open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[ExplosionMare 18,067]

@Dynamo Pad @Windy Breeze @C. Thunder Dash @Toshigami Equine @PawelS

Pencil’s mouth hung open in shock. After learning of how Finn’s meal really spilled, she was heartbroken. She could not believe that someone, an adult especially, would want to bully a foal that way.

“I can’t believe that mare over there did that! Here this whole time I thought it was an accident, but clearly it wasn’t!” she exclaimed, stomping a hoof on the ground.

Much to her relief, Chelsea went over to the mare to settle the issue. She wasn’t going to let anyone get away with such behavior. However, before she could even talk with the mare, the mare vanished. She claimed she was heading towards the restroom, but after hearing what the others were saying, she most likely had escaped. Pencil let out a low snort in frustration.

The others wanted to track her down with magic, which seemed like a bit of an overreaching plan to Pencil. Her magic may be good, but it definitely didn’t have any tracking abilities. Turing towards Dynamo who had initiated the conversation, she announced,

“I don’t have any sort of tracking magic. If I did, I’d be using it right now. If anyone needs any tools made, though, I can try and make some. We would have to go somewhere else though cause I can’t just use materials from a public property,”

Speaking of going to other places, Dynamo had also suggested hanging out somewhere. As long as nopony was thrown into another dimension, she was fine with wherever the group went. It would be also nice to just relax and explore the town a bit.

“I’d love to hang out with you guys again! I’m fine with just exploring if everyone else is. Let’s just make sure we don’t get sucked into another dimension again, heh,” she exclaimed. She then looked down to Finn who looked eager to join in the activities. She smiled at him and said,

“You’re welcome to join too, Finn!”

Edited December 24, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Spacing again

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @PawelS

"Dynamo, we could meet up with the others later, maybe? Are you ready for magic lessons?" Thundy asked as he waited for Dynamo. 

"I may go to the arcade again, right after I take care of something personal." Chelsea stated as the water version of Pencil sat on the real Pencil, looking at her. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo nodded as he was now up to speed on what had happened. "I can't believe it either. I guess whoever that mare was, she was after something. The question is why she did it and what she was after. I guess the answer isn't as simple at the moment, but I guess we'll maybe learn in time." He would say, wincing slightly from Pencil stomping her hoof upon the ground. He nodded as he was glad to know he wasn't alone on the lack of magic tracking. However, he raised an eyebrow in surprise at the mention of making tools. "You can make tools, Pencil? I remember you said you're an artist, but I didn't know you could make tools too. That's pretty impressive if you ask me." He says, smiling as Pencil was up to exploring, as well. "That's good to know. As the old saying goes, the more, the merrier." He would say, chuckling at the purple mare's last comment. "I would like to say no promises, but I don't think that will be the case on getting dragged into another dimension." He says, continuing his fit of chuckles.

Upon hearing Thundy's remark on meeting up with the others, he could only frown with a slight pout. "Aww. Here I thought they could watch and see what the belt can do. After showing everyone, I can imagine they're all curious about said belt too. Plus, the belt could be a part of the magic lesson." He explained, hoping the others would still be up to joining.

[Silly Druid 7,090]

"Well, I met her before, and she seemed like a nice pony, she even gave us ice cream, and now this..." Tree Song frowns.

"I think it's better if you stay with them, as there is a chance that something will happen to Shadow and Trilby. Of course it would be rude to stalk them on their date, but if you're in another part of the town, you have a chance of finding out about something that I won't." Tree nods, accepting her teacher's idea.

Nopony didn't eat one of his hayburgers, but there is no time for it now, so he offers it to Tree, who gladly accepts it, as she doesn't feel satiated with the pancakes.

Since none of the members of the group still present at the restaurant seems to know where Sundae Delight lives, the druid says goodbye to them, leaves the building and starts asking random ponies on the street about the location of her house.

 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @PawelS

“Okay. Let’s see who wants to join.” Thundy said. “I have to take care of something, then I may go hang at the arcade again. Pencil, wanna join me at the arcade after I take care of my one thing?” Chelsea asked. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo frowned as he heard Tree Song mention about meeting the mare. At first glance, it sounded like the mare was sort of nice. However, he couldn't assume given what had just happened. Perhaps there was an explanation, but he had nothing to go off of. Hearing Nopony's response of finding out something, the blue unicorn could only nod in response. Even though he wouldn't spy on Trilby or Shadow, he knew trying to gain information was possibly vital. "If we hear anything, then we'll be sure to let you know as soon as possible." He says, waving goodbye to Nopony as he took his exit. "I guess we'll be keeping an eye out for any information, while we all have our hangout, huh?" He asks, turning to Tree Song to make sure if that was the plan. Dynamo turned towards Thundy with a smile. It seemed he was convinced of having the other's join in on the demonstration of the gamer belt. "That's the spirit." He says, before tilting his head in curiosity to Chelsea's response. "Is everything okay, Chelsea?" He asks, while nodding at the mention of the arcade. "I wouldn't mind heading towards the arcade afterwards. It'll give us all a chance to unwind and enjoy some games. Just so long as we don't go anywhere near the VR helmets. I still have to make sure that the helmets are safe to use. Wouldn't want us to go through that repeat performance like yesterday." 

[ExplosionMare 18,067]

@Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

Real Pencil smiled as water Pencil sat on top of her. Real Pencil wanted to pet water Pencil but was afraid of startling her. Instead, she gave her a small wave before she turned her attention back to the group. Her scalp itched and she almost scratched it until she realized that was a terrible idea.

She blushed when Dynamo complimented her magical skills. She never considered it to be an impressive skill before, just something she learned how to do.

“Thanks, Dynamo. I don’t really do it a lot, but it’s useful if a pencil breaks or something,” she responded. “I-if you wanna see that sometime, I’d be happy to demonstrate! It’s best to go outside since I can use anything I want from nature,”

Chelsea, Thundy, and Dynamo were planning to leave, although not all together. Thundy really wanted Dynamo to practice magic with him while Chelsea wanted to go do something alone for a while. Pencil hoped that whatever it was, it wouldn’t be too dangerous. Chelsea had asked Pencil afterwards if Pencil wanted to return to the arcade with her, to which she happily replied,

“Sure, I’d love to go back!” She was about to say more, but she couldn’t help but notice how giggly Dynamo had become. She couldn’t figure out what was so funny to him all of a sudden.

“What’s so funny over there, Dynamo?” she asked, putting a hoof over her quickly expanding grin.

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

"You're welcome, Pencil. I guess with have possibly spare pencils and such for drawing, then using nature for your drawings doesn't seem necessary. Still, it's a good skill to have in the off chance you forgot your tools or your drawing tool broke." He says, nodding at the mention of seeing a demonstration sometime. "I'd like to see that, if that's okay. Maybe you can show us when Thundy has us head over to where the magic training will take place. I can imagine there would be plenty of nature to show an example of your abilities." He blushed slightly with a sheepish grin as Pencil had called him out on his laughter. "Sorry about that." He chuckled once more before continuing. "I guess it's funny how Finn has been acting. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. Far from it, actually. The way he's acting almost reminds me as if Pastel is with us. I can imagine she would be pretty good friends with Finn."

[ExplosionMare 18,067]

@Dynamo Pad

“Aah, I see,” Pencil said as she nodded. Though she didn’t interact with Finn as much as the others, she could see the similarities between him and Pastel. They both had a lot of energy and enthusiasm and were eager for adventure. Speaking of Pastel, Pencil had not seen her since the VR experience.

“Hey, where is Pastel, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m just wondering cause I haven’t seen her since the game world,” she asked with a look of concern on her face.

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare

"Eeyup." Dynamo responded, before blinking at the mention of Pastel's whereabouts. He wondered if she was up and about, or if she was at the arcade like he had wrote to her. "I think she might be at the arcade. I remember I left early in the morning to meet up with you guys. So, I left a note telling her that I'd meet up with her later. If not, then to meet up at the arcade later in the day. I just hope that she's okay." He says, adopting the same look of concern as Pencil's. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare

The water version of Pencil scampered down from the real Pencil's head and stopped at her shoulder. She sat there. 

"You can join us if you want Pencil. Perhaps you could learn how to enhance those art spells of yours. What do you think Dynamo? I think so." Thundy stated as he waited for Dynamo to be ready to go. 

[Samurai Equine 52,056]

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS

Finn feels like a king! Not just because he is perched on Thundy's head, but because everyone is being so nice to him and welcoming him into the group. "Yay! Hanging out! Arcade, magic, science, art, thunder-squad go!" He says, holding out a hoof as if pointing the way. Kind of amazing how NO ONE has asked why he wants to hang out with Thundy, Dynamo, and the rest instead of going home. Not that there's anything wrong with Finn being around, but you'd think a young kid like that would have other things to do or other ponies to be spending time with.

But then something catches his attention. Something Dynamo said. "...Pastel? Who is Pastel?" He tilts his head.

@Windy Breeze

Trilby nods. "Well, that's good. I am glad I could find time for just us." Then Shadow talks about the situation with Finn's food. "...That was Finn?! I thought that was happening at a different table! ...Well, I am sure he'll be okay. He's with Dynamo, Thundy, Pencil, and the rest. They are all a caring bunch. As long as he sticks by them, he'll be just fine." Trilby says with a nod. "So do you want to start our date now, or wait til later like in the afternoon or evening? If you need time to prepare, I'd understand. But if now works for you, I've got a list of places we could go!" Trilby says, excitedly.

A cold breeze floats through the air. No snow scheduled today, but it almost feels like winter. Trilby shivers and fluffs his dress shirt a little. Hopefully Hearth's Warming will be great this year.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Toshigami Equine

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Toshigami Equine @Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare

"And if the three of us go all together, Pencil could not only spectate but also watch over Finn. We certainly can't have him get in the way of the spells we cast." Thundy stated. 

"Anway, I gotta head out. I'll catch you guys later." Chelsea said as she morphed into her puddle form and headed for the Mayors' house without anyone seeing her. Once she arrived, she sighed with relief and knocked on the door. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Toshigami Equine

“There's no need for us to go formal, I think we should start now” Shadow decided, “but how about your business? Surely, you have a daily costumer going to your parlor to browse for hats?”

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

Upon the mention of Pencil joining in learning, Dynamo nodded without question. "I think that would be pretty cool. It could give everyone a chance to bounce ideas off of one another. Either that, or gives everyone a chance to practice spells together. Along with Finn being able to test out his explorer's belt." He explained, finishing up his breakfast as he gathered up his trash and tray. "Hmm...the AAMST. A pretty short and catchy acronym for the squad name." He chuckled, while taking note of Finn, who was naming the group and leading the way. Placing his tray on a nearby trash bin, the blue unicorn threw the empty wrappers into the push open part of the bin. Effectively disposing of the trash he had before. Just as he was ready to head off with the group, Dynamo blinked as Finn had asked about Pastel. "Oh, Pastel-chan? She's someone that I had met when I was making my way towards town. She's a filly and about your age too. She's a good friend and shares the same enthusiasm as you, Finn. It's why I could see some similarities between the two of you."

Dynamo nodded as he heard Thundy's remark on watching over Finn. "That's true, but we can all watch him. No need to have one person keep watch over Finn. Granted, he seems careful of watching after himself, but still better to have supervision. Especially if he tries to use the explorer's belt." He noted, nodding once more as Chelsea made her exit in her puddle form. "See you later, Chelsea." He called out to her, but not loud enough to disturb anyone in the McDaffodil's building. "So, is everyone all set and ready to go? It sounds like we have a lot of plans to do today." He says, looking back towards the others still in the group.

[ExplosionMare 18,067]

@Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

Pencil frowned when Thundy immediately put her on foalsitting duty. It wasn’t that she hated it or anything, but it just seemed like she didn’t have a choice in the matter. Luckily, Dynamo volunteered to share the responsibility and claimed it was everyone’s job to keep Finn safe during magic practice. Pencil perked up a bit, her tail softly swishing back and forth.

As she readied herself to leave, she saw the Chelsea decided to exit in her puddle form again. Pencil shuddered, still a bit uneasy about the transformation. Amazingly, though, the water didn’t manage to soak the floor, so that was neat at least. No longer interested in the Chelsea puddle, Pencil stood by Dynamo and waited for him and the others to walk towards the door.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine

"Well the only thing I warned him about was the grappling hook. We'll be outside so if Finn does try the grappling hook, there will be space. As long as he doesn't get himself stuck in a high tree it should be fine. Last time I checked, the grappling hook release was on its lowest setting." Thundy stated waiting for the others to be ready to go. The water version of Pencil climbed up the real Pencil, and perched herself on the real pencil's muzzle. 

[Samurai Equine 52,056]

@Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS

Finn thinks about what Dynamo said. "Hmm... Pastel... Maybe I am suppose to meet her?" Finn says quietly to himself, contemplating. Dynamo might not have heard that, but since he's perched on Thundy's head, then Thundy probably heard him easily.

Speaking of, Thundy said something interesting. Hopping off his head and heading back down to the ground, Finn inspects the belt. "A real grappling hook? How many things does the belt have?!" He starts to look at everything it offers. He doesn't mind following them all on hoof.

@Windy Breeze

Hearing that from Shadow makes his eyes light up with possibility. "Well in that case, the whole town is our oyster! The town's Aquarium recently opened up; I hear it's huge. There's the Equestrian History Museum, if you're into something educational. There's an outdoor theater we can go it, if you want to see a movie. If you want something more physical, there's the Silver Wing Athletic Center; it has stuff like foam pits, trampoline centers, rock wall climbing, and other activities. There's the town's Wilderness Center, if you like to go on outdoor nature walks. There's the Jazz Club, which-- Actually, nevermind that one. I'm saving that for last, because I've got something special planned." Trilby thinks some more. "Hmm... We were at the Arcade yesterday. But I might know a pony that owns hot air balloons, if that interests you. ... So what do you think, Shadow? Any of these interest you? It's ladies choice."

@C. Thunder Dash

Chelsea had been given a set of instructions to follow on how to get to Mayor White's office.

The directions at first seem to lead her to the town's Equestrian History Museum, but upon further examination, the instructions actually tell her to go to building's back door. It's practically a secret entrance. The door leads to a very sterile-looking, very plain hallway with many numbered doors. Thankfully, Chelsea's instructions tell her which door is the correct one. And once she steps into the correct door, she sees a room that looks like a mix between an office space, and a medical chamber. There are desks and book cases made of rich mahogany, paper work, and some office ponies in suits strung about doing office work. They pay her no mind as she enters. At very the back of the room is a plastic, transparent medical tent. Inside the tent is a nurse and a very sick Mayor White laying in his bed. He is hooked up to an oxygen mask and other various pieces of medical equipment. Now that they are not in a game together, she can clearly see that he is a white and grey pony, anorexic, losing hair, and clearly not in the right level of health necessary to run a town.

When Chelsea approaches the medical tent, the nurse exits and greets her. "Mayor White Addenbrooks is very fragile. Try to keep your visit short and to the point; he tires easy and needs plenty of rest; though he often tries to act healthier than he is. I'll be on standby." The nurse explains the situation before opening the tent curtain to let her in.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Toshigami Equine

"Welll it's got binoculars, water canteen, pick axe, a little extentable shovel, a remote umbrella and some other stuff." Thundy stated to Finn. 

Meanwhile Chelsea slowly made her way into Mayor White's office. "Mayor...White?" She asked softly, staying calm, hoping this was a quick piece of business for the fragile Mayor's sake. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @Ragland Tiger @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

As he started making his way out the door, Dynamo took note of Thundy's remark on the grappling hook. All the while, Pencil, who was next to the blue unicorn. "I can only imagine how much distance the grappling hook has. I can imagine it's the same as in most adventure films. At least we'll have space for him to practice with the hook. We wouldn't want any damage to homes or broken windows and such." He says, nodding in understanding at the mention of being stuck in a high place. "If that happens, then we'll figure out a way to get Finn down. That, or maybe we can try to levitate him down, or you can help him down. Considering you have wings and can fly." He would say, raising an eyebrow at the mention of a grappling hook setting. "Oh? How high of a setting are we talking about? I'm only guessing that it has to do with the range, distance and accuracy?" He asks, his ears perking slightly. He thought he had heard Pastel's name being spoken, but he must have imagined it. "It sounds like the explorer's belt has the whole enchilada. That basically covers everything in regards to what you need on an adventure/expedition. Although, a remote umbrella? Would that be for in case of rain, or some other kind of use?" He asks, while Thundy listed off everything in regards to the belt.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine

"The highest setting is used for scaling mountains. The lowest setting allows you to throw it like a lasso. With assist on, when you release it from your grip, it flies to the nearest object using a sensor. WIth assist off, it just goes in the direction you throw it. The higher the settings, the less control you have." Thundy explained as he remembered the way back to the large field, taking the lead. 

[Silly Druid 7,090]

Tree Song agrees to go to the arcade with the rest of the group. She doesn't really need to play more video games after what happened yesterday, but she likes her new friends and wants to keep them company.

Meanwhile, after finding out about its location from the citizens of Friendshire, Nopony cautiously approaches Sundae's house. Even if she's not here, maybe I can find some clues. But I shouldn't just knock on the door, it's better to be more sneaky... he thinks and decides to walk around the house, searching for anything out of the ordinary that could be seen from outside, and perhaps an opportunity to look through a window.

Edited December 27, 2020 by PawelS

[Dynamo Pad 11,384]

@ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine @Ragland Tiger @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash

“Oh, I see. So, basically the grappling hook can act as multiple things. Either as an a grappling tool, or as a sort of combat weapon. Considering with everything you had just mentioned with the different settings.” Dynamo responded, while taking note of Thundy’s explanation. “I guess saying the grappling hook being a weapon is a bit far fetched. That, or it’s probably not the case, but still. Can one still gain better control with time if you use the higher settings?” He asks, following Thundy as they headed back towards the large field.

[ExplosionMare 18,067]

@Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

As Pencil traversed with Dynamo and Thundy towards the large field, her vision was momentarily clouded by a watery substance. She rubbed her eyes to clear her vision, but when she opened them back up, her vision was the same. She scrunched her muzzle up in frustration, which made it ticklish. It felt like something was on her muzzle, so she tentatively put a hoof to it.

“Oh!” Pencil gasped. The thing on her muzzle was only water Pencil. Thank goodness she decided to be careful, otherwise poor water Pencil would have been knocked to the ground. Letting out a soft giggle, real Pencil took water Pencil in her magic and placed her on her shoulder where her vision wouldn’t be obstructed.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

If Nopony were to try to get some clues from the second floor, too bad for him all curtains concealed anything inside, only one's from the first floor are folded to reveal the living room, which has a chimney, a carpet, a sofa, table, and a rectangular family portrait of Sundae's family, the staircase leading to the second floor can also be seen. If he were to knock at the front door, he will be answered by a maid, he seemed to be genuinely happy with her job.

As for Sundae, she is still snuggling comfortably on her bed, oblivious to what happened at Mcdoffil's.

@Toshigami Equine

So many options to choose from, all are good, all sounds fun to be in. Going to the Friendshire Aquarium will give her beautiful views of fishes, then there's the history museum, which may sound the most boring of all choices but she could gain knowledge even just reading a single page, An outdoor theater if she wanted to such some movie, the atheltic center where she could work on her flying abilites, Wildernesss Center if she want to go on a leisure walk through nature, and the jazz club. She did not want to enjoy herself, she wanted Trilby to have fun too, so she made a decision, even though she wanted to go to the athletic center.

“Let's watch a movie” she said.