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[YouTube] The True Gift of Gifting [Embed]

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Occupied Equestria - New Opportunities
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.143000
Continuing
1691 replies and 27 files omitted.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144060
144061 144062
>>144056
Well now I am wondering whether a day time approach is superior to the night

>>144057
Iron can see the cover in greater detail by crouching a bit. He's still reading.

A painting of a foreleg ending in split hooves forms the cover, and at the bottom are the big letters "Η φόνισσα." Smaller text above has the letters "Αλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης."

>>144057
The doctor follows Silver, or rather leads him, as he is walking fast and with purpose.

"Wait. This patient? I heard about him. Goodness. He was cut open."
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144061
144063
>>144060
(A foreleg ending on split hooves?) Iron thought to himself, not quite understanding such an image. (Is this supposed to be a manual on fighting ponies? Why would he need that?)
He hoped he could see the inside of the book for a few drawings to better understand just what this book was about.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144062
144063
>>144060
"I know, it is terrible thing. But he is strong, just like his grandfather."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144063
144064 144065
>>144061
The book is, perhaps unfortunately, currently being read by the Minotaur, whose attention remains on the pages. The illustration on the cover is of a black split-hoof at the end of a foreleg covered in light brown fur.

>>144062
“His ribs were sawed off” he says
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144064
144066
>>144063
"And yet he is already able to move around almost as normal."
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144065
144066
>>144063
Iron frowned softly before deciding he had enough watching: He seemed to have found his target, and from the looks of it, he's way smarter than he is.
(Look at him,) he grumbled as he got out of his gazing spot to properly mull over what he just witnessed (he is even reading those big bricks with those squiggly symbols like it is no big deal!)
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144066
144067 144068
>>144064
“He’ll need a while to heal, painkillers, and probably sanitary changing of bandages.”

>>144065
In fairness, there are images on the brick. This is indeed what Iron sees in the left corner of the room, nearest the door. The Minotaur has either not noticed Iron, or hasn’t made it known.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144067
144069
>>144066
Silver nods.

"I already talked with him about that. He would agree with that, he just needs to recover in environment that is more calming to him."
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144068
144069
>>144066
In either case, Iron should go back to Sands and report what he has found. Thus, he decides to go back to where her... uh, business partner is.
(Mares are weird,) he thought to himself.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144069
144070 144105
>>144067
“He can’t have excess pressure on his ribs.”

>>144068
“Well. We know where he is at least. Are the griffins there?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144070
144071
>>144069
"No," Iron denied. "He is alone from what I saw, but that big brick with the squiggly symbols makes me... uncomfortable."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144071
144072
>>144070
“That’s... that’s kind of odd, I have to say. Did he have any weapons? A gun, maybe?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144072
144073
>>144071
"None from what I saw either," Iron admitted. "Either he has them well hidden or he has none."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144073
144074
>>144072
“He would most likely hide them. He wouldn’t want to be seen with one in public. Think you could take him in a hoof fight?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144074
144075
>>144073
"He is quite big," Iron pointed out. "He will be a challenging fight, no matter how I approach it."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144075
144076
>>144074
“Yes... and you’ll need to take him out before he gets a gun. Or comrades.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144076
144077
>>144075
"I will certainly give it a shot nonetheless," Iron concluded, the hints of a smile encroaching on his serious demeanor. "He seems like a fun battle, even if he may kill me for it."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144077
144078
>>144076
She has a frown
“Do you... need help?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144078
144079
>>144077
Iron immediately dialed down his excitement at the frown, understanding his reckless nature seeping through his demeanor. "I do not know, really," he replied. "If he tries to pull out a weapon, you can try to distract him with... something. Otherwise, you can be the one that sets the battle off between me and this minotaur to ensure he does not pull a weapon."
(What was his name?) his mind tried to recall.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144079
144080
>>144078
“I have have a charm, of sorts, that can be disarming.”
For a moment, she has a smile. But then she returns to a serious expression
“Don’t get killed.”

I would look it up, but I am busy
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144080
144081
>>144079
"I do not plan to leave you alone," Iron confidently declared, offering Sands a small smile. "We will make it big together. Trust me."
After such reassurement, Iron soon turned serious in tow. "When do you think will be best to strike?" he asked. "I was thinking to cause a scene here, maybe disrespecting him here to battle outside, but I doubt he is that kind of... minotaur."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144081
144082
>>144080
The smile causes her to lower her head, and offer and almost seductive, or mischievous smile in return. She raises her head to say “a griffin, I think disrespect would goad him into a fight. Him... I don’t know. I suspect he’s not used to being on the defensive, though.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144082
144083
>>144081
"How about manufacturing some accident I can get angry over?" Iron offered. "Maybe get water spilled on either of us, maybe some food."
He soon turned pensive. "...worst case scenario, I can trip over his... uh, minotaur leg as a valid excuse."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144083
144084
>>144082
She looks up, and then taps the bottom of her chin
“If he just thinks you’re a random pony, he might want to avoid killing you.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144084
144085
>>144083
"That settles it," Iron concluded with an excited smile, ready to start the romp. "We will cause an accident 'caused' by the minotaur to get angry over, then I beat him up for it."
He soon mellowed out, obviously not wanting Sands to think his arrogance was kicking ready. "Ready to get it on?" he offered.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144085
144086
>>144084
She blinks, and shakes her head
“Wait. What?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144086
144088
>>144085
This query caused Iron to halt his excitement for just a second, looking strangely at the mare. "You know," he followed up with a tinge of puzzlement. "Do the plan."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144088
144089
>>144086
“Oh. Oh. Okay. Yeah, let’s... do that.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144089
144090
>>144088
"Should I explain the plan again?" Iron asked, just a tiny bit concerned.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144090
144091
>>144089
“Well... are you going back there? And are you sure he is alone?”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144091
144092
>>144090
"Yes and yes," Iron answered. "I cannot trip into him and get angry about it without getting closer."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144092
144093
>>144091
She has a small smile
“Then let it be done.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144093
144094
>>144092
Iron nodded, soon sporting his own smile as he got up the table, aiming to go towards the other room, hiding his mischievous, boisterous intent, ready to go face-to-face against the minotaur.
(Trip myself and blame the minotaur,) he reviewed in his head before nodding. (Let us commence.)
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144094
144095
>>144093
White Sands sits up in her seat, as if ready to move
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144095
144096
>>144094
With that little misunderstanding cleared, he finally walked towards the minotaur's last known position in way where he'd be able to trip on him, willing to test his plan out and see if he's successful.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144096
144097
>>144095
This is harder than it seems, as the Minotaur is sitting behind a table against the wall. He has no exposed hooves, or at least none that protrude significantly
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144097
144098 144099
>>144096
Can Iron see any food or water items Sands can stealthily manipulate to dirty either of them from where he was standing?
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144098
144099
>>144097
The Minotaur has no implements besides the book he is holding up, the newspaper sprawled over the table, and the violin case next to him in the corner. There is no food

[1d2 = 1]
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144099
144100
>>144097
>>144098
But on the far right side of the table is a glass filled with some sort of brown liquid, probably tea, but possibly alcohol of some kind.
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144100
144101
>>144099
Target acquired.
"Think you can spill that glass of whatever on me and frame the minotaur as the perpetrator?" he inconspicuously whispered to Sands as they slowly walked.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144101
144102
>>144100
“It’s a little far away from here. If I were walking with you though... I think I could do it.”
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144102
144103
>>144101
"That will be our instigating factor then," Iron concluded, getting ready for probably another dose of pain akin to that time the mademare treated his wounds. "Try not to spill it onto you. It might burn. Thankfully, I am a big target."
He soon let out a small chuckle as they started to approach the minotaur's table, silently preparing for the stinging to come.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144103
144104
>>144102
“He’ll understand a bit more of a mare is the one it’s spilled in” she says.

She is otherwise ready
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144104
144189 144190
>>144103
Tough choice, but Sands was right in the end.

"...be careful," he advised in a small whisper. "Make sure to get both of us if you can. Otherwise, aim at yourself."
With that decided, Iron led Sands near the Minotaur, slowly passing by to give Sands enough time to execute her move.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144105
144106
>>144069
"Obviously so."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144106
144107
>>144105
“He needs a splint, painkillers... are you sure?”
He turns his head in mild skepticism
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144107
144108
>>144106
Silver nods.

"He and I are both sure."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144108
144109
>>144107
“O-Kay.”
He looks down, signs the paper, and immediately turns to leave
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144109
144110
>>144108
"Thank you very much, doctor. Oh, really quickly, if we need to return for bandage changes, can we?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144110
144111
>>144109
“Sure” he says, not turning around to face Silver as he walks out the door
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144111
144112
>>144110
"Thank you!"

Silver enters Nick's room, signed paper in his magic grip.

"They have agreed to release you. You should avoid putting undue pressure on your chest for while, though, and they said you would need antibiotics and splints."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144112
144113
>>144111
“Uh huh. Uh huh. Let’s get out of here before they figure out who I am.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144113
144114
>>144112
"Another thing, I told them you are my grandson, so keep that up. Need help getting up?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144114
144115
>>144113
He pulls away the covers.
“If that’s what I have to tell them to get out of this.” He looks back over to Silver. “I guess there’s some similarity in coat colors, kind of. Then with the covers off, and in response to Silver’s last question, “Sure.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144115
144116
>>144114
Silver trots over to Nick, and helps him out of his bed. He makes sure to avoid putting pressure on his chest.

"So, is Popper Nick your real name?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144116
144117
>>144115
Silver pulls him up. The movement kind of contracts his chest, and he closes his eyes, wincing. He is pulled down to the ground, where he hops on his back leg, and continues wincing for a moment in silence. Then he answers,

"Huh? Oh no. It isn't."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144117
144118
>>144116
"So, what is it?"

He looks down at the stallion.

"Hmm...you may need help trotting."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144118
144119
>>144117
"It's... Paper Clipping." He answers, taking a moment to look up towards Silver as he says that, his long mane falling onto his face.

He moves forward, and has a limp on his hind leg.
"I... don't know."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144119
144120
>>144118
He smiles at Paper Clipping.

"It is good to meet you, Paper Clipping. I must say, you are quite strong stallion, trotting so soon after that kind of horrific wound, but even strongest of us need help from time to time. Let us get some crutches for you."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144120
144121
>>144119
He is standing up, but he is not focusing his eyes on Silver, but rather straight forward. He clamps his teeth down, with his lips fully back in a wince. He is keeping his legs sort of stretched apart, and he is not putting any weight on his hind left leg, bending it upwards slightly.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144121
144122
>>144120
"Yes, you definitely need help trotting."

He uses a hoof to move the mane in front of Paper Clipping's face to the side.

"Stay here, I am going to see about getting you some of things doctor recommended."

He goes out to the receptionist, intending to ask her about the things the doctor recommended.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144122
144123
>>144121
Paper clipping looks at Silver with his hazel eyes
“Sure...”

The mare looks down at her paper.

“We can give him Acetaminophen or Codiene. He may want something stronger. But he can come back for that. He should come back in three days to get fluid drained...”
She goes through more paperwork
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144123
144124
>>144122
"What about crutches to help him trot?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144124
144125
>>144123
“Does he have problems walking?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144125
144126
>>144124
"He has limp in his left hind leg."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144126
144127
>>144125
“Well, we can add a splint. And he’ll need one for his chest as well.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144127
144128
>>144126
Silver nods.

"Alright, that is painkillers and splints taken care on. What about antibiotics?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144128
144129
>>144127
“Pills as well, but he will likely need to come back at a later date.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144129
144130
>>144128
Silver nods again.

"If you or somepony else could assist us in getting everything he needs, it would be very much appreciated."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144130
144131
>>144129
“Yes. You can pick up the painkillers at the pharmacy, and the splints down the hall.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144131
144132
>>144130
"Can you direct me to splints?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144132
144133
>>144131
“Sure. It’s the third door down that” she leans out to point down a hallway to Silver’s right “hallway. It’ll be on your left.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144133
144135
>>144132
"Thank you very much!"

Silver follows her instructions to the splits, grabs one each for Paper's chest and hindleg, and returns to the injured stallion.
Amber Sunset
6987aba
?
No.144134
144137
waves
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144135
144136
>>144133
Silver is able to go to the locations and acquire the items in question from a middle aged mare (the splints,) and a slightly younger mare at the pharmacy. Note that there are two points for the chest, and the painkillers are relatively weak. Proper painkillers, like morphine, are not released, evidently because they require hypodermic needles to be administered.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144136
144137
>>144135
He thanks the beautiful mares before returning to Paper Clipping.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144137
144138
>>144134
waves back

>>144136
“You got it?”
He says, anxiously
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144138
>>144137
"I have some mild painkillers, and splints for your chest and hindleg."

He gives him the painkillers using his magic, and trots over to his side with the splints.

"If you will stand still, I will apply splints for you."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144139
144140
He kind of rocks, but he stops to let Silver do his thing. He takes the painkiller pill bottles with his yellow-brown magic and puts them to the side, though he doesn’t seem interested in, or able, to hold the magic field for long.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144140
144141
>>144139
Silver starts by applying the one to his hindleg.

"So, where did they catch you at that resulted in your 'buggery' charge?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144141
144142
>>144140
His face is turned down, but he jerks his head and widens his eyes when Silver speaks.

“Uh, a bar and dance hall.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144142
144143
>>144141
"What kind of bar and dance hall?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144143
144144
>>144142
“.... like, a place that had both. A bar and a dance hall.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144144
144145
>>144143
"I mean, was it high-class with classical music, one that plays that 'swing music', something else? I am curious."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144145
144146
>>144144
“Uh... with jazz music. And kind of open rafters on the dance hall, with ventilation visible. Only the second time I was ever there. There was a police raid for some reason. Maybe alcohol violations, maybe... other reasons.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144146
144147
>>144145
He looks at him after he finishes with Clip's leg.

"I am guessing there was also 'buggery' going on in building."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144147
144148
>>144146
“So the police said.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144148
144149
>>144147
Silver takes the other splint, bends down underneath Clip's chest and works on applying it to him.

"So, *were* you with stallion in dance hall?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144149
144150
>>144148
He blinks

“Define ‘with’.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144150
144151 144154
>>144149
"Having relations. I do not judge either way."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144151
144152
>>144150
“Let’s... can you get me out of here?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144152
144153
>>144151
"I am, I am, give me just...there. All set."

He gets out from under Clip.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144153
144157
>>144152
He closes his forelegs with Silver under him.

The ponies are ready
Anonymous
6987aba
?
No.144154
144155 144156 144157
>>144150
Darn it Silver, stop hitting on stallions
Anonymous
754e859
?
No.144155
144156 144157
>>144154
The horny can't be stopped
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144156
Spoilered
>>144154
>>144155
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144157
144158
>>144153
"Alright, let us go, just take things slow."

Silver leads the pair out of the hospital.

>>144154
>>144155
Never! The horny will never stop!
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144158
144159
>>144157
He walks forward, a bit stiff with the stints. He’s kind of scrawny, and noticeably smaller than Silver. He wordlessly follows Silver out of the room, and out of the hospital.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144159
144160
>>144158
Once out of the hospital and in the clear, he looks at his smaller companion and smiles.

"You never answered my question, by way."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144160
144161
>>144159
“I was worried I wouldn’t get out of there”
He looks back up, towards Silver
“Uh, what question?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144161
144162
>>144160
"Have you ever committed 'buggery'?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144162
144163
>>144161
He stops walking, and has a very long, awkward pause

“Are you... g-going to turn me in?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144163
144164
>>144162
He shakes his head, and smiles again.

"Was it with consenting adult?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144164
144165
>>144163
“...... Why?”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144165
144166
>>144164
"Personal experience. As long as it was with consenting adult, I think you are perfectly fine with liking stallions, and you will have no worries about me turning you in."

He shakes his head and mutters to himself.

"Getting arrested for same sex relations...thought we had moved past that..."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144166
144167
>>144165
He eases slightly.
“No. Not in New Freeside.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144167
144168
>>144166
Silver looks from side to side to make sure nopony is too close, and speaks to Clip in a hushed voice.

"So...what is it like? Is it messy? Does it hurt? Does it feel as good as when you have sex with mare?
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144168
144169
>>144167
He is silent again, but then answers
“I don’t know. Haven’t tried it.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144169
144170
>>144168
The bigger unicorn looks at Clip with a surprised expression and a raised eyebrow.

"But you seemed so worried you would be turned in for it."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144170
144171
>>144169
“For having sex with a mare? No. For draft evasion.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144171
144172
>>144170
It takes Silver a minute.

"...oh, you meant you have never had sex with mare, I thought you meant you have never had sex with...you know. Still, what is it like?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144172
144173
>>144171
“Let’s not talk about it in the open” he says
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144173
144174
>>144172
"Alright, fair enough."

Silver flags down a passing taxi to take the pair home.
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144174
144175
>>144173
In this area of town, this is fairly easy. It’s a long taxi drive home, if so it feels like.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144175
144176
>>144174
To pass the time, Silver decides to get to know Clip better.

"So, what did you do before coming here?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144176
144177
>>144175
“I worked for a newspaper.” He says
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144177
144178
>>144176
"Oh! Were you writer, editor, printer?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144178
144179
>>144177
“Well... I wanted to be. All of those things. Or any of those. The last job I had was setting the photographs they’d use so they were the right size, and would fit on the paper.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144179
144180
>>144178
"It is still very important job for newspaper. They say picture is worth thousand words, and right picture edited properly can tell viewers everything about story they need to know."
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144180
144181
>>144179
“Yeah... that I know for sure. Like the way the revolts are the mines were covered. They editted out the guns carried by the police in the photograph, claiming it was too far off on the right of the image. But it changes the perception of what happened. That was before I started doing it, though. Still.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144181
144182
>>144180
"Can you tell me what happened?"
Anonymous
e949824
?
No.144182
144183
>>144181
“Yeah. The bauxite mines in the northeast of the mainland colony. Those mines are important for the economy, but dangerous and difficult for the workers. Of course that area is heavily griffin. The workers wanted to unionize. Many mines are unionized. But the Dominion mining company overreacted, harassing workers with private security. Of course local police joined in. The workers organizes a strike anyways. They went further, taking over the mines as a whole for several weeks. All the police in the province were organized. There was a clash and several workers were killed before the mines were surrendered. This was years ago, half a decade now.”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144183
144191
>>144182
"Hmm. It was foolish of mining company and police to do that. Harsh reactions tend to just galvanize resistence rather than subdue it. Terrible to hear some died during that."
Shimmering Spark
9145bf6
?
No.144185
I should be free to continue tomorrow. I'm excited to see what happens next.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144189
144190 144192
>>144104
As Iron enters the room,
[1d3 = 3]
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144190
144192
>>144189
>>144104
He sees that there is more to it than what can be seen in the left-most corner. The room is not especially large, perhaps 40 feet from wall to wall, and the walls are similar to what is seen on the left most corner, with seats back against the wall in half-booth-half-table formats, and with tan walls with paintings of what seems to be a continuous ocean scene, with a ship of sail, a light house and a... what is that? a kraken? Some kind of squid thing, hopefully not real. Near the right, corner, far away, is a door with glass visible to the outside.

But what Iron is more interested is who is at the table. There are, sitting at a table near the door, three griffins. One is directly behind the table and against the wall, another sits off to Iron's left, the first griffin's right, on the booth-bench, and a third sits in a chair facing the first griffin. All three have some kind of black vest, though the first one also wears an undershirt and a bow tie. If they have weapons, they are concealed. They are speaking to each other, the second one is smoking, and there are objects on the table. The best guess is some kind of informal card game.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144191
144193
>>144183
"Yes... Yes and yes. Entrenched power and money is always aggressive to defend what they had, perhaps especially when all they have was taken at someone else's expense. This has happened many places and at many times. I've heard the Discrets were a whole lot worse. But their cruelty breeds rebellion, and freedom."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144192
144194
>>144190
>>144189
Crabcakes.

On the one hoof, they had the plan already in motion, which meant that any sudden movements would arouse suspicion to either the bull or the birds nearby.
On the other, if all four of them ganged up on him as it is right now, it wouldn't take long before he succumbs to his wounds. However, if they didn't get involved for an accident, he would be able to fight the bull one-on-one without anypony interfering.

"...do you think those griffons would rally to the minotaur's defense?" he whispered to Sands.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144193
144196
>>144191
The unicorn nods.

"I have heard much same about Discrets. What is most unfortunate is that mining company could have avoided all of that, and those deaths, had they listened to their workers concerns and acted upon them. They still would have made more than enough money through mine, workers would have been happy and motivated to give their best work, and there would have been no need for union."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144194
144195
>>144192
“They’d wonder what the hell was going on, that is for sure.” She answers
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144195
144196
>>144194
"Would they intervene if they believe the bull intentionally spilled his drink on you or me?" Iron muttered back. "He does have that brick with a broken hoof for a picture."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144196
144197 144200
>>144195
She blinks
"I'm not sure. Would they believe it? They might if they think of him as a friend, and they might not if they think he got himself into the mess himself"

>>144193
He shakes his head
"Then the mining company would still be making millions off the labor of the workers to take material from griffin land, while the laborers would be giving their labor for comparatively little."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144197
144198
>>144196
"Do they equate loyalty to friendship?" Iron inquired, feeling himself the tiniest bit empowered by the answer.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144198
144199
>>144197
She shakes her head
“For them, it is family that matters most.”
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144199
144201
>>144198
"Then we can continue with the plan," Iron concluded with a firm resolve. "If they nonetheless try to intervene, we will back out. Remember to make it seem like he threw the liquid at you to increase the odds they will not intervene."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144200
144201
>>144196
"Ah. I assume this is your chosen ideology?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144201
144202 144203
>>144200
He blinks
"What? That creatures should get the value they worked for and not simply collect rent over land? Yes, that is the conclusion I have come to."

>>144199
"If necessary, I can.. I have some tricks. But if anyone pulls out a gun - and I assure you they do have them - maybe that is a time to withdraw,"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144202
144204
>>144201
He nods.

"I agree that all workers should be payed highest wages possible, but what about wages of those who run businesses like mines?"
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144203
144204
>>144201
"Agreed," Iron replied in a low tone, understanding his current, mortal state is rather weak after the nonstop battling so far. "Let us execute our plan, then."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144204
144205 144207
>>144202
"Ideally, everyone would be paid for the amount of labor they put in. I suppose there is an argument for higher wages for the more skilled jobs, or the more dangerous ones, at least at our present stage of historical development. But it isn't even the managers who get the big money. Oh sure, they get paid more than the miners, despite working in air-conditioning and never having to worry about being crushed by machinery, but they don't get the real money. It's the owners, who do nothing, who get the largest share."

>>144203
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-E7PgapfUg

It begins, The two walk into the room. It kind of looks like the minotaur has noticed them, and has his eyes on them, but the griffins clearly have not
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144205
144206
>>144204
"Do owners really do nothing, however?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144206
144210
>>144205
"Do they do so much more than anyone else that they deserve to take so much more?"
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144207
144208 144209
>>144204
Iron was not particularly troubled by being in the minotaur's mind for the time being, so long as the griffons don't notice Sands' sleight of hoof. Even better if the bull didn't understand what happened when Sands and himself were inevitably soaked in alcohol or tea.
He walked around, pretending to look for a suitable table alongside his mare for the day in order not to arouse too much suspicion.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144208
144209 144211
>>144207
Then, with a trick of dark green magic, the tea is tipped over

[1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 20]
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144209
144211
>>144208
>>144207
The tea tips right over, a burst of tea flowing off the side of the table, and right onto Sand's pretty white coat.
"Ah!" She says, at a relatively low volume, looking at the tea
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144210
144212
>>144206
"Well, they have to oversee entire mining business. They have to worry about not only their own livelihood, but livelihood of thousands of employees, and if something where to happen to business consequences for them would be far greater than for individual worker. They have to worry about choosing best managers so they do not have to micromanage everything, following every law and restriction placed against them to T or face hefty fines, ensuring they are getting more material from mines than it costs them to keep mine open, selling mined material to clients for greatest profit, and managing business's finances so they have enough to pay their workers, managers, and themselves fair wages while still keeping enough saved back to develop their business further and keep mine from going under during times of crisis. They will never have to raise pickaxe or worry about being crushed to death in their mine - and for that miners should absolutely be payed more than they are - but they carry entire weight of running actual business on their shoulders."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144211
144213
>>144208
>>144209
That was his cue, looking at his mare's wet coat with a bit of confusion before turning towards the table with the minotaur on it with a big, offended frown. "What was that for?" he accused the bull in a similar intensity as the unicorn's surprised exclamation, stepping closer towards the bovine in question currently sitting.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144212
144218
>>144210
"Even those desk-job tasks are so often delegated to other workers, especially females in the urban areas. Is it really worth 30, or 40 times the same labor repairing power shovels or setting explosives out in the sun?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144213
144214
>>144211
The rust brown Minotaur stares down at Iron in silence, with both orange eyes.
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144214
144215
>>144213
Iron frown intensified at the lack of any answer, to the point of his snout scrunched slightly. "You cannot go silent after spilling tea on my mare like that," he insisted, the back of his mind already sensing a future conflict he'll have to resolve at a later date. "You think this is funny?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144215
144216
>>144214
"She tipped the tea." He answers, firmly
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144216
144217
>>144215
"That is absurd," Iron pointed out, rather offended. "After all the time she spent in the shower, prettying herself up for the ocassion I am supposed to take your word she spilled tea on herself?"
The stallion planted both front hooves on the table firmly, yet not enough to break it. "I do not appreciate you badmouthing my mare so non-chalantly," he grumbled with a hint of venom in his tone.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144217
144220
>>144216
He continues his glare at Iron, and he places his book down on the table. Sands backs away slowly
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144218
144219
>>144212
"Perhaps not that much, like I said workers generally can and should be payed more than they are without damaging the business, but they are still just as important to mine as mine workers themselves are. Without one, other would not have job."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144219
144224
>>144218
He looks back at Silver with skepticism
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144220
144221
>>144217
"What is the matter with you?" Iron demanded, fuming by this point. "You are not going to apologize after what you did to my mare? Are you trying to rustle me up?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144221
144222
>>144220
He moves his body a little back in his seat, still looking at Iron. He has not stood up, at least not yet

The griffins have to be aware of the commotion, and Iron can hear them saying something to each other in their language. Then again, Iron could hear them talking to each other in their language before.
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144222
144223
>>144221
Iron is guessing that when they notice the damp Sands that had backed up a bit earlier, they're going to understand the fuss he's making right now.
"Well?" the stallion demanded with a hint of a whinny in his tone.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144223
144225
>>144222
Sands, facing the minotaur, has her left, wet side away from the griffins.

Wordlessly, the minotaur stands up. He is much taller than Iron, and though his green shirt covers his abs and muscles, there must surely be much there.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144224
144226
>>144219
He shrugs.

"I will admit, I am not big fan of your ideology."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144225
144226
>>144223
How inconvenient. I'm sure Sands will explain what happened to the griffons currently doing their poker game while he's riling this bull up.

Irom stared up at the minotaur, undeterred and squinting softly yet knowing better than to just donk him right now, as it would paint him as the bad pony as well as bring the griffon entourage on him as well.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144226
144227 144228
>>144224
He keeps his lips closed, and remains silent

>>144225
Sands disappears from Iron's peripheral vision. Well, she's sort of there, but what is in front of Iron remains more interesting, In any even the griffins don't seem to be yelling at Iron.

The Minotaur looks down at Iron, standing up. From the current position the table separates them, although moving to the left would remove that obstacle.

The Minotaur seems disinterested in arguing with Iron, or making a first move for that matter
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144227
144229
>>144226
Iron kept his squinted expression, staring back at the bull while also blocking as many escape paths out of the table as he could with his body.
"You want to go?" he dared the hired killer, ready to throw down.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144228
144229
>>144226
"But...I would rather see who you are before making judgement about you. So far, you have seemed like nice young lad to me."

Silver smiles genuinely at his smaller, younger companion.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144229
144230 144231
>>144227
And now he speaks, and his voice is fairly deep, but slightly accented like that one blue pony back with the police

"Do you?"

>>144228
He blinks, before giving a weak smile, and saying

"Perhaps you can still learn yourself."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144230
144232
>>144229
He nods, still keeping that smile.

"Perhaps."

The taxi ride should be getting close to Silver's house by now.
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144231
144232
>>144229
"For my mare?" Iron replied, oozing determination. "I am ready for anything."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144232
144233 144235
>>144230
They arrive at the house

>>144231
"Then know that she spilled the glass upon herself, my glass, and brought it upon herself. As shall you, should you proceed further."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144233
144234
>>144232
Iron gritted his teeth, clearly upset at the second insinuation declared by the minotaur on this day. "I am not letting you get away with besmirching my mare like that," he countered with a firmer whinny. "We will settle this outside."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144234
144236
>>144233
Roll charisma
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144235
144237
>>144232
Silver pays the driver his fare, exits the taxi, and holds it open for Clip.

"Well, welcome to where you will be staying, at least for moment."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144236
144237
>>144234
[1d20+1 = 21]
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144237
144238 144241
>>144236
"Gino! Check the alley. Make sure we are alone. Then get my case."
He says, then seems to speak to Iron directly

"I do not know why you came back here, but you shall find more than you came for."

>>144235
"Woah" he says, looking up at the house

"Well fuck me, this is a nice house."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144238
144239
>>144237
"Courtesay of Stormfeather Maakie, griffon who was running trafficking operation. We broke into his safe, and I laid claim to deed to this house. I did not think it would be this nice either at first, but I am not complaining."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144239
144240
>>144238
"The trafficking operation back at... back at that building? That place?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144240
144242
>>144239
Silver nods.

"It is rather fitting that some of those we rescued are now living here, where he used to. I must say, it is far better use for this place."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144241
144242
>>144237
Iron relaxed his pose, stepping aside to let the minotaur pass in order to get their one-on-one started.
However, that particular statement piqued the stallion's interest, yet he simply remained quiet, allowing himself to psyche himself up for a bout of fisticuffs.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144242
144243 144244
>>144240
"Indeed!" He says, seeming to wag his tail and run forward, as if to run around the front segment

>>144241
The Minotaur calmly stands up, and walks past Iron

The griffin behind the table speaks, and in Ponish:
"Make it quick and quiet, Koptis"

"I shall" the minotaur replies

The griffin who sits off to the side has already gone through the side door, and that seems to be where the minotaur is heading
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144243
144245
>>144242
He chuckles at this honestly adorable display. To Silver, it seems as though Clip is a foal at heart.

"Just do not hurt yourself. I am going inside to tell others that you are here, you can come inside at any time."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144244
144245
>>144242
Thanks for the reminder about his name.

Iron promptly followed suit, keeping his distance so as to not cause too much friction between him and the bull, yet the comments burned into his mind like a forest fire: Was he going to use a weapon, or were his fists the weapon?
(We will have to see,) he concluded, sparing a glance at Sands' way as they treaded towards the arena.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144245
144246 144250
>>144243
For what it's worth, Clip doesn't look any older than adolescence, and his relatively small size doesn't help. He hops about, looking underneath the wooden stairs towards the sea.

"Uh, sure!" He says, not looking back at Silver

>>144244
Sands looks scared, but she keeps her distance from the creatures, and maintains a low profile as she scurries about.

Through the open door, Iron can see that there is space between the building there and one behind it, although it should be known that the door itself exits into a side parking lot, and bthey have to move top get behind the building. There is a fairly nice automobile, with black paint and a long cabin section that is currently being driven and moved, evidently to form something of a physical barrier between the "alley" and the top of the parking lot. The alley isn't quite a true alley, with probably thirty feet of space, part of which is gravel, but the sides have grass.

Koptis takes his position, opposite Iron
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144246
144247
>>144245
Silver unlocks and then goes through the front door of the house.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144247
144248
>>144246
Going through into the house, Silver can hear the radio playing, and he can hear Jubilosa say
"Hello?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144248
144249
>>144247
"I am home, Jubee!"

Silver trots forward towards her position.
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144249
144251
>>144248
She stands up (evidently she was sitting at the couch) and goes towards Silver

"Oh Silver. You're back!" She says
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144250
144252
>>144245
Iron does the same, taking a proper fighting stance as he awaited the proper time to commence the battle.
"Whenever you are ready," he called out to Koptis, steeling himself for the scuffle to come.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144251
144252
>>144249
Silver smiles wide, steps forward, and wraps his forelegs around her in a warm embrace.

"Everything is set up for our date tonight. I even got you something for it."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144252
144253 144254 144255
>>144250
Koptis carefully unbuttons his short, exposing strong muscles under rust colored fur, and placing his shirt on the automobile. He turns back to face Iron, still wearing pants and a belt that includes what seems to be a scabbard

"It is time"

Roll Initiative
[1d20+3 = 18]

>>144251
Gasps
"Really?"
Her mouth hangs partly open, and her eyes grow wide
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144253
144254 144256
>>144252
[1d20+2 = 17]<Initiative
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144254
144256
>>144253
>>144252
He strikes first, with clenched fist at Iron

[1d20+8 = 20]
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144255
144256
>>144252
Silver uses his magic to levitate the box with the red silk dress out from his saddlebags, and he gives it to her.

"I hope you like it. I have another thing for you, too, but I think it is better left for after we return home."
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144256
144257 144258
>>144254
>>144253
And lands a hit with his fist
[1d3+3 = 4]

>>144255
Her beak hangs all the way open, as her eyes twinkle

"It's so PRETTY!"
She quickly grabs the dress
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144257
144259
>>144256
Silver smiles as if he was happier now than he has been in the longest time.

"Seeing you react like this makes every Bit spent worth it."

He also levitates out the white fur coat he bought to go with it.
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144258
144259 144260
>>144256
Iron flinched slightly at the successful jab, yet he couldn't help but grin slightly: This was going to be a tough battle, and he couldn't be happier to be in his element.

Iron winded up a hook against the minotaur's side with a bit of extra oomph into it.
[1d20+7 = 10]<Unarmed attack (-3 to hit, +3 to damage)
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144259
144260 144261 144262
>>144258
Iron's buck is a bit reckless and imprecise, and the minotaur moves to dodge it.

He punches back
[1d20+8 = 20]

>>144257
"Eeeeek"

She examines the white fur coat

"Is this from Skyfall?"
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144260
144262
>>144259
>>144258
And evidently hits again, in much the same way
[1d3+3 = 5]
Silver "The Floof" Sword
c95152b
?
No.144261
144264
>>144259
"I do not know, I found fancy clothing store here in Baltimare that sold all kinds of dresses. It was expensive, but you are more than worth every Bit that silk dress and fur coat cost me."
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144262
144264
>>144259
>>144260
Once again, Iron was bonked, causing him to soon grit his teeth. This guy was serious, and he's running out of time to properly dish out some bruises.

He tried a far more powerful buck against the minotaur's stomach, hoping to even the odds as they are right now.
[1d20+5 = 20]<Unarmed strike (-5 to hit, +5 damage. Non-lethal)
Anonymous
6ec7d89
?
No.144264
144265 144267
>>144262
Hit

>>144261
She tilts her head
"D'aww"

And then jumps at Silver

Whomp
Anonymous
d163c59
?
No.144265
144266 144268 144269
>>144264
[1d3+11 = 13]<Damage