HORSETRON: Defender of Equestria

"But they'll know someone who does, even if they don't know anything themselves. Trust me, ponies will know other ponies. This jeweler is our best chance at finding something out as soon as possible. Besides, even if we learn nothing there, we still have the family, they might have remembered something by then."

Diamond Dust hesitantly followed the two of them, while staying quiet. He didn't know that much about magic, and in spite of his name being "Diamond Dust", he knew even less about gems. Part of him thought it might be better to just leave and get out of their way, since it didn't look like they would need more of his help. However, after that fight Dust didn't feel like he could just say goodbye. He should see this through, whatever "this" was.

Upon reaching the statue, it seemed perfectly solid to Terra.  "He should be unharmed.  The statue used to be in the castle as a means of transportation.  What's odd is that it reacted to him as opposed to us.  Royalty should be able to walk in but it's denying us access.  Don't know if it's weakened or been altered by time or what.  It still matches my visage at least."

---

While no one directly replies to Ancient Record, he could hear Terra and some unknown female voice talking as if they were near him.  All four pathways seemed identical as far as he could tell.

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On the way to the jeweler, Diamond Dust could see the intersection that turned towards where he worked.  Upon entering the shop, the stallion behind the counter gave a curious glance at the three. "I'm going to guess you're here to have something evaluated.  That or you don't think I paid my taxes."

"Princess?" Ancient wheels around in confusion, not seeing anypony. Gulping in fear, he chooses a pathway at random and walks down it.

Terra tress to examine the statue while asking spirit of the previous princess. "Do you remember where this used to lead? Wait are we now in the old castle?"

Rolls:

"The statue SHOULD be in the castle but I have no clue where we are.  It should lead to one of four locations in Equestria but I don't know if this will do the same now since it shouldn't have reacted to him."  In attempting to inspect the statue, Terra fell through to find herself in the garden of Canterlot Castle.

---

The outside voices were unresponsive but remained the same volume.  As Ancient Record followed the path, it started to decline downwards and suddenly became slick.  Sliding down to the bottom, he came to a collapsed tunnel with a massive equine statue turned on its side and covered in rubble.

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Upon revealing the gem, it started to slowly pull sunrays towards itself.  The jeweler stared in horror and quickly covered it back up with the cloth.  "How did you get a sunstone into Equestria?  These...these are rare...and dangerous.  The refined form helps keep the Crystal Empire's biodome stable but they aren't to be carried loosely, especially at this size.  If it didn't come from a travelling royal or scientist, you should report this immediately."

Silver Night hung near the back of the group, idly scanning the shop, looking for anything suspicious or out of place.

OOC:

Ancient once again rushes to the statue, not really having learned his lesson, and tries to clear as much of the rubble as he could off of the statue.

"Well then were the... Canterlot Gardens one of the locations?" Terra then fully realizes where she is and rushes off to find the nearest Royal Guard while mentally noting the location that she fell out from for future study.

"No.  The locations were a mountain hideaway outside of Canterlot itself, a second home in Manehattan, a meeting place among allies to the north, and a faraway island.  I do not know if this is a replica with different locations or the original but altered."  In looking for a guard, Terra instead found one of the ladies of the royal court, Spark Rose.  As the blue earth pony mare with the pink mane eyed the Princess, she calmly commented, "I didn't realize you had returned already.  I'd ask you to assist me with gardening...but you're quite obviously in a rush.  Besides, wouldn't want to get that new necklace of your's dirty.  Oh well, you'll know where to find me if needed."

---

As Ancient Record started to clean off the statue, it opened a mechanical eye and looked at him...

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"I do not mean mere police when I say to report this.  See, if I were to accept a sale or exchange of a sunstone, I would lose my license.  Permanently.  They are not to be removed from the Crystal Empire without express permission from their monarchy.  This is international contraband.  You need to contact the royal guard...if not the princess herself.  As far as keeping it under control until then, keep it out of the sunlight.  Maybe even break it into smaller pieces since they are less powerful.  But I want nothing more to do with it.  No rudeness meant but I'd like it removed from the store."

"WOAH!" Ancient yells, stumbling backwards and falling. Picking himself up, he cautiously approaches the statue again, staring into it's mechanical eye. "Well then, what are you?"

"Yesyes. Sorrybusyrightnowgottogo. Maybelaterbye." This time she actually looks for a guard rather than just running to where she thinks a guard would be.

Roll:

Silver Night follows Sky Wolf, albeit slowly, trying to think of any way this could go wrong.

OOC:

Exiting the garden, Terra found one of the more enthusiastic guards, Night Shine.  Upon seeing Terra, she immediately stood at attention.  "Good morning Princess.  Forgive me for not being prepared for your return, Princess.  How may I be of service?"

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"I am part of the one who vanquishes evil.  In turn I ask, what are you?"

---

The trio returned to the burned shop as the police questioned the family.  Nearby was a member of the royal guard looking over the situation.  It took but a moment but Diamond Dust could recognize him as Steel Lance, an old friend from his training days.  It seemed like the recollection was shared.  "Well, it's been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Lance! You're a guard now! I mean, of course you're a guard now. Back at the Academy you were always-" Diamond Dust stopped awkwardly. Now wasn't the time. He changed the subject. " So, uh, I'm guessing you're investigating this fire? We were about to try to talk to someone about that. It's kind of important.

Terra barely manages to come to a stop in front of Night Shine. "At ease.I need you to send the quickest available messenger to Manehattan to organize a search and rescue and party to go into the ancient tunnels under the city. Also... "Terra adds as an after thought. "You are at no fault my return was unexpected even to myself."