mylittlejamjar | [Visual] -8th Shadow- No absence of light...

[The scroll opens on Crmsn looking down into it, it's flat on the ground and he's hovering over it. It's pretty obvious that he's barely given himself time to breath since getting back. There's also a rather...unclear focus in his eyes.]

Alright. Alright I just...I need a second here just...okay the-nngh...

[He winces a little and shakes his head roughly.]

Ugh...kay...I...okay...the dive into Calice. Right. We went in, we did our thing...J-A's team is still in there s'far as I know. Ya might have already seen, but we lost one on the way out...I just...I wanted to give this a day but...

[He lets out a deep exasperated breath.]

First things first...I know there's a lot of feelings going around...believe me I know what it's like. And...digital gods...'Shy was brave, and is a wonderful pony. She'd be the first to tell us it was okay though. She was shy, and meek, but she was strong enough to put our needs above hers and put herself in harms way so we would be okay. That was friendship. That was bravery, and kindness the likes of which any person here would be lucky to find in their lifetime. And I for one am going to pull myself off my sorry arse and not stop believing in her. One way or another we're going to get her back.

[He takes another breath and re-steadys himself.]

...Second. Regarding Calice...

[He mulls something over and shifts a little uncomfortably, then looks back to the scroll.]

I've given this a lot of thought, and I don't think Calice and Twilight are the same...I want to say entity. I think they're sharing the same body and I don't know which we keep speaking to, but I'd imagine Twilight's still in there fighting back for control. I think...I think the power in control is getting stronger, and it keeps having to exert more control to keep its hold on her. It's...it's theory right now, but that was not the same force we felt the last time we were in there, and it was not...it wasn't as...as...nngh...

[He eases back looking more frustrated than tired and rubs at his temple.]

Fracking...work dangit! I need you to think more and hurt less. Coherent! That's the word. It wasn't as coherent as it was last time. It was more disjointed...i-it was...

Look I know this might sound strange, and everything hurts right now, but this is what I need you guys to do. For...for our friends. Don't give up on them. Don't start thinking this is hopeless. They are not gone. Fluttershy...the Twilight of that world...bit every pony that's been taken. They need our bravery, for us to face forwards. Keep them in your hearts and believe in their strength. We will get them back. So please, for them. Don't lose heart.

[He nods to the scroll, a little more affirmative in his stance.]

We all hurt, but hurting isn't going to get them back to us...that's all I have to say right now. If you want more answers I'll try and answer anything I can over the scroll, if you want someone to yell at, you can find me at the Decanter soaking this headache in a hard cider.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hell if I'm letting you drink alone. Save a spot for me, yeah? First round's on me.

Shit Red, you know I always keep a spot saved for you.

[He flashes the other a smile.]

Better hurry though, or I'll be drinking both the first round on your tab.

Like I'm the type to keep someone waiting.

(Dante rolls up his scroll and makes his way right over to the bar. It's shortly after Crmsn arrives when the dragon greets the man with a smirk and a familiar bag full of gems. Familiar to the barkeep, at least; Dante whips it out when he's gonna park it on a stool for a good while.)

So...how big of a headache you got there?

On a scale of one to ten? I'd be willing to wager "what are numbers?"

[Crmsn grins tiredly at his friend and takes up the spot next to him, half slumping against the bar...and eying the jewels with a slight smirk.]

What, the peanuts not good enough for you anymore?

Nah, I still appreciate peanuts and chex mix. This is to cover us for the night.

(He brings it down on the counter and nods to the bartender, who quickly returns with two mugs of cider for the two of them.)

And a security deposit. Since that one time with the squirrel, that one time, they're playing it safe. (He raises a claw as he makes his point, earning him an eye roll as he picks up his drink and holds it in toast.)

Of course.

[Crmsn laughs a little and pulls his mug closer to himself, frowning a little.]

Wait, was I there for that? It sounds familiar.

Probably. Flare was definitely there for it and so was owner. Now I have a mugshot right on top of their watch list.

(Said list is off to the corner, on the bartender's side of the counter. Sure enough, there's a picture of a red dragon widely grinning and a few comments scribbled beside it, one of them containing the phrase "squirrel burner.")

Nice...did you know she actually put us on a drink limit? Us! I mean not that we've ever really paid her much mind about it, but....seriously! It's like they don't trust or something.

[He laughs a little and smiles at Dante.]

So how've you been the last week?

Not too bad. Been the usual deal, really. Did dip into the white collar lifestyle a while ago; when Rarity left on the trip, I was in charge of the night market.

(He pauses to raise a clawed finger.)

Which is still standing and undamaged, I might add!

Will the miracle that is you never cease to amaze, Red.

[He winks and gives the dragon a playful shove.]

Glad to know it was in capable claws. I am sorry for taking unexpected leave of my duties, by the way, but the information gathered was worth it I think. I'll be back on duty come tomorrow, count on it.

[He lifts his mug up for a clink with Dante.]

(And their mugs clink with great pride.)

No rush, man. Take it from me: a few drinks and a lazy day or two helps wash down those crazy trips.

Yeah...thanks. I appreciate the understanding.

[He takes a small sip from his and stares at it.]

Y'know, I honestly thought I had some grasp on this whole situation. Keeps feeling more and more like it's slipping through my fingers...and every new piece of information just leads to more questions, and more speculation...

One step forward and two steps back, right?

(Dante takes a drink from his mug.)

It's hard to feel like we're making progress, but we're getting there. Kinda like walking through a desert; you don't find much more than sand when with each step, but each step takes you forward.

[Visual] -8th Shadow- No absence of light...

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