open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[ExplosionMare 28,944]

@C. Thunder Dash

Pencil put a hoof to her face to hide the blush that formed.

“Oh, heheh, whoops, sorry! Didn’t realize you had that with you!” she chuckled, gesturing towards the humvee. She shook her head around for a moment to take the heat out of her face. Emotions like that tended to linger, even if it was over something trivial.

When she was finished, she made her way back to the bear. Rather than making it crouch down, she used her paintbrush as a latter. The latter wasn’t very sturdy and it almost fell over, but luckily Pencil was able to secure herself on the bear’s back in time. Situating herself once more, Pencil shifted her legs around to make herself comfortable. Once she was settled, she told Thundy,

“That’s fine, Chelsea can come with us! If you wanna come with us, too, you can, but I understand if you wanna go with the other team since they have a vehicle as well,”

Edited October 7, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Humvee instead of bike

[Dynamo Pad 12,001]

17 hours ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection 

"I feel like if I go on the side quest, it'll probably be a breeze." Thundy said confidently. "If my team gets done with the side quest, would we be able to join you guys for the boss fight? I mean, if every boss has 3 phases, and phase 3 is the hardest, then an all-out assault on the boss would also prepare for what's to come ahead." Thundy stated. 

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Astral Vision @PawelS @GeneralDirection @NeighingMare @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash
“If that’s the case, then maybe you can join the other battle team and head to level 3. I guess it depends on the boss of level 3 and beyond. Since Elusive had mentioned before that Daring Decor is waiting on level 2. I’m going to go and guess that possibly Tempest Shadow and Bluebell are on level 3. I know it’s just a guess, but if it’s true, then it’s better to plan ahead. We’d need more power ups, as well as a way to fight two enemies at once. Considering they could just split us up and weaken both teamwork, strength and defenses.” Dynamo responded as he looked towards Thundy and the others. He knew he was heading to level 2 with Pastel, Trilby and Shadow. He just wasn’t sure who would go to level 3 and/or the bonus level.

[Samurai Equine 58,587]

@Pastel Heart, @ExplosionMare, @NeighingMare, @Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @GeneralDirection, @PawelS, @Astral Vision

It seems Shadow Trail wasn't showing any interest in joining the battle team, but Thundy seemed interested in joining the team. "Well, consider me impressed. I thought you and Chelsea weren't splitting up for anything. So that's Dynamo, Pastel, Myself, and Thundy. Are we good, or do we want a 5th member to join us?" Trilby asks, remembering that Dynamo said that either party could take on an extra member if they wanted too.

Elusive counts the numbers. "I think that should work. You can have 4 on one team, 4 on another... And I'll just stick to the sidelines, if that's all right with everyone. I'll keep Tree Song company." She offers.

While they discuss this, Trilby pulls Pencil and Silver aside for a second, whispering to them. "I'm not sure what Shadow wants to do. I really want her to join our group, but if she wants to be part of the side-quest team, then that means I'm going to have to trust all of you to look after her for me. Not that I think she's weak, I just... Well... Oh you know what I mean! I'm trusting you." Trilby tells them privately, getting a little flustered. He's just overreacting because he's a protective coltfriend.

[Windy Breeze 15,215]

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @C. Thunder Dash

Shadow got out of the humvee and jumped when Thundy revved his humvee very loud. Looking around the biome with seemingly no interest, she decided to go to Trilby when she suddenly coughed.

On 10/7/2020 at 4:05 PM, Samurai Equine said:

While they discuss this, Trilby pulls Pencil and Silver aside for a second, whispering to them. "I'm not sure what Shadow wants to do. I really want her to join our group, but if she wants to be part of the side-quest team, then that means I'm going to have to trust all of you to look after her for me. Not that I think she's weak, I just... Well... Oh you know what I mean! I'm trusting you." Trilby tells them privately, getting a little flustered. He's just overreacting because he's a protective coltfriend.

Though not hearing the words, the mention of her name made her coughed. She remember somepony told her in the past that sneezing means someone is talking about you. She looked at the sky and let out a sigh.

I'm very useless to my team she thought to herself but once I learn more of my other abilities, I can protect them and defend them from any danger, especially my sweet and cute Trilby she then smiled Oh, Keen, i wish I'm like you. I will try my best, for you, Trilby, and everypony's sake.

...

“Hey, you” one of the golems turned to regard at Keen “Yes, you. Come here, you have an assignment to do”

The golem did not hesitate to approach his master. He looked down at her, waiting for her to give him a task.

“I want you to observe the other team” the golem turned around but was interrupted by Keen yelling at him “No, not my team, the other team. I want you to keep an eye on them. Go back and to me with a good and important report about their powers, understand?” the golem grunted and nodded “Good. Now be careful okay? You are one of the best golems I have summoned. So don't make me regret my praise”

Edited October 8, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,828]

@ExplosionMare @NeighingMare @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @PawelS

Chelsea went to join the other team. Meanwhile Thundy waited for those who were going with him to get in his humvee or walk beside the vehicle. "Thundy could certainly be fine without me. Though if he needs to shield, he would have to use an infantry to make a shield. Magic shields like the one I generated during the first boss fight are actually more effective," Chelsea stated. 

[ExplosionMare 28,944]

@Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection

Pencil guessed it would be a while before anypony actually went anywhere. She groaned in her head because she had always hated when everyone said they were ready then they changed their minds. It seemed that everyone was a little unsure what to do with themselves. There was a lot of team swapping going on, so it seemed that they would be preoccupied for a little while longer. Pencil decided to hop off the bear again and stretch her legs out. Stretching wasn’t much of a necessity in a video game world, but it gave her something to do for a moment.

Suddenly, Trilby pulled her and Silver aside. He was concerned about Shadow Trail and requested Silver and Pencil to watch over her. Pencil wasn’t sure why Trilby was making such a request, but she would follow through with it anyways.

“Sure, I’ll watch over her for you,” Pencil told Trilby with a friendly wink.

Edited October 7, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Added GeneralDirection

[Kronos the Revenant 1,973]

Meanwhile, in Kronos’ chambers, after finally setting up the deterrence field and generators, he went underground through a secret passageway which lead to a dimly lit catacomb. Here, Kronos proceeded to begin excavating the final part of his fight with the heroes, the Shadow Labyrinth, a maze cloaked in darkness with naught but a few torches to light up the edges of the room. 
 

“Perfect,” Kronos chuckled to himself, “They’ll never get past this.”

After resurfacing, he replaced the flooring, which was sturdy enough to support his weight and more, but weak enough for him to easily break. He then went on to work on the obstacles leading towards his chamber. 
 

Hmm, he thought to himself, If I recall correctly, they have a Druid on their team. So, what better way to piss of a Druid than with bastards of nature?

 

He chuckled evilly as he began to turn various creatures captured from other levels into cybernetic monsters, minions for his level. 

[Dynamo Pad 12,001]

16 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Pastel Heart, @ExplosionMare, @NeighingMare, @Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @GeneralDirection, @PawelS, @Astral Vision

It seems Shadow Trail wasn't showing any interest in joining the battle team, but Thundy seemed interested in joining the team. "Well, consider me impressed. I thought you and Chelsea weren't splitting up for anything. So that's Dynamo, Pastel, Myself, and Thundy. Are we good, or do we want a 5th member to join us?" Trilby asks, remembering that Dynamo said that either party could take on an extra member if they wanted too.

11 hours ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@ExplosionMare @NeighingMare @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @PawelS

Chelsea went to join the other team. Meanwhile Thundy waited for those who were going with him to get in his humvee or walk beside the vehicle. "Thundy could certainly be fine without me. Though if he needs to shield, he would have to use an infantry to make a shield. Magic shields like the one I generated during the first boss fight are actually more effective," Chelsea stated. 

 

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Astral Vision @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze @C. Thunder Dash

As everyone was discussing their plans on what to do and where to go, Dynamo looked towards Thundy and Trilby. The both of whom were taking about having the male griffon go instead of Shadow. "It seems that there might be a change in the team, but it looks like our team is still all set. I wouldn't mind having a fifth member on the team. If not, then I think we're still good on four. Chelsea was right that she helped in making a shield that helped us. However, I think we should be fine. I guess it depends on what kind of environment we're fighting Daring Decor on. That, as well as what kind of fighting style and/or weaponry he has at his disposal."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,828]

@Dynamo Pad

"By the name, it sounds like the boss could use stuff to decorate as weaponry, or perhaps string and thread, which could prove to be a total nuisance, especially if any of us gets binded. Who knows how many turns it would last..." Thundy stated. 

[Samurai Equine 58,587]

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

It seems the teams were locked in place. Once again, it was the a four-member battle team.

With a nod, Trilby leads the way. There is no need for vehicles now.
Somewhere within the lush greenery and open fields of the nature biome, they find the portal. And once they step in...

LEVEL 2: JUNGLE BARRAGE!

Gone are the simple grasslands. They are now replaced by a thick jungle!
The one thing Pastel, Dynamo, and Thundy will quickly realize is that there is no road or defined path. In Level 1, finding where to go was as easy as a walk-to-the-left platformer. But here, anyone could get lost trying find their way.

Trilby takes a few steps forward. "...Okay, so this is a thing. Where do we go now? Perhaps we could use some eyes in the sk--AAAAAHHH!!!!" Trilby is interrupted when strange rats begin to appear around his feet! They are skeleton rats; mostly bone with a few pieces of rotting flesh still attached. They are hungry, and they gladly leap at our heroes when close enough!
The appearance of these things makes Trilby hop around, weaving a ducking. "What are these thing?! Don't let them bite me!!" Trilby panics and runs ahead forward.

This might make it harder to stay as a group...
Also, Daring Decor and Beryl have been alerted that heroes have entered their level. It has begun...

@ExplosionMare. @Windy Breeze, @C. Thunder Dash, @GeneralDirection, @PawelS

Waiting outside,
Elusive looks at the remaining members that decided not to go into Level 2.

"And off goes half of our team! As for the rest of us... I assume we all want to get to that bonus level Ms. Tree Song was telling us about, right? Seems like we have many ways of doing it, if you ask me. We have an artist on our team that seems to be really good at creative living fantasy beasts if only for a short moment. We also have a dragon tamer, and I wouldn't be surprised if that little thing will grow super huge under the right conditions! I see a griffon with water-based abilities; I am sure there must be a way to use hydro power to boost up to the heavens. But most all... Ms. Shadow Trail. You're an Aeronaut, aren't you? That means, if you believe in yourself and focus your abilities, you should be able to summon some kind of airship to help us get up there."

Elusive Facts makes her motorcylce disappear for now. "Truth is, my character is modeled after a street punk, a gang leader. All my abilities are grounded. Ironic, considering I am usually a pegasus. But for now, I have no wings. So come on, let's see some action, team! The race to the bonus level is underway! Gamers, ready? Set! And... GO!" Elusive Facts encourages them the only way she knows how.

@Kronos the Revenant

In the valley of darkness,
Kronos has made his new base of operations and found a place to set up his level. Not only has he made this valley way more high tech than it ever was before, but he has gone above and beyond by creating a labyrinth. Amazing how much a boss character can set up a level to their preferences.

However, if his chambers have security systems in play, they might just go off about now.
No, the hero characters are nowhere near the dark valley nor his secret chambers, but there is someone wondering around the outskirts of the dark valley.
A strange character that no one has ever seen before. Someone who wasn't present among either the heroes or villains.
Could this warrant an investigation?

Edited October 8, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Windy Breeze 15,215]

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash @GeneralDirection

Shadow's ears perked. She felt embarrassed about her friends knowing that she could summon air-related vehicles but doesn't know how to use her ability. Her ears flattened as she reluctantly replied while looking at Elusive.

“Yes. But actually...i do not have any idea how to summon” she said in a whispered tone, so quiet that it was almost not heard by her team. She glared and and is tempted yelled and cursed to herself for being the very 'useless' member in the group. Instead, what came out of her is.

“I will try my best and find out the steps of summoning, but for now, I only have knowledge for just one offensive skill. Sorry, everypony” Shadow is ready for any rude comments her teammates have to say. She looked at the ground and shut her eyes.

[Kronos the Revenant 1,973]

@Samurai Equine

Kronos’ ears perked up in bewilderment as the alarms were tripped. 
 

They can’t possibly be that close yet, he thought as he pulled up a character status screen. Sure enough, his suspicions were correct, the heroes were still in level two. So, what the hell tripped the alarm?

 

”All units,” Kronos announced, “We have a perimeter breach. Commence with an area sweep. Search the land, waters and the air, search every crack and crevice. Whoever is in our perimeter should NOT be here.” As soon as his orders were placed, an army of cybernetic animals stampeded out of the castle to search for the intruder. 
 

This intruder does not appear to be part of the hero team, Kronos thought to himself, So who or what the hell is it? Is it a hacker? A speed runner? An exploiter? A modder? Kronos kept a close eye on all of the animals’ POVs. 
 

“Whoever or whatever you are,” Kronos said, “I’m gonna find you and I will deal with you.”

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,828]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad 

Thundy saw the rats, and got up on the turret. One by one, he blasted them away. Thundy noticed there was no defined path. "So a more open level hm? Looks like we will have to make our own path towards the boss. Perhaps my humvee could help with that. It's large tires leave tracks so if we're driving and we come across the tracks, we know that we've already been to that area." Thundy stated. 

 

[Silly Druid 8,561]

@C. Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Windy Breeze

On 10/6/2020 at 12:22 PM, Dynamo Pad said:

I’m going to go and guess that possibly Tempest Shadow and Bluebell are on level 3.

Tree Song makes a surprised look. "Tempest Shadow? The pony that led the Storm King forces to attack Canterlot is in the game? That's unexpected... I'd really like to talk to her, and my teacher probably as well. I heard she is good now, but in this game she is one of the bad guys, right?"

(I know you're in a different team now, but you can answer this retroactively.)

10 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Waiting outside,
Elusive looks at the remaining members that decided not to go into Level 2.

"And off goes half of our team! As for the rest of us... I assume we all want to get to that bonus level Ms. Tree Song was telling us about, right? Seems like we have many ways of doing it, if you ask me. We have an artist on our team that seems to be really good at creative living fantasy beasts if only for a short moment. We also have a dragon tamer, and I wouldn't be surprised if that little thing will grow super huge under the right conditions! I see a griffon with water-based abilities; I am sure there must be a way to use hydro power to boost up to the heavens. But most all... Ms. Shadow Trail. You're an Aeronaut, aren't you? That means, if you believe in yourself and focus your abilities, you should be able to summon some kind of airship to help us get up there."

Elusive Facts makes her motorcylce disappear for now. "Truth is, my character is modeled after a street punk, a gang leader. All my abilities are grounded. Ironic, considering I am usually a pegasus. But for now, I have no wings. So come on, let's see some action, team! The race to the bonus level is underway! Gamers, ready? Set! And... GO!" Elusive Facts encourages them the only way she knows how.

"I love the nature biome, but it seems I should be elsewhere for now, maybe I can visit it later. As for flying, I'm afraid I can't help you here, I can fly but I can't do anything to help others fly. But I see that you have many interesting abilities, so you'll manage to do it yourselves. Actually I think I will fly back to the portal now, and prepare to greet you properly. The floating city is visible in the sky, and the portal is next to it, so you can't miss it. See you soon!" Having said that, Tree Song takes off and slowly disappears in the distance.

Edited October 8, 2020 by PawelS

[Kronos the Revenant 1,973]

@C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

 

*INCOMING TRANSMISSION*
 

”Ahh, now that that’s settled,” a familiar voiced called out, “Howdy, heroes. Welcome to the Jungle. Hey, I heard that this place has a curse placed on it, causing the creatures here to reanimate from the dead. I took it upon myself to collect a few samples whilst perusing the levels preemptively and managed to make quite the impressive units for my castle. They are....actually, you know what, lemme get them real quick. Hello? *whistle whistle* C’mere, fellas. Say hello to the heroes.” They can hear an audible, robotic screech in the background. “My cyber animals say hello. Oh, if I were you, I’d watch my step. You never know what’s just a puddle and what’s a sinkhole. Try not to die before reaching me. Sayonara.”

 

*END OF TRANSMISSION*

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,828]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine 

"Alright everyone, hop on in. Better we're all safe in my humvee than walking and then someone missteps." Thundy said waiting for the other two to get into his humvee. Thundy knew that Kronos was just trying to scare them, but Thundy had a plan for them to conquer this jungle level. 

[ExplosionMare 28,944]

@Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @C. Thunder Dash 

Yeeesss! Finally, we’re going somewhere! Pencil thought in an exasperated manner. She was fine with ponies switching up and all, but they practically stood around forever. Now they could finally do something and progress to Level 2! Pencil clapped eagerly as Elusive explained what everyone was going to do. She mostly went over character abilities and how to use them but did not explain the level itself. Perhaps she only knew as much about the level as the rest of the team.

The bear growled impatiently, having stood still for much longer than it desired. Pencil petted it affectionately to calm it down. The bear seemed momentarily relaxed, at least calm enough not to go on a rampage. The bear then sat forcefully on the ground, finally tired of standing, which startled Pencil as she was bounced around. She almost fell off, but was able to steady herself in time to stay in her position.

@Windy Breeze

Pencil cast a glance towards Shadow, who suddenly looked very forlorn. Pencil frowned back, concerned by the unexpected behavior. From what Pencil could tell, Shadow was very unsure of her abilities. To reassure her, she told the pegasus,

“All it takes is some practice. Nopony is expecting you to be super great right at the beginning of the game. Just try and practice a little and don’t worry about it too much. You’ll probably do fine once you learn your abilities, anyways,”

Edited October 8, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Formatting

[CameoShadowness 252]

19 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

It seems the teams were locked in place. Once again, it was the a four-member battle team.

With a nod, Trilby leads the way. There is no need for vehicles now.
Somewhere within the lush greenery and open fields of the nature biome, they find the portal. And once they step in...

LEVEL 2: JUNGLE BARRAGE!

Gone are the simple grasslands. They are now replaced by a thick jungle!
The one thing Pastel, Dynamo, and Thundy will quickly realize is that there is no road or defined path. In Level 1, finding where to go was as easy as a walk-to-the-left platformer. But here, anyone could get lost trying find their way.

Trilby takes a few steps forward. "...Okay, so this is a thing. Where do we go now? Perhaps we could use some eyes in the sk--AAAAAHHH!!!!" Trilby is interrupted when strange rats begin to appear around his feet! They are skeleton rats; mostly bone with a few pieces of rotting flesh still attached. They are hungry, and they gladly leap at our heroes when close enough!
The appearance of these things makes Trilby hop around, weaving a ducking. "What are these thing?! Don't let them bite me!!" Trilby panics and runs ahead forward.

This might make it harder to stay as a group...
Also, Daring Decor and Beryl have been alerted that heroes have entered their level. It has begun...

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @Samurai Equine 

"We got company." Beryl lifted one of her potions up to the sky. "I hope they don't try ruining this beautiful place to get to us."

She poured the liquid down on a few of the rats making them grow flowers making them harder to see. "Let's get them fast."

Edited October 8, 2020 by CameoShadowness

[Windy Breeze 15,215]

@ExplosionMare

Shadow opened her eyes and gaze at Pencil. She was right, nobody expecting her to be so good at something she hasn't done before. She just really need some practice if given the chance. She smiled at Pencil.

“Thank you”

However, this situation is a little off. Why does she have a sense of déjà vu? Had this reminded something she doesn't remember from the past?

It was faint, but she was able to hear another encouraging voice, though giving her mild headaches to her head. She put a hoof to her head as a voice spoke inside her head

“My little pony, don't be discouraged. I understand how my 'foal' is having a hard time proving herself to be worthy of becoming the night's spy. Shadow, take rest and clear your thoughts of that hindering feeling and if you feel better, go back to your team and ask Nightingale to have you practice with her”

That voice from past, it did not belong to anypony she had met in town and who is Nightingale?

...

Keen slowly walked to the center of her community with pride and high self-esteem. She looked as her servants observed her with dull curiosity, wondering what their master is about to do next.

By now, I'm going to do something really cool, something that came straight out of a fictional adventure and romance novels she stopped. Then, she raised her left foreleg and chanted.

“Oh, I call a very special sword, who was once a blessing to an adventurer but turned into a curse, seeking for more blood to satisfy your resentment. Sword of vengeance, emerge from the grave and serve me as my weapon!”

A bright light enveloped her raised foreleg, blinding golems, undead pony warriors and hyenas (all summoned by her). The said bright vanished and and a long sword is revealed. It had a red handle and a sharp silver blade. It looked like just an average sword, except this one deals more damage.

Keen looked at the sword and smiled. Buck the dark king and his allies, they are just hindering what she really wants: adventure. But at least there will be some actions later on. She even expected one pony as she looked at her reflection on the blade.

“Shadow, if we met, I want you to show some dignity”

Edited October 9, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Samurai Equine 58,587]

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

In Level 2,
Dynamo could probably handle the rats with his own skill, but once again, the game seems to be whispering to him.
It tells him where each skeleton rat is going to appear before it jumps out at him. For Dynamo, this makes avoiding or attacking each rat more than easy.

Trilby, however, has been running on ahead. "Rats! Rats! Rats!! I HATE rats!!" Trilby says, panicking and doing his best to avoid each one.
However, when a group of them try to jump him from all angles, Trilby braces himself... And unlocks another of his abilities! Its an energy shield, wrapping around him like a bubble. The rats can't get through it! "...Oh. Heheh. Wow! I didn't even know I could do that!"
Trilby summons his bladed staff and begins to bat various rats away, using his shield to keep himself safe. That is until Thundy rolls up. "...Oh! Hey Thundy! Room for one more?" He asks before getting in the vehicle. "...Did I hear Kronotrigger just a second ago?"

@ExplosionMare. @Windy Breeze, @C. Thunder Dash, @GeneralDirection, @PawelS

Waiting outside in the nature biome,
Elusive looks surprised that Tree Song decided to go on ahead without them. "Huh. So much for having a gal pal..." Then again, maybe she spoke too soon.

She goes up to Shadow Trail and puts a hoof on her shoulder. "Hey, just remember, this is all a video game. You know, when I summoned my motorcycle for the first time, it was a shock but also surprisingly easy. Here's how I did it... Clear your mind, think about the vehicle you want to summon, and then look in the direction of where you want it to appear. And if you can't do it, don't worry about it. Your team will be there for you."

Elusive Facts goes over to Silver and Pencil next. "So what's next? Going to draw eagle wings on the bear? Anything I can do to help?"

@Kronos the Revenant

In the valley of darkness,
The cybernetic animals find who set off the alarms. It seems to be a mid-sized adult dragon dressed as... Some kind of game show host? He has a checkered suit that lights up in every color of the rainbow, a mechanical walking cane with a microphone on the top of it, and a big neon sign popping out of his back that reads "PRIZE GAME". When the animals appear, he smiles warmly and waves at them. "Why hello there, little friends. Did you come all this way to see me? Well, unless you're a hero character or a boss character, I can't give you anything."

(Character used with @Pastel Heart's permission. Will change if she changes her mind.)

Edited October 9, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Kronos the Revenant 1,973]

@Samurai Equine

After Kronos sent his transmission to the heroes, he looked at his minions’ POV on his command center. 
 

“Oh, for crying out loud,” he told himself as he sees this strange dragon wandering around his domain, “What the hell is this?”

He exited his castle and approached the dragon, but not before recalling his herd back to the fortress with a signaling whistle.

”Alright,” Kronos went on to the dragon, “What the hell is going on here? What’s this about?”

Edited October 9, 2020 by Kronos the Revenant

[ExplosionMare 28,944]

@Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection

Pencil looked at Elusive in a very weird way, unsure of what she was talking about. She then realized that this was a game and flying bears probably weren’t that weird after all. Pencil nearly forgot about the laser-eyed scorpion she created earlier. Readying her paintbrush, she told Elusive,

“Ok, I’ll go ahead and get that started. Think I should add wings to the hippo, too?” Pencil gestured with her shoulder over towards where Silver was. The hippo was walking around in aimless circles and it was unclear if it was doing so out of enjoyment or boredom. The hippo was smiling, so it probably was enjoying spinning around. Pencil chuckled softly at the display, hoping the hippo’s excitement wasn’t making Silver too dizzy over there.

[GeneralDirection 1,097]

@ExplosionMare

Silver, on the other hoof, wasn’t having as much fun. It seemed that the hippo was enjoying itself, but he certainly was not. Silver elected to jump off the hippo since they had arrived at their destination and him getting any dizzier didn’t sound like much fun.

“Sure, if you want to, go ahead, draw some wings onto this guy. Seems you can do pretty much whatever you want here with that paintbrush of yours.” Silver said in reply to Pencil’s question, once he regained his bearings. 

[Dynamo Pad 12,001]

On 10/7/2020 at 9:16 PM, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad

"By the name, it sounds like the boss could use stuff to decorate as weaponry, or perhaps string and thread, which could prove to be a total nuisance, especially if any of us gets binded. Who knows how many turns it would last..." Thundy stated. 

"That could be an idea. I've only heard of the name in FPS games. It's all about wearing a heavy armor, while having weaponry that lets you attack a lot. Basically, they are attacking nonstop, while giving you no room to take cover or to counterattack. It might last the whole entire battle or at the very least. This could be a lot of turns from speculation. Then again, this is still speculation. I can imagine we'll still have a couple of levels to deal with before facing Kronos."

 

On 10/8/2020 at 3:27 AM, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

It seems the teams were locked in place. Once again, it was the a four-member battle team.

With a nod, Trilby leads the way. There is no need for vehicles now.
Somewhere within the lush greenery and open fields of the nature biome, they find the portal. And once they step in...

LEVEL 2: JUNGLE BARRAGE!

Gone are the simple grasslands. They are now replaced by a thick jungle!
The one thing Pastel, Dynamo, and Thundy will quickly realize is that there is no road or defined path. In Level 1, finding where to go was as easy as a walk-to-the-left platformer. But here, anyone could get lost trying find their way.

Trilby takes a few steps forward. "...Okay, so this is a thing. Where do we go now? Perhaps we could use some eyes in the sk--AAAAAHHH!!!!" Trilby is interrupted when strange rats begin to appear around his feet! They are skeleton rats; mostly bone with a few pieces of rotting flesh still attached. They are hungry, and they gladly leap at our heroes when close enough!
The appearance of these things makes Trilby hop around, weaving a ducking. "What are these thing?! Don't let them bite me!!" Trilby panics and runs ahead forward.

This might make it harder to stay as a group...
Also, Daring Decor and Beryl have been alerted that heroes have entered their level. It has begun...

Without the need for vehicles, Dynamo nodded as he followed Trilby, who was leading the way. He looked towards Pastel, while making sure she was following and close to him. Upon entering the level, the gaming unicorn took notice that there was no road or defined bath. It was a vast and lush jungle that didn't seem to end. "I would say we should all stick together. With this being such a huge jungle, it could be easy to go and get ourselves lost." He says, looking down to their pink, rogue companion. "If you go invisible, then maybe you can leave a clue as to where you are. Maybe a mark on the trees that would be able to tell us that it's you, Pastel-chan. I wouldn't want to have you get lost and/or lose you."

As they took a few steps into the area, Dynamo's ears fell as he heard Trilby screeching in fright. "What is it!? What's happening, Trilby!?" He asks, getting his answer as skeleton rats appeared by their hooves. Dynamo shuddered slightly at the sight of these enemies, but he was also fascinated at the same time. "These look pretty cool. I know they are supposed to be frightening and I'm glad it's not worse or what I fear." He would say, before looking towards Pastel. "Hey, Pastel! Don't these rats remind you of those dry bones from Paper Mario? All we need now is either a fire flower, or a pow block. It'd be nice if we had a hammer to slam these pesky rodents, or jump on them to crush them."

On 10/8/2020 at 2:23 PM, Kronos the Revenant said:

@C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

 

*INCOMING TRANSMISSION*
 

”Ahh, now that that’s settled,” a familiar voiced called out, “Howdy, heroes. Welcome to the Jungle. Hey, I heard that this place has a curse placed on it, causing the creatures here to reanimate from the dead. I took it upon myself to collect a few samples whilst perusing the levels preemptively and managed to make quite the impressive units for my castle. They are....actually, you know what, lemme get them real quick. Hello? *whistle whistle* C’mere, fellas. Say hello to the heroes.” They can hear an audible, robotic screech in the background. “My cyber animals say hello. Oh, if I were you, I’d watch my step. You never know what’s just a puddle and what’s a sinkhole. Try not to die before reaching me. Sayonara.”

 

*END OF TRANSMISSION*

The gamer pony blinked as he heard a sudden voice, but found that it was Kronos once again. Hearing that this jungle was cursed with creatures reanimating didn't sit right with Dynamo. "If that's true, then even if we get rid of these things, then does that mean they just come back?" He wondered, hearing an audible, robotic screech. "Gee, thanks for the warning. Did you guys hear that voice too, or was that just me?"

 

On 10/8/2020 at 2:30 PM, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine 

"Alright everyone, hop on in. Better we're all safe in my humvee than walking and then someone missteps." Thundy said waiting for the other two to get into his humvee. Thundy knew that Kronos was just trying to scare them, but Thundy had a plan for them to conquer this jungle level. 

On 10/9/2020 at 4:32 AM, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

In Level 2,
Dynamo could probably handle the rats with his own skill, but once again, the game seems to be whispering to him.
It tells him where each skeleton rat is going to appear before it jumps out at him. For Dynamo, this makes avoiding or attacking each rat more than easy.

Trilby, however, has been running on ahead. "Rats! Rats! Rats!! I HATE rats!!" Trilby says, panicking and doing his best to avoid each one.
However, when a group of them try to jump him from all angles, Trilby braces himself... And unlocks another of his abilities! Its an energy shield, wrapping around him like a bubble. The rats can't get through it! "...Oh. Heheh. Wow! I didn't even know I could do that!"
Trilby summons his bladed staff and begins to bat various rats away, using his shield to keep himself safe. That is until Thundy rolls up. "...Oh! Hey Thundy! Room for one more?" He asks before getting in the vehicle. "...Did I hear Kronotrigger just a second ago?"

 

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo's jaw dropped as Thundy had jumped into his vehicle. "Wait a minute. Are we allowed to bring the humvee into this level? I thought we left it outside of the level, but I guess not." He would say, before taking notice of the game whispering to him again. At first, he thought it was from Kronos, but it didn't seem to be the case. With each location of each rat, he was able to avoid where each one would strike. He wasn't sure if it was possible, but he decided to test this theory. He moved to the left as one jumped at him, moving to the right as another attacked, before rearing back his legs and kicking the rat. Hearing Trilby running around in fear, Dynamo knew he had to help his friend. "Trilby! Some of these rats are able to be avoided. That, or they are camouflaged as flowers. Everyone be careful and I'll try and guide you!" He calls out, while contemplating on getting into the vehicle Thundy had summoned. "Hey, Pastel-chan! What do you think? Do you want to get into the humvee to avoid unnecessary battles? It'll save us energy in case we have to face the boss." He wasn't sure if she turned invisible, but he hoped that she would hear him. He'd be there for her if she refused. However, he didn't want to waste magic or energy if necessary. He looked towards the humvee as an idea began to form in his mind. 

[Pastel Heart 6,473]

@Dynamo Pad
 

Pastel looked at Dyny and towards the vehicle with a somewhat annoyed expression. This thing is so out of place with the setting that she would rather blow it up than ride in it. He makes so many out of nothing that he could open a dealership, but if Dynamo insisted...

"Well, if it's all the same to you my co-conspirator! Though I'd rather ride in something less... OP."