open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Pencil Pouch]

@Starforce

“Sounds good to me!” Pencil replied to Sparkly.

She smiled playfully as Sparkly mentioned her confusion about the vehicle. That was fair enough, since she knew so little about this world to begin with. Pencil was happy to explain.

“Oh, Chelsea’s going to drive, so she’ll have her talons to help her out,” she explained. “I think ponies can drive, cause I think some ponies here have, but I’m not sure how they do it. Practice, I suppose.”

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @PawelS @Starforce @Samurai Equine

"Uhm..." Chelsea said holding out her talons. She then found a clear area, and blew a loud finger whistle. An engine was heard from a distance as Chelsea's 370z drove towards the group by itself. It slowed down and came to a halt in front of the group. Chelsea opened the doors. "Who wants to sit up front with me?" Chelsea asked. 

 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Starforce

Pencil gasped excitedly as Chelsea’s car dashed over on command. Now that was something she had never seen before! She gave out a little clap before everyone began choosing their seats.

She was a bit disappointed a choice was being made for her, but considering how disoriented she was on the last ride, perhaps the back was a safer option. It would allow her to talk to Sparkly more as well as Chelsea focused on driving.

[Silly Druid 7,101]

@Samurai Equine @Starforce @ExplosionMare @Courageous Thunder Dash

Chelsea summoned something called a "car", which looks pretty unusual and unlike anything ponies normally use. Tree Song is used to walk on her own hooves, and doesn't need that strange contraption to travel around town, but if everypony else is going to use it, then she will do it too.

Tree turns to Starlight. "I think the front seat gives a better view of the surroundings, so perhaps you should use it, if you want to see more of the town."
 

@Windy Breeze

"That's good to hear, I'm glad we have this sorted out. Anything else you want to talk about?" Nopony asks Sundae, getting ready to leave the room.

Edited July 8, 2021 by PawelS

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

“How is everypony?” it was a question many patients would ask if tragically took place in their home but they are unable to see the aftermath despite the gifts Sundae received, “I've seen nurses and doctors come inside my room”

[Dynamo Pad 11,389]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Dynamo chuckled as he shook his head. "I remember that, but I didn't really do anything. I only sent out a couple of blast attacks, but I feel as if everyone did a whole lot more than I did. Especially Bluebell, who showed Snow what's what with her Charizard." He smiled, gently nudging her shoulder as he glanced towards her. He remembered how she excellently worked together with Charizard. With their combined magic to help the plush become real and gigantamax was fascinating. Seeing her bravery and brilliance shine was something he both admired and liked about her. As he was passed a clipboard and pen, Dynamo took both in a levitation spell. His eyes glancing from side to side as he read the contents of the sign-up sheet. Nodding as he read through the rules and regulations, he signed his named on the clipboard, before handing it back over to the asian pony. "There you go, Sam. I hope that all checks out for me to compete. Do you have the fisher's ticket, or do I need to go and pick one up?" He asks, wanting to make sure he didn't forget anything in order to enter.

[Samurai Equine 52,096]

@Dynamo Pad, @Ragland Tiger

Once Dynamo had finished signing in, he reads the clipboard to make sure everything checks out. He then nods and gives Dynamo his fighter's ticket. "Keep this on you, my friend. As long as you have this, you can enter and exit through the fighter's area as you please. Well, as long as you don't get disqualified, of course. If you lose, the ticket will be nullified. It seems like the number of fighters signing up today is beginning to wind down, which is good. Won't be long before sign-ups are closed." Samurai looks over at Bluebell to see if she'll be a spectator or fighter.

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

At Tree's question, Starlight scratches her head. "Well, I guess I'll mostly install the anchor points around the parameter of the town, at the center, and any other place that seems important enough. Twilight's trusting my best judgement on this." Funny should mention the center, because the tournament grounds are currently occupying the center of the town. At Sparkly's question, she just gives a smirk and a shrug. "I don't see why not. I'd hate to explore this town on my own." However, Pencil's question is the most intriguing. "That's a tough question to answer. There's a lack of road maps leading to this town. Seems anyone traveling here only manages to find it on pure instinct. That's how Tempest found it; that's how I found it. But when Tempest tried to retrace her steps, she couldn't find it again. It's like all the roads had magically changed direction, or perhaps the town itself was physically moved. The whole thing made Tempest a little paranoid; as if the town itself is selecting who can travel there and who can't. Twilight and I both agree that just sounds silly, but Twilight wants to be extra cautious about this."

Suddenly, a conversation about a car comes up. Sparkly seems confused. "If it's anything like go-carts, then how different can it be? Ponies have driven those before. You should see the Applewood Derby. Our hooves are more than capable of gripping a steering wheel." (Episode 131, The Cart Before the Ponies.) But Starlight is ultimately surprised and impressed when Chelsea summons a car, enough to make her stop in her tracks. She clearly wants to ask Chelsea more about it, but she is speechless and can't quite make out the words she wants to say. Not that it matters. Seems they've all picked her spot for her. With a shrug, Starlight Glimmer gets in the front seat next to Chelsea. It only takes a momentary glance around to figure out how to use the seat belt. "Let's head for that tournament first. Not sure if I want to set up an anchor point there, but I want to get that spectator's ticket. Shouldn't take too long. I'll just get that first, then we'll be on our way!"

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@Windy Breeze

Keen's answer was all Trilby needs. Thankfully, Trilby doesn't need to eat very big. More breakfast food for Keen and Shadow.

Sometime later after breakfast is finishes, Trilby goes back to his room and changes into his regular clothes, packing up what little stuff he came here with. When Shadow and Keen are ready to leave, he leads the way. "Off to Vanhoover!" However, on the way out, he stops at the front desk. "Thank you for allowing us to stay, Mrs. Charm. The service was great." He thanks her on his way out, leaving a tip.

Thankfully, nothing happened to the car that they came here in. Once all 3 of them are inside the car, Trilby engages the flight mode and drives off. Once again, it doesn't take but a few minutes to get there. Trilby is able to find a nice place to park and open the doors up. "Here we are. Vanhoover! Hopefully, this won't be a long quest."

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Samurai Equine

After their pleasant and happy breakfast, the mares decided to fix up their room, arranging the mattress and the pillows before going out of the hotel. Charm was thrilled and very happy for them and she even wished them good luck before the group leaves for Vanhoover.

1 hour ago, Samurai Equine said:

Thankfully, nothing happened to the car that they came here in. Once all 3 of them are inside the car, Trilby engages the flight mode and drives off. Once again, it doesn't take but a few minutes to get there. Trilby is able to find a nice place to park and open the doors up. "Here we are. Vanhoover! Hopefully, this won't be a long quest."

“Everything still look the same” Keen stared at the buildings around her. This was also Shadow's first time entering the city. Vancouver have less skyscrapers which Shadow find beautiful.

“So, where's the apartment?” Shadow turned to Keen.

“I know where it is. Follow me, everypony!" Her spirit rising, Keen playfully marched towards their destination, feelings excited to be reunited with her best friend.

[Pencil Pouch]

@Samurai Equine

“Strange, I didn’t know that,” Pencil replied to Starlight. “I thought ponies could come and go here as they pleased, but now that I’m thinking about it, I sort of landed here at random. I was sent to draw a commission at a place I’d never been before and I just happened to arrive here. I’m not sure why this town is like that, but I do know that it has some strange magic involved.”

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare @Starforce @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Chelsea opened the driver door and the passenger door. Because the 370z was a coupe, she had to fold the passenger seat forward so that way, the ponies who wanted to sit in the backseat could get in before the pony who wanted to sit in the front. "Alright, so whoever wanted to sit in the back could get in." Chelsea stated. 

@Dynamo Pad

Thundy emerged from somewhere again and saw Dynamo. "Dynamo! I knew you'd show up sooner or later. Have you signed up already?" He asked. 

[Silly Druid 7,101]

@Samurai Equine @Starforce @ExplosionMare @Courageous Thunder Dash

"I wonder what will happen if you succeed with these anchor points." Tree Song says to Starlight. "Should we expect a visit from Princess Twilight herself?"

Tree takes one of the seats in the back of the car. Being encased in something like that feels a bit strange, but it's quite comfortable and she feels like she can get used to it.
 

@Windy Breeze

"As for my and Tree's friends, last time I saw them they were all OK. From what I've heard in the news, most patients injured in the invasion have already left the hospitals, and I hope you'll be able to leave soon as well."

Edited July 9, 2021 by PawelS

[Chelsea]

@Samurai Equine @PawelS @ExplosionMare  @Starforce

Chelsea made sure that everyone was buckled up. "Alright everyone, one final check and then we're heading off. Is everyone ready to go?" Chelsea asked as she checked all the gauges. Everything was normal. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,389]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Upon handing back the clipboard to Samurai, Dynamo waited patiently to make sure he was okay to compete. As he was given the go ahead, Dynamo blinked as he was presented with a ticket. "Huh? What's this?" He asks, before learning the meaning of the ticket's use. "Oh, I get it. That kind of reminds me of a moment in Kingdom Hearts. Where the main character was given a ticket pass in order to compete in a competition. I guess this sort of counts as the same thing." He explained, taking the ticket as he looked around to see where he could put it. Pondering on the idea for a moment, he ultimately placed the ticket in his jacket pocket. "There we go. I don't know if we're allowed to bring any belongings such as saddlebags into the arena. So, better to keep it safe on me." He smiled, patting the pocket that he placed his ticket in. "Do you happen to know how many will be competing today, Sam? From the looks of things, it seems like there's a lot of competition today." Dynamo's ears perked as he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. Turning to the source, he smiled as he was met with Thundy, who had had made his appearance to the others. "Morning, Thundy! I just finished signing up for the tournament. I was just spending time together with Bluebell. We were walking through town, before we found the flyers for the tournament being handed out." He explained, before a thought crossed his mind. 

"By any chance, did you happen to be the one that was blasting music through town earlier this morning? I remember you and Chelsea did that before the town was invaded in the war for Friendshire." He gave the male griffon a fake deadpanned expression. He couldn't hold the expression for long as he couldn't help in chuckling. "I guess I should not worry about an alarm clock as that music got me up and running." He was going to ask if the music Thundy and Chelsea were playing would wake up the whole town, but he didn't want to sound rude. So, he decided to leave that thought alone.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad

"Yea, it was our workout music. Decided to open up the windows this time. That's how group workouts usually are back on my home planet earth. The instructor uses a playlist and blasts music while telling us what to do. It's very intense, especially during the circuit training classes." Thundy explained. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,417]

On 2021-07-09 at 4:18 AM, Samurai Equine said:

Once Dynamo had finished signing in, he reads the clipboard to make sure everything checks out. He then nods and gives Dynamo his fighter's ticket. "Keep this on you, my friend. As long as you have this, you can enter and exit through the fighter's area as you please. Well, as long as you don't get disqualified, of course. If you lose, the ticket will be nullified. It seems like the number of fighters signing up today is beginning to wind down, which is good. Won't be long before sign-ups are closed." Samurai looks over at Bluebell to see if she'll be a spectator or fighter.

 

"I'm-I'm just hoping he d-d-doesn't get hurt," said Bluebell, wrapping a foreleg around Dynamo. "I'll be w-watching."

[Dynamo Pad 11,389]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"I think I recall you mentioning it was workout music, or something along those lines. Do you have windows open when it came to being on Earth? I would just be worried if someone wanted to make a noise complaint when it came to the music being blasted." He wasn't sure if anyone had done such a thing yet, but he wouldn't want to have anyone he considered a friend to get into trouble. "I think I've heard of circuit training classes. My mom said that she would do that from time to time during her dance classes. Albeit, she would't make it as intense as you had put it, Thundy. It was more of a way to help warm and loosen everyone up, before she starts her dance class." He explained, feeling surprised as he felt Bluebell wrap a foreleg around him. Looking towards her, his look of surprise melted into a smile. Wrapping a foreleg around her, he nuzzled the bespectacled mare to reassure her. "I admit that I'm nervous when it comes to fighting, but I think I'll be okay. I still do have the belt to defend myself and I have your support, as well as the others. Even so, thank you, Bluebell. I truly appreciate your concern as it really means a lot to me." He would say, leaning forward as he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek.

Edited July 10, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Pencil Pouch]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine @Starforce

Pencil startled, not expecting the tingling sensation on her back. She looked around to see where it came from and realized it was from Sparkly’s wing. She let out an involuntary giggle then held a hoof to her mouth. She grinned in a friendly manner when Sparkly expressed interest in seeing her art.

“I’d love to show you some of my work when I get the chance! You can even draw with me if you’d like.” she offered.

Chelsea started up the vehicle and checked to see if everyone was ready. That reminded Pencil to put her seatbelt on. She smiled at the griffon to confirm she was ready now, then looked around to see if the others were ready.

Edited July 12, 2021 by ExplosionMare

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine

"Circuit training is tough. It can almost be like a tamed down version of basic training." Thundy stated. "The music is really also a psychological booster because it gets us in that zone, especially if it's a high energy track." Thundy explained. He then saw Bluebell. "Oh! Morning Bluebell." He said with a smile. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,417]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad

2 hours ago, Thundy said:

"Circuit training is tough. It can almost be like a tamed down version of basic training." Thundy stated. "The music is really also a psychological booster because it gets us in that zone, especially if it's a high energy track." Thundy explained. He then saw Bluebell. "Oh! Morning Bluebell." He said with a smile. 

"Hey, th-Thundy", Bluebell said cheerfully.  "D-d-d-Dynamo was r-right aba-about the alarm clock th-thing.  I f-f-fell right out of the -- er ---um---- bed."

Edited July 10, 2021 by Ragland Tiger

[Dynamo Pad 11,389]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"I guess basic training is something different in comparison to circuit training, or somewhat similar." Dynamo pondered with a nod. "Oh, I get what you mean. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but my mother is a dancer by trade. She plays music that either gets one racing with energy, or to get into the flow or zone as you put it. She always said that there's a song out there that resonates with everyone." He explained, a slight blush dusting his cheeks as he heard Bluebell's comment. "Oh, yeah. T-That's right. It was really l-late at night when Bluebell and I were hanging out yesterday. Where I lived from the inn to my house was pretty far, so Bluebell had offered to let me stay the night. S-Since it was because we both won a lot of stuff from the carnival. I remember f-falling asleep on the sofa, b-but I fell off of the sofa d-due to the loud noise. A-Are you okay, B-Bluebell? You d-didn't get hurt from f-falling out of bed, r-right?" He asks, fidgeting slightly in embarrassment as he wasn't sure if what he said was believable to the others. He knew he was trying to be subtle, but he and Bluebell knew of the events from yesterday and this morning.

Edited July 10, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Thundy]

@Ragland Tiger @Dynamo Pad

"Oof, hope you're alright Bluebell." Thundy stated. "And Basic training is worse than circuit training. In circuit training, the instructor pushes you, but encourages you...however in basic training, there's no music and you have a drill sergent constantly yelling in your face telling you how weak and worthless you are just to get you motivated, which is verbal abuse if you ask me...that's why I'm glad I didn't join the millitary...it scars you for life." Thundy said sadly, remembering a friend he had who joined the military but came back as a completely different person: cold-hearted and snarky.

[Pencil Pouch]

@Starforce

Pencil giggled as Sparkly continued to rub her with her wing. As she responded to the topic of art, Sparkly pulled out a large blueprint with what looked to have a rocket and some motors on it. Pencil knew nothing about mechanics, but she thought the device looked pretty cool.

“Say, that looks pretty neat! Are you gonna build that yourself?” she asked.

She then blushed as Sparkly complimented her name, not expecting her to say something like that. Pencil Pouch always liked her name herself, but to here somepony else say they liked it was very rewarding. She turned to Sparkly and said,

“Heh, thanks!” She paused for a moment as a question suddenly came to mind. “On the subject of names, how did you get yours? Is it your real name or something you came up with yourself?”

[Samurai Equine 52,096]

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

With a nod, Samurai completely accepts Bluebell's decision. "For spectators, there is an entrance on the west side of the building. You can get a ticket to watch the show over there. We'll probably be starting soon." Samurai informs her.

However, something Thundy says makes Samurai smirk. "Is that so, Thundy-san? I'm a soldier in Equestria's military. Do I seem scarred to you?" The smirk and Samurai's tone make it clear that he's not being super serious, he's just poking fun at Thundy. Getting out from behind the registration desk, Samurai joins Thundy and Dynamo. "Gentlecolts, shall we travel into the building? I don't want to miss the opening announcement before the tournament battles begin."

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

"Not sure if Princess Twilight will visit first. To be honest, if Rainbow Dash hears about it, she might be first in line. Or Pinkie Pie... Definitely won't be one of my students, at least not till I know it's safe." Sparkly then mentions something that catches Glimmer's attention. "Mayors? As in more than one? I've heard of more than one princess before, but this sounds new." Still for now, everyone seems ready to go. "To the town square Ms.--! Chelsea, was it? Sorry, first day here."

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@Windy Breeze

"There's an apartment? This is the first time I'm hearing about that!" Trilby says, surprised but happy. He makes sure the car is fully locked up before following Keen's lead, walking along side Shadow. "I've never been to Vanhoover before. So far, this place looks pretty nice. Hmm... I wonder if I should make hats as a gift."

[Chelsea]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Starforce @PawelS

"And we are off~" Chelsea said with a smile, shifting into drive and slowly accelerating. "It is actually a little stuffy in here...let's get some fresh air..." Chelsea said opening the windows...then pressing a button on the console. The top opened up as the 370z became a convertible. Chelsea then turned on some soft music for the moment. 

 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

Sundae lay back on her head with relief, “Thank goodness, everypony are okay, I was expecting the worst" she would gaze at Nopony, “Thanks for visiting me, Sir Nopony. It is my utmost respect that has made me think I should thank you in a more personal manner" she would gaze pass him, “Many ponies had shown concern, even going as far as giving me gifts, but it was you who first talked to me when I'm conscious”

***

@Samurai Equine

“Maybe you can set up store here” Shadow suggested, “But before we do that, let's follow Keen to Maya's residence”