open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Chelsea]

@Starforce @ExplosionMare @PawelS

"It's okay Sparkly..." Chelsea said looking into Sparkly's eyes, giving her a very gentle nuzzle with her beak. She took in the scents coming from Sparkly, but decided not to impose anymore questions on her. 

[Chelsea]

@Starforce @ExplosionMare @PawelS

"That's fine." Chelsea said as she looked into Sparkly's eyes. "We all have a huge story..." Chelsea said as a thought of her past slips into her mind. She sniffled. "Tree Song knows my story...it's just so hard for me to tell and Tree knows that too..." Chelsea said sniffling again. 

[Samurai Equine 52,505]

 

@PawelS, @Starforce, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad, @Ragland Tiger

For a moment, it looks like Sparkly is ready to defend herself after removing Samurai's hoof. "Well maybe it is you who doesn't--" Samurai begins, but then Sparkly leaves. Tree leaves with her too. Just as quickly as it escalated, it was over. Samurai's expression softens and he magically makes his sword sheath disappear again. The chatter among any onlookers seems to die out. Samurai rubs the back of his head and notices Thundy appearing. "That wasn't exactly how I wanted to resolve the situation. Maybe next time we meet, I can smooth things over with Sparkly-chan. Thundy-san, do you think I was too forceful?" Samurai asks, wanting a second opinion. He's also thinking about Tree. Bad enough he might have made a bad impression on a new friend, he might have ruined how another friend sees him.

When it's over, Tiger Muscle is able to breathe a sigh of relief. "Ah~! Thank goodness those visions are over... I don't know what those horrible sights were, and maybe it's better if I don't ask..." He leaves and goes back into the building again.

However, as he walks back behind the registration desk, he sees someponies that he knows approaching. Smiling, he waves. "OI! Dynamo-san! Bluebell-chan! Over here!"

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@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Starforce, @PawelS, @ExplosionMare

Elusive Facts watches as her friends leave the spectator area. She reaches out, but shrugs. "They'll figure it out. As long as they have their tickets, they'll be able to return here. Wish I could join them, but as a pony of the press, I need to stick around here. ...And I should probably learn to stop talking to myself." Elusive says before going off to investigate other things.

It seems Chelsea's pure heart is finding a way to smooth things over and explain why this tournament might not be such a bad thing.

However, as they are talking, a certain pony runs into them. "Well thank Celestia I finally find somepony to talk to! Err... That is, somebody. Not just ponies. Heh. Seems like most of the citizens here are either missing or distracted. This is Friendshire, right? Please tell me I'm in the right place." Starlight Glimmer asks.

Edited July 6, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Dynamo Pad 11,472]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

As they continued to walk, the couple would start to notice more and more citizens beginning to gather together. It was here that Dynamo and Bluebell had managed to make their way to the tournament arena. Some citizens were either standing around as if waiting for something. At the same time, a majority of townsfolk were heading off to what looked like seats. "I guess these are two paths that lead to either the building, or to a waiting area." He would say, his ears perked as he heard a familiar voice. Looking over at the registration desk, Dynamo smiled as his free hoof waved over at the asian pony. "Hey and good morning Sam!" As he walked alongside Bluebell, Dynamo had made his way over towards registration desk. All the while, making sure that he and the bespectacled mare weren't separated from the sea of ponies and creatures that looked to have formed a maze. "We saw some flyers were being handed out, but it looks like the whole town is here. We saw that there there were two lines, so I'm guessing it's for the tournament and to watch the tournament respectively, right? I hope it's not too late to sign up."

[Chelsea]

@Samurai Equine @PawelS @Starforce @ExplosionMare

Chelsea suddenly heard a voice. It didn't seem at all familiar to her. She turned to see a pink unicorn. "Why yes, this is Friendshire. Who may you be?" Chelsea asked with a curious look on her face. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Pencil listened sympathetically to Sparkly. She understood why the tournament upset her, but she was glad it didn’t rule over her mind enough to make her want to leave town. Chelsea and Sparkly talked things through together and were able to do so very calmly. Chelsea tended to have that affect on ponies and other creatures.

Pencil’s brow furrowed when Sparkly appeared to be hurt by something on or in her hoof. She stepped closer in case she needed to help, but it appeared that Sparkly wanted to remain untouched. Pencil respected that and backed away.

After a small break in the conversation occurred, Pencil finally offered her perspective. She wanted to let Sparkly know that she was safe with her, no matter what.

“If it’s any consolation, I’m not going to tell anypony anything. Anything you tell me about yourself, I’ll keep between us if that’s what you want. I won’t give you extra attention, trust me, I don’t like that sort of attention either.” she stated in a friendly tone.

Just as secrets were being mentioned, Sparkly got the courage to show the group something. Underneath her cloak was none other than a pair of wings! It was not the strangest thing Pencil had ever seen, especially considering she was standing right next to a bipedal griffon, but it was definitely unusual. The sight was very fascinating to her.

“So you’re an Alicorn?” she whispered. “Am I allowed to ask why? It’s, uh, okay if you say no…”

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice approached the group. Or rather, it was unfamiliar in the sense that it wasn’t a typical Friendshire resident voice. No, it was none other than Starlight Glimmer! Pencil had heard about her as a fellow resident of Sire’s Hollow, and although she did some very bad things in the past, the pony she is now is very inspiring. She was eager to talk to Starlight and help her find out where she is.

“Hello! Starlight Glimmer, right? I’ve heard a lot about you since I’m from Sire’s Hollow. Anyways, yup, you are in Friendshire. Welcome! There’s, uh, a fighting tournament if you wanna participate or just watch if you are interested in checking it out.” she greeted cheerfully.

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Starforce @PawelS

Chelsea turned to Pencil when she heard her say the pony's name. "W-wait...you know this unicorn?" Chelsea asked Pencil, rather surprised. "Starlight Glimmer hm? That's a really interesting name..." Chelsea stated. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine

“N-not personally, but everypony in Sire’s Hollow knows about her. She was kind of a big deal after her…past. She’s turned herself around though, and I think she’s studying with Princess Twilight now, right?” she spoke to Chelsea. She glanced up at Starlight for confirmation on her question.

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @PawelS @Starforce

"I'm afraid to...ask her about her...past..." Chelsea said with a shudder. Just as it was hard for Chelsea to talk about her past, Chelsea immediately empathized with Starlight Glimmer. "But I'm glad she's walking a new path." Chelsea added. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

“I imagine she doesn’t wanna talk about it. I don’t judge her for it though, she’s clearly not that same pony. Just like you, you’re no longer defined by your past either.” Pencil replied with a friendly wink.

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare

Chelsea smiled at Pencil and gently picked her up, giving her a gentle hug, since she was still in her bipedal form. She held the hug. "You're a great friend Pencil." She said giving Pencil a gentle nuzzle with her beak, then gently breaking the hug and gently putting Pencil back on the ground. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

Pencil beamed as Chelsea picked her up and gave her a soft hug. She gladly returned one of her own. She also nuzzled Chelsea back before she was set back on the ground.

“You’re a great friend, too, Chelsea. Thanks.” she replied.

[Tree Song]

@Samurai Equine @Starforce @ExplosionMare @Courageous Thunder Dash

Sparkly decided to show a part of her secret to Chelsea and Pencil. It's a good thing she starts to trust our friends at least a little.

Then suddenly a unicorn appears before us. She seems a little lost and confused. I know who she is: Starlight Glimmer, formerly a pupil of princess Twilight Sparkle and currently headmare of the School of Friendship. I wonder how she would react to seeing Sparkly's true form...

"Nice to meet you, miss Glimmer. I'm Tree Song. It is Friendshire indeed, what brings you to this humble town?"

Edited July 6, 2021 by PawelS

[Pencil Pouch]

@Starforce @PawelS @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Pencil didn’t expect the hug from Sparkly, but she accepted it nonetheless. Already she felt comfortable around this mare she hardly knew. She had a deep sense of wisdom about her, something Pencil only wished she could know more about. She was about to say something to Sparkly, but was interrupted by a gentle head pat. Her muzzle scrunched up and she brought her hooves closer together, appreciative of the friendly gesture but also slightly embarrassed.

She looked up to see Sparkly react to Starlight and was amazed by how much she claimed to know about her. Did personal information about the unicorn reach other parts of Equestria as well? Pencil wasn’t sure, since Friendshire is the only place she has ventured out to. She wouldn’t be surprised though if Starlight was something of an icon now, especially since she is now Twilight’s pupil.

“W-what do you know about me, exactly?” she asked with surprise when Sparkly mentioned she knew a bit about Pencil as well.

She wasn’t sure what Sparkly would possibly know since they had just met. Perhaps she had an insight towards these types of things. She could also very well be a pony who sensed certain feelings or attributes in ponies just from a look. Whatever the case, Pencil was both cautious and mystified about it.

[Samurai Equine 52,505]

 

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Dynamo Pad, @Ragland Tiger

Samurai shakes his head left and right. "It's not too late. This here is the registration area for tournament fighters. If you want to fight in the tournament, you sign up here. And between you and me, there is probably going to be a lot of easy rounds before they get to the finals. However, if you just want to watch the event, the spectator's entrance is over around the West side of the building." Samurai points it out. "You know Dynamo, you should consider being a fighter. With your special brand of magic, you'd be a good fit for this event."

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@ExplosionMare, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Starforce

Starlight is glad to introduce herself, but it seems others are doing it for her. "Uhh... Yes! That's me, Starlight Glimmer. You can call me Starlight, Glim Glam, or whatever you like. Wow, you're from my old home land, huh? Wasn't expecting that!" She responds to Pencil first, but then is flabbergasted by Sparkly's introduction. "Sounds like you know TOO much about me. I know you just said not to ask, but I kind of feel like I should. You all know SO much about me, and yet I barely know any of you!" But after some initial hesitation, it seems that the air needs to be cleared, since everyone is talking about her past. "Oh it's true, and I don't mind talking about it anymore. I use to control an entire town as an evil dictator, but then Twilight managed to show me the error of my ways, and I've been living a very different life thanks to her. I'm a teacher at a school and everything! It's really no big deal." With a slight blush and a smile, Starlight looks away to rub the back of her head.

"So anyways, what's this about a fighting tournament? Should that be something I investigate? I'm actually here on a very important mission for Twilight Sparkle. What I need most is setting it up... I could really use a tour guide. Perhaps someone that can tell me more about this town while giving me a quick tour?" Starlight asks, hopeful.

Edited July 7, 2021 by Samurai Equine

[Dynamo Pad 11,472]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"That's good to know. Bluebell and I saw the flyer this morning and we thought to check it out." Dynamo smiled as he gave a sigh of relief. Looking at the two paths, Dynamo nodded as Samurai had explained that one was for registration, while the other was for spectator's. "I thought so, but I guess I didn't want to assume. That's also easy for you to say, Sam. I remember how you fought against Snow Leopard. If you say that some of the rounds are going to be easy, then this must be cakewalk to you." He chuckled, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Me, as a fighter?" Thinking about the thought, as well as speaking it out loud didn't feel the same to Dynamo. The asian pony did make a point, but the gaming unicorn still didn't fully understand the power of the Driver. "I mean, I'm not entirely sure. If it was a fighter type of video game, then I'm all for it. Considering that fighting games are probably some of my favorite game genre's. I'm not sure how well I'd do, but I still want to give this a go. I mean, who knows? It might actually be fun to see what else the belt is capable of." He rubbed the back of his hoof, while he still seemed unsure on the idea. However, he knew that he should at least give this a chance. He knew Bluebell would still cheer for him, as well as the others. Taking a deep breath, he slowly exhaled with a look of slight confidence on his face. "Okay, then. I'm going to do this. Do I have to let you know that I'm signing up, Sam, or do I have to go sign up somewhere at the front?"

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Starforce

Chelsea listened to Starlight's story. "Oh my. I'm so glad you turned it around. What's it like working as a teacher?" Chelsea asked. "Also, yes, there is a fighting tournament. Will you participate. If so, you gotta sign up. If you're gonna spectate, head to the west side of the area." Chelsea stated. 

[Samurai Equine 52,505]

@Dynamo Pad, @Ragland Tiger

Samurai gives a rather sly smile. "Really? Because the way I remember that fight with Snow Leopard, I might not have won without the help of my friends." Samurai says. Still, he is happy to see his friend being open-minded enough to give it a try. "Just sign right here, my friend." He passes the clipboard and pen to Dynamo. "Once you've signed the list, you'll be given a fighter's ticket. Meaning you'll be granted permit into the fighter's entrance."

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@ExplosionMare, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Starforce

Starlight considers what Chelsea said. "Hmm... A fighting tournament. I've never heard of one of those before. I guess I could get a spectator's ticket. It's better if I don't fight; Twilight wouldn't want that and neither do I. But I can at least make sure it won't get out of control." Starlight shakes Sparkly's hoof. "I'm still not sure how you know so much about me, but these days, the only example I want to set is the same one Twilight wants. To show the world the value of friendship." Starlight is anxious to start moving, so she does so, heading for the town square first. "Speaking of, I need to find some key spots in the this town. Twilight and other magical ponies have been having a hard time trying to teleport to this place. It's like there is some magical interference. I'm going to be setting up magical anchor points to fix this problem."

[Tree Song]

@Samurai Equine @Starforce @ExplosionMare @Courageous Thunder Dash

I get moving with Starlight towards the town square. "Oh yes, there's a lot of magical interference in this town, I know something about it... There are all sorts of strange things happening here. I'm fairly new here too, but I know my way around here pretty well, what kind of places you want to locate?"

Edited July 8, 2021 by PawelS

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

“Mm-mm, why would I? My friend is waiting for me to go back!" Keen said before stuffing too many haybacons into her, in contrast to Shadow's more gentle, and polite way of eating.

 

@PawelS

On 2021-07-03 at 7:36 AM, PawelS said:

"Well, the thing is... I heard some.... rumors that somepony saw me when I was observing your house and thought I was... stalking you or something... I just want to tell you it's not like that, I just wanted to solve the mystery of Nightmare Moon to keep you and the entire town safe. I will not bother you anymore unless you're in danger and you want me to help you. You still have that bell, right?"

Sundae smiled “Ah, there's no need to worry about that, I can see you are not the type of stallion to do unspeakable acts and as for the bell, its in my bedroom at my house”

[Pencil Pouch]

@Starforce @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash @PawelS

Pencil couldn’t help but feel fascinated by what Sparkly seemed to know about her. She wondered if she knew about her commissions from a customer who spoke to Sparkly, or if she had noticed the saddle bags she carries around. Pencil knew the reason was probably one she wouldn’t understand, but that was alright with her. She also figured knowing her home town had to do with stating it out loud earlier, but of course, Sparkly could have known that before then. At some point, perhaps once these two got to know each other a bit more, Pencil could inquire more about it.

She gasped enthusiastically as Sparkly held out a gift for her. It was a small golden coin. The figure on it was quite strange, she assumed it might be one of those “humans” Thundy had talked about. It was beautiful and very intricate, Pencil would have to make a sketch of it at some point when she got the chance.

“Thank you, Sparkly, it’s lovely! I wish I had something to give you, but well, I guess I could always draw you something later,” she responded. “And, to answer your question, I’d like to be friends, yes. If you’re not planning to fight in the tournament, um, would you like to sit and spectate with me?”

She turned to Starlight Glimmer as she began to speak up. She was perplexed and amazed that everyone already knew so much about her. How could they not, with all of the unique things she has done in her life? When she was done speaking about her current life and whereabouts, she started to take interest in the tournament as a spectator. As cool as it would be to see Starlight blast her enemies with a cool spell, Pencil was excited to potentially watch the fights with her.

“I-if you want, you can sit with me and whoever else is spectating, if you want…” Pencil offered Starlight.

There was one other piece of the conversation that peaked Pencil’s interest. Apparently, Twilight was setting up ways for ponies to teleport into Friendshire. That confused Pencil. Why would they want to do that? She and the others arrived here through regular transportation, or at least most of them did, so she wasn’t sure why Twilight and whoever else wouldn’t want to do that instead. She would have to ask about it.

“What would Twilight need to set up teleportation stations for? All I can really say on that is, the teleportation may be blocked as a safety method. We’ve had a lot of strange magic come and go through here, so maybe that type just isn’t allowed. Regular transportation works here though, so I’m not sure why they wouldn’t want to do that instead. Speaking of that, how did you get here?” she rambled to Starlight, creating more questions than she needed to.

[Chelsea]

@Samurai Equine @Starforce @ExplosionMare

"Well...I'd better report back to the medical area. I'm not sure when the tournament will start, but I gotta make sure that I'm in place...Pencil, did you want to help me out in the medical area?" Chelsea asked. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Starforce @Courageous Thunder Dash

“Uh, I’m not great at medical stuff, but I can help out with a few basic first aid things though. Like, an assistant or something.” Pencil offered, hoping that was enough for Chelsea.

Pencil looked at Sparkly with wide-eyed interest. She was fascinated to hear that Sparkly was also originally a human, just like Thundy. She wondered if they had lived in the same area and just never knew. She was also interested to know that Sparkly was originally male. She wondered if that was just a weird part of the transformation or if Sparkly had some say in the gender switch. Pencil was quite curious to hear about all of this and couldn’t wait to learn a few things. However, it seemed like Sparkly was in a bit of a rush, and as much as Pencil wanted to go, she didn’t want to be rude and leave Chelsea behind.

“Hold on, wait a minute, I can’t do two things at once!” Pencil exclaimed, hoping Chelsea and Sparkly would listen to her for a moment. “I, uh, kinda wanna do things with both of you, so maybe I could go with Sparkly for a while then come back to do some medical things. Would that be okay?” She said the last part in a meek tone. She didn’t want to upset either of her friends.

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Starforce @Samurai Equine @PawelS

"On second thought...perhaps I could join you guys. If the staff needs me, I could be there and back in a pinch. Would you rather walk...or drive? My car could fit up to 5 ponies. I assume that Tree Song may come with us..." Chelsea stated. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

“Ooh, I’d rather drive!” Pencil beamed. “If everypony else is comfortable in a vehicle, anyways. Also, I’d prefer it if we didn’t zip around or do anything crazy. I’d rather just go for a nice, slower drive.”