Post by Virga on Nov 30, 2012 19:50:14 GMT -5
This is a two part scenario. The other will be posted soon.
Cast: Nitro Nine, Bardigan, Virga.
Place: Ponyville, Everfree Forest.
Time: Afternoon.
-----
NITRO
Nitro_Nine stands on a street corner. Her ringer, a small colt called Pipsqueak, had gathered up several ponies from around the town. "Awright folks. Whut I'm bout to do is extremely dangerous. Any of you unicorns? Don't even think about it. Fire is dangerous, wild, an' loik me, kin burn ya if you don't 'andle her right." she says, her accent thick, street Manehattan. She's ditched her dress, storing nearby. She takes a set of chains and black balls. The light has dimmed enough that when she sets them alight, it's quite visible. And on the street corner begins a dizzying display of firebreath, fire dancing, and exceedingly risky fire-related stunts. For the pre-break finale, she even stands on one hoof, stretching out her body. And shoves a flaming sword down her throat, drawing screams of terror from some of the younger ones.
VIRGA
spoof Ho, Hum, towards the fields ponies trot! Virga appropriately left a letter for Miss Red, and one for Nettleglum before he embarked on a magic-driven cart tightly stocked with supplies enough for an expedition. He sat on the front seat, this cart guided by an auto-map magic courtesy of the Royal Carriage ponies. It'd get him where he needed to go, and where he needed to go was not for all ponies for the excessive danger was the sort he'd not risk but the willing. The dark pegasus, also, donned his armor for this. Roll, clump, bump. He paused at the fountain before he noticed the fire show being put on by a unicorn not too far down the street. How interesting! "Oh, yes, I would like one apple fritter good pony," he said to a young colt from the Apple Farm."I do enjoy a good fritter…take a tip, why don't you?" And thus the young colt went back to his vending stand happy!
NITRO
Nitro_Nine takes a break and heads over to get a treat while the young crowd disperses to find their friends. She counts the bits in the hat she put out at the beginning of the show. "Just enough. 'Ey Mac! One'a'dem apple pies! Gonna need mah suppah to finish off the show!"
VIRGA
Virga delicately ate his fritter as he watched the goings on, eyeing no one in particular. He was, after all, just passing through on his way elsewhere. Now that the crowd dispersed, he'd be able to continue on his way, though he kept a watchful eye from behind those goggles as he read his map. Peddiga, his servant, sat next to him and he shared the fritter with her. "What do you think?" he asked her. "Much tastier than the fritters in Manehattan!" He chuckled softly.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine glances over at Virga and smirks. "Ain't NUTIN' tastier than Ol' Pony Moe's fritters," she says, rolling her eyes. "E'en so, dese Apples make some good eats." The pony digs into the pie one slice at a time.
VIRGA
Virga's ears raised a bit. Perhaps not. He lightly nudged Peddiga and she tapped the magicked guide with her wing. "Best not stall," he said in a hushed tone. And thus his cart began rolling from the central square, and along Maple Street. "What was that about, Virga?" Peddiga asked. "Who's Pony Moe?" The guard shook his head. "Never heard of him. We should keep moving before ponies wonder what business I'm involved with. You know how it goes. They see a guard and that's it."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine chuckles and goes back to her corner. She begins her show again, putting on amazing feats. Move the <SQUEE> on over Trixie! You might have a variety of small, showy talents, but Nitro is literally on fire! She takes a deep swig of moonshine, levitates a torch nearby, and breathes out a big GOOSH of fire that toasts the marshmallows her 'ringer' is holding up.
VIRGA
Bump. Once more the cart came to a stop when Peddiga turned to see the magical unicorn and her fiery talents. "Hmm, what is it?" Virga said. "Oh…naturally you're curious because of not being in Ponyville for a while. Very well. Watch her while I tend to some affairs." Peddiga smiled and briefly nudged Virga as she sat on the cart, watching Nitro. Virga, meanwhile, wrote a quick letter. To Firefly. Once he was finished, he held it to one of the staffs in his cart and WHOOSH, it went flying away just like letters did in Spike's breath.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine grins as the crowd grows. Now THIS is the life! She can express her fiery talents without getting in trouble... or burning things down. Even though it really only takes the edge off, she feels the compulsion going further away the more spectacular the stunts become. "Alright ponies. Watch the skies. This next one I call the Icarus." she says. Then in a pop of fire, she's high in the skies above Ponyville. A fiery comet descends towards the ground, the hurtling mare whooping in delight.
VIRGA
The searing heat from Nitro's stunt was enough to distract Virga from a few notes he took regarding his own predicament. By the night, they'd have arrived yet there was also another pony they needed for this journey, one whose talents would be sufficient for documenting this case. "Mmm....now that is something," he muttered to Peddiga.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine has her eyes closed and her hooves pressed together. She's getting AWFULLY close to the ground. Why isn't she...? FWOOSH! Her eyes open and so does her mouth, and she spews out a torrent of (apparently) white hot flames that slow her descent until she touches down lightly, wiping bits of 'fire' from her face. The small crowd explodes with stomps of approval, and the bits flow like water into her cap.
VIRGA
"Hmmm…" Virga closed his eyes and thought about this unicorn. She might be useful, but her personality…he had to know how she acted when not in such a casual atmosphere. "Request, Peddiga." The silver pegasus jumped down from the cart and trotted to the crowd. Virga stayed behind, letting Peddiga handle it. Hopefully the crowd would disperse soon.
NITRO
Indeed, the crowd does disperse soon when it becomes apparent that the show is over. The mare sits in the shadows of a nearby restaurant, counting out the bits she's collected into neat little piles.
VIRGA
Peddiga decided that since no other ponies were approaching the unicorn to approach herself. "Excuse me, miss..." she said, tucking her wings tight. "What is your title?"
NITRO
Nitro_Nine hears the word 'title' and immediately scrambles to her feet. With a flourish, she magics her dress back on, and straightened it. "I am Lady Nitro Nine," she says, all traces of her street argot gone in a flash as a haughty Canterlot noble emerges. "What may we do for thee?" she asks, slipping back into her learned speech patterns.
VIRGA
Peddiga smiled happily at Nitro. Perhaps she wasn't the country bumpkin she first appeared to be. "Oh, you don't need to dress proper, Lady Nine," Peddiga said. "Though I am here at official behest of noble business. Would it be correct to say you are very fluent in your magical control, based on what you've shown here today?"
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smirks. "We can create a needle of fire so fine and sharp as to sew a wound shut while cauterizing it. We are VERY proficient with our magic and precision is a wonderful thing."
VIRGA
Peddiga tilted her head. This one knew how to talk, and she detected no falsehoods in this pony who called herself 'Lady.' Only a true Canterlot pony would dare say that title with such fortitude and claim. And her description of fire magics was not inaccurate, but highly precise. "The aforementioned noble business is being conducted by Captain de Glaciel of the elite Sun Guard in direct service to Princess Celestia. Your skill is being requested for a pursuit that will likely require expertise in fire. Exact details as to this quest will be made known if you choose to accept."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and rubs her hooves together, creating little sparks as she stretches. "We shall accompany you and lend out expertise. We are... Not bored, but there seems to be not much excitement around Ponyville."
VIRGA
"Splendid!" Peddiga said. "Come this way, then. I am Peddiga, orderly to the Captain. We're waiting the arrival of one more pony, a scribe sort for this journey." She turned and pranced back to the large cart on which Virga sat. The icy pegasus had busied himself with another map, fully entrusting Peddiga to handle the taking on of the Flaming one.
BARD
Bardigan is hurrying down the street, one saddlebag full of writing supplies and jingling as he goes. His mane is combed and shinier than usual, his tail bounces with every step, and even his hat looks extra clean and the feather extra puffy today. He's even got a fancy little vest on that makes him look quite dapper if he does say so himself. He got a letter from a Captain of the Sun Guard promising some kind of opportunity, and as far as he's concerned this must be some kind of job interview. A captain of the Guard must be presented with his best, and here he is, looking around for that cart the letter mentioned. Ah, there it is!
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles as she walks this way. "Alright. So what are we doing, how dangerous is it, and what do you want me to obliterate?" she asks in a business like manner.
VIRGA
"The Captain will answer your questions soon." Peddiga jumped onto the cart and took her place with the magicked guides. Virga gave her the map and peered down at Nitro as she approached the cart. "Hello, Miss Pony Moe," he said, staring through his tinted goggled. "Climb on board." The pegasus shifted himself and spotted the famous Bardigan trotting the street. Ah, there he was! "Mr. Bardigan!" he called. "Glad you could make it."
BARD
"Er, obliterate?" Bardigan asks, catching up to Nitro, talking to the same pony it seems he was supposed to meet. Why is a captain and 'obliterate' being used in relation to each other? He looks back and forth a little nervously. "Yes, I... got a letter?"
VIRGA
spoof "That you did, Mr. Bardigan," Virga said. "Climb aboard and we'll be off." And so disappeared the last of his portion of the apple fritter. "We won't be obliterating anything, hopefully, Lady Nine. I've requested your services out of precaution that we may need them. I am a pony of ice, you see. Fire is not exactly my forte."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine spins around at the sound of Bardigan's voice. "Oh GOODNESS! We...I didn't expect to see you here! How ARE you my fine stallion?" she asks, batting her eyelashes at Bardigan. She climbs onboard, humming to herself and making sure her mane is straight.
BARD
"What." Bardigan looks at the cart, then down at himself. He's not exactly dressed to *go* anywhere. "Ahem, yes, pardon me..." He begins to walk alongside the cart instead of hopping right on. "But, what exactly are we *doing* here, sir?" He turns to Nitro and removes his hat from his head. "Miss Nitro. Pleasure to see you again."
VIRGA
"Well, now," he said as the cart began rolling again at an easy pace. "Since you two know each other, that renders no need for introductions. We are heading into Everfree Forest, deep into the forest for something quite important."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and nods. "Indeed," she says, offering Bardigan her hoof and hardly paying attention. "So what brings YOU here?" she asks the Bard.
BARD
"Him..." Bardigan says with a nod to Virga, rather distracted at the moment as he shakes Nitro's hoof. He flutters alongside the cart, looking still more nervous. "Everfree Forest?" he wonders aloud, dropping behind the group a little bit. He... doesn't have good memories of Everfree Forest adventures. "Wha, um... far be it from me to question the integrity of a member of the Guard, but, ah... *why* are we going into the Forest, alone, and... why am *I* here?" Dressed like a loon if the Forest is their destination.
VIRGA
"Well, now, once we're clear of Ponyville I will explain why we are heading there," Virga said. "Don't worry, Mr. Bardigan. Princess Celestia didn't make me her personal guard on a 'just because' case as the Canterlot Press would have you believe." The cart rolled on, and Peddiga watched the scribes pony carefully. "We do have a change of clothes in the cart, Mr. Bardigan."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and settles down for the trip. She gets a small whistle out from around her neck and blows hard on it, not making a sound. "Sorry, just calling my pet.' she says softly.
BARD
Bardigan still looks ill at ease, but without another word he flutters down to sit next to Nitro, the only pony he 'knows' here (given they met only a couple of times before), and settles in, clutching his bag full of writing supplies. "Diamond's going to kill me if I come home late," he mutters.
VIRGA
Virga said no more until the cart had cleared Ponyville. One fault he did hold against them was the fact Ponyville natives tended to be ungodly curious about things, especially those that they overheard. Peddiga had settled down, and Virga kept his eyes on the forward path, goggles up since he was not in direct sunlight. "Mr. Bardgian, I have offered you this position due to a need for it to be chronicled, success or failure. There are no threats where we're heading, but dangerous magic will be involved. Either way, this experience will prove valuable to your career, no doubt. And you too, Lady Nine."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine holds her head high. "HMPH! I do not HAVE a career. We were...denied entry to the guard some years ago due to our... Sometimes volatile nature and our standing with the nobility. The Nines family is rather highly placed, and I did not wish to BUY my way in like some parasite."
BARD
Bardigan is sitting close to Nitro, having no wish to be taken by surprise while he's off on his own. He's got his eyes on the Forest ahead. "Chronicler, eh?" he says in a quiet, low voice. "Well, that's something I'm certainly quite good at." He begins to unfasten his vest and relieves himself of most of his other belongings, leaving them in the cart. "I like to write about adventures, but I've only been on one or two myself... they aren't the most *comfortable* of hobbies."
VIRGA
"Never said a thing about buying your way into the guard," Virga said. "Your show has me thinking you've potential in the entertainment field." The dark pegasus lightly smiled. Yes. He had no intention of making Nitro feel like a parasite. Peddiga busied herself with the maps. "The two of you will be well paid. This is not official Palace business, but rather a personal endeavor to remedy a problem," Virga explained. "You see...I am slowly dying."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises a hoof, then lowers it. "Alright. You have my attention." she says.
BARD
Bardigan goes silent and still for a time. Wordlessly, he pulls out a small journal and dips it into a portable ink bottle, enchanted with a Never Say Spill spell, and begins to write. "Go on," he says quietly.
VIRGA
"I may not survive this," Virga continued. "Mr. Bardigan, you'll do me a great justice by recording what happens on this quest, and given the outcome it should serve as a lesson to any pony who reads it." He took a breath as they continued deeper into the woods. "I am a pony of very peasant birth, displaced by time magic. My displacement is 1,000 years," he said. "When I was born, Equestria knew naught of Nightmare Moon, and King Sombra had not yet taken over the Crystal Empire. The later two, this journey has to do with."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises an eyebrow. "Do go on. I could tell you were different simply by..." she trails off and touches Virga, wincing. "That." she says, withdrawing her hoof. "Anyways. Please. Tell us more."
BARD
Bardigan is writing, though he does sneak a glance at Nitro, wondering if she really believes all this. Seems she does... and, well, he's heard more fantastical things in his time. He's stood next to legends and even befriended a couple. He shifts in his seat, scribbling away.
VIRGA
"The Canterlot Press was very keen on the 'why' behind my appointment to Princess Celestia's personal guard," Virga continued. When Nitro touched him, he didn't flinch. She did all the flinching for both of them. "At the time of the Summer Sun Celebration, the Crystal Empire was still a large unknown piece of history that many never heard about. Its revelation, recently, was quite impacting. I appeared just about the time Princess Luna returned."
NITRO
(Turn Skip)
BARD
Bardigan nods once, allowing Virga to continue uninterrupted.
VIRGA
"Princess Celestia realized early on that I was from a part of forgotten past," he continued, shuffling his feathers. "Long ago, in the Empire, I flew as part of an ancient Wonderbolt team--Wonderbolt, I note, was a blanket term back then for any team of pegasi that flew to defend villages and royal matters. The notion of being racers like today was completely unheard. Specifically, I was Captain of the Crystalbolts. All was well until King Sombra came. We became fugitives because we could not be controlled."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine nods, taking copious mental notes.
BARD
Bardigan is enjoying this... so much ancient history! It's one of his favorite subjects. He is scribbling at a rate far too fast for Virga to even be talking. Is he embellishing? Maybe!
VIRGA
"Many unicorn swore allegiance to Sombra, but not voluntarily," he said. "One such unicorn was my wife, Aquelene. Sombra had it out, especially for me among the Pegasi. We dueled once, his magic versus my Pegasi magic. I lost, but the power I displayed as a Marked pegasus ignited a great fear in him of ponies--pegasi in particular--who bore marks. The phenomena, Mr. Bardigan and Lady Nine, of Cutie Marks in my province was not common. Aquelene triple agented between Sombra, the rebels, and myself. We lost our son in the conflict."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine nods slowly. She's familiar with some stories of that time, being an avid student.
BARD
Bardigan decides it's simply best to remain silent until the tale is done.
VIRGA
"Sooner or later, as it was bound to happen, I was captured and brought for execution," Virga said, at last getting to the point. "She used a sacrificial spell that displaced me through time. Her death gave me a new life in Equestria, and I landed on Princess Celestia's balcony. Her spell is why I'm venturing. Since the restoration of the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Heart, a few…errors in that spell have led to a curse…I slowly crystalize to death. You can see it in my eyes."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine whistles softly. "Wow..."
BARD
Bardigan is *still* writing. "And you think the cure is somewhere in the forest?" he wonders.
VIRGA
"Correct," Virga said as the cart rolled into the barely used roads of the forest. "It is a last ditch effort to stall and reverse the curse. Recently, Pinkie Pie stumbled upon the Mirror Pool. The tools I've brought may allow me to use it to fix this curse."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises an eyebrow. "The Mirror Pool," she says. "Pardon me for saying this, but have you lost your mind? Do you know how dangerous that cursed spring can be?"
BARD
Bardigan almost drops his quill at that charming tidbit. He looks up and around at the now much more foreboding forest. "You're going to use the Mirror Pool... the one that nearly caused a crisis and Twilight Sparkle herself sealed up to prevent other ponies from using."
VIRGA
"Pinkie was irresponsible with the Mirror Pool," he said. "Given there's no cure to this ailment I have, it is the only option I've left. My mentor taught me well enough that should disaster occur, it won't spread like Pinkie's."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine frowns. "Once again. ARE YOU MAD? How could duplicating yourself possibly help?"
BARD
Bardigan shifts uncomfortably and puts his quill down, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He knows that he enjoys learning good stories, but being part of this one... "This isn't wise," he says outright. "I consider myself a pony of honor, sir Virga, and while I sympathize with your condition, I can't condone this. It's a strange magic in that pool. I've read enough stories to know magic like that doesn't care if you're responsible with it. It'll act on its own. And you're at the hooves of Celestia herself... couldn't she do something?"
VIRGA
"It may not be wise," Virga said as he kept his eyes on the road ahead. "And it is true that sort of magic has no concern. I do not trouble Celestia with this as she admitted herself that she is not exactly sure what has happened to me. If I injure myself or perish, neither of you will be held accountable. I only venture in this because I know precisely what I'm doing. I was raised by an alicorn who specialized in odd, sometimes questionable magics."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine snorts. "Well, I would request one thing from this, if we do succeed. I wish to join the guard. I will admit...I have a curse as well. You notice that I continually conjure fire and do fire related things? I have to. I don't remember how it happened, but soon after I got my Cutie Mark, I started to burn up from the inside. Setting things on fire helps with that, the bigger the better. You will need to arrest me once this is over. As I was the one who torched the Writing Supply store and the Library. Nopony got hurt, that I promise you. But…there is little I can do at this point. I don't know if I could stop even if the curse were lifted," she says, suddenly sagging as if a great weight has been lifted off of her shoulders.
BARD
Bardigan looks between both ponies, seeming uncomfortable and yet unwilling to leave. He slowly starts to write again, wondering what good will come of all this. "Well... can't begrduge a pony their chance at salvation," he murmurs quietly, uncertain what else to say. Cursed by the Crystal Heart and your own cutie mark... things supposed to guide and give hope. What a world we live in. "You have my word I'll see this through... I don't like any pony dying forgotten."
VIRGA
"Quite an interesting aspect, Lady Nine," Virga said. He slowly turned his head to gaze at her. "What you do here will determine many things. I never went through the normal Guard, and I find the Royal Guard itself a little too strict on standards. There are several ponies I know who might be able to aid you concerning fire. In regards to the Writing Supply and Library, if it was not intentional and related to your affliction, I will ensure appropriate measures are taken to make you not into a fugitive." As for Bard, he looked at him as well. "Further more, Mr. Bardigan, the reason why the spell Aquelene used backfired is because it was meant for ponies."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine sighs and curls up a bit. "It's not just THINGS I can set fire to. You remember that night some time ago when we first met? When you suddenly got a burst of inspiration? I can set fire to ponies too, forcing them to become creative and inspired. I tried to develop it as an alternative to burning things. But at least MY condition can be managed," she says, reaching out to pat Virga gently. "I'll see it through as well. There but for the grace of God and all." She winces. "Actually, it was FULLY intentional. I'll be frank. At this point, I like setting fires and watching things burn. I've been doing some trash work, burning things that ponies throw out, but it's not the same," she mumbles softly. "It's an addiction now too. I try not to hurt ponies. I'll be fine. I'm starting to get it under control."
BARD
That was *you?*" Bardigan wonders, giving Nitro a sharp glance. At first he seems offended, but then he thinks about it a moment, and: "Well, it helped me get some good material out, so thank you for that," he mutters quietly. When the part about addiction comes up, he reaches out and lays a hoof on her shoulder. "It's the trying that counts," he tells her in a voice just above a whisper.
VIRGA
Virga's ears briefly fluttered. "Who is this God fellow?" he said. "Never heard of him. Is he a sage of some sort?" Quite a peculiar name, yes. "Well, we'll see what can be done, Lady Nine." The cart rolled on, deeper into Everfree. "It'll be a couple of hours before we arrive. The road ahead is not that great."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles. "I could use my magic and hack a way through the worst of it." she offers, unwinding a bit from her self-inflicted misery.
BARD
"As long as you control whatever fire you cause," Bardigan points out. "We don't want an ecological disaster on our hooves."
VIRGA
"As much as that would hasten things, I'd hate to draw attention to what we're doing out there," he said. "It is not exactly illegal, but if the others heard what I intended to do, they'd no doubt stop it. I've already got one doctor unfairly giving me an ultimatum to speak with Princess Celestia in 4 days…he doesn't know what he's getting involved with, and what he's pushed me to."
NITRO
"I'm not really sure myself," Bardigan adds under his breath.
BARD
"We won't." Bardigan puts a gentle wing on Nitro's shoulder. "We'll get there eventually, no need for any undue stress. In fact, it's probably best if we try to keep quiet... no telling what's in these deeper woods here."
VIRGA
"Manticores, river serpents," Virga said. "Mt. Everfree, where I live outside the Palace." The cart jostled a brief moment as the road became mud and rock. Peddiga brought the cart to a stop and Virga hopped down for a look. "Peddiga, affix the treads, cleated on the wheels." The dark pegasus looked down at the road, then off, a fairly long stretch of ground too soft for safe passage. "Hold on that...this isn't too bad. You three, give me just a moment."
NITRO
(Turn Skip)
BARD
Bardigan remains with Nitro, given she's the living flamethrower here.
VIRGA
Virga sniffed the ground and spent a few brief moments poking at it with his hooves. The pegasus lifted his wings and stood before the cart with his back to Nitro and Bard. A single heft of his span seeped icy mist, and the feathers blazoned an eerie, luminescent blue. This wasn't average Pegasi magic; it was something more, something unique to Virga. He took in a breath and whispered an all-encompassing whisper. "Shirrh!" One down struck of his wings ripped the muck from its confines and rained the messed into the trees ahead. Permafrost unnaturally raced down the old road, fogging the path as ice fogged from drinks on summer days. Virga folded his wings and climbed back into his seat. The cart rolled forward amidst the sound of crunching ground. "There we are."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine leans against Bardigan, getting quite cozy. "It's for warmth, don't get the wrong idea," she says as the cart rolls onwards. "Perhaps fire can't solve everything." she admits.
BARD
"Are you cold?" Bardigan wonders, finding that hard to believe for a pony that is always lighting things on fire. Still, to be a gentlepony... "Here." He picks up his discarded vest and throws it around Nitro's shoulders. It's not much, but it's better than his body alone. He glances back up at Virga, eyes widening at the little trick. "I wonder if you'll learn *that* in the guard," he mutters to Nitro. "Fire is important, but like all things, it is not *everything.*"
VIRGA
Virga softly chuckled. "Across the frozen tundra lies my homeland in the north, a dangerous place to have a face, where you can wield magical wards," he said. "To be specific, I'm rather amazed neither of you caught on when I said Aquelene's spell was meant for ponies. I am, at heart, a Storm Pegasus--you won't find them native to Equestria. But I'm also something else."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles as she snuggles up to Bardigan. "Yours too," she says, patting Bardy's shoulder. "Oh? Are you a Yuki-no-onna too?" She chuckles softly to herself. "We're not ALL just ponies are we!"
BARD
"I'm just a pony," Bardigan tentatively volunteers. "I'm just a normal, normal pony... who would prefer to spend as little time in this forest as possible."
VIRGA
Virga blinked. Yuki-what? This was like that God fellow she mentioned earlier. Where did she get this information? "No," he said, reaching a hoof over to the edge of his seat. He clacked the edge, which sparked a flame blue, lacking in heat that seethed the essence of fear and hate. "I am half Storm Pegasus, and half Windigo. Thus, why I am consistently cold." Wait, what?
NITRO
Nitro_Nine looks back at her cutie mark. "Huh…remind me to never EVER touch you with my fire. It might actually do MORE damage to you," she says. "I wonder if I'm half-phoenix. Wouldn't that be a hoot?"
BARD
Bardigan isn't quite sure what to say to that. "I... didn't even know that was possible," he murmurs, bringing out his quill again to write once more. "That's very interesting..."
[End Part 1]
Cast: Nitro Nine, Bardigan, Virga.
Place: Ponyville, Everfree Forest.
Time: Afternoon.
-----
NITRO
Nitro_Nine stands on a street corner. Her ringer, a small colt called Pipsqueak, had gathered up several ponies from around the town. "Awright folks. Whut I'm bout to do is extremely dangerous. Any of you unicorns? Don't even think about it. Fire is dangerous, wild, an' loik me, kin burn ya if you don't 'andle her right." she says, her accent thick, street Manehattan. She's ditched her dress, storing nearby. She takes a set of chains and black balls. The light has dimmed enough that when she sets them alight, it's quite visible. And on the street corner begins a dizzying display of firebreath, fire dancing, and exceedingly risky fire-related stunts. For the pre-break finale, she even stands on one hoof, stretching out her body. And shoves a flaming sword down her throat, drawing screams of terror from some of the younger ones.
VIRGA
spoof Ho, Hum, towards the fields ponies trot! Virga appropriately left a letter for Miss Red, and one for Nettleglum before he embarked on a magic-driven cart tightly stocked with supplies enough for an expedition. He sat on the front seat, this cart guided by an auto-map magic courtesy of the Royal Carriage ponies. It'd get him where he needed to go, and where he needed to go was not for all ponies for the excessive danger was the sort he'd not risk but the willing. The dark pegasus, also, donned his armor for this. Roll, clump, bump. He paused at the fountain before he noticed the fire show being put on by a unicorn not too far down the street. How interesting! "Oh, yes, I would like one apple fritter good pony," he said to a young colt from the Apple Farm."I do enjoy a good fritter…take a tip, why don't you?" And thus the young colt went back to his vending stand happy!
NITRO
Nitro_Nine takes a break and heads over to get a treat while the young crowd disperses to find their friends. She counts the bits in the hat she put out at the beginning of the show. "Just enough. 'Ey Mac! One'a'dem apple pies! Gonna need mah suppah to finish off the show!"
VIRGA
Virga delicately ate his fritter as he watched the goings on, eyeing no one in particular. He was, after all, just passing through on his way elsewhere. Now that the crowd dispersed, he'd be able to continue on his way, though he kept a watchful eye from behind those goggles as he read his map. Peddiga, his servant, sat next to him and he shared the fritter with her. "What do you think?" he asked her. "Much tastier than the fritters in Manehattan!" He chuckled softly.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine glances over at Virga and smirks. "Ain't NUTIN' tastier than Ol' Pony Moe's fritters," she says, rolling her eyes. "E'en so, dese Apples make some good eats." The pony digs into the pie one slice at a time.
VIRGA
Virga's ears raised a bit. Perhaps not. He lightly nudged Peddiga and she tapped the magicked guide with her wing. "Best not stall," he said in a hushed tone. And thus his cart began rolling from the central square, and along Maple Street. "What was that about, Virga?" Peddiga asked. "Who's Pony Moe?" The guard shook his head. "Never heard of him. We should keep moving before ponies wonder what business I'm involved with. You know how it goes. They see a guard and that's it."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine chuckles and goes back to her corner. She begins her show again, putting on amazing feats. Move the <SQUEE> on over Trixie! You might have a variety of small, showy talents, but Nitro is literally on fire! She takes a deep swig of moonshine, levitates a torch nearby, and breathes out a big GOOSH of fire that toasts the marshmallows her 'ringer' is holding up.
VIRGA
Bump. Once more the cart came to a stop when Peddiga turned to see the magical unicorn and her fiery talents. "Hmm, what is it?" Virga said. "Oh…naturally you're curious because of not being in Ponyville for a while. Very well. Watch her while I tend to some affairs." Peddiga smiled and briefly nudged Virga as she sat on the cart, watching Nitro. Virga, meanwhile, wrote a quick letter. To Firefly. Once he was finished, he held it to one of the staffs in his cart and WHOOSH, it went flying away just like letters did in Spike's breath.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine grins as the crowd grows. Now THIS is the life! She can express her fiery talents without getting in trouble... or burning things down. Even though it really only takes the edge off, she feels the compulsion going further away the more spectacular the stunts become. "Alright ponies. Watch the skies. This next one I call the Icarus." she says. Then in a pop of fire, she's high in the skies above Ponyville. A fiery comet descends towards the ground, the hurtling mare whooping in delight.
VIRGA
The searing heat from Nitro's stunt was enough to distract Virga from a few notes he took regarding his own predicament. By the night, they'd have arrived yet there was also another pony they needed for this journey, one whose talents would be sufficient for documenting this case. "Mmm....now that is something," he muttered to Peddiga.
NITRO
Nitro_Nine has her eyes closed and her hooves pressed together. She's getting AWFULLY close to the ground. Why isn't she...? FWOOSH! Her eyes open and so does her mouth, and she spews out a torrent of (apparently) white hot flames that slow her descent until she touches down lightly, wiping bits of 'fire' from her face. The small crowd explodes with stomps of approval, and the bits flow like water into her cap.
VIRGA
"Hmmm…" Virga closed his eyes and thought about this unicorn. She might be useful, but her personality…he had to know how she acted when not in such a casual atmosphere. "Request, Peddiga." The silver pegasus jumped down from the cart and trotted to the crowd. Virga stayed behind, letting Peddiga handle it. Hopefully the crowd would disperse soon.
NITRO
Indeed, the crowd does disperse soon when it becomes apparent that the show is over. The mare sits in the shadows of a nearby restaurant, counting out the bits she's collected into neat little piles.
VIRGA
Peddiga decided that since no other ponies were approaching the unicorn to approach herself. "Excuse me, miss..." she said, tucking her wings tight. "What is your title?"
NITRO
Nitro_Nine hears the word 'title' and immediately scrambles to her feet. With a flourish, she magics her dress back on, and straightened it. "I am Lady Nitro Nine," she says, all traces of her street argot gone in a flash as a haughty Canterlot noble emerges. "What may we do for thee?" she asks, slipping back into her learned speech patterns.
VIRGA
Peddiga smiled happily at Nitro. Perhaps she wasn't the country bumpkin she first appeared to be. "Oh, you don't need to dress proper, Lady Nine," Peddiga said. "Though I am here at official behest of noble business. Would it be correct to say you are very fluent in your magical control, based on what you've shown here today?"
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smirks. "We can create a needle of fire so fine and sharp as to sew a wound shut while cauterizing it. We are VERY proficient with our magic and precision is a wonderful thing."
VIRGA
Peddiga tilted her head. This one knew how to talk, and she detected no falsehoods in this pony who called herself 'Lady.' Only a true Canterlot pony would dare say that title with such fortitude and claim. And her description of fire magics was not inaccurate, but highly precise. "The aforementioned noble business is being conducted by Captain de Glaciel of the elite Sun Guard in direct service to Princess Celestia. Your skill is being requested for a pursuit that will likely require expertise in fire. Exact details as to this quest will be made known if you choose to accept."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and rubs her hooves together, creating little sparks as she stretches. "We shall accompany you and lend out expertise. We are... Not bored, but there seems to be not much excitement around Ponyville."
VIRGA
"Splendid!" Peddiga said. "Come this way, then. I am Peddiga, orderly to the Captain. We're waiting the arrival of one more pony, a scribe sort for this journey." She turned and pranced back to the large cart on which Virga sat. The icy pegasus had busied himself with another map, fully entrusting Peddiga to handle the taking on of the Flaming one.
BARD
Bardigan is hurrying down the street, one saddlebag full of writing supplies and jingling as he goes. His mane is combed and shinier than usual, his tail bounces with every step, and even his hat looks extra clean and the feather extra puffy today. He's even got a fancy little vest on that makes him look quite dapper if he does say so himself. He got a letter from a Captain of the Sun Guard promising some kind of opportunity, and as far as he's concerned this must be some kind of job interview. A captain of the Guard must be presented with his best, and here he is, looking around for that cart the letter mentioned. Ah, there it is!
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles as she walks this way. "Alright. So what are we doing, how dangerous is it, and what do you want me to obliterate?" she asks in a business like manner.
VIRGA
"The Captain will answer your questions soon." Peddiga jumped onto the cart and took her place with the magicked guides. Virga gave her the map and peered down at Nitro as she approached the cart. "Hello, Miss Pony Moe," he said, staring through his tinted goggled. "Climb on board." The pegasus shifted himself and spotted the famous Bardigan trotting the street. Ah, there he was! "Mr. Bardigan!" he called. "Glad you could make it."
BARD
"Er, obliterate?" Bardigan asks, catching up to Nitro, talking to the same pony it seems he was supposed to meet. Why is a captain and 'obliterate' being used in relation to each other? He looks back and forth a little nervously. "Yes, I... got a letter?"
VIRGA
spoof "That you did, Mr. Bardigan," Virga said. "Climb aboard and we'll be off." And so disappeared the last of his portion of the apple fritter. "We won't be obliterating anything, hopefully, Lady Nine. I've requested your services out of precaution that we may need them. I am a pony of ice, you see. Fire is not exactly my forte."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine spins around at the sound of Bardigan's voice. "Oh GOODNESS! We...I didn't expect to see you here! How ARE you my fine stallion?" she asks, batting her eyelashes at Bardigan. She climbs onboard, humming to herself and making sure her mane is straight.
BARD
"What." Bardigan looks at the cart, then down at himself. He's not exactly dressed to *go* anywhere. "Ahem, yes, pardon me..." He begins to walk alongside the cart instead of hopping right on. "But, what exactly are we *doing* here, sir?" He turns to Nitro and removes his hat from his head. "Miss Nitro. Pleasure to see you again."
VIRGA
"Well, now," he said as the cart began rolling again at an easy pace. "Since you two know each other, that renders no need for introductions. We are heading into Everfree Forest, deep into the forest for something quite important."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and nods. "Indeed," she says, offering Bardigan her hoof and hardly paying attention. "So what brings YOU here?" she asks the Bard.
BARD
"Him..." Bardigan says with a nod to Virga, rather distracted at the moment as he shakes Nitro's hoof. He flutters alongside the cart, looking still more nervous. "Everfree Forest?" he wonders aloud, dropping behind the group a little bit. He... doesn't have good memories of Everfree Forest adventures. "Wha, um... far be it from me to question the integrity of a member of the Guard, but, ah... *why* are we going into the Forest, alone, and... why am *I* here?" Dressed like a loon if the Forest is their destination.
VIRGA
"Well, now, once we're clear of Ponyville I will explain why we are heading there," Virga said. "Don't worry, Mr. Bardigan. Princess Celestia didn't make me her personal guard on a 'just because' case as the Canterlot Press would have you believe." The cart rolled on, and Peddiga watched the scribes pony carefully. "We do have a change of clothes in the cart, Mr. Bardigan."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles and settles down for the trip. She gets a small whistle out from around her neck and blows hard on it, not making a sound. "Sorry, just calling my pet.' she says softly.
BARD
Bardigan still looks ill at ease, but without another word he flutters down to sit next to Nitro, the only pony he 'knows' here (given they met only a couple of times before), and settles in, clutching his bag full of writing supplies. "Diamond's going to kill me if I come home late," he mutters.
VIRGA
Virga said no more until the cart had cleared Ponyville. One fault he did hold against them was the fact Ponyville natives tended to be ungodly curious about things, especially those that they overheard. Peddiga had settled down, and Virga kept his eyes on the forward path, goggles up since he was not in direct sunlight. "Mr. Bardgian, I have offered you this position due to a need for it to be chronicled, success or failure. There are no threats where we're heading, but dangerous magic will be involved. Either way, this experience will prove valuable to your career, no doubt. And you too, Lady Nine."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine holds her head high. "HMPH! I do not HAVE a career. We were...denied entry to the guard some years ago due to our... Sometimes volatile nature and our standing with the nobility. The Nines family is rather highly placed, and I did not wish to BUY my way in like some parasite."
BARD
Bardigan is sitting close to Nitro, having no wish to be taken by surprise while he's off on his own. He's got his eyes on the Forest ahead. "Chronicler, eh?" he says in a quiet, low voice. "Well, that's something I'm certainly quite good at." He begins to unfasten his vest and relieves himself of most of his other belongings, leaving them in the cart. "I like to write about adventures, but I've only been on one or two myself... they aren't the most *comfortable* of hobbies."
VIRGA
"Never said a thing about buying your way into the guard," Virga said. "Your show has me thinking you've potential in the entertainment field." The dark pegasus lightly smiled. Yes. He had no intention of making Nitro feel like a parasite. Peddiga busied herself with the maps. "The two of you will be well paid. This is not official Palace business, but rather a personal endeavor to remedy a problem," Virga explained. "You see...I am slowly dying."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises a hoof, then lowers it. "Alright. You have my attention." she says.
BARD
Bardigan goes silent and still for a time. Wordlessly, he pulls out a small journal and dips it into a portable ink bottle, enchanted with a Never Say Spill spell, and begins to write. "Go on," he says quietly.
VIRGA
"I may not survive this," Virga continued. "Mr. Bardigan, you'll do me a great justice by recording what happens on this quest, and given the outcome it should serve as a lesson to any pony who reads it." He took a breath as they continued deeper into the woods. "I am a pony of very peasant birth, displaced by time magic. My displacement is 1,000 years," he said. "When I was born, Equestria knew naught of Nightmare Moon, and King Sombra had not yet taken over the Crystal Empire. The later two, this journey has to do with."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises an eyebrow. "Do go on. I could tell you were different simply by..." she trails off and touches Virga, wincing. "That." she says, withdrawing her hoof. "Anyways. Please. Tell us more."
BARD
Bardigan is writing, though he does sneak a glance at Nitro, wondering if she really believes all this. Seems she does... and, well, he's heard more fantastical things in his time. He's stood next to legends and even befriended a couple. He shifts in his seat, scribbling away.
VIRGA
"The Canterlot Press was very keen on the 'why' behind my appointment to Princess Celestia's personal guard," Virga continued. When Nitro touched him, he didn't flinch. She did all the flinching for both of them. "At the time of the Summer Sun Celebration, the Crystal Empire was still a large unknown piece of history that many never heard about. Its revelation, recently, was quite impacting. I appeared just about the time Princess Luna returned."
NITRO
(Turn Skip)
BARD
Bardigan nods once, allowing Virga to continue uninterrupted.
VIRGA
"Princess Celestia realized early on that I was from a part of forgotten past," he continued, shuffling his feathers. "Long ago, in the Empire, I flew as part of an ancient Wonderbolt team--Wonderbolt, I note, was a blanket term back then for any team of pegasi that flew to defend villages and royal matters. The notion of being racers like today was completely unheard. Specifically, I was Captain of the Crystalbolts. All was well until King Sombra came. We became fugitives because we could not be controlled."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine nods, taking copious mental notes.
BARD
Bardigan is enjoying this... so much ancient history! It's one of his favorite subjects. He is scribbling at a rate far too fast for Virga to even be talking. Is he embellishing? Maybe!
VIRGA
"Many unicorn swore allegiance to Sombra, but not voluntarily," he said. "One such unicorn was my wife, Aquelene. Sombra had it out, especially for me among the Pegasi. We dueled once, his magic versus my Pegasi magic. I lost, but the power I displayed as a Marked pegasus ignited a great fear in him of ponies--pegasi in particular--who bore marks. The phenomena, Mr. Bardigan and Lady Nine, of Cutie Marks in my province was not common. Aquelene triple agented between Sombra, the rebels, and myself. We lost our son in the conflict."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine nods slowly. She's familiar with some stories of that time, being an avid student.
BARD
Bardigan decides it's simply best to remain silent until the tale is done.
VIRGA
"Sooner or later, as it was bound to happen, I was captured and brought for execution," Virga said, at last getting to the point. "She used a sacrificial spell that displaced me through time. Her death gave me a new life in Equestria, and I landed on Princess Celestia's balcony. Her spell is why I'm venturing. Since the restoration of the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Heart, a few…errors in that spell have led to a curse…I slowly crystalize to death. You can see it in my eyes."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine whistles softly. "Wow..."
BARD
Bardigan is *still* writing. "And you think the cure is somewhere in the forest?" he wonders.
VIRGA
"Correct," Virga said as the cart rolled into the barely used roads of the forest. "It is a last ditch effort to stall and reverse the curse. Recently, Pinkie Pie stumbled upon the Mirror Pool. The tools I've brought may allow me to use it to fix this curse."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine raises an eyebrow. "The Mirror Pool," she says. "Pardon me for saying this, but have you lost your mind? Do you know how dangerous that cursed spring can be?"
BARD
Bardigan almost drops his quill at that charming tidbit. He looks up and around at the now much more foreboding forest. "You're going to use the Mirror Pool... the one that nearly caused a crisis and Twilight Sparkle herself sealed up to prevent other ponies from using."
VIRGA
"Pinkie was irresponsible with the Mirror Pool," he said. "Given there's no cure to this ailment I have, it is the only option I've left. My mentor taught me well enough that should disaster occur, it won't spread like Pinkie's."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine frowns. "Once again. ARE YOU MAD? How could duplicating yourself possibly help?"
BARD
Bardigan shifts uncomfortably and puts his quill down, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He knows that he enjoys learning good stories, but being part of this one... "This isn't wise," he says outright. "I consider myself a pony of honor, sir Virga, and while I sympathize with your condition, I can't condone this. It's a strange magic in that pool. I've read enough stories to know magic like that doesn't care if you're responsible with it. It'll act on its own. And you're at the hooves of Celestia herself... couldn't she do something?"
VIRGA
"It may not be wise," Virga said as he kept his eyes on the road ahead. "And it is true that sort of magic has no concern. I do not trouble Celestia with this as she admitted herself that she is not exactly sure what has happened to me. If I injure myself or perish, neither of you will be held accountable. I only venture in this because I know precisely what I'm doing. I was raised by an alicorn who specialized in odd, sometimes questionable magics."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine snorts. "Well, I would request one thing from this, if we do succeed. I wish to join the guard. I will admit...I have a curse as well. You notice that I continually conjure fire and do fire related things? I have to. I don't remember how it happened, but soon after I got my Cutie Mark, I started to burn up from the inside. Setting things on fire helps with that, the bigger the better. You will need to arrest me once this is over. As I was the one who torched the Writing Supply store and the Library. Nopony got hurt, that I promise you. But…there is little I can do at this point. I don't know if I could stop even if the curse were lifted," she says, suddenly sagging as if a great weight has been lifted off of her shoulders.
BARD
Bardigan looks between both ponies, seeming uncomfortable and yet unwilling to leave. He slowly starts to write again, wondering what good will come of all this. "Well... can't begrduge a pony their chance at salvation," he murmurs quietly, uncertain what else to say. Cursed by the Crystal Heart and your own cutie mark... things supposed to guide and give hope. What a world we live in. "You have my word I'll see this through... I don't like any pony dying forgotten."
VIRGA
"Quite an interesting aspect, Lady Nine," Virga said. He slowly turned his head to gaze at her. "What you do here will determine many things. I never went through the normal Guard, and I find the Royal Guard itself a little too strict on standards. There are several ponies I know who might be able to aid you concerning fire. In regards to the Writing Supply and Library, if it was not intentional and related to your affliction, I will ensure appropriate measures are taken to make you not into a fugitive." As for Bard, he looked at him as well. "Further more, Mr. Bardigan, the reason why the spell Aquelene used backfired is because it was meant for ponies."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine sighs and curls up a bit. "It's not just THINGS I can set fire to. You remember that night some time ago when we first met? When you suddenly got a burst of inspiration? I can set fire to ponies too, forcing them to become creative and inspired. I tried to develop it as an alternative to burning things. But at least MY condition can be managed," she says, reaching out to pat Virga gently. "I'll see it through as well. There but for the grace of God and all." She winces. "Actually, it was FULLY intentional. I'll be frank. At this point, I like setting fires and watching things burn. I've been doing some trash work, burning things that ponies throw out, but it's not the same," she mumbles softly. "It's an addiction now too. I try not to hurt ponies. I'll be fine. I'm starting to get it under control."
BARD
That was *you?*" Bardigan wonders, giving Nitro a sharp glance. At first he seems offended, but then he thinks about it a moment, and: "Well, it helped me get some good material out, so thank you for that," he mutters quietly. When the part about addiction comes up, he reaches out and lays a hoof on her shoulder. "It's the trying that counts," he tells her in a voice just above a whisper.
VIRGA
Virga's ears briefly fluttered. "Who is this God fellow?" he said. "Never heard of him. Is he a sage of some sort?" Quite a peculiar name, yes. "Well, we'll see what can be done, Lady Nine." The cart rolled on, deeper into Everfree. "It'll be a couple of hours before we arrive. The road ahead is not that great."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles. "I could use my magic and hack a way through the worst of it." she offers, unwinding a bit from her self-inflicted misery.
BARD
"As long as you control whatever fire you cause," Bardigan points out. "We don't want an ecological disaster on our hooves."
VIRGA
"As much as that would hasten things, I'd hate to draw attention to what we're doing out there," he said. "It is not exactly illegal, but if the others heard what I intended to do, they'd no doubt stop it. I've already got one doctor unfairly giving me an ultimatum to speak with Princess Celestia in 4 days…he doesn't know what he's getting involved with, and what he's pushed me to."
NITRO
"I'm not really sure myself," Bardigan adds under his breath.
BARD
"We won't." Bardigan puts a gentle wing on Nitro's shoulder. "We'll get there eventually, no need for any undue stress. In fact, it's probably best if we try to keep quiet... no telling what's in these deeper woods here."
VIRGA
"Manticores, river serpents," Virga said. "Mt. Everfree, where I live outside the Palace." The cart jostled a brief moment as the road became mud and rock. Peddiga brought the cart to a stop and Virga hopped down for a look. "Peddiga, affix the treads, cleated on the wheels." The dark pegasus looked down at the road, then off, a fairly long stretch of ground too soft for safe passage. "Hold on that...this isn't too bad. You three, give me just a moment."
NITRO
(Turn Skip)
BARD
Bardigan remains with Nitro, given she's the living flamethrower here.
VIRGA
Virga sniffed the ground and spent a few brief moments poking at it with his hooves. The pegasus lifted his wings and stood before the cart with his back to Nitro and Bard. A single heft of his span seeped icy mist, and the feathers blazoned an eerie, luminescent blue. This wasn't average Pegasi magic; it was something more, something unique to Virga. He took in a breath and whispered an all-encompassing whisper. "Shirrh!" One down struck of his wings ripped the muck from its confines and rained the messed into the trees ahead. Permafrost unnaturally raced down the old road, fogging the path as ice fogged from drinks on summer days. Virga folded his wings and climbed back into his seat. The cart rolled forward amidst the sound of crunching ground. "There we are."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine leans against Bardigan, getting quite cozy. "It's for warmth, don't get the wrong idea," she says as the cart rolls onwards. "Perhaps fire can't solve everything." she admits.
BARD
"Are you cold?" Bardigan wonders, finding that hard to believe for a pony that is always lighting things on fire. Still, to be a gentlepony... "Here." He picks up his discarded vest and throws it around Nitro's shoulders. It's not much, but it's better than his body alone. He glances back up at Virga, eyes widening at the little trick. "I wonder if you'll learn *that* in the guard," he mutters to Nitro. "Fire is important, but like all things, it is not *everything.*"
VIRGA
Virga softly chuckled. "Across the frozen tundra lies my homeland in the north, a dangerous place to have a face, where you can wield magical wards," he said. "To be specific, I'm rather amazed neither of you caught on when I said Aquelene's spell was meant for ponies. I am, at heart, a Storm Pegasus--you won't find them native to Equestria. But I'm also something else."
NITRO
Nitro_Nine smiles as she snuggles up to Bardigan. "Yours too," she says, patting Bardy's shoulder. "Oh? Are you a Yuki-no-onna too?" She chuckles softly to herself. "We're not ALL just ponies are we!"
BARD
"I'm just a pony," Bardigan tentatively volunteers. "I'm just a normal, normal pony... who would prefer to spend as little time in this forest as possible."
VIRGA
Virga blinked. Yuki-what? This was like that God fellow she mentioned earlier. Where did she get this information? "No," he said, reaching a hoof over to the edge of his seat. He clacked the edge, which sparked a flame blue, lacking in heat that seethed the essence of fear and hate. "I am half Storm Pegasus, and half Windigo. Thus, why I am consistently cold." Wait, what?
NITRO
Nitro_Nine looks back at her cutie mark. "Huh…remind me to never EVER touch you with my fire. It might actually do MORE damage to you," she says. "I wonder if I'm half-phoenix. Wouldn't that be a hoot?"
BARD
Bardigan isn't quite sure what to say to that. "I... didn't even know that was possible," he murmurs, bringing out his quill again to write once more. "That's very interesting..."
[End Part 1]