open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Ragland Tiger 3,406]

@C. Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad

Bluebell felt herself being caught, and landing much more softly on the ground than she had expected.  She was hyperventilating. "O-o-o-oh my-oh my-oh my-oh my gosh! D-d-d-did I-I-I-I hit the b-b-b-bullseye?  D-did I hi-hit-hit the bullseye?"  She then heard a groan from behind her.  "D-Dynamo?"  She turned her head and saw Dynamo holding her tightly. "Aw D-d-Dynamo!"

Edited January 23, 2021 by Ragland Tiger

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo groaned slightly as he landed on the ground, but he wasn't hurt for the most part. What really mattered was how Bluebell was. Opening his eyes, he noticed that the steam cloud didn't wash over him or Bluebell. Looking over to see what had happened, he saw that Thundy had used a wind blast. Effectively causing the cloud of steam to be blown away. "Not bad! Thanks for the save, Thundy! Same on the netting, Chelsea!" He grinned at the griffons, before turning his attention over towards the bespectacled mare. Looking her over, he sighed in relief as it seemed that she wasn't hurt. He blinked suddenly as she called his name. "Hey, Bluebell." He would say, before blushing as he heard her remark. He was worried that he had made her feel uncomfortable, but it didn't seem to be the case. "Are you okay, Belle? You're not hurt or anything, right?" He asks with a look of concern on his face. He slowly sat them both up, while still having his arms wrapped around her shoulders.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

The target showed that the shot was off the bullseye by a little. "You were off by just a little. Here, I think I know something that could really help with that stability of yours. You can create artificial gravity for yourself so that way you won't be knocked back by the recoil." Thundy stated as he waited for the two to get up. “Here, I’ll do it for you this time.” He added. 

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Hearing Thundy's comment, Dynamo looked over to see the blast was very close to the bullseye. He let out a whistle as he was astonished, yet amazed. "Even though she was close, that was still pretty impressive. Not bad, Bluebell." He says, getting back up to his hooves, before offering a fore-hoof for her to take. Once he helped the bespectacled mare to her hooves, Dynamo looked over to Thundy, who had offered to help. "Artificial gravity? Is that a spell that can be made, or is it from something else? He asks, tilting his head in confusion as to what the griffon was trying to do.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

On 1/19/2021 at 5:41 PM, Samurai Equine said:

"My turn to pick, huh?" Trilby thinks about it. "Hmm... Well I do know this one hibachi grill restaurant. It's this very fun place where the chef makes the food in front of you with a big grill! They always put on a show too. Sometimes they juggle the cooking utensils, sometimes the flames shoot up in front of you, so fun to watch! What do you say?" Trilby offers.

The restaurant Trilby suggested was very interesting to Shadow, something worthy of being taken pictures of. She lifted her camera with her wing and smiled excitedly “Sure!”

[Samurai Equine 51,817]

@ExplosionMare, @PawelS

"Oh no, you misunderstand, I... Well, actually, you might not have to save up for you own museum. Friendshire has an art museum, but we've been hemorrhaging artists. Especially because the museum doesn't have a curator. Since you seem to be an artist, would you be interested?" Elusive Facts asks Pencil.

@Windy Breeze

Trilby smiles and leads the way.

A few minutes later, they are at the restaurant. There's a very small line, so they are able to get seats near a grill in no time. "Samurai Equine use to recommend this place. He didn't care for the show they put on, but the food is good." Trilby says as they get their menu's.

As Trilby looks at the various things to order, getting curious about things like the vegetable tempura or the hay sushi rolls, he hears something. He turns around in his seat and sees kids playing with toys in the restaurant, running around unattended. "Come on, it's my turn to be Nightmare Moon~! You always get to be Nightmare Moon." One of the kid says, referring to the other one with a doll of Nightmare Moon. Trilby is about to shoo them off, but they run away on their own. "Sorry about that, Shadow. Normally ponies don't bring their kids to restaurants like this." Trilby says, hoping Shadow didn't see or hear any of that.

@Ragland Tiger, @Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash

Little did they know, someone is about to approach Dynamo, Thundy, Chelsea, and Bluebell. They might not know who it is, but the sound of a commotion is drawing closer.

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

@Samurai Equine

Pencil stared at Elusive wide-eyed.

“Y-you want my art to be featured in Friendshire?” she sputtered. “Y-yeah, uh, yes, I’d definitely be interested! I actually have a few things to submit back at home I can show you!”

What was originally shock had turned into excitement. Pencil felt as if she was buzzing head-to-hoof with electricity. She made sure to keep her distance in case that somehow would have a bad effect on water Pencil. A large grin formed on Pencil’s face and her tail began to wag as it did when she was feeling really good. She couldn’t believe such an amazing opportunity had presented itself to her.

I wonder what my current commissioner would think of this she idly thought, although, in truth, the answer didn’t really matter.

[Ragland Tiger 3,406]

 

@C. Thunder Dash@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare

"I'm go-going to-to-to do th-th-this, y-yet," said Bluebell.  She stepped up and took her stance again.   "R-r-ready, Thundy." She felt the extra weight on her hooves. it was a challenge to stay standing up, but, like the Apple - Loosa pony she was, she used her physical strength to keep from collapsing.  She slowly and carefully aimed at the water target,  and then -- fired.

Spoiler

 

She felt her hooves slide back a few inches, but they didn't leave the ground.  She quickly got down and covered her head to avoid the steamy blow-back from the target.  "D-d-did I hi-hit it?" After a brief moment, she started to raise her head, and slowly open her eyes.  What she saw made her so happy,  she  started to cry.  "I-I-I did it! I did-did it!"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Ragland Tiger @Dynamo Pad

Thundy had planted the spell. He braced and watched as  Bluebelle fired. The target exploded and there was nothing but a few shards left. “Wow! Bluebelle! You did it!” He said happily. “Way to go Bluebelle!”  Chelsea cheered hugging Bluebelle lovingly. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo watched as Bluebell took her stance for another spell. He looked on as he thought he could feel an extra bit of weight being placed on him. He wondered if this was the gravity spell that Thundy had mentioned. "Come on, Belle. You can do this. I know it." He muttered softly, but it was enough for the others to hear. His ears fell slightly from the sudden loud noise of the spell, but he made sure to keep watch. He held his breath as Bluebell slid back from the spell being fired, but he was thankful as she managed to hold her ground. Looking over as he heard her question, he turned to see the target had exploded on impact. His jaw dropped in surprise, before he suddenly grinned at her success. "Alright! She did it!" He cheered, before wanting to make his way over to congratulate her. It was a bit difficult to walk due to the gravity. He stopped as his grin faded slightly as Chelsea had beaten him to it. He was still happy for Bluebell, but he wished he could have given her a hug. He managed to rub the back of his neck with his hoof as he didn't know why he was feeling the way he was. Was he jealous, or was it something else?

[Ragland Tiger 3,406]

@Dynamo Pad

Bluebell caught sight of Dynamo. and walked over to him.  "H-h-hey," she said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm-I'm s-s-s-sorry I didn't-didn't say it be-be-before, but, th-th-thank you for re-re-rescuing me." She then leaned over, and gently kissed him on the lips, and then gave him a warm hug.

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger

Dynamo's ears perked as his eyes blinked from someone touching his shoulder. He looked over to see that it was Bluebell, who had placed her hoof upon his shoulder. Hearing her apology caused the gaming unicorn to shake his head with a smile. "What do you mean? You don't have to apologize. It was no trouble really." He was going to continue, but stopped as he saw Bluebell leaning over. Since the gravity was still up, he didn't have time to react as he felt her kiss upon his lips. His face blushed up a storm as he didn't expect that from the bespectacled mare. He stood frozen as if he was a statue as he tried to process everything that was happening. His eyes widened in shock, before he was brought back to reality from Bluebell, who had given him a hug. He couldn't explain it, but it was same sensation as when they were on the roller coaster. Her hug had felt surprisingly warm even in the cold weather. Not wanting to leave her hanging, Dynamo returned the hug without a second thought. "Y-You're welcome, Bluebell. I mean, I couldn't let a b-beautiful mare like you to fall and get hurt." He managed to stutter out due to the shock of before. He wasn't sure if he was being too forward or not, but he wouldn't lie to her. Pulling back from the hug, he took notice of the tears, before using his front hooves to help wipe the tears away. "You were amazing out there. I knew you could do it, Belle." He says with a soft and kind smile upon his face. The blush faded, but a slight blush still remained on his cheeks.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Ragland Tiger @Dynamo Pad

Thundy noticed Dynamo’s expression and so did Chelsea. “I think you’re really starting to have feelings for Bluebelle...” Chelsea stated, sensing the strong connection between the two. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,406]

@Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad

Bluebell's ears perked up and started turning from side to side.   "D-d-do you guys hear-hear s-s-something?  It-it seems to be c-coming from ov-over there," she said, pointing across the field.  "I-I-I h-hope it doesn't-doesn't involve t-torches and p-p-pitchforks."

Edited January 26, 2021 by Ragland Tiger

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo's ears quickly perked as he heard Chelsea's statement. He looked over towards the two griffon, while his jaw dropped. The blush on his cheeks coming back full force. He wasn't mad, but more shocked at the claim. Was it true? Was he having feelings for Bluebell? He had to admit that he enjoyed her company. He wasn't sure if it was the hugs or something else, but it seemed the interactions they had were different than the interactions she had with the others. Did it mean that she liked him as more than a friend? He wasn't sure, but he also wasn't sure if he should ask her. "I-I..." He tried to say, but his words got caught in his throat. He was saved by Bluebell, who had mentioned about hearing something. Seeing her looking around had caused the gaming unicorn to look around with her. "Huh? I-I don't exactly hear anything." He would say, before looking over towards the field that Bluebell was pointing towards. He closed his eyes to concentrate, before his ears twitched at the noise. "She's right. I think I'm starting to hear something too. What that is? I can't say for certain." He would say, opening his eyes as he looked over towards the two griffons. "What do you think, Chelsea? Thundy? Do you have any thoughts?" He asks, looking back at Bluebell as he placed a comforting hoof upon her shoulders. "Don't worry and it'll be okay, Bluebell. Whatever it is, we'll face it all together. Everything will be okay. I promise." While he was nervous, he had to realize that he wasn't alone. He still hoped that everything was okay and that there wasn't any sort of trouble. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

Thundy’s ear twitched as he heard the noise. Chelsea sensed it. “I sense something...” Chelsea getting into a defensive pose. Thundy summoned twin destructo-disks in case this was an enemy. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Seeing the two griffons get into a defensive stance caused Dynamo's eyes to shrink slightly. Without a second thought, the gaming unicorn placed the Gamer Driver upon his waist.

GAMER DRIVER

He held out a hoof as his horn glowed with magic. He closed his eyes to concentrate in order to call upon a cartridge. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he knew he was going for the keyblade. Just in case he had to fight and defend himself, as well as the others. Try as he might, he was unable to call upon the keyblade Gashat. He was too drained of energy to summon the gadget. Let alone summon the weapon in the first place. Taking a deep breath and sighing, the gaming unicorn opened his eyes as he knew the Driver wouldn't help him this time. Pulling away from the hug, Dynamo made sure to get in front of Bluebell. "Don't worry, Bell. In case anything happens, then I've got your back." He looked back to her and gave her a small smile. Almost as if making a promise that she would be okay. Based on her training, it looked like she was able to look after and take care of herself. However, he still wanted to back her up, as well as the others as best as he could.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad

"Remember Dynamo, stay focused and manage your energy. So far we've concluded that the keyblade takes up the most energy, so regulate your attacks, and don't always go for the all-out." Thundy advised still holding his twin destruto-disks. 

[Samurai Equine 51,817]

@ExplosionMare, @PawelS

Well, this is going to be an interesting turn of events. "In that case, please follow me! I promise, it won't be a long walk at all." Elusive Facts states and leads the way. Indeed, the art museum isn't too far. While the building is nice and big enough, you might almost miss it. There's not a lot of advertisements, and very few signs pointing it out as the art museum.

@Ragland Tiger, @Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash

The sounds approach, closer and closer...

"Please, Mr. Mayor! I insist you should go back to bed!" The nurse says. "Nonsense! I feel just fine as I am, and I insist on reconnecting with my citizens! We've all ready surveyed a big portion of the town, we're bound to find them soon!" It's Mayor White! He's out of bed. He's using a single crutch to walk, but he's wearing a white suit to cover up his skinny body and his balding mane is neatly groomed. "...Oh! There they are! Chelsea! Thundy! Dynamo! Everyone!"

Edited January 26, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

Chelsea immediately recognized the voice and gasped. She was surprised that the Mayor himself was up and about considering that she had just healed him that very morning. Thundy had also put his defenses down, but was still in his SSJ2 power up form. He hoped the Mayor wouldn't see him as an enemy. He slowly walked towards the Mayor, which Chelsea slightly ahead of him. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,357]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash

"Easier said than done as I'm not able to summon the keyblade this time. However, you're right. I'll try to be careful and not try to launch magic for no reason." Dynamo responded, nodding as he took the griffon's words to heart. Since he only had gotten back some magic, he wouldn't be able to launch a variety of spells. The least he could do is to try his best with the magic he did have. As the sounds got closer and closer, Dynamo blinked as he heard the name 'mayor' being mentioned. Looking ahead of him, he noticed that it was Mayor White, as well as a nurse walking alongside him. The gaming unicorn was honestly surprised. The last time he had seen the mayor was during the time they had all gotten out of the arcade. He remembered how the two brothers had gotten into an argument. When it had seemed that the two of them were close to being friends again. He could see the mayor walking with a single crutch, while taking note of his balding mane. It seemed that Mayor Black was right about his brother's health, but he wasn't sure the cause for it. Was it due to old age, or was it something else?

At any rate, he got out of his defensive stance, while the glow of his horn had slowly faded. He gave Mayor White a smile with and a small wave of his hoof to greet him. "Good afternoon, Mayor White. It's good to see you. Although, why are you out here? Is everything okay? What about your health, sir?" He asks, seeing the two griffons making their way towards him. He was about to head over, before looking back and turning his attention over to Bluebell. "I guess it was a sort of false alarm, huh?" He asks, chuckling slightly as a way to try and defuse the tension/fear they went through earlier. "What do you say? Want to go see what the Mayor needs?" He asks, waiting patiently for Bluebell, before heading over towards the Mayor and nurse.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

Chelsea was the first one in front of the Mayor. "I...I wasn't really expecting you to come out today Mayor. I know I did that thing on you this morning...but I think you could've skipped out today..." Chelsea said softly, so only the Mayor could hear. 

Thundy was right behind Chelsea standing tall in his SSJ2 powered up form. 

[Samurai Equine 51,817]

@Ragland Tiger, @Dynamo Pad, @C. Thunder Dash

The mayor smiles wide. "Why Chelsea, it's because of you that I'm out here at all! Your healing season today has done wonders for my health. I feel absolutely cured!" The mayor declares. "MR. MAYOR!" The nurse says with a wide-eyed, angry frown. "...Well, heh, maybe cured isn't the best word for it. I am a little winded, and I need this crutch to help me get around..." The mayor turns his head and coughs into his hoof a few times. "...But compared to my health the past few weeks, I feel so much better! I'm as spry as ever. And I do believe that if I continue to get daily healing sessions from you, Ms. Chelsea, I may be able to get off of life support completely." The mayor nods.

Despite everything, the man is a jolly old soul with a happy smile. Fate might have crippled his body, but his spirit is as strong as ever. "Now please, come! I must give hugs to the citizens that have been saving my town. Yes, even you, Mr. Thundy. You look a little different, but I know a face." Mayor White declares, opening his free hoof as he stands upright. "...Don't squeeze him too tightly, now! He's still recovering." The nurse warns before any hug can be given.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

Chelsea was the first to give the Mayor a hug, a warm and gentle hug, plus a little nuzzle with her beak. Thundy went up next and due to his relaxed nature and compassionate soul, despite his impure heart, his hug was just as gentle and as warm as Chelsea's. 

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash @Ragland Tiger

Pencil trotted happily alongside Elusive and her crew as they made their way towards the art museum. She wondered as they trotted if she needed to teleport in any works, but she supposed all that could be done later. As they reached the building, Pencil heard a strange coming from somewhere in the distance. Curiously, she turned to Elusive to see if she heard it, too.

“Did you hear that, Elusive? Do you think we need to go check it out?” she asked with a hint of worry in her voice.