

After only about a two mile walk, the STOMP team arrived at the village. The stone huts seemed basic at first but were quite well constructed. In a quick flurry of activity, the villagers rushed to prepare. Brisk Iron was requested lie on her back in a reclined stone chair that had a U shaped opening for her head. Underneath set a large bowl. Canopy Joy rushed over with a large jar with a thick liquid in it. She gently poured it onto Brisk Iron's mane and waited. The Liquid Comb slowly flowed through her hair and collected in the bowl underneath. The process left Brisk Iron's hair freshly washed and subtly more aerodynamic. Visibly relaxed and surprised, she said, "That was quite the experience. Thank you." "The honor is most definitely all ours. While we may try to allow the others to partake in this later, right now we need to get ready for the reason we invited you. It's time for our annual Puzzle Hunt!"


*sigh* "I was scared and didn't want to admit it to anypony, even myself. I assumed somepony was out to get both families and I turned coward. So intent on keeping my secret that I couldn't even report a fire. I just ran and I've only stopped running just now."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Alright, greaseball, it's time you've met your match..."

Spoiler

"Giving me the slip, eh? That was pretty good, but I'm not about to give up..."

Spoiler

"...you think you're pretty slick, don't you..."

Spoiler

Misty lies flat on her back, catching her breath after the third attempt. "Something about me and round objects just don't go together very well..."

---

A Sharp's story sounded so familiar, but something didn't stick. "If you didn't set the fire, then who did?"

---

Static noted Scarlet's reaction to Night Cap and grinned. "That's our Night Cap!"

As Brisk Iron finished up her hair treatment, he said nothing. It looked good. She seemed...younger, softer. Which was why he had no plans to have it done himself.

Static knew he probably looked older than he actually was. He had a rough and scrappy look to him and he found it worked for him.

He shook out of his thoughts at the mention of a hunt.

[Another training session?]

"Puzzle hunt?" he asked for clarification.

---

Rhapsody watches the process curiously, wondering how well it might work on her mane, which has always seems impossible to style.

---

"Now we've got one starting point in understanding where you need to improve. Don't think of it as a failure but rather a learning experience."


"I don't know Scales. It could have been something as simple as a candle that tipped over. I didn't stick around to find out."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I think we're all signed up already there, Night. So...what are the teams?"

---

"I don't know Scales. It could have been something as simple as a candle that tipped over. I didn't stick around to find out."

"Neither did I." Snowy sighs, trying to relieve some of the tension that was building up inside of him. He had his answers, he was out of excuses. He couldn't put it off anymore. "We both wanted the feud to end." You said that already. "Today it seems like we'd both rather not be having this conversation, but we both came here anyways. If I understand you correctly, you came because you're tired of running away from...all this." Snowy spreads a hoof at the crystalline mansion. "You're tired of being afraid of the past, and you think maybe you can settle your mind by making amends," he continues softly, "That's why I'm here too. And I think I have a lot more to apologize for."

---

Maple watched with bated breath... this felt like the perfect time for a hug... but Colts get weird about that at some point, so she decided to not suggest anything that might make things more awkward.

---

Misty hops back onto her hooves. "Right! Learning experience. So what should I do to improve?"

---

Scarlet looked from Statics expression, to the Liquid Comb, to Static overall

"Yeah, the scrappy little tough colt look suits you Static" Scarlet whispered with a grin to the earth pony.

At the mention of a 'Puzzle Hunt', Scarlets ears pricked up.

Then he saw Night Caps 'Ooh, Shiny!' expression Resisting , Scarlet waited to see what teams they would be put in.the urge to point out to the dreamwalker that the Liquid Comb was not going to be returning to the Keep with them

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I thought so too."

[You keep reading my mind like this and I'm going to have to fill it with dirty thoughts about your mother!]

"We should probably keep an eye on Night Cap. He's got that 'ohh, something shiny' look in his eyes."

---

Scarlet raised an eyebrow as Static seemed to have seen Night Caps look the way he had. Keeping his voice low, he spoke quickly.

"He wouldn't...does know the Liquid Comb is not up for grabs, right.

Right?

My mother?

You wouldn't dare!

---

"When it comes to Night Cap, I love him like a brother, and I owe him a lot. But I still don't quite know how his mind works. I...wouldn't put it past him."

[I jumped out of a helicopter without a parachute. Do you reeeeally want to test what I would or would not dare?]

---

"The village is already split into teams so you museum ponies are the right number if one of you is willing to sit things out." "I'll volunteer to sit out. Do you have an example of what the puzzle pieces look like?" "Oh yes. I forgot that all of you are new to this. One moment..." Canopy Joy showed the STOMP team a squarish piece of granite that was roughly as large as her head.


"I guess there's no point in dragging it out, Scales. What happened?" A Sharp said in a mix of caution and worry.

---

Snowy settles down onto the ground. After the chill of the house, normal snow was almost a comfortable temperature. "The point of dragging it out it that I don't want to tell you. But I'm going to anyways, because it's the right thing to do." He takes a deep breath, but the words catch in his throat. He takes another deep breath and tries again. "I did this." He waves a hoof at the manor. "I was scared and confused and my whole family was dead. So I stumbled into the woods, and the Windigoes found me. It turns out the stories are true." Snowy fond that he was shaking, though that could have been the cold. "They pointed me in the right direction, and with their p! ower I turned flute manor into...this." He looks away from A Sharp, staring vaguely into the ice. "I didn't think there was anyone left to apologize to. Anyone I could throw myself at the feet of, and beg forgiveness. So I changed my name and ran far, far away. When I ended up in a job that involves risking my life on a weekly basis for the sake of Equestria, I figured it was the universe assigning me penance, the only way it could think of. Then you showed up out of nowhere, and I knew I had to come back. Every cell in my body has been screaming at me to run away from this place since we starting walking up the hill, but I know this is the right thing to do, just like I know what I did was horribly wrong." He forces his gaze back to A Sharp. "So here I sit, familicide incarnate. What would you have done with me?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

O_O

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A Sharp sat quietly for a moment, clearly trying to process what was said. After a few stops and starts before finally coming up with the words needed, he said, "No interruptions while I say this.

It's taking every fiber of my being to not lash out but lashing out is why things came to this. Something like this, though...not of this magnitude, was what was feared when negotiations started. That a silly rivalry over musical preferences had started to spiral out of control. That why, despite the anger and sorrow I'm harboring, I'm still offering forgiveness. Maintaining bitterness is what the windigoes would want.

But there's more to all of this. Know how I found about you? That ballet. For all of the loose and incoherent information that spiraled out of there, one recurring aspect is the acknowledgement that something triumphant happened to save everypony. Like some sort of miracle. So you ask what I want done with you and I hereby issue you a task:

I want you to find a miracle.

Not right this second but if you come across anything that could fix this, it's on you to do so. Part of me feels this is a foolhardy request yet...the Crystal Empire was returned to prosperity from a mad tyrant. If this can happen for a whole empire, perhaps one family has a chance. For my part, I've been searching for distant members of both of our families. It's just that the only one I've found so far has been you."

---

Lowering his voice a tiny bit further as Statics words sank in, Scarlet replied.

"I don't really want to think that of him either. I mean, i found him locked up in his room, determined to stay in the Dreamscape until he had found, battled and defeated Snow Shark, by himself! no matter how long it took, or how heroically stupid it was.

However. That gleam in his eye is... Troubling.

When this puzzle hunt is over, i am, sadly, going to check that the Liquid Comb is still there. If it isn't, i will look straight at Night Cap.

'Sigh'

You are free to kick me if it turns out i'm wrong, ok?"

Looking at the strange square, Scarlet grinned.

"where do we go and what do we do?"

---

"BY HIMSELF?!?!" Static squealed in spite of himself.

Static ducked his head and tried to control himself. He shook his head and sighed. "Sorry! Sorry sorry!" Static took a deep breath. "He's an alright pony. He just has his weaknesses like anypony else. I don't really want to get into it here, but I have my dark side too."

...
...

"But yeah, check the Liquid Comb after we're done here."

[Note to self, whap Night Cap with in the back ! of the head with a rolled up newspaper later!]

---

"We will meet in the center of town and I'll give a countdown before everypony starts searching. After three hours, return and we'll see which team has the most." "Scarlet, you're in charge. Anchors, make sure your water is refilled before you start." Anchors Away nodded. She had a bottle strapped to one of her forelegs while her first aid patch was on the other.


"The rest of this will be helping you figure that out, Misty. It's near impossible to stay on the greased ball for the full three seconds but how long you can do it says a lot for technique. So first up, you up for a race?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Oh, yeah!" Misty jumps up into the air... and hovers for a few moments before settling back down on the ground. "Sorry, you probably meant like a hoof race, right?"

---

Surpised, Scarlet hesitated. He had assumed that Rhapsody, being the more experienced current STOMP member, would be in charge.

"Uh, ok Chief.

...

I guess ww should figure out what teams we should have for this hunt. Two teams of three. Or three teams of pairs?

---

Static facehooved and ducked in to whisper to Scarlet. "Don't show uncertainty just as soon as you're given a leadership role. Your more ambitious 'followers' will eat you alive!"

---

A Sharp sat quietly for a moment, clearly trying to process what was said. After a few stops and starts before finally coming up with the words needed, he said, "No interruptions while I say this.

It's taking every fiber of my being to not lash out but lashing out is why things came to this. Something like this, though...not of this magnitude, was what was feared when negotiations started. That a silly rivalry over musical preferences had started to spiral out of control. That why, despite the anger and sorrow I'm harboring, I'm still offering forgiveness. Maintaining bitterness is what the windigoes would want.

But there's more to all of this. Know how I found about you? That ballet. For all of the loose and incoherent information that spiraled out of there, one recurring aspect is the acknowledgement that something triumphant happened to save everypony. Like some sort of miracle. So you ask what I want done with you and I hereby issue you a task:

I want you to find a miracle.

Not right this second but if you come across anything that could fix this, it's on you to do so. Part of me feels this is a foolhardy request yet...the Crystal Empire was returned to prosperity from a mad tyrant. If this can happen for a whole empire, perhaps one family has a chance. For my part, I've been searching for distant members of both of our families. It's just that the only one I've found so far has been you."

Snowy looks up at A Sharp, eyes dancing. "I can't believe I never thought of that myself." he replies, getting to his hooves. "I will find your miracle, if it's the last thing I do. I don't have the magic to make that a contract anymore...but that's probably for the best. My family is gone, but yours doesn't have to be." He offers a hoof to A Sharp. "Thank you."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Rhapsody seemed both surprised and annoyed as Scarlet was put in charge of the team. She looks over to Scarlet. "Well, you're in charge, so it's your call." She states, her tone was clear she wasn't happy with this arrangement.

---

Shrugged at Static.

"what did you expect. I mean, technically i may have more field experience, but you ponies are the current team. Never expected the Chief to put in charge now. Or ever really...," he said as he tried to reign in his surpride and concentrate.

Eyeing Rhapsody calmly, he ignored her tone. Why hadn't the Chief put her in charge?

"True enough. However, i ask because i would like opinions."

Hearing Night Caps suggestion, Scarlet forced down a sigh. It was a honest question. Keeping his voice even Scarlet replied.

"No. Sorry! Night Cap, but no. While every pony for themselves increases how much we can search in theory. In practice it could just end up with either all of us finding nothing, or some of us finding everything."

You were about to say "and keep them" too, weren't you?
No!
You are so cynical!
I...may have been thinking it. A little.
Well, he did have the "Oooh, Shiny thing i want you" look in his eyes.
'sigh'

"This puzzle hunt may be just a game, but a mixture of ponies with a mixture of skills seems best."

---

GodSentinelOmega:
Shrugged at Static."What did you expect. I mean, yes technically i may have more field experience, but you ponies are the current team.

"So are you, doofus!"

"Never expected the Chief to put me in charge now. Or ever really...,"

"I'm sure she has her reasons.

"This puzzle hunt may be just a game, but a mixture of po! nies with a mixture of skills seems best."

"Great! So what's our next move?"

Static moves over next to Raphsody and whispers. "Can't help but notice the look that's on everpony's face. Elephant in the room? I don't think it's a slight against you. I'm sure you still lead your team. But one of our team leaders is gone and left a hole that needs filled." Static said, being careful not to use the word "replaced." "Ms. Iron's probably just testing him."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Canopy Joy eagerly waved for the STOMP team to follow. Upon reaching the starting point, they saw the various villagers arranged in teams. She began her countdown and upon finishing, the other teams scattered.


"No, you can use your wings if you like, Misty. I'm also giving you a head start. Here's the course..." Pendulumnae showed a map with a big red line that arced around some buildings, down the canal, and to a spot on the beach. "Go!"


And A Sharp met the outstretched hoof with his own and nodded, "And as well, I'll keep looking for any possible estranged relatives that might possibly be out there of your's."

---

Zamuel:
And A Sharp met the outstretched hoof with his own and nodded, "And as well, I'll keep looking for any possible estranged relatives that might possibly be out there of your's."

"Good luck to you." Snowy shakes his hoof once and turns back to Domino and Maple. He freezes for a moment, then walks towards them. "Glad you took this job on?" he asks Domino.

---

"Alllllright! A map! I'm really good with those!" Misty exclaims. She studies the map for a few moments. "Uh huh... alright... okay, got it!" In a flash, she was off.

Spoiler

---

"Anchors and Static, you go with Rhapsody. Dusty and Night Cap, you're with me. Let's go."

Picking a direction at random, Scarlet lead the way.

---

Static turned to Rhapsody. "Actually kinda saw that coming! Soooooo...which way?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Sir, yes, sir."

Night Cap follows, slightly grumpy that his request to go unsupervised has been declined.

---

Plainclothes nodded and tipped his hat. "I always prefer helping ponies get reunited over needing to punch out some criminal. So Maple, are you ready?"


Misty Monsson was off like a light, immediately racing forward while Pendulumnae sat and watched quietly.

---

"Almost." Maple said, before Giving Snowy Skies a firm hug.

---

Following Plainclothes back closer to town, they soon arrived at a quiet little house with a few trees surrounding it. A mare outside was kicking a ball around. A mare who looked exactly like Maplejack. Plainclothes politely addressed her. "Hello Maple."

"Didn't expect to see you here. Glad you found me when..." She stopped as an expression of shock and confusion crept across her face when she noticed Maplejack.

---

Misty makes her way around the buildings, then proceeds to follow along the canal, heading toward the beach.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Spoiler

Static moves over next to Raphsody and whispers. "Can't help but notice the look that's on everpony's face. Elephant in the room? I don't think it's a slight against you. I'm sure you still lead your team. But one of our team leaders is gone and left a hole that needs filled." Static said, being careful not to use the word "replaced." "Ms. Iron's probably just testing him."

Rhapsody huffs. "Whatever. It's the Chief's choice, she can put a monkey in charge if she wanted." She replies with a shrug, she annoyed and bristling with the desire to punch something, but remains generally affable with Static. Much like earlier and the day before, that she had calmed down some, but this didn't seem like it was helping with that.

"Anchors and Static, you go with Rhapsody. Dusty and Night Cap, you're with me. Let's go."

Picking a direction at random, Scarlet lead the way.

Static turned to Rhapsody. "Actually kinda saw that coming! Soooooo...which way?"

Rhapsody nods to the team assignment and looks to Static as he asks his question. "Which ever way the three stooges aren't going." Rhapsody huffs, she knows that might be being a bit harsh on Dusty... but well Dusty was kind of an oddball herself. "Hopefully nothing gets 'misplaced' on his watch." It wasn't clear if that was a slight against Scarlet, Night cap, or Both... Though it was clear she had no faith in Scarlet's leadership abilities... or Scarlet in General.

---

Static wanted to say something to smooth things over. But it was becoming increasingly obvious to hm that this STOMP team would never be without bickering and harsh feelings.

[Maybe that's just what a family is.]

In any case, he knew there was no arguing with Rhapsody. Besides, aside from Dusty...well...let's face it, Dusty had some oddities of her own...so he couldn't exactly argue any one point anyways. And he also knew it would take time, if ever, before Rhapsody warmed up to Scarlet.

So instead he blew out a long sigh and looked to Anchors then Rhapsody. He closed his eyes and waved his hooves in a random, nowhere direction.

"Okay, how about thataway!"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

As Maple's eyes focused on -herself- her mind lost all control of the rest of her body. Hips, knees, hooves all turned to jelly as she collapsed into a heap and skidded to a stop only a few feet from this other Maple.

While she looked on, as that face she knew so well turned at the sound of her calamity and noticed her in return, her own smile turned into a snarl and soon She was upon herself. "THAT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU!" Maplejack screamed.

The commotion drew the attention of two nearby Colts.

"Cedarstan, Get the nets! Oaklogan Keep Mom in the house, this won't take long!" Maplejack's words came out of clenched teeth as she looked down at Maple. Anger hot on her breath and in her eyes. It was now ash she looked up at herself that Maple noticed two very odd things.

This Maple was much taller than her... normal sized actually, and even more shocking -she was an earth pony.

Her shock kept Maple frozen in place as the larger version of her reached around her neck and undid the locket's chain.

"It was all my fault... none of it would have happened if I hadn't lost this in the forest, I gave up looking for it last year... and YOU... you've had it all this time!"

When Maplejack had backed up enough that Maple could stand without nudging her... the net landed on her.

"You aren't going anywhere Creature!" Maple turned her head and guessed that the two-tone green colt with the small forest of conifer trees for a cutiemark was Cedarstan.

"Out of My Way Logan!" Maple's eyes and ears moved like lightning at the sound of that voice... the only thing comforting withing so many years of nightmares. There she was, bounding down from a doorway past the other colt this big Maplejack had sent away.

"Sweet Celestia! They all thought I was delirious.. but I knew you were real, ...Maplej... Maple."

Hearing her Mother stutter over her name... Maple's mind sprang backward to the first time she'd heard that.

Spoiler

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple snapped back to reality, Mom was pulling the net off her... MapleJack and the two colts didn't look happy about it.

"mom...I don't understand what.."

"SHE'S NOT YOUR MOM, STOP PRETENDING TO BE ME ALREADY!" Maplejack was just vibrating with rage while the dark brown colt tried to put Maple's locket around her neck for her.

Maple could feel the warmth on her cheeks as the tears started rushing down her face... this was the worst nightmare ever "I'm ready to wake up now Princess Luna you can stop torturing me now!" Maple's wings covered her face and her body convulsed with fear and hopelessness.

Then she felt familiar arms around her, the same ones that held back the dark in every nightmare.

"Hush Maplejack, I've told you and your brothers, that I owe her my life. Don't make this harder for her than it already has been." Maple's mom rocked her slowly back and forth.

"She is being honest little one, I'm so sorry but I'm not your mother...in this moment I wish I was so I could save you from this pain." A Hoof came up and stroked down Maple's mane as she continued to sob.

"MapleJack, remember that day and tell her... she's been confused for so long."

At her mother's words Maplejack, scratched her hoof in the dirt and looked genuinely sorry for the state she'd put Maple in. "The entire family for as long as anyone remembers have been lumberers, we take from the forest only what will be needed for the year and we always give back new saplings... in return, the magic of the woods gives us it's blessing in the form of our cutiemarks... Logan and Stan got theirs early that year and mine had taken forever. Traditionally when a foal gets their tree the entire family trek out into the northern forest and find the first tree of that type and fell it together.

My brother's trees ... well let's just say the entire southern ridge of the forest is oak and cider."

Maplejack paused and moved closer to Maple... "The night before I got my Cutiemark Princess Luna visited the dreams of the entire town, warning us not to go into the forest until we heard from her again. It was not long after she returned, and unfortunately, I didn't heed her warning... when I awoke and saw my leaf, I was in the woods and lost before I knew it."

Maplejack sighed and nudged her mom with a hoof, in turn she slowly unwrapped herself from the still sniffling Maple. "Jack is short for Jacqueline btw." Maple felt the familiar weight of the locket slip back into place around her neck. "it doesn't really fit me anymore anyway, besides, you've kept it safe all this time and all I ever did was lose it."
Maplejack's Brother Logan spoke up. "And that's why the two of you went back into the woods later that afternoon, Maple had found her tree very deep into the northern edge... and came back to get us... but discovered she'd lost her necklace."

"So we went in to find it, the sun was going down when we saw the two Princesses fly overhead." Maplejack continued...

Maple's ears perked at that, and she drew herself up, her face echoing a smaller version of the Anger Maplejack had shown her earlier.

"And that's when they Hurt mom!" Maple's eyes narrowed as the memory of the magic energy wave knocking her out of the sky flashed in her mind. But then as if noticing again for the first time...
Maple looked at her wings and then at the four earth ponies...

"how?, why?"

"Oh sweety, I'd hoped you'd have remembered on your own...I didn't want to be the one to." Maplejack's mother stood up from where she had been sitting and for the first time, Maple saw the long Jagged Scars along her side.

"When we saw the Princesses, Maplejack and I tried to alert them that we were there, but they were much too high in the sky to hear us, or see us through the canopy, Maplejack knew of a large pile of rocks further north that put us above the treetops."
"I should have listened to you mom, we should have just gotten as far away as we could.. not gotten closer." Maplejack moaned, the guilt welling up just from reliving these moments clear in her voice.
"Perhaps this was all meant to happen, dear. sad as some parts of it are." Maplejack's mother turned from her and then back to maple.
"What do you remember Maple?" She asked the tiny Pegasus

"I see parts of that day nearly every night in my nightmares, but it never makes any sense... I don't know any of the stuff you've just told me, all I remember from the dreams, is being hungry..looking for food in the woods, seeing the Princesses use their magic on..." maple paused giving her head a shake and trying to squint her eyes hard enough to remember something.... "I knew they'd hurt my mom and then the wave hit me and I fell and hurt my head on the ground. Then I ...put my locket on and heard me yelling for help that my mom was hurt and I followed my voice back to..."

"Where you found me pinned under those rocks just after Maplejack ran back to town for help." Maplejack's mom said. "when I saw you come out of the woods from the other side of the clearing I thought you had gotten lost, I was hurt very badly and my eyes had gotten very blurry from the pain and blood loss... it wasn't until I held you that I felt your wings."

"So that's why you started calling me Maple." ... Maple again looked at her wings.. stretching them out again.

"Maple, I need you to focus...I think you've been close to the truth and just didn't know it." Maplejack's mom shooshed Maple with a warm smile.

"You said you saw the Princesses use their magic and thought that hurt your mom somehow, and then you said you fell and hurt your head... and that was before you found me...Those don't really line up right do they."

"Shouldn't we just tell her?" Logan asked, the colt had a hoof up to his mouth, nervously nibbling on his horseshoe.

"Many of the friends I've met while trying to find you all these years told me I had amnesia and that I needed to remember on my own." Maple said frowning "Nothing seems to work, though, in my dreams, it feels like sometimes I get close..but then stop myself from remembering."

"What did the Princesses fire their magic spell at Maple?" Maplejack's mom asked while she was distracted by giving her explanation.

"Mom's Colony" the words came out of Maple's mouth as if it was the simplest thing...

Spoiler

Maple's eyes refocused, she remembered everything... the first Memory she had as Maple. ...the one that made her run away when the sun came up that morning ...voices coming up over the ridge calling out.

"Sycamoreen!" Maple's Eye's closed tightly and tears rolled out again like she hadn't cried herself dry only moments before. in a flash of a sickly green magic, Maple the tiny pegasus, Member of Stomp and friend to many ponies across Equestria was gone.

"I nearly ate you to death... I abused the love you thought you were giving to your daughter...stole it -was going to keep it all for myself because I was hungry... and you were dying while I did it... I'm so sorry. It means less than nothing to say it... I'm a monster, I...

Sycamoreen and Maplejack both pull Maple into a tight hug... she didn't feel anything.

"Silly girl, you gave it all back and then some." Sycamoreen said, her own voice cracking slightly as tears began to run down both pony's faces. "we didn't believe her when we found her saying a changeling saved her." Maplejack whispered.
"when I awoke the next morning, surprised to be alive, I saw you sitting nearby holding your head between your hooves confused ...cursing yourself, for what you'd done - or thought you had done... when the rescue party's calls were loud enough to startle you out of your thoughts you ran off into the woods." ... "Princess Luna and Princess Celestia saved Mom with magic." Stan said, wiping his own tears away with the back of his foreleg.

"Luna was extremely upset over what had happened, she blamed herself, not only for the accident that hurt Mom, but also for..." Maplejack paused, searching for a delicate way to say it.

"When she returned as Nightmare moon and was uncorrupted by the elements of harmony... there was a massive outpouring of love for her and as humblingly unexpected it was for her... she felt it may have been what roused a number of hibernating changeling colonies like yours."

"So, then what is going to happen now, will you let them know they missed one... I might have been confused about you being my mother, but not that they had hurt her. I saw it."

"She told us they'd used a very old spell that Starswirl the bearded created to seal the colony in a time locked hibernation...it wasn't painful or permanent, but it was the best option they had at the time."

"Yes, to keep you safe from monsters like me." Maple flapped her wings again... at least that mystery was solved, and while she was ecstatic to hear her family wasn't all killed by Alicorn magic... the guilt and worry she felt sat inside her like a rock in a stream... it just pushed everything else to either side.

however, as she looked at her wings more closely confusion again washed over her mind... "why are they sparkly?"

Maple looked around, eyes finally settling on the two ponies that came with her on this trip. Both of them looking at a face they'd never seen before.

 

[CoffeeHorse]

She realised as Snowy waved back at her that she really had no basis on what to expect from Maple's Friends... Maple's friends. she let that sink in for a moment.

---

A long moment of silence stretches between the two ponies. Realizing that Maple (?)Wasn't moving any time soon, Snowy approached the family. "Er, hello. My name is Snowy Skies. I'm a friend of..." He pauses. "Do you still want to be called Maple?" He asks, gentle.

---

"I still don't remember my actual name Mr. Skies, but I don't really know what good having any name will do. I think I'll just be whisked away by Princess magic any second now. But if Miss Maplejack doesn't have any objection to it, and if it is easier for you... Until it happens, that might be simpler. "

She tried to give him her best 'maple' smile... but it just wasn't real. like Maple

---

Snowy sighs. "Maple, as best as I can tell you have done absolutely nothing wrong. If the princesses do deign to intervene in this, I will plant myself between you and them and explain that until they leave without you. So as I was saying," he turns to address the quartet of ponies and places a deft hoof on Maple's back. "I'm a friend of Maple's. She's made quite a life for herself down south. Far and away the most beloved employee of the entire Equestrian Expedition Keep. She lives over a candy shop, and she's always bringing in delicious sweets for anyone who wants them." He squeezes her shoulder lightly. "She supports everypony in their efforts, no matter how mad their dreams or how tall their mountains. She's really a shining example of goodness and warmth to the rest of us."

---

That should have been the nicest, most - kind thing anyone had ever said about her. But that wasn't the thought that ran through her mind.

She isn't real, though.

"Mr. Skies, you should keep your distance, I'm not hungry now..but at any moment I could try and eat you. I can't be sure anypony is safe around me now that I remember what a horrible monster I am."

She took a few steps away from the group and then looked to the northern sky.

"Perhaps Princess Luna is correct and we woke up to the burst of love everypony felt after her return... that doesn't change what I was doing out in the forest that day. What I would have done, if not for hurting my head and getting confused.

a flash of magic and she looked like Sycamoreen. "Maplejack, if I had shown up at your door when you were just heading back out... you'd have let me in and nopony would have ever went looking for your Mom."

Another Flash and she looked like Maplejack... "And you Mr. Plainclothes, If I'd left her mother for later and Drained Maplejack... then went back and pretended to be Sycamoreen... would you have suspected anything if I'd have then lead you off into the woods to find my daughter?"

another flash and Plainclothes looked at Snowy Skies... "And you would have come back here with me Mr. Skies."

---