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Fallout: Beyond Equestria, 79: Tragedy's End (Part 8)

Mar 30th, 2014
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  1. [2014-03-26 13:05:57] <Little_Gloom> 3Previously in Beyond Equestria...
  2. [2014-03-26 13:06:49] <Little_Gloom> 3The final recording of Bonaparte, the chaplain from Shatara's home Stable, begins.
  3. [2014-03-26 13:07:07] <Little_Gloom> 3(Scorch Mechanic is awesome! https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/62984274/tape_9.mp3)
  4. [2014-03-26 13:07:17] <Little_Gloom> 3---oooOOOooo---
  5. [2014-03-26 13:07:23] <Little_Gloom> 3The task they demand!
  6. [2014-03-26 13:07:29] <Little_Gloom> 3They are not subtle, these death-spirits. There is no dance of seduction. No softly whispered enticements, as with the stories of the Stars Above tempting the foolish into damnation with sweet encouragements and concealed costs. With the Reapers, at least, there is no obfuscation.
  7. [2014-03-26 13:07:36] <Little_Gloom> 3Still, I do not know if I can kill the children.
  8. [2014-03-26 13:07:44] <Little_Gloom> 3All this way. All the cost just to get here, and I hesitate. Even knowing what I know, knowing what they are…
  9. [2014-03-26 13:07:51] <Little_Gloom> 3They’re still /children/.
  10. [2014-03-26 13:07:57] <Little_Gloom> 3Oh!
  11. [2014-03-26 13:08:02] <Little_Gloom> 3No… no. Master, I was not questioning. I understand!
  12. [2014-03-26 13:08:08] <Little_Gloom> 3They are a blight. Trapped souls in need of release. I will give them to you; do not take my power. Please! I will end the children, or I will die trying. I promise you this…!
  13. [2014-03-26 13:08:14] <Little_Gloom> 3---oooOOOooo---
  14. [2014-03-26 13:08:30] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost murmurs, "aaaaaand he died trying. so. much. win."
  15. [2014-03-26 13:08:46] <Little_Gloom> 3Shatara sighs a little. "Did he even mention what kind of power he was so desperate to have?"
  16. [2014-03-26 13:08:53] <Little_Gloom> 3Bookwright "I think so."
  17. [2014-03-26 13:09:03] <Little_Gloom> 3Noble_Heart nods her head. "He mentioned that they had granted him the darkest of gifts. That of necromancy. The power over the dead and the spirits of death. Even the Zebras feared it, if stories are to be believed."
  18. [2014-03-26 13:09:12] <Little_Gloom> 3Shatara sighs and shakes his head. "Why would you even want that?"
  19. [2014-03-26 13:09:18] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "no idea.... maybe you get extra credits for it?"
  20. [2014-03-26 13:09:27] <Little_Gloom> 3Bookwright "He wanted it because... he was jealous of other griffins. He craved power."
  21. [2014-03-26 13:09:36] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream frowns. Death in the pursuit of some vague, distant power. She seemed to hate that Bookie asked that question. She hated that ponies would lose themselves so quickly to it. She hated that's what essentially what has born so much death in her life. It reminded her of the lighthouse in the fog, and how folks would chase it and chase it. Tomorrow wo
  22. [2014-03-26 13:09:45] <Little_Gloom> 3Tomorrow would be different, so on and so forth.
  23. [2014-03-26 13:09:51] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "maybe he just wanted to see if he could do it...."
  24. [2014-03-26 13:10:00] <Little_Gloom> 3Noble_Heart shakes her head. "He wished to be more than he was. To be someone significant. Someone important. To matter and prove that he was not useless or weak or pointless in his life." She bowed her head sadly. "It is not an unfamiliar feeling. But no sacrifice of another should mark such a path."
  25. [2014-03-26 13:10:07] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "yeah" nods "you don't just... saw other ponies legs off to test your new cyuberlegs... doesnt' help making friends"
  26. [2014-03-26 13:10:13] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream hated that ambition was spoiled for her. "T' be significant always means steppin' on other folks."
  27. [2014-03-26 13:10:19] <Little_Gloom> 3Shatara finds Get_Lost's example suspiciously specific.
  28. [2014-03-26 13:10:27] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "sooooo... we ask joy to show us his room? maybe we can tell him about his dad... i think it'll make him happy"
  29. [2014-03-26 13:10:34] <Little_Gloom> 3Noble_Heart slowly straightens up. "We would like to know what is in that cart. Why it was so important to be saved. It does not seem as simple as a demonstration still carried..."
  30. [2014-03-26 13:10:39] <Little_Gloom> 3Bookwright "It all hangs on Joy. We need to talk to Joy."
  31. [2014-03-26 13:10:46] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "maybe it has something to do with his power to command other ghouls."
  32. [2014-03-26 13:10:51] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream has a notion what it might be. But she hoped it wasn't what she thought it was.
  33. [2014-03-26 13:11:03] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost "or, it is cheerilee"
  34. [2014-03-26 13:11:09] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost tries stealing a glance of shatara withut being noticed
  35. [2014-03-26 13:11:18] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream seems very sour at her own statement, because it means she knows how this will all end, and it wasn't a nice thought.
  36. [2014-03-26 13:11:23] <Little_Gloom> 3Noble_Heart nods her head. Spreading her wings and taking to the air. "We suggest heading back to the playground. He will be there. In time if not now."
  37. [2014-03-26 13:11:28] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost waits to get carried "thank you, shatara... can i use your pipbuck, later? i need to copy the system into kid's, please"
  38. [2014-03-26 13:11:49] <Little_Gloom> 3CopyCat nods. "Back aboard Bookie. We go." Bookwright clambers aboard the CopyCat train. "We should head back to the shack. Maybe Joy is waiting there for us."
  39. [2014-03-26 13:12:05] <Little_Gloom> 3Shatara nods and agrees with Bookwright. He bends down to let Get_Lost on his back. "Sure..."
  40. [2014-03-26 13:12:11] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost hops on the ride "thank you"
  41. [2014-03-26 13:12:19] <Little_Gloom> 3CopyCat takes off and joins Noble_Heart in the air. "Bookie says we should check the shack first."
  42. [2014-03-26 13:12:27] <Little_Gloom> 3Noble_Heart nods her head. "We are fine with that."
  43. [2014-03-26 13:12:34] <Little_Gloom> 3A few moments later, the group is flying through the still Littlehorn night, over the ruins of Luna's Academy. The streets glow very faintly with the pink, an broken and barely visible grid.
  44. [2014-03-26 13:12:59] <Little_Gloom> 3Fallout: Beyond Equestria, Session Seventy-Nine: Tragedy's End (Part Eight) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW5n3k2VgZE&feature=youtu.be&t=55s
  45. [2014-03-26 13:13:06] <Little_Gloom> 3--- Session Begins ---
  46. [2014-03-26 13:13:17] <Little_Gloom> 3The teacher's apartments move into view, and with them the small playground, no minus it's dead child. Beyond, the alley, and the shack with a hole in its roof. And two pinpricks of glowing bring pink in the night. And a softer light, barely phospherescent, eminating from beneath the tarp over the wagon.
  47. [2014-03-26 13:17:48] * Noble_Heart circles and slowly descends towards the shack. She waits for the others to land before moving to the door to open it and descend towards the interior.
  48. [2014-03-26 13:18:25] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy is waiting.
  49. [2014-03-26 13:18:27] * Golden_Dream exales. She hopes it isn't a body. She hopes that it isn't the body of who she thinks it is. It must not be, why would she be in armor and stuck to the wagon? Right. No more time for thinking. "Joy? Joy is that you? We're comin' t' get y' outta here. Hopefully, t' see yer dad."
  50. [2014-03-26 13:19:03] * Bookwright lets out a shuddering breath. "Hello, Joy."
  51. [2014-03-26 13:19:21] <Little_Gloom> 3The dead colt stands there in the darkness. Unmoving. Unblinking. A patience that would be eternal, born of a lack of motivation or desire to be anywhere else.
  52. [2014-03-26 13:19:34] * CopyCat lands allowing Bookwright to dismount.
  53. [2014-03-26 13:19:59] <Little_Gloom> 3At the greeting, the colt raises a decayed hoof and waves slowly.
  54. [2014-03-26 13:21:08] <Little_Gloom> 3Shatara hears the voice again. >> There. Remove that one first. <<
  55. [2014-03-26 13:21:59] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream's attention is caught by a flicker of firelight. The reaper with the burning hooves is back. It stares at the group, at Shatara in particular.
  56. [2014-03-26 13:22:37] * Bookwright takes it as a cue to go on. "I am Bookwright. I am but one of this band of friends." He begins to point out each of the group in turn. "This is Copycat. That's Noble Heart. Over there looking all grim and somber is Shatara. The little green one is Golden Dream. We are here... We are here... Um."
  57. [2014-03-26 13:22:50] * Bookwright seems lost for the next words. "We are here... to help."
  58. [2014-03-26 13:23:12] * Noble_Heart bows her head to Joy when she is introduced.
  59. [2014-03-26 13:23:18] <Little_Gloom> 3Then its attention shifts upwards, as another reaper lands on the apartment roof above. It wraps its wings about it like a cloak. And it whispers to Golden_Dream, >> Rid this place of the offending object. Let nature take its course. <<
  60. [2014-03-26 13:24:11] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy listens to Bookwright.
  61. [2014-03-26 13:24:50] * Bookwright looks a little lost. "Um. Are you alright? Can you talk? I mean obviously you're dead already and so are all the other students and that's obviously not alright I mean but... um. Shoot."
  62. [2014-03-26 13:25:07] * Golden_Dream stares at the other reaper. She looks sympathetically towards the thing. She hoped, she really hoped, that she would forgive her if this turned how she things it would. "Joy. I'm comin' down. Joy? Is it alright if we know what's in the wagon?"
  63. [2014-03-26 13:25:12] * Bookwright stops talking quickly as he stumbles over a mental roadblock.
  64. [2014-03-26 13:26:17] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy looks back towards the wagon. Then looks to Golden_Dream and nods. "Help?"
  65. [2014-03-26 13:27:07] * Noble_Heart steps down the stairs and lowers down to the ground, dropping her shield to allow Golden Dream off.
  66. [2014-03-26 13:27:47] <Little_Gloom> 3The burning-hooved reaper steps forward.
  67. [2014-03-26 13:29:15] * Bookwright "Uh... Yeah. Heeeelllllllllpyou, uh. Somehow. Bookwright clearly doesn't know how to put this. "Um. To move on...? I guess...?"
  68. [2014-03-26 13:33:09] * Golden_Dream gets out of the bubble. She doesn't like the fact that she's getting out of the bubble, but it's really her only option. "Help. Yeah. We're here t' get you outta here. I'm gonna look in th' wagon. And hopefully, it'll be somethin' that'll get th' reapers off our tails." She slowly moved forward to get open the tarp.
  69. [2014-03-26 13:34:48] <Little_Gloom> 3For a moment, Shatara and Noble_Heart are blinded by a distorting flash. The air about them is thick with Pink. A voice calls out, pleading... "S-stay close so you don't <cough> get <cough> lost... please.... please, d-don't panic <cough cough>." The voice is slowly being drowned out in static, and the static is filled with knives.
  70. [2014-03-26 13:36:56] * Noble_Heart goes wide eyed, moving backwards as best she could. The sudden feelings of pain from the static and the strangeness of the message was not at all comforting.
  71. [2014-03-26 13:37:14] <Little_Gloom> 3A group of children stumble by, running... or at least attempting to, as they choke on the thickening cloud. One trips on his cloak and falls. Shatara and Noble_Heart watch as the cloak begins to melt into the colt's flesh as he screams. His two friends turn, wide eyed with horror. Still, they go back for him.
  72. [2014-03-26 13:38:28] <Little_Gloom> 3The colt is already dead, and the other two quickly succumb to the Pink as they try to pull his corpse with them.
  73. [2014-03-26 13:40:17] <Little_Gloom> 3Even as they falter, another colt runs by, moving into the thicker Pink, crying out. "Cheerilee! Che... <cough> Cheerilee!" He skids to a stop, his butterfly cutie mark briefly visible, as he sees the others. "No! Don't lay down. Get up! Keep moving!" And the two foals do. Even though they are already dead.
  74. [2014-03-26 13:40:34] <Little_Gloom> 3The haunting ends.
  75. [2014-03-26 13:41:18] * Noble_Heart blinks a few moments in surprise. "We think We understand what has happened here..." She frowns and looks down at Joy. "Though We are still uncertain how to fix it..."
  76. [2014-03-26 13:42:35] <Little_Gloom> 3>> They are already dead. << the burning-hoofed reaper tells Shatara. >> End this. End this, and be rewarded. <<
  77. [2014-03-26 13:44:29] <Little_Gloom> 3>> They deserve peace. << the cloaked reaper says to Golden_Dream. >> Remove the offending object. Let them find what their souls seek. <<
  78. [2014-03-26 13:45:59] * Golden_Dream gulps, then undoes the fastening on the tarpaulin, and moves it aside.
  79. [2014-03-26 13:52:56] <Little_Gloom> 3Beneath the tarp is a pony inside a set of field medic armor. The armor is pre-ministries -- a precursor to the armor that would be used by the MInistry of Peace -- and is stamped with an angel emblem. The fuschia elderly pony inside is the one Golden_Dream feared she would recognize. The pony's body seems lifeless, but perfectly preserved.
  80. [2014-03-26 13:53:35] <Little_Gloom> 3There is a soft energy wisping off of the armor like old smoke -- an energy only Golden_Dream can see.
  81. [2014-03-26 13:55:16] * Bookwright is taken aback by the reveal. "Oh! Oh... Oh my. That must be Cheerilee. You've been protecting her all this time, right Joy?" He looks fearful. "Is she... is she dead? Or is she like you...?"
  82. [2014-03-26 13:55:23] * Golden_Dream 's eyes shrink to pinpricks as she recoils a bit. Shit. "... Cheerilee, can ya'll hear me?"
  83. [2014-03-26 13:55:29] * Noble_Heart stepped forwards slowly, frowning as she followed Golden Dream around. "We are concerned. Joy has captured the minds of the ponies here, commanded them to stand and keep moving, even after they should be dead. But We do not know of any magic which could entrance a mind to such a degree." She ruffles her feathers briefly and sighs. "We do not know how to break the spell
  84. [2014-03-26 13:55:29] * Noble_Heart easily at all..."
  85. [2014-03-26 13:56:41] * CopyCat swallows at the sight of the former teacher.
  86. [2014-03-26 13:58:14] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy turns and walks up to the wagon. He puts out a hoof. "Miss Cheewilee is jus' sleepin'." He sounds very sad. "The spiwit will pwotect her. She pwomised."
  87. [2014-03-26 13:59:17] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream can see the wisps of energy shift at Joy's touch. Energy pours into the touching hoof in the few seconds before Joy breaks contact. The Academy Foal doesn't seem to notice.
  88. [2014-03-26 14:00:32] * Noble_Heart blinks in some surprise at Joy's remarkable coherence of words, looking down towards the ghoul. Then back towards Cheerilee. "She cannot be awoken while she stays here in the ruins. The cloud would surely kill her... It would, perhaps, be best if We took her and you back to see your father." She furrowed her brow.
  89. [2014-03-26 14:00:54] * Golden_Dream frowns, then hung her head. "She's radiatin' with some sorta energy. I'm... I'm thinkin' this might be what one of them reapers wants us t' move out." Remove the offending object. Let them find what their souls seek. "I... Joy, we're leavin'. Joy, first ya'll are gonna tell me what ya'll mean by th' spirit, and then we're gettin' outta here, and I'm gonna show ya'll t' where ya'll can go t'...
  90. [2014-03-26 14:00:55] * Golden_Dream ...go meet Herald. He ain't gon' look like what y' remember. He's got a tree growin' outta his head an' his memory's a bit faulty, but he's still a good pony. Alright?"
  91. [2014-03-26 14:02:57] * Bookwright is fairly bewildered by this turn of events. "...Wha? What are you all talking about? What is this 'offending' object?"
  92. [2014-03-26 14:03:35] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy looks at Golden_Dream blankly.
  93. [2014-03-26 14:04:43] * Noble_Heart looks to Bookwright. "We believe that Joy's magic is motivating the other ponies. We saw it in the vision We had upon entering this place. He told the ponies to keep moving, and they did, even though they had surely died from the cloud. But We can think of no way to break that spell save to help him leave." She bows her head. "And perhaps save Miss Cheerilee in the process."
  94. [2014-03-26 14:05:09] <Little_Gloom> 3The burning-hooved reaper takes another step forward, and the cloaked reaper spreads its wings and leaps down into the alley, blocking the other reaper's path.
  95. [2014-03-26 14:06:14] * CopyCat finds herself copying Joy's blank expression. She shakes her head to clear it. "Joy, do you remember your father?"
  96. [2014-03-26 14:06:28] * Golden_Dream 's ears flatten. She totally doesn't believe her. "Look, ya'll have been here for over two hundred years, there are two alercorns here talkin' t' y', and there's a robot mare over there. Weird's gonna be a part of yer life from now on."
  97. [2014-03-26 14:08:12] <Little_Gloom> 3The nightmare reaper rears up, kicking the air with burning hooves. The cloaked reaper rears up in return, wings spread ominously.
  98. [2014-03-26 14:08:37] * Bookwright "Okay Noble Heart, that makes sense, but what about that armor? It's clearly what doctor Ugani had with him. What qualities or enchantment could it possibly have on it that preserves Cheerilee so perfectly?"
  99. [2014-03-26 14:11:06] * Bookwright frowns. "Hold on, maybe a spell of detect magic can tell me more." He closes his eyes briefly and meditates on the motion of the universe. He opens his eyes. "Okay, here goes..." His eyes flash amber.
  100. [2014-03-26 14:12:44] <Little_Gloom> 3Bookwright can see the wisps of energy that Golden_Dream does, and more. A soft glow about the suit, with tendrils reaching out and connecting into Joy like invading vines of ivy.
  101. [2014-03-26 14:12:44] * Noble_Heart frowns and shakes her head. "We are uncertain. Zebras had many strange magics before the end. We have heard tales of weapons which burned with unending fire or froze their victims in ice. Such things are rare, especially now, but it seems likely such magic was worked upon this armor. Beyond that? We do not know."
  102. [2014-03-26 14:12:47] <Little_Gloom> 3The reapers take to the air, landing on a gabled rooftop where they continue their deimatic behavior.
  103. [2014-03-26 14:14:31] <Little_Gloom> 3Bookwright is not a shaman, but has seen enough shamanistic magic... especially of this sort... in his time with the Followers of the Apocalypse. This is the work of a spirit of kindness. It's clearly expending itself preserving not only Cheerilee's body, but Joy's as well. Preventing the decay that should long ago have driven the Academy Foal feral.
  104. [2014-03-26 14:16:38] * Bookwright releases the spell. His face is grim, and his eyes sad. "The armor is ensorcled. It contains a spirit of kindness. It's preserving Cheerilee, as well as Joy. If we took it away... Joy would lose his mind."
  105. [2014-03-26 14:17:55] * Noble_Heart frowns. "Then We would suggest it must be brought back as well." She taps her chin. "If Cheerilee is alive within the armor we should seek a way to revive her as well."
  106. [2014-03-26 14:21:57] * Golden_Dream looks at Noble. "Noble, how far can ya'll teleport?"
  107. [2014-03-26 14:22:24] * Noble_Heart taps her chin. "Quite far. Though We admit that We have not had many chances to test the exact limits of Our ability."
  108. [2014-03-26 14:23:31] * Golden_Dream looks up at her with wide, mismatched eyes. "How about y' try fer Ditzy's camp?"
  109. [2014-03-26 14:27:00] * Noble_Heart taps her chin. "We could try. We have seldom had reason to teleport so far. But it may be possible."
  110. [2014-03-26 14:28:09] * Bookwright "Between Noble Heart and myself, I think we could get everyone to Ditzy's camp in one go."
  111. [2014-03-26 14:30:32] * Golden_Dream looks up at the reapers. "Cool. Mind doin' it before they go 'n tear each other up?"
  112. [2014-03-26 14:31:10] * Bookwright "Before who tears whom up?"
  113. [2014-03-26 14:31:49] * CopyCat tries again. "Yes, Joy. Your father. Herald. Do you remember your father Joy? My friends have met him. He'd like to be with you again I'm sure."
  114. [2014-03-26 14:32:53] * Noble_Heart blinks and tilts her head to one side. "We can try. Though teleporting unwilling subjects is very difficult." She frowns. "If Joy is willing to come, it should be much easier."
  115. [2014-03-26 14:33:18] * Golden_Dream points, and then realizes nopony can see her. "Two of 'em are goin' at it. Th' one with th' burning hooves, and th' one with th' cloak of night." She coughs. "I, uh. Assure you it's real dramatic lookin'."
  116. [2014-03-26 14:37:40] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy blinks slowly, his eyelids cutting off the pink glow from his eyes for a moment. "Daddy?"
  117. [2014-03-26 14:43:38] * Noble_Heart looks to CopyCat hopefully. If the other alicorn could win over Joy's trust then this would be easy.
  118. [2014-03-26 14:47:31] * CopyCat smiles sweetly and nods. "Yes. Your Daddy, Herald. He was looking for you. He wanted to see you again. My friends have met him. We can bring you to your Daddy, if you'd like."
  119. [2014-03-26 14:48:24] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy stares almost blankly. Like he is trying to remember.
  120. [2014-03-26 14:50:40] * CopyCat turns to her friends. "Do you remember what Herald was like? His coat colour? His cutiemark?"
  121. [2014-03-26 14:50:55] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy seems to get lost for a moment. Then asks, "Help Cheewilee?"
  122. [2014-03-26 14:52:53] * Noble_Heart nods her head to CopyCat. "We believe that reviving Cheerilee might yet be possible. Though it may require more specialized knowledge from those in the NCR."
  123. [2014-03-26 14:54:42] * Bookwright "We should start by asking Get Lost, O Noble one. She's the one among us with medical knowledge."
  124. [2014-03-26 14:54:53] * Get_Zyxy frowns for a moment and steps out of the group "i'm a medic, i can see if there's something i can do... where is she?"
  125. [2014-03-26 14:56:40] * Bookwright gestures to the cart that Cheerilee's still form lies on, encased in pre-war medic armor.
  126. [2014-03-26 14:58:09] * Get_Zyxy starts checking the armor and tries to understand what is going on here
  127. [2014-03-26 14:59:32] * Golden_Dream watches the fight. "Noble, uh. Sooner is better."
  128. [2014-03-26 15:00:15] <Little_Gloom> 3The medic armor has no integrated PipBuck or medical technology. Instead, as Bookwright has surmised, a potent spirit of kindness has invested itself into this armor. It is preserving Cheerilee's body perfectly -- not even centuries of exposure to the Pink has cause decay -- and is likewise affecting Joy himself.
  129. [2014-03-26 15:02:10] <Little_Gloom> 3The spiritual binding is not unfamiliar... it is the work of Doctor Uguani, the same zebra who, almost a decade later, invented the phoenix cyberfetish implant inside of Get_Lost.
  130. [2014-03-26 15:04:29] * Get_Zyxy "good news are, i think i have something compatible with this.... bad news, this is a cyber fetish... almost or completely out of my league"
  131. [2014-03-26 15:05:35] <Little_Gloom> 3Get_Lost examines Cheerilee as best as possible without removing the armor preserving her. Cheerilee is... alive. Not dead, nor ghouled. But in a deep state not unlike someone submerged in freezing water, her body's functions slowed to nearly imperceptible. Her mind -- in a deep coma.
  132. [2014-03-26 15:08:52] <Little_Gloom> 3Aside from this armor, the only way to keep her alive would be through a medical suspended animation pod. Such devices are rare, but a few have been salvaged from Ministry of Peace buildings. (And one, famously, exists and is occupied in the SPP Central Hub)
  133. [2014-03-26 15:10:07] * Bookwright "So... What would happen if we got her out of that armor?
  134. [2014-03-26 15:10:32] * Get_Zyxy "she is in some sort of suspended animation... she is not in pain, but she is quite blocked as she is.... and she can't communicate with anything, but she wouldn't say very much, since she is cmatose"
  135. [2014-03-26 15:11:26] <Little_Gloom> 3Such a medical pod could bring her body back from its current state. As for her mind... that is beyond what even Get_Lost can hazard a guess.
  136. [2014-03-26 15:11:28] * Get_Zyxy "if we open the armor, she will probably enter a super accelerated aging progress and crumble into ashes in front of us.... but it's just a wild guess"
  137. [2014-03-26 15:12:06] * Golden_Dream watches the dramatic fight. "Any way t' make that not happen and t' get her alive again?"
  138. [2014-03-26 15:12:25] * CopyCat nods. She trusted Get's knowledge of scifi tropes.
  139. [2014-03-26 15:12:39] * Get_Zyxy "maybe i can try jury rigging something in the ministry of peace hub of the crystal empire..."
  140. [2014-03-26 15:12:49] * Noble_Heart frowns slightly and taps her chin. "But there might be a way to revive her with the right equipment, yes? We are thinking it might be best to send her back with Miss Doo to see a specialist in the NCR."
  141. [2014-03-26 15:13:17] * Golden_Dream shrugs. "Or Butterfly. Bettin' jus' about anythin' she'd know what t' do."
  142. [2014-03-26 15:13:32] * Get_Zyxy "i don't think that the whole NCR has a better medic than what we have here.... sorry"
  143. [2014-03-26 15:13:57] * Bookwright "It would be fantastic to be able to interview Cheerilee about the days before the war, to fill in gaps with firsthand knowledge..."
  144. [2014-03-26 15:15:40] * Golden_Dream doesn't look impressed with that. "Bookie, it says a bunch about y' that yer first instinct is 'hey, we could wring her for info when she gets out' in this situation." She looks at Noble. "Now, can we /please/ get us outta here before we take in too much fog?"
  145. [2014-03-26 15:15:51] * Noble_Heart frowns. "Returning to the crystal empire would be quite a long travel and stressful. But etting back to the caravan is possible."
  146. [2014-03-26 15:17:30] * Bookwright is taken aback. "Golden, fuck off. You know I don't mean it like that. I'm just saying that firsthand accounts are invaluable."
  147. [2014-03-26 15:19:21] * Get_Zyxy "whatever.... probably i can help her with the proper equipement ant that equipement is where the crystal ponies are.... when is the next train leaving for dr.amore's crazy world?"
  148. [2014-03-26 15:19:56] * Shatara remains curled up.
  149. [2014-03-26 15:20:09] * CopyCat nods at Joy. "My friends say they know a way to help Miss Cheerilee. But we have to get her to a hospital. Would you be willing to go with her? You've done such a good job at keeping her safe so far."
  150. [2014-03-26 15:21:05] * Noble_Heart nods her head to Golden_Dream. She looks towards Bookwright. "We will be taking Cheerilee, Golden Dream, Joy and CopyCat with Us when We go. You can handle the rest, We hope." SHe raises her horn and concentrates her magic, intent to warp the four of them away from the ruins and back to where Ditzy Doo's caravan had been stopped.
  151. [2014-03-26 15:21:15] * Golden_Dream gasps for air. "Yeah, yeah, I'm just fuckin' wit'..." And then her front legs stopped working the way they should.
  152. [2014-03-26 15:21:20] <Little_Gloom> 3The fire-hooved reaper thinks at Shatara >> Last chance. Slay it before the other mortals take it away. Release the soul from its festered body. <<
  153. [2014-03-26 15:25:11] * Bookwright "A-alright. Okay."
  154. [2014-03-26 15:25:46] <Little_Gloom> 3Before Shatara can react, Noble_Heart vanishes with a FLASH! along with Joy, Cheerilee, Golden_Dream and CopyCat.
  155. [2014-03-26 15:26:03] * CopyCat is vanished!
  156. [2014-03-26 15:26:16] * Bookwright "Shatara, Get Lost, get close. Here goes..."
  157. [2014-03-26 15:26:53] * Get_Zyxy "okay boss" moves next to the unicorn
  158. [2014-03-26 15:27:27] <Little_Gloom> 3An instant later, they find themselves at the Sentinel. Night winds blow ice crystals across the courtyard of the diplomatic aerie.
  159. [2014-03-26 15:27:41] * Bookwright releases the spell. BAMF
  160. [2014-03-26 15:28:09] * Noble_Heart shivers from the sudden arrival. She wobbles heavily a few moments as they arrive. The strain of it feeling a bit dizzying. "We have arrived!"
  161. [2014-03-26 15:29:14] * Golden_Dream , on the other side, immediately collapses. Her face had gone pale and cold, the features of which seems to have grown bony and lean. "Ah'm... Ah'm fine, jus'..." She had difficulty moving her limbs. "I'm... I'm jus' not feelin' too hot."
  162. [2014-03-26 15:31:23] * Bookwright arrives with the rest of the group scant seconds later. He stumbles as the spell completes. "Woah! That was wild! Wotta rush!"
  163. [2014-03-26 15:31:37] * Shatara remains curled up.
  164. [2014-03-26 15:31:53] * Get_Zyxy takes a look around, then orders "healing potions, now"
  165. [2014-03-26 15:33:00] * Noble_Heart slowly straightens up, reaching into her bag with her magic and pulling four healing potions from within. "We have some to spare, though We will need a few Ourselves."
  166. [2014-03-26 15:33:51] * Get_Zyxy take what you need, give the others to those in a worse shape
  167. [2014-03-26 15:34:16] * Bookwright "Before we spend them, perhaps we should ask inside for assistance?"
  168. [2014-03-26 15:34:52] * Golden_Dream starts to heave for air and manages to pick herself up, to what seemed to look like a frame of skin and bone somehow capable of movement, and plod over to Shatara. "Hey. Hey, friend. Lookit me. I- I got a question fer y'."
  169. [2014-03-26 15:34:52] * CopyCat looks around and blinks at her new old surroundings. She doesn't have time to be confused, as she attempts to continue smiling pleasantly at Joy. At Get_Zyxy's cry, she levitates 3 potions from her bags, still without breaking her smile.
  170. [2014-03-26 15:36:54] * Bookwright shouts at the building. "Hallo in there! Anyone in there? We need medical assistance!"
  171. [2014-03-26 15:36:56] * Get_Zyxy immmediately gives her potion to kid "copy, you don't look well, drink acouple of yours"
  172. [2014-03-26 15:37:04] * Shatara manages to look up at Golden_Dream.
  173. [2014-03-26 15:37:33] * CopyCat does as she is told and drinks two potions. "Ahh, that's much better."
  174. [2014-03-26 15:37:56] * Noble_Heart offers another potion to Golden Dream. "We suggest another." She didn't look particularly great herself, but she was at least not collapsing.
  175. [2014-03-26 15:40:13] * Golden_Dream goes through her things and pulls out a Extra-strength restorative potion. "I... I got this. Thanks, though."
  176. [2014-03-26 15:40:46] <Little_Gloom> 3At first, there is no sign of the caravan. It has been several days. Perhaps they have already moved south? They were planning to skirt around Enclave territory.
  177. [2014-03-26 15:40:54] * Noble_Heart nods her head and slowly puts two of the potions away. Before drinking one herself and offering the other. "Who else needs help?" She looks towards Shatara.
  178. [2014-03-26 15:42:24] * Golden_Dream places her hoof on Shatara's cheek gently. "Y' did it. Ya'll were strong."
  179. [2014-03-26 15:42:39] <Little_Gloom> 3But before they can lose hope, the group catches the sounds of the wagons. The caravan is on the far side of the Sentinel, prepared to leave, the ponies waiting anxiously and looking to the skies as they await the return of those who have flown off to scout a clear path.
  180. [2014-03-26 15:44:52] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy just stands there, staring uncomprehendingly at the stone. The wagon is still attached to his hindhoof, its load inside. The tarp was left behind.
  181. [2014-03-26 15:44:55] * CopyCat is more concerned about their ghoulish guest. "Joy, um. We are going to meet some friends of ours. They can take Cheerilee to a hospital where she can get better. But I'd like you to stay by her side to keep her safe. Do you think you can do that?"
  182. [2014-03-26 15:45:07] * Shatara manages to crack a smile, and pulls the filly into a hug.
  183. [2014-03-26 15:46:23] * Noble_Heart looks up at the sight of the caravan. She spreads her wings and flies in that direction. "Wait! We wish to speak with you before you leave!" Hopefully keeping them from going too quickly.
  184. [2014-03-26 15:48:45] * Golden_Dream gets pulled into a hug. She graciously accepted his gift of warmth, drinking Get's potion to help try to kick back the vomit that was building in her throat. "Yeah. Yeah, I saw 'em lookin' at y'. Th' one with th' firey hooves. Are ya'll okay? I'm guessin' he were fuckin' with yer head mighty good." She cuddled into his chestfluff.
  185. [2014-03-26 15:54:59] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy remarks, "Cold." Then looks up at CopyCat. "Help Cheewilee?"
  186. [2014-03-26 15:55:57] * Bookwright walks around the Sentinel, to speak to the caravan. "Hey! Does anypony here have experience treating exposure to pink cloud?"
  187. [2014-03-26 15:55:58] * CopyCat nods. "Help Cheerilee."
  188. [2014-03-26 15:56:03] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream hears a voice, the voice of the cloaked reaper. >> Thank you. <<
  189. [2014-03-26 15:56:24] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy echoes, "Help Cheewilee."
  190. [2014-03-26 15:56:30] * Shatara shakes a little. "It just wouldn't go away..."
  191. [2014-03-26 15:57:34] <Little_Gloom> 3Pinkie Bell trots forward. "Dad is out scouting. He's... really our expert on Pink Cloud. But healing potions are a must."
  192. [2014-03-26 15:58:57] * Golden_Dream smiles. "But y' did it. Y' made it out. Thank you. Thank Shatara."
  193. [2014-03-26 16:00:03] * Bookwright "Well... we've pretty much run out of them ourselves. Do you have any to spare, or perhaps any idea of how to cure the side effects that doesn't involve the expenditure of valuable potions?"
  194. [2014-03-26 16:01:13] * Noble_Heart lands on the ground. "We also have two more who may need your caravan's services traveling for a time. We have found someone who needs specialized equipment We do not have, and another who could use a trip and perhaps some time to acclimate."
  195. [2014-03-26 16:03:41] * Get_Zyxy takes a look at Noble_Heart and the others "if we want cheerilee to have a chance, i should go with her..."
  196. [2014-03-26 16:17:45] <Little_Gloom> 3Golden_Dream spots the cloaked reaper watching dispassionately from the top of the Sentinel. The fire-hooved reaper is nowhere to be seen.
  197. [2014-03-26 16:17:52] <Little_Gloom> 3Nor are any of the others.
  198. [2014-03-26 16:18:26] * Golden_Dream sighs, then attempts to drag Shatara up. "C'mere. I need you around fer' somethin'."
  199. [2014-03-26 16:19:00] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy trots up to Pinkie Bell, pulling the wagon (squeeky squeeky). "Help Cheewilee."
  200. [2014-03-26 16:19:14] * Shatara meeps a little, and tries to get his paws under himself.
  201. [2014-03-26 16:22:32] * Noble_Heart looks towards Pinkie Bell. "Meet Joy. His father, Herald, lives along your travel path past Gaea Valley, We believe. Miss Cheerilee has been preserved by zebra magic, but We lack the resources to attempt her revival. We believe that those in the NCR may have the technology and skills to do such a thing."
  202. [2014-03-26 16:23:31] * Golden_Dream starts heading towards the cloaked reaper, coughing. She thinks that maybe, maybe, she overdid it a bit in the horrible death cloud thing. "Reaper pony. C'mon down here. We need t' talk t' you.
  203. [2014-03-26 16:29:33] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper doesn't decend from its high perch, but its voice seems like it is nearby. >> The souls of the dead children thank you. The corpses of that place may now release their souls to pass on. <<
  204. [2014-03-26 16:31:51] <Little_Gloom> 3Pinkie Bell takes a step back at first but then steps forward, crouches, and smiles at Joy. "Hello, Joy. Don't worry. We know just the place to help Cheerilee."
  205. [2014-03-26 16:32:25] <Little_Gloom> 3"Help Cheewilee!" Joy echoes. Pinkie Bell looks up at Noble_Heart with a touch of sadness in her eyes.
  206. [2014-03-26 16:33:06] * Bookwright has a distant look in his eyes. "Take care of him, and of Cheerilee. Please."
  207. [2014-03-26 16:33:40] <Little_Gloom> 3Pinkie Bell informs Noble_Heart, "This... we're all too familiar with. Helping Cheerilee was the last thing on his mind. He's... stuck in a loop."
  208. [2014-03-26 16:33:56] * CopyCat stands beside Joy and almost eerily repeats, "Help Cheewilee." She nods.
  209. [2014-03-26 16:34:44] <Little_Gloom> 3The lavendar mare looks down. "I don't think he's entirely gone. He's not attacking us. But... there's not much left. Really, its surprising he hasn't gone feral in all this time."
  210. [2014-03-26 16:34:56] * Noble_Heart bows her head and nods sadly. "We do not believe he has become fully feral or lost his mind entirely. There is magic on the armor which Cheerilee has been wearing that has saved his body from such decay." She sighs quietly. "But We are uncertain how to help him."
  211. [2014-03-26 16:35:32] * Bookwright "Keep him and Cheerilee close. The spirit suffusing that garment Cheeriliee is wearing is the only think that's kept him from completely losing his mind."
  212. [2014-03-26 16:35:45] <Little_Gloom> 3"I suspect he had a great deal of love for his teacher."
  213. [2014-03-26 16:36:10] <Little_Gloom> 3Pinkie Bell adds, "And, for some reason, the spirit must have had a great affinity for him."
  214. [2014-03-26 16:36:56] * Noble_Heart nods her head. "We were hopeful that perhaps seeing his daddy again would help. He seemed to recognize that, as well."
  215. [2014-03-26 16:38:05] * Golden_Dream lowers her eyelids. "I don't give a damn about their thanks. I don't think they'd give it to you t' pass along, anyways. I did it 'cause one, I guess two now, ponies having a chance at life is better than none of 'em." She steps forward. "Ah' want answers. And I want a few conditions fer' recompense for what we did."
  216. [2014-03-26 16:39:33] * CopyCat shakes her head like a wet dog. She blinks. "We saw this foal in a memory orb. He was kind towards a zebra who was visiting the school even when his classmates were not. This kindness earned him the friendship of a spirit that had accompanied the zebra. This spirit protects him still."
  217. [2014-03-26 16:50:21] * Get_Zyxy simply waits for the others to do the talk and decide what to do next
  218. [2014-03-26 16:51:20] * Shatara continues to exist.
  219. [2014-03-26 16:51:49] * Get_Zyxy "kid, if yo don't mind i'd start worming on your pipbuck while the others chat with the caravan..."
  220. [2014-03-26 16:53:42] * Golden_Dream closes her eyes when all of a sudden, the staredown of the decade came to a grinding, crashing halt. Dammit, it's hard to be all dramatic when there's these ponies and griffon around. "Yeah, alright, come along. I'll jus' be shouting at th' sky for a bit anyways."
  221. [2014-03-26 16:56:16] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper looks down at Golden_Dream. >> You wish to negotiate with death? <<
  222. [2014-03-26 16:57:07] * Get_Zyxy grabs kid's leg and starts tinkering with the thing "until you chat at the sky it's okay. junt don't yell. i need to focus here"
  223. [2014-03-26 16:57:36] * Get_Zyxy "can i keep the matching program?"
  224. [2014-03-26 17:01:59] * Golden_Dream whispers. "Yeah, I kinda like it on there. Makes fer a good laugh." Seriousface. "Well, you n' all these ponies, myself included, were flirting a heaping plotload with y' if yer' death. And judgin' by how rightly rude yer friend were bein' t' Shatara and th' fact that ya'll asked us t' do this knowin' it were rightly th' most dangerous thing we'd ever done, yeah, I think I'm on a good...
  225. [2014-03-26 17:02:01] * Golden_Dream ...negotiation platform with death."
  226. [2014-03-26 17:11:38] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper suggests, >> You wish death's power? So many do. <<
  227. [2014-03-26 17:14:51] * Get_Zyxy starts humming the silly pony song while worming on kid's leg
  228. [2014-03-26 17:14:59] <Get_Zyxy> ^working
  229. [2014-03-26 17:15:45] * Get_Zyxy "hey shatara, i need you here! i need to transfer the data from your fancy bracelet to kid's"
  230. [2014-03-26 17:16:30] * CopyCat pats Joy with a wing and returns to her friends.
  231. [2014-03-26 17:16:53] * Get_Zyxy also, for no understandable reasoon, licks the filly's leg too, then applies some sort of band aid on the place she licked. obviously, no explanation are given
  232. [2014-03-26 17:17:15] <Little_Gloom> 3Joy looks up at CopyCat and gives a little smile. He waves to the alicorn.
  233. [2014-03-26 17:17:54] * Shatara tries to acknowledge GetLost, but is too busy staring at the unexplained lickings.
  234. [2014-03-26 17:19:12] * Noble_Heart looks down to Joy sadly and bows her head, then smiles to Pinkie Bell.
  235. [2014-03-26 17:19:23] * Golden_Dream has a fire to her features. Like a thousand little arrows with firey tips, pointed all in one direction. "No. That's a gift 'round as close t' a primed grenade as far as /every/ damned pony I've met is concerned. First, Rainbow Dash is off limits 'till she damn well wants t' go, or it gets t' the point her sanity has slipped t' the point where it's stupid t' keep her alive. Second, ya'll...
  236. [2014-03-26 17:19:24] * Golden_Dream ...explain t' me why th' hell th' zebra ghosts ain't taken care of in Froggy Bottom Bog. Third off, if yer death, what do that make mister flamey-hooves that hurt Shatara so bad?"
  237. [2014-03-26 17:19:32] <Noble_Heart> "We hope that something can be done to help him, and Cheerilee. We leave it in your capable hooves." She spread her wings to move back towards the others.
  238. [2014-03-26 17:21:28] * Get_Zyxy connects the two pipbucks and starts the data transfer
  239. [2014-03-26 17:21:57] * CopyCat returns Joy's wave and joins Shatara, Golden_Dream, and Get_Zyxy. She studies Get_Zyxy's method of medical care. "I thought that kisses were better than licks when it came to treating owies. I see I have much to learn."
  240. [2014-03-26 17:23:04] * Get_Zyxy "not kissing. that's a ground for electrical discharges. i don't want to reprogram a pipbuck just to have the wearer well cooked"
  241. [2014-03-26 17:23:41] * Golden_Dream tries to keep her composure when she's licked. It only half-worked. What was that?! "And then we'll see where we are from there."
  242. [2014-03-26 17:23:52] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper answers. >> My sibling wished the same thing, but in a different way. One with which I do not approve. Your friend was offered a bargain because the other like him accepted that bargain."
  243. [2014-03-26 17:25:04] * Get_Zyxy licks CopyCat on the muzzle "this is licking. see? it's different"
  244. [2014-03-26 17:25:43] <Little_Gloom> 3>> There is another charged with the souls in the place you call Froggy Bottom Bog. That sibling is doing a poor job. It has made many, many bargains. It is revered. <<
  245. [2014-03-26 17:26:02] * Shatara pomfs.
  246. [2014-03-26 17:27:28] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper finally answers the first question last. >> That soul is not mine to guide. I will not reap her. Nor will I bargain so that she is harvested by another. <<
  247. [2014-03-26 17:28:10] * Golden_Dream exhales sharply. "I don't call bullyin' him 'till he's curled up in a ball bargaining." She lowered her shoulders. "... Who were ya'll before ya'll made a deal?" She seemed to cool down after that. Like she's trying to be decent and Equine.
  248. [2014-03-26 17:28:11] * CopyCat double blinks. "That is different. You may have to show me how it can best be used."
  249. [2014-03-26 17:28:56] <Little_Gloom> 3>> My sibling can be insistant. I do not approve. <<
  250. [2014-03-26 17:30:31] * Get_Zyxy "used? it's just a lick... ypou know, when you want to show some affection.... like nibbling ears..."
  251. [2014-03-26 17:31:02] * Bookwright really can't tell if Golden_Dream is winning her argument or not. Either way, it's really quite disconcerting to watch her shouting at thin air.
  252. [2014-03-26 17:31:19] * CopyCat licks Get_Zyxy's ear. "Like this?"
  253. [2014-03-26 17:31:56] * Noble_Heart lands near the others, tilting her head to one side as she watches Golden Dream curiously.
  254. [2014-03-26 17:32:09] * Get_Zyxy "no, that's licking... nibbling is more like this..." nibbles the first ear at range and since griggins have no ears, yeah.... kid
  255. [2014-03-26 17:32:42] * CopyCat watches closely and takes mental notes.
  256. [2014-03-26 17:33:05] <Get_Zyxy> ^griffins
  257. [2014-03-26 17:40:34] * Shatara sits somewhat forcefully on his haunches, only able to stare at the scene that could be straight out of Wingboner Magazine's articles.
  258. [2014-03-26 17:41:00] * Golden_Dream blinks and facehooves. What the hell was that? "Get, would you stoppat! Yer supposed t' be workin' on..." She let out an aggravated groan. "Look, I can't keep up th' hardflank routine when these ponies are bein' so stupid." She said, playfully pushing get a little. "So, here's what ah' want. I wanna be your friend. Not death, you. If he wants it, I want Shatara and everyone t' be able t' see...
  259. [2014-03-26 17:41:02] * Golden_Dream ...what I see if they want it. I want Shatara t' be able t' make a request himself fer all th' good he's done fer you." Shoot for the moon, kid. "I'm guessin' you ain't got none, but I wouldn't mind a jetpack 'r some wings, if you got some extra stashed away."
  260. [2014-03-26 17:42:01] * Golden_Dream pats a bit of dirt by her side. "But mostly, I wanna be your friend."
  261. [2014-03-26 17:42:05] * CopyCat turns to Shatara. "If griffins don't have ears to nibble on then what do they do instead?"
  262. [2014-03-26 17:43:39] * Noble_Heart blinks in some surprise at Golden Dream's statement. She was... Not expecting that at all.
  263. [2014-03-26 17:48:40] * Golden_Dream hung her head. "You can't be bad people. Yer brother, he's a prick, but y' genuinely wanted t' help get those ponies t' pass on right. Somepony who sees everyone like they're actually ponies, not just somethin' t' use, is somepony I want to get to know, and somepony that I wanna grow t' be." She looks back up. "Can y' promise me that, reaper pony?"
  264. [2014-03-26 17:49:45] <Get_Lost> "okay, sorry... i was just explaining things to copy..." sighs and goes back programming
  265. [2014-03-26 17:54:03] * Golden_Dream waits a bit for an answer. And then unexpectedly, she goes to lick Get_Lost's ear. Deeply.
  266. [2014-03-26 17:55:03] * Get_Lost smiles. a smile woith no eyes is a bit creepy but still a smile "see? the love you get is the love you give!"
  267. [2014-03-26 17:55:38] * Golden_Dream spits a little. Blurgh. Earwax. "And that's how y' Wet Willy somepony!" She said, smirking.
  268. [2014-03-26 17:58:28] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper stand quietly, watching. After a while, Golden_Dream realizes that it is watching Joy. It has followed the Academy Foal -- it's charge -- here.
  269. [2014-03-26 17:58:45] * Get_Lost "... said the filly who wants her user nterface to be completely pink.... and here... we... go! options saved"
  270. [2014-03-26 17:59:52] <Little_Gloom> 3Finally, the reaper looks to Golden_Dream. >> Friends with death. Intriguing. <<
  271. [2014-03-26 18:01:19] * Bookwright is completely lost. He knows not what to do with some friends, uh, making out, and another friend shouting at thin air.
  272. [2014-03-26 18:01:29] <Little_Gloom> 3The reaper looks down at Joy, but speaks to Golden_Dream. >> The other things I cannot offer. But... you may call this reaper a friend. <<
  273. [2014-03-26 18:03:54] <Little_Gloom> 3--- End of Session ---
  274. [2014-03-26 18:03:56] * Golden_Dream pats some dirt next to her. "Come down here, then, friend. I can't get a good look at y' from yer broodin' spot way up there. Where I'm from, we seal a friendship with a hug."
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