"-Also, our patent claim for 'Magitek' has been denied- seems that the term is already too ingrained into pop culture as a thing that it would be tantamount to trying to copyright the word 'technology' or 'reaction', which in hindsight seems like an obvious oversight," Ginger Spice said, as Fancy nodded. He had taken to staying in his house for the few weeks it had been since his escape, so Mrs. Spice dropped by on a daily basis to keep the CEO informed of the going-ons of his company while he recuperated.
"Well, that certainly throws a monkey wrench into things," Fancy muttered, "And it was such a snappy name too- I truly do not wish to brand this branch as 'thaumatic science', it just doesn't have the same ring to it."
"I'm sure you'll figure something out, sir." Mrs. Spice said, flipping to the next note, "The board of directors is getting restless, as well. You know you can't stay cooped up in here forever."
Fancy sighed, "Yes, yes- I just need a little more time to... tinker, I suppose. Things to do."
Mrs. Spice quirked an eyebrow, as she gave her boss another cursory once-over; the man had taken a habit to wearing hats now, which had the effect of hiding his forehead under his bangs. She frowned, but decided it wasn't in her place to say anything.
"Well then, on a final note- you have someone requesting your presence today."
"Who?"
"Can't rightfully say," She said, flipping through a few more documents, "But the papers seem pretty high up here. Probably important, and probably..." she cleared her throat, "Probably related to the incident."
Fancy stopped writing for a moment, looking up at Mrs. Spice. Slowly, he nodded.
"Alright then, I'll see them at their earliest convenience."
Mrs. Spice nodded, standing up and gathering her tablet, "I'll email them, then. That should about wrap things up."
Fancy nodded again, "Right- have a good evening, Mrs. Spice."
Silence permeated the Fancy residence once again as Mrs. Spice left the house. Taking off his hat, Fancy Pants lightly touched where his head gem once was- the indent into his skull still sensitive to the touch. His first model prosthetic thaum reactor did the job of acting as a replacement, but it was clunky- he had started working on a sleeker model the moment he got home. The only problem was finding a material that could channel magic well enough- the only ones really being semi-precious and precious gemstones, which was in itself a bit of a problem. With enough time he could research an artificial element that might do the trick, but...
There was a knock on his door, drawing his attention away from his designs. Did Mrs. Spice forget something?
"One moment," He called, gathering the few scattered papers and stuffing them in a drawer. He straightened his collar, and went for the door. Greeting him was a curiously familiar and striking woman, with dark skin and a... rather peculiar sense of fashion. Ripped clothing surely went out of style in the 90s, did it not?
"Mr. Pants, I presume?" Chrysalis asked, and Fancy stood there for a moment before responding.
"O-oh! Yes, of course- um, who might you be?"
"Did your secretary not tell you of my request to meet?"
Mentally smacking himself, he nodded, "Ah, yes- I must say, when I said 'at their earliest convenience' I was not expecting such an immediate reply."
"I was in the neighborhood," Chrysalis responded, stepping through, "I won't take up too much of your time, I simply wish to express my gratitude."
Fancy nodded, a little perturbed by her forwardness, "I see... em, and what do I deserve such gratitude for? I'm not sure I quite know who you are, still."
Chrysalis laughed, nodding, "Right, how rude of me- I am Chrysalis, matron of the Wholesome."
Fancy's eyebrows shot up as he finally put two and two together and figured out why this woman looked familiar to him.
"Ah. You mean-"
"Yes, that Wholesome."
Fancy cleared his throat, and then gestured to one of the couches in the lounge, "Well then, make yourself comfortable."
Chrysalis' heels clacked as she walked across the hardwood flooring, sitting primly on one of the sofas. Fancy took a seat directly across from her.
"Well, I won't tarry," Chrysalis started, opening her purse and looking through, "I really must thank you, Fancy Pants- without your little stunt escaping Tirek's capture, my children may not have had the chance to enact my plan to see the tyrant fall."
Fancy Pants raised an eyebrow, "My... stunt?"
Chrysalis gave a wry smile, "No need to play coy- I know about your little super-hero suit you made. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
Fancy pulled at the topmost button of his shirt nodding, "Indeed- though I must say I think I must be the one thanking you here. If you and yours hadn't taken Tirek down, I most assuredly would have probably attempted a similar measure. Though not nearly as swiftly as you have, it seems."
"I've had a lot of time to make plans," Chrysalis said, and pulled out what she was looking for- a small, wooden box with a clasp.
"Now, I realize that this gift may come off as... a little macabre," she started, placing the box on the coffee table, "But I assure you, that is not my intention. I just figured I would return this to it's rightful owner. Maybe you could even do some good with it."
Hesitantly, Fancy Pants reached for the box, cradling it in his hands as he opened it. Fluorescent lighting caught the sparkling blue gem inside, and for a moment Fancy was speechless.
"Oh dear," He finally said, as he carefully lifted his spell gem from it's satin lined confines. Chrysalis reached a hand out, lightly placing it on Fancy's shoulder. Gently, Fancy placed it back in the box and set it on the table again. He took in a shallow breath.
"Thank you, for this," He said.
"It was no trouble at all."
Chrysalis stood up, brushing a few wrinkles from her skirt and gathering her purse, "Now, I really must be off- things to do, you know how it is."
Making her way towards the door, she stopped suddenly, before turning around, "Oh- before I forget. One of my younger children is quite a fan of yours, would you mind terribly...?" She pulled out a pen and a picture. Fancy sat for a moment, still in a stunned silence, before an incredulous grins spread across his face. He barked out a single laugh.
"Please, an autograph is the very least I could do for you at this point," He said, standing up and grabbing the pen. Chrysalis nodded.
"Yes, just make it out to a miss Fleur de Lis- bright young woman, I must say. Rather talented with optical technology, could do well in a company like your own later on."
Fancy nodded, "I'll be sure to keep an eye out, should her resume pass through."
Flourishing the pen with a final stroke, he returned the photograph and pen, which Chrysalis promptly stowed away.
"Once again, I cannot stress how thankful I am for this," Fancy said.
"I try my best," Chrysalis said, and Fancy smiled.
"Don't we all?"
Fancy wiped away some of the soot off his brow from a few hours of soldering now. His workshop lights glinted off the minuscule metallic cradle, where his spell gem now laid. Tiny archaic circuits made contact at key points, and the gem pulsed with a shallow blue light.
Laying down on a makeshift gurney, Fancy pressed a button on a remote as a robotic arm picked up and placed the gem in the indent where it once was. Fancy breathed out- that was the easy part.
He grit his teeth as pricks of pain stabbed into his forehead, while the robotic arm connected tiny electrode-laden pins through the cradle and into his skull. In an instant, the dullness seeped out of the world; magic once again coursed through Fancy's veins, and he felt the electric arc of thaums passing through him once more. His grin could give a certain fictional cats a run for their money.
Fancy Pants was back in the game.
It's nice to see someone work for a miracle rather than just ask for one. Though I should expect as much from a self-made man. He's just making himself.
Wait, are you aware of any of this?
Right now, your guess is as good as mine. Possibly better.
But still not as good as Artie's. Though that's one fewer people pleading for restora... tion. Oh.
Just hitting you, isn't it?
Indeed. The sheer number of weeping cries not to an uncaring goddess, but one who knew too well why she couldn't help. There's a story to be had there.
So glad to hear that my suffering can feed your hobby.
Don't forget, young lady, you exist because of that hobby.
In any case, very nice chapter, Artie. As you can see, you've given me another bit of inspiration to play with.
Thought the visitor might be Chrissy, or Sunset. Good to see my guess panned out.
So, Fancy's magic is now laced with electricity? As electricity was mentioned when he put his electrified gem in.
Fleur's optical magic... What does that mean?? ... X-ray abilities or something and she discovers his secret? ... And that's Technology, not magic, but she's a Unicorn, so what's her talent?
Estee, and now you, is making Fleur connected to a prostitute-like thing... or at least sexually related, fanon?
7699434
I figure Fleur is a senior at Crystal Prep, and is more just joining up with the Wholesome because she's questioning her own sexuality and stuff, and the Wholesome is a safer place to do so than her incredibly competitive school (and also because a good while back my best friend/drift partner RP'd Fleur as a secret changeling, and this was a nice throwback/inside joke.)
As for her magic, one of the meanings for the Fleur de Lis as a symbol is "light" and "life", and that's all I'm gonna say on the matter
Also it's less laced with electricity and more interfaced to him through technology- though I've always figured that magic feels a bit like a more enjoyable electrical shock- at least when I write it.
7699432
It is an absolute honor to inspire the one who has inspired me. I'm thrilled you enjoyed this- and I hope I continue to live up to the expectations!
Man I really need to do something about the lack of a cover image for this story.
7699434 Chrysalis is an ex-sex worker, and does not prostitute any of her Children unwilling to donate their bodies. That said, she fully respects sex workers and tries to ensure fairness for them, unlike the unfairness that was lumped on her.
Also, she only accepts legal adults into the Wholesome for legal reasons. Then again I guess Crystal Prep could teach college courses on top of being a high school and Fleur's just college age.
7699472
I think she's got aura powers or lifesight or something?
7699531
Thank you for that clarification. ... But doesn't change that both your and Estee's Fleurs are related to sexual things... But, that might just be a superficial and tenuous connection... And you haven't said that your Fleur isn't a prostitute / doesn't do sex work... But if she isn't an adult, then obviously she wouldn't be... so it's in the air until you two pin down her age... I'm mixing you two together... :sigh: ... I / it could split the universe in two on this single point. Whether Fleur's adult / a prostitute or not...
7699531
An 18 year old can be a high school student, can't they? I think most western education systems expect students to complete their secondary level education at 17 or 18, rarely 19.
7699688 Yeah ... and only about a quarter of students who graduate "on time" wouldn't turn 18 at some point during their senior year. Guess this rules out Fleur having a summer birthday, though. Unless the standards for "legal adult" are different here as opposed to what many of us are used to on Earth (and I'm saying most because I'm fairly sure there's some variation between countries here on Earth). Not that I'd expect it to be that different, since humans do generally hit maturity somewhere around that point, but there's nothing inherently special about one's 18th birthday.
That said, I wonder how many teens join the Wholesome on or shortly after their 18th birthday (or whatever the equivalent is).
hmm...Thaumitek? Tinkertech is overdone....
Fancy Pants can be Thauman (thaum-man).
His catch phrase can be "I am Thauman, hear me roar."
So is Fancy Pants going to make this breakthrough available to Tirek's other victims? I'm sure he's not the only Gem type that would like his magic back.
7699472
My first thought is Dagger, which makes me wonder who Cloak will be.
Then again, I don't know the DC heroes as well, so there may be one in there that you plan to use.
Time will tell...
7714532
My problem isn't with the fact that Celestia is certain of their criminal status or not. It's more the problem of her not not giving them and opportunity to surrender peaceablybefore beating the snot out of them. Even if she knows they won't do it, it's kind of ethically and Morally questionable.
Well, you done write by me!
I wait happily for more words!
7714667
Beating actively violent or actively malicious people up is not morally questionable, only ethically questionable.
As long as no permanent bodily harm is inflicted (she has no abilities for psychic harm), the pathos of the act is has only subjective value.
Also Celestia's SOP is "stop the nearest bastard and move on to the next"
I wondef if Celestia's retroactive clairvoyance is from being able to see all that is under the sun?
7715026
It sure would explain her strange ability to pull batman gambits out of her butt at a moment's notice, wouldn't it? Also, SO glad you caught that reference!
7715026
I suppose that you could argue that it's not morally wrong since we don't have absolute insight of Celestia's moral code, but it seems... inconsistent, at least. and that said, it really doesn't deflect my original point- that it's not really fitting to the heroic ethos, pushing her into the anti-hero area.
7716434
Celestia is a high school principal, and former public school teacher.
Her tolerance for playing nice with unruly individuals is understandably low.
7716937
7716434
Well, it's also a little more than that- Celestia has a bit of a history in this verse, which will be evident in later chapters. She has her reasons for being more pragmatic as a hero.
7715478
What reference?
7717461
The pony platforming project one
7717503
Oh.
You said that to the wrong comment which got me awfully confused.
7716937
True, but harsh or no, most principals give rule breakers an opportunity to at least explain themselves or apologize before punching them in the face.
7717354
Fair enough. I await further revelations.
7722404
Those rule breakers are still in school, Celestia knows they still have a chance to be politely shaped into better people.
Celestia's punching bags are no longer in school.
7724461
Still doesn't alleviate the underlying problem. But erstwhile author says he's going to resolve that so- we wait.
7729508
*She
And also while there is good reason for her pragmatism, I also figured that was just... A normal super hero response to an obvious crime? It's not like she beat the tar out of him and left him bleeding- she let out a quip, knocked him out in one punch and left him around for the police to pick up.
7729546
Dont worry yourself over this discussion, he's a moralist logician and im an ethical utilitarian; we're having a friendly and entertaining debate over the semantics of Celestia's actions and their root causality.
The story remains awesome, as a given in our discussion.
7729546
Apologies- I have the habit of assuming that everyone online is male until proven otherwise stemming from being online long enough ago that it was almost always literally true. It's a bad habit I'm trying to break, but you know how bad habits are. I'm sorry for any distress or insult that came from misgendering, and I'll do my best to not do it again.
That's... a complex question to answer. Perhaps nowadays, maybe? Alas, we're still not free of the afteraffects of the 90's "Darker and Edgier" era. (Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns was a seminal work of fiction, and well done, too, but the efforts to mimic his style rather than his substance has done much harm to the art of the superhero comic, alas.) Generally speaking, most heroes behavior towards criminals depends on three major factors (And many minor ones, but I'm trying to keep this simple) 1) Their moral convictions 2) The potential of harm to themselves and 3) the potential of harm to innocents.
#3 is near-universal, since you can't really call yourself a hero if you don't- If a criminal is threatening an innocent, most heroes will act immediately with whatever level of force they deem appropriate to protect innocents (Some heroes who are confident in their skills that instead of attacking the criminal, might do something like, say, destroy whatever weapons the criminal is threatening, or remove the innocent from their reach before they can react, etc.)
#2 is pretty straightforward- while some heros are superhumanly tough or even invulnerable, and need not worry about their own safety, and therefore can be cavalier about their own safety, some heroes are not- and therefore will often punch first and ask questions later, as to avoid risk of injury.
and #1... Well, some heroes consider resorting to violence as not a preferable option, or at the very least consider it proper conduct to give the criminals a chance to surrender, as police officials would do. Some feel so strongly about this that they'll even forgo #2- risking their own safety to give a chance at peaceful resolution. Even darker high-morality heroes, like Batman, make some effort to this end- though Batman prefers to intimidate into submission rather than appeal to criminal's better nature or sound judgement.
And, well... Celestia's powers have been described as Superman-like (At insignificant to no risk from a common criminal), and personality-wise, she's, well, Principal Celestia (Whom, while we have limited experience of, is likely at least somewhat like her Equestrian Counterpart) whom is presumably pretty high on the end of morality... So seeing her charge in immediately, fists swinging comes across as slightly... off.
Hope that explains my perspective better.
7730749
Well it's an interesting conversation- which is why I wanna respond to it
7733017
Those are some actually very valid points there- I haven't actually considered that before with writing heroic characters. Though even considering it, I think I still stand by my decision due to a couple of factors that affect this instance of Celestia- one, being a (much younger) human in a world that is slightly more morally grey, and two- what she's been involved with before working as a teacher and a principal.
Also, thank you- I appreciate the effort and the apology.
7733084
Entirely fair. This is, after all, your interpretation of they character. Just because I have a different one doesn't make yours wrong. I'm glad I could help you think about her motivations and characterization more, though.
"I am Iron Pants."
7760960
In my mind's eye it's a more pastel-colored and solar themed Superman-esque outfit, but I don't have any solid designs. I am absolutely open to others' interpretation
7765841
I believe it's all in the short-fic compilation, plus the one about the Paradiamond Mainframe in the side-stories folder
7765841
PAULDRONS was introduced in Silicon Tiara. Sorry.
Aww. I guess I missed the chapter.
7766277
Well, perhaps make a post in the Group's Forum on things we shouldn't write about, as to not step on your toes, FOME?