open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Kronos the Revenant @C. Thunder Dash
As the boss fight continued, it looked as if Kronos's creatures had survived the uprooting of the maze. It was unfortunate, but Dynamo understood that he was still learning to grasp this new ability. Turning slightly in the direction of his team, he held a hoof towards them as if he would blast them with magic. What happened next was the blue unicorn casting a healing spell. However, he noticed that Trilby had beaten him to the punch on the idea. Nevertheless, he smiled softly as he too, agreed with the cleric's statement. Turning back towards the boss, Dynamo's jaw clenched slightly as he gritted his teeth. "How dare you. Y-You're a monster. You'll pay for this." He says, shaking slightly in rage as his hat had flown off of his head. The monocle had fallen off of his eye as it landed towards the ground, as well. His breathing being hitched with each intake of oxygen. He remembered what Kronos had done to his team, before gaining this power. What Kronos had put him through was a lot to take in for the unicorn. Something he would not let Kronos ever forget. "You'll..PAY FOR THIS!!" His horn began to glow to life once more, while an orange like aura enveloped his entire body. The ground starting to crack around him.

"You send these beasts after us, you get in our way, but most of all you hurt my friends. This may be a game, but this is not a game anymore to me. Whether you're just playing the game, or you allowed the game to make you act like a villain. This game has allowed your mind to become warped. Whether that's true or not, I honestly cannot say. You're going to regret what you've done today, Kronos. Now I'm mad. I'm really, truly angry!" He slowly rose his head to look at the mech. His mane slowly moving out of his eyes as his vision was clear to all. Even as the others charged into an attack, Dynamo wanted to make one thing clear to the boss. To him, what Kronos had done became personal. "And now it's time...TO PAY!!!" With one final shout, Dynamo looked towards the sky as his energy exploded outwards. The ground around him shattered as a pillar of magic blasted upwards. The energy soon faded as the unicorn narrowed his gaze at the boss. As if trying to strike fear and terror into the enemy's heart and soul. "So, you want to play this game, huh? Okay, fine. It's game time. Welcome to my world and welcome to your nightmare."

Just before Pastel had dashed off, Dynamo had given the young mare an upgrade. "INCREASED SPEED" had allowed Pastel to move at blinding speed. Effectively allowing her to be difficult to hit. He looked back at the remaining members of the group who had still stayed with him. "Hey, Pencil. I need your help in drawing something, please. Are you able to draw a red mechanical rabbit? I have something in mind to draw, but I can't do it alone." He says, holding out his right front hoof. “Oathkeeper.” He uttered, before the keyblade he had used in level 2 was summoned once more. Holding the key shaped blade in his magical grasp, he held the blade outwards. Charging his magic for an attack, Dynamo turned the blade as if unlocking a door. “Shotlock.” The end of the blade began to glow as multiple beams of laser lights had been launched. If Kronos tried to dodge them, then they would simply track him until they hit their intended target.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze @PawelS @Pastel Heart @Kronos the Revenant

Thundy and Chelsea continued their attacks. Thundy saw the anger and rage within Dynamo, and channeled in some of his energy. Yes, Dynamo did had the power of the game inside him, but this was certainly no one-man effort. Thundy charged up an attack. "Black Hole...Blast!" Thundy shouting and firing what seemed to be a condensed version of a black hole towards Kronos. He rolled a dice. If it was an even number, Kronos would be sucked in and immobilized for 5 seconds also taking 20% damage as well. If it was and odd number, Kronos would only take 10% damage. The dice landed on a 4. "Yes! Go Dynamo! You got 10 seconds until Kronos is released from the black hole! I'm on cooldown for the next 15 seconds. Chelsea, get a tidal sweep ready!" Thundy said breathing heavily. Thundy hoped Kronos didn't have a way to break free. At this point, he was at his most vulnerable because that attack had taken most of his energy. 

Chelsea waved her staff until it glowed. "Pencil! If you can draw some large armored sharks, the tidal sweep could do much more damage." Chelsea stated as she waited for Pencil to respond to her comment. 

[ExplosionMare 18,064]

@Samurai Equine

Pencil smiled in relief as Trilby restored her health. She could feel her strength, both physical and mental, returning to her. She felt much more productive as she was now able to produce at least five creatures at once. She sent a heard of rams and sheep geared with spiked horns out to attack. She stroked the ground violently to whip up a murder or crows to scavenge for any weapon debris. If they found anything useful, she may be able to rebuild the broken weapons to give to her attack creatures. Once the crows flew off, she spun large red circles on the ground and polka dotted them with smaller black circles. Emerging from the circles were four large ladybugs with glossy shells that could serve as shields. Forming a semi-circle, the ladybugs protected both Pencil and Trilby.

“Thanks for helping me, Trilby,” she thanked Trilby. “I’ll help you, too. You can hang out with me and these ladybugs for a while for protection,” she told him.

@Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

She turned to Thundy and Dynamo who had both called her name. Dynamo had asked for a red rabbit and Thundy had asked for a group of sharks. Side-stepping around the ladybug guards, she took her paintbrush out again and began with soft, red streaks. She then created two large lines with oval-like curves at the tops. She then added segments around the fur to simulate robotic limbs. When the creature was finished, it reminded her of a very similar purple robot she had heard about. When the rabbit turned its mechanical head towards her, she sent it off towards Dynamo, its feet clanking loudly against the floor.

She then began creating the sharks. They took quite a bit longer than the rabbit since she had to get each sharp angle perfect, otherwise the sharks would look more like dolphins. She painted fine lines onto the ground then smoothed out the majority of the textures with soft greys and blues. Once she had created at least five sharks, she sent them towards Thundy. She gave them wings so the lack of water would not be an issue.

Edited November 24, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Dynamo and Thundy

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash @PawelS @Windy Breeze @ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection

Kronos gets absolutely floored by the onslaught the heroes suddenly charge at him with. His small mech gets tossed around like a ragdoll in the mass group attack. His mech suit is losing its durability, and the generator is breaking down. It can’t sustain this state any longer. The generator overloads. Suddenly, the heroes return to the main boss chamber, floor reassembled, and Kronos on his knees and palms gasping for air at their mercy. The deterrence field around the door behind him fizzles out and dissipates. 
 

“Alright,” Kronos said in defeat, “You...*gasp*...win. My Lord...*gasp*...I have...*gasp*...failed you. Spare me or strike me down...*gasp*...either way...*gasp*...I’m no longer a threat to you...*gasp*...Make your choice.”

SPARE

EXECUTE

RECRUIT

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare @Kronos the Revenant @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @PawelS @Windy Breeze @GeneralDirection

Thundy panted from sheer exhaustion. "As much as Kronos gave us a hard time...this is only a game. From my world...haah...I have...haah...learned that...games...ohhh...reveal our...true...selves..." Thundy took one final gasp and fell out. 

3...2...1...the gundum faded and so did Thundy

Thundy x2

Thundy reappeared looking around, touching his body to make sure his body was intact. Everything was back to normal and he was full of energy once again. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Kronos the Revenant @C. Thunder Dash

With everything happening all at once, Dynamo took note of the red rabbit that Pencil had created. Dynamo nodded in thanks as he had got to work on his creation. Drawing out different pieces, the blue unicorn mechanical device had soon formed into creation. It looked like a belt, but it had some extra features like a button attachment and what looked to be a giant beaker test tube. "It's time to begin the final experiment." He stated, before the belt attached itself to his waist.

BUILD DRIVER!

Removing the hatch on the button attachment, the blue unicorn had clicked the switch on the button twice.

MAX HAZARD ON!

Taking the test tube in his magical grasp, he gave the beaker a couple of shakes. Almost as if shaking a soda can to make it explode. As he shook the device, one could hear the sound of a hippity-hop noise. He used his hoof to turn the module to the symbol of a rabbit.

RABBIT!

With his magic, he disengaged the test tube, before it formed an upside down 'U'. He placed the tube into the belt as the belt soon came to life.

RABBIT and BABBIT!

With nothing else that needed to be done, Dynamo placed a hoof upon the handle, before spinning said handle like a bike pedal. 

GATA GATA GOTTON ZUTTAN ZUTAN! GATA GATA GOTTON! ZUTTAN ZUTAN!

ARE YOU READY!? 

With those three words, Dynamo's gaze hardened as he looked at the boss with determination.

"Build Up." 

Once the words left his lips, the red mechanical rabbit had heard its call to action. The rabbit soon broke off into five separate parts as they all hovered in the air. Looking up to witness it, Dynamo jumped towards each part that hovered. Upon touching each arm and leg, the corresponding mechanical limb would attach to Dynamo's front and back hooves, before the mechanical head landed on his head. Acting as a sort of helmet while twin tailed cape formed behind him.

OVERFLOW!
KURENAI NO SPEED JUMPER! RABBITRABBIT! YABEI! HAEI!

Upon landing back onto the ground, Dynamo looked to have been wearing what seemed to be a hero suit. Even though, the rabbit was now a part of his outfit. His ears perked slightly as he heard the male griffon calling out to him. A sort of countdown to indicate that Thundy's attack had stunned the boss. "Finishing this in nine seconds. This is the end."

GATA GATA GOTTON! ZUTTAN ZUTAN! GATA GATA GOTTON! ZUTTAN ZUTAN!

Spinning the wheel on his belt once more, Dynamo began charging for his final attack. Once he stopped the spin, he held out his dice, which transformed into a twenty sided dice. With a toss, the dice began to roll upon the ground to see what number it would land upon. After a moment, it landed on a twenty. The end result of achieving the maximum amount of damage that would occur.

CRITICAL HIT
READY GO!

Taking a mighty leap into the air, Dynamo charged towards Kronos with his right leg extended. What Kronos didn't realize is if he blocked the attack, the first attack would vanish. Almost as if the first kick was an illusion. The real Dynamo would soon appear after the illusion faded to deliver a devastation strike.

HAZARD FINISH!
RABBIT RABBIT FINISH!

Dynamo looked towards his team, while feeling thankful they all managed to get through the fight. He soon saw the gundam fading away, while the griffon was about to join said mech. Dynamo flew over towards the fallen griffon, sensing his energy was fading. He held a hoof out, while applying a healing spell and restoration to remove any exhaustion. Even if it didn't work, he summoned up a 1-Up mushroom to give to Thundy in exchange for not losing a life. Crushing up the mushroom, he sprinkled the dust all around the griffon as the effects took hold of Dynamo's teammate. 

Edited November 25, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Samurai Equine 51,731]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Windy Breeze, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

In the boss fight,
Staying back seemed like a good idea. Trilby helped, but he's not a major player in this anymore. Even Elusive Facts and perhaps others join them. Team B stays back while Team A does all the dirty work. Dynamo is the true hero of this story. And what a show it was!

Soon, Kronos lay defeated. As usual, a pop-up window appears to decide his fate. The window has the same 3 options as usual.

• Mercy: They won't be a boss anymore; they'll just be converted into basic NPCs until the game is over.
• Punish: Finish them! They'll be sent back to the real world, and their character won't return in-game.
• Recruit: Convert them from villainous Dark character to heroic Justice character, making them part of your team.

Tempest stands down, but is ultimately speechless. Elusive looks to Dynamo, Pastel, and Thundy on what to do next. Trilby slowly walks over, raising a hoof. "Umm... I know the dude went mad with video game power and all, but... I believe in second chances. I bet some of you do too. We've been giving all the other bosses second chances too. Why not Krono Trigger here?" Trilby asks.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Windy Breeze @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant

"As I said before I "died"...we should welcome Kronos no matter what. It's not the game that defines who we are, is what we do in the game that defines who we are." Thundy said looking at Kronos. "You may have given us hellfire back there, taunted us like we were total weaklings...but in the end...we all can get caught up in the zone and lose ourselves." Thundy said extending a talon towards Kronos in a welcoming manner. 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine

”You’d, spare me?” Kronos asked, “Thank you. My shackles have been released. I am in your debt.” Suddenly, Kronos starts snapping his head side to side, then a green aura in the shape of a huge suit of armor came out of Kronos’ body. 
 

“YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF KAISER THE CONQUEROR!!!” The green spirit yelled before disappearing. 
 

“Well,” Kronos said, “Now that his influence is no longer dominant on me in this game, I’d be honored to assist you.” Kronos went up to his original giant mech suit and kicked the door down to the Dark King’s chambers. “KNOCK KNOCK, DARK KING!!!”

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @GeneralDirection @Windy Breeze @PawelS

"Alright everyone, here we go!" Thundy said as he summoned two groups of 10 heavily armed infantrymen in a pair of humvees. The power was flowing through him even greater than before. 

"I sense Thundy's gonna take it up to a whole new level for this last one." Chelsea said gently nudging Pencil. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @GeneralDirection @PawelS 

It was a very intense boss battle, and Shadow sustained more injuries, almost dying. She smiled with relief when the battle with Kronos ended, and when it was time to decide what Kronos fate would be, this time, she chose to recruit him for the vote, seeing how his aid could help them a lot.

1 hour ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Windy Breeze @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant

"As I said before I "died"...we should welcome Kronos no matter what. It's not the game that defines who we are, is what we do in the game that defines who we are." Thundy said looking at Kronos. "You may have given us hellfire back there, taunted us like we were total weaklings...but in the end...we all can get caught up in the zone and lose ourselves." Thundy said extending a talon towards Kronos in a welcoming manner. 

And she agreed with Thundy there. Shadow believed they shouldn't judge Kronos by the game, yes, he did taunted them so bad but this wasn't real life, they are in a game, he also might only be looking for action.

1 hour ago, Kronos the Revenant said:

@C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine

”You’d, spare me?” Kronos asked, “Thank you. My shackles have been released. I am in your debt.” Suddenly, Kronos starts snapping his head side to side, then a green aura in the shape of a huge suit of armor came out of Kronos’ body. 
 

“YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF KAISER THE CONQUEROR!!!” The green spirit yelled before disappearing. 
 

“Well,” Kronos said, “Now that his influence is no longer dominant on me in this game, I’d be honored to assist you.” Kronos went up to his original giant mech suit and kicked the door down to the Dark King’s chambers. “KNOCK KNOCK, DARK KING!!!”

Shadow hid behind Trilby once again. She did not expect am aura would talk, let alone cry out, unable to accept defeat, unlike Kronos. She slowly went out of her hiding place and stepped forward. She slightly flinched when Kronos violently knocked down the door, but that was just because the display of how strong he was in physical strength (not magic). She stood beside Trilby, along with one drone that managed to survive the boss battle. She whispered to him with a pleasant smile “Just one step into the chambers of the dark king and we will go back to the real world”

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Kronos the Revenant @C. Thunder Dash

As Kronos lay defeated, Dynamo stood as he saw the options that were given to him. The aura around Dynamo had faded as the game code was used up. Taking a deep breath, the blue unicorn had opened his eyes as it seemed he was back to normal. His knees buckled as he fell to the ground, while feeling exhausted from using an unknown power like that. IT was worth it in the end as he was thankful to have saved his team. Just like all the bosses they defeated, they were given the option to recruit Kronos. At first Dynamo wanted to disagree. Given with how Kronos had hurt his team, while some were defeated and/or hurt. However, a green aura had escaped from Kronos' body as a green spirit had disappeared. "O...kay? So, that just happened. I'm not the only one who saw that right?" He asks, before nodding at the fact of giving Kronos a second chance. "I know some of the team had said that the best punishment was to recruit you. Since some of us had thought the bad language wasn't good because Pastel-chan could hear that." He explained, trying to be a good influence. "However, it seems that you were taken over by a sort of spirit in this game. I'm not sure how that happened, but it looks like you're back to your old self. I know I said some things, but I hope you can forgive me, Kronos. If it's possible, then I'd like to have you on our team." He responded, selecting the Recruit option to have Kronos on the team.

As the group began to make their way towards the newly open door and Dark King. Dynamo tried to get up, but found that he was struggling. "If it's okay, then can someone please give me a hoof? I think I'm low on energy as that power had taken a lot out of me." He gave a sheepish smile, while hoping someone would be able to help him towards the Dark King's chambers.

 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @ExplosionMare @Pastel Heart @Windy Breeze @PawelS @GeneralDirection

"I gotcha buddy." Thundy said gathering some electricity and lifting Dynamo up. Thundy shapeshifted into his feral form and placed Dynamo on his back. He let out a slow current, giving Dynamo a slow dose of restoration energy. 

[Silly Druid 7,009]

@Windy Breeze @Samurai Equine

On 11/24/2020 at 4:05 AM, Samurai Equine said:

In his dreams, Nopony can easily cast his voice out loud enough for Luna to hear. However, there was a problem...

Whenever his voice calls out to her, it gets scattered away. Luna, master of the dream realm, might be able to hear it; but she wouldn't be able to track the source. "Huh?" Luna would look around from the dream state cosmos. It's like the voice is echoing from many different unspecified locations. Eventually, Luna would just shrug it off, as if she was just hearing things.

Well, that didn't work, Nopony thinks after waking up. There must be something in this town's magical aura that prevents Luna from entering dreams here. I'm on my own.

I don't think I can do anything more for now, maybe when the game is over the situation will clarify itself. It seems Shadow Trail is in the game, so probably something will happen when she comes back. Also Tree Song will be able to help me. For now, the trigger is still there. And I'm hungry. He goes to a nearby patch of grass, and starts eating it.

 

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @ExplosionMare @Pastel Heart @Windy Breeze @GeneralDirection @C. Thunder Dash

Tree Song didn't help much in the final phases of the battle, the situation was pretty chaotic and she was confused and didn't really know what was happening. But now, when Kronos is defeated, she looks forward to the meeting with the Dark King, wondering what it will look like. Is it another boss fight coming up?

[ExplosionMare 18,064]

@Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash @Kronos the Revenant @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @Pastel Heart @Windy Breeze @PawelS

Pencil gave herself a moment to rest now that the boss appeared to be defeated. His mechanical parts were scattered across the battlefield and the generator near him had been damaged beyond recognition. She signaled for her ladybug shields to be at ease and they bowed thankfully now that their little legs could finally rest. The rest of the enemies ceased their fighting and returned to Pencil’s location. A mix of cawing, buzzing, and snorting sounds filled the air as each set of creatures bounded towards her. She was overwhelmed at first now that she could see just how much she had created, but she was also glad that many of her creatures were able to return safely.

Trotting towards the defeated boss, she gasped as she got a closer look at all of his damaged parts. She couldn’t help but feel bad for him, even after all of the chaos he caused. She looked to see the same set of options above his head that she had seen on the last couple of bosses. Feeling as if any other choice would be unfair, Pencil selected Recruit.

“How about being on our team? Personally I think it’s a lot more fun on this team. Plus, we could all help repair you if you’d like,” Pencil offered as she held out a hoof in a friendly gesture.

Pencil turned as Chelsea walked up to her and gave her a friendly nudge. From the sound of it, Thundy was planning something bold and dramatic. Pencil giggled in response and said,

“I wonder what he’s planning this time!”

[Samurai Equine 51,731]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Windy Breeze, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

In the aftermath of the boss fight,
It was over. They won. Trilby feels Shadow using him for cover. He smiles and gently wraps an arm around her, wanting to both reassure her and thank her for everything. "...See what?" Trilby asks in response to Dynamo's question. He didn't see any spirit leaving Kronos at all; so he's completely oblivious.

Selecting Recruit makes Kronos a heroic character now. He gets full HP and a new mech suit, though it's a little stripped down from what he had as a boss, it's still bad-a$$! Trilby, Elusive, and Tempest admire him when he is on his feet again. "Welcome to the right team, handsome." Tempest welcomes him with a wink.

LEVEL 4: CLEAR!

However, they don't get to admire the new teammate for too long. For they are soon transported to just outside the Dark King's castle. And there is someone new with them... It's the Justice King!

"Wha-- Oh! Mayor White?! What are you doing here?!" Trilby asks. "Oh ho ho ho ho!! My champions; well done! Each and every one of you has come so far. But this is it! All the bosses are defeated. All we need to do now is raid the Dark King's castle and claim his treasure for our own, and then the game will be finished! We'll finally be free of this digital trap. Naturally, I want to be here with you for this final victory. I know that together, we cannot to be stopped." The Justice King exclaims with a jolly yet battle-ready demeanor.

The castle doors open. A pixelated cutscene begins, and we see all the Justice Champion characters running through the Dark Castle, going through the halls and up various stairs. But the cutscene ends when they burst open the doors to the throne room! "Brother! You've fought well, but your forces of darkness are decimated! Surrender immediately!" The Justice King states, standing strong and pointing at the evil king.

Mayor Black, the Dark King, sits on his throne with a menacing scowl. Behind him is a wall of various treasures. He rises and gives an angry growl, raising a hoof as if to attack~! ...But then he sees just how outnumbered he is. 13 heroes stand before him. There's no way he'd stand a chance. With a heavy heart, he lowers his guard and waves in defeat. "Oh just take it. What's the point?" The evil king asks as he begins to walk away, about the leave the throne room. "...We did it?" Elusive asks, eyes wide. "We win!!" Trilby declares. "The treasure is OURS!!" Tempest says before she, Elusive, Trilby, and anyone else eager to end this game begin to bum-rush the treasure.

However, before Dynamo can celebrate and follow by example, the video game itself whispers one last clue to him. "The treasure is one ending, but it's not the GOOD ending... It doesn't have to end this way; you can make it whatever you please." The game explains before the whispering voice goes away for good. But what else could there be? Two kings... Two castles... Two rules against each other...

Edited November 26, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Windy Breeze @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant

Thundy smiled with glee, as things seemed to be over. He saw what appeared to be the Justice King. "Wait...this can't be over just yet. Where's the Dark King?" Thundy asked. He saw the treasure. "Oh shoot...it's one of those games...that's a trap." He said feeling something inside him

"Are you gonna do one of your super roars?" Chelsea asked. 

"My only choice..." Thundy said as he gathered a load of electricity and sent the energy to his vocal chords. He took a deep breath and let out a massive, ultra-powerful roar aimed up to the heavens. The ground shook quite a bit. Chelsea hoped that it got the attention of everyone. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Kronos the Revenant @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo felt himself being lifted off of the ground, before being placed on Thundy's back. He looked to see that the griffon transformed into his feral form, while giving him a thankful look. "Thank you, Thundy. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I didn't think something like that would take a lot of energy out of me. I've never felt that much power before." He would say, before feeling his energy slowly being restored. Thanks to the male griffon's restoration of energy. Dynamo blinked as he heard Trilby's question, while wondering if the cleric had seen what the group might have seen. "Uh...never mind. I think I saw a spirit, but I"m not sure if it was just me. Granted, I thought there was a voice, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore. We finally beat all four levels and we're almost home free." He would say, smiling in relief as they all managed to get through this together.

Just as they had completed the game, Dynamo and the others were instantly transported to just outside of the Dark King's castle. He would had questioned how they managed to do that, but he stopped as another presence was with them. That presence in particular was the Justice King. "Wait, what? J-Justice King? W-What are you doing here? Is it safe for you to be outside of your castle?" He asks with a look of shock and alarm upon his face. He slowly nodded as he was given the explanation by the mayor, before getting an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach. While they had won the game, he just knew that something had to be wrong. A cutscene had soon started as the group ran through the Dark Castle, while traversing the various stairs and hallways. Eventually, the group ran through the doors of the throne room. All the while confronting the Dark King, who had sit upon his throne with a scowl to match. Hearing the Justice King call out out to his brother had caused the blue unicorn's jaw to drop. "So...that's Mayor Black?" He asks slowly to himself, before seeing the defeated mayor surrender. As he saw Mayor Black take his leave, it looked as if everyone else was beginning to make their way over towards the treasure behind the throne room.

He wanted to make his way and join the others in collecting the spoils, but he just couldn't do it. Hearing the voice had confirmed his suspicions of what was truly going on. It was as if they had gained the Good Ending, after all, but was this really what they were looking for? Shaking his head, he pushed himself off of Thundy's back. He had gained enough strength to walk again, before finding his voice to reach out to Mayor Black and the others. "Hey! Wait a minute, you guys! Don't go after the treasure yet. The same goes for you too, Dark King, or should I say, Mayor Black. Please, come back. There's something that I want to ask that only you can answer. Where's the True Ending to this game?" If anyone were to ask what he was talking about, then he would surely explain his reasoning.

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

As the group got into the Dark King’s throne room, he was raring for a fight; however, as soon as they enter the throne room, the Dark King just...surrenders?? 
 

That was easy, a voice in Kronos’ head says.

 

Too easy, Kronos replied to himself through suspicious squinted eyes. 
 

He turned towards Dynamo, who seemed worn out, but also aware of his same exact suspicion. 
 

He knelt towards Dynamo and whispered, “This seems way too easy for Mayor Black to simply surrender like this. Something’s up, i can feel it in my gut.”

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

3 minutes ago, Kronos the Revenant said:

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

As the group got into the Dark King’s throne room, he was raring for a fight; however, as soon as they enter the throne room, the Dark King just...surrenders?? 
 

That was easy, a voice in Kronos’ head says.

 

Too easy, Kronos replied to himself through suspicious squinted eyes. 
 

He turned towards Dynamo, who seemed worn out, but also aware of his same exact suspicion. 
 

He knelt towards Dynamo and whispered, “This seems way too easy for Mayor Black to simply surrender like this. Something’s up, i can feel it in my gut.”

Dynamo's ears perked Kronos had knelt down to whisper towards him. Looking over towards the pony in the mech, the gaming unicorn could only nod. "I'm glad it's not just me when it came to that thought. The whispers of the game had been telling me that the treasure is one ending, but it's not the Good Ending the Justice King told us to accomplish. Although, I've been having this feeling ever since the Justice King told us about the Good and Bad Endings. So, I'm hoping Mayor Black can answer this question." He whispered back, while waiting to gain the Dark King's attention.

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Dynamo Pad

“Allow me, friend,” Kronos told Dynamo before turning towards the Dark King, aka, Mayor Black, “Hey, Dark King, this seems way too easy for it to be over. You’re withholding some information from us, aren’t you, Boss?”

Edited November 26, 2020 by Kronos the Revenant

[Samurai Equine 51,731]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Windy Breeze, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

In the Dark King's castle,
The Dark King stops where he is when Dynamo asks his question. "Huh? What do you mean? I don't know anything about a Good Ending." Mayor Black explains. "Yes, please, elaborate. Even I don't know anything more beyond seizing the treasure." Mayor White, the Justice King, says. They both seem clueless.

Trilby made it to the treasure, but stops in light of what is going on. Seems the standard ending doesn't trigger unless everyone is touching the treasure, but maybe there is another ending besides that?

[Dynamo Pad 11,350]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @PawelS @Windy Breeze @Kronos the Revenant @C. Thunder Dash

The Dark King's response, as well as the Justice King's was all Dynamo needed to know. "I knew it." He would say, before taking a step forward. "You see, that's the thing. I'm a pony who loves to play video games. There are certain games I've played that have moments where you have to make a decision. That decision may affect the game in multiple ways, while leading up towards a certain ending. Sometimes it's a Good ending, while other times, it's a Bad ending. However, if you meet all certain criteria when completing the game, then you unlock the True Ending. When the Justice King had told us about how the endings will affect Friendshire, I just knew something was wrong. Even if we got the Treasure and get this possible Good ending, then is it really benefiting Friendshire as a whole?" He asks, shaking his head to further add to his point.

"I don't think the point of completing this game was all about collecting some treasure. I mean, were we supposed to take the treasure with us back to the Justice King's castle? Either that, or do we get the treasure after being allowed back to Friendshire?" He asks, before thinking about what the true meaning behind the game. Two castles and two kings. That's when Dynamo realized that this game was a sort of version of the real world. With a nod, Dynamo took a deep breath and sighed. He was nervous giving a speech as he wasn't much of a public speech, but Trilby and Elusive had given him the drive to try and be a leader. "I think I know what the True ending is meant to be. That ending has to do with you both, the two kings." He started, pointing to both the Justice and Dark King. "We had to fight all these bosses, traverse many obstacles and face many challenges. In the end, we finally reached the goal and both Kings are in the same presence. However, this game reminds me just as much as the real world in Friendshire. Don't you see? Both of you are at odds with each other when you should really find peace within each other and work together." He shook slightly as he was nervous, but he took a deep breath and sighed to try and calm his nerves.

"Look. I'm not the best with giving a speech, but I do know one thing. It's not good to go against family or even friendship. I don't truly know what happened between the two of you to drive a wedge between your relationship with one another. Going through this game helped me to realize that maybe we had to reach the Dark King in order to break through, in a way. Growing up, I never really knew what friendship was, until I was able to come to Friendshire. It was there that I met so many good friends that I've really come to appreciate in my life. I've lost a few things in my life that I can never get back." Remembering the flashback from before the game code had caused Dynamo's eyes to well up with tears. Shaking his head, he tried to hold back from letting his tears fall. "Seeing this animosity towards you two kings, you two brothers is not right. It's like I said before, I don't truly know what happened between you two to make you both this way. If you said something bad to one another and something happened, then you wouldn't be able to take that back. So, it's not good to live with any regrets. However, I know that deep down in both of you, there's still the care and love that you share as brothers. No family is ever perfect and there will be differences or issues. Even so, the friendship is still there and whether you both want to admit it or not, I have a feeling that you both miss and care for each other. I hate to see a family suffer through bickering and I hate to see a possible good friendship to end. Friendship isn't always easy, but it's no doubt worth fighting for, in the end. I know it's asking for a lot, but is it possible that you both can learn to settle your differences and become friends and maybe a family again?" He knew it was a stretch to ask them this, but he wanted to try. Samurai would have thought and felt the same exact way as he was feeling. 

Edited November 26, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Samurai Equine 51,731]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Windy Breeze, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

In the Dark King's castle,
Dynamo's words seem to resonate with the two kings. "Become family again?" The Dark King asks. "...I admit, I was only focused on getting out of the game. I dared not dream of such a possibility, but if it's possible..." The Justice King looks towards his estranged brother.

FROM TWO CASTLE'S OPENING NARRATION:
One upon a time, there were two kings who ruled the land together, until a treasure came between them and drove them to war. They split the land and ruled from two castles. Somewhere along the lines, they lost sight of what was truly important. Can you claim the treasure for yourself and settle this war?

It seems in this game, there was a treasure to be claimed, but not the one you can count. Rather, the true treasure was...

Family.

The Justice King draws his only weapon, a royal broad sword, and tosses is to the ground. A gesture of mutual surrender. "You would give up so easily? But what about my treasure? It's right here, free for the taking!" The Dark King says. "No, brother. I don't care about some treasure; I never did. All I've ever wanted... was to reconnect with you. Isn't it true, Black? Isn't there hope we can be family again?" The Justice King says, offering his open hoof. "Brother... You would give it all up, including the treasure, for the chance to be family once more?" The Dark King said no more. He speechless.

...But not actionless. He moves slowly forward. So does his brother. Until finally, they both reach out, and connect hooves. As they do, they share a smile. They are family once more.

GAME CLEAR: PERFECT ENDING!

And so, the video game's digital world washes away. Everyone is returned back to the arcade, back to the real world. They are no longer video game characters, so they are back in their original clothes and everything. The treasure from the game goes with them as well, turning into the magic quartz that the town's excavation team unearthed earlier this morning! Dynamo might remember Final Premonition mentioning something about being interested in magical quartz's, didn't he? The remaining crowd that has been waiting at the arcade gasps and clamors at their return. And the two mayors, just like in the game, stand united hoof in hoof with content smiles on their faces.

The glow from the VR machine, the one that started all this, is dying down. But as it dies down, it speaks. This time, everyone can hear it, not just Dynamo. "Sometimes the friends and family we make along the way are the true treasure. We hope you remember this. We won't ever haunt you like this again... But you barely saw half of what's available in the game. So if you ever want to play the video game that has it all, feel free to revisit Two Castles. But from now on, it'll just be a normal video game. Promise." That is the last message of the curse that gave a video game life before is disappears completely. All has been returned to normal.

...Oh, and while it feels like it's been a lifetime in the video game, not much time has passed out in the real world. Only a few minutes at best!

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

Kronos felt like he was about to fall as he staggered in his armor back into the real world. 
 

“Huh, that was...enlightening,” Kronos said to himself, “Right guys?”

 

Kaiser is missing, his voices tell him.

 

Wait, Kronos replied in a panic, You mean to tell me that Kaiser, the most dangerous and destructive warlord of Ragnarok that possessed me, is no longer with you guys!?

 

We dont know what happened, they reply, One minute he was here, next thing we know, when we come to in the real world, he’s not with us anymore. 
 

This cannot be good, Kronos replied, What are the chances that he can possess another body here?

 

As long as their heart thirsts for more power, they explain, Kaiser is able to tap into their desperation and use them as a vessel as we all did with you, granting them tremendous strength and willpower that can rival all of us. 
 

Wait, what!?

 

That’s right, you may be a near unstoppable killing machine with Krux, the Devourer, but Kaiser the Conqueror is what gave you your willpower to keep fighting against unstoppable odds. 
 

How did he escape!?

 

Your willful surrender to what he otherwise saw as inferior warriors. Because you surrendered, Kaiser saw you as worthy of being his vessel no longer. He will search for a new vessel, though considering the culture and the massive amounts of citizens, any one of them could become worthy vessels for Kaiser. We have to keep a lookout for his influence on any of these ponies. He could be possessing any of them. 
 

The only way to find that out is a trial by combat, Kronos reminded his spirits, But i cant just challenge random citizens to a fight to draw him out, we’ll lose our credibility as soldiers. 
 

If I recall correctly, one spirit chimed in, There is what appears to be an arena of sorts, and according to the towns festivities, a fighting tournament is planned for the future. We could draw out Kaiser there. In the meantime, we must remain vigilant. 

Edited November 26, 2020 by Kronos the Revenant