//------------------------------// // Episode 26: Going Batty // Story: I Have No Mouth, and I Must Squee ( A Comment Driven Story) // by Down with Chrysalis //------------------------------// Jaro45's Comment denneylaw's Comment Rising up from the town like a storm cloud, a swarm of thestrals descends upon your group. Oh My God, this is going to be just like in Batman Begins when Bruce faces his fear and lets them encircle him, you think giddily as the swarm comes closer. “Oh no, is that bad? That look bad,” Tina says as she stands guard in front of you with her spear. “I’m sure it’s just a welcoming party, heh heh,” Lyra chuckles nervously. “No, there’s definitely guards leading the charge,” Bon Bon deadpans giving you the stink eye. Sure enough, there’s a handful of bat ponies in armor, holding spears that reaches your group first. When the others catch up, they all circle around you in the air, keeping their distance. “And now they’re trying to intimidate us, great,” Bon Bon rolls her eyes. Look I know you’re all trying to be intimidating but I'm sorry, your little fangs and fluffy ears are just too cute! You coo as you study them. Aside from the guards, there are a lot of civilians, and they all have dark mane colors, dark coats, and their wings don’t have any feathers on them. While Tina bares her teeth and growls at the little hurricane, Bon Bon looks to Lyra. "Lyra, I just want you to know if we get arrested I'm not going to cover for you,” she says tiredly in annoyance. "Aw come on Bonnie! I thought it was your turn to take the fall! I accepted full responsibility for that whole fiasco in Las Pegasus." "I thought we agreed to never mention Las Pegasus ever again!" And while you squabble, you internally squee at the screeching sounds many of the bat ponies are making. Oh if only I had a mango or something to feed to them. I bet I could get them to screech like that on command if I scratch behind their ears. “Alright, that’s enough, clear off, civvies in the back!” a male voice cuts through the screeching as a path way through the swarm is cleared, and the armored guards march forward. Hmm, not quite like Nightmare Night, but still, much better looking than O’Carrol and Foxtrot’s armor. After a few more orders and louder screeches from the guards, the civilian thestrals back up, some landing, others hovering as they look upon your group. They then face you, giving you looks of awe and fear and suspicion. Yes, yes! Look upon my majestic form and weep in jealousy! You smirk as you hold out your arms like a king. Kneel before Z-I mean Lord Skeletor, for I have come to lead you into an age of awesomeness! "We have heard your call O Great One. What is your command?" the three of them bow, offering their spears to you as the civilians follow suit, praising your glory. A mad gleam fills your eyes as you roar your joy to the heavens, "Nyeeeheheheheheeeehhh!" Now comes your reckoning He-Man! Now comes your batty doo- *Smack* “Nyeh!” you cry out as you rub your shin. "Rein it in Skeletor!” Bon Bon growls. “You’re scaring the angry ponies who have spears!" Now that your power tripping fantasy has been interrupted by a swift kick, you can see that no, the bat ponies are not swearing their undying loyalty to you. The civilians look more than a little spooked, and the guards have their spears aimed directly at you. “Alright strangers, who or what is this thing?!” the stallion guard asked harshly to Lyra and Bon Bon. "Who wants to know?" Tina asks back, just as threateningly while aiming her own spear at the bat ponies. Stupid dog, you're making me look bad again. And I already looked bad enough without your help! you glare towards the diamond dog. “Oh we’re very sorry for the loud noises, he’s just excited is all,” Lyra tries to negotiate. Resadur164's Comment You nervously look at the escalating situation as you try to think of a way to resolve this without having to get your asses stabbed with very pointy sticks. You take a few deep breaths in order to calm down, as fanboying or panicking in front of your future legion of bat minions would not leave the greatest first impression on them. Come on brain, think! I’ve gotta seem approachable, and not fearful. What is the one thing I can do that won't result in disa-wait I've got it! With that thought you take a deep breath, catching your group and the guards’ attentions as you... Sunbro4life's Comment Greatness492’s Comment MagicLover2128’s Comment Bring your arms out to the side stiffly and perform the mighty T-pose! Not only should this pose deliver the need for peace between two species without the need to verbally communicate, but it should also assert your dominance over the bat ponies. You also give out a mighty, yet soft to avoid causing a panic, 'Nyeh' in an attempt to amplify the genuine nature of it. … … … "What is this creature doing?" asks the guard. "I don't know, maybe it’s some kind of sign of surrender?" suggests the female guard to his left. "Whatever it’s doing, it sure looks stupid. I mean seriously, it looks like a giant scarecrow,” says the second stallion. You can feel your eye twitch at the three lead bat pony’s comments, as well as the not so subtle murmuring from the guards surrounding you all. “Uh Skeletor, try acting a little less suspicious please?” Lyra whimpers a bit as the crowd seem beyond confused. Mock the serene T-pose will you?! Well, I guess it’s time to go to plan B! Tremble before the might of your new dancing god! With that you break your power stance, before you start breaking down with a sick beat. The three guards, the crowd and even your companions look at you utterly flabbergasted. “What in the…” With your beat boxing hitting a smooth rhythm, you start breakdancing like your life depended on it and moving your body in rapid, hypnotic patterns. “It’s…dancing?” one of the guards guesses as you hear some intrigued noises from the crowd around you. Bon Bon facehooves and shakes her head, “We’re doomed, and we haven’t even gotten to the first X yet.” Despite your limited space, and Bon Bon’s negativity, you get down on the ground and start doing an immaculate worm, before you start spinning around and around, ending up on your head, with your legs pointed in opposite directions. “Nyeh!” you exclaim as you hold that pose and start catching your breath. There is a moment of silence that follows this before everyone around you gives a polite golf clap, including the guards since they have no idea what else to do at the moment. “Nyehheheh,” you chuckle as you stand back up and start bowing to them all the ponies around you. “Wow, good job Skeletor,” Lyra praises. “Yes, good pacifying master,” Beastwoman nods. “…There’s no way that actually worked,” Bon Bon laments as the crowd looks more intrigued that scared now. Oh quiet Ms. Secret Agent! You grunt as you look at her smugly. You clearly don't have the same refined tastes as my future bat army. Feast your eyes upon them, they’re already groveling for another performance! "Uh...not sure what that was supposed to be, but…thank you?" guard stallion one guesses. "I think he may have been having a seizure or something," the second guard shrugs. “Oh come on guys, it was beatboxing, just like that traveling showmare did awhile back,” the female guard reprimands her colleagues. Say what now? you think as your eyes latch onto her. “Oh right, that unicorn mare that kept complaining about all the other towns she’d been in,” the guard nods. “Exactly,” the mare nods. “Though at least this tall thing kept an awesome beat and didn’t start crying mid-performance.” Uh-Oh, that doesn’t sound good, you think worrying about Trixie. Before you even have a chance to bring out a drawing of her though, a gruff voice cuts through the crowd. "Alright alright, what in the princesses' names is going on around here?" BrownDog's Comment The three lead bat ponies stand aside and salute as a gruffer, older looking bat pony walks between them. The bat pony looks like he's been around for awhile, and judging from the wicked scar across his eye he's been in his fair share of combat as well. He also appears to be slightly bigger than the other stallions. “Sir!” the lead stallion salutes. “We found the source of the disturbance that startled the civvies sir!” “Yeah, we think it might be like a trained dancing circus bear or something,” the other stallion adds. “Dancing bear huh?” The sheriff/commander, whatever he is turns his piercing, catlike yellow eyes towards you, and despite your obvious height difference, it is a bit creepy and intimidating. Don't show fear, fear is a weakness that he'll use to take you out! Remember your horror game experiences! You’ve been through worse! You psyche yourself as he takes in every detail of you. He then looks to Tina, her spear now at her side, then to Lyra. “So are this Diamond Dog and monkey a threat?” he asks Lyra and you scowl. “No, no they’re not,” Bon Bon says as she steps from behind you, a subtle commanding look in her eyes. Almost immediately the sheriff’s stature becomes less intimidating as he sees Bon Bon and his eyes widen. "Oh, uh, sorry about all this," he says to you. "Stand down everypony, it's just visitors from Canterlot...and I'm guessing everything's under control?" Confusedly, the bat cops lower their weapons as the civilians all murmur reassured as they start making their way towards town. Whoa, Bon Bon's got some serious agent cred. She did say she was here before, so maybe he saw how scary she could actually be. Maybe she went Casino Royale on him with a bottomless wicker chair… you wince at that image, before shaking your head from those thoughts. Nah, ponies aren’t that hardcore. More like she forced him to eat too much doughnuts like when Homer was in Hell. “Wow, even Sheriff Nocturne is intimidated by that thing,” someone in the departing crowd mutters and the stallion winces at his hurt pride. “Thank goodness it seems to just be a performer,” another mare sighs. Yeah, for the sake of this guy let’s keep that lie going. I’m sure Bon Bon doesn’t want her secret out this soon. I remember how they squabbled in the 100th episode, you conclude before giving a victorious smile. "Oh thank goodness,” Lyra sighs before looking at the sheriff. “Thank you for understanding, we’re not dangerous we swear.” “I, uh, doubt that a bit…” he says with a gulp, eyes flickering to Bon Bon and back to her. “Just, uh, just make sure whatever the heck that thing is doesn’t scream like that anymore?” he suggests. "Nyeh, nyeh," you nod in understanding as well as gaining your own guilty frown. You’ll admit you got a little carried away with the fanboying. “Oh no worries, he’ll be on his best behavior, I promise,” Lyra says as she pats your leg. “By the way, how did you know I was originally from Canterlot? I moved to Ponyville recently, but do I still have some sort of upper crust accent or something?” “Uh…a tad,” the sheriff lies as he coughs into his hoof. “But anyway, what brings you all to our little town?” "Ponies throw us off train because they jerks," Tina admits and you smack her with your magazine. "Urf! What? It's true!" At the curious looks from the sheriff and his three guards, Lyra chuckles nervously. "It was all a misunderstanding...uh, do you have an express mail service? I really need to get a message to Manehattan." The lead guard glances subtly over to Bon Bon, and upon nodding her head to confirm Lyra's story he lets out a sigh of relief. "Oh of course! Please enjoy our local café while I get things set up for you. I hope you’re fine with waiting a while though, our last mail courier just left for Canterlot and won't return for about an hour." "Oh no trust me that is perfectly okay,” Lyra says with a gentle smile. “I still need to write it anyway. We'll try to stay out of trouble and be out of your mane before you even know it." "Oh trust me lady, you guys are the least of our pro-Meff!" one of the deputies is cut off as the sheriff’s wing suddenly covers his muzzle. "What deputy Sonar means is that you won't be any trouble at all!” he says a little too fast. “Hollow Shades could use the tourism actually with how little visitors we get around here." Both you and Bon Bon give the head guard subtle glares of suspicion at his sudden interruption and change of topic. Oh yeah, that wasn't suspicious at all. What's got you all worried buddy? Oblivious to it all, Lyra bashfully waves her hoof at the guards. “Well I guess we technically are on vacation.” “Good, good,” he says eying you strangely. “We’d be happy to set you all up nice and comfortable like until the next train comes along. We are one of the safest places in all of Equestria.” Safest? Interesting choice of words there, you think suspiciously. “As safe as anywhere I suppose,” Bon Bon monotones and the stallion gulps slightly. “Right. Well anyway folks, I hope you don’t find it inconvenient, but I’d like one of my deputies to travel with you. You know, in case some of the townsfolk who didn’t rush out here sees your creature.” “Oh, but he’s not dangerous,” Lyra defends. “I understand that ma’am, but they don’t know that. One of my guards will be an assurance.” Great, just when I leave my escorts behind, I get a replacement, you think sourly. “That sounds agreeable,” Bon Bon nods and the sheriff sighs in relief. "I'm glad we can come to an agreement. Now deputy Sonar I want yo-" "Nah boss, I've got this,” the mare guard says as she suddenly flies up and perches on your shoulder like a parrot. “Nyeh?” you say a bit startled as she looks at you with a fanged grin. “Echo!” the sheriff reprimands, “You can’t just call dibs like that! There’s a chain of command to follow.” "Aw come on Sheriff Nocturne! Pleaseeeee? I promise it won't end up like last week’s shipment transport. Nothing will catch on fire this time I swear," she begs giving him puppy dog eyes. And suddenly the suspicious sheriff cliché seems like the least of my problems. You think as, despite his outward appearance, not even he is immune to weaponized adorableness. "Alright fine,” he huffs. “But you’re on thin ice Echo! And for goodness sake, get off that thing, you don’t know where it’s been!” "Aw, but it hasn’t knocked me off yet,” she pouts. He looks at you and you just shrug. Yeah, really she’s not all that heavy. Thanks to this new body she’s like a Pikachu resting on my shoulder. "And besides what better way to keep an eye on it. Where it goes, I go. It's genius!" Nocturne just sighs and facehooves. Blatant disregard for authority and overconfidence? We got Rainbow Dash 2.0 in the making here, minus the ego. But hey, looks like I do have at least one Bat Pony wanting to follow me, despite it being an order, so I consider that a win. “…How come I don’t get a piggy back ride?” Lyra pouts adorably at you. “Because you don’t have wings to steady yourself,” Bon Bon points out as the Sheriff finishes rubbing his temple. "Well enjoy your time here. Deputy Echo will escort you through town, and once the messenger pony gets back I'll send him your way. Also please do try to stay out of trouble.” “We won’t cause any trouble, though it can’t be helped if trouble comes to us,” Bon Bon says with a smirk and the sheriff’s eye twitches. “Well that won’t be a problem because as I said, this is the safest town in Equestria, and there is absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is business as usual...that is all." And with that, he nods to the other two deputies as they all fly off towards the town proper. “…Anyone else think big pony say that weirdly?” Tina asks to the group. “Nah, he’s just boasting,” Lyra waves off, completely buying it. “Yeah, there’s no need to worry, Nocturne has been acting like that for awhile since he’s been on a recent case,” Echo says from your shoulder. “A case huh? Spare any details?” Bon Bon inquires. “Oh it’s nothing big, believe me. Just a couple of teens off doing teen things and worrying their overprotective parents,” she giggles. Something tells me there’s more to it than that... you ponder as you remember Sonar getting shushed. “Anyway, where are my manners, let me formally introduce myself. I’m Echo, what’s your guys’ names?” “I’m Lyra Heartstrings, this is my best friend Bon Bon, and this is Tina and Skeletor,” she motions to you two and you both wave. “Skeletor huh?” she says looking at your face. “So can it talk? What is it actually?” “He can’t talk no, and we don’t actually know what he is, but that’s kind of why we’re on this trip, to try and figure it out.” “No way,” she says excitedly flapping her wings. “So he’s like one of those mythical creatures like Bighoof?” “That’s actually a good way of thinking of it,” Lyra says excitedly. “But Master not have hooves. He have feet,” Tina points out. “Oh, that he does,” the mare says noticing your boots. “Well whatever you are, you’ve got great moves. Do you know anymore tricks?” You smile mischievously at that. “NYEH!” you say loudly before… Greatness942's Comment Allsmiles's Comment MagicLover2128's Comment You suddenly bolt forward towards the town using the mighty Joestar technique. “Whoa!” the armored mare cries out as she holds onto your shoulder for dear life while you laugh up a storm. “Wait for me Master!” Tina calls from behind. “Skeletor!” both Lyra and Bon Bon call after you. NOW ENTERING: HOLLOW SHADES After having a good laugh at your friends’ expense, you wait for them just at the entrance to town as they run up and glare at you. Echo seems a little bewildered at the experience, and at the loud noises, you see some of the towns folk looking at you curiously again, so to ease the tensions, you start beatboxing and whistling out a relaxing tune. You also whoop and cheer with a gleeful feeling much like Charlie Bucket getting his Golden Ticket and celebrating with his Grandfather at this amazing opportunity that you yourself have stumbled upon with your group, mostly the chance to see a town no Brony has...to your knowledge at least. This seems to do the trick as they all just shrug and go about their business as Echo shakily floats down off of your shoulder. “So, I guess he’s a bit of a prankster then huh?” she asks Lyra as her eyes stop spinning. “Yeah, we’re starting to figure that out,” Bon Bon says with a glare towards you and you chuckle. “Well, let’s just go a little easier and just walk through the streets shall we?” she suggests and you shrug in compliance. Thanks to your time in Ponyville you've managed to grow used to the fearful and hesitant looks some of the bat ponies send your way, though you hate to admit it. Still thanks to your amazing breakdancing from before, more than a few just look at you like a freakshow or oddity, which is vastly superior in your opinion. "So this Skeletor guy is like some missing link right, if he’s like Bighoof?” Echo asks. “That’s one theory,” Lyra nods. “The divergence between Minotaurs and cows has always been a curiosity, but he might well fit that gap, though that theory does have some holes, considering he showed up out of thin air only about a month ago. He knows how to draw and communicate and seems to have a written language that not even the Princesses can decipher, so who knows.” “Hmm,” Echo nods. “And you’re heading somewhere where you think you’ll get answers?” “Oh yeah, near Manehattan,” Lyra smiles. “We believe there might be clues to help solve this mystery.” Maybe, though I think it’s only going to lead to more questions, you think somberly. “Really? Right in the Big Apple itself?” Echo asks. “North of it actually, near Neighagra Falls. And if we do find something, that means we might be able to get funding to help us reach other locations.” “Oh wow, that sounds like a lot of fun. I love traveling when vacation time rolls around.” “Well, truthfully it’s more work, but I like traveling too,” Lyra smiles. “Still, I always ache for the days when I can stretch my wings and visit somewhere else besides this town. I mean, it’s peaceful and all, but that can get really boring. This year I’m hoping to visit Canterlot.” “You’ve never been?” asks Bon Bon. “Nope,” she smiles. “Though really, it doesn’t matter where half the time, I just like travelling.” “Tina not sure yet if she like it or not,” your Beastwoman jumps in. “Ponies too hard to read and lots of places might be dangerous for Master.” She looks at the Diamond Dog and back at you. “You keep calling him that, is he like… your owner?” the guard asks a bit perturbed. No, you shake your head. “Yes,” Tina nods and you all scoff at that. “Uh-Huh…” the mare says before glaring at you. “You do realize slavery is illegal in Equestria right?” “Nyeh, nyeh!” you wave your arms trying to dissuade that notion. “Tina’s more like…his bodyguard for life. She’s willingly serving him,” Bon Bon speaks up in your defense. “Hmmm,” Echo purses her lips and looks at the Diamond Dog. “That true?” “Yes. Master save my life. A Good Guard Dog never forgets,” she proclaims puffing her chest out in pride. “…Alright then, works for me,” the bat pony smiles wiggling her adorable fluffy ears. “I can only imagine what sorts of adventures you’ll all get into after leaving here.” “Hopefully nothing too hectic,” Lyra chuckles. “Even a little hectic is better than boredom,” Echo rolls her eyes. “Most of the time all I do is stand around doing nothing. Skeletor here is the most interesting thing to happen to the town since Primer brought back some souvenirs from the big city.” “Primer?” asks Bon Bon. “He’s one of the teens that’s “Missing”” she says giving airquotes. “He brought back some neat do dads for his fillyfriend and…well, that’s about it. Told you this town is pretty boring.” Hmm, if it’s as boring as she says it is, maybe that can be my hook for a lot of them to join my ranks when I finally get my operation going, you think deviously. And even if you’re just fruit bat ponies, I could start training you all to bite your enemies so that they fear you more. In fact… OmnipresentMicroorganism's Comment Your eyes glaze over as something potentially frightening comes to mind. Who’s to say the Stone Mask isn’t lying around Equestria? I mean, a Stand Arrow showed up, so why not? You then look to the guard mare suspiciously as she chats with Tina about something. What if all the Bat Ponies are actually just vampires that got turned good because of the Elements or Something? Or, what if they’re still vampires and they got a Red Stone of Aja to- “So what pointy tooth ponies eat?” Tina asks. “Oh the same ol things like other ponies. Grass, hay, flowers, but by in large fruit is our most favorite snack.” …Or I’m just panicking over nothing again. Still, let’s just hope that it’s not around. Last thing I need is pony Dio running around. You shake yourself from these end of the world scenarios, and focus on your surroundings a little bit more. You continue to internally fanboy over seeing a town no Brony has seen before and but at the same time, you are thinking ten steps ahead… Greatness942's Comment By doing some bad guy window shopping. Plenty of shops, the entire population can fly, I’m seeing fruit orchards in the distance…Yep, this place would be perfect self sustaining fort or base when I begin my conquest. And if that’s too much, then perhaps just some kind of garrison. An entire town of subservient Thestrals operating far into Equestrian territory, ready and willing to follow your command is pretty tantalizing. If the worst case scenario should happen and the Princesses deem you an enemy, you’d have some places to crash. And maybe they’d put me up with their families in The Eyrie, you think excitedly. Though first gotta get things planned out here. I'll put the barracks there, quartermaster there, a bed for Beastwoman in that alley, and a gift shop just up north with official merchandise, you think to yourself as you point around the place. Of course, to everyone else, it just seems like you are really into the village architecture. “I guess it is pretty unique the way we have our houses set up,” Echo says aloud. She’s not wrong, because while the shops and markets are all on the ground, the houses are all built into and hanging from very large trees. “Well I suppose it makes sense given your ancestry,” Lyra nods. “Many pegasi live in cloud houses still after all.” “Yeah, but why shops on ground then?” asks Tina. “So visitors can access them easily silly,” Echo giggles before her eyes brighten and she points to a shop to your right. “Oh, and here we are. The coffee’s pretty good, but we’ve got some great cobblers as well.” BrownDog's Comment You look at the café, and it seems sparsely decorated, the picture of a cup of coffee in the window being one of the exceptions. “Um, there’s a bunch of children inside,” Bon Bon points through the window and indeed, you see quite a group of young Bat ponies. EEEE, So adorable! “It should be fine, I’m with you after all,” your escort reassures. “Just don’t make any loud noises alright?” “Nyeh, nyeh,” you say as you roll your eyes. And like that, you all enter the shop, and almost immediately the chatter stops as countless children eye you like a bear. “It’s alright everypony, we’re just here for snacks too,” Echo waves. You and Tina follow suit, trying to convey that you’re friendly, and while the chatter doesn’t start up again, the atmosphere seems a little less tense. You all take a seat as Echo goes to the counter to get you all some snacks. “Well, I guess I better start writing that letter,” Lyra says as she gets out a quill and ink. “Yeah good call,” Bon Bon nods as she eyes the room of younguns silently. As the silence grows, and you start feeling a bit more uncomfortable, the group of kids start huddling and whispering to one another. “It’s that thing that made the noise earlier.” “My dad says it danced for them.” “It’s really big, what is it?” And they continue to mumble to each other as you smirk at their curiosity and whip out your notepad and start sketching. Eventually Echo comes back with cups of coffee, but you decline. You’re already hyper enough as it is. The curiosity of the kids eventually hits an impasse though as they all get up from their table as a group and slowly wander over to you. “Uh, ma’am, can we ask them questions?” they ask your guard. “Sure go ahead, I don’t mind,” she responds and you smile at them. Still a bit antsy, one of the colts looks to Bon Bon. “So, is it like a furless Diamond Dog or something? “Nyeh!” you scold and he shrinks down. Oh no, don’t be afraid I- Bon Bon and Echo start laughing and seeing that the rest of the children start laughing as well while the colt blushes. “No he’s not a Diamond Dog, we actually have no idea what he is,” Bon Bon explains. “Oooohhhh,” they say in unison. “Maybe he’s a shaved gorilla?" a filly suggests. “No way, he’s obviously a mutated minotaur,” says another colt. “Master not any of those things,” Tina defends and the children snap to attention at her bark. “Master is just Skeletor, no more no less.” “Nyeh,” you praise as you pat Tina on the head which she wags her tail at. Well said Beastwoman, someone’s getting an extra cookie tonight. “But what is a Skeletor?” asks another filly. “Yeah, and how come he can’t talk?” asks a colt. “Don’t know,” Tina shrugs. “Master say he used to be able to talk, but can’t anymore.” “Then how did he tell you that?” asks another child. “Nyeh,” you interrupt as you quickly turn your notepad around and show the children your sketch of all of them. “Ooooohhhh,” they say with sparkly eyes at your artistry. “Yeah, like that,” Tina nods. “And Skeletor is Skeletor, don’t know much else, but that’s enough.” The kids don’t seem to accept that explanation though. “But where did he come from?” “Are there more like him?” “I wish I could draw like that.” “Where did you get your fancy clothes?” Ah curiosity. Unlike that poor cat though, it won’t kill you… you think with a scheming glint in your eye as you flip to some blank pages. The best way to get a following is to indoctrinate the youth. Just like all cartoons! And with that you begin drawing battle scenes of Skeletor’s forces fighting the cowardly He-Man and his scummy Eternian allies. “Oh wow…” the kids eat up your drawings as you draw Castle Greyskull, Snake Mountain, and other fantastical landscapes. Even Bon Bon is drawn in by your art. “You looked so much cooler before!” one of the colts says. “Yeah, how come you’re not blue anymore?” a filly inquires. “And why is your face less awesome?” asks another and your eye twitches. I’m working on it, I’m working on it… “Also, your Diamond Dog got way less ugly,” a colt says pointing to your picture of Beastman. “Tina Never Ugly!” she barks defensively before looking at the portrait. “But those are my clothes. Why master draw me like that? And who these others?” she points to your sketches of Evil-Lyn, Trapjaw, Mer-Man, and Tri-Klops. Your future cohorts Beastwoman, once I fill the roles that is. It’s then that Lyra comes back in. You didn't notice her leave since you were so busy with the children, but from the looks of things that bat pony messenger showed up faster than you'd thought he would. “Okay, I got the letter sent. We’ve got awhile before the next train comes along, but at least the girls know we’ll be late. I just hope they don’t try to investigate themselves. The Neighagra Falls question mark site and the X North of it will require all of us.” Well, it’s not like we’re on a time crunch anyway, you reckon. I mean, we didn’t tell Twilight or the others WHERE we were going, so it’s not like we have to hurry along. “Come on! Come on! Show us more!” the children beg. "Yeah, show us more of you beating up that stupid gorilla thing with the blonde mane." “Nyeheheheheheh!" you laugh happily at their mockery of He-Man. Ask and you shall receive. And as you wow the children with your amazing drawings, you decide to get some brand recognition going, so you start creating posters with your logo on it for them to take home. “Oh Cool!” “Is this your symbol?” “I like it!” Hopefully these little tykes will be spray painting this on buildings, carving it into trees, and stitching it into their clothes as they spread my glory! “Can we have copies of your battle drawings so we can show our friends?” asks a colt. Of course! You think happily as you start handing out your sketches. “Awesome!” “There’s got to be more battles right?” asks a filly and your eyes sparkle as you nod. Ello Calebero's Comment You know, with my drawing skills I could probably make a comic series out of Skeletor's life, And if I do that...I could be swimming in dough! The kids clearly are fascinated by just your art and the battles, so it’s not too out of the realm of possibility. Surely it would take the nation by storm! You mentally declare as you imagine Scrooge McDuck diving into a pile of bits, before a phantom pain strikes your head. Okay, maybe not do that part, you concede remembering your disastrous results back at the Diamond Dog caves. Maybe one of the unicorns has a spell or something that would allow for gold swimming… Your train of thought is cut off however when reality kicks in and you remember a major flaw in your plan. Wait! I can't even read the Equestrian language let alone write it! Damn it! True you haven’t been a slouch in the time since the Dragon showing up and now, but the language is complex and it’s still hard for you to identify one squiggle from the next in their alphabet. So unless you want to write a comic book with only the words “Yes” “No” “Maybe” and thanks to Pinkie, “Ice Cream,” then you’re SOL. Then again I could just rely on my images to sell and be the next Bob Ross...or even better I could get Spike to be my writer. Although he wouldn’t get the names or dialogue correct… “Wait a second, that thing on your back shoots laser beams?” A colt says excitedly as he points to your Havoc Staff and the drawing you gave him. “Nyeh,” you nod and all of their eyes dilate in wonder. “Show us! Show Us!” they all start chanting. Very Well Then! You stand up excitedly as you bring the staff up and they all start cheering. Greatness942's Comment Allsmiles's Comment You then point at a table and the kids start yelling excitedly. “Do it! Dot it!” “Nyeheheheheheh!” you raise the staff and point it at the table. “Skeletor…” but a very dangerous threatening voice causes you to pause. You look behind you and see Bon Bon giving you the nastiest glare you’ve received today. It’s almost like you can physically feel it. Yeesh, does spy training involve literal looks that kill, or...? You look back and forth between her and the kids, but every time you so much as raise it up her scowl deepens. Oh alright fine, better not push it, you think bitterly as you lower it and look to the kids with a sorrowful shake of your head. “Aaaahhhhh,” they whine in disappointment. Yeah, I know, I know, You nod sympathetically as you sit back down. When you do, Bon Bon stops glaring and you sigh. Well ultimately I can’t really blame her for acting like that, you think introspectively. I mean, it’s because of me that we’re delayed in the first place. If I just had actual control over this thing, I probably wouldn't have destroyed that food cart. I...I need to get a better hang on this thing. If you were the true Skeletor, then you’d know the inner workings of this thing already, but since you’re new to it, you still need practice, practice that won’t result in hurting others or getting in trouble. You glance at your two pony companions as they drink their coffee. I mean, sure, performance failure happens to every guy sooner or later, however it's obviously disappointed and caused problems for both ladies here, and they won't be looking forward to future interactions with me and my staff. Obviously, I need to get it under control, and learn how NOT to blow up at the slightest touch. You blink owlishly at that thought as something about its wording seems...off, but you’re not quite sure why. Shrugging, you return to your introspection. Control, is every bit as important as vigor, even more so. So, again, learn how to control it, we don't want to disappoint my lady friends again now do we? With a new task in mind, and also feeling like you just thought something really embarrassing but not sure what, you put the staff back on your back and take out your notebook to jolt down your latest side quest. NEW SIDE QUEST CREATED: Learn to Better Control the Havoc Staff to Avoid Future Mishaps Smiling at that you then look back at the two ponies. Allsmiles's Comment A Tin Can's Comment You know...I really should do something to make it up to Lyra and Bon Bon for all the trouble I caused. While you doubt Lyra was really bothered by the whole thing since she still will get to explore some unknown ruins, and Bon Bon doesn't seem to be the type to hold a grudge, you can't help but feel guilty. Especially in Lyra's case considering how she managed to bump herself up to 'best friend' status in only a short amount of time. Sure that's mostly because these ponies are far too friendly for their own good most of the time, and you'd bet they'd try to make friends with a Xenomorph if it didn't immediately kill them on the spot, but that's beside the point. The point is that you consider Lyra one of your best friends here in Equestria (Pinkie will always remain number one however), and whether she thinks the same or not you still feel like you need to make it up to her. Besides, she might make for a good back up Evil Lynn if none of my other candidates work out. You have been considering Lyra a potential candidate slot ever since her speech the week before, but you haven't given it any full thought since she doesn't really have the 'evil sassiness' factor quiet yet. But that won't stop you from potentially adding her to the role if none of the other choices work out. Though you kinda hope that doesn't happen as you’re really banking on at least Trixie due to her voice actress. Also, Lyra and Bon Bon have done a lot for me, which is another factor into it all. I mean Lyra didn't have to conspire with me and get my things so I could be a part of this endeavor, she chose to. Likewise, while Bon Bon wasn't as enthusiastic about it, she chose to help Lyra, and put her own legal status and well-being at risk, and went along with helping me. And at this point, I've repaid them for that kindness... by making it much harder for them to do the thing they're all setting out to do in the first place. That thought hits you like a ton of bricks, and grit your teeth in determination, Alright, I've made up my mind! I'm gonna go into town and see if I can find anything to make things up to the two of them. Maybe find some mystical artifact for Lyra, and some spy thing for Bon Bon. Giftshops sell grappling hooks right? But before you can act on this impulse, one of the filly’s in your little fan club walks closer to you and taps your foot. “Um, excuse me, Mr. Skeletor?” she says hesitantly and you about die from the Daww factor of her little fluffy ears. Holy crap! Adorableness truly is a weapon of mass destruction! I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes when I saw her...why was it so blurry? Before you can ponder on this, the young filly speaks up, “Hi, my name is Inky, you’re like a hero right?” she asks and your smile widens. “Of course he Hero. He save my life from Bone Monster,” Tina praises and the little filly’s eyes widen in hope. “You have?!” she asks excitedly. “Nyeh,” you brag. “Oh thank goodness,” she sighs in relief. “Then you can save my brother and my parents.” “…Nyeh?” you ask clearly not expecting that. “What you mean little pony?” asks Tina while your pony companions obliviously chat on the other side of the table. “Oh, well Primer and his fillyfriend went into the Rum Caves a few days ago, but then they didn’t come out,” she explains. What the? Primer? Isn’t that the name of the kid Echo was talking about? “Nyeh?” you encourage her to go on. “So please, you have to help them. The sheriff went in, but then he ran out screaming and blocked the caves off. Kept saying how they probably just went on vacation, which is stupid because Primer just got back from vacation, but everypony believes him!” You sweat nervously as you look over at Echo, who still hasn’t heard this conversation. “The guards didn’t do anything, so my parents and his fillyfriend’s parents went out last night to explore the caves, and they’re still not back yet,” she says worriedly. Okay, this is definitely dangerous sounding. I better get Echo involved and- “But since you know how to deal with bone monsters, then you’ll be able to stop those things.” …What?! “What you mean filly?” Tina asks with a gulp and she reaches into her saddlebags. “I saw the monster in the cave before the Sheriff blocked it off. It looked just like the thing on this card that my brother found when he was at Neighagra Falls,” she declares as she mouths what looks like a playing card into your hand. You bring it up to view, and the color drains from your face. No…No friggen way… “He had a few more of those, and he had them with him when he and Eclipse went into the cave. Do you think you can stop them?” the filly asks desperately. Stop them?! Kid, I’m more worried if you’re family’s in the Shadow Realm or not. Where the hell did he even get a Yu-Gi-Oh card in the first place?! WHAT DO YOU DO?