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Post by Mortar Retort on Dec 31, 2011 3:27:02 GMT -5
The grass around The Mane Ingredient was alive with festivities set up by Retort and day-labor ponies. Balloons, streamers, colorful signs and little stalls selling food and of course a variety of potions at discounted rates (prior to their mark-up). A wooden stage is set up beside the shop with its curtain drawn and a single microphone hanging down from the rafters, waiting for an announcer. Blast of confetti erupt over the currently small crowd of ponies assembled to watch the show. Puck’s advertisement least gathered some attention – could be better, but for fringe science this was phenomenal. A miracle of scientific miracles. Now to sell it.
The curtain parts and a teal-grey pony steps forward, wearing a bright red fez. He steps to the microphone and speaks.
“Mares and Gentlecolts, would you bring your attention to me!? For a feast for your eyes to see, an explosion of catastrophe!” Retort says into the micophone, another explosion of confetti spewing from behind him as he turns to a cloth covered table beside him. He nips the cloth with his teeth and tosses it away, reveling an assortment of potions and strange circular devices. “Watch as you see, what science can do for thee. Amazing advancements for Earth and Pegasus pony, not just for Unicorn anymore. Mares and Gentlecolts, you want it, you need it! Prepare to be amazed at the chemical applications of marvels and feats that you’ve never witnessed before. Your jaws will be on the floor. You’ll be begging for more!”
The unicorns horn glows brightly and suddenly a large weight is dropped to the stage floor beside him. Clearly far too large for your typical pony to lift. A feat that would require years of practice to even lift and Retort, in his weakly, academia build would never allow him to lift such a heavy implement. Though he would prove this wrong. He walked to the tabled, lifted a single little yellow vial in his unicorn magic and displaced it to the crowd.
“Prepare to be bowled over and what you’ll witness. Draft Strength will allow me to lift this weight as if it were nothing. There is nothing Alchemy can do, you’ll see!” He floated it to his mouth and drank it. A quiver and he was ready, he squatted before it and slide his hooves under the giant weight. A strange vigor rushed through his muscles and he knew it was time then. He pushed and raised, a sweating squint shot from the corner of his eyes as he lifted the enormous weight with his simple, pony hooves as if it were nothing more than a sheet of hay. He raised it over his head triumphantly and twirled it around then slammed it down upon the stage. The stage shooked and cracked under the iron weight. Retort bowed without a drop of sweat upon his brow.
“You’ve seen that seeing is believing, your ears and your eyes will be bleeding. Please check to see if you’re still breathing!” He exclaimed into the mic and he motioned with a hoof to the other potions still left on the table he uncovered. “Who among you is willing to show that they are daring enough to be super ponies in their own right! Mares and gentlecolts, step forward, who wishes to test their mettle next!?”
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Post by starshade on Jan 19, 2012 2:03:38 GMT -5
A dark figure made its way through the festivities. Like a living shadow, he would stand silently in front of a stall as he stares with seemingly green eyes at the available items there, scaring the keeper. Then, without a sound, he would leave the stall and move on to another. This continued for quite a considerable time.
"Nothing interesting here either," StarShade whispered to himself, as was his habit of talking to himself due to his very lonely foalhood, "I am beginning to think that my journey to this place is somewhat of a waste of my precious reading time. I have been searching for a long while now but alas, there is not even a single place where I may purchase for myself some rare or highly useful tomes*."
The black unicorn put his right forehoof up and gently caressed his neck.
"And now I am feeling quite parched. Hmm, should leave straight for home and drink, or should I purchase myself a drink here somewhere before heading back?"
Pondering and choosing whether he should save his money or enjoy a drink right now, StarShade's eyes were staring at the ground as he was just passing by the stage where Retort was showcasing his miraclous potions when he suddenly spoke, "I will have a drink."
*tomes = books
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Post by Mortar Retort on Jan 24, 2012 19:56:26 GMT -5
Retort turned his ears to the crowd, ”Neigh? No one is willing to become the strongest pony around? Surely one can step forward and show some gusto!” He scanned the crowd with a hoof above his eyes, foals, mares and stallions but none were willing to try – likely because, for most of them, they knew all too well how completely unreliable Retort’s concoctions were. Then, from the crowd, came call from a dark Unicorn. Retort shot his hoof right towards him. ”There! You, come up here pony!” Retort stepped aside so that Starshade could trot on up the small stage.
Retort had a small vile of some unusual yellowish liquid, same as the one he had just drank before, floating, waiting for Starshade. ”What is your name, pony? So that the audience can know who among them isn’t a timid little pony.” He gave the crowd a displeased furl of his brow. ”Whenever you’re ready try and lift the weight (not with your horn please, that’s just cheating). Then take a sip from the vial. You’ll feel a little tingle in your muscles, then have a crack at the weight again!”
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Post by trickshot on Jan 24, 2012 21:50:18 GMT -5
A figure stood not too far from the commotion, hat low and leaning against the wall of an opposing shop. A dusty, grey hue coated his frame, the only other main feature being the plaid beanie atop his head - something he was never seen without. However, his name still lacked bearing even in Manehattan, let alone Canterlot, so being recognised was highly unlikely. Small flecks of a dark mane peered out from beneath the fabric, masking his eyes from view; something he liked to do with no real reason. He always seemed to just become lost within crowds, so it really didn't matter what the details of his actions or appearance were - half the time, nopony noticed.
His ears twitched upon the sound of merchant's tactics in the air, that familiar call of "come, marvel at my wares, so cheap they are!" soothing the high-society drivel of Canterlot. Honestly, he was a little surprised to hear such cries in the regal city, but perhaps that was normal for this little square... or the pony whom the enticing words originated from. Attention snapping from his own hooves to the colt in question with barely a movement, Trick Shot eyed the situation carefully. Alchemy? Elixirs? He couldn't be selling those, surely! Such things were illusions, myths - only unicorns could gain any magical ability. This was all just another scam on the idiot market.
"Strength potion? Please. If that thing works, I'll eat m' hat!" Announced the disbeliever curtly. He was all for trickery and illusions, but misleading the public into thinking that was real? Well, he couldn't stand for it. Unless proven otherwise, of course.
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Post by starshade on Jan 27, 2012 6:19:05 GMT -5
StarShade was actually looking for a stall that sells drinks when all of the sudden, to his enormous shock, a hoof appeared out of nowhere right in front of his face, causing the colt to jump a feet high up in the air while uttering a piercing "Eep".
"There! You, come up here pony!"
"P-pardon?" asked the puzzled colt as he watches the other stallion stepping to one side of a stage. Suddenly the black unicorn's gaze caught the bottles of different-coloured liquids being displayed. Oh, how lucky I am, he thought, my search for a drink is over before it even began. Poor StarShade thought that Mortar Retort was selling drinks for ponies. He had no idea about the magical effects found within the concoctions. Happily, the black unicorn climbed up the stage. Mortar Retort used his unicorn magic to hold up a vile containing some kind of yellow-coloured liquid before tarShade's face.
"What is your name, pony? So that the audience can know who among them isn't a timid little pony."
"My name is StarShade," he answered.
"Whenever you're ready try and lift the weight (not with your horn please, that's just cheating). Then take a sip from the vial. You'll feel a little tingle in your muscles, then crack at the weight again!"
StarShade looked at the weight curiously, puzzled at what was being told of him to do. But strangely he was more curious than puzzled, so he deicided to do as he was told. It came to no surprise that a young colt with such meager physique as StarShade wasn't able to lift the weight with his hooves at all. He heaved and panted and huffed and puffed but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't even budge the heavy weight by an inch.
Finally giving up, and feeling even more thirsty, the black unicorn turned his eyes towards the floating vial being held by Mortar Retort. "May I have a drink now?" he asked meekly.
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Post by Mortar Retort on Feb 5, 2012 16:08:17 GMT -5
”Certainly!” The fez adorned pony offered the vial to StarShade and turned to address the crowd. ”See here, mares and gentlecolts, as I prove to you the superiority of Mortar Retort’s alchemical works of wonder. Just one taste and you too can perform feats no pony thought possible!” He glanced back at Star then smiled, ” Don’t be shy, colt! It doesn’t taste all that bad! I find it down right pleasant myself.”
The strength potion truthfully doesn’t taste all that terrible. It had a lemon-grass nose with hints of spinach and sharp herbs. The taste itself was like radishes, very, very strong radishes, in fact it was a little like getting a buck to the face – but with radishes! It finished with a taste of fennel before completely leaving the palette. The effects would feel almost immediately, like a sudden surge through the muscles of fire and electricity. It would be peculiar, not painful but not entirely pleasant either. As it radiates from the chest, up the neck and down the haunches, a strange vigor overcomes a pony’s senses and you would feel as if your entire body was made to move mountains and in all likelihood, with that potion coursing through their veins, could at least make a good effort at it – though it is not recommended and probably would result in some long term damage that Retort is not liable for.
”Now watch and see!” Retort boasted, ”And be amazed. After this, you’ll bear witness to more amazing wonders of... of… astonishment! Watch as I will set fire to my cloak and not get scorched! Digest poison but not feel an inkling of sickness and take a arrow to my flank and not get pierced!”
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Post by starshade on Feb 6, 2012 8:38:54 GMT -5
StarShade gently took the vial from Retort's telekinetic hold with his hooves. He was slightly taken aback by the strong aroma of vegetables and herbs as he sniffs at the potion. The young colt eyed the mysterious liquid in within its glassy prison for a few moments before putting the vial to his lips. Since he was thristy, StarShade gulped down the entire potion, opening his mouth as he tries to make sense of the taste it had left on his tongue. "Radishes?" he asked subconsciously. Then, all of the sudden, a sudden surge of heat and energry courses through the black unicorn's veins. It started around his stomach before spreading to his torso, then up through his neck and down through his legs and to his hooves. StarShade was completely taken by surprise as his entire being was suddenly filled with unknown energy. He did not know what was happening to him, and he was scared. He looked towards Mortar Retort and decided to get some answer from him.
”Now watch and see!” Retort boasted, ”And be amazed. After this, you’ll bear witness to more amazing wonders of... of… astonishment! Watch as I will set fire to my cloak and not get scorched! Digest poison but not feel an inkling of sickness and take a arrow to my flank and not get pierced!”
StarShade made his way towards Retort and asked the other unicorn on the spot, "What is happening to me?"
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Post by trickshot on Feb 9, 2012 9:39:04 GMT -5
Trick Shot still wasn't buying it. The power of suggestion can be immense, and with a quick shiver or a warming sensation, any fool's potion can be mistaken for a real elixir. Not that elixirs were real in his eyes, either. A skeptic he may have been, but with good reason. Besides, the so-called alchemist had yet to provide any proof to back up his claims. The unwitting pony that the unicorn had snapped up from the crowd seemed more wary than amazed.
Raising his head slightly, the grey-toned colt tried to get a better look at what was happening on stage. The rest of the crowd seemed to be holding a mixture of awe, bewilderment and disbelief at the escapade. Personally, he wouldn't have been surprised if a fair portion of them had no clue was Mortar was going on about. Even the simplest of illusions could be lost on some ponies, let alone supposed magical elixirs, created by a unicorn or not.
"Show us how it works and maybe we might believe ya!" Trick called, trying to be heard from the shop wall that he was still leaning against.
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Post by Mortar Retort on Feb 12, 2012 6:14:56 GMT -5
Without breaking his train of thought, Retort explained to StarShade and the assembled crowd. ”Your muscles are being infused with the power of nature’s own magic! Over the course of study and through the careful blending of herbs and other ‘secret’ ingredients, I have quite literally created magic in a bottle! It’s magic, it’s science! It’s the perfect blend of both worlds! Try the weight, Shade, see for yourself. May just surprise you.” He spoke through a fixed smile, but his stomach spoke differently. He was afraid they weren’t impressed yet – and where was Puck and Mute? His aces were missing and relying on these random ponies wasn’t cutting it.
Then came the call from the crowd, a single voice made to be heard over the rabble. Suddenly, the crowd grew uncomfortably silent for Retort as heads turned to see who decided to interrupt the demonstration – eyes begun to shift between Retort on stage and the interrupting pony at the back of the crowd. Retort was silent for a moment, then cleared his throat and begun to speak.
”I see there are still skeptics out there in Canterlot – and I don’t blame you. We’ve all seen this before. Some pony on a stage, with fancy effects and smooth words trying to throw a pitch, heck sometimes even in song. Well Mares and Gentlecolts, I am not one of these ponies. You there-“ He pointed a hoof to Trick Shot. ”I can’t show you how it works, no more than I could show you how a pill works. But, if you wish to test it for yourself, there is one demonstration I was hoping I could avoid.”
Retort’s horn glows brightly and with a whip of his head and sparkly flash, a stool slides across the stage, coming to a dead stop beside the fez adorned stallion. Upon it, a single red colored potion in a flask and a small knife rattle as they settle. ”What do you say, ponies? Shall we have the boisterous skeptic step up on stage and show you what alchemy can do for you?” A cheer erupts from the crowd – ponies do love a good show. Retort’s smile quickly turned to a smirk. ”How about it, pony? Tell you what, you won’t have to do anything, if you wish, but confirm to the audience that this is indeed a real knife and I’m not trying to pull the wool over their eyes. Come on, get up here! What have you got to lose?”
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Post by starshade on Feb 12, 2012 22:52:51 GMT -5
StarShade slaps his right forehoof unto his own face. Oh, how wonderful, he thought, here I am thinking that this was a sort of stall selling refreshments and next thing I know I have become a public test subject for an alchemist. This is the last thing I need.
The black unicorn looked at his hooves, then his forelegs. "Nature's own magic is now inside me?" It took him a few moments before his mind clicked back to his present surroundings and heard Mortar Retort's request. Walking rather unevenly towards the large piece of weight, the tangible feeling in his veins still taking its effect on him, StarShade stared in disbelief at the object he was supposed to carry without magic.
"Very well, no magic," said the colt, though his words were not heard by Retort who was rather occupied with trying to get another pony to come up stage. Taking a deep breath, StarShade placed his hooves at the lower sides of the weight and attempted to lift it, though he had absolutely no intention of doing so in the first place. So imagine the shock he felt when the weight suddenly rose up above him as his forelegs carried the object with almost no effort at all. "Oh my Celestia!! What just happened??" he shouted as he stood on two legs and still holding the large weight over him with his forelegs.
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Post by Mortar Retort on Mar 6, 2012 17:03:31 GMT -5
Retort lit up when Starshade lifted up the heavy weight as if it were a pinecone, or other similarly light object that even a foal could toss around without breaking a sweat. He broke into a big smile and addressed the crowd, waving his hoof out over to Starshade. ”There, you see folks, without even a inkling of discomfort or strain, this Unicorn lifted a weight so heavy that should he faultier, would likely crush him, but not with Mortar Retort’s patented elixirs and potions! Just one of many examples of the extraordinary properties of alchemical brews.” He slinked over to StarShade then, ”You may want to put that down now, it doesn’t last long.” He muttered from the side of his mouth, then slipped back to center stage.
”Let’s have a hoof for… Star... StarShade! Yes, this pony!” He raised his hoofs, inciting a round of applause. ”Do we want to see more? Where’s that doubter, is he or she still here? No, yes?” He glanced to StarShade, ”Our doubting pony friend out there has seemed to disappeared, perhaps silenced by your awe-inspiring display. Would you like, then, to do the next demonstration here with this knife? Show the audience it’s real, feel for yourself – just don’t break it with that new found strength!”
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Post by starshade on Mar 8, 2012 23:09:37 GMT -5
He slinked over to StarShade then, ”You may want to put that down now, it doesn’t last long.”
With enlarged eyes and a gulp, StarShade quickly yet carefully lowered the large weight he was lifting before gently placing it upon the stage, trying his best not to hit the floor with it. Lowering his rear until he finally fell into a sitting position, the black unicorn raised up his forehooves and stared at them with disbelief. Did I... really do that? he asked himself in his mind.
”Let’s have a hoof for… Star... StarShade! Yes, this pony!” He raised his hoofs, inciting a round of applause.
StarShade gazed upon the the cheering crowd and blushed. They were "cheering" for "him". They were applauding him. All these years all he had seen in the eyes of other ponies were fear when they looked at him. Tears of happiness slowly welled up in the black unicorn's eyes.
”Do we want to see more? Where’s that doubter, is he or she still here? No, yes?” He glanced to StarShade, ”Our doubting pony friend out there has seemed to disappeared, perhaps silenced by your awe-inspiring display. Would you like, then, to do the next demonstration here with this knife? Show the audience it’s real, feel for yourself – just don’t break it with that new found strength!”
"Knife~?!" StarShade cried out in terror as he moved in reverse away from Retort and the blade with such great speed that he nearly flew off the side of the stage, grinding to a halt at the last second. "W-w-w-what are you planning to commit with that weapon? he asked while teetering at the edge.
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Post by Mortar Retort on Apr 8, 2012 2:20:58 GMT -5
"No no no no!" Retort tried to explain, reassuring the uneasy pony. "Nothing like what you're thinking - well, a little like what you were thinking but nothing inherently dangerous." Retort took up the red potion in hoof and displayed it for the crowd to see. "In here is a wonderful mixture of twelve herbs and spices that, while delectable on food have the unique ability to heal wounds right before your eyes!"
He turned to skittish Starshade, "It's alright, come back over here Starshade. All I want you to do is inspect the knife. Demonstrate to those good ponies out there that this isn't a trick. Then-" Popping the cork and taking a sip from the glass, "Cut me! I assure you, all of you, that the wound will heal before you can say 'flabbergasted'!"
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Post by starshade on Apr 8, 2012 10:56:52 GMT -5
"No no no no! Nothing like what you're thinking -"
"Oh, thank goodness..." said StarShade as he breathed out in relief.
"well, a little like what you were thinking but nothing inherently dangerous."
"What?"
The black unicorn stared with oversized eyeballs at the bottle of red liquid which Retort had just conjured. The liquid was red. Red like blood.
"In here is a wonderful mixture of twelve herbs and spices that, while delectable on food have the unique ability to heal wounds right before your eyes!"
StarShade felt a sharp, icy chill creep up his body as he watches Retort turn his gaze towards him, in what seemed to the young colt to be a somewhat psychotic scene. The somewhat maniacal grin on the other pony's face wasn't helping either.
"It's alright, come back over here Starshade. All I want you to do is inspect the knife. Demonstrate to those good ponies out there that this isn't a trick. Then-" Popping the cork and taking a sip from the glass, "Cut me! I assure you, all of you, that the wound will heal before you can say 'flabbergasted'!"
Retort's voice and words echoed in the black unicorn's mind. "Cut me! Cut me! Cut me!" StarShade stared at the knife. He stared at the bottle of liquid. The liquid was red. Red like blood.
"Oh no! No! No! No-no-no-no! Have you lost your sanity, my good stallion? You want me to take that knife and slash at you?? Never going to happen!" declared the black unicorn as he uses his own magic to telekinetically push Retort's knife back.
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Post by Mortar Retort on Jun 11, 2012 13:24:32 GMT -5
Retort was taken back, he couldn't comprehend what this pony's problem was. It seemed, to Retort, a simple request. No harm in it all, but this pony was absolutely livid by such a simple, harmless request. Retort awkwardly cleared his throat, not trying to appear undeterred by this unexpected reluctance on the part of a skittish pony.
"Well, um... wasn't expecting this type of reaction..." He said, in an aside to himself. "Starshade, humor me please!" He turned back with the widest eyed grin he could, "Fine, forgo the slicey-dicey, but please prove to these fine ponies that there is nothing spurious with this demonstration. Take the knife, bend it , fold it, thwack it against the floor. Whatever you want, knock yourself out - not that I'm recommending you do, but if you were, I have a something for that! Let's show what Mortar Retorts' fine alchemical concoctions can do to improve the lives of ponies everywhere, except in Manehatten, not licensed there."
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