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

[CoffeeHorse]

"Alright, stand back. Last thing I want is to accidently drop this on one of your hooves." Moonshadow focuses his magic, then slowly and carefully begins to move the stone into place.


Spoiler

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

*sigh* "I'll get it." Splash Flaunt walked over and took the rock out of Moonshadow's grasp, then she pushed it half onto the slowsand pit so it could act as a platform.

---

Spoiler



Scarlet soared high over Night Cap barricade and grinned as he saw how many of the 'Dirty Money' were already out of the fight. Then his grin slipped as he watched the remaining three springboard over the trap, by way of their comrades. It was both impressive and mercenary at the same time.

Reacting too slow to call out orders, Scarlet watched as Night Cap(!) raced ahead, allowing himself, Kken and Shale to box them in.

Except that these goons hit hard! Wincing as he watched the goon squads attack, Scarlet nevertheless felt his grin return as he noted that these ponies he forgotten something. They'd forgotten him!

"You know," he said almost conversationally as he swooped down on the DM trio. "i would have said 4 on 3 was kindof unfair odds. Except uou lot seem to be punching above your weight. So lets unbalance things, shall we!"

With one fluid swing, Scarlet lasso snared the hapless pony who'd struck at Auuntie Jade Eyes. Yanking them into a disorienting red amd blue whirlwind of kicks and punches. Literally juggling the other pony in the air, Scarlet bucked them high...

"Going Up!"

...to bounce off the tunnel ceiling and...

"Going Down!"

...slam hard back to the ground!

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Amidst the calamity, a few snowboards had slid down to the group. Keen Craft quickly set to work with a whirlwind of tools. She also tossed an adhesive gauze at Night Cap that stuck to his side. While the effect was minimal, the antiseptic did slightly lessen his wounds.

Shale Antiquity seemed completely calm. Similar to how some unicorns might carry a quill or comb in a bit of dimensional pocketspace, she opened it up for something of her own. However, she was carrying something much larger--her grand harp.! Twice as tall as she was, it fell to the ground with a resounding echo that shook the room. Tuning the strings, she slowly started to weave a tune.

Meanwhile, the three members of Dirty Money quickly struck a pose. With them briefly stationary, it was now more easy to tell that it was two earth pony stallions and one unicorn mare. "Good salvo but you won't be able to withstand the likes of:"
"Tarnish!"
"Launder!"
"And um, Embezzle!"

While the stallions assailed Night Cap and Keen Craft with blows, Embezzle used her unicorn magic to sling some debris at Scarlet Spectrum and Shale Antiquity. However, it was revealed that Keen Craft had been constructing wheeled barricades that she quickly shoved in as a makeshift deterrent to some of the assault.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

With the preparations made, Rhapsody carefully stepped out onto the rock. While she could feel a subtle slowing effect near the edges, she could otherwise move perfectly fine.

---

Spoiler



"My my, what a fradulent filly," Scarlet said as he tried to roll with the barricade as it absorbed most, but not all, of the Unicorns thrown debris. Getting to his feet, the blue pegasus seemed dazed and, while yes, he was, Scarlet wasn't quite as dazed as he was making out. Inwardly, Scarlet started pooling his magic, readying to strike.

Then, quick as lightning, the blue blur dived at 'Embezzle'!

Bowling the Unicorn over into a mass of tangled limbs and loosed his magic. Tendrils of blue light suddenly appeard, quickly coiling around 'Embezzles' horn, then vanished.

"Implicitum!"

His magic, bound her magic. It compelled her to attack only him and would weaken her strikes when they came. That combined with his firm grip, held her fast.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

"Watch yourself, he keeps attacking your left." Keen Craft said to Night Cap as she quickly shined something in Tarnish's eyes. And true enough, the tip gave Night Cap enough of a warning to roll with the incoming blow. Meanwhile, the music continued as Launder kept looking over his shoulder as if someone was calling to him. "Did...did anyone else hear that?" He wildly leaped at Keen Craft and she was barely able to leap behind one of her barriers. Finally, Embezzle febbly struggled to break free from Scarlet Spectrum's bonds but to no avail. In the end, she merely kicked a pebble at him out of spite.

Spoiler

---

The crook's attack only grazes Night Cap this time. But it hurts him inside.

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

With the preparations made, Rhapsody carefully stepped out onto the rock. While she could feel a subtle slowing effect near the edges, she could otherwise move perfectly fine.

"Excellent." Wanderlust says. He steps onto the rock with Rhapsody and has the rope off her and stowed almost before his hooves touch the ground. He turns to Darty. "Now seems like a good time for that tree."

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Alright, gimme a sec. Probably best I find one that's already dry and old...oh, here we go. Hold onto your hats!" With a mighty buck, Dart Noveau kicked a sizable tree over to form a makeshift bridge. It did slow greatly as it began to fall over the slowsand pit, landing as gentle as a feather.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Spoiler


With Embezzle out of the picture--!

"Ow!

...?

A pebble! Oh, very mature!"

Focusing back on the battle, Scarlet decided that, even though he was pulling his punches. This was a training mission after all. It was time to cut loose!

Shooting forward, Scarlet whirled around the two remaining DM'ers in twin blue and red spirals of colour and flying hooves!

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Scarlet Spectrum devastated the remnants of Dirty Money with a whirlwind of blows that barely left them standing. However, the sound that was plaguing Launder caused him to curl up in a ball. Tarnish then said, "I totally surrender."


Static (Anchors)

Static Signal and Anchors Away heard a knock on the door.

---

Skidding to a stop, Scarlet quirked an eyebrow at Tarnish.

"You have chosen, wisely," he said with an ironic chuckle.

"You lot were quite the challenge. Giving as good as you got. I expect you and 'Launder' can be safely left to sort out the rest of your team and, not say, follow us and try again. Right?"

Turn9ng to his own team, he said.

"Is everypony alright?"

---

Static withdrew from the hug and sighed. He walked over and opened the door.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Shale Antiquity put her harp away with a smoothly casual motion, as if pulling a curtain over it. She then lifted Launder with her magic and pulled him in for a comforting hug. "Are you okay? I know some are more perceptible to those tones than others." "I'm better now, thanks. This might be a little awkward but...can I have your autograph? I started listening to some of my mom's old records and they're really good." Shale Antiquity smiled, pulled out a quill, and signed the side of his shades.


Static (Anchors)

"Have you come to a decision?" Brisk Iron asked.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static fidgeted as he spared a glance towards Anchors. "It's a great opportunity for her. I couldn't take it away from her. So...yeah. She says she wants to go." His eyes shift from Brisk Iron to Anchors to the floor. "I promised to do something for her while she's gone. So...umm...would you happen to know of either some factory space or warehouse space I could lease for a big project of my own?"

---

Static (Anchors)

"While I don't immediately know of any offhand, I'm sure at least one of the abandoned warehouses can coincidentally become available."

---

Static nodded. "Thank you." He turned to regard Anchors more fully. "We should have dinner some time before you leave." He turned back to Brisk Iron. "So...how soon does Anchors set sail?"

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Alright, gimme a sec. Probably best I find one that's already dry and old...oh, here we go. Hold onto your hats!" With a mighty buck, Dart Noveau kicked a sizable tree over to form a makeshift bridge. It did slow greatly as it began to fall over the slowsand pit, landing as gentle as a feather.

"Alright Everyone across qucikly, I don't want to take any chances."

---

Maple finished reading the letter and then put it away back in her Pack.

"Good news from Miss Spark, she says she really likes her new Job -but she misses us all very much." Maple smiles at Misty, before continuing...

"Do you think we did our training too fast? I wonder if we should have maybe asked if we could have gone and helped the other teams?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Oh, that's good to hear! I miss her too," Misty says as she puts the finishing touches on another line of paper cutout ponies.

"Hm... maybe the other teams just got some really hard training? I mean, they'd have to work really hard to challenge ponies like Rhapsody and Night Cap."

---

"that makes a lot of sense.... oooh what did you make this time?"

---

Scarlet watched Shale with a slight smile on his face. This is what made such an impression on him. She is amazingly talented and wise, but never above simple acts of kindness and encouragement.

Then he sighed and, walked up to Night Cap, nudged him with a wing. Speaking softly he said.

"Night, you are a unique talent i'm sure. But like me, you are not on the same level as Shale Antiquity. Your time may come, just not today.

---

Static (Anchors)

"The expedition will be leaving out in three days," Brisk Iron said.


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"No need to tell me twice!" Dart Noveau quickly lifted Moonshadow, Splash Flaunt, and Wanderlust onto her back and galloped across the fallen tree trunk.


Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

After departing, Scarlet Spectrum's group continued onward down the corridor. Upon making a sharp turn, they spotted a massive room. In the center was a single lilac treasure chest setting on a stone pedestal with a light shining down on it. "Obviously, this is some sort of trap."

---

Wanderlust quickly gets off Darty. "I can walk, you know."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Moonshadow wobbles a bit after getting across.

"Well... I certainly wasn't expecting to ride a mare today." Pecky pokes her head out and gives a little "Woo hoo" whistle/chirp, causing Moonshadow's face to redden.

"W-wait! Not like that! That didn't come out right!"

---

"That gives us some time then. I can get the groceries tonight." He turns again to Anchors. "Since you'll be away for a while this time, I want to make you something nice. Name it. Anything you want."

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Oops, sorry about that." Dart Noveau apologized with a hint of embarrassment. "Just so used to being a bit more 'take charge' in bridge situations. You'd be surprised the amount of adrenaline you can get from not wanting to fall down a chasm when your team's counting on ya. So...the map just said we need to deal with the Cliff of the Unknown, right?"


Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

"Well, if Scarlet tethers you, any of us can probably pull you out. Though I don't know if the rope will be long enough." Keen Craft said as she looked around the room.

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Oops, sorry about that." Dart Noveau apologized with a hint of embarrassment. "Just so used to being a bit more 'take charge' in bridge situations. You'd be surprised the amount of adrenaline you can get from not wanting to fall down a chasm when your team's counting on ya. So...the map just said we need to deal with the Cliff of the Unknown, right?"

"I could toss you all down. Unicorns bounce, right?" Rhapsody asks with a wry grin.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

As far as he could tell, Scarlet Spectrum couldn't sense any magical disruptions. Similarly, Night Cap didn't see any trip wires.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

When Night Cap reached out and touched the treasure chest, nothing happened.


Static (Anchors)

Anchors Away thought for a moment, then replied, "Hmm. Though it would be for dinner, I'd like something breakfasty. Oh, but no coffee and if there's anything dry, nothing with heavy salt or sugar."

---

"Hmm, nothing salt or sugary..." Static waves his hoof in the air as if painting a picture. "Well, you already know what my quiche is like. So...something not that..." He squints his eyes as he paints the air.

[Pancakes? I mean, not just pancakes. They'd have to be special somehow. It's all in the garnish, right?]

"Not sugary, but what about a natural sweetness. You like blueberries?"

[No coffee. That's cool. Coffee is an early morning thing anyway. This late at night I'm sure I ! can find some herbal tea...something in a green tea or an herbal mint?]

---

Static (Anchors)

"Fruit is fine, I just can't eat anything that'll dehydrate me."


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

Trekking deeper into the forest, Rhapsody's team eventually arrived at a large cliff. There was a rope ladder in front of them but it didn't go across the chasm. Instead, it led down into the chasm and connected to a large rock...that was floating in the air. Indeed, there was a multitude of boulders idly floating around within the depths.


Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Slowly pulling the treasure chest, Night Cap heard a a definitive *click* once it was half off of the the platform. Suddenly, a wall panel slammed shut behind the team, locking them in the room. Night Cap could see the button in the pedestal that popped up after moving the chest and several numbered dials surrounding it. However, he and all the others could hear a mechanical groaning and it took a moment before they realized just what it was...

The ceiling was lowering.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

[Right, dehydrating. So plenty of water to go with the tea.]

Static squints and makes a few more brush strokes on his invisible tapestry.

[Something to make Pancakes special, blueberries for the hair, whipped cream for the eyes, lemon zest for coloring the face...am I ready to make pancakes into shape of faces? Ambitious...worth a shot!]

"I think I can make it work!" he said, flashing Anchors a smile and wink.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Worryingly, the ceiling moved lower and lower. While Shale Antiquity and Keen Craft tried to pry the trap wall back open, would Night Cap and Scarlet Spectrum be able to solve the puzzle before certain doom?!?


Static (Anchors)

"With that concluded, I'll need to escort you two back to your team. I need to be ready for when the other groups finish." Brisk Iron said as she led them out into the hallway.

---

Wanderlust sizes up the rocks. "...Perhaps jump-able."

Spoiler

---

Moonshadow glances down at them in glee. "This is amazing! How do you suppose they are floating like that?"

---

As they rejoined the others, Static's emotions were a complete mess. Happy that he and Anchors finally had this talk, happy that he found out Anchors was at least thinking of the same future together he was hoping for, sad that she'd be away for so long, painful acceptance that he really needed to let her do this. It was all a jumbled mess. He really didn't know how he felt at the moment.

He took a glance at Maple and couldn't help but wonder if maybe she could tell him.

"Hey guys! What's going on? Impressive cut-outs Misty. I never could figure out how to do that."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Moonshadow glances down at them in glee. "This is amazing! How do you suppose they are floating like that?"

"Emeralds, maybe. I've heard something along those lines before..."

---

"Oh, I couldn't either, but then I found out you need scissors," Misty replies.

---

Static gave Misty his patented "what the hell" look. He then shook his head and grinned. "So that's what I've been doing wrong this whole time!"

---

"That's certainly one of them..." Maple says, echoing Static's look back at him... like she normally would - not by actually turning her face into his.

---

[Witty comeback, witty comeback. Something mean but not too mean.]

[...]

[Yeah, I got nothing either. Something self deprecating?]

[That's what got us here in the first place.]

[Good old standby, stick out your tongue and blow a raspberry.]

[Ms. Iron just made me a team lead. She's standing right there. Something with some modicum of professionalism?]

[I've got nothing.]

Static sighs.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Smiling over Static not falling for her bait, Maple decided she'd give him the respect he was do.

"You did an excellent Job as team leader today Mr. Signal, I'd love to be on your team again sometime - and not just in training, we seem to have done really well today."

---

Static smiled at Maple. "Any time Ms. Iron wants to put you on my team, I'd love the opportunity. You too, Misty. I think we all worked really well together today." He looks back over to Brisk Iron (I'm assuming she hasn't had the chance to leave yet). "Seriously, any time these two can be on my team...I can't think of anypony I'd rather have."

[Night Cap?]

[I stand by my statement!]

---

Scarlet dives forward as he hears the ceiling rumble. Seeing the spindials, he tries to assist.

"Ha!"

Nothing happens, rxcept the ceiling continuing to rumble dowards. He tries again.

"Ha haa!"

No luck.

"We..."

Wrong.

"...Are going..."

Nope.

"...To Die!"

So tantalisingly close, yet still wrong.

"Or at least, end up a whole lot shorter."

He tried again , hoping that he could find the missing number to click with Night Caps attempts and thus produce a combined victory that did not involve pancaked ponies.

Train9ng mission or not, this was a helluva trap mechanism.

---

"Oh, gosh!" Misty blushes. "Thanks, Static. I'd be happy to help you anytime!"

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

The ceiling continued its approach until it soon stopped with a lurch and the trap wall reopened.


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Rhapsody...doesn't this feel similar to the slowsand?" Indeed, Rhapsody could feel a similar effect from the air in the chasm, though with small differences.

Meanwhile, Wanderlust realized that some would be safe to jump to while others would take much greater effort.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Good work. "

Similarly weary, though perhaps not quite as much as Night Cap. Scarlet watched the roof recede back up and waited for the adrenaline rush to pass. As his erstwhile 'treasure hunter' friend spun the chest around, Scarlet nodded in silent acknowledgement of Night Caps (not unwarranted) precaution.

"I hope 'La Clave del Conquistafor' isn't just a really old key. After all this, that would be kind of anticlimactic. Although it'd still feel like something out of a Daring Do book or, he added in a much lower voice that hopefully nopony heard. [color==#ff0000]"One of Moms films."[/color]

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Upon opening the chest, Night Cap immediately found a note requesting that they return to where they started. However, there was also something else in a box--a single black key. It was of a more obscure design and the dark metal contained a subtle flake within that gave it a slightly purple shimmer in the light. Scarlet Spectrum noticed something different about it, though. It wasn't immediate due to being a vastly different type of metal but it was an exact match of a prop from one of his mother's movies.

Spoiler

---

Static nodded and smiled at Misty. He then turned his attention to Square. Static slid his turtle shell off his back and began setting up the camera. "Mr. Fun, I'd like to talk to you more about what went on in Louisianeigh...on the record. Do you have a minute?"

---

"oooh yeah, what's it like? It's one of the places I haven't made it to yet." Maple asks Square Fun, almost as soon as Static finished his question.

---

Scarlet was about to grumble about finding just a note in the chest... until he saw 'The Key of the Conqueror'.

His jaw dropped.

"It is from one of Moms films?"

Picking the key up more out of reflex, Scarlets brain took a good three seconds to catch on the fact that he hadn't simply thought that last remark. Flushing slightly, Scarlet troed to soldier on and pretend nothing had been said. So he turned towards the way back.

"Well then...ahem... uh. I guess we head back to Flairvoyant and go see the Chief.

Good work everyone. You did great. Not sure about me, but still."

Looking down at 'The Key' with a happy smile, Scarlet popped it into his backpack.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static clinches his teeth. "Maple, please! This is important!"

---

"Oh..." Maple slumps back down in her seat... maybe she'd ask later.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

The ceiling continued its approach until it soon stopped with a lurch and the trap wall reopened.


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Rhapsody...doesn't this feel similar to the slowsand?" Indeed, Rhapsody could feel a similar effect from the air in the chasm, though with small differences.

Meanwhile, Wanderlust realized that some would be safe to jump to while others would take much greater effort.

"Maybe it's not the same enchantment, but it was cast by the same unicorn?" Wanderlust picks up a few pebbles and tosses one over the rope bridge, one onto the closest platform, and one into the abyss.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

The ceiling continued its approach until it soon stopped with a lurch and the trap wall reopened.


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Rhapsody...doesn't this feel similar to the slowsand?" Indeed, Rhapsody could feel a similar effect from the air in the chasm, though with small differences.

Meanwhile, Wanderlust realized that some would be safe to jump to while others would take much greater effort.

"Maybe it's not the same enchantment, but it was cast by the same unicorn?" Wanderlust picks up a few pebbles and tosses one over the rope bridge, one onto the closest platform, and one into the abyss.

Rhapsody nods some, "It's a possibility, Wander. My family sort of has a history of researching magics. I've picked up quiet a bit over the years of being able to detect and sense various magics. I'm not as good as somepony dedicated to arcane research, but I should be able to discover more about the spell, unless Moony wants to give it a go as well." She closes her eyes and takes a breath as she tries to get a feel on the magic and how they differ.

Spoiler
Rhapsody nods some, she closes her eyes and takes a breath as she tries to get a feel on the magic and how they differ.

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

Traversing back the way they came, Scarlet Spectrum's team soon arrived at the mineshaft. There, they came to the realization that it couldn't be used to go back since they previously traveled down and there was no sort of elevator or pulley system. However, upon searching the area they found a hidden passage. Climbing the multitude of stairs, they soon exited from behind what seemed like a curtain. Gaining their bearings, they realized that this was the original tapestry room.


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

All of the pebbles Wanderlust tossed fell in slow motion. However, they fell far faster than anything that had been over the slowsand pit.

Rhapsody felt that this was indeed a similar effect as the slowsand but at a seemingly weaker strength. The floating rocks were likely the source.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"A hidden passage too? And right under our noses too," he said with a chuckle.

[color=ff0000]"Since we initially went the other way, unless our competition used this route to catch us. I'm guessing the lock mechanism means that this room is shut.

You're up Night Cap. Let us out and lets go see the Chief."[/color

---

Having lost all interest in sitting in a silent room Maple scoots her chair back and heads to the door.

"I'm just going to wait outside for everypony else to show up."

---

"Bah, the way my magic has been working today, it could take me an hour to decipher this. I think I'll leave it to you." Moonshadow says as he stares out to the other side.

"So, should we just cross the bridge to the large rock? I mean, there has to be some reason the bridge goes to that one specifically right?"

---

"Sounds good to me. Maybe we'll be able to control it from there."

---

Scarlet - Night Cap (Shale - Keen)

After exiting the tunnel, Flairvoyant escorted Scarlet Spectrum's team back to the Keep.


Static - Maple - Misty (Anchors - Square)

"Go ahead and get things setup but wait for the others to return before the questions begin. That way we can make sure everyone is on the same page and nopony misses this." Just then, Scarlet Spectrum's team entered.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Yes, crossing seems like the way to go, it seems like doing so is safe, they're not likely to just drop out from under us. And if they do, well I'm a pegasus, I'll be fine."

---

"Welcome Back, and Congratulations Every Pony! I was starting to worry..." Maple says, as the next team to finish files into the room.

"Did you find any Super valuable treasure Mr. Night Cap?! I got a NET!"

---

Static looks back as he works to set up his equipment. "Oh, hi, guys! Hope you all had fun."

---

"oooh Mystery Key... Maybe it unlocks everything because it's a magic key!"

---

"Yes, crossing seems like the way to go, it seems like doing so is safe, they're not likely to just drop out from under us. And if they do, well I'm a pegasus, I'll be fine."
"Gee how reassuring." Moonshadow sighs as he steps closer to the bridge. "Well no time like the present."

With that he steps upon the bridge, testing it's durability, ready to step backward if it crumbles.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Maple got a net, Misty got a hoof file, I got...well..." Static held up the metal pipe he used to destroy the generators and shrugs. "I guess there's this."

---

"Don't forget Static, you also got to be a big dashing hero in front of your Marefriend..." Maple says with a smirk, before turning toward Misty and blushing like a fiend.

"But, I guess we all got that one."

---

"Yeah, I think Anchors was impressed with everypony!"

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to Wanderlust's eyes. The floating rocks looked like basic stone. When Moonshadow stepped on the bridge, he could tell it was secure.

---

Static smiled a even blushed slightly. "I guess that's true. Who needs swag when compared to that?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Still, it is a nice net though..."

---

Scarlet gave a frustrated sigh, but kept his tone calm.

"Thats because we aren't collecting jewels and crystals on a training mission. Especially not a minecart full. STOMP isn't about collecting shiny stuff to make you happy.

Its about overcoming the challenge and safeguarding the team and the artifact. Which you did quite effectively when we fought that Dirty Money gang. And when you successfully disarmed the roof crusher trapwhen we finally found La Clave del Conquistador."

---

Static took out his pipe and looked it over with a 'meh' expression. With a shrug he offered it to Night Cap.

---

"Yes, crossing seems like the way to go, it seems like doing so is safe, they're not likely to just drop out from under us. And if they do, well I'm a pegasus, I'll be fine."

"Gee how reassuring." Moonshadow sighs as he steps closer to the bridge. "Well no time like the present."

With that he steps upon the bridge, testing it's durability, ready to step backward if it crumbles.

Spoiler

"I've already established earlier that Unicorns bounce." Rhapsody replies. "Unless you want to prove that wrong." She says with a slight grin.

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to Wanderlust's eyes. The floating rocks looked like basic stone. When Moonshadow stepped on the bridge, he could tell it was secure.

"Alright, it seems stable enough. Lets get across quickly, I get this feeling we're lagging behind everyone else."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

Upon swiftly traversing the bridge and looking around, Rhapsody's group saw it--the Argent Bloom of the Waxing Moon. It was growing on a floating stone about 100 feet down.

---

Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

Upon swiftly traversing the bridge and looking around, Rhapsody's group saw it--the Argent Bloom of the Waxing Moon. It was growing on a floating stone about 100 feet down.

"Well, our goal is finally insight. Anyone have any issues with me just flyind won and seeing if I can retreve it? It'll be easier and quicker then trying to lower someone down on rope." She says eyeing Wanderlust for a moment.

---

"I'm not sure that's a great idea. It can't be that easy." Moonshadow says, gazing carefully over the edge. "How do we know it's not the source of these rocks floating? You remove the thing, and we plummet to our deaths. I'm not willing to see if we all 'bounce'." He gives Rhapsody a slight glare with the last part before eyeing the Waxing Moon.

"If only I could get close enough to scan it..."

---

"Plus,

---

"Plus, the air around us still has the slow spell on it, right? If you lift off it might take you ages to get there." Wanderlust idly tosses another few pebbles at the Argent Moon. "Then again, I don't really have any other ideas. I could do some great things with a net if I had 100 more feet of rope."

---

Static - Maple - Misty - Scarlet - Night Cap (Anchors - Square - Shale - Keen)

"Dirty Money? That sounds suitably villainous. We matched wits with 'The Changeling Champion'." Square Fun commented. Keen Craft flew over and sat next him, though Shale Antiquity began to ponder. "Why does that name sound familiar? Is she involved in the wrestling?"


Rhapsody - Moonshadow - Wanderlust (Splash - Darty)

"Perhaps a test flight is in order? Instead of trying to reach the flower in one swoop, try flying to the nearest rock to see how it affects you." Splash Flaunt said.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Changling Champion? Yeah, she's a wrestler. Saw her in action once...before today that is. She's pretty impressive. Actually going up against her was...an experience.

---

"Yeah, getting hit is rarely not painful. I got a sleeper hold put on me...very nearly worked to. I did learn a new wrestling move though. I think it's called a suplex? Remind me later, I'll show you."

---

"That's not really something you should do outside of ... Maple stopped, they'd have to learn somehow. ... just be careful you two."

---

Static raised an eyebrow at Maple. "Well of course we would do it at a gym were we could have some supervision. I wasn't just going to suplex him in my house or anything! Furniture could get damaged!"

---

Static - Maple - Misty - Scarlet - Night Cap (Anchors - Square - Shale - Keen)

"Brawling with a wrestler sounds neat. I managed to pick up the basics of a foreign language overnight," Flairvoyant said as she proudly puffed out her chest. She then pulled out several tiny mirrors that hovered in front of her as light shone between some of them, though no immediate light source was seen.

---

"Oooh that's pretty!"

---

"One night? I took three years in high school, one year in college. If I were simply dropped off south of the border...well...I may be able to ask where the stallions room is, but that's about it. Probably wouldn't even understand the answer! One night? That's...impressive."

---

Static - Maple - Misty - Scarlet - Night Cap (Anchors - Square - Shale - Keen)

"Well, I figure the real trick is seeing how much I remember after today. You gotta put languages to use to get anything out of them." Flairvoyant said.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Zamuel:
Static - Maple - Misty - Scarlet - Night Cap (Anchors - Square - Shale - Keen) "Well, I figure the real trick is seeing how much I remember after today. You gotta put languages to use to get anything out of them." Flairvoyant said.

"Depends on how much of an ear for languages you have, Flair. You certainly did alright telling us to go find The Key," Scarlet said in response to Flairvoyant. Pulling out said Key from his pack, he held it up.

---

Spoiler
Zam

Maple looks at the key Scarlet was showing them, and if was something from the Keep, it was one she'd never seen before... it certainly didn't look like the one she always highlighted on the local history tour...

"I don't recognize that key Mr. Scarlet... I wonder if they pulled that deep out of the archives for this training session?" Maple also wondered if this is what Boss Vine had brought with her for the chief ... but she kept that to herself. Boss Vine might be a good friend, but that visit might be confidential information.

---

Static finished setting up the equipment and turned to be a part of the conversation until the remaining team rejoined them. He looked at the key and shrugged. "The last training mission we were on, Rhapsody and I were sent to investigate a 'meteor' that turned out to be a kickball painted in gravity paint. Here we were sent to take down a machine that was just a few capacitors with wires that went nowhere. I wouldn't be surprised if the key were just a normal key...not to kill the mood or anything."

---

"I don't think my net's magical either." Maple says with a sigh...

"Did you all see the cool paper ponies Misty made?"

---

"The design is, well, it's frm one of Moms movies. Which actually means that while key may not be magical. It is based on a key that might be, since most of her films are based, at least in part, on Dads expeditions," Scarlet murmured softly.

is a mountain of riches all you care about Night Cap?
I don't think he's 'That' bad.
'sigh' Ok, maybe not, but he's sure not a happy camper because i wouldn't him bring back some Shinies.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Oh did Mr. Night Cap tell you about the movie He's making ...with Static. Its about Princess Luna. Maybe Your mom could help them get in touch with some professionals in the business, like actual camera ponies or costume designers?"

Maple smiled really big...

---

Static perked up and smiled widely, ruffling Maples hair affectionately. "I love having you around! That would be great if it could be arranged. Why didn't I think of that?" He looked from the net to the key and back and was sorry he brought down the mood. This was supposed to be a good day! "And seriously, guys? Who cares if these things are magical or not? I got a metal pipe for crying out loud! But they're reminders of where we've been. I mean, remember today. We've trained on the grounds where they train the royal guards! Not just anypony can say that!"

---

"Indeed, while the individual exercises are likely different, the training has credible merit considering the source. Even being allowed to use these grounds is prestigious. It makes me wonder what Darty and the rest are up to on their expedition.

On the subject of movie making, I know a thing or two about that..." Shale Antiquity said.

---

Static looked from Scarlet to Shale and smiled. "How serendipitous! Like Maple said, Night Cap, Rhapsody and I are in the process of making a documentary about Luna. So far we've got a very rough draft of a script. But I think eventually we're going to need help, like Maple said. Costume designers, narrator, actors...if it's something you'd be interested in that is."

---

Static looks piteously at Night Cap, remembering the story of how he could've been trained in the royal guard if not for his mother. He sighs. "You know, for once I truly believe he's not in it for a simple shiny. I don't suppose there's some little thing he can have as a reminder?"

---