"Oh. Well okay then." Nova relaxed in her seat. She wasn't sure what Nightshade had done to make the pony go crazy, but the article stated that he hadn't been physically harmed.
"She roughed him up a bit," Cricket said. "Used her magic to heal him after. Guess his mind couldn't handle it."
"Mmmhm." Azrael let Asmo go and took a step towards Cricket. Asmo cradled his leg. "Agh! Worse than *squee!*ing... being on fire..." Dusty raised an eyebrow. "Cricket, if you're hiding anything... I'd really like him to calm down."
"Azrael," Cricket said calmly, "Open your ears... open your mind... open your heart... and listen." She began singing. It was a strange song, in a language nopony there understood, but its effect was immediate. A wave of calm swept over the bar, and a feeling of peace and happiness filled the air.
Azrael slowly closed his eyes and sat down. "Whoa..." Asmo looked around. "This feels purple." Dusty shook his head. "Mind games don't work on me."
"I never said that I wasn't. I'm just not going to tell you what it is. I'm sorry, but this is between Shady and Raven."
"And that critic. He seems to have been involved. But as long as she didn't murder him... I suppose I'll let it go." Dusty cast a strange ray of light at Azrael. "And you will, too, lest I say otherwise." Azrael silently nodded, easily manipulated by Dusty in this calm state.
"I primarily specialize in mental magic. Manipulation, reading, suggestion, et cetera. I'm also very good at countering anything that would alter my own mind against my will."
"Dammit!" She shrugged. Dusty obviously had a total control over his thoughts. Maybe he'd have a harder time controlling his emotions? A simple song of happiness should do the trick. She opened her mouth and started singing again.
Dusty raised an eyebrow. Azrael gave a light chuckle. "Cricket. I wish to buy you a drink." Asmo curled up and fell asleep.
