Dinky reacts to Quasar's wish

[Derpy]

Dinky's adventure on Nightmare Night has been posted already, but she had another adventure more recently in which she tangled with Quasar in his quest to rescue his chronically impaired father! The TP starts out with this unusual log in which Dinky plays by herself while an important scene in Quasar's life plays out in the Magical Research Center.

- - - - -

Magic Research Center
From the outside the Magic Research Center, with its magic wand and flask sign out front, looks much like any other Ponyville building. The door requires operating a latch and it automatically closes behind you. Inside, while rather smaller and simplier than a university site, the MRC is still quite spacious, and equally full of all maner of [lab equipment], projects being worked on, and things you're not sure about. There are no windows, and if you pay attention all the inner walls are covered with a material which blocks most all magic passing. Whether that's 'in' to protect the experiments, or 'out,' you're not sure. There are only the occasional loud noises or bright flashes. There are both stairs with a railing going up to an upper platform below an openable [dome] with telescopes and other gear, as well as stairs leading down to the lower level.

[ Players: Mirage, Dusk, Snow_Bolt, Quasar ]
[ Sleepers: ProgrammerPony, Aurichalcum, Chance, Iris, Thrash_Nocturne ]
[ Contents: Warning note, Poison Joke, Caldera Weeper (plant), ]
[ Building Materials ]

Stat Name____________________ Sex________ Species___________________________
IC Dinky Female Unicorn
IC Aurichalcum[asleep] Male Basilisk
AFK Chance[asleep] Male Unicorn
WIZ ProgrammerPony[asleep] Male Unicorn
^.~ Dusk[10m idle] Male Unicorn
IC Quasar[7m idle] Male Unicorn
IC Snow_Bolt Male Unicorn
IC Mirage[12m idle] Female Unicorn
IC Iris[asleep] Female Unicorn
MTL Thrash_Nocturne[asleep] Female Unicorn
---( )---------------------------------------( 5/10 Magic Research Center )---

Dusk looks over to Mirage, and brushes his shoulder to hers. Dinky has fantastic violin skills, but they seem to control her more than the other way around, what he got to see. Dusk is concerned too and certainly wants Quasar's father to be well. He is not confident of this means though. He sits down right by Quasar. "I do understand, Mr Quasar." He looks down, then back up. "But what if you make this wish, and it turns out worse? What if you wish him to no longer be ill, and he ends up being dead then instead? Or he returns and has little control of his faculties? Or deranged and dangerous from the damage he's suffered? Or it takes the life of somepony else to save his? Are you ready for what consequences it may incur?" And speaking of which he does see Iri arriving on the scene. He gives a nod in the djinn's direction. "Mr. Iri."

<OOC> Dusk says, "Speaking of which, hello, Dinky!"
<OOC> You say, "Hi, Dusk."
<OOC> You say, "I heard it was going DOUWN."
<OOC> Dusk says, "Totally Douwn."

Mirage is quite concerned. Quasar's already spoken of his father's poor condition, so what the colt is planning is perfectly understandable. But Dusk is much more knowledgable than she on the effects of magic. And then there's Iri's own agenda to consider. She leans against Dusk before he goes to sit by Quasar as they discuss what may or may not happen. Iri's arrival gets her attention, and she gives him a gentle smile to greet him.

Iri knows all about desperation. He has seen it many times over the centuries. He has even felt it himself sometimes when he wanted to be free from his lamp prison and was unable to, but thankfully at the moment desperation is about the last thing on his mind, "So what sort of excitement do you have for me this fine evening?" he says as he trots toward Mirage and Dusk. Excitement is good. Boredom is bad. It does seem, if he is hearing it right, that they are talking about him. Hopefully all good things, though Dusk seems to be attempting to dissuade Quasar from something.

"I will gladly give up my life to save my father's." Quasar says with resolution in his voice as he stands up a bit straighter. "As I have said, I have calculated all variables and I am confident. If my father does not have control of his faculties that is a small price to pay for the rest of his life and health. I will word my wish and phrase it in a way that there can be no misconceptions." He takes in a deep breath and slants his ears back.

Dusk shakes his head, "You may not have a choice in who's life it affects." He gives a sigh of his own. "I will not stop you. I do understand your desire, and want you to have your father back healthy and well too. But I will say I do strongly discourage such a means to an end. And as smart as you are, Mr. Iri here as surely seen every attempt at 'iron clad' and perfect wishes. Be thoughtful and clear of mind with your choice."

Mirage gives Dusk a smile as he looks back to her. "I did some checking after Quasar's last visit," she says to Dusk. "And according to Town Hall, the colt is an emancipated minor based on his performance in school and the situation concerning his mother," she says in her businesslike way. Then she takes a couple of steps back and nods to Iri. "Mr. Iri, may I introduce Mr. Quasar. Mr. Quaser, meet Mr. Iri. I wish you both the best in whatever you do." Mirage gives Dusk a little nod, looking to her desk.

Iri has been able gather that the colt has a father with some sort of illness and wants him healed. Now there are specifics that he would have to ascertain before he was able to do anything. There are very specific djinn rules about messing with life and death, that even he dare not break. He would get thrown into prison for the rest of eternity if he isn't careful. There are some things that are unforgiveable. At least in djinn culture. He glances between Mirage and Dusk, "I have heard all sorts of 'iron clad' wishes. There are no such things." he states simply and then Mirage introduces him and he looks around to spot the colt, "Hello."

Rubbing a hoof across his face, Quasar tries his best to keep his calm demeanor but it is easily slipping away. As he turns his attention to Iri, he slowly nods his head. "Good evening sir, my name is Professor Quasar Light and I am here... to ask you for help. But first.. before I.. make a wish.. can you please explain to me how it is that you do it? What are the limitations, the requirements .. and what will you take away from me?"

Dusk gives a gentle smile back. He hmms and nods as she explains the changes in Quasar's status with his mother. It makes him both sad and glad in different ways for the situation. Perhaps much like his mixed feelings about trying to save his father the way. But he won't be the one to take away his chance if this is what he really wants. He gets up and heads over to the desk with Mirage. He had thought Quasar was sure he could learn to heal his father. But he leaves it at that. He gives Mirage a nuzzling. Perhaps Iri will help Quasar understand the gravity of it before he goes ahead. He is glad at least that Quasar is asking some serious questions.

Nearly half a town away, Dinky Doo toys with a giant, wooden puzzle, painted and adorned, shaped to look like Ponyville. It's lying across the floor of the old house, contained in the biggest room of the new one. The puzzle nearly fills the once-cluttered room in one direction, and comes to filling it the other way. Only a couple dozen pieces remain to be placed--this is the closest Dinky has ever come to assembling this puzzle. She works with dogged perseverence.

<OOC> Dusk looks at the WS. Nine unicorns and a basilisk.
Stat Name____________________ Sex________ Species___________________________
OOC Dinky Female Unicorn
IC Aurichalcum[asleep] Male Basilisk
AFK Chance[asleep] Male Unicorn
WIZ ProgrammerPony[asleep] Male Unicorn
^.~ Dusk Male Unicorn
IC Quasar[10m idle] Male Unicorn
IC Snow_Bolt Male Unicorn
IC Mirage Female Unicorn
IC Iris[asleep] Female Unicorn
MTL Thrash_Nocturne[asleep] Female Unicorn
---( )---------------------------------------( 5/10 Magic Research Center )---
<OOC> You say, "Wow. You'd think this room had something to do with magic or something."
<OOC> Dusk chuckles, "One might get such an impression."

Mirage walks with Dusk back over to her desk, giving Quasar and Iri all the room they need (while making sure she and Dusk have a safe distance from them). "It's alright, dear," she says softly to Dusk. "Quasar has to learn for himself."

That's quite a tall order that the young colt is asking for. Iri had been asked pretty much the same question by PP and to explain it to him he had actually turned him into a djinn because that was the easiest thing to do. Though he isn't goign to be doing that again. One more is enough, "I can't explain how it do it without a common point of reference." he says simply. It would just be too complex, "The limits are simple. I can't directly kill anyone. I can't make anyone fall in love, and I can't raise the dead." Of course there is leeway on the first, less on the second and the third is more of an absolute, "As for requirements I just have to want to do it. I'm not required to do anything. And as for what I take away...that depends entirely on what you wish for."

Nodding his head as he listens, Quasar asks, "Is it within your power to save a life? My father, for he is not dead but he suffered a serious brain injury from a terrible accident. He is not able to wake up. My father is very intelligent, one of the greatest researchers of our time and he has one of the biggest hearts in the world. He loved me.. in.. ways that my mother will never lover me." He stammers out as he rubs at his eye. "Is it within your power to save him and to restore him back to full health and intelligence without any drawbacks or catches?"

Dusk gives a light nod to Mirage. "Indeed. And Young Quasar is quite brilliant. But that may not be of help with such as this." He speaks quietly, not interrupting the other two. He makes himself comfortable over with Mirage as he watches Quasar and Iri. At least Iri has not been openly malicious in his grantings. But that doesn't limit the wisher from doing so poorly.

Mirage puts her hoof on Dusk's to comfort him. "I know you want to try to help, but this is where Quasar learns what can't be taught in universities." Then she watches as the colt negotiates with the djinn.

Iri blinks at the colt. What he is asking may or may not be possible. There are multiple definitions of what 'death' is. Given the colt's description this is one of those things that could go any way. He glances over to Mirage and Dusk. They obviously know this little guy better than he does. He doesn't like delivering bad news. Its a downer, and the purpose of his trip is fun, "I honestly don't know. It's complex." It sounds like that colt is already well aware of that, "There is also the matter of me being noticed. If your father all of a sudden woke up I'd be noticed....probably."

"I would not ask you this if I was not confident in his ability to be healed or survive. In fact, I know that he is. It is just .. not within today's realm of natural ability or medicine, but, I do know that it is capable with magic. Unfortunately, the current and most gifted of minds and doctors that exist today have been unable to help him. In fact, based upon today's rate, a way to cure him may not be feasible for another twelve years. By then, his brain will have degenerated as well as most of his body. He would not survive the atrophy. I only have a small window for him to be brought back and it is closing every day." Quasar says as he takes in a deep breath. "The one thing I understand more than anything else in life is complex. If you are worried about being noticed, then we can put a blind fold on him." He sets his jaw slightly. "I am willing to .. reimburse you.. through money, through research, through personal favors. I would never ask this if the situation was not so severe and
and I have exhausted /every/ other option." A deep breath. "Please, will you heal my father, bring him back to full health and intelligence without defect in exchange for my services?"

When it comes to jigsaws, much like relationships, you do the outside first. The borders are complete. Every piece of furniture that once made up the Doo living room has been stowed away in Dinky's old bedroom or the old office or the old kitchen. Only the center of town remains. Dinky slides the last river piece into place. Something tugs at her. Fourteen pieces remain.

Dusk nods and does relax some to Mirage. "Thank you, my love. Alas I know that too well." He does accept it too. And he feels so empathetic for Quasar, and wants to help as well. He has to smile a little. He suspects its not Quasar's father that Iri is worried about being recognized by. He leans lightly in to Mirage. He would be rather curious about Dinky's puzzle, were he there.

Mirage presses her hoof to Dusk's letting him know she understands, too. Then she watches Quasar and Iri.

Iri has been bargained with before. It's never really all that fun. They always think that he /needs/ something when the reality of the matter is he needs nothing. Djinn are creatures of self sufficency. Money he could simply create when he needed, and anything else he could do for himself. If this was an adult he might just tell them he couldn't help them, but this is a foal..an intelligent foal..to be sure, but still a foal, "It isn't a matter of personal gain. I don't require money or services." he says to the colt before he trots over to toward Mirage. He has noticed over the centuries that foals seem to respond better to mares than they do to stallions. Some sort of instict he imagines, "Mirage. You have experience with this colt. I don't honestly know if I can heal his father. Can you do something about this?" he asks, before looking back to Quasar, "I understand you want to help your father. It is admirable, but I will be completely honest with you. What you describe may be impossible. If his brain has gone beyond a certain point I can't bring it back. I can't know until I were to see him."

"Magic has no limits if your mind is wide open enough to accept the ways in which it can affect and alter reality. -I- know how to fix my father but I -can't- because I do not possess the ability to. But you have the ability. I can show you how to do it, or you can give me the gift so that I can do it myself." Quasar says as he follows after him, his jaw setting as his horn starts to twinkle lightly, displaying small gold calculations and algorithms in the air that orbit about him. "I see any and all variables, challenges, obstacles and resolutions. We can do this together. We can do something so amazing and so great that it will be written about for decades. The data that will come of it will save countless lives for generations and improve the way we do medicine. My mind has no limits. I just need the trigger." His voice takes on a pleading tone. "Will you at least come with me to see him?"

Dusk is watching as well, and seeing that it is indeed as complex an issue as he figured. And Iri is doing a fairly good job of trying to convey this to Quasar. But then Iri comes over and asks for Mirage's assistance. He turns his head to look to her. He touches his hoof back to hers this time.

Seven blocks left. There's the clocktower, finally! Dinky had no idea where that one would fit--the base's connection was obscured by bushes. And the fountain, in place. Five pieces left. Her elbows are thrumming. She wants her bow. There's the statue, now crumbled to dust, in town square. Dinky wants a violin. She needs a violin. Four pieces left.

Quasar pages, "What does the puzzle have to do with anything? XD" to you.
You page, "Just one of those artsy interjections that gets into a person's head sometimes, you know?" to Quasar.
You page, "Imagine a TV show flipping from one scene to another as suspenseful music plays and the climax approaches." to Quasar.
Quasar pages, "Q would be so proud to know she finished one of the most complicated puzzle's he built " to you.
You page, "'One of the?' You mean he's done worse? " to Quasar.
Quasar pages, "Time Square in Manehatten is a killer lol" to you.

Mirage looks surprised as Iri comes over to her, one of her eyebrows raising as the djinn seems uncertain, which is something new for Iri. She looks over at Dusk's touch and nods to him before looking back as Quasar follows after Iri. "Well, Iri... I would say Quasar's made his wish, even if it may be dangerous for you and him. Go with him and give him the ability he wants. Unless you're not fulfilling wishes tonight?" she says in a gentle but serious tone.

Iri is not required to grant any particular wish. He is a free djinn. There are rules for that too. He does things that he wishes to do when he wishes. Colts and fillies are the worst sometimes, "Fine. I'll go with you to take a look at him, but I'm not going to make any promises on what I will and will not do...no matter what you may show me...until I see him for myself." He has long known the mortal predilection for exageration. Djinn's never exagerate. At least not in the same way that mortals do. He blinks at Mirage's response. Not gonna get any help from the mare tonight it seems. Oh well.

Highly intelligent ponies stick to together. It's a rule. Quasar lets out a soft breath and says, "Thank you. We will take a train tomorrow to Fillydelphia, for it is where he is currently staying at." With a bow to him, he starts for the door, trying to contain the wave of emotions that are pulsing through his chest. On the ohter hand, his horn is still glowing. For those familiar with his magic, he may be utilizing a very famous quote: It's not stealing if you need it.

Dinky's front legs are shaking. Her hips are shaking. Her tail is swishing with an irregular rhythm. There. Sugarcube Corner, in place. The train tracks... done. She knocks against a bookcase on her way to fetch the last two pieces, nearly toppling it. One back hoof shoves it firmly against the wall. Safe. The library, Books and Branches. Click. Set. One piece left.

Dusk hmms and is surprised. He was sure Iri had hoped Mirage would help get Quasar to understand Iri couldn't help him. It feels kind of odd having Iri and himself seeming to be on the same side of the argument, if not for entirely the same reasons. But he can tell Mirage understands it quite clearly, and sees it as being something Quasar and Iri need to resolve. Especially if Qusar is to learn something out of this. As for the train, he'll wonder if Iri will take it or suggest a quicker means. He rubs shoulders to Mirage and smiles. "Oh good night, Mr. Light. I do so hope things work out, truly." Dusk pauses and looks around.. Hmmmmm.

Mirage gives a little nod of her head to say goodbye to Quasar as he turns and leaves to make preparations for tomorrow. "Quasar knows he only has one wish," she says to Dusk. "Why waste it on getting to Fillydelphia?" Then she looks to Iri. "You said you couldn't know if you could help until after you've seen his father. How could I say deny Quasar what he wants when you set a condition like that, Iri? Besides, you and I have something in common. We fulfill other ponies' wishes. The only difference is that your fulfillments are real."

There is no way that Iri is taking a train. If he is going to travel it is going to be on his terms and he'll do that simply by the way he usually travels. He waves a hoof at the colt as he leaves, "Young ones. Always a pain in the neck..." he says under his breath as he turns back to Mirage, "You could say it because you know full well the consequences of embarking down this road. You've seen then the cost involved."If what she said about her granting wishes was true. He'll just have to ride this particular wave to its natural conclusion. And if Quasar is making an attempt at theft he might find that there are more severe consequences. There is a reason that djinn by and large are not trifled with lightly. Back home in Saddle Arabia the leaders of the horses there revere them, and are to a certain degree frightened of them. The djinn are the ones who police themselves. And if djinn power were to be used in a place it should not...it would be noticed and that would be very bad for everyone, most especially Quasar. Though he isn't really been focusing on her he has a certain awareness of Dinky, "You might want to check on that other young one Dusk."

Now Dinky's ribs are throbbing with lungs that can't accept their natural pace and pattern. They want flair. Lungs are not the place for flair. The mauve filly stands on her hind legs, stance wide, holding the last piece of the puzzle--the Magical Research Center. She turns it, looking for the way in which it will fit. There are only four orientations--how can it be so hard to find the right one? She breathes faster and faster, harder and harder, searching for the right one... and then she finds herself staring at the building. The Magical Research Center. Her eyes focus and her body is still. ...Suddenly, Dinky drops the last piece and runs for the door.

Mirage listens carefully to Iri, nodding lightly. "What Quasar wants is for the ability to save his father. Grant his wish and give him what he wants. He didn't wish for -you- to save his father. I think Quasar was clear on that point." Then she looks to Dusk before looking back to Iri. "And then Quasar will discover for himself if 'there is no limit to magic if your mind is open enough'." She pauses and sighs thoughtfully.

Quasar has disconnected.

Dusk nods to Mirage, as he keeps his sight elsewhere. "I had meant Mr. Iri may not wish to travel by train. And I am not certain there is a limit of one wish or not, should Iri desire otherwise. As he said he is not required to grant any wish, should he choose." And he nods to Iri about 'the other young one.' "Yes.. Miss Dinky?" He closes his eyes and focuses some more before opening them. "Yes. But.. it's uncertain."

Mirage listens carefully to Iri, nodding lightly. "What Quasar wants is for the ability to save his father. Grant his wish and give him what he wants. He didn't wish for -you- to save his father. I think Quasar was clear on that point." Then she looks to Dusk before looking back to Iri. "And then Quasar will discover for himself if 'there is no limit to magic if your mind is open enough'." She pauses and sighs thoughtfully while Dusk checks on Dinky.

Iri listens to what Mirage has to say and there is a certain amount of sense in it. Though placing that kind of power in the hands of a young colt still gives him a certain amount of pause, "I will think on it. But for the time being I'm going to go back to checking out the basement. You wouldn't believe the stuff they have down there." Mirage and Dusk will have to attend to Dinky. He's had his fill of young ones for the day. With that he once again becomes see through and sinks back down through the floor.

Dinky bursts through the door, wearing nothing, carrying nothing. Her face is a study in agitation. She looks around, soaking in the feel of what so recently was here. And says nothing while her fear grows.

Mirage has disconnected.

Dusk nods to Iri, Quasar having just left not long before Dinky comes charging in. He walks over and gives a bow of his head. "Miss Dinky. You've been expected. How can I help you?" He can see how tense and bothered she is, so puts off further pleasantries.

Dinky looks at Mirage with distant eyes. "Was Quasar just here? Where is he?" She looks between Mirage and Dusk in a panic.

Dusk and Mirage both nod. Mirage answers, "Yes he was." "He left only a matter of minutes ago," Dusk fills in. "He wishes to go to Fillydelphia on the morrow

Dinky swallows. "Why. Why was he here? Why is he going back now?" she asks with rising fear.

Dusk nods somberly. "Because he is of the belief that he can use a wish to heal his father. A wish from Mr. Iri, as you did. You know my opinion on such matters, Miss Dinky."

Dinky turns pale. Is there purple in her coat? Not from looking at her now. She inhales a great, walloping breath and runs out the door again. Then she returns, still running. She goes for the violin, where it was kept before.

Dusk and Mirage both look concerned at Dinky, and watch as she suddenly runs off.. And runs back. For the violin? Dusk comments, "He hasn't made his wish as of yet. Mr. Iri will not grant unless the conditions allow. That is why they are going to his father." He watches Dinky, "Is there something we can do to help?"

Dinky reaches the violin, tears open the case, and starts to play. A very torn, jagged, topsy-turvy tune. She looks at Dusk with effort. "He can't do it. He'd throw himself away. He'll let himself die for his father and he can't. He can't. He doesn't realize how incredible he is. He can't." She saws the strings harshly, shakes again, and puts away the bow.

Dusk listens curiously as Dinky plays at such a moment. Such raw effort and feelings. Dusk nods, "I wholly agree, Miss Dinky. And yes he has suggested he would give his life for his father's, or do anything he needs. I have tried to stop him. Even Mr. Iri is rather disinclined as well. But Young Mr. Light is being very insistent. Perhaps you would have better luck talking him out of it? Or do you have another idea?"

Dinky pauses and stands still, ankles tight. She then shakes her head. "Nope. Nope nope nope." She races again for the door. "If Iri comes back, tell that &$~*#@ to have a *$^!@ heart!!" With that, she's gone.

Dusk blinks and watches as Dinky runs off again. He is rather concerned, though he knows mainly Dink is worried for her friend, as he is. But oddly, as much as Dusk finds it easy to blame Iri, this time even he doesn't want Quasar to try and do this. He watches Dinky head off. He'll be keeping an eye out.

[Derpy]

Dinky did manage to catch Quasar, barely. She got onto the same train he did, albeit without a ticket. And her intentions were of questionable honorability.

=-=-=-=


Equestria Luxury Train
You are onboard one of the quality luxury trains that travel all across Equestria connecting to pretty much all of the major cities. The train itself is clean, comfortable, and spacious.
Starting from the center there is the dining car which has sharply dressed wait staff serving many well-to-do ponies. A pony plays music on a miniature piano.
To either direction from there are several "common" cars with many benches for ponies to sit on and an equally large number of windows lining each side showing the passing contryside. Many of the business class and other ponies mingle in these areas with lots of conversation and activities.
Futher towards either the front or back of the train you have the compartment cars. These have an aisle off of which are three compartments to either side, each compartment with seating and space for four ponies to sit plus extra standing and storage space. Each compartment has its own windowed sliding door and a single sizable window viewing outwards.
To the front, not counting staff and service and only cars, is the Lounge car where there is a bar and various games of chance such as roulette and cards. Many high end business ponies are often found here talking business as well as ponies with money to spend on the tables.
And finally to the rear of the train there are a good number of sleeper cars with room enough for all the passengers. The first sleeper car has an attendant that can help if anything is needed. Each of the cars has a number of double beds with easy steps to the upper bed. Each bed is large enough for two adult ponies and two foals and each has its own curtain that can be pulled closed, showing it is in use.

[ Sleepers: Golden_Morning ]

Sitting on the train is Quasar, staring forward ahead of him as he listens to the hustle and bustle of ponies starting to file in. Mirage, Dusk and PP all have seats as well, though in the back of the train in their own booth. He just needed to be alone for the most part. Tapping his hooves lightly together, he slumps down some and slowly closes his eyes.

A hoof is planted dully against the window. -pomp- There's no source, though. Dinky goes dashing alongside the train toward the doors, unable to reliably leap and reach the high windows. Her tail and mane are a mess.

Quasar blinks his eyes as his attention is shattered and he pushes himself up to look out the window. "Dinky!" He calls out as he slides the window down to shout out to her, then trots over to the open door as he waves a hoof.

Dinky looks back at the shout, startled enough to jump. "Quasar!" she yells sharply. She then spins around in irritation and runs to meet him at the door.

Once she reaches the door, Quasar looks at her with a lopsided smile. "What are you doing, running around back and forth at the train for?" He asks as he takes a few steps back and then heads for his seat again, flopping down into it. He scoots over to make room for her.

Dinky hurries onboard. The conductor isn't taking tickets yet, but he'll be by. "Quasar," she huffs, half out of breath. "Quas. Stop. I came to stop you. Where... are you GOING? What do you think you're doing here, on this train?"

"I'm going to Fillydelphia to save my father's life." Quasar says simply as he shifts on the seat uncomfortably.

Dinky stares. Nods, her mouth clenched. Stamps the floor with moderate force. "With that djinni?" she asks.

"I don't know.." Quasar says softly as he taps his hooves together a few more times. "I asked him and he was a jerk about it. But.. PP.. I guess is.. one also and he gave me something to help out."

Dinky gasps. "Whoa. Really? Yeah, I remember Dusk said something about that. What'd he give you?"

Quasar works the inside of his cheek with his teeth in a light chewing. "Magical constructs that should be able to carry out my plans.. it's a start. Though.. I don't know if it will be enough. To bring my father's mind back I need both science and magic. I have the theories in place and it seems sound. I have researched this for three years. It's the culmination of all of my work." He taps his hooves together a few more times. "All I wished for was the ability to bring my father back. I didn't want him to do it because there would be a trick involved. But, if I asked him to give me the ability to help him, then that would be different."

Dinky seems to be calming down, but another part of her is revving up, and it's not with joy. Does Dinky come in a joyful flavor? "Quasar. I could ask you about the theories and all that jazz, but we both know I wouldn't understand. Not the way I'd have to." She follows him reluctantly to his seat and sits down. "I just want to know this," she says, too quietly for eavesdroppers to hear. "Are you going to be risking your life?"

"I would gladly give up my life to save my father. He does not deserve to die this way. If it came with a hitch and I had to make a choice between saving him and giving my own life up, then so be it. It would be worth it. I love him and he loves me. He's the only one that loves me." Quasar says as he glances out the window to watch the world chug by as the train begins to depart.

"*#&$~," says Dinky. "*#&$~, *#&$~, *#&$~, *#&$~, *#&$~." She stands up and sees the station disappearing through the window, and the landscape starting to change. "Aww, *#&$~!!" she shouts. "Young lady, BEHAVE YOURSELF!" reprimands a middle-aged mare from across the aisle. Dinky shoots daggers at her and retakes her seat.

"Dinky, calm down, please. Besides, I analyzed every angle of this and I have a forty-two percent chance of not losing my life. With PP's help it would be different.. But, until I get back to my father, I can't make a decision right now. I have to analyze his condition and see if he would be stable enough for me to do my procedure... or at least instruct a.. licensed surgeon how to do it. I can't.. I'm sure.. and.. I don't think I can... cut my dad's.. brain open.." Quasar says softly.

Dinky leans over to Quasar and puts her eyes right up to his. "Forty-two percent chance? You're telling me... you..." She bangs her hoof on the wall behind them. "If I'd missed this train, I probably would've never seen you again. That's what you're telling me?! Quasar, are you out of your mind?"

"No. I'm not out of my mind, Dinky. I am making a selfless act to save my father's life. Wouldn't you do the same for your mother? The mare who gave birth to you? Who stuck by you this entire time? Who throws you cool parties for your birthday? At least you have a parent in your life that loves you. My mom doesn't even care about me. I'm just a stupid metric. When I do good, I make her look good. But my dad loved me. He was the best..and I'd give up everything to get him back. Even if there was a hundred percent chance of me losing my life." Quasar's eyes water up as he turns from her and pouts out the window.

<OOC> Dinky wonders what trait Pick Pocket is based on.
<OOC> Dinky is going to go with DEX>
<OOC> Quasar says, "Yes, Dex."
[Dice] Dinky rolls 1d20+3:
[Dice] 10 = 10 +3 = 13

Dinky spots Quasar's train ticket among his things and makes an attempt for it. She's not slick enough to go it undetected, though.

Quasar glances over at the movement in the window's reflection, then squints his eyes. "What are you doing?" He asks as he reaches out for his bag.

Dinky tears the ticket away. She pauses for a moment, ticket in her mouth, staring at Quasar and at his reflection in the window. Then she turns and runs.

"Dinky!" Quasar cries out. "What are you doing!?" Pushing himself out of the chair, he bolts after her with a loud huff. He's fat, he's not going to catch her. "Please! Stop!"

The conductor, a blue earth pony, is coming down the next car, checking tickets. He spots Dinky and Quasar running in the aisle and turns his attention to them. Immediately, Dinky starts walking toward him. "Sorry," she says around the piece of paper. "Just got carried away. Here's my ticket, mister."

Panting, Quasar slides to a stop and lets out a loud gasp. "Dinky! Why are you .. You're driving me crazy." He wheezes out as he looks to her, then to the conductor.

Dinky ignores Quasar. The conductor frowns and looks at the ticket. "Sure, sure. But... you're up to something, aren't you?" He looks over at Quasar. "Young master? What's wrong? This filly bothering you somehow?" Dinky slinks away into a free box.

"No sir, she's my...friend.. " Quasar says as he turns and starts back to his own box, flopping down into it with a slump as he leans his cheek against the cool glass of the window.

The conductor takes a few steps further, but sighs and shrugs. "Okay, then. But you should both know--no running on the train!" He goes back to resume checking tickets.

With a look over to Dinky, Quasar squints his eyes. "So, what, you're not going to sit with me now either? Is this a game to you?" He calls over with a frown on his face. "Why won't you just tell me what you are really thinking?"

Dinky is hidden in a box in the next car. She's not making any sound. She shifts out of sight. Eventually, the conductor comes along. "Ah! The speedy young master from before. Ticket, please?"

Quasar flattens his ears back against his skull rather tightly, then grinds his teeth. "... she took my ticket and gave it to you, sir.. it is why I was chasing her." He says with a loud sigh. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out his sack of bits and starts to count through them. "How much for another ticket?"
PUB >> Winter_Moon says, "thanks, i'm just... so much stuff to work through and bad meds are still working their way out of my system which has made me more scared of my manic states than my depressive ones and i don't want to lose it here."

The conductor looks awkwardly back toward Dinky's direction and Quasar. "Ah. Right. Now it makes sense. It's twenty-one bits... but are you sure you wouldn't like me to track her down and get your ticket back? I'll have to bring her into this, you know."

"She is one of Princess Luna's personal students. It would not be worth the trouble sir. It would come back upon you ten-fold. She has diplomatic immunity. You see, she is the shepherd of the dead and once her training is complete, one day she will be taking your soul across to the other side of the umbra. She also has a photographic memory so pissing her off means she'll remember you for the rest of her life." Quasar hoofs the bits over. "If I were you, I'd just keep collecting tickets." His ears wilt back. ".. um... have a nice day."

The conductor stares deep into Eclipse's eyes. He licks his mustache's tip and fidgets. "I wasn't born yesterday," he says. But he takes the bits. "I can tell when someone's lying to me." He wavers. "And you're only half-lying."

Staring back into his eyes, Quasar tilts his head slightly to one side. "Sir, I do not know how to lie, it is not within my programming. I am a scientist and an engineer. I only live through my data and research. Lying has no place in science." He says as he turns his gaze once more out the window with a sigh.

"Okay, young master. Whatever you say." The conductor walks off down the aisle, and the scenery passes.

Then the window clicks open.
Fierce wind blows into the train.

Quasar blinks his eyes at the window, then feels his mane getting whipped backwards. Scooting away to the aisle, he tilts his head to the side, glaring, then cuts a look down towards Dinky's box.

She's not in there.

Quasar frowns as he looks back to the window, then starts back into his box. "...Dinky?"

Yeah, she's there. She's got his bag, and is dangling it out the window. Her own footing is precarious, her mane blowing wildly. "Right," she says, gritting her teeth against the wind and dust. "You don't get to give your life up. You think your dad's the only one who loves you? Nonsense. Stuff and @&$@!^ nonsense. He's out of his head. It's everyone else who loves you."

'Dinky, stop this! This is my father's life you are risking! My constructs are in there, I need those!" Quasar says with tears in his eyes as panic races up his spine. "If you do this... if you..." His voice quavers.

Dinky listens patiently, an angry look on her face. She slips, but catches herself. She's balanced half on the window's edge, the only way she can reach through far enough. "Yeah? You gonna finish that thought?"

Shaking his head, Quasar's body starts to tremble as tears leak down his cheeks. "Ff... fffff..." He stammers out in a shaky voice as he can feel his heartbeat spike through his chest, his body becoming pins and needles. "D.. don't.. p.. please.. I n-need my daddy!"

Dinky slowly smiles. An evil smile. A knowing, nasty smile. "And I don't need you? Is that it? Your mom doesn't need you? What about Solar Eclipse, huh? You think he doesn't need you either? Your profs, Summerchime or whoever the one who was so proud of you? Your students, the deans and whatnot who're so impressed with you? That teacher back in Ponyville? What about your butler, and the folks at the Magical Research Center? I mean, I only know what I know, there's probably a bunch more ponies who needs you. What about the firends you haven't even met yet, huh? What about the filly who grows up to marry you? What about all the ponies whose lives you're gonna save by inventing stuff to keep them ticking? Don't you think they need you, too?!"

"My mother doesn't need me!" Quasar practically screams at her as his sobs roll out of his throat. "She doesn't love me! She stopped loving me after dad got hurt. She doesn't love any pony. I just want to bring my family back. It is my decision not make, not yours!" Stepping for her, he reaches out. "Give me back my bag, please. I need to save him."

[Dice] Dinky rolls 1d20:
[Dice] 17 = 17

Dinky leans back further, one hoof clipping the edge of the window to keep her from falling. She seems pretty well balanced despite the speed at which they're going. But that bag is out of reach, on the edge of her far hoof. "Who cares about your mother, then!?" she shouts. "What about everypony else? See, this proves you're not in your right mind! You think I want to dump out all your stuff? You think I want to make you hate me again?" Her tail thrashes angrily. "I AM NOT A BULLY!!" Now passengers have noticed and are coming closer, and some are talking frantically.

With his face screwed up tightly in misery, Quasar says, "Dinky... please... /please/.. don't do this. Please. This is the only chance I have to save my father's life. I just want my family whole again. I want my mom to love me again. I need him. He needs me. Mom needs him." He reaches up to wipe at his face. "..if you love me, you'd stop hurting me."

Dinky scowls deeply. She breathes through her nose. "I didn't say I love you," she says. She stays out there, dangling with her rump out the window, for a moment. Then she brings the bag in, and leaps down. "But fine. FINE." She throws the bag at him, hard. "Don't do anything $^#* RASH," she commands."

"You don't have to say it." Quasar says as he hugs the back to his chest tightly, squeezing his eyes shut as he buries his face into the top of it.

The passengers slowly stop gathering, but they do keep gabbing to themselves. For some reason, the attendants and conductor are keeping their distance. Dinky slams the window shut. She sits next to Quasar and doesn't look at him. "I hate you," she says.
"No you don't, you love me and it is why you are acting like this because you're scared." Quasar says as he reaches out and puts a hoof over hers. "And I'm scared also."

Dinky jerks her hoof away from Quasar's touch, looking down and forward. "If you die and your dad comes back to being normal, I'm not gonna be his friend," she says.

"I'm not going to die because I have a plan that will work. I don't need Iri because PP already gave me what I need to succeed. There is always a risk but if you live your life too carefully then you never will have lived at all." Quasar says as he holds out his hoof for her.

Dinky reaches out and bangs Quasar's hoof, frog to frog, with her own. She growls. "What happened to the forty-two percent chance?" she demands.

"That was if I were to make a wish. I told you, PP's constructs are infused with djinn magic. I won't need to make a wish." Quasar says with a huff in his throat. "Forty-two is if I make a wish with Iri and that is only if he allows it and only if all else fails."

Dinky nods brusquely. "Well why didn't you say so. Fine. Since you paid for my ticket, I'm coming with you. You won't make any dumb decisions without me. Got it?" She leers over, making eye contact again for the first time in a while.

There is a roll of the eyes as Quasar slumps back. "I'm the most intelligent pony on this train. I'm incapable of making dumb decisions." He says with a mutter, though he slides his hoof over hers again, then pulls her closer.

"Bullcrap," says Dinky. She leans closer until they're touching. "You're as clouded as anyone. You miss your comatose dad. You're willing to trade your life for his. Dumb decision. You're in trouble, Q. You need me here, whatever you think."

"Yeah, like you're the pinnacle of rational decision making." Quasar says as he leans into her with a soft sigh. "But you're the only friend I have right now so I'm kinda stuck with you."

"Am I really the only friend?" asks Dinky skeptically. "What about Dusk? What about Programmer? I mean, does he count right now? Heck, what about the Crusaders?" She forgot to list them earlier. 'Won't they miss you if you croak the bucket?"

"Talking about on this train ride with me to Fillydelphia." Quasar says as he gives her a smirk. "Mother is going to kill me when she finds out I did this, but if it works she may go back to normal again."

Dinky grunts a little laugh. "Sure. Sure. Normal. Right.' Unthinking, she leans into Quasar and puts her head on his shoulder. The train rumbles on, and the darkness of motionlessness falls over the foals' eyes.

<OOC> You say, "Okay! Would you say this scene was more (A) Good (B) Irritating (C) Something else?"
<OOC> Quasar chuckles. "I dunno, all of the above?"
Quasar has disconnected.

[Derpy]

Some time later, their conflicts largely resolved, the two youths arrive in Fillydelphia...

=-=-=-=-=

Equestria Luxury Train
You are onboard one of the quality luxury trains that travel all across Equestria connecting to pretty much all of the major cities. The train itself is clean, comfortable, and spacious.
Starting from the center there is the dining car which has sharply dressed wait staff serving many well-to-do ponies. A pony plays music on a miniature piano.
To either direction from there are several "common" cars with many benches for ponies to sit on and an equally large number of windows lining each side showing the passing contryside. Many of the business class and other ponies mingle in these areas with lots of conversation and activities.
Futher towards either the front or back of the train you have the compartment cars. These have an aisle off of which are three compartments to either side, each compartment with seating and space for four ponies to sit plus extra standing and storage space. Each compartment has its own windowed sliding door and a single sizable window viewing outwards.
To the front, not counting staff and service and only cars, is the Lounge car where there is a bar and various games of chance such as roulette and cards. Many high end business ponies are often found here talking business as well as ponies with money to spend on the tables.
And finally to the rear of the train there are a good number of sleeper cars with room enough for all the passengers. The first sleeper car has an attendant that can help if anything is needed. Each of the cars has a number of double beds with easy steps to the upper bed. Each bed is large enough for two adult ponies and two foals and each has its own curtain that can be pulled closed, showing it is in use.

[ Players: Quasar ]
[ Sleepers: Golden_Morning ]
Hardly able to sleep, Quasar has been staring out the window as day turned to night. The sky is now peppered with small blinking stars. He picks out every constellation with ease. Looking over to Dinky who fell asleep against him, he curls a foreleg about her shoulders.

Her elbow starts to sway as the train hits a slightly uneven portion of track. She develops a growing rhythm, rocking to and fro, her left elbow sawing back and forth.

Quasar glances over to her as he hugs her a bit closer against him. With a soft breath, he says, "Hey, we're almost there, about another hour or so." He mumbles quietly to his sleepy friend.

"F'wishses were zources then I would..." mumbles the uneasy sleeping filly. She lets her foreleg rest.

As the time pours on, the sound of the train's whistle can be heard as the brakes are gently applied into a metallic screech. As the ponies start to yawn and file out, Quasar gives her a nudge to try and wake her.

Dinky wakes up with a snap, making distrubed noises of surprise. "Err. Hwoa hwaa!" She looks back and forth and then at Quasar, whose face holds her attention. "Oh filly. Oh nails. Here we are, huh?"

"Uh huh. I have hotel reservations for us, then tomorrow we are heading to the hospital to see my father." Quasar says as he pulls his bag over his back, then heads into the aisle with a yawn.

Dinky is still a little dazed. Apparently her dream was strong. "Nuh-uh. You don't have reservations for me. You didn't know I was coming."

"I have reservations for me and since you tagged along, you have to stay with me, so now it's become reservations for us." Quasar says as he waits for her with a tilt of his head.

Dinky nods sharply and jumps up. "Where's ProgrammerPony? And is that his real name?"

"He goes by PP and that's not his real name.. just his nick name for fun. I can't pronounce his real name." Quasar says with a chuckle as he glances over his shoulder to the far cars, then back to her. "He's probably getting off. Come on, let's go."

Dinky follows along and hops off the train. "So... where are we?"

"Fillydelphia, born and raised. In a playground is where I spent most of my days." Quasar sings out as he heads down the aisle, then hops out of the train on to the station with a wide grin. Tilting his head upwards to the tall skyscrapers and apartment buildings, he says, "This is my home. Where I grew up."

Dinky wanders along, out of the station and into the picturesque city. "o/` Fillydelphia!" she sings. "The City of Sisterly Love. Fillydelphia! Born and crazed. Together to the cloudline above! o/`"

Quasar gives a grin over to her. "Oh, so you sing now?" He asks as he motions with his head as he lifts a hoof up and points towards the Mare-iott hotel. "That is where we will be staying. Got a luxury suite. Only because my mother earns so many points in her travels so we get free upgrades. It has a jacuzzi tub. Lots of jets."

Dinky shuts her mouth as the music flowing through the air here is abruptly quashed by her companion. There are other ponies singing in the streets... why not her? "Wow. Luxury suite, huh? You'd think you had money or something." She looks up. "Yeah, I could go with a jacuzzi. Never tried one of those before." She hopes it doesn't swallow her up.

"Good, then for a weekend I will spoil you." Quasar says as he trots forward with a smile on his face, ears perking upwards again. He has a bit of swagger in his step now. As if being back home in the big city has done something to him.

Dinky doesn't smile. But she walks alongside Quasar and seems to admire all the sights. "Suits me. I deserve it after the care you gave me. Oh hey. This is the city where they sell soft pretzels, isn't it?"

"Yup, do you want me to get you one tomorrow?" Quasar asks as he gives her a bump to the shoulder. "They're really good with mustard." Once they reach the hotel and head into the lobby, he trots to the desk and gets a pair of keycards. He chats with the clerk for a few moments as they seem to know each other.

Dinky was hoping for one now, but she shrugs. "Sure, whatever. If we have time. And yeah, mustard, fine." She follows him inside and looks out of place and quite bedraggled for such a nice hotel.

After ordering room service to their room, including some fresh warm pretzels. He can sense her wants by now. Quasar smiles and trots to the elevator and taps the fifth floor button. The ride up is not that long and soon after a few trots down a hallway and to the left, they have reached their room. 514. Sliding the card into the slot and pops it out, the door swivels open to reveal a large expansive bedroom of pure luxury. Huge bathroom with shower and jacuzzi, a huge bed, a couch, pair of TV's, walk-in closet.

Dinky is in awe! She walks in silently and turns around several times as she wanders. She fiddles with the jacuzzi controls and turns the water on without even getting in. She flops on the bed.

Quasar puts his bag off to the side and starts to unpack his jackets and bowties. "Are you going to get in the tub or just waste water?" He laughs as he takes a seat next to her on the bed. Rolling to his side to face her, his tail flickflicks.

Dinky pauses, then also laughs. She rolls over and over and over until she falls off the bed.

Quasar blinks his eyes a few times as he peeks over the side of the bed at her.

Dinky peers up at him, flat-mouthed.

Quasar peers back down at her, eyes squinting, ears lifting upwards.

Dinky stands up and peers into his eyes, an inch away.

Quasar chuckles as he looks amused, eyes squinting at her. "So.. are you going to turn the water off?"

Dinky shrugs. She trots over to the jacuzzi and eases herself in, slowly.

Quasar chuckles and watches her go, then rolls on to his back once more on the bed to stare at the ceiling. With a yawn, he flops his hooves over his chest.

[Derpy]

Then an unexpected guest shows up, and three becomes a crowd...

=-=-=-=-=

Dinky is subsumed by jets. They're strong in these Filly tubs, which aren't regulated by statute. East coasters are supposed to be tough. So Dinky's little body is getting thrown all over the jacuzzi, splashing water and smacking her lightly into the sides--it would be harder except that a new jet always picks up when she's about to crash. At this point she's done even resisting. This is like pummeling massage therapy.

Scootaloo isn't sure what to expect. She's got a few of Quasar's books tucked in her bag, things she supposed he might want from Canterlot, and she even sneaked some chocolate. She'll make sure his mother doesn't find out for sure. Taking a deep breath, she wanders down the hotel corridor until she reaches the room she believes is his... and knocks on the door. "Quasar?"

Watching Dinky get tossed around by the jets, Quasar tilts his head at her, looking amused. "You're like a pinball machine." He says as he rests happily in the water, feeling the jets pound away at his body from behind him to loosen up his sore muscles. At the sound of the knocking, he blinks his eyes and rises upwards. ".. Scootaloo?" His horn twinkles and opens the door with his magic, blinking his eyes owlishly. "Scoots!" He calls over, his mane plastered against his face from the water.

"*$@%#," swears Dinky from a jets-in-the-face position. It comes out as '*$%^#', which doesn't make any sense. She doesn't fight the pinball magic, though, until Quasar's voice answers a knock the door and Dinky wrests herself toward the edge of the tub. "Oh you are -KIDDING- me," she burbles. It comes out sounding like 'KITTEN', which is 20% more adorable.

Scootaloo can only stare at the scene before her with a look of mixed horror and confusion, perhaps with a hint of jealousy as the cherry on top. "Quasar?" she says quietly, before glaring at the unicorn filly. "And.. *you*?! What the @#%! are you doing here?!" The irony here being that Scootaloo probably picked up that language from Dinky herself. "Q, what's going on?"

"Uh... Dinky.. snuck on the train and tried to convince me not to come.. because of.. things... and so uh... we can't turn a train around so she's.. here.." Quasar trails off a bit as he looks at Dinky, then back to Scootaloo. "I'm so glad you came though!" He calls out with a smile on his face. "C'mon and join us! It's a jacuzzi, it has a billion jets and the water is super warm."

Dinky wouldn't use a word as pedestrian as '@#%!'. Even she has standards. "Scootaloo." Now that's a cuss word you can be proud of! "What the *$@%#!!? Are you a +#*?&$^ -stalker- or something??" She clings to the edge of the tub defensively, as if any orange pegasi who want to try getting in will have to make it past her line of defense.

Scootaloo seems to ignore Quasar's invitation. She's rooted by the door, one hoof resting by her hip as if she's got a gun in a holster ready to whip out and fire. "Excuse me, a *stalker*?! You are in no position to talk, I'm his *girlfriend!* What did you expect me to do, just up and leave him to cope with this on his own?! How dare you!"

Dynamite_Rave blinks his eyes a few more times, then gives Dinky a -look-. "Hey, c'mon now. She's not a stalker. Geez, get a grip. Why are you getting so upset for?" Scooting over to make room, he waves Scootaloo over. "Look, guys, please don't fight.. I gotta do something huge tomorrow and I can't go into it all stressed out. I'm already worried."

Dinky can't be defused that easily. She taps the energy of hate and manages to swing over the edge of the jacuzzi, balancing on the narrow wall to glare at Scootaloo. "Well I didn't see you on the -train-," she snipes. "So yeah, I thought you either didn't know or didn't give a fig. How did you even know he was here?!"
Scootaloo pauses. She slings her saddlebags onto the floor by the bed. "Nopony told me, did they? I figured it was best to leave him for a bit to get everything sorted, then come down." She looks over at Quasar, and actually listens to him this time. "I... brought a few books down from your place in Canterlot. Even that one I got you for your birthday, the one about quantum somethings."

Sighing over at Dinky, Quasar wilts his ears back a bit, then slumps back down into the water. "I'm really glad you came. It means a lot to have you two here with me for this. If I fail I am going to be a total wreck. You guys are my best friends." A smile touches his face. "Oh! My quantum mechanics book. Awesome. I'm halfway through it."

Dinky looks back at Quasar, and her own ears wilt a little. "Yeah, sure," she says. Back to Scootaloo, Dinky continues to enjoy the high ground. "So if nopony told you, how did you know to look here?" she repeats, still disgusted but not yelling anymore.

Scootaloo smiles at Quasar. She wanders over to the edge of the jacuzzi so she can lean forward just enough to give her coltfriend a gentle smooch. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. The reason I knew in the first place was because your butler left me a note with your details. He said you'd be waiting, so..."
Dinky scowls, watching them smooch. She perches on the edge of the jacuzzi like a gargoyle carved by the enchanted horn of a cruel, jealous sculptor.

[Dice] Dinky rolls 1d20-2:
[Dice] 7 = 7 -2 = 5

Dinky then fails her DEX roll and falls back into the jacuzzi.

Returning the kiss, Quasar's ears flutter happily. "Good! I'm glad that you got the note. I'm sorry I didn't stick around real long. I was in such a rush to get out here.." He pauses as he hears the Dinky splash behind him, then gives Scootaloo an awkward smile. "..and I needed some sense knocked into me anyways. You wanna come in?"

Scootaloo watches Dinky fall back in and bites back a spiteful laugh. "Sure," she says to Quasar, gently slipping into the jacuzzi and yelping with shock as the jets pummel her back and forth. She grabs Quasar's hoof and holds on tightly. "Argh! What the hay is this?!"

Dinky sputters and spits water. Then she finds herself getting dragged around by the jets again and groans. "You should know," she manages to get out before getting water splashed on her. "I heard you do this all the time with taffy pullers!"

Reaching over, Quasar taps the jets down to the smallest setting. "I don't know why you two are having so much trouble sitting in a hot tub. Geez." He says as he pulls Scootaloo up against him. Brushing her purple mane away from her face, he gives her a small smile from behind his glasses. "Are you two going to be like this all weekend? Going at each other?"

Scootaloo ignores Dinky, instead smiling as Quasar pulls her close. She adjusts to the stream of water, and rests her head against his shoulder. "*I* wasn't planning on it," she says accusingly. "I was planning on being supportive. Unlike some."

Dinky drifts and bumps eventually into Scootaloo's shoulder. She didn't do it--it was the current. "I'll be nice if she is," she growls. "Anyway, would you -still've- been supportive even if there was a better chance than not that Quasar was gonna lose his life doing this? 'Cause that's the impression I got before he cleared things up. And you would've been just fine with that, huh?" Looks like Dinky just set a record for forgetting promises.

Ears flattening a bit, Quasar gives Dinky a 'look'. "I'd hope that any friend of mine, romantic or platonic, would support me in trying to bring my father back to a healthy state, regardless of any danger to my own person. I love my dad. He is my hero." He squeezes Scootaloo a bit closer as he hooks his hoof around her from behind, which happens to also bump against Dinky since she's leaning into Scoots.

Scootaloo glares at Dinky, nudging her against the tide in order to try and get her further away. "Of course I wouldn't you dumb &@--" She pauses and sighs. "Of course I wouldn't have been just fine with it. But I still would have helped him as much as I could to do the best thing." She leans up and kisses Quasar's cheek. "It'll be okay, cutie." she murmurs.

Dinky shakes her head, water droplets splashing. She takes hold of Quasar's fetlock with both forehooves, a response to being bumped. "Folks don't make the best decisions about people when they feel really strongly about them. You probably read about that somewhere, Q."

Giving another smile at the kiss to his cheek, Quasar lets Scootaloo lean into him as his forehoof is hugged by Dinky's. He peeks past Scootaloo to her with a slight grin. "Yeah, I probably read that somewhere in one of my psychology books. It does not mean that when faced with your own fears that you can simply submit to education. I am just like any other pony. I have emotions, even if for the most part I try not to let others see them.. at least not my peers. Really only you two ever see me emotional. It's because I care a lot about you two."

Scootaloo doesn't really react when Dinky clutches Quasar's forehoof. She doesn't really react at all - for the longest time she sits very quietly in Quasar's grip, staring down at a certain point of frothing bubbles in the water. She looks thoughtful.

This isn't a hug. Scootaloo's got it right--she's clutching Quasar. As if to drive sense into him through a direct connection. "So don't submit to education. Submit to your fears. You've got us here--use us. I'm the devil on your shoulder. Scoots here is the chicken on your other shoulder. We'll come with you to see Iri and your dad, and we'll help you decide when you're about to go too far." She looks at Scootaloo without rancor--maybe even a little respect. "I'm not friends with your dad, you know. I'm not even gonna -think- about taking him over you."

"Well, if Iri refuses to help me, then all I have to go on is the constructs that PP created for me that are infused with Djinn magic and hopefully.. they can save his life." Quasar says as he pulls Dinky over to the other side of him as best he can so that he can wrap his other forehoof about her. He squishes both of them close against him, letting out a soft breath as he relaxes against the hot tub.

Scootaloo closes her eyes and listens to the talking. She doesn't really know what to say herself, only if to reiterate what's been said before. Scootaloo can't really deal with emotion much, but she'll try her darnedest. "I think you're brave," she says finally, after a pause. And the next thing she says is a shocker. "Both of you."

Dinky blows that off. "Brave? Me? Yeah, don't know where you got that from. I'm a coward. I'm scared of losing the few friends I've got. And for the record, Quasy said on the train that if Iri doesn't help, and he's got to go it alone on the constructs, -that's- when he's got a forty-three percent chance of survival. So that's what we've gotta avoid." She lets Quasar hug him, but looks across him to Scootaloo as she talks.

"It's just statistics, it doesn't mean anything until I try. Heck, I may not even try. I don't think I'm qualified to preform surgery on my father and I am sure the medical staff will not allow me to either. I would have to entrust another doctor to do it with my guidance. I don't know.. now that... I'm here... it is obviously a bad idea," he says softly as his ears falter backwards and looking sullen.

Scootaloo watches the doubt flicker in both of the other ponies, and she sits up. "You gotta have some courage, guys," she says gently. "Quasar, as the chicken on your right shoulder I believe you should have courage. And courage is knowing that you might be defeated but seeing it through anyway, no matter what."

Dinky falters. She squeezes Quasar, though not hard. And sits there, uncertain. "What are you talking about," she says dryly. "You don't get bad ideas, Q. You catch something from me?"

Dynamite_Rave squeezes Dinky back a bit as he leans over to let his other forehoof wrap about her. Pulling her a bit closer as he leans against Scootaloo, he says, "I get bad ideas all of the time, I just know how to phrase them in ways that sound intelligent. I don't think I can go through with this.. I can't.. do stuff to my dad. I was hoping Iri would have a change of heart and grant me my wish."

Scootaloo frowns. She leans in, her head just below Quasar's chin so she can hear his heartbeat. "You just have to trust yourself. The ponies who believe they can do something enough are the ones who can."

Dinky stares at Scootaloo. And stares at Quasar. Then she starts trying to climb out of the jacuzzi again. "You got a list of questions for Iri?" she asks, not looking at Quasar. All business.

"No, I don't have any questions for him. I already made my argument to him and phrased how I wanted my wish to work. He just simply refused." Quasar says as his hooves slide along Dinky's body as she climbs out of the hot tub, looking a bit crestfallen for a moment though he turns around to give Scootaloo another hug.

[Derpy]

And then, the day of truth arrives.

=-=-=-=-=


After having woken up and taken a quick shower, Quasar and Scootaloo spent some time together while they let Dinky sleep in. Instead of Quasar snuggled up next to her, he slid a teddy bear into her clutching forearms instead. With Scoots down in the cafeteria, the young teen colt opens the door of the hotel and heads inside with a tray of breakfast on his back for his freind.

Dinky is sitting on the edge of the bed, frowning and clutching the teddy bear as she stares at the furnishings or more likely at nothing in particular. She looks to the door when it opens, ready for action and potential abuse. But no, it's only breakfast. "Whoa, Quas. That for us?"

"Well, yeah." Quasar says with a grin on his face. "Scoots says she'll be up shortly but I think she's down in the pool or something." Sliding the try of food on to the bed, he flops down next to her. "You sleep okay? You were squeezing me awfully tight last night. Bad dreams or just affectionate?" He teases with a gleam behind his glasses.

Dinky is about to get up when Quasar chooses the bed as their table. She twitches a shoulder, like a shrug but less. "A pool, huh? The small one over there wasn't good enough for her? Big ponies got big dreams, I guess." That, for the record, is sophsticated compound sarcasm. "I was squeezing you? Seriously?" She holds out the bear. "I thought I was squeezing this thing."

"You were until I woke up and then swapped it out. You and Scootaloo were both giving me the death grip, like you two were competing to see who can hug me the most in your sleep. I didn't mind. Felt great to feel loved before I'm about to do the riskiest thing I'll ever do my entire life. " Quasar floats up a buttery croissant to Dinky. "I'm really glad you're both here though. Makes me feel a lot less scared."

"Oh," says Dinky. "Yeah, that explains it, I guess. Can't let her have the prize, or whatever." She looks away, then grabs a non-buttery roll from the tray and starts chewing. "Can't eat croissants, they'll kill me," she says. "Anyway, yeah. You're loved, I guess. Do I really know what love feels like, though? Not like I have much experience, and besides, it's still kind of buried under the 'worried about you sacrificing yourself' thing."

"A roll and a croissant is almost the same thing." Quasar says as he takes a bite out of it instead, then leans in to bump his shoulder against hers gently. "And are you only saying that as a defense mechanism?"

Dinky talks with her mouth half full. "The croissants have butter. The rolls don't--I checked. You keep trying to tempt me with dairy, I'll give in someday, and you'll have to bury me." Maybe she's exaggerating. But she takes the shoulder bump and gives it back. "Anyway, what am I supposed to be defending myself against? You think your love's so strong, it's like a siege engine?"

"Maybe you are defending yourself against your own emotions." Quasar says with a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Reaching over to settle a hoof over hers, he turns his eyes to her and asks, "Dinky, do you love me?" He asks honestly as his ears tilt forward slightly to her. "Be honest, please."

Dinky is reaching for a slice of mango, but she lets Quasar arrest her hoof. She looks at him with deeply furrown eyebrows. "What the @&$ do you think I was just talking about?" she asks. "I don't know if I love you. What does love feel like, anyway? I think you're interesting. I have some sort of feeling for you, I guess. You want me to write a poem or something so you can cross-check it, get back to me?"

Softly sighing, Quasar reaches out with his hooves and pulls her into a bit of a hug, pressing his muzzle against her cheek for a soft kiss. "I don't know Dinky." He says as he lets her go and slides off the bed. "I guess I was just.. making sure.. or something." Floating up his saddlebag, he opens it up to peek inside at the magical constructs that look a lot like mechanical spiders. Chewing the inside of his cheek, he closes it and slides it over his shoulders.

Dinky presses lightly against Quasar, her frown not leaving her face. She pulls hiom closes for just a half second, shaking with what may be a momentary sob. "Well, you can't make sure," she murmurs. "Either you do science or you're just gonna have to guess. Do you love -me?-"

As she asked the question, Quasar looks over to her almost sadly for a moment before he scuffs his hoof against the ground. "... Yes, I do love you Dinky. As much as I think that I can. I try not to over-analyze my emotions too much but I know that I care about you quite deeply. You were my first real girlfriend."

Dinky cries a little tear, which she tears away angrily. She aggressively chews and devours the slice of mango she had her eye on. "I'm a real girlfriend? You sure I'm not just a fake one? A poser? I always dreamed of being a poser, you know."

"You aren't a poser, Dinky. You're my best friend and the first girl I fell in love with." Quasar says with a cheeky smile to her, one that he is forcing out as best as he can. "I've always wanted friends like you." Making his way back over to her, he rears up a bit and places his forehooves on the bed as he looks up at her. "Why are you sad for?"

"I know. I said I -wish- I were a poser. I'm a poser poser." She touches Quasar's head with a light hoof. "But hey. You somehow managed to fall in love with me, cool. Good thing you've got a back-up in the pool downstairs, but hey." She settles back and has some artisanal hay from the tray. "Sad? Eh.," she shrugs. "You could be about to die. And if not, you could lose your dad forever and all your hopes for him. Or maybe you'll wind up making out with Scootaloo and I'll watch from the balcony and realize I really am in love with you and I blew my shot. Or maybe your dad'll come to and he won't be what you remembered and you'll resent yourself and him and the djinn and you'll become a supervillain and Luna'll make me fight you and she'll hope I redeem you but instead I just kill you outright and it's a real bummer, or..." She exhales. "You know, I'm usually sad on some level. I've got my reasons."

Ears flattening, Quasar says, "Dinky, c'mon..." He says as he looks sadly up at her. "At the time, you could not choose between Eclipse and I, and you know that would not have been fair to any of us. I made the choice so that way three friendships wouldn't have been ruined. It didn't mean it didn't hurt me to do so." Sliding a hoof along her cheek, he leans forward to press his forehead against hers. "I hope that my dad wakes up and everything will go back to normal for my family. Things will not change between you and I. We still will be best friends. I'll still love you."

Dinky's forehead is another another forehead. This is weird. What happens if their horns touch? Right now they're really close. Dinky breathes but doesn't move on way or another. Finally, she slowly backs away. "Best friends, huh? I guess I can't argue. I mean, Eclipse is the only other guy who might be best friends with me, but if you see him as a lover, then whatever." She speaks softly. "Oh hey. My birthday's coming up again soon. You wanna come? Your dad's invited too."

"Of course I will come. Did you ever put together the puzzle I made for you?" Quasar asks as he leans back as well, rubbing at his nose with a hoof as he gives a small sniff. "What do you want anyways? Let me know and I'll get you anything you want."

Dinky sighs a little and leans back. "Cool. Oh, and hey, if you wanna throw the thing, that'd be cool, too. Red Velvet was gonna throw it for me, but I think she's possessed or dead or something. Gotta check the news when we get back." She rolls over in bed, sprawling over a small portion of the covers. "The puzzle? Naah. I tried it but I got stuck near the end."

"Then you should try and complete it. Never let a project go unfinished Dinky. Don't be a quitter." Quasar says as he hops up on to the bed next to her and rolls over to face her. "You want me to throw the party? It'd be really nerdy. I'd probably do something involving constellations."

Dinky snerks and stares at the ceiling as if it were covered in Quasar-style constellations. "That'd be awesome. Couldn't be worse than the games my mother came up with last year. I mean seriously, Truth or Hair?" She chuckles darkly. "If someone can get through a Quasar party and have a good time, then I'll -know- they're my friend."

"Well, I was thinking of renting out a club, decorating it with stars that can glow in the dark, then hire Medley to perform at the party so everyone can dance and have fun under the stars." Quasar says as he gives her a poke on the shoulder, then flops his hoof about her. "That way I can use my magic to steal someone's dancing skills and not embarrass myself."

Dinky nods thoughtfully, snuggling up with the bear, which she drops into the space between herself and Quasar. "Sounds perfect. And you call yourself a nerd."

Pulling both bear and Dinky close into his embrace, he gives a chuckle. "A nerd needs to use his resources as best he can to his advantage. I don't want to trip over my hooves and ruin your party." Leaning over to nuzzle her cheek, he says, "So.. I think I'm ready to get this over with. You going to come with me?"

Dinky draws in her breath sharply. She lies there, intensely aware... of something. A touch on her cheek is the tip of it. "You want me in the room with you and your dad?"

"I don't think they'd you guys. You'll probably have to be in the waiting room.. heck, they may not even let -me- in the room. I just have to.. be sneaky .. maybe you and Scooty can create a diversion and I can sneak in with the constructs. I'm not performing surgery on him. The constructs are going to repair the brain with magic and hopefully reconnect his consciousness to his body."

Dinky sits up. "You want me to be sneaky? Or just... like, make a fuss and get thrown out of the building? 'Cause I can do that, especially with Scoots there. We talking a hospital?"

Quasar nods his head as he motions with his hoof. "Yeah, the hospital across the street. They know who I am. My mother is very influential here and she has been funding for my father to stay alive this entire time when they have suggested to take him off life support." He hops off the bed and starts for the door. "Long as I can get back there to my father's room without being interrupted for at least a few hours."

Dinky hops down more clumsily. "Shouldn't they just let you do what you want to do? I mean, if they'd just as soon pull the plug, why not let you do your magic and try to get him working again? What's to lose?" She grabs an orange and starts ineptly peeling it with her teeth.

"Lawsuits for letting children experiment on comatose patients? There is also ethical concerns." Quasar says with a chuckle as he opens the door with his hoof, then peeks over his shoulder at her. "What I'm going to do is highly illegal and so very cool. If this works I'll be on every science magazine cover in the world -and- have my dad back! If I fail, I'll probably go to jail, mother will kill me and Scooty is gonna break up with me."

"Lawsuits, ethics. Peh." Dinky flicks a hoof and heads for the door. "Above my paygrade." Which is something she doesn't have, unless you count her allowance. "Well, for what it's worth, if your mom kills you, I'd probably break up with you, too. Nothing against ghosts, it's just you can't whatever with 'em."
"Can't whatever 'what' with them?" Quasar says with a soft laugh as he perks his ears upwards at her. "Don't tell me that I'm about to have a talk with you in regards to puberty am I?" He says as he can't help the grin on his face.

Dinky grins self-consciously. "Probably not the best time for that," she suggests. "But don't worry. Once we fix up your dad, we can ride home and you can get back to whatevering with Scootaloo, and I'll go to the palace and whatever with Eclipse." Yeah, she's trolling him.

"I know for a fact you aren't whatevering with Eclipse because he told me that you and him haven't even kissed. I don't even think he's even interested in pursuing a relationship right now with any pony. So, if you're going to whatever with someone, you probably have the best chance with me, but.. since you won't even finish my puzzle.. " Quasar hints at her as he trolls her back with a grin. "And you know, Scooty is really good at whatevering. You should compete with her." He winks.

Dinky sputterchuffs on her way down through the hotel hallway. "Why should I be kissing colts? I'm not even eleven yet. Maybe when I say 'whatevering', I just mean like jostling back and forth, like you did with me in there." She flicks an ear backto the room. "With Scoots, whatevering means fluttering up about three feet and hovering there doing nothing but grunting until you collapse in a pile of feathers. So yeah, she's really good at that. As for the puzzle, there's only one piece left. Should be a piece of cake if I can get my heart under control."

"You kissed me at the train station." Quasar calls out. "And you liked it!" It seems that he is definitely stepping up his confidence these days. Being with friends of various personalities definitely gives him experience to draw upon. "Why is your heart not under control? It is only one piece left and you'd be finished? Think of how amazing that would be. It's a challenging puzzle." He pauses so she can catch up to him

Dinky smirks in silence for a while. There's an elevator in this hotel--she thinks that's pretty neat. It's open-framed so they can see the counterweights and everything. "You sure you want me to get into that?" she asks. "I was kinda figuring I wouldn't bug you with it, what with everything going on with your dad..."

"Of course I want you to bug me with it. If it keeps my mind off the impending doom I am walking into it may help." Quasar says as he steps into the elevator, glancing about before looking back to her. "You know, we have a dysfunctional way of flirting with each other."

Dinky is taken off guard as the doors close. "We flirt with each other?" The camera lingers on the closed door for a few moments, the sound of the descending car in the background.