"What?!"
Asuka's shriek barely cuts through the noise permeating throughout Shifty Sai's. After yesterday's events, Artuo had opened up a few hours today for everyone who took part to celebrate. As s... View More"What?!"
Asuka's shriek barely cuts through the noise permeating throughout Shifty Sai's. After yesterday's events, Artuo had opened up a few hours today for everyone who took part to celebrate. As such, the restaurant was packed full of all sorts of adventurers, and roughnecks. Despite their gruff appearance, everyone in attendance was sure to be polite, and patient with Artuo, and his staff, and made sure to clean up any messes they made. They didn't want to take advantage of his kindness.
Sat in their usual booth, the members of Attack on Mango were a little cramped. Beyond the four members of the band, they had 4 other additions. On one side sat Nar, with Cookie in his lap, Asuka at his side, and Ruby sat next to her. On the other side of the booth sat Juno, Scrappy, and Deena. Sat in a chair pulled up to the table was the band's original lead vocalist, and guitarist, Roy.
"She broke up with you OVER EMAIL?!" Asuka shrieks to her brother again, despite him being sat right next to her. Next to Asuka, Ruby snarls. "Yeah, that bitch." Nar pumps his hands in front of him slightly. "Hey, hey. I don't think it's entirely her fault." He has a smile on his face, but it's not fooling anyone at the table. "And why's that?" Question's Juno, leaning onto the table. "Well..." Nar begins. "She told me about her family, and I got to meet her sister in person." He pauses, looks around, then continues. "She's been put down her whole life. Her parents always favored her sister over her, and she was always told she would amount to nothing." He takes a deep, shaky breath, then continues. "When we met her sister, she kept saying these nasty things to her in Neighpanese, like 'He's too good for you. You don't deserve him. You're just an ugly hermit. He should dump you.' I think... I think she may have convinced Aki that was true."
At the end of the table, Roy shakes his head slowly. "That sounds about right for Miki. I've heard stories about how she treats people in private. She's got some sort of goddess complex, and everyone who's dealt with her personally can't stand her." Asuka feels her anger subside. She reaches a hand over to rub her brother's back. For a few moments, everyone at the table is silent, and the mood is somber. "Oh!" Nar suddenly perks up. "Check out the wicked bruise Winston gave me though!" He begins to lift up his undershirt. Asuka can see the massive patch of blue under his fur. Across the table, Deena raises a hand slightly. "Maybe, you shouldn't show such things while we are eating." Nar chuckles, then drops his undershirt. "Alright, alright." In his lap, Cookie turns, and gives her father's stomach a small kiss. To which, Nar gently ruffles her hair with a "Thank you pumpkin. I feel better already."
Just then, Artuo appears, carrying a tray with a GIGANTIC plate of nachos atop it. He slides it into the center of the table, and a hand from every person at the table instantly reaches out to grab one. As Nar shoves a fistful of chips covered in molten cheese into his mouth, he grins a goofy grin. Once he's chewed, and swallowed, he let's out a content sigh. "I love all you can eat nachos." The rest of the table agrees. #rp
It's been a day since Asuka, and Cookie awoke as captives of Winston Dreamglow. Despite their status as hostages, he's treated them more like high class guests at a hotel than prisoners. Their room ha... View MoreIt's been a day since Asuka, and Cookie awoke as captives of Winston Dreamglow. Despite their status as hostages, he's treated them more like high class guests at a hotel than prisoners. Their room has all manner of entertainment options, the furnishings are lavishly comfortable, the bathroom has a JACUZZI, and the concierge has been incredibly attentive, and fast. This morning, the two had breakfast served to them by Winston himself, who was very apologetic about everything. Asuka still didn't trust him, but she figured the gesture was nice.
As Asuka, and her niece sit on their bed, eating a luxurious dinner, they watch a cartoon from Asuka's childhood. It's one she, and Nar used to watch together when they were growing up. It seems to hold Cookie's attention pretty well, which Asuka was thankful for. She's been pretty upset as of late. Mostly because she hasn't seen her papa in a day.
Asuka's ears perk as she thinks she hears a noise over the TV. She picks up her remote, and pauses the show in order to listen. Cookie begins to protest, but Asuka gently quiets her. "Sorry Cookie. Auntie needs to listen right now."
Thud. Thud. CRASH!
Asuka stands from the bed, quickly scooping Cookie up to take her to the bathroom. She quickly, but quietly opens the door, and locks it behind her as she hides inside with Cookie. Cookie is now completely silent. Asuka can feel her begin to shudder with fear, as she seems to have heard the noises too.
She hears a thud against the room's door. Asuka quickly searches for something in the bathroom she can use as a weapon. Another thud. Asuka tries to rip a hair drier's cord out of the wall so she can use it as a weapon.
CRASH!
Asuka hears the door to the room slam into the wall. Tense silence fills the air for a brief moment. Then, a raspy voice calls out. "Asuka." There's a short pause. "Cookie." Asuka can't believe what she's hearing. Though every fiber of her being screams at her to stay put, a small glimmer of hope tells her to open the door, and check. In the end, that glimmer of hope wins out, and Asuka opens the door just slightly to peer out.
A moment later, Asuka, and Cookie emerge from the bathroom. Cookie lets out a sudden cry of "Papa!" and leaps forwards into the form of Nar, standing in front of the doorway. He lets out a pained 'oof!' as her head slams into his stomach, but tries to smile down at her anyway. He reaches one hand down to gently pat her back, and uses the other to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. Asuka can tell he's injured, but thankfully, it doesn't look too serious.
Asuka approaches, guiding the two to the bed. She opens her mouth to speak, but a shout from the doorway catches her attention. A lone security guard stands in the doorway with a taser drawn, and aimed at Nar. Nar tries to rise, but he instead ends up doubling over from the pain. Then, Asuka hears a mighty roar, and a black blur slams into the guard, knocking him out of the doorway! Half a second later Ruby enters the room, flanked by Ryuji, who stands in the doorway. Asuka can hear the guard outside scream in panic, and agony, as Steeltrap roars maniacally. It seems Ryuji is trying to block out the sound, seeing as how the door to the room can't close at the moment.
"Dang it Ruby." Nar croaks, barely managing to look up at her. "I told you not to come." Ruby just places a finger to his lips. "You can be mad at me later. For now, we need to get you all home." #rp
Gentle shakes wake Asuka from her magic-induced slumber. As her eyes begin to open, she sees the small face of her niece staring back at her. It would seem Cookie was nudging her awake. Asuka begins t... View MoreGentle shakes wake Asuka from her magic-induced slumber. As her eyes begin to open, she sees the small face of her niece staring back at her. It would seem Cookie was nudging her awake. Asuka begins to sit up, noticing the look of concern on Cookie’s face. She reaches out, and gently pulls her onto her lap, wrapping her in her arms with a hug.
“Auntie.” Cookie’s voice trembles. “I’m scared.” Asuka gently strokes the top of her niece’s head. “Don’t worry Cookie. I’m here. It’s going to be okay.” Asuka doesn’t fully believe her own words, but they seem to calm Cookie somewhat. Now, to get a feel for her surroundings.
The room Asuka finds herself in is akin to the bedroom of a high class penthouse, or an expensive hotel. There’s a large TV hanging on the wall across from the unreasonably comfortable bed she sits on. There’s a door that leads to a surprisingly large bathroom, two bedside tables, and a min-fridge. Next to the second door of the room rests a thermostat. As she turns her attention to said door, however, she finds that there is no lock. Likely locked from the outside.
Then, Asuka notices the letter on one of the bedside tables. Flipping it open, she finds a penned letter explaining a few things to her. She’s being held hostage. Her kidnapper? Winston Dreamglow. His motives? Get her brother to out himself as the person who’s vandalized Winston’s company property. Neither Asuka, nor Cookie will be harmed, and that she should treat her stay as a stay in a luxury hotel. Of course, she won’t have access to her phone, and the one in her room can only contact the building’s concierge, but Winston assures her that his staff will be ready to provide excellent food, and drinks for the two as needed. He apologizes for the scar, and says that should Nar out himself, Asuka will be well compensated for her cooperation.
Asuka has no idea how to feel about this, but a quick check of the door tells her that Winston is serious about keeping her here. It’s locked from the outside. From the bed, Cookie lets out a small whine. “Auntie, I’m hungry.” With that, Asuka decides now is as good a time as any to test if Winston is telling the truth about his food and drink offer. A quick call to the concierge, and a few minutes wait later, and the room’s door opens, as a group of staff (flanked by security guards) enter enter with meals, and drinks for both Asuka, and Cookie. They even brink a basket of sweets to apologize for the inconvenience of being held hostage. Then, they retreat from the room, leaving the two alone.
Asuka is sure to test the food herself first, to make sure Winston hasn’t had it laced or anything. Thankfully, he hasn’t, and all of the food is safe to eat. Cuddling up on the bed together, Asuka and Cookie begin to eat their meal, as they look for something to watch on the TV. Asuka only hopes Nar doesn't doesn’t do something stupid if he finds out what Winston has done. #rp
Well, it was two days later than Asuka had promised, but Asuka had finally taken Cookie to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns. Cookie was desperate for an 'Auntie Day', and Asuka finally had th... View MoreWell, it was two days later than Asuka had promised, but Asuka had finally taken Cookie to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns. Cookie was desperate for an 'Auntie Day', and Asuka finally had the energy to go. All in all, they both enjoyed the movie. Cookie mostly liked how pretty the four main characters were, while Asuka liked the message the movie told. It was a nice little movie about how being kind is it's own reward, and that-.
Suddenly, the fur on the back of Asuka's neck stands up. Something's off. She glances around at the street she and Cookie are walking back home on. They're the only people on the street. At all. No pedestrians, no cars. Asuka's hand reaches out to try and pull Cookie close to herself, as she swivels her head to her right. There, a group of figures come rushing at her from within.
"Cookie!" Asuka screams, suddenly, startling the little pegasus. "Go get help!" Then, a hand comes out to try and grab Asuka. Using the training she received before becoming a tactical paramedic, she weaves out of the way, and grabs hold of the figure's arm. She then pivots, using the figures own momentum to toss him over her back, and slam him onto the concrete. She can hear Cookie begin to scream. Before Asuka can turn to face the others, one of her arms is grabbed, and pulled behind her. Then, another set of hands grabs her other arm, and pulls it back.
Asuka sees a burly earth pony reach down, and snatch Cookie up with no effort on his part. Cookie is simply too paralyzed with fear to do anything but scream, and sob.
Don't let them take you wherever it is they're going! Don't let them take Cookie! If they do, you'll never see your family again!
Asuka lets out a frenzied scream, and wrenches one of her arms free! She swings it around, and smashes it into the nose of the other figure holding her! He lets out a cry, and releases his grip as his hands come up to grab his smashed nose. She quickly lunges at the earth pony, only for him to plant a boot in her chest, and send her sprawling to the floor. Then, a horn pops into view above Asuka. It's lit, as though a spell is being cast. A face then comes into view, and Asuka feels a sudden drowsiness come over her. When she looks up, a memory flashes into her mind. One of her brother's face, only much older, approaching her in the moonlight in her room at her parents house.
Asuka tries to stand. Tries to resist, but she can't get her body to move. She tries to scream, but her mouth won't move. She then feels herself lifted up, as one of the men snarls. "I'm gonna-." The unicorn cuts him off. "You heard the boss. No harming the girls." The other man snarls again, then Asuka is hefted up onto a shoulder, and consciousness fades. Cookies distressed cries slowly fade in her ears. #rp
Asuka remembers why she was so happy when she got to take such an extended sabbatical from her job. Everyone in the EMS/First Responder field was underpaid, overworked, and had their mental states hel... View MoreAsuka remembers why she was so happy when she got to take such an extended sabbatical from her job. Everyone in the EMS/First Responder field was underpaid, overworked, and had their mental states held together with toothpicks and glue. What was supposed to be a 24 hour shift ended up as a 48 hour shift. Seeing as how Asuka was one of only a handful of Advance Care Paramedics in Vanhoover, she was needed constantly. It was a miracle she'd managed to get away with 48 hours, and not 72. In those 48 hours, Asuka had only managed to get about 2 hours of sleep.
After a short tram ride from the station to a stop on her street, Asuka finally arrives home. She barely manages to get the door fully open before a little, excited squeal fills her ears. Then, a little figure slams into her legs at mach 10, and glomps onto her. "Auntie! Auntie!" Little Cookie squeals up at her with glee. Asuka tries to smile back, but she's simply too tired. "Auntie! Can we go watch the new princess movie? Can we?! Can we!?" Before Asuka can respond, Cookie is gently pried off of her legs by her father. "Now now Cookie." Nar begins. "Auntie Asuka had to spend a lot of time at work, and she's very tired. We should let her sleep before we ask her about going to see Crystal White, and the Three Alicorns." Cookie frowns, but nods in understanding. At this, Asuka manages one word. "Tomorrow." Then, she wraps the two in a tired hug, before shuffling off towards her room.
When she opens the door, she finds a few packs of peanut butter crackers have been arranged on her bed in a smiley face, and a chilled bottle of water sits on her bedside table. Nar. You're too good to me.
Asuka removes her dirty uniform, then goes to have a quick shower. Afterwards, she sits on her bed, munching on crackers, and gulping down water as if she'd been roaming the San Palomino for weeks. Just as she sets the empty bottle down on her bedside table, her body finally satiated, Asuka drifts off into a deep slumber. A half eaten cracker slowly sliding from her mouth onto her blanket. #rp
"So, let me get this straight." Asuka's voice is calm, with a hint of concern, and annoyance. Before her stand two stallions/men. One of which has his head tilted upwards with the hose a bike pump sti... View More"So, let me get this straight." Asuka's voice is calm, with a hint of concern, and annoyance. Before her stand two stallions/men. One of which has his head tilted upwards with the hose a bike pump sticking out of his mouth. The nozzle appears to be somewhere deep within the man's throat. The other stands holding the actual pump, still connected to the hose.
"Your friends got something stuck in his throat, and your solution was to... Use a bike pump to force it down?" Asuka raises an eyebrow. The stallion holding the pump nods. "It kind of worked, but now the hose is stuck, and we can't get it out. We tried, but Gemmy keeps gagging every time I move it, and starts choking again." Asuka sighs, directing the first stallion towards her stretcher, as she takes the bike pump from the first stallion. She thinks about trying to remove the hose from the pump, but the man violently wretches when the hose moves as a result.
Dear Artemis. PLEASE don't throw up on me. For the love of SOL do NOT throw up on me! Carefully, Asuka manages to get the man into the ambulance, and onto the stretcher without him hurling everywhere. This is NOT what Asuka needed on the 12th hour of a 24 hour shift.
The ambulance begins to move forward, only to hit a small bump. Everything goes in slow motion for Asuka. The man begins to wretch violently. Asuka grabs something to cover her face. There's a horrific sound as suddenly, the contents of the man's stomach are ejected all over the inside of the ambulance. Asuka barely manages to keep it from getting on her face. When she finally lowers the object from her face, she sees the carnage of vomit all over the back of her ambulance.
On the bright side, that dislodged the bike pump, and the man's mouth, and throat are now completely clear of debris! The man sheepishly looks to the paramedic beside him, bags under her eyes. "S-sorry..." #rp
Asuka can't remember the last time she rode in an ambulance. It was before Attack on Mango began their rise towards the top of the national charts, she knows that for certain. It may have been a year,... View MoreAsuka can't remember the last time she rode in an ambulance. It was before Attack on Mango began their rise towards the top of the national charts, she knows that for certain. It may have been a year, or more since the last time she wore her paramedic uniform. Though she knows one thing for certain. It's going to be a long shift.
The driver beside Asuka hasn't spoken a word since they left the station. Asuka doesn't even know the man's name, but according to their supervisor, he's been an ambulance driver for 2 decades now. He's no Frank, but he'll do.
Right, Frank. Asuka feels a tinge of sadness knowing she'll never ride with him again. After having to respond to a call involving his own daughter two years prior, he retired from EMS, and since then, has been living a happy retirement. Asuka still talks to him occasionally, but she has her own life, and he has his. She hopes that one day she can taker her niece, Cookie, to meet Frank's daughter, Emerald for a playdate.
"So. What's your name?" Asuka poses the question to her new driver. He simply looks at her with a pair of gruff eyes, that have clearly seen a lot. Point taken. Thankfully, the ambulance's radio beeps to life before an awkward silence can settle in. "Responder 143, reports of a fall at 4th and Jennings, Building 4 of the Hills Rest Apartment Complex. Possible head injury." Asuka grabs her radio to respond. "Copy that dispatch. Enroute."
As the ambulance's sirens, and lights are flipped on, and the ambulance picks up speed, Asuka has only one thought.
Help is on the way. #rp
The Attack on Mango household was becoming rather crowded as of late. Along with the 5 residents of the house, Ruby would be staying with them for the foreseeable future, Scrappy was over fairly often... View MoreThe Attack on Mango household was becoming rather crowded as of late. Along with the 5 residents of the house, Ruby would be staying with them for the foreseeable future, Scrappy was over fairly often, and Aki was starting to get comfortable with coming over more than once a week. Not to mention Spins, who tended to crash in the house whenever she was in the city.
This morning, the band and their friends had decided to have a nice get together at the house. Alongside Nar, Juno, Asuka, Deena, and Cookie, Ruby, Scrappy, and Aki have come over for breakfast, and a little board game afternoon. As all the girls sit in the living room watching the morning news, Nar, and Juno are cleaning up in the kitchen as they banter back and forth about some sort of extreme sports competition they watched the night before. Asuka had offered to help clean, but Nar shooed her out of the kitchen.
Asuka now sits on the couch beside Deena, and Ruby, whom has slowly inched closer to her as the morning has gone on. She barely listens to the morning news as they go over traffic, and the weather. She makes idle conversation with the other girls, but eventually decides to check on one of the mobile games she's been playing for the past few weeks. She pulls out her phone, and opens up a cute little 'collectibles' game to quickly do all of her dailies, and maybe open some capsules for some new cute little animals.
"Uhm." Aki's voice mutters from the recliner beside the couch. Asuka looks up to see Aki looking at her phone. "Is that Kawaii Puppy Collectible Island?" She looks up to Askua, her eyes full of a hopeful curiosity. Asuka offers a smile, and a nod. "Yep. I got into it like, a month back. I'm almost done decorating my second island." Asuka shows Aki her phone, and Aki oohs, and awws at her island. "Awwww! You even got the SSR Penny Pup skin!" At this, Ruby produces her phone, revealing that she too plays the game. The three comment on Ruby, and Asuka's islands for a few minutes before Asuka finally asks Aki if she plays. Embarrassed, Aki admits she's had the game since it first released, 4 years ago. Asuka demands to see her islands.
Sure enough, when Aki produces her phone, and opens the game, she finds that Aki not only has the max number of islands, but she even has ALL of the event islands, and skins that are INCREDIBLY rare. She has literally everything you could unlock without paying for it, and even has an islander that's so rare that there are only 4 confirmed to have ever been obtained.
Then, Aki scrolls over one of her islands, and almost drops her phone. Asuka and Ruby manage to catch a glimpse of a cutesy island with a very 'street' aesthetic. It's filled with a bunch of copies of one islander. A cute little mammoth who wears an outfit almost exactly like Nar's. Straw hat, yellow hawiian shirt, and all. In the very middle of the island sits Aki's avatar. Asuka, and Ruby then begin to pester, and tease Aki. She does not defend herself. She knows she cannot.
The pestering stops when two familiar faces pop up on the news. "Exciting news for all you in the know out there! This morning, Winston Dreamglow, owner of Winston's Arcane Technologies announced that he has entered a relationship with acclaimed actress, Miki Inoue! Tabloids are going crazy at the news! What a power couple!"
The room falls silent. Even the banter from the kitchen stops. Aki sinks in the recliner. Ruby's face becomes a scowl.
Then, Nar's voice calls out from the kitchen. "How fitting! Trash attracts trash!" Asuka chuckles. Deena stifles a laugh. Aki manages a small smile. "Maybe they'll inflate each other's egos so hard they burst, and leave us the hell alone." States Ruby, as she reaches for the remote. #rp
Two figures wander the grounds of the Arcanotech manufacturing plant of Winston's Arcane Technologies. One leads the other along the path the vandal from three nights ago took when he evaded the plant... View MoreTwo figures wander the grounds of the Arcanotech manufacturing plant of Winston's Arcane Technologies. One leads the other along the path the vandal from three nights ago took when he evaded the plant's security. Strangely, none of the cameras had any footage of the event. Instead, their footage seemed unremarkable.
The first figure, a mare in typical office attire, gestures as she leads the second, a gryphon in fairly rugged streetware, to an alleyway next to the plant. "Then, the vandal went into this alleyway, and Officer Halts could not find him again. The gryphon looks to the blue door at the end of the alleyway, and an eyebrow raises.
"Looks like your vandal is familiar with the Astral Highway System." The gryphon's low, gruff voice muses. "Oh? I've not heard of that before..." The office mare speaks, followed by a pause. Then, she asks "Does that mean you could track him?" The gryphon shakes his head. "No. I don't have the experience to, but I know a man who does. I'll get your boss, Winston, in touch with him. He's a bounty hunter by trade, and not the 'you missed court' kind. Rest assured, if your vandal strikes again, he won't have anywhere to run." #rp
On the grounds of the Winston's Arcane Technologies "Arcanotech manufacturing" plant, a security guard goes about his nightly patrol. The night has been uneventful so far, but with the recent vandalis... View MoreOn the grounds of the Winston's Arcane Technologies "Arcanotech manufacturing" plant, a security guard goes about his nightly patrol. The night has been uneventful so far, but with the recent vandalism of other company installations, security is tighter than before.
The guard pauses when a peculiar sound reaches his ears. Around the corner, it sounds like someone is spraying something. He slowly peeks around the corner of the brick building, his hand dipping down to reach for his taser. What he sees is a unicorn in a hoodie, wearing a pair of rollerblades, spraying spray paint on the side of the plant. The guard removes his taser from it's holster, and prepares to sneak up on the vandal. Then, as if he had some sort of sixth sense, the vandal looks over in his direction, revealing the black bandana over his mouth, and metal aviator goggles over his eyes. Before the guard can lift his taser, the vandal takes off.
The guard chases after the vandal, but he's severely outpaced. He manages to catch a glimpse of the vandal turning to head down an alleyway, and races to catch up. When he rounds the corner, the alley is a dead end, save for a single blue door with a glowing, white star at the end of it. The guard approaches, and with great caution, opens the door, sticking his taser in first. When he opens the door fully, he's greeted by a vast, white plane in an empty void.
Nope. Nopenopenope. That vandal was a unicorn, and unicorns can do some really messed up stuff if they study enough. Not willing to risk getting trapped in a magical void for eternity, the guard turns to head back to the plant, radioing about the encounter.
He's perplexed to hear that the cameras didn't pick up the vandal, or the chase. At all. The timestamps are correct, but the footage from those times don't show any activity. Confused, and a little frightened, the guard returns to the plant to meet with his superior for a debrief of the situation, and potentially, call in backup. #rp
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