open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Samurai Equine 50,935]

@Jack Baker

Samurai notices Raze walking toward the damaged house. "Whatever we're chasing, it was here first." Samurai decides to carefully inspect the place, being as meticulous as a crime-scene analyst. "Hmm... This place is too big for one pony. An entire family lived here. How much you want to bet they aren't at the concert right now?"

For a moment, it feels like this might be a dead-end. That is, until Samurai notices something. It's a note with a riddle on it. He takes it and brings it to Raze. "How good are your riddle skills? This sounds like the perpetrator is talking about a graveyard, but I'll take a second opinion if you've got one."

Quote

“They are at the place where the passed sleep eternally. They are at the same place but are on different place where it is so cold, damp, and dark this place to stay you would refrain, yet those who occupy are those who have passed many generations have all stayed here once their light is extinguished forever”

“You'll have to find the family who own this house, for I took them and hid them somewhere where they'll starve and never see the sun shine again.” 

@Windy Breeze, @Bastian

Admittedly, Trilby is kind of acting like an idiot right now. He's rushing in with only half the facts and a strong urge to save his marefriend, that's all.
He doesn't quite understand why this spirit looks like an alicorn, and he doesn't understand what the spirit means by an oath that Shadow made. He can only tell it must be something important. But more importantly then that... "Forget what happened today? ...That's fine. We started dating yesterday. She'll at least have a memory of being loved..." Trilby thinks to himself.

"Second? No, that's not part of the bargain. I want to be your ONLY vessel. Take me instead, and leave Shadow Trail alone completely. I'm the only one that needs to be turned into a puddle. Do that, and I'll help you accomplish whatever you want, willingly." Trilby bows and lowers his head, dropping his magic guard.

On the one hoof, he is hoping that Forest will act while the spirit is exposed. Better yet, wait til the spirit is slipping inside him.
But what Shadow, the spirit, Forest, and Trilby himself don't know is that Trilby is actually all ready under a different curse. A hypnotic curse; and that curse was not made by pony magic. It was made by something stronger, something not pony at all.
This curse will try to reject the spirit from invading.

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

Bored out of his mind, Kronos took out his instrument case, took his instrument out and opened a secret compartment in the case, revealing a few weapons that he typically uses for close quarters combat. 
 

Out of all his armaments, he decided on the simple pole staff as it was the least threatening looking of all. Just a long, slender wooden pole. 
 

I’m sure no one would be TOO suspicious, Kronos thought to himself, I mean, it’s just a long freaking stick, what could anyone here possibly think. 
 

He then proceeded to skillfully twirl his staff around and thrust it with nearly enough force to manipulate the air around him. He took notice of this and tried playing around with the wind. He managed to make a weak gale that moved some leaves and litter around, it surely wasnt enough to make the other residents take notice of his antics. He made intervals between legitimate practice and goofing off with his staff. 

[Jack Baker 698]

@Samurai Equine

"...So it's a graveyard?"  Raze said after looking at the riddle for about half a minute. "...Whoever did this really didn't make it very vague. And it didn't rhyme... this riddle is stupid."

He turned to look at Samurai. "You got a cemetery or something around here?"

[Astral Vision 286]

1 hour ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Dynamo flinched at being called upon, before looking over at Astral. He nodded, but he soon remembered that Astral didn't know. "I didn't get the chance to tell you, but I told Pastel this morning. Back where I came from in Fillydelphia, I had a couple of bullies pick on me for being kind and/or helping others. They thought I could gain their trust and friendship, so they took it upon themselves to rally up every single student. Afterwards, they would just make fun of me for my horn, my lack of magic or my lack of a cutie mark at the time. It's why I was so hesitant to ask who is a friend as I don't really know friendship all that well. I even got upset at Pastel earlier when she was making a simple joke. I still regret reacting in such a way, but I guess with how everything has happened in my past. I'm just worried that it'll all happen again or it'll all come back. I guess it's why I'm still learning on how to take a joke, instead of being very serious all the time." He closed his eyes and sighed. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed of himself, but he knew he had to explain his reason of self doubt.

"I know my mom and dad were there to help me, but I'm not the best when it comes to self confidence. I'm always afraid that I'll mess up, or do something that will cause others to have a reason to treat me differently. I want to show that I can still be myself despite what has happened."

He was brought out to his train of thought as he felt Pastel run up to hug his leg. He looked down as he also let Astral's words sink in. "Maybe...you're probably right. It seems like Pastel believes in me and with what you said. It sounds like you believe in me too, Astral." He took a deep breath and sighed as a small smile crept upon his face. "T-Thank you. It really means a lot to hear you both say that. I know I'm scared and my vocal range isn't the best, but I have to at least try. If I don't, then I might miss out on so many fun things in life. My talent is video games, but singing is just as fun. So, I guess I just need to do the best that I can."

He looked back down at Pastel, who was still attached to his front leg. At the mention of fallen for her, he gave a sheepish smile and chuckled. "Do you mean falling down on the ground in front of you, or the other kind of falling in love? I mean, that's flattering and all, but aren't you still a filly? I mean, I'm 19 years old, so I don't know if that would work." He knew pondering on the idea would in turn sound like he was stalling from singing. "Thanks again, Pastel. I'm glad you have confidence in me. Plus, you're right. You have all the time you have, before getting your cutie mark." He pulled Pastel into a hug, before looking back up at Astral. "So, should I get a suit or just go with my gaming jacket? I just wanted to make sure because I'm ready to go up next."

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan @Samurai Equine

Astral was glad to see Dynamo's determination and bravery, and couldn't wait to see it onstage as well.

"That's the spirit. Now get out there and do your best. Also, don't worry, I'm sure nopony will be judgmental on your attire. After all, I'm wearing a hoodie." Astral then gently nudged Dynamo towards the stage with his magic, and then sat with Pastel in excitement for the gamer pony's performance. Astral knew it was a shame that Dynamo had been abused because of his heart in the past, but he was glad to see that Dynamo had also brought his own regrets to light instead of hiding them. As he sat next to the pink filly, Astral remembered Samurai's wish to keep an eye out for danger, and Astral remained vigilant so he could keep that promise.

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze

Forest never saw Trilby's signal but he decided to act nonetheless. He jumps between the spirit of Nightmare Moon and Trilby, with the same green glow in his right hoof he punches the spirit.

Now you shall be purified! Your spirit will no longer corrupt this land, you are a spirit of the past and the past is already over!

He focuses even more energy in his hoof in hopes to end the battle faster.

[Jack Baker 698]

@Bastian @Samurai Equine

From the distance, Raze could hear some sort of shouting coming from another pony. From the sounds of it, it seemed like a battle was already going on.

"Hold that thought," he said to Samurai before taking off in the direction of the sound. After a couple minutes, he found himself in the cemetery that was described in the riddle, where he saw someone punching what appeared to be Nightmare Moon.

"The hell?!" Raze shouted before drawing his longsword and charging in. "Hey you! That's my mark and my money you're targeting!" he shouted at the other guy.

[Bastian 13,319]

@Jack Baker @Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze

Forest wanted to laugh at the new pony that had arrived, even when the lifes of ponies were at stake the new pony was thinking about money? He was far too concerned with the task at hoof to laugh though.

This isn't quite the appropriate time, back off before you regret it. He calmly said.

His energy in his hoof diminished a little while he said that, hopefully the spirit won't be able to fight back.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Bastian @Samurai Equine @Jack Baker

The thing was caught of guard when Forest, whom she assumed to be in the cemetery suddenly came out of nowhere and gave and swift punch. The thing yelped then hissed both in agony and anger. It glared angrily at Forest, then at Trilby, then at the newcomer and ended going back to Shadow. 

Atleast I'm still connected to my subject. Forget about the stallion, if I'm going to be defeated here, Shadow Trail, my loyal subject will be taken as well

“You... foolish monk. Didn't you ever know, Shadow is still connected to me?” with that, Shadow, who was sleeping suddenly screamed as began to convulsed once again “Don't you dare attack me or I will take both Shadow and the family i hid, for they will suffocate quickly without my spell!”

[Jack Baker 698]

@Bastian

"Sorry, friend; I took on this job and I plan on seeing it through," Raze responded to him. He brandished his longsword and took a flying leap at the evil spirit. "I haven't eaten in three days, I ain't about to pass up an opportunity like this!!"

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Bastian @Samurai Equine @Jack Baker

The thing immediately ducked and and moved to another position, quickly giving the newcomer a look. 

“You're stupid aren't you newcomer?” the thing said “I, the princess of the night now held five hostages, a family who will suffocate and the mare with us, whom you shall witness turn into a puddle of herself” 

As Shadow squirms in pain , she screamed “TRILBYYYYYY!!!” it was clear she's in great agony. With Forest and Raze in the scene, the thing forgot about making Trilby her next vessel and decided to use her hostages and the plunderseeds around them, who all came up to life. 

[Bastian 13,319]

@Jack Baker @Windy Breeze @Samurai Equine

Forest saw Raze approach and he kicked him back with one of his hind legs.

You stay were you are!

He then turns to nightmare moon 

And you shall leave shadow trail and she will live!!!

He then charged to nightmare moon and punched her repeatedly with both hoofs with the green aura and said:

Ryusui Gansai-ken!

 

[Samurai Equine 50,935]

@Jack Baker, @Windy Breeze, @Bastian

Samurai was about to lead Raze to the cemetery until he figured out the rough idea of its location; and they both hurried there when they could hear crazy sounds coming from there.

Samurai uses some of his magic to force open the vines from the plunderseeds, but when they get there, the sight before them is not pretty. "Forest?! Is that you? What are..."

Before them, Forest is trying to attack the spirit of Nightmare Moon.
Trilby was bowing, ready to offer his life, until Forest intervened. "Wah! Too soon, too soon...!" Trilby says, in a panic.

Samurai is a little lost, but doing his best to keep up, which he can probably do better than Trilby.
"I am afraid I must side with Raze on this... Anywhere evil lurks, I will be there to vanquish it." Standing up on his hind legs, Samurai strikes a pose. "...HENSHIN! (TRANSFORM!)" With his magic, he magically summons his suit of armor on to his body. Now he is dressed like an armored samurai with two swords at his side; a katana and a broad sword. Taking his katana out its sheath, Samurai magically summons flames around his sword and begins chopping down plunderseed vines easily. The flames make them burn and wither almost instantly.

"Knock it off, you idiots!! Don't you see you're hurting Shadow?!" Trilby begs as he picks up Shadow and holds her in his hooves. "Stay with me, stay with me... What do I do? What do I do?!" Trilby is panicking.

Samurai runs up close. "Forest! You must let us help. We have the same mission as you! ...Flaming Slash!!" Samurai swings his sword, and a stream of flames flies around, wrapping up around the spirit of Nightmare Moon.

Edited March 8, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Jack Baker 698]

@Bastian @Windy Breeze @Samurai Equine

As Raze was kicked back by the other fighter, three plunderseed vines began to approach him at terrifying speed. He spun around and swung his longsword at all three of them, chopping them in one clean strike. More vines began to surround the group, which he cut down one by one. The situation was looking dire. Along with the mare and family being held hostage he couldn't think of many other options.

"So... it's come to this then," he said, as he un-holstered his Evoker from his right side. Gripping the pistol like object tightly, he held the barrel towards his head.

Edited March 8, 2020 by Jack Baker

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Samurai Equine @Bastian @Jack Baker

As the thing was being assaulted by three (or two) ponies, four muffled screams are heard from the cemetery.

Shadow begins to drop splots of black liquid as her screams grew weaker and weaker.

The thing saw Raze and immediately send the plunderseeds to go after him. It's very foalish for her to see somepony committing suicide, that stallion has no dignity! 

“If you all really want me gone, then enjoy the risk and try save your poor fellow ponies...” the mist disintegrated from the flame but that doesn't mean she died. She teleported, she was forced to abandon her last subject to the sun-lovers but it doesn't matter now since Shadow will be gone.

Shadow murmured something but was unintelligible. Now it's up to Tribly and the others to save five ponies: Shadow Trail and the family; Fix-A-Lot, who is injured, Pan Scent, his wife, and their foals, Loop Joy and Clumsy Bounce. 

 

Edited March 8, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Bastian 13,319]

@Jack Baker @Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze

Forest looks at Raze who is about to commit suicide.

Damn it this guy!

He then stops to attack and tackles Raze to the ground, with his hoof he cuts some more vines and turns to Raze again.

We won't surrender! We fight until death comes to find us!

Afterwards, he saw the spirit dissapear and he saw Shadow dying. Pushing everyone aside he arrived at the mare and put his left hoof, which was still glowing, in her chest. 

Allright, I'll transfer some of my life essence to her and she will survive, just protect me!

[Dynamo Pad 11,257]

5 hours ago, ExplosionMare said:

@Dynamo Pad

A blue stallion that Pencil recalled seeing before approached her and extended a hoof in greeting. She politely stood up to take it and replied,

“Thank you! I’m Pencil Pouch, by the way. It’s nice to meet you,”

She began to sit down again, but she noticed the blue stallion, or Dynamo Pad as he called himself, was trembling violently. He must be the next pony to preform on stage, she figured. Pencil gave him a sympathetic look, knowing full well how it felt to will oneself to preform.

“Hey, it’s gonna be alright. There’s no need to overthink it. I’m sure whatever you decide to sing up there will be great. Take it from a pony who isn’t used to singing on a stage, either. Just think about the song and what it means to you rather than how good you preform,” she said reassuringly.

Dynamo was glad that the mare, now known as Pencil, had accepted his hoof shake. "You're welcome and it's nice to meet you too, Pencil." He says, taking notice of Pencil's response as she sat back down. Just hearing the reassurance from Pencil, Pastel and Astral had somehow caused his mind to be at ease. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who has that sort of stage fright. I've always wanted to overcome it because singing is a lot of fun." He would say, taking note of her description of picking a song. "How the song means to me, huh?" He muttered to himself as he pondered on what to sing. He nodded as a thought came to mind. "I think I know what I want to sing. Let's just hope I'll be able to follow through. Thanks for the advice, Pencil."

4 hours ago, Astral Vision said:

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan @Samurai Equine

Astral was glad to see Dynamo's determination and bravery, and couldn't wait to see it onstage as well.

"That's the spirit. Now get out there and do your best. Also, don't worry, I'm sure nopony will be judgmental on your attire. After all, I'm wearing a hoodie." Astral then gently nudged Dynamo towards the stage with his magic, and then sat with Pastel in excitement for the gamer pony's performance. Astral knew it was a shame that Dynamo had been abused because of his heart in the past, but he was glad to see that Dynamo had also brought his own regrets to light instead of hiding them. As he sat next to the pink filly, Astral remembered Samurai's wish to keep an eye out for danger, and Astral remained vigilant so he could keep that promise.

@Pastel-chan

Dynamo turned to Astral and nodded, before looking at his own attire. He was wearing a jacket he'd wear for when he would compete in video game tournaments. While it seemed like a normal jacket, it also looked somewhat formal to the gaming unicorn. "Okay and I'll do my best. I know there's the saying of dress to impress, but I guess all that matter's is you three." He would say, before taking his leave as he headed out toward center stage. He felt like he was moving like a machine. Robotically taking one step after the other. He had that reassurance, but he was still feeling nervous. After finally reaching the mic, he went to grab the microphone, but only for it to screech from feedback. His ears fell as he closed one eye from the sudden noise, before adjusting the microphone stand. "H-Hey, everyone. My name is Dynamo Pad and I'm happy to be here. I hope everyone is having a great time at this festival. I know it's only been a day since I've arrived at Friendshire, but I'm really happy to be here. So, I think I know a song that will be very fitting for the occasion. You know who you are." He would say, knowing the song would be for Astral, Pastel, Samurai and even Pencil who he had just met.

Spoiler

 

He looked towards the band, while nodding to let them know that he was ready to start. After taking a deep breath and exhaling, he could hear the song beginning to play. As he sung, he was a bit shaky at first. Due to him feeling nervous and worried on remembering the lyrics. As the song continued to play, he would slowly start tapping the ground with his back hoof. Slowly, but surely getting into the groove of the song. Even the lights flashing on and off were in tune with the song. Soon, everyone in the audience had begun to fade within his vision. The only ones that were still there were Pastel, Astral and Pencil. To Dynamo, the song was not only his feelings, but to how he felt towards his friends. He soon began to smile as he took the mic out from the holster and began to prance around the stage. Almost as if he took a page from Pastel, he began to hop in tune with the song. As the song drew to it's conclusion, the gamer pony struck a pose, before placing the mic back in its holster/stand. He didn't wait for the crowd's reaction as he wanted to make his way back towards the others. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Samurai Equine @Bastian @Jack Baker

Fix-A-Lot had a bad day. 

Or maybe a traumatic day.

Shadow Trail, whom he allowed to stay inside his house with his wife made him crash to his couch which injured him, then proceed to damage his house and take him and his family to the Friendshire Cemetery. 

And now his stuck inside a coffin under ground. Shadow said to him she have no intentions to harm his family, she just wanted to use them against her enemies and claimed she cast them a spell so they won't suffocate inside the hole less coffin. 

Well, the spell? Gone. Him? He's loosing air here and he tried his best to scream, hoping help would arrive. 

“Help me! Help MEEEE!!!” 

... 

With Forest transferring his life essence to Shadow Trail, the curse has stopped but was just in a dormant state unless the thing came back to activate it. Her saddlebags lay on the ground few feet from the group, and came out of the saddlebag was her secret; a Shadowbolt uniform, not fake but official.

She let out a cough, and her vision went clear as she stared at the eyes of Forest.

And one thought came into her:

She forgot to pay Trilby! 

[Samurai Equine 50,935]

@Windy Breeze, @Bastian, @Jack Baker

Samurai notices what he is about to do out of the corner of his eye. "Raze! Don't do it!" He pleads. Thankfully, Forest seems to stop him in time. However, he is distracted when the spirit of Nightmare Moon seems to vanish. "Huh?! Did we win? Is the demon dispersed?"

Trilby looks up at Forest, surprised at this offer. "No. Your life essence is too important. You can protect us all. ...Take mine instead. Give Shadow my life energy. The town doesn't need a haberdasher. It needs heroes."

[Jack Baker 698]

@Bastian

Raze looked at him, bewildered.

"You IDIOT!" he shouted at the monk. "It's not a gun!!" He looked over his left. The blow knocked it over to the side where more plunderseeds were about to surround it. He quickly stood up, running and cutting any other vines approaching him. He slid to the ground and picked it up, once again pointing it to his head.

"Focus..." he said quietly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then opened them.

"THANATOS!!!" He shouted, pulling the trigger. A sound like a gunshot followed by the light sounds of broken glass resounded through the air as blue flames surround the area around Raze. A large, menacing creature materialized itself in front of him.

It drew its sword and let out a loud roar that resounded throughout the city, then flew around cutting the vines as they went. Raze stood up and began to follow the spirit's lead.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Bastian @Samurai Equine @Jack Baker

“G-Get off me” Shadow frowned at Forest “I need to go back to Trilby's shop and pay him and tell me why I'm outside and not inside Fix's house?” she has still little power to stand up so she continue to lay on the ground, her eyes partially open.

Edited March 8, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze @Jack Baker

Forest body aged as he did the spell and when he looked like he had 50 years old he stopped.

Don't worry, you already paid him, I'll explain later.

He understands Trilby's concern but he assures him.

Don't worry, my life essence is conected to mother nature, she gives me energy to stay young and strong, I will be back to normal after I rest.

Noticing Raze's gun was his last action.

Haha! And I was thinking you were going to commit suicide! Well, let's chat later, we have some vines to cut first! 

And so the monk started to help Raze destroying the plants.

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

Kronos was getting easily bored of his practice, so he manifested his spirits out. 
 

Yes? they asked. 
 

“I want you guys to spar with me.” Kronos told them. 
 

Kumite style?

”Do you know any other style i fight in?” he replied with a confidently smug grin. 
 

His spirits began to pummel him all at once. Kronos fluidly spun his staff around, parrying their strikes and hitting them back. He stood atop the staff and landed with such grace and flow that it seemed effortless. Of course, to everyone else, or at least those who can’t see spirits, Kronos simply looked like an erratic monkey swinging a stick around. Luckily, his strikes and those of his spirits didnt cause any noticeable collateral damage, maybe some scratches on the ground, but that’s the worst of the damages done. 

[Samurai Equine 50,935]

@Windy Breeze, @Bastian, @Jack Baker

Trilby, who was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice, lets him do his job. "You better be right about that..."

But to his surprise, Shadow Trail begins to awaken good as new! He takes Shadow's head in his hoofs and makes her face him. "Hey there, beautiful. You forgot something." While he was at Shadow's house, he found her hat. He pulls it out and puts it on her head. "Here you go, no charge." Seems the spirit was correct, she really doesn't remember the events of tonight.

Samurai was equally surprised when Raze summoned a creature of some sort. "Huh... Will wonders not cease."
Still, he understands what needs to happen. "If clearing this place out is what's necessary, then leave it to me! Flames are a vine's natural enemy. Flaming Slash!!" With his sword, he starts cutting down all the plunderseeds in their way. The sword is covered in Samurai's magic flames, so each vine he cuts is quickly burned down. "Someone, quickly! Find the hostages and set them free!" Despite wearing a heavy suit of armor, Samurai is leaping all over the place and clearing out the plunderseeds pretty fast! He hasn't lost a single ounce of speed or mobility.

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze @Jack Baker

Forest heard Samurai and focused in order to find the hostages.

Allright I know were they are!

Forest goes to a coffin and with great strenght opens it, revealing a stallion.

Are you okay mister?

[Jack Baker 698]

@Bastian

Raze and his spirit quietly dispatched the vines, slicing them up quickly and efficiently, their moves almost as one. More of them sprouted from the ground and quickly zoned in on the group. Thanatos flew back in front of Raze, prepared to defend him.

"Agidyne!" Raze shouted, as Thanatos opened its metal jaws and let out a torrent of flames that quickly disintegrated the vines before they could touch him. It then dashed forward and quickly cut more vines that were out there.