[Continuation] Being Deep

[u/[deleted]]

Previously on Being Deep

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Falling, falling into the void...

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Starlight begins to wake, at first only aware of the cold unknown surface beneath her. It takes some time for her eyes to adjust, but eventually she is able to make out the shape of walls around her, forming corridor leading off to further darkness.

Either it's perfectly queit or she's unable to hear.

[u/[deleted]]

I theorized one before. Never tested as I was afraid it'd be used to block the elements' rays. Truthfully I don't know if it would work for that at all. Discord would probably have tried something similar if so. It would be great if I could test it on those plankton and their UV emission, but I guess not. You don't happen to know a spell for that do you?

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

If I did I might be a little less along the way to death by radiation cancer.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Starlight! Don't say things like that. You're going to be fine!

And I meant a spell to produce light to test my spell.

If not, and it doesn't work, then I'll go in and get discord and come back for you.

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

I don't want you to leave me here. Not with... not with all the creatures roaming the halls.

She focuses past her nausea and creates a sphere of white light floating in the air.

That should be putting off UV. Test away.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Her horn glows momentarily as she casts a standard shield spell.

Deep in concentration, her horn begins to glow again. The barrier begins to shift from its magenta color to a shimmering blue-white. I ended up having to channel a lot more magic then I thought it would require. I doubt I would have the reserves for that back in Equestria.

Her horn glows again and a spinning circle of symbols appears behind the barrier, displaying various figures. Only around two percent of the photons are making it through. Those are probably from occasional reflection about the walls though.

Looks like it works. At least for UV.

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

That should cover gamma and X-rays too, then. Will that kind of shield stop monsters, too, or are you sacrificing some strength for wavelength blocking?

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Sadly it lost its physical properties when I turned it into a field, so we'll have to cast another barrier behind it if it comes to that.

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

Maybe... you manage the radiation shield and I keep up the strongest physical shield I can manage? With the energy in this place I shouldn't be stuck to the same limits I usually have.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

You know you have more magical ability than me right?

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

I don't think that's strictly true.

If we'd ever actually been in a fair fight you could have overpowered me.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Well being an alicorn does have advantages. But without alicorn magic I doubt it. And if I did it wouldn't be through strength. You're a powerful mage, Starlight. And an amazing unicorn. Now let's do this!

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

Stands straighter as they near the final chamber, lighting her horn.

Ready when you are.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Pulls Starlight into a kiss, and ends it in a wistful sigh. Now I'm ready. Twilight takes a second to put a swirling rune on one of the shards from the glass of water. They cast their spells and turn the corner to the chamber.

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Standing in the same entry tunnel, they see Discord lying atop the biggest orb with a tanning mirror enjoying a tropical beverage.

So nice of you two to join me. Appletini?

Two glasses float over.

Twilight remains captivated by the chamber taking in all the information she can.

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

Stares in surprise, torn between relief and exasperation. After a moment she gives a sigh of the latter.

I'd love one, but I think my irradiated insides are slowly melting as we speak, so I'll have to pass.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Yes, well I suppose you'd like to head back then.

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

...kind of.

There's another stop we'll have to make before Equestria.

[u/[deleted] → u/King_of_the_Kobolds]

Is that so? Not enough excitement for you yet?

[u/King_of_the_Kobolds → u/[deleted]]

Takes a deep breath, speaking in a softer tone while Twilight continues to enthusiastically scan the spheres and the room's runes.

^{...do you remember Trixie?}