Hey hey hey, all Ponyville and beyond, another party is headed your way! Today at 1 we're having a big party at the Pinkmeisters Open House today. Everypony is invited, and we've taken into consideration all of your wants and needs. Need a quiet place? We got that. Just want to dance? We have that too!

Everypony come on down, we'll be partying till midnight tonight. Why? Because we said so!

Lets get down everypony, house opens in an hour!

Hello everypony, this is Ms Marvel. I'd just like to let everypony know that I've signed up officially as a part of the police department, volunteer section. As of now, if you need a police presence at stuff when I get officially sanctioned, I'll be on call for problems around Ponyville that requires a official presence.

To the Night Guard, I hope we can get along. And I appreciate the work you all do for the recently displaced Princess Luna.

I'll be cleaning out the old police station in Ponyville to act as volunteer services, and it's right next to fire and safety as well. So I hope everypony will give our volunteers a open welcome.

Thank you all for your time.

[It's been a few hours since people have started showing up. Not much time, but that's all the time this old man needs to figure out what's going on.]

[And once he does? There is cake. Don't ask how, but there's cake. He's busy putting the finishing touches on it, singing all the while. After a few more seconds, he presents the cake to the scroll with a jovial grin.]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EQUESTRIA!

[Artemis wasn't sure where he was, but the first thing he did on arrival was hide and try to stay in the shadows to gather information. This wasn't normal... He had to try and find the girls... They just had to be here somewhere... *gulp* Or at least he hoped so...]

Friggin' finally!

[The teen stretches on screen of the scroll, doing it if just because he could. The differences between Pokey as a twelve year old and as a fifteen year old, from the start of Mayfield and the few years of peace in the better town to his start here are pretty miniscule and would only be noticeable to the few who knew him back in the digital town - he's taller, maybe a bit thinner though it's hard to really tell, and he has the start of a scraggly beard, something he had fought to keep under control before giving up on it when he could.

Not many differences, but for a boy who was never supposed to make it to his teenage years anyway, enough of one.

He intertwines his fingers and pops them, obnoxiously, because God. Human body. Wonderful.]

Great as it was to be a dragon [let him stress that world, he was a dragon] I was getting tired of that crap. Kind of done with it, though I'm pretty sure this dumb place isn't going to let it last. But hey, for now, if you're like me? You've got a problem. And that problem is that the dumb baby furniture here doesn't work for you anymore.

Well, lucky for you I'm here and can solve that. I've got your beds, your tables, your nightstands, whatever stupid crap you need, I can make it.

[And make it indeed he does, one of each piece of furniture appearing behind him as he mentions them, just waving his hand a little to make them materialize. He had kind of gone to Zetta's to become his minion just because it had sounded like a sweet deal at the time; with danger pretty much being inevitable, more power sounded great. Thing was, Pokey was never a fighter, and he damn sure wasn't going to just go and run at this centaur that was tearing everything up, power or not.

But using the mana boost as an accessory to strengthen the dumb little creation powers Mayfield had left him and any of its survivors with? That he could do.]

In fact, I'm such a nice guy, the first piece of furniture you need? I'll mark 40% off! Hey, easy as this is for me it isn't free you know. Guy's got to eat even in this dump. This offer is good for all you weirdos just getting here too.

Oh. Hey.

If any of you weirdos are from Mayfield and know me....hey.

Just let me know you're here, alright?

[Here's Thrall.

Here's Thrall in the middle of an argument presumably with someone else from home.]

-- For the last time, no! I am not Green Jesus...!

... what am I doing back here? I thought I left the last time.

Boys? Are you here? If not I've got to get back home, Yagami is trying to get me to dress up for Easter.

Hey everyone! There's going to be a GINORMOUS party and buffet line and everything for the newcomers. Feel free to join up at the fields around Ponyville. We've got a nice place set up, and we'll be starting the BBQ for the meat eaters at noon.

So remember, it's our kinda-sorta-annual get together where we can meet each other, have fun, etc etc. I'm going to need volunteers to set up the party after all but after that it's all fair game!

Like last year we'll set aside a place for Exhibition matches if anyone is interested, but with Tirek I'm sure we're all tired. Mind the cannonballs and stuff, we're still cleaning up Ponyville.

[How did Pinkie get this arranged so fast? NO ONE KNOWS.]

See ya all at the festivities!

(ooc: the actual event thread will be going up in the catch-all under its own heading. I'll put up a link when it goes up.)

[It's been one hell of a battle against Tirek so far, and there has been a lot of people who once had power, and even just were strong physically, that are now without that, and even without that, their cutie marks are gone; for many, the power was part of their identities, and so after seeing many scared to stand up to Tirek, whether in battle or in spirit, Nephenee decides to try to raise eveyone's hopes...and simultaneously show their enemy that they won't back down.]

[So, before some of them travel into Tartarus, the Sentinel makes two posts: one locked from the centaur...and one decidedly not.]

( Visual, locked from Tirek )

( Unlocked, viewable to EVERYONE )

[The scrolls will glow. Open it at your leisure. 'Cause Kanji's feeling fiery as hell and can only find one outlet for it... for now.]

[He's lying on a mat at first, but he planted his hooves and is forcing himself upright from what shelter he'd been taken to. His legs are shaky and his eyes are dull from the loss of his magic, and at first his voice is raspy...]

W-we're not gonna take it...

[He took a deep breath, grit his teeth, and sucked in a breath. This is his first time, be gentle. Time to stop being shy. It had to happen eventually, right? He knew this song among many others. Maybe it'd been sung before, he didn't know. But it was appropriate for right now. Have some slightly-abridged Twisted Sister!]

NO! We ain't gonna take it!

We're not gonna take it anymoooore!

We've got the right to choose, and
there ain't no way we'll lose it

This is our life, this is our song!

We'll fight the powers that be, just,
don't pick our destiny 'cause
YOU DON'T KNOW US
you don't belong!

We're not gonna take it-
NO! We ain't gonna take it!

We're not gonna take it anymooooore!

[His scowl deepens, his voice stronger now. Eyes on what passes for the camera on this thing.]

Oh, you're so condescending
your gall is never-ending
we don't want nothin', not a thing from you!

Your life is trite and jaded,
boring and confiscated,
if that's your best, your best won't do!

Oh...
Oh...

We're right!
We're free!
We'll fight!
You'll see!

We're not gonna take it!
NO, we ain't gonna take it!
We're not gonna take it anymoooore!

We're not gonna take it!
NO, we ain't gonna take it!
We're not gonna take it anymooooore!

JUST YOU TRY AND MAKE US!

We're not gonna take it!
NO, we ain't gonna take it!
We're not gonna take it anymoooore!

[Good. He feels better. Maybe someone else out there feels better, too. It tired him out, but he wasn't about to show it. But even though they were dull, his eyes sharpened the best they could as he rolled the scroll shut, ending the feed.]

Hey, this is Donatello... the tall one. I just want anypony whose going to be on the front lines for this to know that if you need any ammunition, I got plenty. Shuriken, throwing knives, miniature smoke bombs, even if you don't know how to use them, if you can throw they'll be useful. I have plenty made and even if my magic gets drained, I should be able to make more. Only thing that may stop me is if I get injured since i'm planning to be on the front line, but that would just be a minor complication.

But yeah, if anypony needs anything to fight with, I'm offering. Whatever it takes to beat this guy, we need to take it.

WHAT IN THE NAME OF ROTTENNESS IS GOING ON HERE!? Why am I not in my house? WHY am I a walrus? WHY!? WHY!!

[The volume from the scroll intensifies with that shout and you could feel the magic parchment shaking in your hooves. A great big, red walrus pops up on the visuals, perfectly livid.]

Whoever's responsible for entrapping and locking down the great Dr. Rrrrrrobotnik in this despicably decorated dimension will have quite a lot to answer to! And I'll get my answers, even if I have to strangle it out of every last creature around here!

[He gives that some thought and smiles an evil grin. No, he'd do that anyway, answers or not. Sounds like a rip-roaring way to spend an evening. But he shakes that off, resuming his angry tirade.]

Regardless of whether or not I can make it back home today, this indiscretion has entitled me to one omelet. My breakfast is ruined and I'm holding that against everyone.

[It seems like a rare shot, coming from a scroll in the middle of the street as someone had put down a bag in a hurry. The cause of this however was a fire in a lower downtown Ponyville house. One thing lead to another, and because of timing, a simple house fire grew into a blaze. Fire crews were already there and a weather team was dumping water on it.

It seemed like it was all in control.

And then the front of the building exploded.

Crews howled to get the watching civilians back when a stallion in fire truck red stumbled free from the blaze.]

Starwing is still in there! [He howled. That was enough for the owner of the bag as a familiar mare charged headlong into the blaze despite the fire crews trying to stop her.

Moments passed, and then there was another blooming fireball. The painters house had caught fire on the flammable paints when suddenly, a large figure erupted from the house, smashing through the flaming debris, clutching onto a soot-stained fire department.

All you could see, filling up the area was a giant symbol poking out of a wrecked set of burning clothing as a huge body stumbled free, smoking from many places, and clearly still on fire as the owner of the enormous hoof climbed free from the burning wreckage.]

( Read more... )

[Text]

Dear Rulers of this land,

My name is Ganondorf Dragmire, and I am the King of the Gerudo, the people of my homeworld. I have only been here a scant amount of time, but your level of leadership impresses me greatly. Though I would prefer to meet with you in person, I must admit I do not know my way around as well as I would like, and must pledge myself via this message. If there is anything you wish of me, I will do all in my power to provide it.

Yours loyally, Ganondorf Dragmire

[Action]

[After his letter is away, and his first step forward is begun, Ganondorf goes to where he usually does: a patrol of the lands and shops. Any strategic value is being calculated in his twisted head as time progresses. And he's not passing anywhere up. So, you're likely to see him around, mumbling to himself at times, maybe a knowing grin on his face as he's discovered something of worth. So, stop by and say hi to the rather large pony with the big flaming mane.]

[Let's put on a tough face. Perfect. Ready? Go!]

Uhh, so- say ya wanted to make a treat as a present for somebody who ain't all that big on sweets. What the hell d'you even make?

[Head turned away, he rolled his shoulders in a devil-may-care (or as much as he could manage) shrug.]

I-I'm just curious, damn it! I ain't goin' anywhere with this!

Oh- Shit, hold on a sec-

[He reached out of frame, and retrieved a handmade sign:]

Accepting COMMISSIONS!

Handmade dolls, accessories and clothes!
Also available for cloth repairs!

Not starving: Tip what you feel!

...Y'know, since that Hearts n' Hooves thing is comin' up. I can deliver anonymously when it's done or hand it over so you can do it yourself. It don't matter. Leave a note in my drop-off box at the Commune - ya want the purple door, can't miss it - or toss a scroll at me.

( Private Visual to Arcee )

~~~~

[When the Pegasus pops up, she's in an apron, in what seems to be a kitchen area, and there's some supplies out: flour, butter, sugar...just another day in her kitchen, sort of.]

Hey, everypony~ Since Hearts an' Hooves day's comin' up, Ah had an idea for somethin' folks might like for them an' their sweetie, or jus' for folks in general.

[Ducking her head underneath the counter, she brings it back up to reveal a lovely berry cake.]

We jus' got in some o'the fruits, an' Arcee an' Ah got the idea to make cakes for those who want 'em! Could be any berry, long as Ah can get it, could have writin' or chocolate shapes on it or anythin' ya might like...within reason, Ah mean. This is jus' a sample o'what she an' Ah can do. We'll have some special pricin' for couples an' such, too. So swing on by if ya want, or lemme know here if you're interested. An' don't worry, our lips are sealed; no spoilin' surprises here!

You know even after being here like, half a year, I'm always surprised by the dumb crap you horses keep thinking up. I mean, I guess Valentine's Day isn't exactly a tradition you idiots have on your own, but it's still a dumb idea. But you know what?

I guess what it's meant to represent isn't, much as some people here think it's something to be scared of. And I guess it's scary. I mean, it is I guess, if you're a weeny. Or just...have never had it or...

Know what? Love is super important. Here's why. Stick with me if you idiots think you can, cause here's a good reason.

I'm a pretty mean guy. I don't really hide it. And I do pretty mean things. But if you met me before the last place I was you'd see how nasty I really could be. I don't mean like throwing pies in each others faces or tripping one another or whatever you all think are war crimes. I did stuff that'd blow your little pony minds. And I was pretty sure I'd always be that way.

But then, the last place I was? And yeah, this is cliche, I met someone. A girl.

It started off pretty great, too. I mean first time I met her she put a weapon to my head because I was screwing around in her back yard making a map of the town we were in, so it was pretty romantic from the start. And you know, I guess people wouldn't think she had the best temperament: she was loud, and bossy, and sarcastic and rude.

She was a lot of the things I was. But underneath that? She also had a decency to her. She was brave where I was a coward, and and patient where I rushed at crap, and even though a lot of people wouldn't see it? She could be kind, when she wanted to be, when I was just a cruel jerk. I related to her because of the immediate parts of myself I saw in her but, you know. I came to care about her because of the better parts of her, and how she treated to me.

Like I said, I'm not a nice guy. No one had really been nice to me before, aside from my brother. ...And my neighbor, though I screwed him over in the end. He was my friend; I was never really his. But anyway? The fact that she showed me kindness, that she actually wanted to be my friend, include me in things...that was the first time anyone ever had. I dunno. I think at first I just wanted to impress her, but as time went on I guess I realized...

She taught me how to care, even if she didn't know she was. And because of that I actually had friends for once. Had a home. And because I could see myself in her but also something better than me, I wanted to be better than I was too. If I had never met her, who knows. Maybe my luck would've been crappy like it always was and I'd never try and change. Your luck would be crappy too.

See. I want to improve because of the people I know back there, and because of her. Because I love them. I love her.

And the reason I'm telling you this, something none of you losers deserve to hear in a hundred years, is because the fact that I love her and want to be better? Is the only reason I haven't decided to slit your collective throats and push your dumb, metaphorical bodies in front of a freight train by trying to find someone who could help me get back to them for the cost of betraying you. And I'd do it to. Because I don't care about you. But I care about her. And because I care about her, I can't. I can't think about selling you out or, if there were no takers on that, just rampaging about and ruining you idiots day on a daily basis.

That and if history is any indicator? I'm going to end up spilling this crap anyway when Valentine's actually gets here. I hate these places for that.

So if you're a complete moron who thinks love and relationships are really that fragile, consider this. It's because it isn't that you have one less psycho to deal with screwing you here.

You're welcome.

[Private to Giegue]

Hey boss.

Let's talk.

[Because he can't imagine a rant like this wouldn't attract Giegue's attention. Or that he'd have to defend himself over it.

Might as well jump right at the lion and get it over with.]

What ho, what ho, Equestrians all! [Here's a bright yellow pegasus doing his best to smile brightly with the season.] Bertram Wooster, here, for all who might not know me. I thought I might put a bee into the proverbial bonnet with all this festive whatsit carrying on. Now, I know we've all got to be frightfully busy around this time of year, but there has to be an hour or two for fun, eh? On the counsel of my dearly adopted sister, young Nephenee, I'd like to propose a day or two of sledding.

Now what we need, though, are actual sleds. Dashed difficult to have some sort of jolly down-hilling without the proper equipment. If anypony has a sled or two to spare... or might be able to build one, I'd love to hear from you. We'll be having hot cocoa and mulled cider for any sledders once it's all set up along with the standard sort of towels and blankets once you're ready to call the day.


( Private to Surprise )

Ok, guys. I have a proposition to make. It will take you out of town, and...might make you miss the holiday season. But I'll figure out a way to pay back whoever comes with me.

Basically, I want to go back to Stalliongrad. There was a lot of stuff there that we didn't get to explore, and given the stuff we found out before, I think we should still see what else we can find! Heck, I've had experience with ruined civilizations, so I know that we've only really hit the tip of the iceberg!

[Being from said civilization, but...moving on.]

I'm going to leave this week. I don't know how long I'll be. But like I said, if anypony's willing to come again, I'll find a way to make it worth your while. I'd love for anypony who came the first time to come again, but I'd understand if you couldn't.

( private to KR!Princess Luna )

[The scroll opens up to the sight of a snow fort. A rather large snow fort, really. To call it ornate would be far too kind, although it does range in what you could call complex. Its 'main' room seems to be the size of a moderately sized tree-house, and it's raised somewhat off the ground by a pillar of ice. It has a few smaller pillars with single 'rooms' on top of them, with the thing 'connected' together by a snow fence. It isn't exactly the sturdiest looking thing, considering it's all ice and snow, but it's impressive in its own sophomoric way. It also happens to be in the middle of the town, casting not an imposing shadow so much as an obnoxious and inconsiderate one. The thing is really more in the way of traffic and business than it is anything.

Considering how fast the construction was and the size of it, someone must have been up all night working on it. And they were.]

So. You see that? I made that.

[Pokey's heard before he's seen, turning the scroll towards him, his beady blue eyes dark and near red from exhaustion. Still, he's grinning like an obnoxious little jerk all the while.]

And, with it, I declare myself the king of winter, and the middle of town I guess. Doesn't matter what you call me so long as you call me 'sir', considering the middle of town is mine now. Don't worry, you don't have to pay a fee or anything to me, I'm that nice a guy. You just have to remember and talk about how great I am. How smart I am. How no one but me, Pokey Minch, could've done this.

I guess you could try and knock it down, but it'd probably be better to wait until spring. Thing is impenetrable, so you all better just deal with it.

[C'mon. Come on. Someone come try and knock it down, mess with him, get into a snowball fight or something or assault the thing. Even just come get angry at him. He's so bored and having maxed out the creation powers Mayfield left with its survivors has tired him even more, to the point of restlessness.

Do something. He is so damn bored it isn't funny.]

Oh. Hey. Bear. Offer still stands if you want to come run this with me. You can be co-ruler, or prince, or whatever of town square.

[Tonight people may hear the sound of jingle bells coming from their scrolls. Those who open up will see a white unicorn... staring at them like that one girl in The Ring. For a moment her eyes are obscured under a mane of white. Her face slowly rises allowing the two glowing red eyes to appear below the bangs.]

Seasons greetings.

The air has grown colder and the leaves have fallen. Yet the houses are warm and smiles are rampant. Every pony and unicorn and pagasus hearts are full of fellowship and cheer. Streamers, lights and banners decorate the hallways and roadways, illuminating the snow in a rainbow of shining sparkles. Even the air itself echoes the cheerful songs trumpeting their awe of snowflakes, mistletoe, and conifers.

It is quite the spectacle.

[The unicorn raises a hoof to the side and there is an insufferable sound like a dozen discordant pianos hammering down a note simultaneously.]

Meanwhile, you are still ensnared, here. Your goals, desires, ambitions and machinations lie elsewhere. The land that you know and the people that had been entwined with yours continues. You are still within a shell of the being this world has deemed suitable for it's denizens. And within the planes between your enemy grows in strength and insanity. All of this is true, and will continue to be so until such time has found an ultimate conclusion to the one that binds us or that our physical and spiritual form ceases to exist. Each moment of each day we find ourselves one step closer to this absolution or destruction.

And I truly doubt the hour of your demise will care that you have taken the time to enjoy the moment of the season.