open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Samurai Equine 52,482]

@Windy Breeze

Now that was a very interesting thing to hear. "Wow, that's very considerate of you, Shadow! If the Haytona Food Fashion Times talks about our humble little town, it may just bring more life and attention to it." Trilby says, not even noticing that Shadow is about to eat her cookie. When he does, he waves his hooves to try and stop her, but it's too late. Instead, he has to pat her back and help her cough up the fortune. "Shadow! Are you okay? I thought you knew about fortune cookies..." Trilby brings her a glass of water.

@ExplosionMare

Elusive nods. "Artists. You got it! I'll be sure to spread the word as much as possible. Good luck, Ms. Pencil. And congratulations." With a wave, Elusive and her team leave, letting Pencil handle the rest.

Now what?

She can manage the museum some more, she could check out her new office, she could connect with her staff, or she could return to her friends once more. Whatever Pencil wants to do.

[ExplosionMare 18,086]

@Samurai Equine

While Elusive went to gather some more artists, Pencil thought now would be a good time to check out her office. She waved water Pencil over as trotted around to find it. She figured it would be some place obvious, but after going down a couple of hallways, her assumption turned out to be false. Sheepishly, she went up to a staff member to ask for directions. When they pointed out the way, Pencil gave a nervous laugh while thanking the pony. The staff member nodded then turned back around. They took a double take when they thought there was another figure beside Pencil. It was gone by the time the staff member turned around again, so they gave up and continued with their duties.

Once Pencil was able to properly locate the office, she clapped her hooves at the ornate structure inside. The office had a dark wooden wall and a light wooden floor which went surprisingly well together. Underneath the office desk was a turquoise rug that was most likely there to keep the desk from scratching the wood. On the walls were a series of lists, schedules, calendars, exhibit locations, and paintings of famous artists from many moons ago. Pencil admired everything in the room as she trotted over to the black, plush chair and began to sit down.

What should I do here first? Pencil thought, tapping a hoof on her chin. She could teleport in some works of her own, but she didn’t know where everything should go just yet. She could examine the event schedules, but she would need other artists in order to plan anything.

Water Pencil titled her head towards the couple of calendars hanging on the wall, causing a few water droplets to spray onto them. Real Pencil was puzzled by the gesture at first, unsure what she would need a calendar for. She got up and took a look at them to see if anything was already written on them.

On one calendar was a series of scribbles for important dates. On the other was nothing, left blank intentionally for the next user. Pencil beamed when she realized what she could do now. She sat back down at her desk and reached for a pen with her magic. Since she was now the curator here, it would be a good idea to start scheduling some special dates of her own.

Let’s see...Saturdays would be good to start. Thursdays and Fridays would be nice, too. I can always ask around if other days work better, she thought as she wrote. Her ideas were very unorganized at the moment but once she got started, she could present them to the museum staff.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

Shadow manages to restrain her coughing long enough to speak “I'm okay. Sorry for making you all worry” she said in a raspy voice as she continue to wheeze before accepting Trilby's water offer. She drank all the water in the glass and put it down on the table, her wheezing gradually decreasing “Maybe I should add that cookie to my notes when I do submit my reports to the Haytona Food Fashion Times” she sighed, ears pinned, her tongue out, one hoof still on her chest, yet no longer choking. Her breathing can be heard, but other than, she's now fine.

One of the stallions decided it would be polite to give the paper which caused the ruckus. He picked up the paper and ignored the feeling of disgust when he felt the saliva touch his hoof “Here's your paper, miss" he said.

“Huh? Oh, thank you, sir” she took the paper, ignoring the slimy sensation and read what's written in it “Heh, what a crazy coincidence”

@PawelS

Meanwhile, Sundae enters her ice cream shop, earning smiles from the workers who worked there and from several costumers who are't too busy eating their ice cream. She approached the cashier, a young male stallion who is obviously happy to see her.

“Good morning, Mrs. Delight- I mean Miss Delight" he grinned sheepishly at her, “Didn't expect you to come here today. Are we going to get our paychecks?"

“Yeah, I think so” came the quick answer from Sundae, who was in deep thought. What the cashier stallion said confirmed her imposter hasn't come to her shop. But why? Why would they not try to ruin her business? Maybe they aren't here to ruin her life, maybe her imposter came to town for some other reasons other than ruining her reputation.

@Samurai Equine

Said imposter was watching outside the restaurant, staring at Shadow with worry, her grip on the table tightened. While she may have to teach her follower a lesson, the restaurant and all those who worked there must feel her wrath first.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

As Thundy and Chelsea had discussed a movie they had seen, Dynamo had a somewhat confused expression upon his face. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I've ever seen that movie. The film sounds familiar, but I think I haven't had the opportunity to see it. I've seen some films from time to time, but I guess it depends on the film that catches my attention." He says, before giving an understanding now. "No time like the present to practice that kind of magic. I think it's possible as ice is another form of water, after all." He says, trying to give the female griffon some reassurance.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad

"Well...there is one ice related ability I still remember how to do..." Chelsea said as she gathered some water energy. She made two water balls appear and began to twirl around. The balls of water froze into ice and sort of surrounded Chelsea. It seemed as if Chelsea was inside a block of ice. That block of ice suddenly burst open, and out came Chelsea still twirling around but dawning one of the most gorgeous dresses that seemed to have ice sparkles gleaming. It was a light ice blue. "Tada!" Chelsea chimed looking at Dynamo. "You still got it Chelsea." Thundy said with a thumbs up. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo blinked as Chelsea had mentioned an ice related ability. He watched as she had summoned two orbs of water, while twirling them around. He wondered if what he was watching had something to do with focus in keeping the orbs floating and in the same shape. However, he gasped in surprise as the orbs froze and surrounded the female griffon. He didn't understand why Chelsea had placed herself within the orb. Unless it was part of what she wanted to show the group. As the block of ice opened, Dynamo had seen Chelsea step out, while twirling around in a light ice blue dress. He had to admit that the coloring of the dress, as well as the sparkles had suited her. "You look pretty nice, Chelsea. How were you able to do that? Was it because of the water orbs from before?" Even though it was mostly a friendly compliment, he was still curious on how the Chelsea had pulled off the technique. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"Well, it's all about envisioning what you wanna do with the element. It's just like how Thundy does his conversions, especially when he forges weapons, turning his electricity into fire. I'm only limited to the three basic forms of water, but then again, there's a lot you can do with that..." Chelsea stated. 

[Samurai Equine 52,482]

@Windy Breeze, @PawelS

Trilby makes sure Shadow is fine before breathing a sigh of relief. "Well that's good to know. For a second there, I thought this date was going to end with me calling a hospital or something." It was a little gross seeing the fortune returned like that, but Trilby gives a light chuckle. "Yeah, I guess it is ironic." He thinks about his own fortune cookie and decides to not even bother opening it or eating it. He'll just leave it there. Funny enough, the fortune inside it reads: Be careful who you open the door for.

Together, they leave the restaurant, though Trilby does give Shadow a moment to clean her hooves if she wants to. "Well, hopefully the worst of it is over, right?" Trilby asks. Talk about jinxing it... For all they know, someone could be waiting for them.

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

"Envisioning the element." Dynamo repeated as he took what Chelsea had said to heart. "I think I get what you mean. Is it something along the lines of how I made the fireball? To make it like the Will-o-wisp like I was trying to before? Unless it's something else when it comes to what you want to do with the element of choice." He explained, nodding as she explained Thundy's conversions. "When you say three basic water forms, then I'm guessing it's water, ice and steam?"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"Most likely Dynamo. You may already have a connection to fire already since I saw you use it a lot in the game world. You may also have a smaller connection to ice, but it seems like fire is your primary." Chelsea stated. 

 

[ExplosionMare 18,086]

After countless minutes of marking spaces in the blank calendar, Pencil had exhibit dates set aside for practically the entire year. She sighed to herself with relief, proud she was able to pull off a schedule like this. She made it so that special exhibits would happen once a month and art submissions would happen twice a month. Right now, the calendar was precisely planned out so that art submissions could happen today.

“I need to draw other artists’ attention somehow,” she told water Pencil, or rather herself since water Pencil was busy staring at the portraits on the wall. Real Pencil let her go since, to be fair, all she really did while the schedules were being made was stand around.

Pencil hummed to herself as she thought of a good way to promote the museum. She could ask around, but she wasn’t sure who to ask. She could set up interviews, but that seemed unnecessary if all she needed was the ponies’ art. She sat in thought for a moment, plunging her hoof into her poofy mane and causing it to grow wilder.

Out of habit, Pencil began to doodle on a scrap piece of paper she found in one of the desk drawers. She wasn’t drawing anything in particular, just a random assortment of lines. Water Pencil came over to watch, intrigued despite how abstract the sketch was. Real Pencil titled her head up and gave a small smile to water Pencil once she realized she was there.

“Wanna draw with me?” real Pencil offered. Water Pencil was hesitant at first, but she eventually took a pen from the desk and started a sketch of her own. To real Pencil’s surprise, she wasn’t a bad artist at all. She carried a lot of the same skill sets as real Pencil as she was able to start her sketch with smooth, thin lines and finish it with a soft, light-grey shadow. Real Pencil couldn’t tell what the end result was exactly, but the effort was definitely there. Water Pencil’s sketch gave her an idea.

“I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this before, but we could make flyers for the museum! Since you’re pretty good at art, too, you could help!” she exclaimed to water Pencil. Water Pencil tapped a hoof to her liquidy chin, pondering in the same fashion real Pencil would ponder. Water Pencil’s expression earned a chuckle out of real Pencil. After a long period of thinking, water Pencil nodded her head and donned an enthusiastic smile.

“Great, let’s get to work then!” Pencil beamed.

She scooted over from her position at her desk to allow water Pencil to have some standing room. Real Pencil gathered as many materials as she could locate and spread them all out on the desk. Once the materials were properly divvied up, the mares got to work.  

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

“I do?” Dynamo asks, while pondering on the idea of his magic element. “I don’t doubt what you’re saying Chelsea. I guess...I’m just not sure. I was basically trying to use spells that I’d see in video games. So, I’m not entirely sure if I have a connection to fire or ice elemental magic. Sort of like trying to use the spell without thinking about it.” He says, recalling the time he tried to use fire and ice magic during the kart race.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"At first, elemental magic may come out as a surprise. The most common situation is really just like yours Dynamo, like in an adrenaline rush during a fight or flight response. This is why it may take quite some time to wield the element truly, because it requires one to dig deep inside." Thundy said raising his talon and making a ball of electricity appear in his talon. He then morphed it into a wil-o-wisp, then split it into three flames. "Here, see if you can take control of at least two of these wil-o-wisps." Thundy stated. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

"I suppose, but it was kind of different for me. I remember it took place during the kart race when it happened. I was just testing out magic ideas during the race whenever Pastel and I didn't have an item. I couldn't fully test throwing a fireball at any racer. So, we had to ricochet items and such along the track so it would hit the players indirectly. The ice on the ground was more of an obstacle to drive over than anything. The fireballs I had to toss one after the other to try and slow the other racers down. Sort of like the fireballs in Mario Kart." Dynamo explained, not understanding what Thundy had meant by his fight or flight response. He frowned slightly as Thundy was able to create the magic he was working on, but he soon took notice of how he changed from electricity to fire. It seemed his magic was different to Thundy's, but he'd have to figure it out. Using his magic, he managed to catch the two fireballs in a levitation spell. He was thankful his magic was recharging, or he'd be worried that he wouldn't hold the flaming orbs for long. "So, what am I supposed to do with these two fireballs, Thundy? I mean, I know you said to take control, but how so?" He asks, unsure if the flames held the same magic properties of Thundy's flame orbs were the same or different in comparison to Dynamo's, as well as everyone else's magic.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"First, try moving them around...then you can fire them at these targets..." Thundy said as he made two targets appear, noticing Dynamo frown when he made the fireball appear. "It's okay Dynamo, I know you got it in you. It takes patience and practice to use elemental abilities." Thundy commented, hearing Dynamo's comment about the fireballs used in the kart race, still wishing he had come a day earlier to participate in the kart race. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo nodded as he tried to move the orbs of flames in his magical grasp. It was a little tricky at first as he was struggling to keep the flames afloat. However, he had managed to slowly get the magic under control. He spun the orbs around him and Bluebell, while giving a small sigh and smile. "It's kind of weird, but it doesn't feel that difficult to hold the balls of flame. I've sometimes held a game or two and a handheld console in a levitation spell. These fireballs looks powerful, but they don't feel as heavy." He noted, taking note of the targets that were created. Taking a moment to concentrate, the gaming unicorn launched the fireballs at the targets. One had nicked the bottom corner of the target, while the other hit a few meters off of the bullseye. He frowned slightly, but he knew he was on the right track. "Not how I was intending to hit the targets, but I guess it's better than nothing." He says, smiling softly as he was glad to know he was making slow, but hopeful progress.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"Gotta work on that accuracy...but don't worry Dynamo...you'll get it." Thundy stated. "Now let's back it up. You want to summon fire in a snap right. Well, you're gonna have to master quick conversion, which is basically starting with a blob of energy and quickly converting it to the element you want, in this case fire. Or, you could dig deep and pull an instant summon." Thundy explained. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine @PawelS

Shadow gave him an assuring smile “I'm sure nothing bad is going to happen once we got out” she was about to open the door, suddenly, it was enveloped in a blue aura. She let a yelp of surprise and stumbled backwards. It turns out to be Sundae Delight, who looks a bit stressed out, her joyful expression looking forced.

“Well, hi there Shadow. I did not expect you to be here” she didn't seem to acknowledge Trilby's presence, or as if she's ignoring him.

[Silly Druid 7,210]

@Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze

After meeting Elusive, Nopony and Tree Song return to their previous plan to go to the inn. They don't know the town very well yet, so probably the path they've chosen isn't the shortest one, but the important thing is that it goes near the restaurant where Shadow and Trilby were spending a part of their date. They noticed Sundae Delight talking to somepony through the open door.

Nopony signaled to Tree Song to stop, and wait for the situation to develop. Is this the real or fake one? I guess we'll find out soon, he thought.

[Samurai Equine 52,482]

@Windy Breeze, @PawelS

Trilby stops when he sees who is in front of them. "Oh, I remember you! Sundance! No, wait... Sundae! See? I'm getting better at remembering names." Trilby says, proud of himself. "I haven't seen you since that game, Two Castles." He adds, though he does notice Sundae seems a little less like her usual self.

Since Nopony and Tree Song haven't made their presence known yet, Trilby doesn't even see them nor realize they are near.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS @Samurai Equine

Sundae turned and giggled at Trilby “Its Sundae Delight, Mr. Hatter” she corrected him. Her movement is also a bit stiff but will not be noticed by any average pony, she also a little bit too formal “I didn't expect you to be here. Have you finally accept Mr. Equine's exotic lifestyle?” by the time she stopped moving up to Trilby, her muzzle was only inches away from each other

Shadow lifted an eyebrow “I did not expect you to be here too, Sundae" Sundae turned to Shadow, her tail slapping Trilby's face.

“I was just walking by when I heard some commotion inside the restaurant and I decided to investigate”

Edited February 6, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Silly Druid 7,210]

@Windy Breeze @Samurai Equine

When walking towards the restaurant, Tree Song was a bit ahead of her teacher, so she saw something he didn't. "I think it's the impostor. Her magic color isn't normal" she whispers.

"Let's see what she's going to do" Nopony answers quietly. They hide behind the open door, not wanting to reveal themselves yet.

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo blinked in confusion in regards to Thundy's remark, but he smiled nonetheless. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Thundy. I won't use this as an excuse, but I think the only reason I missed in accuracy was due to my low magic supply. I'm still recharging after using the belt earlier. That, and I'm not used to elemental magic yet, but it's indeed interesting." He says, while listening as the griffon mentioned to back things up. "Is magic conversion common, or is it only for certain creatures and/or magic users?" He asks, wondering as he never really understood magic all that much. He had gained his magic before, but he was still in the basics. "I'm going to guess that an instant summon is like an instant summon for a weapon or spell, or something along those lines."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger

"Exactly. That's exactly what instant summoning is." Thundy stated as he gathered some electricity, clenching his fists. He then opened them and 10 little wil-o-wisps appeared, one hovering above each of his claws. He then manipulated them, fusing them into one larger wisp. He then held the larger wisp out for Dynamo to hold. "This one's bigger, so do be careful when handling it." Thundy warned. 

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,470]

@Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash

"Huh. I was honestly taking a guess, but I'm glad I was on the right track." Dynamo responded, while watching as the male griffon gathered electricity into his clenched fists. Upon opening his clenched talons, he noticed that he held a flame in each talon. He couldn't help in gulping with worry as each flame turned into one giant wisp. "Uh...a-are you sure that's a good idea, Thundy? W-What if I'm not able to hold the flame in my magic?" He asks, concerned about his remaining magic and what he was asked by Thundy. He was mostly afraid of causing an accident to the location around them, as well as hurt Bluebell and the others.