A nice day in Equestria... A nice day indeed... Spoiler: Light Showers Currently stationed in Dodge City as a volunteer medical assistant, his work was a fairly easy series of medical problems - and nothing too serious. Usually he was practicing symptom treatment for things like the common cold or abbraisions caused by ponies who weren't watching where they were going in the woods to the East. Now and then someone comes back from the hills to the South with strange stories about "attack rocks," but most of these stories are brushed off with a "too much hard cider" excuse. One time, a special case came in. Sure, she was just complaining about her stomach pains at first, but once he was alone to get a diagnosis, she handed him an envelope with the 8-pointed Star Insignea upon it. Agent Light Showers, I hope your practice is going well, and nothing too serious is going on in Dodge City. A sudden emergency situation has occurred over in the small town of Lundy. The Plum Family, long time friends of the order, have come under duress and have requested our aid. When you arrive there, Damson will explain the situation fully. On your way, please collect agent Scire at Ponyville Train Station, which will be on the way to Lundy. She cannot speak in the traditional sense, but I've given her a stone which will allow communication with our kind, at least. A total of three other agents will be assisting the two of you, each with your own set of unique skills. Once the Plum Family is out of their dangerous situation, you are all to return to the Sanctum for reward. ~Eight Star Attached to the letter is a black card with the insignea upon it, and two train tickets. "One Way Ticket from Dodge City to Ponyville" "One Way Ticket from Ponyville to Lundy" Spoiler: Scire Scire probably heard of the news the soonest. She was in the library, reading up on books about mental imagry when an agent came in to speak to Eight Star, who was quietly studying not far away. They spoke low, but it wasn't long before Eight Star slammed his hoof on the table and looked at the messenger. "WHAT?! Nobody endangers the Plums! Call in my messengers!" He immediately began to write letters, a new look of purpose upon his face. As if the fate of Equestria was at stake! As four different messenger mares came into the library, so the four letters were handed out, and the messengers were off. After re-composing himself, he cleared his throat and turned to Scire. "It is important that you do some field work for me at times, and this is one of those times." He dug a couple of bags out of his desk and levitated them over to her. "Five bags of 200 bits a piece, and one seeking stone. This seeking stone is special though. You will not only be able to find your way home when this task is done, but you'll also be able to use it to communicate with unicorns, like myself. I've also included a train ticket to Lundy, as that's where you'll be going. First, go to Ponyville and await the arrival of a unicorn colt with a red cross for a mark, and give him one of the bags of coin. In your bag with the ticket, you'll also find a black card with the order's insignea. Each agent is getting one, so when you and the unicorn colt make it to Lundy, there are three other agents you'll meet there. Have them show you their calling cards, and give them each one of the bags." He held his head as he thought, then rolled his eyes. "Right, your task is to help the Plum Family out of danger. You see, the Plums have been long time friends of mine, but something threatens to remove them and their orchards from Lundy. So once they're out of danger, you can all come back to the sanctum victorious. Don't return until they're safe." Spoiler: Power Surge Being an agent sure has its advantages for Power Surge, who got placed with a job at the first power plant near Manehatten! While nopony is sure how he got his job, or how he's kept his job so far, (what with licking all of the conductors,) they do know to generally keep out of his way. During his lunch break he was approached by a mare with a somewhat dire expression and a face full of piercings. About to react in probably the worst way, his reactions are stopped when she pulled out an envelope with the Order's insignea on it. Of course, this needed reading. Power Surge, An emergency has occurred, and I require your assistance immediately. In this envelope you'll find a calling card and a train ticket. My good friends, the Plums, are in dire danger of elimination, and so you are to travel from Manehatten by train to Lundy, their home town North of Los Pegasus. When you arrive in Lundy, find or wait for a unicorn colt who has a red cross for a cutie mark. Show him your calling card, and his partner should give you 200 bits for any supplies you may need, and for the return ticket. Your mission is to simply assist the Plum Family until they are no longer in dire need of assistance. Once you complete this task, you can all return to the sanctum in victory. Your contact for the Plum Family is Damson, who will fill you in on the situation and what needs to be done. ~Eight Star Attached to the letter is a black card with the insignea upon it, and a train ticket. "One Way Ticket from Manehatten to Lundy by Way of Canterlot and Ponyville" Spoiler: Perfect Melody Stationed in the city of Los Pegasus... or rather Under Los Pegasus, she was giving lessons to foals who wanted to learn how to play piano. It was a bit of a dexterity challenge, and she had a lot of excitement when trying to tell the pegasus foals not to use their wings on the keys, but all in all it paid enough to keep her well. When her next appointment arrived, she was surprised. A blue pegasus that she had seen before. She didn't really even need to do much recognition before she remembered her from Gallopmere... and then the letter was passed out in a cheerful manner. Finally, a break from whiny foals. The rest of the day's appointments were canceled. Perfect Melody, Hello, I hope your time below Los Pegasus is going well. Unfortunately, an emergency situation has come up and I need all of the agents I can get to assist. The Plums, long time friends of the Order, have become threatened to the point where they may lose their orchards and very family presence in Lundy, which isn't too far North of your position. I even included a train ticket there, so that you can get a quick passage there when you're done with whatever you need to do. I also included a calling card. When you get there, seek out or wait for a train to arrive from Ponyville with a unicorn who has a red cross mark on his flank. Show him the calling card, and the mare paired up with him should give you the usual supply of 200 bits. As a group, you will all seek out Damson Plum, and gain information on what exactly needs to be done. Once you have ensured the Plum's continued existance and life without problem, you may either return to Los Pegasus, or to the sanctum first. The afore mentioned mare has a seeker stone to bring you all back to me in victory. ~Eight Star Attached to the letter is a calling card with the insignea of the order, and a train ticket. "One Way Ticket from Los Pegasus Station to Lundy" Spoiler: Robin Hoof Deep in the Galloping Gorge of the North, Robin Hoof trains his small group of six merry colts, a group Eight Star assisted in putting together. The use of staves as weapons comes with mixed responses, but they're all learning trap-setting and avoidance pretty well! The small wooden palisade that's been built has been the perfect hide-away for practice in seclusion, away from the prying eyes outside. However, it's not secret from a certain grey pegasus mare who comes knocking. She immediately presented the merry colt who answered with the letter, who then brought it to Robin Hoof. It had the insignea of the Order upon it, and Robin Hoof's cutie mark design beside it. Robin Hoof, I trust the training is going well? I have two more merry colts on their way up there right now, in fact. However, you will not be there to greet them. You will need to appoint someone to hold down the fort, because a task of great importance has come up! The Plum Family, long time friends of the Order, are in danger of being run out of Lundy, and having their very livlihoods destroyed! As this is an Order-based task, you should not bring any of your merry colts, but should you choose to bring one or two, it is up to you. Lundy is a small town north of Los Pegasus, which means you'll need to so South from Galloping Gorge, cross the tracks between Vanhoover and Canterlot, continue South through the Unicorn Range into the Smokey Mountain. Cross over the tracks leading to Tall Tale and keep going south through North White Tail Woods. When you reach the third set of tracks, follow them West. This will lead you to Lundy. I suggest you set out as soon as possible. Normally a three day's trek, I would like you to cut it down as much as you can. Now, I've included a calling card with this letter, which you will present to a unicorn with a red cross as his mark. At that point, the mare he has been paired with should give you a 200 bits dues for supplies. In total, there will be five agents there, and as a group you are to assist Damson Plum in taking care of the situation endangering their family. Only leave once there is no more threat to their family, and you may take a train back to Ponyville to visit the Sanctum in the Everfree Forest before catching a train to Vanhoover and going back up to Galloping Gorge. Attached to the letter is a black card with the Order's Insignea on it.
Perfect Melody read the letter once. Then again. She smiled as she continued reading it and looking at the ticket and the calling card. Finally, she would not have to listen to children whining and moaning and complaining. She took the letter and its contents and went to find the train station.
"Finally, something interesting." Light Showers muttered. He got his way out and left for the station, wondering who this 'Scire' is.
After reading the letter he folded it and put it in his saddlebag. He grabbed his bow and quiver of Arrows also grabbing some rope cutting it and tying it to about 5 arrows. " These grappling arrows should cut my journey by at least a day and a half plus with those poor merchants I saved from the Sheriffs men they can Give me a lift hiding me in their kart". Robin thought for a second before galloping out. Telling one of his men Little Sun that he was in charge when he left. After arriving at the farm the pegasi merchant and his son were about to leave via the airways so Robin explained his predicament re-wording it by leaving out all things relating to the order. They agreed so Robin jump into the kart and let the farmers do the work on their way to Canterlot.
Scire took the seeking stone from Eight Star and made sure not to touch him, a habit she performed unconsciously. Eager to use some form of direct communication for the first time in her life, she turned to Eight Star. ...Hello? Eight Star?
Power Surge scrutinized the paper for a moment before looking back up at the messenger. Wonder what ate holes through her face? he thought. Pulling the insignia and ticket out, he put the two items back in a spot where they would be safe and took another look back at the pony in front of him. Truly dreadful, he thought, scrunching his nose. Trying to remember which way the trains were, he nodded towards her to show her that he understood and trotted off in the direction he thought most likely to be the trains.
Spoiler: Perfect Melody The train station wasn't all too hard to find. After all, she's taken it before. Marshmallow Cream exited just before Melody and put up a sign "Closed Until Further Notice" with a cheesy smile before taking off into the air. Pegasai and their... flying. Ah well, that messenger mare was always a bit of a creampuff. Spoiler: Light Showers The station wasn't too far away, but he had to wait for another hour or so until the train was ready to go. Ponyville was a bit of a ride, so bringing his books or having a nap on the way was certainly a welcome thing. Spoiler: Robin Hoof Of course along the way, the farmer's foal colt was more than happy to listen to Robin Hoof's tales of adventure and glory, and about the time he single-handedly put shame to the Sherrif of Trottingham. It was also the perfect opportunity to embelish the story (just a tad,) for the excitement of the youngster. Canterlot, however, was still a far cry from Lundy, but from here it would be easier to take the train. Of course, he was just short of a full trip to Lundy with the bits he had on him. The trip would normally cost 26 bits, but he only brought 20 with him, it seemed. Oh how it would've been nice to have that 200 bits already, but that wouldn't be until he arrived. So the choices seemed clear... a train to Ponyville for 10 bits, and then hoof it from there, or to attempt to use his rogue-like skills and beguile to stow away. Spoiler: Scire Scire could feel the gem react with her mind, and a series of whispers are heard in her mind, coming from all around. To her, the scarlet unicorn glowed a gentle magenta when she thought into the stone. Eight Star grinned widely, as Scire got it on her first try. "Indeed, it works! I'm happy to say that I'm proud of your quick learning ways... that and I think the stone likes you." He winked slyly. "Now, off to Ponyville with you. The other agents will be needing the bits that I've so entrusted you with." Spoiler: Power Surge The mare narrowed her eyes as she saw his facial reactions to her choice of piercings. Nose, lips, ears, brows, like some kind of gothic metal-head. He successfully remembered where the train station was. He had only really been there once, and it was to come into town, but he did remember seeing it on really clear days from his 5th floor apartment. Clear days didn't happen as often in Manehatten, since the weather team had more polution to kick through, but it was still nice at times. The train ride would probably be dreadfully long, so bringing something to entertain himself was probably a good idea.
Light opened up his pack slightly to check he had all his equipment, "Syringes, check. Painkillers, check. Disinfectant, check. First aid, check. Healing magic books, check. Journal, check." He listed off. After he was done, he took out the magic books and his journal to read to past the time.
Scire gave a little hop of excitement, her smile so big it almost took up her whole face. Thank you so much, Eight Star! I will not fail you! With that, she picked up her saddlebags full of bits for both her and the other agents, rushed out of the library (still being sure to avoid brushing up against anypony), and off to Ponyville.
"thanks for the trip and keep your kid safe, he's a nice lad". He smiled galloping to the train station of Canterlot as he noticed a fountain with loads of bit in it outside the entrance he approached it looking around for guards which he didn't see. Robin then put his hood up and reached in to grab the six bits he needed.
Perfect Melody went to the Train Station and looked around. It was just like the rest of Las Pegasus... Not her kind of place. She continued looking around, waiting for her train to arrive, seeing as the time for her appointed train was to be soon. She took a seat on a bench and waited for the train.
Power Surge wandered about the small station, examining uninteresting things such as the little lights and blue benches. The station's clock told him it was currently 1:02. He came to a compromise with himself. and sat on the bench he had been so intently watching, staring at the tracks and waited for the train to come, a great grin plastered on his face. He bounced slightly on his seat, excited to have gotten a real job again; he was beginning to think the order had forgotten about him. Tracing his eyes around the track, he sat as still as possible (which is not very still at all) and waited. The hours passed slowly, but he was positive he would keep his patience until then. Another hour passed. Power finally broke and looked up at the clock. 1:04 Power groaned and splayed himself across the bench. Nothing to do but wait some more, then.
Spoiler: Light Showers As promised, the trip was smooth and easy. The mid-trip snack was some hay and almonds, nothing fancy. Though, she could swear that the service mare kept giving him the eye. Oh well, it could just be an eye condition. Upon arriving at the Ponyville train station, Light Showers was able to exit the train and get a good look around. Ponyville was so much more... green... than his more recent placement. Why, a pleasent change from Dodge City, really. A short look around and Light Showers could spot a number of ponies waiting, and greeting ones getting off the train. The ticket booth was making exchanges, and the train to Lundy hadn't yet arrived. However, he did notice a lone earth pony mare who seemed to be looking around, and carrying saddlebags that appeared a little saggy with weight. Spoiler: Scire It was just a trot, walk, and hop over to Ponyville from the Everfree Forest, and the town was just the same as always. Friendly faces and busyponies abound. The train station was just on the other side of the city, and after arriving she could see the times. Well, no trains were to arrive for a while, so she had to wait. A while, at least... until a train came up from Dodge. The first train to arrive in some time! A quick scan didn't give her any clues at first, but with so many ponies getting off of the train, and so many waiting around, it wasn't easy to spot anypony specific. Eight Star said a Red Cross, right? Where could that stallion be? Spoiler: Robin Hoof The town guards were being particularly watchful today. There were a few minutes where Robin had one guard staring right at him. Maybe it was the cloak and bow that made him look suspicious? A small window of opportunity presented itself when the guard was pulled away by another pony, and Robin was able to scoop out the bits needed. A little wet, but after a quick dab-off, he was able to make it onto the train from Canterlot to Ponyville, and then to Lundy. Spoiler: Perfect Melody The train arrived shortly after, and it had full accomodations. Why, surprises were had when Perfect Melody was then upgraded to first class, where she got her pick at the on-ride buffet! The trip was only going to be a couple hours... but she could definitely eat her fill long before it got there. Spoiler: Power Surge All that waiting eventually paid off. HOURS went by, and finally, at 1:35, the train he had been waiting for arrived! Cramped! The train was packed up with other ponies headed out to Canterlot, and here or there. Power Surge almost didn't have a good spot for his power rod! The ride to Canterlot seemed to take days! Finally, at about 6:05, the train arrived at its destination and most of the ponies got off. He noted that one of the ponies getting on was a funny looking stallion wearing a cloak and equipped with a bow and arrows. Maybe he was going to some kinda party?
Robin was walking down the train until picking a seat opposite A blue earth pony who certainly had... An electric personality. Though to robin he didn't really seem the agent type but he left the calling card hidden and if he saw and recognised it and produced his own it would come as a shock.
Light Showers noticed how nopony seemed to be approaching the earth pony, and how she seemed to be looking for somepony, That must be her, he thought and approached the mare. "Hello there." he said calmly, he knew that if it was her that was the one he was looking for, she would respond properly, if not, that simple greeting will just seem like small talk.
Power sat in his now marked seat. Nopony seemed to want to sit next to him, but then again he was sitting in the only seat that had teeth-marks and bits of clothing stuck to it. Completely bored out of his mind, Power took to twirling his rod above him as entertainment. It lasted about four seconds before falling out of his hoof and hitting him in the forehead. Grumbling, Power reached down on the floor to pick it back up when he saw a pony dressed in odd clothing get on the train and sit directly opposite him. Who even wears clothes nowadays? He thought. Power's nose scrunched into his face as he examined the pony's clothing. "What are you, some kinda roleplayer?" He asked, "Or are you just another one of those fruitloops who runs around all day spouting junk about how we should be saving the forests?"
Scire was looking around when the stallion she was looking for walked over to her. Well, that was easy. "Hello there," he said. Well, he had a Red Cross on his flank, so he must be the one. Eager to use her new form of communication, she thought at him: Hello. I am Scire. Are you Light Showers?
Light took a step back in surprise from being spoken to in his head, unsure of how to respond he said out loud, "Yes I am, good to meet you Scire. I am going to go ahead and guess you're the one I'm supposed to meet. Well, we have some time to kill before the Lundy train arrives, so..."
An idea started to form in Scire's mind, a fun idea. Ponies always assumed that because she couldn't talk she was either mentally hanicapped, or very wise. She really didn't think she was either, but it would be fun to pretend to be all mystical around this new pony. She smiled, partially at the joy of direct communication (she would never get tired of this stone, she hoped Eight Star let her keep it) and partially out of amusement at this idea. She looked at him. Time to kill? She ignored all the ways she could possibly use what he had just said to embarrass him and nodded. Then she remembered: She was supposed to be delivering the items from Eight Star! Silly her. She dug through her saddlebags and emerged with her black calling card held in her mouth, and held it, staring at him and waiting for him to do the same. No matter how much he matched the description, she couldn't give him his bits without proper identification, right?
Robin responded to powers statement with a serious and mysterious tone "I am neither, just on my way to visit the plums in lundy. Perhaps you're familiar with them... And this". Shows the orders calling card.
