World of Discord (RP)

[Shadechaser]

"The leader wishes that no living creature say their name. To be more honest, I came here when I was asleep. I do not recall anything of how I got here, nor my purpose." She glanced back toward the mountains near the Everfree. "If I find darkness in vast quantities, then they will be inclined to find their way into the world. This world seems to have no interest in their eyes." She closed her eyes, as if she was focusing on something, but shortly after closing them, she opened them as she turned back.

[Omega_Khaos]

Asterian had begun to get a sense of heightened awareness. He could sense things he normally could not, and only now did he realize he had been in meditation for quite some time. A golden glow radiated from his eyes as he looked at Laserbolt. [glow=yellow,2,300]"From what I can tell, it's not permanent, Laserbolt. You should be fine in about nine or so seconds."[/glow]

He then turned his attention to the rest of reality. The world had turned a sort of mono-chrome, almost like it had been when he himself had been put under His control those years ago, with one key difference. There, he could see magical traces from the land's many travels. Everypony there that had any sort of aura within them shown a brilliantly unique color to him, as well as their trails of where they had been. But there was one trail there that did not belong to either him or his compatriots. A light sapphire-blue trail.

Asterian looked around frantically for the trail's origin, but its owner seemed to have disappeared.

Spoiler: Telepathic • show

[glow=yellow,2,300]Chrysteel, I'm not sure what is going on, but I can sense somepony here that does not belong. I think we might have a problem...[/glow]

Spoiler: Abilities • show

No longer knows Fire's Grace, Mark, or Ice's Mercy.
Aura Sense -- Active -- Able to sense recent usage of magic via recognition of aura trails. This also shows passive magic.

Chrysteel says, "[glow=navy,2,300]I know what you mean. aura magic is something I am a master of and have seen it for a while now. I know not who it belongs to but I feel something is still in the area. when yall are ready to move out then I will follow. I would like to show this to you. It not something my mom would want seen, but the tree of harmony is about to bare harmony fruit.[/glow]" Chrysteel stands and gets ready to move out.

[The Clockwork King]

Something about the shadow pony glancing at the mountains made Clockwork want to look too, she was clearly interested in them for one reason or another, perhaps something was buried inside?
What about your physical forms? Are you in constant need for sustenance or can you comfortably keep yourself together? And what about those mountains has you so enthralled?

[Shadechaser]

"The way I keep myself together... is hard to understand. I look at a dark shard from one of Oblivion's dark golems and some how it feels like I am less apart. Though, I do not think I have had anything happen to my physical being that was considered a split." She paused. "... there was one time... it remains vague... but the feeling remains strong..." She looked toward the center of the Everfree. "Though, a mist clouding the sight, I follow through the endless night..." She closed her eyes as her horn seemed to glow, but for a second, a deep indigo.

She returned her focus back to Clockwork as the glow vanished. "... The mountains... ... ... something... a piece of my soul... ... some part of my mind... lost... ... ... The time has not come... the land is not yet ready... only few to some... will know what to steady..." She seems to be unfocused when she talked about those mountains.

[Asterian Starfall]

Asterian looked back to the side of the farmhouse. There, he could see a vibrant black trail accompanying a barely recognizable echo. He instantly knew -- despite having this power for no more than thirty seconds -- that it was Shade and Clockwork. Yet something was... wrong. The auras just... stopped. Not like they their owner's were dead, but as if something was blocking him from sensing them past the corner.

Spoiler: Telepathic • show

[glow=yellow,2,300]Be right back...[/glow]

Asterian vanished and began to draw close to the corner. He could hear Clockwork talking

... will take place, the others needen't know of what takes place here, so I suggest sheilding your mind from Chrysteel and her troublesome powers unless you are so already. I suppose my first question is what you are and where you hail from, for never in a universe have I seen your kind before...

Asterian sat, unseen and unheard, just on the other side of the corner.

Spoiler: Telepathic • show

[glow=yellow,2,300]Chrysteel, I sense there is a problem, and this does not regard the rogue trail I saw... Clockwork and Shade are conversing. It sounds to me as though Clockwork has something to hide... I fear he may betray us.[/glow]

Spoiler: Active Abilities • show

Cloak and Dagger - You can not see Asterian unless you can somehow reveal him through a mid-level spell.
Aura Sense - Asterian can see echos of the past paths of ponies.

[The Clockwork King]

Shadechaser is...not a part of herself? She feels less when not connected to her master, and thus is distracted by methods of which to obtain a means of contact with the Dark One?
What if I helped you?
The question came out faster than Clockwork could catch it, and he found himself floundering
I mean...for both our benefits? If you are so focused on reclaiming that which will allow you to ascend back into the grace of yor master, and possibly further, then I in turn must request a...corralation with the Dark One. I would require something of him when the time comes, and if Oblivion is all you say and more tten I can definitely see potential for us both...

[Bane Emural]

Bane looks at the group. I feel as if trust will be our greatest challenge yet. And knowing how Discord destroyed the trust within the Mane 6, this will be a most difficult obstacle. I hope Discord knows not of our group until the end. He sighs, saddened by what he sees and looks towards in the direction of Chaos Capitol. "Let us hurry and finish this before Discord's influence grows ever stronger and consume us all. I wish not the future of eternal chaos."

[Shadechaser]

"It seems as if you have something more than I first thought..." Shade said, as she looked over her shoulder. "If this conversation is to continue... I may have to make it... more... private." She turned to the corner they were close to. "If you are able to listen to a shadow... I will be able to make this talk more in secret." She turned back to Clockwork. "If you cannot listen to a shadow, then this part is useless." Her shadow seemed to become more like the shadow of mid-morning on a chaos free plane.

Spoiler: Prepared Spell • show

Shadow Sink - Sink into the shadow of the target allowing conversation without others listening

[The Clockwork King]

Clockwork shivered, it seemed that without his chronokinetic abilities he was no longer immune to forms of possession that deviated from his physical being. He made room for Shade in his mind, making sure to limit the shadowy being's size to conserve space, the last thing he wanted was to risk another overload.
That was...unpleasant... he admitted mentally, straightening his tie Akin to ghosting over a mortal grave, if I may add. You suspect we were being overheard? The last thing I want is any more deviency from our band of miscreants, the little they know of our intentions the better. It does, however reluctantly I admit it, make them the only ones able to defeat Discord after uniting the elements and freeing Celestia and Luna... he examines his cane with lacking interest as he speaks within his mind to the blackness that is Shade ...though if my plan was to come into fruition, that last part would be...debatable at best.

[Shadechaser]

Shadechaser put the hood of her cloak over her head, and closed her eyes. Moments later, she faded out of sight. "[glow=purple,2,300]This will only allow me to talk to you as I follow your shadow. There is nothing I desire in controlling a being like yourself. It would not be kind.[/glow]" She said to Clockwork within his mind. "[glow=purple,2,300]If this world flows like another one did, peace will come. The end is as close as the mountains, but as small as a squirrel. We must not seek the next five steps, but the next two. The ruler is as capable to dismantle a plan as a filly is to walk. The plans that span a chasm will surely end at the bottom, but a plan that crosses a stream will reach the other side.[/glow]"

Spoiler: Active Spell(s) • show

Shadow Speak - Conversation is only heard by Shade and the target shadow's caster (Clockwork)

[The Clockwork King]

Clockwork nods, it was understandable to not plan too far ahead for he could miss valuable details. Still his plan would go through, it had to. [glow=orange,2,300]Then I suggest we rejoin with the group and play them to our benefit for as long as we can muster without overstepping our boundaries. Steering towards the mountains after Greedity's demise should not prove too difficult, and your find should prove worthwhile.[/glow]he glances at the corner of the barn, eyes narrowing slightly [glow=orange,2,300]This pony clearly has bigger ears than their own sense of privacy. Who is it?[/glow]

[Shadechaser]

"[glow=purple,2,300]If you want, you can check who it is. I will stay within your shadow. Your every move is what I will follow. The shadows know how to mingle without controlling each other. At least, that is how I see it.[/glow]" From within Clockwork's shadow, Shadechaser looked toward the mountains, allowing Clockwork to do what he demanded of his physical being.

[glow=purple,2,300]The land lays nigh the end, art thou the land's revival? This land is no extend, but it may be the final. With nothing more than an end, a beginning will rise. Something more sinister, if not a prize.[/glow]

[The Clockwork King]

At first Clockwork thought of simply peeking around the corner, but upon reanalysis he thought that even the most miniscule of glances would get him caught. He mustn't let the rest of the group know that both he and Shade were onto them, so how...? He eyed his makeshift cane and the active shard of what remained of EnderDash's power, perhaps if he could replicate what he achieved in the smithery...
Tick... he said as his fingers snapped, and time once again stopped. He had to be quick with his observation, his power was already draining at an increased rate. Ducking his head around the corner he hissed in frustration upon sighting the one whom was spying on them, of course it had to be Asterian! He would teach that lapdog of Chrysteel's not to stick his nose into his private business in due time. His power began to cross the 50 percent mark, and he turned back around the corner. Now, if a click turned his power on, then the same must restart the flow of Time? A click of his fingers confirmed his efforts with 40 percent to spare, this would prove a valuable power...
[glow=orange,2,300]It was Asterian, no doubt already relaying his information to Chrysteel. By the look on his face he must think we are looking to abscond from the group at any given time. We would do best to watch him, Shadechaser, he could ruin our chances of achieving what we desire and we would do well treat him as a threat...[/glow]

[Shadechaser]

"[glow=purple,2,300]If you so desire, we can take this into the forest. It becomes more private if you follow me.[/glow]" Shade stated. "[glow=purple,2,300]A shadow's light is a vague illusion. I think we should know what is in store the next few moments, before we move.[/glow]"

Shadechaser emerged from Clockwork's shadow as if it was a deep puddle of water. "This land has more looking to those who are not common... those from the dark... and those who stand out in the crowd. No creature is safe in this world... of discord." She took a few steps toward the forest, then looked to Clockwork. She seemed to be waiting for something.

[Asterian Starfall]

((Correction, you can not see Asterian nor sense him without moderate-level magic detection.

Cloak and Dagger - Allows Asterian to exploit the natural "blind spot" in target(s) eyes, removing him from their visual detection.

"Target(s)" being everypony besides me. Stopping time would still leave Starfall undetected, as it would also halt status and spell effect changes. Thus far, neither of you know it is me.))

Asterian could hear no more of the conversation, but to him, he had heard enough. He stepped lightly around the corner, still unseen, and pointed his repeater at the back of Clockwork's head as he dropped his Vanishment. ((At THIS point, Asterian is no longer invisible. Now you know it is me.))

[glow=yellow,2,300]"Clockwork? Why so secretive?"[/glow] He looked at Clockwork with an expressionless state as he ducked his head around Clockwork's. [glow=yellow,2,300]"Do either of you mind telling me what is going on? It looks to me like there is dissension in the ranks."[/glow]

[bauccgia0]

From where Asterian was standing, he heard a shout from far away.
[glow=black,2,300] I KNEW IT![/glow]
Laserbolt faded into existence near him and Clockwork. He spun around, staring vehemently at the so-called Lord of Time. [glow=black,2,300]What have you been hiding from us, you mechanical monster?![/glow] A magical spear appeared next to Laserbolt, pointing at Clockwork, ready to strike. [glow=black,2,300]Just tell me when to stab, Asterian, I'll wait, but I really want to. I should have just thrown that matrix at the castle, just nuke the castle with your blasted soul, you cold, steely abomination![/glow] His eyes were glowing white, with specks of black, like stars, drilling metaphorical holes in Clockwork. The shadows around him grew larger, thicker, stronger.

[Bane Emural]

Bane could not take no more of it. He stands up and faces the group. "Enough! All of you! If you continue to act this way, what hope do we have of defeating Discord? Already there is Chaos spreading within this group of ours and already do we not trust each other. Are we that weak to his influence? Is there no chance of hope for the future we are trying to secure for all that suffer under his reign?" Bane calms himself but scorns at the group. "If you all continue to act like fillies and colts, then go home. Leave those who are willingly able to stop Discord, who can trust each other every step of the way until it is all over." Bane turns his back from the group. "If you all can't learn to trust each other, what hope is there for us? I will head towards the Chaos Capitol. If you wish to join me, you may. Better to fight with those you trust than none at all."

He heads out towards the Chaos Capitol, leaving the group.

[Asterian Starfall]

Asterian lowered his weapon away from Clockwork, all signs of aggression leaving him instantly. How could he have been so cold? As Bane was beginning his departure, he pleaded, [glow=yellow,2,300]"Bane, please. Stay. You know as well as I that going alone is suicide... or worse."[/glow]

Without awaiting a response, the writer continued, waving his words in as un-biased a manner as he could. [glow=yellow,2,300]"Laser, lower your weapon. I think we are all letting our strains get to us. Let us just calm down. I think we need some time for solace and reflecting upon ourselves. Bane is right. Our exposure to this chaos has brought about dissension among ourselves.

I can sense an aura here that does not belong to this group. Whatever it is or whoever it belongs to is not important, but I think it is rather curious that we turned against each other in its presence. We need to get moving, but I know that if we strike against one of the other three Minions, it would only serve to break us further. What we need is a time to reflect and recover.

Clockwork, Shade, I am sorry for intruding. I should be trusting of you, but I must let you know that sneaking around and hiding motives is no way to gain my trust. I apologize, but if there is anything you need to say, say it now.

Bane, I understand your doubts. I would be lying if I said I was without doubts myself, but right now we need to be as strong as we can be. We need to stay together and be able to trust each other, and since we can not, we should return to our safe haven... lest one of us does something rash and we are forced to fight him or her as well as Him."[/glow] Asterian looked at everyone there in turn with one another. The Allegiance was fragmenting. [glow=yellow,2,300]"Please, join me and Chrysteel in Avalon. I know for a fact that just getting there will help us all. I will not force you to join us, but think about your decision carefully. If we truly sliver our group and part ways, all hope is lost."[/glow] Asterian moved by Chrysteel closely and looked back to the group.

The future of Equestria was in the balance. What would happen would happen, and nothing could change that. He looked again at each of the group in turn, hoping they would come with him and Chrysteel.

[bauccgia0]

The shadows around Laserbolt shrunk a little, the spear turning into sparks and disappearing. He shook his head, in shame. He stammered a bit, then recovered. [glow=black,2,300]Bane's probably right, but what can we do? It's not like any of us are actually fit to do this. The strongest pony in this group is a haughty old tin construct.[/glow] He sat on his haunches, and let out an exhale. [glow=black,2,300]I don't even live here. Heck, I don't even think this place exists.[/glow] He looked at the ground, quiet for a moment. I can't believe my life got so off track. Suddenly, he sat up.[glow=black,2,300] Did you hear that? That... that was my voice! I haven't heard that in so long![/glow] He laughed, his demeanor changing completely.[glow=black,2,300] Maybe I can get rid of these stupid Nightmares, soon! We just need to... how do you do that again? It's the elements, right? The elements can change you back, when this sort of thing happens, yeah? So, we just need to find the new bearers, three of which we have, I think... Asterian, Applejack, and... the little one, what's-her-face. Yeah... Yeah! We can do this![/glow] For whatever reason, perhaps a selfish one, Laserbolt seemed reinvigorated momentarily by the loosening hold of the Nightmares. He trotted after Bane, waving for the others. [glow=black,2,300]Come on, you guys! We got to rescue some fair maidens![/glow] He laughed again, skipping briskly. It was a sight to see a Nightmare so giddy.

[Asterian Starfall]

Asterian looked at Laserbolt with a slight smile on his face. [glow=yellow,2,300]"As much as I wish we could, we can not. We can barely control our own impulses around our group, much less come up with a coordinated attack. We need time, Laserbolt, to rest and recover."[/glow]

Starfall then looked at Bane, knowing that his words for demanding time would shake him. [glow=yellow,2,300]"I know that time is of the essence, Bane, and I understand you want to make haste of this situation. I do as well... I know what He can do... But, blind haste is still blind; we gain nothing by going on in our state of Disharmony."[/glow]

He looked once more at the group, waiting and praying, they would join him.

Spoiler: Telepathic • show

[glow=yellow,2,300]Chrysteel, dear, do you think we could teleport us all there?[/glow]

Asterian ignited his horn, preparing a joint spell with Chrysteel.