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

[CoffeeHorse]

"Um... well... there's more water, mostly." Misty replies. Noticing Wanderlust, she asks "What do you think, Wanderlust? Have you ever been to a place like this?"

---

Wanderlust grins. "A volcano? No, never. That's what's so exciting! And there's so much happening here." His voice lowers to a conspiratorial level. "This city looks like it moves so fast, but who knows what secrets rest at the core of it's molten heart?"

---

"ooh.. that's good, we should get you writing descriptions for the exhibits... have you met anypony from Marketing yet?" Maple asks, in awe.

---

"Yeah, wow!"

---

Wanderlust shakes his head. "No, I just got here. I've hardly met anyone."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Oh well we'll have to set up another inter-department bowling night so you can Mingle..."

---

"I've never been bowling. Is it fun?"

---

"very much so. Misty's really good at it."

---

Symphony exited from the blue tent that now seemed to be across the street from the Museum, early in the morning. She had several things she wanted to do before getting on the train. First thing was first, in grabbing herself a meal to go at a local cafe before heading to the hospital to check in on her sister. The Professor had offered to take her, but she wanted to learn a bit more of the city layout, since she wasn't sure how long she would have to be in town. She sat down across from Rhapsody who was asleep, and she certainly wasn't going to wake her. There wasn't a whole lot she could do, but she sat there and ate and told her about what was going on, a! nd just keeping her company. About and hour later she left, going towards her last location, and the primary reason she needed time; Rhapsody's home. With it being all the way near the outskirts of town, it took a earth bound unicorn more time then it would a pegasus.

Once there, she was greeted by a rather frantic bat, Tyberious, and Symphony gave him a sympathetic smile, and informed him of what had happened to Rhapsody. After listening to his furious chittering Symphony calmed him down. She took a deep breathe and informed the bat that she was kinda taking over for her sister in the short term, helping with the team and would be around to look after him as well. Yesterday had been a long day and she simply didn't have a chance to get here any sooner. She sets a saddle bag down in the kitchen and sets aside some fresh fruit for him. She gives the small bat a pet on the head and explains she doesn't have much time and needs to get going as not to be late, but will check on him again later.

She was cutting it close by time she got to the train station and boarded the Express with the others. On the train ride she mostly kept to herself, socialization still really wasn't a strong point for her, and most the others seemed occupied with something to not want to be a bother to them. She took a window seat and spent most the time just contemplating things, it was rather rare that she took a trip that allowed her to actually see the sights like this, in a way it was kind of refreshing. Once they were off the train she looked around a bit and blinked as she saw the blue tent and for moment paused before shaking her head, for a moment wondering if he managed to follow her but quickly dismissed that knowing he's got his own tasks to deal with currently. 'He'll be fine...' She muses to herself before noticing the gathering of her teammates and walks over.

"H-Hi everypony... I-I hope I'm not interrupting anything..."

---

Scarlet had awoken that morning to a huge sigh of relief, as he was still in his bed, in his room and 100% not falling through anything. He had also taken the, admittedly odd, precaution of tying his room key to a length of string that hung around his neck. Although last night had been free of ‘Dreams’. He wasn’t taking any chances.

Which is why Scarlet found himself on the Express, anxiously flicking between a Daring Do book, a Tourist Guide to Fiesta Caldera (though not a very good one), his notebook, staring put the window and also trying to keep one of Auntie Jade Eyes more rousing pieces playing through his head. All in an attempt to make sure he stayed alert and did not fall asleep on the Train! Scarlet had no wish to doze off into that strange dream cavern, only to wake up, ooh lets say, plummeting into an icy cold river because your body moved while the train crossed a bridge!

A Pegasus he may be, so suddenly falling wasn’t such a bad thing. Still, he didn’t fancy playing the odds.

Once the arrived, he disembarked with the others and looked around. It was a lovely day after all. Plus, he’d never really explored Fiesta Caldera, so challenges awaited. Then he jumped at Symphonys call, as he had been so deep in his own thoughts he’d kind of zoned out.

”Ah! H-hey Symphony.

Ready for the day everypony?”

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap - Moonshadow (Square)

"Is there any place we should put this?" Square Fun asked. "Oh yes, right this way!" Marmalade Zest let go of Static Signal and led the group down the hallway. "Museums working together is so wonderful. The teamwork makes me think of my old job when I was a clown. Only instead of just entertaining ponies, I can now entertain them AND teach them something!"

---

Static nods. "When I was in film school, I was hoping to make my name as a big-time director making blockbuster hits. Not quite sure how I wound up in a museum projection booth. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it after all."

Static tried to ignore the comment about being a clown. Creepy little buggers!

---

"oooh I'm so excited about this mission. I wonder how the other's are doing?" Maple says, looking around the small room

---

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

Once the team had departed the train and started walking, Flairvoyant asked, "With all of us accounted for...Hazel, what's the room situation looking like?" "Three rooms were reserved. One with just two beds for Scarlet and Wanderlust and across the hall are two rooms with two beds and a sofa bed for the rest of us. So I guess that begs the question, how do we divide the rooms? I do believe I'll be okay with a sofa bed. What about everypony else?"

---

"Oh... um... I'm fine with anything really... No need to put anypony out on my account...I mean.. I usually just sleep in a tent anyway... So i'm not that picky." Symphony says as she looks around to the group.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"A tent... my goodness that's neat, I wouldn't have thought to use one inside."

---

"I could sleep on a bed, or a sofa, or in a tent, or on the roof... I'm not picky."

---

"Do you want to take a look at the roof Misty, because I'll go with you."

---

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

"I don't think I'd recommend sleeping on a roof or clouds here. If them COIN fellers are running around, the great outdoors might not be such a great place to be unawares." Dart Noveau attempted to whisper but wasn't that much more quiet.

---

"I haven't woken up in a blanket cocoon in a while... so I won't steal the covers in the middle of the night." Maple says, raising an Eyebrow in Misty's direction

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"I had planned to be a party planner at one point but quickly found that teaching was my destiny. I certainly aim for that entertainment and education combo, though." Square Fun said. Keen Craft then followed with a calm shrug. "I saw a lot of things were broken and somepony had to fix them. So I learned how to fix things." "Wonderful to hear how museums bring so many different ponies together. Anything of interest upcoming for your museum? We generally try to keep record of the annual parades and one is upcoming." Marmalade Zest asked as they continued walking.

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

Flairvoyant commented, "With that noted about the 'hosts' lurking here, we should probably get a move on. For simplicity sake, let's just say the rooms are divided as Darty, Hazel, Maple and then me, Symphony, and Misty."

After getting checked in, the team found their hotel rooms. The conditions were vastly better than most of them had ever seen with the rooms being adorned in a rustic green with a contrasting and luxurious golden trim in triangle shapes. The silk sheets were spread across beds that were so soft that they were practically cloud filled. And each room had a bright red tomato placed on a saucer on the coffee table as edible decoration. Upon setting their things down, Dart Noveau waved everypony into one room so they could discuss things. "Any ideas of how each half is gonna approach things?"

---

Maple's heart sank at hearing the room assignments ...but then perked up again when it came time to do some actual planning.

---

Symphony follows the others into the room and Dart asks for ideas, once more part of her feeling out of place. "Oh.. well if my Sister were here, I know she'd likely already have all the plans drawn out for how to approach this... she's really good at making plans and seeing them followed through... She's... um... also kinda always wanted to do a Casino Caper like you see in the movies..." She says with a slight sigh, "This certainly isn't gonna cause some contention in the future..." She mutters softly to herself.

---

Static tried to search his memory for any upcoming museum events. Maple was really the pony to ask about stuff like that. Static mostly kept to the documents department. Not to mention the fact that so much had happened with Achors and STOMP...and Anchors lately, the day to day at the museum kinda blurred together.

Spoiler

---

"Any ideas of how each half is gonna approach things?"

"We'll need to get behind the scenes in the casino somehow; there's no way they'll have left anything about the island's history out where guests can see it. Do we have any way to disguise ourselves?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"The only Ideas I had, I brought up at the meeting... I didn't think of anything else when we were on the train." Maple says.

---

Scarlet had stayed pretty quiet as their room arrangements were made, though his nagging worry about ‘sleep walking’ meant that he didn’t feel very comfortable. As the conversation moved to their mission here, Scarlet mulled over Wanderlusts words regarding how to sneak into the casino.

”uniforms might allow us to pass the ‘squint test’ and get behind the face of the casino. However, as soon as they start asking questions, we might have a problem. One useful edge we do have is that most here are not known quantities to anypony in COIN, so that could alleviate any immediate suspicion. For a while.

My rep as being a freelancer who used to work for the Keep until... certain events led my dismissal, might also be of use.

Other than that. I’m not sure.”

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal couldn't recall any specific upcoming events. However, he did know that the Keep had regular tours about local history and landmarks like Warehouse Number Seven that might fit into the conversation.

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

Dart Noveau pondered a moment before saying, "Hmm. I'm wondering if instead of stealing an outfit, maybe we could just apply. I heard the stadium has some sort of wrasslin' thing going on so the city is probably busier than normal. I bet they'll be looking for a quick overnight hire or two for the casino and won't be asking too many questions. Though on the other hoof, they might not be lookin' too hard at the laundry if we bypassed applications and swiped a uniform.

If we go this route, I reckon that leaves us with the 'who'. Can't be the three at the stadium. Scarlet might not work since he's written a book..." "And his mom is a movie star." "Yeah. He's too high profile. Playing the casino games makes more sense for him. Not Hazel since, with her fancy mathematics, we NEED her at the tables catch any funny business. So that leaves me, Symphony, or Wanderlust. Any volunteers?"

---

After thinking for a moment, Static shrugs. "I can't think of any upcoming events coming up specifically. But there's always tours that cover the local history of Caballuston itself...which in the short time I've lived there I've come to find is actually quite extensive. You can learn about local landmarks. I think there's one at the moment that covers Warehouse Number Seven. I can have my friend Maple send you some brochures if you'd like. If nothing else, our film library is crazy big...like, bigger than the Manehatten branch if you'd believe it. A lot of the films are kinda dry, but you also get a few gems."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Half-lost in thought, Scarlet didn’t realise he was talking out loud.

”Huh. I’m always trying to play down my reputations. Either as a writer/teacher, or as ‘The Son of Diamond’,” Scarlet in a tone that implied he’d met some ponies who had used that in a less than complimentary manner. ”I suppose a casino mission like this is that rare time i can play it up and not look like a complete idiot.

Well... No more than i usually do anyway.”

Taking a breath he looked up.

”If we do have someponies working the tables from the other side, that means we could spread more and, if we’re lucky, see or hear our quarry let something slip.

I’m not necessarily good at games, but i am good at acting.

More or less.”

---

"We could probably use two ponies on the inside, so everyone has some backup." Wanderlust gives Symphony an appraising look. "How about me and Symphony? If we stick close together people might just assume we're siblings. Plus neither of us have ever been on any STOMP missions. There's no guarantee that your arch-nemesis isn't lounging in the VIP box right now, Darty." Wanderlust wasn't sure who Darty's arch-nemesis was, but was pretty sure that as a team leader it was kind of a requirement.

---

c - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Do you have any particular movie topics you enjoy the most?" Marmalade Zest asked as they continued walking.

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

"An archnemesis sounds awfully flattering but I ain't never met Chipotle Verde before. That said, I'm sure we'd be able to stomp out a snake like that if she calls herself looking for a scrap." Dart Noveau said with pride.

---

"Me personally? I guess I'd have to say my top two are Luna and aquatic life.

"Ask anypony, I'm a total Lunaphile. I can never see too much about her. In fact, Night Cap and I...along with another co-worker who's in the hospital right now...are actually in the process of making a Luna documentary. It's...kinda stuck in development hell at the moment. So who knows when or even if it's ever going to actually be finished." He gave a long sigh at that.

"And of course aquatic life...well..."

[For one thing, your marefriend's a seapony.] he thought to himself.

"It's just relaxing watching those. I mean, with all the hustle and bustle of being in a city...I mean, I mostly got away from it after I left Manehatten. But there's still quite a bit of it in Caballuston. So any chance to just take a moment and let things calm down...

"Kind of a distant third, but ones I still like are documentaries about other cultures. I mean, just learning about other cultures is interesting by itself. But most documentaries also have at least some kind of piece involving the cuisine. Just watching to see if I could pick it apart for recipes...or just getting ideas for my own."

---

"We could probably use two ponies on the inside, so everyone has some backup." Wanderlust gives Symphony an appraising look. "How about me and Symphony? If we stick close together people might just assume we're siblings. Plus neither of us have ever been on any STOMP missions. There's no guarantee that your arch-nemesis isn't lounging in the VIP box right now, Darty." Wanderlust wasn't sure who Darty's arch-nemesis was, but was pretty sure that as a team leader it was kind of a requirement.

Symphony is quite for a bit before she speaks up in that soft tone of hers. "So... um... What if they like... have some kinda lie detector spell or something? I mean... if I was some kinda evil organization that was wanting to keep people from snooping, that seems like the thing to do when outsourcing... And this is... or was a active Volcano, yes? What's to stop evil spy organization from throwing us, once caught lying, in as some kinda death trap like evil spy organizations tend to do?" Maybe she's seen too many movies...

c - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"Do you have any particular movie topics you enjoy the most?" Marmalade Zest asked as they continued walking.

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

"An archnemesis sounds awfully flattering but I ain't never met Chipotle Verde before. That said, I'm sure we'd be able to stomp out a snake like that if she calls herself looking for a scrap." Dart Noveau said with pride.

Symphony giggles softly at Dart. "Oh, I get it... Because we're STOMP, right?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

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

"You've got a point. The casino might be its own thing but they may be watching things like that. Still, be careful when you're swiping clothes. Getting caught doing that won't help you none, neither. And as far as stomping things, hey, I figure it's easy to remember."

"Speaking of not getting caught..." Flairvoyant started looking through her things until she pulled out two large and thick pairs of glasses and a comb. "These fake glasses are kinda fake but they should help with the glance test so it's less likely you get recognized." She placed a pair of glasses on Symphony and Wanderlust each, then quickly combed their manes over to one side. "There we go! Maybe not the best but should work in a pinch."

---

Maple's Mane flopped over to look like the others' though she didn't bother trying to make glasses ... not actually knowing if she could.

---

"Speaking of not getting caught..." Flairvoyant started looking through her things until she pulled out two large and thick pairs of glasses and a comb. "These fake glasses are kinda fake but they should help with the glance test so it's less likely you get recognized." She placed a pair of glasses on Symphony and Wanderlust each, then quickly combed their manes over to one side. "There we go! Maybe not the best but should work in a pinch."

"Oh wow! It's like they're totally different ponies!" Misty exclaims.

---

[I guess that means I'll have to give him a ride sometime in my boat whenever it's finished.]

[You're assuming you won't get crushed inside your tin can by all the water pressure your first time out.]

[Happy thoughts.]

Static nudged Night Cap slightly. "Hey, if my little project works out, maybe you'll get to see that dream come true."

---

"Of course I'd help you. It's what friends do! ... Assuming I can actually pull it off..."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"That sounds...oh, we're here!" Marmalade Zest opened a door and directed the group to set the box on a table. There were several ooohhs and aaahhs upon taking the painting out of it's package, then Marmalade Zest directed a few ponies to go put it where it needed to go and another to quickly fill out some paperwork. Once complete, she handed the sheet of paper to Static Signal and said, "There's your copy of verified delivery. I believe I'm also supposed to act as a guide for something else in the city..?"

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

"It looks like we may be good to go. As far as y'all..?" "I'm sure we'll be able to weave into things with a wrestling match going on." "Alright. If nopony has any other questions or objections, looks like it's time to get a move on. In case of emergencies, meet back at the train station."

---

Fnu Aw:
"Do we not have a... building... stuff department of some kind that can help you pull it off?"

"Well, ever since Amber left, I've actually been one of a few ponies helping out with that. And besides, this one's kinda...personal."

"That sounds...oh, we're here!" Marmalade Zest opened a door and directed the group to set the box on a table. There were several ooohhs and aaahhs upon taking the painting out of it's package, then Marmalade Zest directed a few ponies to go put it where it needed to go and another to quickly fill out some paperwork. Once complete, she handed the sheet of paper to Static Signal and said, "There's your copy of verified delivery. I believe I'm also supposed to act as a guide for something else in the city..?"

Wow! No matter how many times I see it, it's still impressive."

*ahem*

"Yes. We were also sent to so some basic research on the clock tower.

---

”i can’t think of anything that hasn’t been covered. So i’ll just say be careful everypony. Keep your ears open and your guard up.”

---

Maple - Misty (Flair)

Traveling through the city, Flairvoyant, Maplejack, and Misty Monsoon easily gained regular admission to the stadium. The air was alive with an excited buzz of energy as ponied found their seats and chatted about their favorite wrestlers. Maplejack felt a tap on her shoulder only to hear Green Bean whisper, "We need to talk if you've got a moment."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"But...I already know how to reach the li..." "Most certainly! I'll be glad to help you get where you're going." Keen Craft arched an eyebrow at Night Cap's interjection about food but said nothing as Marmalade Zest led them out of the building. Walking through town, they eventually arrived at the tall clock tower. Clearly showing its age due to an encroaching layer of rust and decay, Marmalade Zest still proudly announced, "This is...oh dear. I know things about it but don't have a specifically planned speech."

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Casino business seemed to be booming with the hustle and bustle of the employees--all of which who seemed to be wearing off white uniforms in a dark green trim of the same shade as several other parts of the city. As the group went to get some of their bits converted to chips, Dart Noveau asked the receptionist, "What's the popular game of the night?" "That would be blackjack. We'll rotate players to higher stakes tables as the night progresses." "Wonderful! Where do we get started with the fun?" The stallion pointed to some tables in the center and in particular, one where the dealer was awaiting players. While walking to the table, Dart Noveau whispered, "Alright everypony, it's go time. Act natural and keep your wits about you."

Wanderlust - Symphony

Splitting off from the others, Wanderlust and Symphony found that the obvious back entrances to the casino all seemed to be guarded. However, they did spot a driver and cart being allowed in. They also spotted a loose vent to a ventilation shaft.

---

"Hmm, to be such an obvious focal point of the town, it's in pretty bad shape...no offense!" Static shakes his head in a *tsk tsk* manner. "Well, I guess just start with the basics."

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple got up, -excusing herself from her friends and followed Green Bean.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Splitting off from the others, Wanderlust and Symphony found that the obvious back entrances to the casino all seemed to be guarded. However, they did spot a driver and cart being allowed in. They also spotted a loose vent to a ventilation shaft.

Wanderlust peers around the corner of the building, then looks at Symphony. "How do you want to do this? I still think we could just walk up and ask for work; I can spin a decent yarn. But however we do this, we should stick together."

---

Maple quickly went back and told the rest of her team about Green Bean's request.

"One of today's wrestlers didn't show so I need to help out." Maple said, and then waited for her friends to comment

---

"Oh... Is that so... imagine that, haha... um... well, do your best!"

---

"I'm so sorry Misty I wanted to spend as much time with you today as I could... but okay if you're okay with it, just stay beautiful until I get back."

Maple gives Misty a quick hug before rushing off back to Green bean

---

After Maple leaves, Misty gives a look to Flairvoyant. "Might be good to have somepony going backstage this mission, right?"

---

”Best of luck,” Scarlet whispered back.

With a nod and a (mostly) confident smile, Scarlet headed towards the indicated tables.

”Lets play some cards.”

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Wanderlust - Symphony

Splitting off from the others, Wanderlust and Symphony found that the obvious back entrances to the casino all seemed to be guarded. However, they did spot a driver and cart being allowed in. They also spotted a loose vent to a ventilation shaft.

Wanderlust peers around the corner of the building, then looks at Symphony. "How do you want to do this? I still think we could just walk up and ask for work; I can spin a decent yarn. But however we do this, we should stick together."

"Oh, well... I'm not really sure. I'm more used to somepony else taking the lead and following along." Symphony replies, further showing how different she was from her older sister. Whereas Rhapsody seemed to be a natural leader, Symphony seemed a natural follower. "I do agree with sticking together, I know a bit from personal experience the hazard of going off alone..."

---

"I'm...in charge?" A goofy grin spreads over Wanderlust's face. "I'm used to following the leader too, really." He rubs a hoof on the back of his neck and takes a deep breath, fighting the smile back so it was only a small grin. "Well, we'll see how this goes. Just follow my lead." He motions for Symphony to follow him, and approaches the watch station that the cart just passed by. "Excuse me, my marefriend and I are looking for work. Where do we go to apply for a job here?"

---

Misty (Flair)

Flairvoyant seemed confused by Misty Monsoon's comment. "Huh? I thought backstage stuff was what Maple was going to be working on. I mean, it probably makes more sense to have more back there than out here but don't want to get too split up. You think you'll be okay on your own?"

Maple

Green Bean directed Maplejack to where the star locker room would be, then dashed off to update the announcers. As she wound through the halls and turned the corner, a pale turquoise unicorn stallion bumped into her. The most noticeable thing he was wearing was a forlorn expression. "I'm sorry miss. I was trying to find my cousin and just...I screwed up so bad..."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal couldn't find anything out of sorts about the exterior of the clock tower, other than the rust. Though...that was an oddity itself. Even for it's age, it shouldn't be in this poor of condition. And it didn't look damaged, just...old.

Meawhile, Night Cap felt what would have been an overwhelming magical force but there had been an attempt to mask it. There were a number of nuances to this. First, it seemed that the affect had an epicenter inside the building. Next, it was something recent though it was lingering as it it had been used before. Finally, while there was a strong magical effect, the clock tower itself was not an inherantly magical artifact.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"Have you ever played at our establishment before?" The dealer asked as Scarlet Spectrum, Dart Noveau, and Hazel Naught approached the table.

Wanderlust - Symphony

One of the mares at the back door sized up Wanderlust and Symphony, then placed a box on each of their backs. "Do you lift? We've got positions for dishwashers and waiters."

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Don't worry! See, that's why I brought this along, so I can pretend like I'm bringing in somepony's stuff." She taps a hoof against the large trunk she'd stuffed under her seat. "I'm sure if I just keep my head down and don't make eye contact, nopony will be the wiser." She gives a big grin.

---

"Oh, it's likely not as bad as all that... my Name's Maple would you like some help with something? Who is your cousin btw I might have seen them on the way here."

---

"I guess inside would be the obvious course of action. What do you mean jackpot? You sense something?"

---

"Oh, well... I'm not really sure. I'm more used to somepony else taking the lead and following along." Symphony replies, further showing how different she was from her older sister. Whereas Rhapsody seemed to be a natural leader, Symphony seemed a natural follower. "I do agree with sticking together, I know a bit from personal experience the hazard of going off alone..."

---

"I'm...in charge?" A goofy grin spreads over Wanderlust's face. "I'm used to following the leader too, really." He rubs a hoof on the back of his neck and takes a deep breath, fighting the smile back so it was only a small grin. "Well, we'll see how this goes. Just follow my lead." He motions for Symphony to follow him, and approaches the watch station that the cart just passed by. "Excuse me, my marefriend and I are looking for work. Where do we go to apply for a job here?"

---

Misty (Flair)

Flairvoyant seemed confused by Misty Monsoon's comment. "Huh? I thought backstage stuff was what Maple was going to be working on. I mean, it probably makes more sense to have more back there than out here but don't want to get too split up. You think you'll be okay on your own?"

Maple

Green Bean directed Maplejack to where the star locker room would be, then dashed off to update the announcers. As she wound through the halls and turned the corner, a pale turquoise unicorn stallion bumped into her. The most noticeable thing he was wearing was a forlorn expression. "I'm sorry miss. I was trying to find my cousin and just...I screwed up so bad..."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal couldn't find anything out of sorts about the exterior of the clock tower, other than the rust. Though...that was an oddity itself. Even for it's age, it shouldn't be in this poor of condition. And it didn't look damaged, just...old.

Meawhile, Night Cap felt what would have been an overwhelming magical force but there had been an attempt to mask it. There were a number of nuances to this. First, it seemed that the affect had an epicenter inside the building. Next, it was something recent though it was lingering as it it had been used before. Finally, while there was a strong magical effect, the clock tower itself was not an inherantly magical artifact.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"Have you ever played at our establishment before?" The dealer asked as Scarlet Spectrum, Dart Noveau, and Hazel Naught approached the table.

Wanderlust - Symphony

One of the mares at the back door sized up Wanderlust and Symphony, then placed a box on each of their backs. "Do you lift? We've got positions for dishwashers and waiters."

Spoiler

---

Wanderlust is a bit disappointed that he doesn't get to tell the tall tale he'd thought up, and it shows, but hopefully he just looks like he's reacting to the heavy box. "I lift well enough. Dish--er, waitering sounds good."

Before walking into the complex, he looks back to see how Symphony is handling her crate, and the news that they are (momentarily) fake dating.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple

The stallion sighed. "Yeah, I need some help but I don't know if I should tell...

...well, I gotta tell somepony about it. So, I used to work in the casino. It's nothing mind blowing but it pays the bills and you get to meet new faces. I eventually met this wonderful mare there. She waited tables and the two of us started dating. One day Señorita Verde called me to the office and told me to show her the most beautiful mare in the casino. Seemed odd but no point in refusing the boss when it's such an easy request. So I brough! t up my special somepony (we officially started calling each other that just that morning). Verde seemed disappointed for a moment...then she told me to insult my date. I told her I didn't understand but then, guards started closing in and Verde had this terrifying demeanor. So...I did as I was told. Called my date all sorts of names until she ran out in tears. Left me in tears too. I asked Verde 'why?' and she told me I made a mistake and that she was the most the most beautiful mare. She might be pretty but what she did was the ugliest thing I've ever seen. I quietly walked out after she dismissed me. Quit without telling anypony. Now without the love of my life and with no job, I was just going to borrow some money from my cousin and then leave town. I wish I could make things right but I don't know what to do."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Marmalade Zest pushed the door part of the way open but then in it jammed. "Oh dear. One moment...if I just...URGH! Aha, all those years piling into carts paid off!" She said as she squeezed into the doorway. A bunch of clattering was heard from inside, then she opened the door and waved the group in. The walls looked just as poor on the inside as they looked outside. However, the floor was spotless and looked as if it had been freshly installed. Just then, Static Signal received a morse code message:

SPLASH FLAUNT FILLING IN.
WHAT IS YOUR STATUS?​

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"No, we haven't." "Buuuuut we're glad to be here!" Dart Noveau swiftly interjected. "Very well. The goal of blackjack is to be the one whose card total is closest to 21 without going over. For this particular table, numbers are worth as shown, aces are worth 1, and the face cards--jack, prince, and princess--will be worth 11. Also, ties with the dealer will result in a player win." A mare joined the table, "I'm ready to win win win!" then the dealer began to deal out the cards.

Spoiler

---

Static takes out his Morse Code transmitter. "One moment. I should probably take this."

PAINTING HAS BEEN DELIVERED. JUST ARRIVED AT CLOCK TOWER. ONLY ODDITY IS TOWER SEEMS FAR OLDER AND IN WORSE SHAPE THAN IT SHOULD BE GIVEN EVEN GIVEN AGE. STILL INVESTIGATING.

Not knowing about the magical force Night Cap sensed, he of course did not include that in the report.

---

"Define big? And...you couldn't have told me about a possible danger before we entered? Before I sent an update saying everything was fine? Out with it, Night? What are you sensing?"

---

Static gave a brief glimpse to his Morse Code transmitter. On the one hoof, if they were in Dazzling Midnight's Base, he should probably call it in. But at the moment, all he had to go on was Night Cap's feelings...nothing really tangible.

He turned to Zest. "You should probably get out of here while you can. If we're not out of here in an hour, inform the Keep about what's going on, okay?" Static squints as he takes takes a look at his watch.

Spoiler

---

One of the mares at the back door sized up Wanderlust and Symphony, then placed a box on each of their backs. "Do you lift? We've got positions for dishwashers and waiters."

Spoiler

Wanderlust is a bit disappointed that he doesn't get to tell the tall tale he'd thought up, and it shows, but hopefully he just looks like he's reacting to the heavy box. "I lift well enough. Dish--er, waitering sounds good."

Before walking into the complex, he looks back to see how Symphony is handling her crate, and the news that they are (momentarily) fake dating.

Spoiler

Symphony blinks as Wanderlust doesn't go with the sibling story that she had thought they were going with... Seeing how disappointed he is, she's almost tempted to ask him about it, but that doesn't seem like it would be proper for fiances... She walks over and tries to help Wander with the box, but its obvious doesn't lift, as she buckles near immediately under the weight of it, frail little unicorn that she is.

Spoiler

---

Maple Gasped! That was the most horrible thing she'd ever heard.

"Oh my Goodness! ... do you think Miss - oh you didn't give me your marefriend's name. if she's still in the area I might be able to help, but I'll need her name and you'll maybe want to cover your ears."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal saw that it was about 3 in the afternoon.

"Get out of here? Just what is going on?" Keen Craft flew over to Marmalade Zest and said. "This floor is wrong. I'm going to need you to tell me why this place hasn't been repair considering the worth it has for the town." "There's been a lot of almosts since the clock stops but every so often it starts up again keeping perfect time so ponies just wait for it to stop again before making plans to fix it. Hmm. Come to think of it, while I and the mayor have keys, I have no clue who actually maintains the place." Keen Craft glanced over to Static Signal in case of further instruction.

Maple

"Wait, you aren't going to shout are you? What if Verde hears you?" The stallion said with fear in his eyes. "Sorry, just...there's something downright terrifying about Chipotle Verde. But to answer your question, her name is Powder Blue and I'm Soft Stone. We had planned to see the match tonight so she might be here but I don't know if she stuck around."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple gave him a sidelong glance... "She sounded bad before... but now you've really got me worried."

---

Maple

"Maybe it was just a trick of the light or maybe just a thing when she's really angry. She didn't seem that bad when I first started. Oh no..." He sighed. "I just remembered today was my cousin's day off. I can't get anything right.

---

Spoiler
Zam

Maple was beginning to have her doubts about this one's commitment to his opinions... so she licked her lips and tasted around for any lies.

"I'm sure we'll get this sorted out somehow, after all, there's no profit ... oh goodness now even I'm forgetting things." Maple adds a convincing chuckle... wondering if her new friend Soft Stone would be able to finish the quote.

---

”i’ve played cards around Equestria, but its my tirst time here. Sounds like fun.”

As he took his cards, Scarlet held them up in a wing. As memories of foalhood card games with his father, as well as a scattershot selections of friends over the years, the pegasus tried to keep his face neutral. No elation or trepidation.

Sixteen. Not a bad start.
Still, it means a higher risk if i go for another card.
Anything over 5 and i’m out before i’ve even begun.
Hmm. Wait for others and see what happens.

So Scarlet waited.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal saw that it was about 3 in the afternoon.

"Get out of here? Just what is going on?" Keen Craft flew over to Marmalade Zest and said. "This floor is wrong. I'm going to need you to tell me why this place hasn't been repair considering the worth it has for the town." "There's been a lot of almosts since the clock stops but every so often it starts up again keeping perfect time so ponies just wait for it to stop again before making plans to fix it. Hmm. Come to think of it, while I and the mayor have keys, I have no clue who actually maintains the place." Keen Craft glanced over to Static Signal in case of further instruction.

---

Static wanted to give some lie to Zest just to get her out of there. But since Night Cap did say it could be Dazzling's base right in front of her, and she didn't seem like a complete idiot, it seemed like time to come clean.

"It's...nothing that needs to worry you or the town. In fact, it may be nothing at all. It may just be a feeling like Night Cap said. But...if he's right...I just stumbled in the path of somepony who has a bit of a grudge against me. Probably better she doesn't see you helping me. Please, go outside. If we're not back in an hour, tell the Keep what's happened.

---

Fnu Aw:
Night Cap's eyes widen almost to normal energized pony width.

"Quickly. When is the last time the clock either stopped or started again?"

Static wanted to cut him off and get them to safety. But there may be a reason he was asking. So he allowed the question, but turned around to make a show of checking the darkness and let them realize that dilly dallying was not a good thing to be doing.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"It started back up a few days ago around noon. While I hope what you're saying isn't true, I'll step outside just in case." Marmalade Zest then left.

---

After keen and Zest were gone, Static turned to Night Cap. "You may be right about this being Dazzlings base. In fact, I'm almost certain of it. But all the memory problems these ponies are having, you know what it reminds me of? I think either TAKE, Tipsy Tulip or both are here. If that's the case, we better be very careful here, Night."

Static proceeds further into the clock tower, eyes darting all around for danger.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple

The stallion didn't react to Maplejack's comment. As far as she could tell, he was simply depressed. "*sigh* If you're 'forgetting' things because you're around me, I understand. I know I don't deserve any help."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

As far as Static Signal could tell, there weren't any secret passages. However, Night Cap could easily see the crumbling stone staircase spiralling upwards. Ke! en Craft looked at it and frowned. "We actually walking on that thing or you need me to carry everypony up?"

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The dealer received a 5, 6, and 6. Comparatively, the new mare received a 8, 4, and 7, Dart Noveau received a 11, 5, and 8, and Hazel Naught received a 1, 3, and 10. "For those who are new, you see that I did not bust--going over 21 and automatically losing. Players who surpass the dealer without also going bust win that round. Let us continue." He then dealt another hand.

Spoiler

---

"oh, it's not important, come on we need to get you some help." Maple leads the pony out and back to Green Bean's office.

---

6. Ok then.
New card?
New card.

After a few moments of patience. He didn’t want to jump to soon and be obvious that he had a low starting number. Scarlet asked for another card...

Spoiler


...and got a four. A little disappointed with his hand of 10, but trying not to show it. Scarlet again waited for the others.

---

Static looked around at the construction. He'd gotten over a lot of jis fear of heights lately. Being in STOMP made for some great exposure therapy. He still wasn't overly thrilled with heights, however. But at the moment, while looking at all the rough and splintered wood and exposed steel, heights was the least of his worries. "Well, since you offered, it sounds like a good idea if you're sure. I hope everyponies tetanus shots are up to date. Seriously, if they don't get started soon, repairs will be a moot point. It'll be a rebuilding project!"

---

Maple

Green Bean was in a haste as he was rushing to get the last bit of preparations before the match started but he did stop to listen to the stallion's plight. After pondering for a moment, he presented Maplejack with a proposal. Perhaps a shout out could be done before one of the matches. Sometimes proposals and apologies get done at big sporting events.

Spoiler



Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"It's already a re..." "Actually, you should probably carry me up first. If it's clear, I can just wink the other two up. If it isn't, I can get us out of there." Square Fun suggested. Keen Craft nodded and carried him up first. After several seconds passed, Static Signal and Night Cap were teleported up to the top with the others. All around them was a state of abnormality as every other brick, floorboard, or steel beam alternated between looking like it had just been made or looking like it was centuries old. "We have a problem." Keen Craft pointed at the main collection of gears that operated the clock. Some were slowly rusting before their eyes, spreading out from heavily corroded gears near the bottom while pristine gears seemed to be baring down from on top. Night Cap could tell that the corroded gears were the epicenter of the magic he had sensed.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The dealer didn't receive any more than the initial two cards. Upon looking at her face down card, Dart Noveau frowned and declined more. Hazel Naught cautiously requested two more cards and the newcomer also requested two more cards.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static went wide-eyed."Oh...wow! I've been learning some tech skills, but this just went way beyond reassembling parts. Uh, Night Cap? You can detect magical phenomena. How much can you tell about this...without getting close to it?"

Spoiler

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

With keen eyes and ears, Static Signal knew there was nopony else up there with them. From what he remembered from a film reel he showed once way back when he was in Manehattan, sometimes magic needed to be dispelled to end the effect. However, such magic could be very dangerous in reversed incorrectly.

With the measured sound of the clockworks, Night Cap began to fall asleep and in that moment he began to truly awake. The problem felt like an enormous excess of esper from equines who didn't exercise extreme caution. It was like trying to tape a flyer to the wall with a sledgehammer so heavy it require the entire royal guard to lift. Quite simply, the temporal spell had been repeatedly applied in such a heavy hooved manner, everything around it didn't just bend from the strain, it was catasrophically breaking down as the spell wore off. It would take a sizable amount of magic from somepony with great control to reverse the spell and the damage it caused. However, to solve the problem with the ponies at hoof, the bottom central cog could be replaced. There'd probably still need to be a lot of repair work but that would at least stop the magical effect from spreading. The team was lucky they arrived when they did--left unchecked, the spell could escape the confines of the clock tower despte what felt like some sort of wards attempting to contain it.

---

"I'm sure, once I go find her and fill her in -of course, that The Masked Mystery Mare would certainly agree to help like that." Maple says after Green Bean explains his idea.

Maple excuses herself from the two boys and goes and gets ready for the event. Returning a short time later in her costume to work out the details with the two stallions.

"So, Maplejack tells me you're looking to show your true feelings to a mare who's important to you." The MMM says in her big wrestler voice.

---

So now that it's not so late, I realize the person offering Wander and Sym a job isn't the same one the guy Maple's helping is scared of.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

I can allow the two of you together on a single paycheck--her taking orders and him carrying trays. Perform satifactorily and I may have your wages increased to the norm for two ponies.

Break dishes and I may proceed to throw you out myself."[/b]

Poinsettia Prim made a deliberate pause on that comment before saying, "Do we have a deal? If so, I will take you to get your uniforms and start immediately."

Ooh, scary pony. Wanderlust deflates slightly under her withering stare, but manages to nod. "Er, yeah.! We'll take what we can get."

---

Symphony nods with a soft blush, especially after the bit of compliment she got about her grace. "Oh... um... sure... I-I think we can handle that Miss Prim." the meek unicorn replies, trying to avoid the crystal pony's sharp gaze.

---

Maple

Soft Stone tilted his head. "Huh, you look taller in the newspapers. Anyways..." He recounted the events that happened to him and his request that a shout out be done at the start of the Masked Mystery Mare's match.

Wanderlust - Symphony

"Very well. I'll need your names for your nametags but follow me." Poinsettia Prim walked Wanderlust and Symphony through the building and to a clothing rack where she pulled out uniforms of their sizes. Wanderlust's had slacks while Symphony's had a long skirt. As they were putting them on, a unicorn mare carrying bright red pointsettias in her magic ran up to the group. "Señora Prim, the usual flowers?" "As a florist, you should be professional enough to know that the colorful part of the plant is a subset of the leaves...but yes." A flower was tucked behind Poinsettia Prim's right ear. However, before one could could be added to the other side, she stopped the florist. "The other shall be for her, as she pointed at Symphony. "On her left, due to her mane. There are customers who are likely to find her adorable and this will help promote the look." The florist obliged and once she finished, Poinsetta Prim immediately starting walking again while motioning the others to follow. Upon opening a large door, they were in the main casino area. She then gave Symphony a notepad and pencil and a few menus were given to Wanderlust. "You're starting now, beginning with those two tables, closest table first. Greet them politely, welcome them to Fiesta Caldera, and take their orders. Kitchen is over there. Do not daudle. Do not break anything. Do not disappoint. Go." While the first table was a seating area with a few ponies who seemed to be waiting for a waiter, the next one was a card table. The same one Scarlet Spectrum, Dart Noveau, and Hazel Naught were playing at.

---

"I concur. Magic this powerful...it's going to take somepony equally powerful to reverse. I doubt any of us can do it. We can maybe replace that cog now if it's that critical. But that looks more like a temporary patch job instead of an actual fix. We need to get somepony powerful in her to get rid of all this magic, then maybe I can help fix the clock itself.

"As for the cog, do we have a replacement for it on hoof?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Symphony blushes softly as she looks to the flower put in her mane. "Yes, ma'am I will try my best!" Symphony replies and head out with a smile, and then reality just hits her like an anvil falling from the sky. She's never been good at talking in public, she can barely manage to talk with her teammates without falling over her words... And now, here she is... in a job where she needs to be noticed and take orders. She heads over the the first table. "Um... Hi... uh... Excuse me? I-Is anyone um... ready tot uh... t-to order?" She says trying to speak as loudly as it can but it just all seems to come out as a high pitched squeak...

Spoiler

---

Scarlet sat back and considered. Darty and the dealer had high face up cards, but their hand might be low overall. Conversely, Hazel and the mare had low face up cards, but their hands might be high. Sadly, he had a fairly good hunch his hand was somewhat middling by comparison. Briefly considering asking for a second mew card, Scarlet instead chose to wait and—

—heard a high-pitched squeak. Turning to look, Scarlet sees a cute pony with a flower in her mane waiting tables. Or trying to.

Wait a minute... is that?

Feeling a slight flush run over him, Scarlet simply looks back at his cards and waits to see whether Darty and the others are going to show their hands, waot, or ask for another card.

---

Wanderlust only has a few seconds to react to Symphony's courage shriveling up, keeling over, and dying with a high-pitched whimper. He makes a split-second decision and bustles over to the table, his grandest grin on his face. "HELLO, and welcome to Fiesta Caldera's casino! Are you fine folks ready to order?" Did the casino have a name? He hadn't seen anything over the front door. He sure hoped not.

Spoiler

---

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

At the card table, Dart Noveau had gone bust with two face cards. Hazel Naught had a 2, 1, face, and 6. The newcomer had a 3, 2, 8, and a face. When Scarlet Spectrum revealed his blackjack, the dealer nodded and revealed he had 21 as well. "The hand is won good sir." Dart Noveau motioned for the dealer to hold on a moment, then ran over to where Wanderlust and Symphony were and...

"Glitter and gluesticks, look at you! Aren't you the most adorable little thing since a picture of puppies being drawn by picturesque little foals! Sorry for disturbing you ma'am but I just wanted to let you know!" Dart Noveau gave Symphony a big hug, then ran back to the card table. But then quickly mussed up the dealer's mane. "Gosh, you're kinda adorable too!" "Please do not touch the dealer." "Whoops sorry!" The dealer then dealt another hand. The face up cards for the dealer, Scarlet Spectrum, Hazel Naught, Dart Noveau, and the newcomer respectively were a face card, 1, 10, 8, and 7. Meanwhile, Scarlet Spectrums face down card was a 9.

Spoiler

---

Symphony was just about to give up and shrink away while it seemed like nobody could see her. First the box and now this... she just couldn't do anything right, and was quickly becoming very convinced this whole thing was a mistake... and that was when Darty bounded over to her. The young gray mare blinks a bit at the elaborate way of speech and then the hug... she wasn't sure what it was, but regardless it actually did seem to make her feel better. "Hello, I hope you're having a good time. My partner here has some menus for you all, please let me know when you're ready to order and we'll get everything out to you a! s soon as we can." She says speaking up with more confidence then she's shown in a long time, least for however long this personal high lasts.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet looked calmly at the others cards and considered.

Starting with 10. Ok then.
A decent margin for error. At least for one new card anyway.
Hmm...

Scarlet couldn’t help a little grin as Dartys words seemed to do the trick for Symphony. Looking over, Scarlet had to agree . She did look adorable.

Waving for a new card, Scarlet again considered his options as...

Spoiler


...an 8 put him in a good, if awkward spot. His hand wasn’t high enough that asking for another card was out of the question. Yet it was high enough that any new card had a pretty high probability of pushing his hand too high.

Scarlet watched to see what the others did next.

---

Maple

With everything in order, the Masked Mystery Mare was able to head to her locker room in preparation for her match.

Misty (Flair)

Flairvoyant smiled at Misty Monsoon's idea. "Great idea! Alright, keep your eyes peeled back there and I'll watch things out here."

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"I'm not immediately seeing any but...honey, go outside and have Zest point you to a town blacksmith. See if they have enough scrap metal we could use to make a temporary but sturdy gear." "On it!" Square Fun teleported out. Keen Craft reached into her vest and pulled out a large sheet of a thick fabric and layed it on the ground in front of the main collection of gears, then redirected her attention to Static Signal and Night Cap. "I don't have a container large enough but this weighted velvet should at least allow us to wrap that gear up and carry the cloth by the ends instead of touching it directly. Unless you have better ideas, Static and I should probably use some of these exposed bars to get some ramps and crowbars ready to pop the old gear out and slide the new one in smoothly. As for Night Cap..." She pulled a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste out of one of her vest pockets. "...you'll need to clean some of the rust off the central shaft so it'll be easier for us to slide that gear off."

Spoiler


Wanderlust - Symphony

The ponies at the table all smiled at Symphony and Wanderlust. One of the mares said, "Oh, you adorable little things! We'll have the chips and salsa appetizer, then four hay, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches. Three of those with cherry sodas while mine will have the tomato juice. Haven't decided on dessert but we'll be looking over the menus."

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The dealer only had the one initial face down card in addition to the one that was face up. Hazel Naught cautiously requested another card and then stopped with just that. Similarly, the newcomer requested just one more card. However, Dart Noveau requested two more cards, then grinned.

---

Spoiler


Static got to work. "Well, on the bright side, at least we're getting a reprieve from running into you know who. Though rifts in time and space are never a good thing. We kinda traded facing a personal rivalry with working to save the very fabric of the universe!"

...

"Lovely!"

---

All this talk of food made Scarlet make a mental note to get some of those chips and salsa later. It sounded good. Returning his mind to the game, Scarlet watched who chose what cards, or not. Again he considered whether or not an 18 was worth going bust over.

Really? Really, its an 18.
Its worth a try though, right.
18! You get ANYTHING more than 3 and you’re out.
Still...
Even Dad would say some risks aren’t worth it.
No he wouldn’t!
...
Well... ok, he would. But not about a game.
‘sigh’
At least you won last time.[/color]

With nowhere near the confidence of last time, Scarlet waved for one more card...

Spoiler


...and almost sighed with relief when he got a 1. He may not be getting 21 this round, but 19 wasn’t a bad hand.

---

Maple finished getting ready for the event, she hoped the rest of the stomp teams were doing okay, she also hoped that somehow this was going to aid the team... Maybe some of the coin goons would abandon their posts to come watch the matches? would that make things easier for the others? There was also the name of this mean mare to investigate... Maple wondered if she could ask the couple more about it after the show.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

After the time it took to get things prepared, Square Fun teleported in with another stallion and a large box. "I'm back with...whoa I don't feel so good..." "Are you okay?" "Something about...winking in and out of here...is making me dizzy. I think I'll be fine if I rest but...I'll let him talk." The stallion spoke up to say, "I'm the town blacksmith. A few days ago when the clock started up again, I snuck in here and took some measurements and started working on replacement parts. Was gonna fix the clock myself instead of waiting for it to stop again or town hall to make up their mind. It looked kinda rusted then but it sure didn't look like this. So, I got a gear. It's not my best, needs a bit more polishing, but I think it'll work." Indeed, the gear would fit but it would take some work. The guide rails made by Static Signal would help line the new gear up as it slid in but it wouldn't help shoulder the weight. Keen Craft waved the blacksmith over. "Okay, we'll be ready with the crowbar. Night Cap, you're the spotter. Your job is to jump in and assist whoever needs it the most. Just give me the signal, Static."

Spoiler

---

Spoiler

Static tries to slide the gear into the guide but his legs started to buckle. He gritted his teeth, steeling himself and trying to force his body to do this. He still looked like he wasn't going to make it. "Help!"

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

With heavy effort, the new gear slid in place just as the old one was popped out and landed on the weighted velvet with an impact that shook the room. There was something akin to a house settling but perhaps reality was breathing a sigh of relief. There was an equalization of sorts as the new gear became less pristine but most of the ones adjacent to it reversed the rapid rusting process encroaching them. "Great, I knew we could...ow!" Square Fun winced and stumbled a bit. Keen Craft rushed to his side and addressed Static Signal with, "I think we need to head to a hospital. I can carry him...but that means you and Night Cap will have to carry the gear on your own."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Square Fun winced in pain but said, "Urgh...Maybe you should find Zest. She could help lift the gear and she probably knows where the hospital is."

---

Misty makes her way towards the locker room. Passing through the doors with her suitcase, she takes a quick look around, wondering how the Masked Mystery Mare's presence might factor into her plans...

---